Page 40 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Put this on," he orders, thrusting the gear at me.
I balk, my stubbornness flaring. "I'm not some damsel you need to protect. I can handle myself."
His jawticks, but I catch a glimmer in his eye that looks suspiciously like amusement. "This isn't up for debate, little hellcat. You want to stay involved? You wear the gear."
We lock eyes, neither of us willing to back down. Finally, I grab the vest with a huff.
"Fine. But don't think this means I'm just going to sit back and let you handle everything."
"Tactical negotiations," Frost observes from nearby, his voice clinical. "Interesting dynamics."
Ghost shoots him a glare that would wither most men. Frost merely continues checking his equipment, unbothered.
"Dammit, Alina. This isn't a walk in the park," Ghost growls, turning back to me.
I fumble with the straps on the vest. I'm practically swimming in it—clearly designed for someone with Ghost's massive build rather than my frame.
"And I'm not going anywhere until I find out what happened to Jenny."
Ghost sighs heavily, raking his fingers through his hair. "Your damn stubbornness is going to be the death of me." Despite his words, there's a hint of admiration in his tone.
Stop thinking about how good this dangerous man smells or how his closeness makes my pulse race.
"Maybe," I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
He steps closer, his hands brushing mine as he takes over fastening the vest. My breath catches at his nearness, the scent of leather and sandalwood filling my senses. His fingers work quickly and efficiently, tightening straps with practiced ease.
I try to ignore the heat from his body, how his touch sends sparks across my skin.
Ghost's eyes lock with mine as he finishes securing the vest. The intensity I see there sends a jolt through my body.
"Is this how you get all your women?" The words slip out before I can stop them. "Rescue them, then dress them up in tactical gear?"
His lips quirk in a half-smile that's equal parts dangerous and seductive. "You think you're not the first little bratty journalist I've had to wrangle?"
"Are you going to answer my question, or just deflect with another question?" I challenge.
Ghost leans closer, his breath warm against my ear. "Would it make you jealous to know you're not the first, little hellcat?"
I swallow hard, fighting to maintain my composure. His life must be full of danger and violence to be so prepared. I'm surprised to realize how much that excites me, when it should terrify me instead.
My breath quickens at his nearness, at the deadly competence in his touch.God help me, I want to know more about this dangerous man.
"Possibly," I admit. I try to hold back my amusement, but I bite my bottom lip as I struggle to keep from smiling.
Ghost's eyes flick down to my mouth for just a split second. It's barely noticeable, but I catch the tiny reaction. My heart beats faster when he turns those eyes on me.
"Ghost, thirty seconds," Blade calls, his voice steady and measured despite the urgency of the situation.
The team gathers around, tension radiating off them. Ghost's voice is low and commanding as he briefs them.
"We've been compromised. Our priority is to secure Alina and regroup at the secondary location. Frost, youtake point. Blade, you're on rear guard. Saint, stick close to Alina. Nitro, you're in the SUV with our gear."
My heart thunders at the gravity in his tone. This is real. Dangerous.
"What about me?" I ask, not letting my fear overwhelm me.
Ghost's intense blue eyes lock onto mine. "You stay close and do exactly as I say. No heroics, no investigative stunts. Clear?"
