Page 75 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost
"Did what?" His hand slides to my hip, fingers digging in possessively.
"Charmed them. Accepted their invitation. This is my family. This isn't some game, Kade."
His eyes darken. "No, it's not a game. And I meant every word I said to them."
I swallow hard, suddenly unsure. The sincerity in his voice throws me off balance.
"We should... archives," I manage lamely.
Kade's thumb traces small circles on my hip, and I fight back a shiver. "You go ahead. I'll be right behind you."
I nod and turn toward the stairs, only to feel his hand crack against my ass in a sharp smack. I gasp, spinning around.
"That's for the smart mouth in the car," he murmurs, eyes gleaming. "Behave yourself down there, or there's more where that came from."
The promise in his voice sends liquid heat straight between my legs. I hurry down the stairs, both to escape the intensity of his gaze and to hide how much it affects me.
In the archives, I quickly lose myself in research, pulling files on shipping companies and cross-referencing dates. I find a pattern of ships going missing and connectionsto Apex Solutions, the company Jenny was investigating before her death.
Most importantly, I uncover military records for Markus J. Steele, showing he served in special operations. His discharge date aligns with when shipping companies started going under.
I'm so absorbed that I jump when Kade's hands land on my shoulders.
"Find anything?" His breath warms my neck as he looks over my shoulder.
I explain the connections I've found, my voice growing excited despite my attempt to remain professional. "This could be the link we've been looking for, Kade."
His hands squeeze gently. "Good work. We should head back before your parents start wondering what we're doing down here."
The suggestive tone in his voice makes me blush. "They already think we're—"
"Fucking?" he supplies helpfully, and I smack his chest.
"Working together," I correct primly.
Kade chuckles, a low rumble I feel more than hear. "Grab what you need. I'll carry it up."
As I gather the most important files, Kade helps me pack everything away.
"Ready?" he murmurs.
I nod, taking a deep breath. "As I'll ever be."
We emerge from the basement to find my parents waiting, their faces curious rather than worried now.
"Find what you needed?" Dad asks.
"I think so," I answer, clutching the folder to my chest. "Thanks for letting us dig through everything."
Mom pulls me into a tight hug. "We'll see you Sunday, then?" She glances meaningfully at Kade.
"Looking forward to it," Kade answers before I can say anything.
Dad shakes Kade's hand again, this time with genuine warmth. "Take care of our girl."
"Always," Kade says, his voice dropping with sincerity.
Outside, Kade guides me quickly to the car, opening the door and ushering me inside before sliding into the driver's seat. As we pull away, I finally exhale.
