Page 33 of Ghost

My eyes widened. “Holy. Shit.” I wasn’t a native New Yorker, but I knew enough to know that her family was the damn Italian Mafia.

“Yep,” Nova chimed in. “Her brother was an asshole and he sold her to the highest bidder.”

I’d heard stories, but I didn’t think they were true. It was the twenty-first century. Women had choices.

“I know what you’re thinking,” Sophia said softly. “I’ve heard it a million times, but we live in a different world. Even now, in this world, things are done differently.” I thought about what she said and knew she was right. In what world did a man just decide that you were his girl and that was that. It was crazy and a little barbaric.

“Banner was a blessing.” Sophia shivered.

“He wasn’t the highest bidder?” I was so confused.

“No.” She shook her head. “He found out Ivan and I were to be married, and wanted to send a message, so he stole me from the Bratva.”

“Stole you?” I croaked. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She seemed so happy.

She blushed. “Trust me, Banner is a good man and he’s good to me. Ghost is a good man too. He’ll make you happy.”

I wanted to believe her, but I wasn’t like her. I wasn’t capable of letting a man come into my life and take control. Sophia was sweet and kind and docile.

“Give it time,” Nova said, squeezing my hand. I forced a smile. She was right. We had plenty of time to see where things might go.

“So, Nova. Tell me about you and Haze.” Her eyes went wide. Oh yeah, I’d seen her sneaking glances at him a few times while we were on lockdown. She had a crush.

“I don’t—” The bell above the door jingled, cutting her off.

Two men stepped in, their faces hard. It was obvious they weren’t there for bouquets.

“Can I help you?” Sophia's voice was shaky.

I watched them carefully, sizing them up. They were big, and it was clear they were looking for trouble.

“I’m looking for something special. What about you, Davidson?” the man in front said. He twitched and I got the feeling something was off about him.

“There sure are a lot of pretty things in here, Marshall. I’m not sure how to decide,” his sidekick added, hands shoved deep into his pockets as he moved slow and deliberate. He was the one to watch out for.

The man called Marshall eyed Sophia thoughtfully and my spine snapped straight. He wasn’t referring to the flowers, he was there for her. My fingers curled into fists, nails digging into my palms.

“There’s nothing here for you.” My words came out low.

Davidson started first, fingers skimming over a vase before sending it crashing to the ground. Shards of glass scattered across the floor.

“Nova,” I said calmly. “Take Payton in the back.” She didn’t answer but I felt her move. Keeping the baby safe was the only thing that mattered now.

My heart hammered, but I planted my feet as both men went about tossing display pieces onto the floor. Tears streamed down Sophia’s cheeks as she watched the destruction.

In a flash, Marshall’s hand shot out, connecting with the side of Sophia’s face, the slapping sound almost deafening. “Ah,” she cried out, her hand going to her cheek.

We were outmatched.

Marshall circled Sophia, eyeing her up and down. “You sure are a pretty little thing.” My stomach turned.

“Your husband should have minded his own business. This is his last chance. Tell your biker scum to back the fuck off or next time I’ll break his whore,” he snarled, wrapping his fingers around her throat and pressing her back against the wall. The color drained from her face, and something inside me snapped.

“Let her go,” I demanded, stepping closer, my whole body tensed for a fight.

The veins in his hands bulged more when he squeezed tighter.

In a fit of rage, I grabbed the nearest vase and lobbed it at him.

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