Page 64 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
His lips curl into that knowing smirk that says he remembers exactly what he did to me that night, how he made me come apart completely under his touch.
With one last hooded glance, Kade leaves me alone in the office. I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. This is it—time to get to work.
I settle behind the massive desk, pulling out my laptop. As it boots up, I feel more than a little overwhelmed. I'm sitting in the office of a missing mercenary leader, about to dive into an investigation that's already cost lives. IncludingJenny's.
I start my research, diving into layers and layers of high-end escort services and potential trafficking rings. The access card in my pocket and the new phone beside me serve as constant reminders of the dangerous world I've entered.
And the lingering heat of Kade's touch reminds me of another danger entirely—one I might be more willing to risk.
I blink, realizing my eyes are strained from staring at the computer screen for hours. Stretching, I glance out the window and notice the sky has turned a deep orange.Sunset already?I've completely lost track of time.
My stomach growls, reminding me I haven't eaten all day. I should probably find him, see if there's a plan for dinner.
I step out of the office, looking around the empty hallway.Where is everyone?Then I remember—the phones have trackers. I pull out mine, tapping the screen to bring up the location app. It shows Kade is still in the building, but not on this floor.
Trying to follow the signal, I make my way through the underground level and go up one floor. The elevator doors open, and I hear voices coming from the medical bay. I poke my head in to see Remy carefully unwrapping bandages from Asher's torso.
"Hey," I say, stepping inside. "How are you feeling?"
Asher grunts. "I've had worse."
Remy rolls his eyes. "He's fine. The staples are holding nicely."
Remy applies some kind of ointment to the angry red line across Asher's ribs. "Have either of you seen Kade? The tracker shows he's still here, but..."
"Check the roof," Remy says, Asher wincing slightly as he starts rewrapping his chest. "He likes to brood up there sometimes."
I raise an eyebrow. "Brood?"
Remy chuckles. "Our fearless leader has a flair for the dramatic. Go to the top floor, turn left and take the stairs at the end of the hall. They'll lead you straight up."
"Thanks," I head for the door. I pause, glancing back at Asher. "I'm glad you're okay."
He nods, a small smile crossing his face.
As I turn to leave, Asher calls out, "Hey, Bennett?"
I pause, looking back at him.
A hint of a smirk plays on his lips. "Be careful up there. It's windy."
I roll my eyes, but a small smile tugs at my mouth. "I'll keep that in mind."
Retracing my steps to the elevator, I use my keycard and hit the button for the top floor. My heart rate picks up a bit as the car ascends.
The elevator doors open, revealing a short hallway leading to a heavy metal door. I push it open, stepping out onto the roof. The wind immediately whips my hair around my face, and I brush it back impatiently.
The view takes my breath away—the entire city spread out before me, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. For a moment, I forget why I came up here.
My eyes scan the rooftop, finally landing on a familiar broad-shouldered silhouette standing at the far edge. He doesn't turn as I approach, but the slight shift in his posture tells me he's aware of my presence.
"Remy said I'd find you up here." I come to a stop beside him. "Apparently, you have a thing for brooding on rooftops."
Kade remains silent, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The dying sunlight catches the sharp angles of his face, highlighting the stubble along his jaw. Just before I'm about to speak again, he turns to me.
"Find anything useful?" His voice is low, controlled.
I shake my head. "Not yet. But I'm just getting started."
