Page 22 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost (Nightfall Syndicate #1)

eighteen

Alina

I t's been four days since the team revealed their true identities, and my skin practically buzzes with anticipation. After waiting and wondering, I'm finally going to see behind the curtain.

Kade leads me through the sleek glass doors of Centurion Protection Group. This is it—the headquarters of a secret mercenary team masquerading as a high-end security firm.

I mentally catalog every detail for potential future use. Not that I'd ever publish without permission, but old habits die hard.

"This is what most people see when they visit Centurion Protection Group," he gestures around.

I nod, taking in the sleek lobby. Gleaming floors reflect abstract paintings on the walls, while a massive reception desk dominates the space. It reminds me of the fancy tech startups I've covered downtown. But something feels different here—an intensity I can't quite put my finger on.

"We spare no expense on appearances," Kade's hand comes to rest on the small of my back as he guides me forward. "But it's not just for show. Notice anything unusual?"

I shake my head. "It just looks... expensive."

He leans in closer than necessary. "Good. That's the point. See that glass? Bulletproof. And there are at least a dozen hidden cameras tracking every movement."

I blink, suddenly seeing the space through new eyes. Everything feels more vivid, like I'm seeing below the surface.

"The whole place is a fortress," Kade continues, his fingertips pressing slightly firmer against my back. "But we make damn sure it doesn't look like one. Designed to look professional while providing maximum protection. We can't have our clients feeling on edge when they visit."

I absorb this information, examining the area critically. What I'd assumed was just stylish decor now takes on a whole new meaning. I mentally file away details about security measures and layout—the kind of information that would make an incredible exposé.

"Impressed yet?" Kade murmurs, and I realize he's watching me examine the room, reading my expressions with those penetrating blue eyes.

"Hardly," I lie. "I've seen corporate lobbies before."

We step into an elevator, and Kade uses a keycard to access the upper floors. As the doors close, he shifts to stand behind me, his broad chest nearly touching my back. The confined space feels suddenly smaller, charged with something dangerous .

"The top five floors are our official offices," his deep voice rumbles close to my ear.

The doors open, and Kade gives me a tour of what looks like any high-end consulting firm. Open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms with glass walls, even a fancy break room with an espresso machine that probably costs more than my car.

People in suits hurry past, talking on phones or carrying stacks of papers. It could be any high-powered consulting firm.

"This is where we handle our legitimate security contracts," Kade explains, speaking quietly as we walk through. His hand never leaves my back, guiding me through the space with possessive confidence. "Most of the employees here have no idea about the other side."

I take mental notes, my instincts kicking in despite the circumstances. "How do you keep it all separate?"

"Very carefully," Kade says dryly.

My eyes narrow at Kade's response. "You're making it really fucking difficult to not hit you right now," I tell him, my fists clenching at my sides.

Kade's lips curve up and he steps closer, backing me against the wall of the empty hallway we've turned into. His muscled arm braces against the wall beside my head, caging me in.

"Careful, little hellcat," his voice is low and amused. "I might enjoy it too much if you did."

His eyes flick down to my mouth for just a second before returning to meet my gaze. "And I don't think you're ready for how I'd retaliate. "

Heat blooms in my chest, washing over my skin in a betraying flush. I lift my chin, refusing to be intimidated despite the way my heart rate kicks up.

"Try me," I challenge.

For a moment, something dangerous flashes in his eyes. Then he chuckles, pushing away from the wall and continuing our tour.

We continue through several floors of offices, conference rooms, and what looks like a high-tech surveillance center.

Throughout the tour, Kade's hand returns to the small of my back, occasionally drifting lower before sliding back up.

Each touch is a silent reminder of the power dynamic between us.

"Hey," I try to sound casual. "What's the deal with you always calling me 'little hellcat' anyway?"

Kade's eyes lock onto mine, a dangerous glint flashing in their depths. His lips curl into that infuriating smirk as he invades my personal space again.

"Because that's exactly what you are, sweetheart," he drawls, voice low and gravelly. "A feisty little wildcat who needs to be tamed."

He takes a step closer, looming over me. "And I'm just the man to do it."

Damn him and his cocky attitude. But I'd be lying if I said it didn't turn me on just a little. Or a lot.

Eventually, Kade leads me back to the elevator. This time, he pulls out another keycard and swipes it, revealing a hidden panel of buttons.

This is where things get interesting.

"Ready to see where the real work happens?" he asks, his voice low, his body crowding mine against the elevator wall .

I take a deep breath, inhaling his woodsy scent. "Absolutely."

My heart races as we go deeper underground. When the doors open, I step out into a world that's completely different from the polished offices above.

"Welcome to Nightfall Syndicate," there's a hint of pride in Kade's voice.

The first underground level is a massive parking garage, but not like any I've ever seen. Armored vehicles sit next to sleek sports cars.

"For quick extractions," Kade explains, following my gaze. "And Jax keeps them all in perfect condition."

We move deeper, and each level reveals more of the hidden world beneath the surface. A state-of-the-art training facility takes up an entire floor, complete with a shooting range and what looks like a combat simulation room.

"This is where we keep our skills sharp," Kade says as we pass a group of men sparring on padded mats.

I notice that among the fighters are some faces I recognized from the upper floors—people who had seemed like ordinary security professionals.

Kade follows my gaze. "Not everyone who works for Centurion is part of Nightfall," he explains. "But occasionally, someone proves themselves—shows loyalty, discretion, and exceptional skills. When that happens, one of the core team members might invite them to join us."

"What happens then?" I ask, watching a woman flip a man twice her size.

"Intensive training. Evaluation. If they make it through, they become part of the family." Kade's voice carries a note of pride. "It's rare, but it happens. "

The next level down houses a command center that would put most military installations to shame. Massive screens cover the walls, displaying maps, data streams, and live video feeds from around the world.

"This is where we coordinate our operations," Kade explains. "From here, we can monitor and direct missions anywhere on the globe."

I try to take it all in, but it's overwhelming. The scale of this operation is far beyond anything I imagined. My mental checklist keeps growing—the technology, the personnel, the sheer scope of their capabilities. This would be the story of a lifetime.

"It's... incredible," I breathe.

"And this," Kade says as we reach the lowest level, "is our most secure area."

The doors open to reveal a stark, clinical space that looks like a medical bay.

"For when things get... complicated," Kade's voice is grim.

I swallow hard, suddenly very aware of the dangerous world I've stepped into.

Then he shows me to a weapons vault that makes my eyes widen.

"Jesus," I mutter, looking at the array of firearms and other equipment. "You guys don't mess around."

"Can't afford to in our line of work," Kade says matter-of-factly. His hand settles on the small of my back again, guiding me forward. "See anything that catches your interest?"

The double meaning in his words isn't lost on me. I turn to face him, finding him much closer than I expected .

"Plenty," I reply, holding his gaze. "But I'm still deciding what's worth the risk."

A slow smile spreads across his face as he steps even closer. "Risk assessment is important in our line of work," his voice drops lower. "But sometimes, the greatest rewards come from the biggest risks."

My mind is still whirling as we pass by what looks like a high-tech interrogation room, and a tremor runs through my body.

The reminder of just how dangerous these people can be is sobering—and yet, there's a part of me that finds it thrilling.

"And this," Kade say as he leads me into a room filled with servers and computer equipment, "is our intelligence hub. All the data we gather, analyze, and use to plan our operations."

I look around, impressed. "This is where we'll be working?"

Kade nods. "Among other places. We have access to resources most law enforcement agencies can only dream of."

The contrast between the public face of Centurion Protection Group and the hidden world of Nightfall Syndicate is staggering.

I turn to face him, suddenly overwhelmed by the reality of what this all entails. "Kade, this is... I mean, it's incredible, but it's also terrifying. How do you handle all this? The secrecy, the danger, everything you do?"

His expression softens slightly as we head back to the elevator, and for a moment, I see a glimpse of the man behind the mercenary facade.

"It's not easy," he says, his low voice carrying a hint of weariness. "But at the end of the day, it's just a job."