Page 73 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Confident, aren't you?"
"Always." I cross the office to grab my notes. "I'll need to photograph everything I find. Jenny's notes on shipping companies, maritime routes, people connected to Apex Solutions—all of it could tie back to those coordinates."
"And you think these files could reveal who's behind the trafficking operation?"
I nod, suddenly serious. "Jenny was investigating high-end escort services that were fronts for something bigger. If there's a connection to Steele or whoever heworks for, it'll be in her research."
Kade studies me intensely. "You've been holding back on us."
"I've been strategic," I correct him. "Information is currency. You've taught me that."
Something dangerous flashes across his face—respect mixed with irritation. "Six AM," he repeats.
As I walk toward the door, his voice stops me.
"Alina."
I turn.
"This isn't a game. If there's anything else you're keeping to yourself, now's the time."
I meet his gaze steadily. "I'll see you at six, Ghost."
I've won this round, but Kade isn't a man who concedes power easily.
Tomorrow should be interesting.
I slide into the passenger side of Kade's sleek Audi RS7. My heart hammers against my ribs as adrenaline floods through me. While we head toThe Bay Heraldbuilding, I keep stealing looks at his powerful jawline and features.
"Remember, I'm just your bodyguard," Kade says, his eyes never leaving the road. "Nothing more."
"Right. Just a bodyguard." I roll my eyes. "And I'm Whitney Houston. Does everyone's bodyguard makes them come so hard they nearly black out?"
His hand shoots out, gripping my thigh, fingers digging in just shy of painful. "Keep talking like that, and I'll remind you exactly what happens to mouthy little hellcats."
Heat floods my core, and I bite my lip to keep from moaning. "Is that a threat or a promise?"
A dangerous smile curves his lips. "Keep pushing, and you'll find out."
As we pull up to the familiar building, Kade's demeanor shifts. His eyes scan the area, muscles tense beneath his fitted shirt. He steps out first, surveying our surroundings before opening my door.
"Stay close," he murmurs, his hand hovering near the small of my back as we approach the entrance.
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what's to come. "Mom? Dad?" I call out as we enter the apartment above the office.
My mother appears first, her eyes widening at the sight of Kade towering behind me. "Alina! We weren't expecting... company. Especially so early."
Dad joins her, his gaze assessing Kade with poorly concealed curiosity.
"This is Kade," I say, gesturing awkwardly. "He's... um, providing security for a story I'm working on."
Kade steps forward, offering a polite nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you both. Alina speaks highly of you."
Mom's eyebrows shoot up, and I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. Dad's expression is more guarded, but I recognize the slight furrow in his brow. He's not buying our story completely.
"Security?" Dad asks, his tone carefully neutral. "That must be quite the story you're working on, sweetheart."
I force a smile. "It's... sensitive. I can't share details yet, but I promise it's important. Actually, I need to check some old archives in the basement storage."
