Page 35 of Code Name: Ghost

The realization both terrifies and excites me. I’ve never been good at giving up control, but with Nick, it’s different. It’s not just that he demands it—it’s that, deep down, I want to give it to him.

I take a deep breath, pulling myself together. My hands tremble slightly as I open the door and step into the hall. The house is quiet—the only sound is the faint hum of the generator. Nick’s door is slightly ajar, the soft glow of a lamp spilling into the hallway.

I hesitate for a moment before opening his door, my heart pounding in my chest, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension coursing through my veins.

He’s sitting on the edge of the bed, a glass of whiskey in his hand. His shirt is unbuttoned, revealing the hard lines of his chest, and his gaze is fixed on the floor. He looks up the moment I step inside, his hazel eyes narrowing.

“What are you doing in here?” His voice is low, controlled, but there’s an edge to it.

I close the door behind me, leaning against it for support. “I need to talk to you.” My voice is steady, belying the turmoil within.

“We’ve said more than enough for tonight,” he replies, his tone defeated.

“No,” I say firmly, stepping closer. “We haven’t.”

His eyes track my movements, his expression unreadable. “Cherise, I don’t have the patience for another fight.”

“Good,” I say, standing directly in front of him. “Because I’m not here to fight.”

He sets the glass down on the nightstand, rising to his full height. His presence is magnetic, pulling me toward him even as I try to keep my composure.

“Then what are you here for?” he asks, his voice a soft growl, his broad shoulders enhancing an aura of dominance that both intimidates and excites me.

I meet his gaze, refusing to back down. “To prove to you that I trust you.”

His jaw tightens, his hazel eyes searching mine. “Be careful what you’re offering, Cherise.”

“I know exactly what I’m offering,” I say, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

He takes a step closer, his hand brushing against my cheek. His touch is gentle, but there’s a fire behind it, a promise of something far more intense. “Careful, Cherise. There’s no turning back once you cross this line.”

“I know,” I whisper, my voice hoarse with emotion. “That’s exactly what I want.”

Without another word, he steps closer, his hand gently caressing my jaw, his touch feather-light, but it sends a jolt of electricity through my body. I close my eyes, savoring the sensation as his fingers explore.

“Take off your clothes,” he says, his voice low and commanding.

My breath catches, but I don’t hesitate. I reach for the hem of my shirt, pulling it over my head and letting it fall to the floor. My jeans follow, leaving me standing before him in nothing but my lace bra and panties.

His gaze darkens as he steps closer, his hand trailing down my arm. “Naked, Cherise.” He steps even closer, his body a mere breath away from mine.

I swallow hard, my hands trembling slightly as I reach behind me to unclasp my bra. It falls away, leaving me bare from the waist up. I pause, feeling vulnerable yet empowered, before sliding my panties down, stepping out of them and standing before him completely naked, letting the cool air brush against my skin.

Nick’s eyes roam over me, taking in every inch of my exposed body. The intensity in his gaze makes me feel both vulnerable and powerful, like I’m standing on the edge of a precipice, ready to fall.

“Come here,” he says, his tone soft but firm.

I step closer, my pulse racing as he reaches for me. His hands rest on my hips, his touch grounding me.

“Do you know what you’re asking for?” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

I nod, my breath coming in short gasps. “Yes,” I whisper, my voice trembling.

He pulls back slightly, his hazel eyes locking onto mine. “If you do this, there’s no going back.”

“I don’t want to go back,” I say, my voice stronger now.

“Then we’re on the stoplight system. Green means everything is good; yellow means you need a break; and red means stop. I have rights to play at Opus Noir, which means I get tested every three months. I don’t want to worry about pregnancies...”

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