When Day Breaks
“I’m so glad you came,” Eden said. “I was so scared, but you’re here now and I’m all right.”
Her father pulled away and framed her shoulders in his big hands. “I have some people coming, baby.”
Her brow furrowed. “What people and why?”
“They’re the best, or so Ryker informs me. I’m bringing them in to see to your protection for this next shoot.”
Her mouth dropped open. “But what about David and Micah? That’s what they’re here for. And they did. They got me out and to safety. Why do we need more?”
Her father’s features were implacable. “You almost died today, Eden. There will be no arguments. I want them around you at all times. David and Micah can take a well-earned break.”
“But, Daddy . . .”
“He’s right, Eden,” Raid chimed in.
Eden glanced up at Ryker, her eyes pleading, but he looked as resolved as Raid and her father.
“They’re the best at what they do,” Ryker said, his jaw tight. “There’s no way in hell you’re going to that shoot without them. I know it’s important to you, otherwise we’d have you home and under constant guard and f**k your career.”
Heat washed over her face and anger surged. They were ganging up on her. Making decisions for her. She was a grown woman and she certainly had a right to make her own choices.
“They’re right, Eden,” Micah said.
She groaned. “God, not you too.”
“You almost died today,” David said. “If these people your father is bringing in are the best, then that’s what you need. No one wants you dead.”
“You’re all making a pretty huge leap here,” she pointed out. “From all appearances this is some random shooting and I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Any one of those pedestrians could have been killed. Not just me.”
She saw a flicker in her father’s eye but it was gone just as quickly, resolve tightening his features.
“I’m not willing to take chances with your safety,” he said. “Placate me, Eden. Because I’m about this close to hauling you home and telling your agent to call off the whole damn thing.”
In the end it wasn’t the threats that swayed her. When she looked at her father and brothers she saw stark fear in their eyes. And worry. She knew they wouldn’t be swayed and if she refused the additional security, she had no doubt her father would make good on his threat to take her home and keep her under lock and key for as long as it took.
She sighed, massaging her forehead with her fingers, fatigue settling into her bones.
“You’re tired, baby,” Raid said. “Will you try to lie down and get some rest until the Kellys show up? They’re on their way now and we need to make plans since you’re leaving tomorrow evening for Paris.”
David held out the prescription bottle the hotel physician had prescribed when he’d come by to examine Eden hours earlier. “Take it. You need the rest,” he said bluntly.
The room was swimming in testosterone already. She shuddered to think how bad it would be when whoever her father had hired showed up.
Micah shoved a water bottle into her hand and then Raid propelled her to her feet and toward the bedroom area of the suite.
“I hate it when the men in my life handle me,” she grumbled once Raid shut the door behind them.
Raid pulled her into his arms and hugged her fiercely. “We’re scared, baby. Humor us, please? You have no idea what that call did to Dad. It will make him feel better to know you have the best at your back.”
“You totally did that on purpose,” she accused.
Raid pulled back, an innocent look on his face. “Did what?”
“You know damn well what,” she said in disgust. “You’re using Dad against me.”
“Is it working?”
“Yes. Damn it.”
He grinned and kissed her forehead. “Take your medicine and get some sleep, okay?”
“Whatever, big brother. But payback’s a bitch.”
“It will make Ryker and me feel much better too,” he said, his expression growing serious once more.
She sighed. “I agreed, so lay off the guilt trip.”
“We worry about you, baby. We love you and never want anything to happen to you.”
“I love y’all too,” she returned. “Now shoo so I can tackle that bed. I’m about to drop.”
“Not until I see you take the pill,” he said pointedly.
To emphasize his point, he crossed his arms and stared expectantly at her.
“You’re all a bunch of tyrants,” she muttered. But she did as he ordered and swallowed the bitter-tasting pill with a grimace. “There. Happy?”
“Yes,” he said, leaning forward to kiss her forehead.
“Wake me when whoever gets here, okay?”
He nodded.
“Promise me,” she pressed. “I’d at least like to be present when my future is decided.”
He rolled his eyes. “Promise. Now get your ass into bed.”
She didn’t need much encouragement. She didn’t even pull back the covers. She did a face plant on the bed and burrowed her head into the sumptuous down pillow with a sigh.
In the distance she heard the door shut behind her and she closed her eyes, exhaustion taking over.
CHAPTER 7
JOE parked the SUV toward the back entrance of the hotel and called up for Ryker to come open the door so they didn’t trek through the lobby with their arsenal of weapons. Seconds later, Ryker opened the door and motioned them out of the vehicle.