Flash Burned (Burned 2)

I was hungry, too, so only waited a bit more out of respect for Amano and then enjoyed Kyle’s awesome cooking.

When I was a bit less ravenous, I said, “I’ve noticed you’ve been studying Amano of late. What are you trying to glean? Bodyguard 101 through osmosis?”

“He’s been tracking Wayne Horton.”

That caught me off-guard. “What?”

“Yeah. I’ve been eavesdropping.” He gave me a smug look.

“Oh, please. As if he wouldn’t know you’re listening in on his conversations. Come on, Kyle. The man’s a professional. By a lot.”

“And I’m learning from him. Do you know that he’s a black belt in karate and that he once took a bullet for Dane’s dad?”

“How do you know?”

“He told me. Showed me the scar on his shoulder. There was some scuffle—a protest—at a global economic summit being held in Mexico and revolutionaries popped off a few shots.”

“Doesn’t he wear a vest?”

“Sure. That doesn’t protect the shoulders, though.”

“True.”

Kyle said, “He carries a Glock. I’m going to get one and learn how to shoot.”

I stared at him, incredulous. “Why are you going all Rambo?”

“I don’t know. Because buildings we’re in get blown up and badass guys in Camaros and helicopters chase us?”

I took a few sips of my hot tea, hoping to calm my suddenly rioting stomach. Then I said, “You shouldn’t be getting so into this, Kyle. I mean, it’s almost like you’re thriving on the danger.”

“I kind of am,” he admitted. “And face it, Ari. Wouldn’t you prefer to have a little extra protection for you and the baby, since your husband’s not around?”

“Dane does everything he can to keep us all safe.” I didn’t really have to defend him. All I had to say was, “Look around this place.”

Clearly, Kyle couldn’t dispute the obvious. We were tucked away quite securely.

“I will admit, if we’re going to be sequestered, it’s nice to have the whole Club Med experience.”

I smiled. “The pools are definitely a bonus.”

“So’s the workout room. And the kitchen…” He whistled under his breath. “If I had your billions, that’s what my kitchen would look like.”

My smile faded.

Kyle was instantly alarmed. “What?”

I sipped some more, dread seeping through me. “I haven’t really thought about all the money. I’ve only been preoccupied with the baby and Dane’s safety.”

Kyle took a drink of his beer, then asked, “So what about the money?”

“Well, it’s just that, I now know what people are willing—and capable—of doing to get their hands on Dane’s fortune. Even when they have their own.”

“Yeah, I can see where that might be of concern to you.”

“Dane once told me it’s like a drug for some. They’re addicted to amassing wealth. They can’t get enough—what they accumulate is never enough.”

“And he associates with these guys.” Kyle made a sarcastic chastising noise.