Denial (Careless Whispers #1)(78)

“I had tutors all the way through junior high, but Kevin insisted I go to public school for high school, and said he wouldn’t make me a full-time Hunter until I finished college. He thought it prepared me for life.”

“Was it weird going to public school after all of those years of tutoring?”

“Hell yeah. I skipped all the time, and when I was at school, I was in detention. The school said I had ‘anger issues.’ And Kevin was damn quick to call them on it, too.”

“He defended you.”

“Hell no. He said I had ‘*’ issues.” He laughs. “Then he proceeded to kick my ass and I straightened out.”

I laugh. “He was good to you.”

“He was my hero.”

A random image of my mother pops into my head, gone before I can fully appreciate it. “I think my mother was my hero, and I’m not quite sure what I thought of my father.” Shaking off the thought before I get emotional, I refocus on Kayden. “Tell me more about Kevin.”

“He was a total badass. No one crossed him without getting their teeth kicked in, but at the same time, he was the first one to be by anyone’s side if they needed help. He would’ve willingly bled for every single Hunter he looked after.”

“Like you.”

“Ella—”

“It’s okay, Kayden,” I say, holding up a hand. “I know I can’t have it both ways.”

“Meaning what?”

“If you were a jerk who didn’t protect your people, I wouldn’t be in your bed or your house. I’d find another way to survive.”

“I believe you would.”

“I would, and since it’s how you are that makes me want to stay, I have to embrace that and your world.”

His chest expands, and he shoves aside his empty plate. “I want to take you to the shooting range and find out how well you can really handle a gun.”

“Very. I promise you.”

“Humor me.”

I think of Elizabeth and wonder if this request is about peace of mind for him. “I’m fine with going to the range but I can promise you, you’ll be impressed.” Which makes me think of Giada again. “Does Giada know how to shoot?”

“Hell no, and I don’t want her anywhere near a gun.”

“You want her here, in Hunter central, but you don’t want her to be able to shoot.”

“I’ve lost three Hunters in five years, Ella, and that includes Kevin.”

While I’m relieved the number is lower than I’d expected, death is death, and I stay focused on my agenda. “She needs to know how to protect herself. Let’s get her in classes or let me teach her. Maybe it will make her feel empowered and in control. I know you, of all people, understand how that helps a person cope.”

“You aren’t going to let this go, are you?”

“I really think she needs to know how to protect herself.”

“You’re going to have to convince Adriel.”

“She’s eighteen.”

“Like I said. You’re going to have to convince Adriel.”

“She lives under your roof, so I will ask you but not Adriel. Is it okay with you if I teach her to shoot, Kayden?”

He considers me a moment. “Yes. Teach her.”

“Thank you.” I hesitate and he arches his brow. “Adriel,” I breathe out.

“What about Adriel?”

“He told me you two don’t agree on much of anything.”

“Did he, now?”

“I’m worried he’s not as loyal to you as you are to him.”

“That’s an interesting assessment.”

What’s interesting is that he isn’t defending Adriel.

His phone beeps on the table, and he presses a button to read a message. “Matteo just sent us the passport photos.” He opens the MacBook he’d brought to the table earlier and powers it up.

I finish off my coffee and set the cup aside, finding it interesting that I feel none of the dread about these photos that I do about the ones of Niccolo’s crew. “I hope this tells us something.”

“I’m ninety-nine percent sure it won’t, but I never ignore a possibility. Which is why I’m a damn good Hunter.” He punches a couple of buttons and slides his chair over so that we are side by side. “Give them a look.”

I scan the photos on the screen that Matteo has aligned in two rows, and no one looks familiar. To be certain, I start at number one and slowly inspect all ten, one by one.

“Nothing?” Kayden asks.

I shake my head. “Nothing. What I don’t get is why he needed me, if we traveled together. Unless, maybe I met him in Italy?”

“Most likely you traveled together. Couples get less attention.” He closes the MacBook and sets it aside. “I know a guy who used to be a sketch artist for the FBI in the States. Are you okay with having him sketch David for us?”

“Yes. That’s great. When can he do it?”

“Not until Thursday. We can hit the consulate and then meet up with him.” He drags the photo album forward. “Unless, by some crazy chance, David is in these photos.”

“You think David works for Niccolo?”