Secrets in The Shadow

Chapter 1 Broden

Growing up I had the worst childhood, which is why as soon as I was old enough I enlisted in the Navy to escape the shithole I lived in. My only regret was leaving Berklee behind, but it was the best option to make sure I could take care of both of us.
Berklee was the girl I met when I was just seven years old. She was a little green eyed girl who was always neglected and picked on by our foster parents and siblings. I think it's because of her that I ultimately assumed this role as a protector for the people who can't do it themselves.
Before I left for basic I made sure she would be okay, and then I set out on this new chapter. Even though I sent her money every month I was gone, I still set her up with an apartment when she turned eighteen so that she could get out of that shithole and away from those pricks. Every leave I got, I made sure to come back and visit her too.
She decided that she wanted to become an actress when she graduated and I was so proud of her. As the only family I've ever really had, all I ever wanted was to watch her thrive and be so happy with the life she was creating. That was why when she finally made it, I decided to retire from the Navy after ten years and become her bodyguard.
My phone starts buzzing in my pocket. Speaking of my little bear.
"Hey Berk, what's up?" I balance my phone between my ear and my shoulder and continue with what I was doing before she called.
"What time are you coming over for the event tonight? We have to leave in a couple of  hours for the post-production party for the cast." She sounded excited for tonight, even though I absolutely was not.
"I've got some things to take care of first then I will come over and we can just drive together."
"Mkay. Tanner's going to be there so please be on your best behavior." I roll my eyes at her even though she can't see it. The little bit of excitement that I might have been feeling just went out the window with my good mood. 
Tanner is Berks co-star and friend, but I can't stand the guy. There's just something about him that I don't trust!
"I'm always on my best behavior, Berk. What are you talking about?" I know her so well that I can almost guarantee that Berk rolls her eyes, even though she knows I can't see her.
"OK I will see you when you get here big guy," she laughs to herself, "love ya." and she hangs up.
Tonight should be fun, guess I better get ready for this shit show.
An hour later I'm at Berklee's condo. It honestly surprises me that she's still single but then I remember how overprotective my ass is and chuckle to myself.
Walking up the stairs I let myself in, "Hey bear. I'm here where are you?"
She walks down her stairs a minute later and she looks absolutely stunning in a black fitted gown and matching heels. Her auburn hair is curled to perfection and her lips are painted the perfect shade of red. I don't know how she does it, but I'm in awe. 
"Damn B, you look amazing!" And she did. I completely understand why she has so many male fans, she is absolutely stunning. That thought pisses me off.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Yeah, let me grab my purse and sweater real quick and we can leave."
Five minutes later we are in the car headed to the event. As soon as we pull up to the hotel I instantly get a damn stress headache. You not only have to deal with other actors acting like they actually care about you, but then you have the crazy ass fans that will do next to nothing to try and touch the actors.
I get out and walk around to wait for the valet guy to help B out of the car and then we're off. I'm in the zone watching everything making sure nothing goes wrong from the car to the door. Once we get past the fans outside and up to the party, the environment is completely different to the rest of the building. It's decorated with black and golds, and tables lined up with food. There are servers walking around with drinks and there is an open bar. Plus, this event is being held on a the rooftop, so this should be fun.
Berk walks around and mingles with her co-workers for what seems like hours, but when I look at the clock I realize that it has only been an hour and a half. She told me that this was supposed to be a short "thank you for all your great work" type of party, so I was just waiting for the moment when we got to leave. We hadn't had the misfortune of dealing with Tanner yet, so I guess the night hasn't been all bad.
As soon as the thought comes into my head the annoyance himself, Tanner Evans, Berklee's co-star appears. I put on my best 'I fucking hate you' smile when he shakes my hand and moves to give Berk a kiss on the cheek. They begin to talk, when the most beautiful woman catches my attention. She catches my stare and looks at me with the most gorgeous hazel eyes I have ever seen.
Finally she walks over to Tanner and puts her hand on his forearm, "hey Tee, I'm gonna run to the bathroom real quick, I'll be back."
Curious I whisper in Berks ear, "who's that with Douche Bag?"
She rolls her eyes and slaps my chest playfully, "that's Azlyn, Tanner's best friend. Shes sweet."
That prick has a friend? Let alone one that looks like that? Why do I doubt that? So of course I do the sensible thing and pull out my phone to look her up. It didn't take long before I found her socials and her website. According to her website she's an independent artist. She received her degree at some arts college in Colorado Springs, where she actually grew up. Her socials are set to private, so I can't see much, but I'm guessing she moved here with Douche Nugget when he started his career.
I will definitely revisit this subject later, for now my only goal is getting to know Miss Azlyn and I plan to do that no matter the cost.
When she returns I hold out my hand, "hi, my name is Broden. I'm Berklee's bodyguard."
She takes my hand and I swear I feel sparks, cliche as it sounds."Hey, I'm Azlyn, I'm Tanners best friend. It's nice to meet you." She smiles and I feel my knees go weak. Get it together Broden.
I hold her hand longer than necessary and notice how small it feels in comparison to my own before finally letting go.
"So are you also an actress?" I looked her up and already know the answer, but I'm looking for a way to keep the conversation going. She giggles and my God its the most precious sound I have ever heard.
"No, I'm an independent artist. I actually have a gallery near here." She points in the direction that I'm guessing her gallery is. I make a mental note to look it up later. "How about you, have you always been a bodyguard?"
"No, I enlisted into the Navy when I turned 18, and when I retired Berklee decided to hire me as her bodyguard!" Why am I nervous talking to her? Get it together.
"Oh, well thank you for your service. Did you two meet then, or have you known each other for a while?" Is she asking these questions because she was interested or just being nice?
"No we have been friends forever, she's like my little sister. It was actually her idea for me to be her bodyguard. How about you and Tanner, how do you two know each other?"
"We grew up together in Colorado. We were practically inseparable when we were younger.  We even went to the same college, but while he wanted to be an actor, my passion has always been art. Then when he got the opportunity to move out here for his career, I decided to follow."
"We're still inseparable so I guess not much has changed." Douche Bag interrupts our conversation and makes her laugh. I want to punch him, but I also want to hear her laugh again.
Its at the tip of my tongue to ask her what she truly wanted but I bite it back for now. The party was coming to an end and everyone was starting to leave, so I tap Bert's arm and nod toward the elevator to let her know it's time to go. I turn to Az, that's what I'm going to call her, I've decided, "well it was nice to meet you, and I look forward to meeting again." I really hope we see each other again. Soon.
"Its my pleasure. I usually hate coming to these events but I had a good time tonight. Good night, Broden. Berklee." There's that smile again.
"Good night Azlyn!"