Page 60 of The Ghost of Rage's War

Anderson disappeared as Ghost scowled. “And they’ll still bitch about my lifestyle.”

“Let them. If they can’t see you for who you really are, who the hell cares?” I retorted, and we lapsed into a comfortable silence.

That shit in the cupboard ended up being a load of presents for me and the girls. Ghost had made Anderson do his Christmas shopping!

Ghost - Feb 2021

Shit was heating up all round. Fury was makingmultiple attacks and causing mayhem across Rage and its allies. Ghost had heard rumours about a big meeting between them but didn’t know the details. And relations were still strained between Rage and him—although not as much as they had been.

There had been some inroads made. The church Drake had threatened had been postponed due to Ghost being shot.

Between him and Carmelle, there’d been a definite shift. Carmelle was being openly caring and demonstrative. She held his hand on walks and curled into him when watching TV. Nothing sexual had happened between them, but Ghost had caught her checking him out. Hell, he didn’t care because he constantly watched her. Carmelle was sexy as fuck, even though she wasn’t aware of it.

Carmelle had yet to say the words, yet Ghost thought she loved him. Whether it was as a friend or something else remained to be seen. However, friends wouldn’t watch his ass or biceps and lick their lips. Well, not in his experience.

He was watching the girls play in the snow while he sat on the porch swing and watched.

Carmelle was sitting next to him, and they were wrapped in blankets.

“I didn’t expect to be a widow at twenty-nine,” Carmelle said out of the blue.

Ghost blinked and looked down at her. Carmelle’s nose was red from the cold, but she wore a woolly hat and had gloves and a scarf around her neck.

“No, I can imagine you didn’t,” Ghost replied.

“Took me ages to understand Beau was dead and not coming back. Then I had the guilt that if he hadn’t met me, he’d still be alive. I didn’t think I’d rid myself of that feeling. And honestly, a little bit remains. But I accept that what happened wasn’t my fault.

“Fury didn’t have to come after me, he chose too. That isn’t my fault. Hell, I didn’t ask him to be my grandfather and talk about shitty luck having him as one. Seriously, I won’t ever go to Vegas, that is for sure. My luck is shit. What’s that line from the film with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock?”

“Relationships that start under intense circumstances never last?” Ghost replied, knowing exactly what Carmelle meant.

“That’s not us. We had to build a relationship. I’m not ready to rush ahead or jump into bed with you. That little bit of guilt lingers, but I have fallen in love with you, Ghost. I’m just asking for some time to see my future in a different light,” Carmelle said.

Ghost snorted. “Babe, my right hand is way stronger than my left… I wonder why.”

Ghost watched Carmelle consider his words and then blush. “Oh!” she exclaimed.

“There’s no rush to bed you. Because when I do, I want it to be me and you. I don’t want a ghost, no pun intended, there with us. But I meant what I said. We need pictures and other shit belonging to Beau around for you and the girls. And for me, to remind me daily, his sacrifice allowed you all to live.

“Beau will be remembered, Carmelle, and I’llnever try to take his place. How could I? Beau was your first love and the father of your kids. His death is a tragedy and undeserved, but it happened. And I’ll get justice for him. But baby, trust me, I’ll wait for you until hell freezes over and my balls fall off!”

Carmelle began laughing, and Ghost grinned as he hugged her tightly. For now, at this moment, they were safe and in tune with one another. It was a perfect memory.

Chapter Fourteen.

Ghost - 4th July 2021

Ghost rode like a bat out of hell. Volcano had just given him important information. Ghost had called it in, and Rage was about to be attacked. He wasn’t worried about his brothers, but Volcano had informed Ghost of an attack at Reading Hall planned at the same time. He’d told Carmelle, and she’d urged him to go and help the old ladies.

Ghost found the reaction unsurprising. Carmelle may not like Rage, but she wouldn’t want the women and children harmed.

Ghost arrived and nearly got his throat cut by Serenity. The girl’s dead eyes studied him before she disappeared into the trees. Ghost fully admitted shitting himself after that encounter. After helpingkill a few Fangs, Ghost heard bike pipes arrive and took a wound to his leg.

He headed towards Drake, knowing Drake needed the information Volcano had just passed him. Drake paled on learning there were far more Fangs than they’d realised.

Volcano had informed Ghost that Fury had bullied hundreds, if not over a thousand, into joining him. He was planning a full-scale war and invasion of RC.

Ghost returned quickly, not wanting Carmelle to spend the fourth of July alone. Ghost now wore the updated Rage patch. Over the last few months, both sides worked hard at repairing the damage caused. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot better. The one thing that pissed Ghost off was Drake’s avoidance of Carmelle. That was not warranted.

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