Page 52 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Justice for her friend. Exclusive rights to the story when it's all over, with our approval on the final draft. And our protection." I move to the operations board where Roman's last known location is marked.
"Roman wouldn't have gone dark without good reason. Whatever he found was worth the risk of going solo. We need every resource available to find him."
Asher shifts, adjusting his bandaged arm. "Ghost you and I go way back. If you thinks she's an asset, I'll trust your judgment." He gives me a look that communicates volumes. We've saved each other too many times to count.
"Your trust is touching, Frost, since she was watching over you," Jax teases, then raises his hands when Asher's cold stare cuts into him. "Hey, having a pretty reporter show concern when you're bleeding might sway anyone's opinion."
Asher
"My judgment is fine," Asher replies icily. "Unlike some people, I can think with my brain."
"I vote yes," Cole interjects, bringing us back on track. "But with conditions. Segregated access to our systems. Monitored communications. And a contingency plan if things go sideways."
"Agreed," I nod. "Any other concerns?"
Remy, ever the observer, speaks up. "She'll need training. Not just self-defense, but protocols, communications, the works. If she's going to be part of this operation, she needs to be prepared."
"I can handle her training," I say, perhaps too quickly.
Jax's eyebrows shoot up. "Bet you can," he mutters, just loud enough for me to hear.
I ignore him. "Remy, you'll handle medical training. Jax, evasive driving. Asher, weapons basics. Cole, communications protocols. Damian and Xander, surveillance countermeasures. We cover all bases."
I look around the room, meeting each man's eyes. "I'm not asking for a democracy here. But I want to know where everyone stands. All in favor of bringing Alina into the fold?"
To my surprise, Asher raises his hand first. "I say we do it. Ghost has gotten us this far. I trust him to take us the rest of the way."
One by one, the others signal their agreement. Even Damian, though he gives me a look that says he'll be watching closely.
"It's settled then. Tomorrow morning, we brief Alina on everything we know about Roman's disappearance and the trafficking operation. But for now, get some rest. We've got a long road ahead."
As the team disperses, I hear Xander mutter to Jax, "Hundred bucks says Ghost is sleeping with her before the week's out."
"No bet," Jax replies. "I've seen the way he looks at her. Like a man who's been in the desert suddenly finding water."
They don't realize I can hear them. Or maybe they do and just don't care. Either way, their words hit closer to home than I'd like to admit.
Asher hangs back, waiting until the others have left.
"Be careful, Ghost," he says quietly. "I've never seen you like this with anyone. Just make sure whatever's happening doesn't compromise what we're trying to do here."
I nod, but his words echo in my mind as I head to my room.What am I doing? Am I letting my emotions cloud my judgment? Or is this the right call?
One thing's for sure—bringing Alina into our world is going to change everything.
I make my way to my room, Asher's warning still ringing in my ears as I shut the door. My team trusts me, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm leading them into uncharted territory.
I sit on the edge of my bed, the earlier discussions with my team echoing like gunfire in my mind. But all that fades as I think of Alina—how she looked in my shirt, her legs bare, her beauty so raw it nearly blinds me. The memory of her, all soft curves and defiance, ignites a smoldering fire deep within me.
The way she gasped when I burst into that room, ready to take her pleasure into my own hands, cuts through my thoughts like a knife.
I can still picture her, eyes widened in surprise, her breath hitching. I had taken control, pinning her on the bed, tasting her sweetness, pushing her to heights of ecstasy that left her trembling.
I remember it all—the heat, the urgency—her body writhing against me as I coaxed every moan from her lips. I had worshipped her completely, claiming her as she begged for it. That moment, her cries echoing in my ears as I gave her everything, is etched into my memory.
But that was then, and now, I'm alone in my room, pent up and filled with desire. The absence of anything but memories is overwhelming.
I move into the shower, hot water streaming over my body, but all I can feel is her—the way she exuded passion,how she fit perfectly in my arms. It's like a fever that burns through me, insatiable and relentless.
