Page 10

After four weeks, I’m finally starting to feel somewhat normal again—the pain barely noticeable now. I’m lounging on the couch with Lumi resting peacefully on my chest when Arlo strides in from dropping Cree off at school. I glance up at him, and he looks effortlessly sharp in one of his tailored suits. As he approaches, he leans down and gently scoops Lumi from my chest with ease.

He holds her up in front of his face, her big, brown eyes locking onto his as he breaks into a bright smile. “Hello, my beautiful girl,” he coos, using that gentle, baby voice that dissolves my heart every time.

It’s clear Lumi adores it too; her eyes sparkle in response to the sound of his voice every time. I can’t help but smile as he kisses her little forehead before pulling her in for a cuddle against his chest.

His eyes meet mine after a moment, his expression shifting to something more serious. “I need to take care of some business,” he says, lifting his chin, dropping back into his usual manner. “Just stopping by to grab a few things from the arms room.”

I raise a brow, curiosity piqued as I tilt my head to the side. “Anything serious?” I ask.

He takes a deep breath, his gaze lowering to Lumi resting contentedly against him before meeting mine again. “I'm going to get Savannah.”

My brow furrows in confusion, and I sit up, feeling the tension rise. “You found her?”

Arlo gives a nod, his expression unreadable.

“How?” I ask, shaking my head in disbelief. “I’ve been trying to get her for months.”

He lifts a brow, not immediately answering as he gives Lumi another gentle kiss before carefully placing her back in my arms. I cradle her in the crook of my elbow, my eyes searching his as I wait for an explanation.

Sliding his tattooed hands into his pockets, he shrugs his broad shoulders in that nonchalant way of his, as if finding Savannah had been easy all along.

“It seems before you blew Izzy’s brains out, the information she was spilling was actually true.”

There’s a hint of something in his tone—something that makes me feel like maybe I acted too soon, like maybe I shouldn’t have pulled the trigger. I look away, the guilt creeping in, but before I can get lost in that thought, he crouches in front of me, his hands lifting his pants as he does.

“Wren, it’s fine.” He says firmly but reassuringly. “You got the information we needed regardless. She shouldn’t have played games with you, and she met her demise because of it.”

I give a small nod, still processing everything. “So what happens now?” I ask quietly.

Arlo lets out a heavy sigh, then he shakes his head. “I go get this bitch, and we repeat what happened with Izzy—get the info, then...”

I stay silent, my eyes locked on his, searching for any hesitation, but there’s none. He points a finger at me, his expression serious. “But you need to wait until you’re fully ready to return. I’m not having you back in this until you’re fucking healthy.”

I nod, knowing he’s right, even though the eagerness burns in me. He leans in, his lips pressing against mine, giving me a few lingering kisses. He breaks away and places a final tender kiss on Lumi’s head before standing up.

“If you need me, call me; I might be back late. I’ve gotta travel.”

As he starts to pull away, I reach out instinctively, my fingers grasping his hand. “Please be careful,” I mutter, my tone betraying the anxiety I’m trying to suppress.

He nods, giving me a reassuring look, but it does little to calm me. When he finally turns and walks away, I feel a sense of helplessness. I lean back into the couch, hating how powerless I am in this moment. I used to be so involved in everything, thick in the action, but now I’m on the sidelines, barely knowing what’s going on.

I trust Arlo—I trust him to get things done—but the waiting, the not knowing, that’s what makes me itch. My heart pounds as I stare at my phone beside me, contemplating the worst-case scenarios. The thought of my dad discovering that Arlo is on an important mission—and then deliberately putting him in harm's way—spins my mind into a mess.

What if he’s plotting against Arlo, just waiting for the right moment to strike? The fear that he might do something unforgivable, like endangering the person I love most again, eats away at me. If only he knew that I knew, maybe he’d back the fuck off, maybe he’d be wary.

With trembling fingers, I reach for my phone and find my mom’s number. Without hesitation, I hit the call button, the familiar sound of the dial tone ringing in my ear. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

“Wren?” Her soft voice comes through the speaker.

“Hey, Mom. I was wondering if you’re free today. I’d like to come over with Lumi.”

Lumi drifts off to sleep almost instantly as I gently settle her into her car seat in the back of the car, tucking her in with a pink, fluffy blanket. I shut the door quietly before sliding into the driver's seat. As I start the car, it hits me—it's been months since I last drove myself. Arlo is always the one behind the wheel, and when he wasn’t around, Joe was my chauffeur.

I sit in the driver’s seat for a moment, and after gathering my thoughts, I pull out of the driveway and head toward my parents’ house on the other side of town.

As the city passes by, I fight with what lies ahead. How will I confront them? Will they be sympathetic, or will they seize the opportunity to try to regain control over me? The thought of confronting my mom, who has always been the essence of kindness and innocence in my eyes, now makes me think twice about everyone and everything.

Discovering she is the wife of one of the most powerful men in the United States makes me question my entire childhood and our family life. How did they manage to keep their secrets so well hidden? And now that they know I’m part of this world, how are they processing the fact that I’m with Arlo Hayes—the enigmatic, dangerous kingpin of New York City?

This entire situation feels like a bizarre dream, and I realize that no matter how prepared I think I am, nothing can really prepare me for what lies ahead.

As I pull into the driveway, I shut off the engine and take a deep breath, attempting to slow my racing heart. I can’t storm in there with all guns blazing—I need to remain as calculated and strategic as I have been over the past seven months. They might already suspect I know, or they will soon enough. Did they really think Arlo could keep this secret from me forever?

I sigh and swing the door beside me before carefully lifting Lumi's car seat out after unplugging it. With a final deep breath, I make my way to the front door.

I ring the doorbell, mentally rehearsing how to keep my cool, to project the same cheery demeanor I’ve always had with my parents, despite everything I feel deep down. After a moment, I see my mom approaching through the glass panelling. When she opens the door, her face lights up with a broad smile, and I mirror her expression.

“Mom, it’s so good to see you.”

“And you, sweetie,” she replies, her smile bright. “Come inside; I’ve made some homemade hot cocoa.”

I nod, keeping up the fa?ade of the perfect daughter as I pass her, entering the house. As I step into the kitchen, the scent of cocoa and freshly baked food fills the air.

My stomach twists as soon as I spot my dad seated at the table, his glasses perched on his nose as he reads the newspaper.

He looks like an ordinary man—how did this seemingly everyday guy, my dad become some badass in a matter of weeks. When he finally notices me, he removes his spectacles and stands, a broad smile spreading across his old face. I return his smile with a forced effort as he closes the distance between us and kisses my cheek.

“It’s great to see you, princess. How are you feeling?” he asks.

He offers to take Lumi’s car seat from me and despite my unease, I reluctantly hand her over, watching as he gently sets her down on the floor after heading back to the table.

“I’m feeling much better,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. I take a seat across from him, my gaze flickering between him and Lumi.

As he makes a move to lift her out, I place a hand on his arm.

“Let her sleep for now, Dad,” I say flatly.

He looks up at me, a glint of something—understanding, maybe—crossing his face. It’s as if he knows that I’m aware of more than I’m letting on. He pauses, setting Lumi’s car seat back down with a slight nod. The unspoken pressure between us fills the room and I draw my gaze away from my dad’s stern eyes, letting it drift across the room to my mom, who’s mindlessly stirring hot cocoa. They know I’m not here just for a casual visit and a chitchat, my cold demeanor is making that clear.

When she comes in our direction, she places the mugs in front of me and my father and I keep my eyes fixed on her, noting the way she glances between us. She then goes to retrieve her own before taking a seat next to my dad, her eyes remaining on me, an unreadable expression on her face. I focus back on my father, whose already looking at me, scrutinizing.

I lift my mug slowly, maintaining the intense eye contact. The steam from the cocoa brushes against my top lip as I blow gently to cool it.

“How’s work, Dad?” I ask coldly.

He arches an eyebrow, clearly recognizing my shift in demeanor, and I take a small sip of the cocoa. My focus drifts to my mom, who is cooing at Lumi, the blinding opposite of my looming rage and it makes me want to fucking scream.

“What’s wrong, Wren?” my dad’s tone is more forceful now.

I sit up straighter, meeting his gaze squarely, and let my head tilt slightly as I respond, “I don’t know, Dad; why don’t you tell me?”

My mom’s confusion breaks through as she tries to intervene.

“Wren, what is—”

I turn my glare on her, feeling a surge of fury, unable to hold it any longer. “How the fuck could you both?” I grit out the words through clenched teeth.

Her eyes widen, and my father’s face tightens as he averts his eyes, fully aware that the truth is out. They’re more aware than ever that I know. This isn’t the daughter they know—the polite, respectful one. I have never cursed at them and I’m showing them a side to me they’ve never seen before, a side fuelled by disloyalty and the need for answers. A side that has been built on their lies and deceit.

My hand slams down on the table, the sharp sound echoing in the room and my wide eyes dart between them.

“Arlo? Really?” I hiss.

“Wren, I—" My father starts, but his words fail when I shift my furious gaze toward him, watching as he struggles, trying to find the words or perhaps still calculating just how much I know. He’s always been careful with his words, but not today. Not this time.

“I know everything.”

Their eyes meet, exchanging a brief look. When they both turn back to me, it's my father who speaks first.

“Wren, I can explain,” he says, his tone calmer now, trying to soothe the inferno rising in me.

A scoff escapes my lips. Explain? How could he possibly explain away the betrayal that’s been rotting in my soul?

“How the hell can you give explanation that you left Arlo for dead?” My voice cracks with pain against my will, but I push through. “And let me believe for six fucking months it was all the cop’s fault? Or Savannah’s?”

Tears well in my eyes, the memories of that night flashing through my mind, threatening to suffocate me in the darkness in front of them, but I take a long, steady breath, gathering myself before I face him again.

“There’s nothing you can say to make this right, Dad. Do you understand me? You had to know that because you never wanted me to find out.”

He shifts in his seat, visibly tense, his next words strained. “He couldn’t protect you, sweetheart. And that’s something I cannot tolerate in this world.”

My heart clenches at his stupidity, a fusion of disbelief and sadness swirling inside me. It’s as if he truly believes that justifies what he did. But it doesn’t. It can’t. It never will.

I sniff, my eyes narrowing, and I lean forward, each word sharp and laced with accusation.

“Do you know who couldn't protect me?”

His jaw tightens as soon as the words escape me, the small shift betraying his displeasure beneath his calm exterior, and I nod before continuing.

“You’re holding your parental failures on the one person I love most. You’re Ghost, yet you had no fucking clue this was coming? How the hell does that work?”

He can’t hold my gaze any longer, his eyes shifting to the side, a silent response that I’ve hit a nerve. I turn my focus to my mom, who’s been sitting there like a fucking cold, emotionless statue.

“And you... You’re okay with this, are you? You stood by and let him take the man I love away from me while I

was pregnant with your granddaughter. How could you let that happen? How could you let us all suffer like this?”

I stare at her harder, willing her to react, to show something. Anything. But she doesn’t.

“How could you both be so heartless?” I say, my voice trembling. “All that Cree has been through without his dad!”

She finally sighs, exchanging a glance with my father and there’s a quiet understanding between them, one that makes my stomach churn. As my mother nods, my confusion grows, my eyes darting between the two of them.

“Your father isn't Ghost, Wren.” My mom says.

“What?” I finally breathe, my head cocking to the side in utter confusion.

“I am.”

Her confession hits like a punch to the gut. It feels like the ground is falling from beneath me. My mother? My lovely, gentle mother is Ghost? I almost laugh. Yeah fucking right. Shaking my head, I force a snicker.

“Mom, stop,” I reply. “Stop trying to protect him. He has to own up to what he’s done.”

But she doesn’t break. Instead, she leans forward, taking my hand in hers and there’s something different in her eyes—something firm, hard, and dangerously real.

“I'm Ghost, Wren. I'm not lying.”

The truth in her tone slices through me, cold and final. I yank my hand from hers like I've been burned, suddenly feeling like I don't even know this woman. My mother, who kissed my scraped knees, tucked me in at night, who was supposed to be the light in my life… she’s Ghost?

“You?” The word barely escapes my lips as I frantically shake my head, trying to make sense of it, trying to force the pieces together in a way that doesn’t destroy everything I thought I knew.

“It’s not possible,” I murmur. “You’re not…”

“Not what? A man?” my mother challenges, lifting an eyebrow with a calmness that unnerves me because in that moment, I see it—the sharp, commanding presence of an Elite.

“It’s very easy to think of an Elite as a man,” she continues. “And since I’m Ghost, why not just leave it that way? Let them all believe I’m a man. It gives me the upper hand.”

My mind reels as I glance between my parents, struggling to accept this truth. How could everything I thought I knew be so fucking wrong? But my mother doesn’t give me a chance to catch my breath, she pushes forward.

“Honey, just because I’m Ghost doesn’t mean I know everything at all times.” She leans in slightly, her eyes piercing into mine. “Every day, I deal with Elites who defy the code, who act without consulting me first.”

I blink blankly, trying to grasp what she’s saying, but it’s like trying to hold water in my hands.

“This isn’t just a small group of us, Wren. It’s a huge organization, with hundreds of thousands of criminals involved—not just here, but all around the world. I didn’t know about this situation until the very last moment. It was kept under tight lips and by then… it was too late.”

She’s not just a part of it—she is the foundation. The woman I thought was innocent, loving… she’s the Ghost that commands it all.

“When Arlo asked your father for his blessing to marry you, it wasn’t his decision—it was mine,” my mom says. “Only with the condition that he had the responsibility to protect you, and he failed. He was careless, Wren, when he knew exactly how dangerous things had become.”

I feel my rage surge inside me at her words, bubbling over and my teeth clench tightly as I throw her a glare that could shatter glass.

“So, you thought it was okay to just let him die?” I seethe. “What kind of mother do you think you are?”

She sighs, unfazed by my outburst, her eyes still holding mine. “I am a mother who only wants to see you safe.”

“Bullshit!” I snap. “Is happiness and love suddenly meaningless now? How the fuck was Arlo supposed to know when even you didn’t?”

Suddenly, Lily steps into the kitchen, her usual cheery demeanor lighting up the tense room, but I don’t shift my gaze from my mother, the anger still coursing through me like a live wire.

“Oh, hello! I had no idea you were coming here, Wren,” Lily chirps, clearly unaware of the tornado developing between me and our parents.

I glance at her briefly, and she spots Lumi, her face breaking into a wide smile.

“Why don’t you take Lumi to the living room, Lil? Change her diaper for me, will you? I’ll be in soon,” I suggest.

Lily’s eyes widen with hesitation, darting between me and Lumi. “Oh, I’m not sure, Wren... I don’t really know how, and she’s so small.”

“I promise it’s simple. She’s not as delicate as she looks. Her diaper bag is right there.” I softly assure her before I gesture toward it, and Lily looks at the bag, then back to Lumi. After a hesitant pause, she finally nods, carefully lifting Lumi in her arms along with the bag, then exits the kitchen.

Once she’s gone, I turn back to my parents sharply, my expression hardening again.

“There’s only one way you’ll ever be in my life again—and if you want anything to do with me or your granddaughter you’ll listen to me very, very carefully and take it seriously.”

They exchange a quick look before locking their eyes back on me and I can feel their uncertainty.

“You will apologize to Arlo, and you will leave him alone.” I say sternly. “I don’t need or want your so-called protection if this is what it looks like. What I want is for my family to remain unbroken, free of your influence, free of your reckless decision-making.”

My dad opens his mouth as if to respond, but I cut him off before he can even begin. “The night you decided to dump Arlo in Mexico, you made the decision to destroy my entire fucking world,” I hiss. “I don’t give a damn what your excuses are. They mean nothing compared to what we have suffered because of your stupid mentality.”

My chest rises and falls heavily but what I’ve said is not enough. They need to understand fully what they’ve done, the gravity of their betrayal and how serious I am.

“You didn’t just cross a line. You shattered everything I built with Arlo, and for what? Some misplaced sense of control?” I scoff bitterly. “You’ve lost the right to dictate anything in my life. The only thing you can do now is apologize, step away, and let me live without the devastation you’ve brought.”

“Wren, this goes way beyond anything that has happened," my mom begins, her voice almost urgent. “Arlo is continually threatened as a result of his family’s actions, which means you are as well. I can’t just stand aside and—”

“Yes, you can, and you fucking will!” I shoot back, cutting her off mid-sentence, my tone ringing with annoyance. The shock registers on her face for a brief second before it hardens into a harsh, scolding look, but I don’t stop.

“Don’t you think I’m aware that Arlo is constantly in danger?” I challenge. “I’ve known exactly who and what he was from the moment I laid eyes on him. And if I have to die loving him, then so be it,” my words waver with hurt, just for a second, but I continue on.

“And the way you go about this whole charade—letting Dad pretend he’s Ghost just to protect you? Don’t you see you’re putting him in danger as well?” I shake my head in disbelief.

“Love is love, Mother, and this is what we do. We protect the ones we care about, no matter what. But that’s not what you’re doing. You’re destroying everything I have, everything Arlo and I have, in the name of your selfish version of safety.”

The room feels heavy around us, and I can feel her trying to find a response, but I don’t let her. “I choose this life. I choose Arlo. I’ll continue to choose him every single fucking day and beyond, even if that means walking over the searing coals of hell beside him when we’re dead.”

I catch my father rubbing his beard out of the corner of my eye, deep in thought.

“Wren, I don’t like that you’re involved in all this; he’s changed you.”

My eyes snap to him, narrowing coldly “The only thing that changed me was that night—and who was to blame for that, Dad? Certainly not Arlo. I was fine until then. Now, I’m messed up in the head because of this woman’s selfish mentality and control.”

My mom’s face reddens as she pipes in, her tone rising to assert her authority. “I’m sure you’ll feel the same way when Lumi gets older, Wren. My intentions were pure!”

“No, Mom, in that moment you weren’t thinking as my mother; you were thinking as Ghost.” I bite back. “There’s a huge difference, and I would never do that to my daughter. That is where we clearly don’t know each other at all.”

She takes a deep breath, clearly irritated by my defiance.

“Now what is it going to be?” I ask, glancing between them both.

They eventually give a small nod in agreement, and I scan my mom’s face, struggling to trust the woman who gave me life with the one who seems so distant and manipulative now.

“I don’t want to have this conversation with you again, Mom,” I say. “I don’t want to have no trust in my own mother, just as I don’t trust Carmella.”

At the mention of Carmella, her expression shifts slightly, a brief moment of recognition crossing her face before she offers me a sweet, sympathetic smile.

“Wren, you’re my daughter, and I love you more than anything. I made a serious mistake, one that haunts me every day. My sole intention was to protect you, and I will never stop wanting to keep you safe. You understand that don’t you?”

“As long as you leave Arlo alone, I don’t care who or what you are, Mom. If you ever pull a stunt like that again, I won’t hesitate to cut you out of our lives forever. It’s unforgivable.”

Her eyes close, and she turns away, but I carry on. “If you want to protect me, then look in the right direction. Arlo wasn’t the one who pulled the trigger that night or aimed the gun at me.”

She opens her eyes, her lips pressed together as she considers her words before speaking. “This is more coplicated than anyone can imagine, but I’ve learned from my mistakes. With you involved now, I have to be extra cautious.”

My brows furrow as I shake my head in confusion. “What are you talking about? Do you know who did it?”

Her gaze meets mine, and she gives a reluctant nod. “I believe so, but I can’t be certain. It’s a delicate matter—not just for our family, but for Arlo’s as well.”

“And you’re not going to tell me?”

She shakes her head firmly and I roll my eyes in frustration, standing up “Fine; I’ll just find out myself, then.”

She suddenly grabs my wrist, stopping me with a firm grip. “You need to stay out of this, Wren. Think of Lumi.”

I scoff and yank myself free, narrowing my eyes. “Are you, of all people, telling me to stay out of the Elite world when you’re the woman who runs it?” I shake my head slowly, disbelief plastered over my face. “You have some nerve, Mother.”

She sighs deeply, looking away, clearly defeated. I flick my eyes between her and my dad. “Let’s face the facts, shall we? I’m an Elite, Arlo is an Elite, and you two are Elites as well. We’re also family, not enemies. Start acting like it.”

“Wren, you’re right; we are on the same side. We’re hoping with time, this will all blow over and that you will find it in your heart to forgive us,” my father’s voice breaks in, drawing my attention.

I lay my palms on the table, leaning forward to address them with seriousness. “The only forgiveness I’ll ever consider is when you both start allowing and accepting the reality of this situation.” I pause for emphasis. “I’m not asking you to protect Arlo—my man doesn’t need it, not now I’m involved—but you could at least work with him or us to sort this mess out. He wants to protect me too, but you’re giving him nothing to work with.”

My frustration boils over as I continue. “I’m sick of him going through this shit because of his family history. He isn’t his father; he’s gentle and kind to me. Maybe not in your world, but in mine, he’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, and he’s a damn good father.”

Feeling the sting of emotion again, I take a deep breath, turning my gaze away to regain my composure. “I’ll speak to you both soon. And hopefully, next time, it won’t be like this.”

As I drive home, my rage festers just beneath the surface, a burning wrath that's both overwhelming and heart-wrenching. Finding out my mother’s role in all of this hits me like a freight train, tearing through my heart.

Despite the pain, a glimmer of hope strangely remains. The conversation today might have been intense, but I hold on to the hope that my parents will finally understand the severity of their actions. I needed them to realize what they’ve done and begin to see Arlo for who he truly is—not as an enemy, but as the man who has become the center of my world. If they can start to shift their point of view and work with him instead of against him, maybe there’s a chance for a future where they actually look out for him, rather than plotting against him.

Arlo had warned me not to go to them, but I had to. I needed them to know that I was fully aware of what they have done so they would rethink before they make any more dumb decisions.

Now I have to face him, but when I do, I’ll let him know that I had full control over the situation, and that I did it with the well-being of our small family in mind. It was a risk, but hopefully it will show Arlo that I’m steady in my loyalty to him and our future.

As I drive, the sudden ring of my phone startles me. I glance at the dash, my gut tightening with nerves as I see it’s Arlo calling. I answer, turning down the volume on the speakers to keep the noise from waking Lumi.

“Hello?”

"Wren, where the fuck are you?"

I let out a deep sigh, sinking lower into my seat and keeping my eyes on the road.

“I'm driving.”

“Yeah, well, I know that,” he snaps back, frustration clear in his tone.

I raise an eyebrow, curious. “And how do you know that?”

“Because I have men tailing your every fucking move while I'm out of the city,” he growls.

My gaze flickers to the rearview mirror, and sure enough, a black car is maintaining a steady distance behind me.

“Why?” I ask, irritation and curiosity lacing my words.

“You know damn well why. The real question is, where the fuck are you going? Should you even be driving right now?”

I huff, a hint of defiance creeping into my voice as I grin. “What are you? My fucking dad?”

I can almost hear the annoyance in his snarl. “Do you really want to test me? Because I’ll happily turn this car the fuck around.”

“No, Daddy, of course not,” I say, unable to stop myself from teasing him.

His low, irritated groan reverberates through the speakers, making me fight a smile.

“So, tell me, if you can drive, that means I can pound your pussy now, right?”

"Not exactly, Arlo. Shouldn't you be working rather than calling me to talk dirty?"

He chuckles darkly, the sexy sound oozing with amusement and arrogance. “That's not the reason I called you, Wren. But you turned it into something as soon as you decided to call me “Daddy.” You know what that shit does to me.”

I roll my lips inward, stifling a laugh that’s creeping up my throat.

“So, tell me, where the fuck have you been?” he demands again.

I stay silent, not wanting to talk with him about it right now, especially since he’s dealing with an important task.

“I’ll speak to you later about it.”

He’s quiet on the other end, probably sensing that I’m withholding something. His men tracked me to my parents’ house, so he probably has an inkling of what’s happened and what I’ve done, but he’s testing me to see if I’ll be honest with him.

“Look, I’m almost home, so I guess I’ll speak to you soon, okay?” I say, trying to wrap up the conversation. “I love you.”

Before he could respond, I quickly end the call, not wanting him to probe any more. As soon as I disconnect, a text message pops up on the screen and I glance at it,

[You’ll be punished for that, slut.]

A smile tugs at my lips as I roll my eyes, driving through the towering iron gates of our home.