Page 56 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost (Nightfall Syndicate #1)

Epilogue : Alina

" H oney, are you sure you're safe? This new job of yours sounds... intense."

I pace across the sleek hardwood floors of the penthouse, my phone in my hand. Mom's voice cuts through the speaker, filled with concern, but also curiosity.

Biting my lip, I choose my words carefully. "I promise I'm okay, Mom. The security firm is legit, and I'm learning so much."

It's not a lie, but it's far from the whole truth. How can I explain that I'm now part of a covert team fighting international criminals?

"But what about your journalism? I thought that was your passion."

I sigh, sinking onto the plush leather couch. "It still is. This is just... a different way of uncovering the truth. "

My eyes drift to the floor-to-ceiling windows, taking in the breathtaking view of San Francisco Bay. It's so different from the cramped apartment above The Bay Herald where I grew up.

"I don't know, Mom. Sometimes I wonder if I really belong in this world. It's so far from what I imagined for myself."

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost see Mom's thoughtful expression. "Alina, do you remember why I left my corporate law job to start The Bay Herald with your father?"

"Because you believed in pursuing the truth," I answer automatically, the family mantra ingrained in me since childhood.

"Exactly. And let me tell you, leaving that cushy job wasn't easy. I had doubts, just like you're having now."

I lean forward, intrigued. Mom doesn't often talk about her life before the newspaper.

"Really?"

"Oh yes. Corporate law paid well, but it was full of compromises and half-truths. I felt like I was suffocating in lies."

Her voice grows passionate.

"When your father proposed starting our own paper, it was terrifying. But it also felt right."

I nod, even though she can't see me. "Because you could pursue the truth without constraints?"

"Precisely. And it sounds like that's what you're doing now, just in a different way."

I chew on my lower lip, considering her words. "But what if... what if sometimes the methods we use aren't exactly... ethical? "

Mom's quiet for a moment. "Alina, the world isn't black and white. Sometimes, to uncover a greater truth or prevent a greater harm, we have to make difficult choices. The important thing is to never lose sight of your moral compass."

Her words settle over me, bringing a sense of calm I didn't realize I needed. "Thanks, Mom. That actually helps a lot."

"I'm glad, sweetie. Just promise me you'll be careful, okay?"

"I will, Mom. I promise." As I say the words, I realize how much I mean them. This new world might be dangerous and complex, but I'm starting to see how I can make a difference here.

"I love you, Alina. We're so proud of you, even if we don't understand everything you're doing."

"I love you too, Mom. Tell Dad I said hi, okay?"

As I end the call, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. Maybe I don't fit perfectly into this world of covert operations and high-stakes missions.

But then again, Mom and Dad didn't fit the mold of traditional journalists either. They forged their own path, just like I'm doing now.

I'm lost in thought, staring out at the city skyline when strong arms suddenly encircle my waist. I gasp, startled, as Kade's familiar scent envelops me.

"Didn't mean to scare you," he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.

My heart races, but I try to keep my voice steady. "It's okay. I was just thinking about Detective Wilson. He's finally out of the hospital. "

Kade hums thoughtfully, his lips brushing the sensitive skin below my ear. "That's good news."

"I was thinking maybe we could visit him." I struggle to focus as Kade's mouth trails down my neck.

"Bring him some cookies or something."

"Mmm," Kade replies, his hands sliding up to cup my breasts. "What kind of cookies?"

I bite back a moan as his thumbs graze my nipples through my thin shirt. "Um... chocolate chip maybe?"

Kade chuckles, the sound vibrating against my skin. "Always a classic choice."

His hands roam lower, teasing along the waistband of my jeans. My breath hitches as he pops the button open.

"So, about that visit," he says casually, as if he isn't currently driving me wild. "When were you thinking?"

I struggle to form a coherent thought as his fingers dip inside my pants. "I... fuck, Kade."

He grins against my neck, clearly enjoying the effect he's having on me. "Yes, darling?"

I grab his wrist, halting his movements. "You're making it really hard to think right now."

Kade spins me around to face him, his blue eyes dark with desire. "Then stop thinking."

His hands explore my body, making my nerves tingle from head to toe. His fingertips trace my sides as he slowly removes my top. I catch my breath when the cool air touches my exposed skin.

"Kade," I breathe, my heart racing. "What are you doing?"

He chuckles, the sound low and sensual. "What does it look like, little journalist? "

His cock presses insistently against my stomach, sending a wave of heat through me. I'm acutely aware of the floor-to-ceiling window behind me, the entire city sprawled out below.

"Wait," I say, my voice shaky. "Anyone could see us."

Kade's lips brush my ear as he whispers, "Didn't you say something about getting on your knees for me?"

My face flushes hot at the memory. "I... that was different. We weren't standing in front of a giant window."

"Mmm," he hums, his hands sliding down to unzip my jeans. "I have a better idea anyway."

My breath catches as he pushes my jeans and panties down in one smooth motion. I step out of them, feeling incredibly exposed.

"Kade," I whisper, arousal coursing through me despite my nerves. "What if someone sees?"

His hands find my breasts, his thumbs making slow circles around my nipples. My breath catches in my throat.

"Let them see," he whispers against my ear. "I'll just have to kill them after."

My skin prickles into goosebumps, and I arch instinctively into his touch. His words shouldn't turn me on, but they do. My heart pounds against my ribs, and heat pools between my legs.

"You wouldn't," I manage to gasp, though something in his eyes makes me wonder.

A whimper escapes me as he pinches lightly, sending sparks of pleasure through my body. My head falls back as he continues his sensual assault.

"Fuck," I breathe, my hips unconsciously pressing towards him .

Kade's hand slides lower, fingers teasing along my inner thigh. "That's the idea, my little journalist."

Kade backs me up, pressing my bare back against the cold window. I gasp at the sudden chill, my skin prickling with goosebumps again.

"What are you—" I start to ask, but the words die in my throat as Kade drops to his knees in front of me.

He lifts one of my legs over his broad shoulder, opening me up to him. When his tongue touches my clit, an electric current rips through my body. I shout, my fingers automatically twisting into his hair.

"Oh god," I moan as he licks a long, slow stripe down my slit.

My head falls back against the window with a soft thud. I should be mortified—we're on full display for anyone to see. But as Kade's clever tongue circles my clit, I can't bring myself to care.

He alternates between teasing flicks and firm, insistent pressure. My hips buck against his face, chasing more of that exquisite sensation. Kade grips my thighs, holding me in place as he devours me like a man starved.

I try to form a coherent thought, to ask what's gotten into him. But each swipe of his tongue scrambles my brain. All I can manage are breathless whimpers and gasps.

Finally, I gather enough brain cells to stammer out, "Kade... what are you doing?"

He pulls back just long enough to growl, "Worshipping you like the goddess you are," before diving back in with renewed fervor.

A strangled moan escapes me at his words. My entire body feels like a live wire, every nerve ending singing with pleasure. As Kade's tongue plunges inside me, I arch my back, pressing myself harder against his mouth.

I've never felt so exposed, so vulnerable. And yet, I've never felt more powerful. Kade Mercer—the infamous Ghost—is on his knees for me, pleasuring me like it's his sole purpose in life.

The realization sends a fresh wave of arousal coursing through me. I grind shamelessly against Kade's face, chasing my release. His stubble scrapes deliciously against my inner thighs as he works me over with lips, tongue, and the barest hint of teeth.

"Oh fuck," I pant, feeling my climax building. "Kade, I'm gonna—"

Kade pulls back with a devilish smirk, leaving me aching and desperate.

"No, please don't stop," I whine, my hips bucking forward seeking his mouth.

His blue eyes darken as he looks up at me. "You're only allowed to come on my cock today."

A shiver runs through me at his words. Part of me wants to argue, to beg him to finish what he started. But a bigger part thrills at his dominance, at the promise of what's to come.

Kade rises to his feet in one fluid motion. His hands go to his belt, quickly undoing it.

He only pushes his pants down far enough to free his cock before grabbing my thighs. He lifts me like I weigh nothing at all.

"Fuck," I gasp as he presses me against the cold glass. The contrast of the chill at my back and the heat of his body against my front makes me dizzy with sensation.

Kade lines himself up and then thrusts home in one powerful stroke. I cry out at the sudden fullness, my legs wrapping tightly around his waist.

"God, you feel amazing," he growls, setting a punishing pace.

Each thrust drives the air from my lungs. I cling to his broad shoulders, nails digging into his skin as he pounds into me. The obscene slap of skin on skin echoes through the room.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck," I chant, my head falling back against the window.

Kade buries his face in my neck, sucking and biting at the sensitive skin there. I know I'll have marks tomorrow, but I can't bring myself to care.