Page 6 of Ghost

But then I look at Ellie, see the fire in her eyes, the determination in her stance, and I can't help but be drawn to her. She's like a moth to a flame, and I'm the moth. I'm drawn to her light, her warmth, her passion. And it scares the hell out of me.

Because caring means getting hurt, and I've had enough of that to last a lifetime. But for now, for this moment, I let myself care. I let myself feel. And it feels... right. It feels like home. And that scares the hell out of me. Because home is a place I've never known, a place I've never been. And I'm not sure I'm ready to go there. Not yet. Not with Ellie. Not with anyone.

But for the dogs, for their sake, I'll do it. I'll go undercover, I'll fight, I'll risk it all. Because they deserve it. Because they're worth it. Because they're the only ones who've ever been there for me, the only ones who've ever cared. And for them, I'll do anything. Even if it means letting my walls come down. Even if it means letting Ellie in. Even if it means getting hurt. Because in the end, it's not about me. It's about them. It's always been about them. And it always will be.

The clubhouse is alive with the usual raucous laughter and clinking of beer bottles when Ellie and I return from our day of intel-gathering. The air is thick with the scent of motor oil and leather, a scent that's become as familiar to me as my own. But tonight, there's something different in the air. Something... lighter.

"Good day?" Brick, the club president, asks as we walk in. His eyes flicker to Ellie, a question in his gaze.

"Productive," I reply, my arm brushing against Ellie's as we move further into the room. She's been quiet since we left the dog fighting ring, her eyes haunted by the horrors we witnessed. But she's strong, stronger than anyone I've ever met. And I find myself admiring her more and more.

"Good," Brick nods, turning back to his conversation with Shark and Slash. Ellie and I find a quiet corner, away from the noise and the chaos. She's still a stranger here, still an outsider. But she's trying, and that's more than I can say for most.

"You okay?" I ask, my voice barely audible over the din of the clubhouse. She turns to me, her eyes meeting mine. There's a fire in them, a determination that takes my breath away.

"I'm fine," she replies, her voice steady. "Just... processing."

I nod, understanding all too well the horrors she's trying to process. We sit in silence for a while, the noise of the clubhouse fading into the background. It's comfortable, this silence. It's... nice.

"You want a drink?" I ask after a while, breaking the silence. She looks at me, a small smile playing on her lips.

"Sure," she replies. "Why not?"

I get up, making my way to the bar. I return with two beers, handing one to Ellie. She takes it with a nod of thanks, taking a small sip. We sit in silence again, each lost in our own thoughts.

As the night wears on, the clubhouse starts to empty out. One by one, the members leave, until it's just Ellie and me. The silence is heavier now, more profound. But it's not uncomfortable. It's... peaceful.

"You should stay the night," I find myself saying, surprising even myself. Ellie looks at me, surprise evident in her eyes. But then she smiles, a genuine, warm smile that reaches her eyes.

"Okay," she replies, her voice soft. "I'd like that."

And just like that, my walls come down a little more. I let Ellie in, let her see a part of me I've kept hidden for so long. And it feels... good. It feels right. And for the first time in a long time, I find myself looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

CHAPTER6

Ellie

The morning sunis just beginning to peek over the horizon as Ghost and I head out to investigate the dog fighting ring further. We've been tipped off about a potential ally, a dog handler named Hector who's looking to escape the illegal business. I'm wary, but Ghost seems to think he's worth the risk.

We find Hector in a rundown building on the outskirts of town, the stench of fear and desperation clinging to the air. He's a burly man with a gruff exterior, but his eyes tell a different story—one of regret and longing for a way out.

"We can help you," I tell him, trying to keep my voice steady. "But we need information."

Hector hesitates, his gaze flickering between Ghost and me. I can see the fear in his eyes, the fear of what Marco will do if he finds out. But there's something else there too—hope.

"I... I can't," he stammers, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Marco... he'll kill me."

"We'll protect you," Ghost promises, his voice firm. "But we need your help to bring him down."

Hector looks up, meeting Ghost's gaze. There's a long moment of silence, then he nods. "Okay," he says. "I'll help."

Relief washes over me, but it's short-lived. As we leave Hector's place, a black car pulls up in front of us. The window rolls down, revealing Marco's cold, calculating eyes.

"I warned you," he says, his voice chilling. "Stay away."

I feel a shiver of fear run down my spine, but I refuse to back down. "We're not going anywhere," I reply, my voice stronger than I feel.

Marco's eyes narrow, a dangerous glint in them. "You'll regret this," he warns, before the car speeds off.

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