Page 26 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost (Nightfall Syndicate #1)

twenty-one

Alina

I pace in Roman's office, energy crackling through my body. Kade leans against the desk, arms crossed over his broad chest, those ice-blue eyes tracking my movement.

"I need to get into The Bay Herald archives," my voice firm and decisive. "Jenny kept physical backups of her investigation files there. I can photograph them with the secure phone you gave me."

Kade's jaw tightens. "No."

I stop pacing and plant my feet. "Excuse me?"

"It's too risky. We don't know who might be watching The Herald ."

I narrow my eyes. "This is my family's newspaper, Kade. I practically grew up in those archives. If anyone can get in and out without raising suspicion, it's me."

"And if someone's waiting for you?" He pushes off the desk, closing the distance between us. His massive frame forces me to tilt my head back. "You're not going, Alina. That's final."

Heat flushes through me—partly anger, partly something else. "You don't get to make that decision for me."

"Actually, I do." His voice drops lower, a controlled rumble. "As long as you're part of this team, your safety is my responsibility."

I step closer instead of backing away, refusing to be intimidated. "And my investigative skills are why you need me in the first place. You want information on Jenny's case? This is how you get it."

Kade runs a hand through his dark hair. "Dammit, Alina. You're impossible, you know that?"

A smile tugs at my lips. "So I've been told. Repeatedly."

His exhale is slow and measured. "What exactly are these files? Give me a compelling reason why they're worth the risk."

"Jenny was meticulous. She kept detailed notes on everything—shipping manifests, company records, interviews with dock workers.

If there's a connection between those coordinates and her investigation, it'll be in her physical files.

" I hold his gaze. "The kind of files she'd never trust to digital storage. "

Kade studies me, calculation behind his eyes. "And you're certain these files are there?"

"Yes. In a locked cabinet that only our family can access."

After several moments of silence, he nods once. "Fine. We'll do this, but on my terms. I escort you personally."

"And how exactly do you plan to explain your presence to my family? "

"I'll be your new bodyguard. Given recent events, it's not a stretch."

I tap my finger against my hip, considering. "We'll need a cover story for why I suddenly need protection."

"We'll say you received threats after your last article." His massive shoulders shrug slightly. "Close enough to reality."

"Fine," I agree, savoring the small victory. "But once we're inside, you follow my lead. I know how to access what we need without drawing attention."

Kade steps closer, until barely an inch separates us. "Let me be clear. If I say we leave, we leave. No arguments, no delays, no stubborn journalist bullshit. Understood?"

I tilt my chin up, refusing to back down despite our size difference. "Crystal clear, Commander."

His eyes narrow at my tone, and for a second I think he might argue. Instead, his mouth curves into a dangerous half-smile.

"We leave at six tomorrow morning. In and out in thirty minutes max."

"I only need fifteen."

"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 he works 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 to The Bay Herald building, 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. "

"Of course. Why don't you all sit down first?" Mom gestures to the living room. "I just made some coffee."

"I actually need to use the restroom first." I glance at Kade, suddenly nervous about leaving him alone with my parents. "I'll be right back."

As I slip away, I hear Mom ask, "So, Kade, what exactly is your background in security?"

I cringe, hurrying down the hall. Poor Kade.

When I return a few minutes later, I pause in the hallway, hearing unexpected laughter from the living room. I edge closer, peeking around the corner.

Kade sits on our worn leather sofa, a tiny espresso cup looking ridiculously small in his massive hand. Dad leans forward in his armchair, completely engaged.

"—so I told the senator, 'Sir, with all due respect, the secret service doesn't approve of improvised parachuting from hotel balconies.'" Kade's deep voice carries the punchline perfectly.

Dad throws his head back, laughing harder than I've seen in months. Mom's covering her mouth, shoulders shaking with giggles.

"Oh my goodness," she manages between laughs. "And what did he say?"

Kade's lips quirk up. "He asked if we could at least let him keep the bedsheets he'd tied together."

They all dissolve into laughter again. I stand there, mouth slightly open, watching my intimidating, dangerous Kade charming my parents like he's known them for years.

"Alina!" Mom spots me. "Your friend here has the most fascinating stories. "

"Just keeping it professional, ma'am," Kade says, standing smoothly as I enter the room. The knowing gleam in his eyes makes my cheeks flush.

"I should get down to the archives," I say quickly. "Need to check a few records."

"Of course, honey." Mom stands too. "Will we see you for Sunday dinner this week? Kade's welcome too, of course."

"Oh, Mom, I don't think—"

"I'd be honored, Mrs. Bennett," Kade cuts in, his voice warm and sincere. "Thank you for the invitation."

I stare at him, speechless. He merely raises an eyebrow at me, the picture of innocence.

"Wonderful!" Mom beams. "Diana, please. Mrs. Bennett makes me sound ancient."

"Diana," Kade repeats, nodding respectfully. "James," he adds, shaking my father's hand.

"I'll show Kade to the archives," I manage, tugging at his sleeve.

As we head toward the basement door, Dad calls after us, "Don't worry about my daughter, Kade. She can be a handful, but she's worth the trouble."

"Dad!" I hiss, mortified.

"Oh, I'm well aware, sir," Kade replies smoothly, and I want to melt into the floor.

The moment we're alone in the stairwell, I round on him. "What the hell was that?"

"What?" His face is the picture of innocence, but his eyes dance with amusement. "I was being polite."

"You were... they were..." I sputter. "Since when are you so charming?"

Kade backs me against the wall, one hand braced beside my head. "I'm a man of many talents, Alina. Some I haven't shown you yet."

My breath catches as he leans in, his lips brushing my ear. "Your parents are lovely. It would be a shame to disappoint them by not showing up for Sunday dinner."

"You did that on purpose," I accuse, fighting to keep my voice steady as his body heat envelops me.

"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 connections to 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.

"I can't believe you," I say, shaking my head. "Confirming Sunday dinner? Seriously?"

Kade's mouth twitches. "Your parents are good people. I like them."

"And the stories about the senator? Was that even true?"

"That's classified," he says, but his eyes crinkle at the corners.

We drive in silence for a moment before I speak again. "They liked you. A lot."

"I'm very likable when I want to be."

I snort. "Yeah, tell that to the guys you've beaten into submission."

His hand lands on my thigh again, this time sliding dangerously higher. "Speaking of submission..."

My breath hitches as his fingers trace patterns on the inside of my thigh. "Kade..."

"You were very well-behaved in there," he murmurs, his eyes never leaving the road even as his hand inches higher. "I think that deserves a reward, don't you? "

Before I can answer, his fingers press firmly against me through my jeans, right where I'm already embarrassingly wet. I bite back a moan.

"We have work to do," I manage, even as my hips shift involuntarily toward his touch.

"We'll get to it," he promises, his voice like dark velvet. "But first, I needed to remind you who's in charge."

His hand withdraws as we approach a red light, leaving me flushed and wanting. Kade's smirk tells me he knows exactly what he's doing.

"Bastard," I mutter.

"Careful," he warns, the light changing to green. "We have a long drive back to headquarters."

I grip the armrest as we speed through the streets, my heart racing. We're about to blow the lid off a massive conspiracy—and all I can think about is how badly I want his hands on me again.