Desires In The Shadows

7. Chapter

Ghost’s POV

For the first time in a long while, this was my first purely good deed. And I have no idea why I agreed to it. But that’s the smallest of my concerns.

What do I say to the boss?

He would never buy that I was enchanted by this little girl. Since I’ve been working for him, I’ve never shown mercy to anyone. I no longer have emotions; not even a spark remains in me. I’m not good, and I never do favors for anyone. Taking her doesn’t change my nature. The monster remains. Life with me will be hell. She doesn’t know that yet. She’ll learn.

I turn in bed, trying to go back to sleep, hoping to postpone getting up a little longer. Because if I rise, the day begins, and by its end, Lorena Bazzi will be dead. I have to repeat to myself over and over: it’s not my problem.

But that’s a lie. I could do something, and now I will.

She doesn’t have many options. She either pays or dies. Exceptional cases exist, but they’re extremely rare. There are laws, and they apply to me just like any other member of the mafia. If you don’t fall in line, you break the command — and you pay with your life.

It doesn’t matter if the person is a friend or acquaintance — there’s no room for sentimentality. The only exception is if the person is your wife, because even the boss’s hands would be tied by our Ten Commandments. With me, her fate would be worse than death, but at least she’d live.

And that is the only thing that matters right now.

I finally manage to get out of bed. I collect the money. After taking the five million euros from my own safe, Scott is already waiting for me.

I step into Matteo Conti’s villa with two black sports bags in my hands. I head toward his office. I don’t knock — I just make my presence known.

“Come in!”

I open the door and close it behind me. I set the two bags beside his desk.

“Well, Ghost. That pace is impressive again,” he laughs. “I knew I could trust you. You’re my best person, my right hand.”

I nod. I never speak unnecessarily, never question orders. I do what must be done and keep my mouth shut. But now I have to mention Lorena. Nothing can remain hidden.

“Matteo, I need to talk to you.”

He looks at me questioningly. He’s not used to this.

“Of course. I hope there’s no problem?”

I shake my head. “Sit down, don’t just stand there. Would you like a whiskey, bourbon, or something else?”

“No, thank you.”

“If you don’t mind, I’ll have one.” He pours himself a drink and sits behind his desk. I do the same.

“What do you want to talk about? I hope the Poles haven’t caused trouble again. Their numbers are growing, and it’s starting to piss me off.”

“Lucas has things under control. You don’t need to worry.” I look at the bags, then at Matteo. “I brought the money… and I also made a decision. I’m going to get married.”

Matteo chokes on his sip. The amber liquid splashes, covering the corner of the desk. Shock freezes his expression.

“Holy hell, you want to kill me? Don’t joke.” He laughs, but when he sees I’m not smiling, he stops immediately. “You’re not joking! Who the hell could have wrapped you around their finger like this? She must know something if she softened you up.”

I start growling — he hears it. We don’t speak of other men’s women. That rule applies to him too. He quickly raises both hands.

“I’m sorry, that was disrespectful. But forgive me — it’s just unbelievable. You don’t… I mean, I understand, but since Sylvia…”

“Don’t bring her into this!” I raise my voice. Her name is never mentioned, ever!

“All right! And what do we know about your new bride?”

“Her name is Lorena Bazzi.”

It doesn’t take him long to realize the situation. He knows exactly who was on that list.

“Damn it, Ghost. You took on her father’s debt? That’s what this is about?”

“Her father died, and she couldn’t pay. She wanted a way out — this was the only solution.”

Saying it aloud sounds terrible.

“She looks like him, doesn’t she?”

I won’t discuss that with him.

“All right, you wouldn’t answer anyway. I think you made a mistake. It’s not that you didn’t kill her. But I assume she doesn’t move in our circles. A lamb among wolves. We’re on the brink of war. The Poles and the Russians are breathing down our necks. If this blows up, you’re my best person, and they’ll look for your weak spot. With a wife around your neck, you give them a target.”

“That’s true, but I don’t plan to broadcast it.”

“She’ll be your responsibility once you take her. You’re foolish if you think this won’t get out. You’re Ghost. Everyone knows you. You’ve lurked in the shadows until now, but with a woman by your side, it won’t be so easy anymore. But your reputation commands respect. No one dares cross you.”

Matteo is right. If war breaks out, Lorena won’t be safe. But that’s not happening now. Maybe by then she won’t even be with me. If she is, I’ll deal with it then.