Page 148 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"And who decides that?" she challenges. "Seems like a slippery slope."
I feel my jaw tighten. "I do. After thorough investigation and consideration of all options."
Jax whistles low. "Ooh, trouble in paradise?"
I shoot him a warning look, but Damian chimes in with a smirk. "The little journalist still has a conscience. How quaint."
"Enough," I growl. "We all have our assignments. Let's get to work."
As the team disperses, Alina lingers. I can feel the tension crackling between us.
"I know you don't like it," I say quietly. "But sometimes, taking one life can save countless others."
She sighs, running a hand through her hair. "I understand the logic, Kade. I just worry about where we draw the line."
I nod, acknowledging her point. "That's why I need you here, Alina. To keep asking those hard questions. To make sure we never lose sight of why we do this."
For a moment, her expression softens. Then she squares her shoulders, all business again.
"I'll get started on those financials."
This push and pull between us is exhausting, but I wouldn't have it any other way. She challenges me, keeps me honest. In our line of work, that's more valuable than gold.
I reach out and gently grasp Alina's wrist before she can leave. "Wait."
She turns back, curiosity in her eyes. Without hesitation, I pull her close and capture her lips in a searing kiss. My hand slides to the small of her back, pressing her body against mine as I deepen the kiss.
A soft whimper escapes her throat, igniting a fire in my veins. I break away, my breath ragged.
"Oh, you like that, huh?"
Alina's cheeks flush pink as she bites her lower lip.
"Maybe," she murmurs coyly.
"Just maybe?" I growl playfully, nipping at her earlobe. "I think you can do better than that."
She shivers against me. "Fine. Yes, I like it when you take control like that."
"That's my good girl," I purr, satisfaction coursing through me. "And what are you going to do for me later to show how much you appreciate it?"
Alina's eyes darken with desire. She leans in close, her lips brushing my ear as she whispers, "I'm going to get on my knees and suck your cock until you're begging to fuck me."
A jolt of lust shoots through me at her words. Before I can respond, the door swings open.
"Hey Ghost, I think I found something in those—" Cole stops mid-sentence, his eyes widening as he takes in our intimate position.
Alina smoothly steps back, composing herself with impressive speed.
"We're done here," she announces breezily. As she saunters past Cole, she throws a smoldering look over her shoulder at me.
Her hips sway as she exits, my body still thrumming with arousal.
Fuck. This woman is going to destroy me.
Cole clears his throat, snapping me back to reality.
"So... I take it the 'hard questions' have been answered?" He smirks, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
