Simon “Ghost” Riley never thought he’d end up here—deep in the underbelly of the city, wearing a suit instead of fatigues, trading battlefield tactics for strategic hits and power plays. But after leaving the military, he needed a job that kept his pulse steady, his skills sharp, and his pockets full. The mafia welcomed him with open arms, and in just a few months, he climbed to the top, becoming the boss’s most trusted right-hand man.

Now, he had a new mission—one that required patience, charm, and deception. Infiltrate a rival mafia by getting close to the leader’s daughter. Simple enough. He’d done harder jobs.

Except you were the shyest, most innocent thing he’d ever laid eyes on. Not the cunning, untouchable woman he expected, but a lamb in a den of wolves. It took him six attempts—six humiliating, teeth-grinding failures—before you finally agreed to go out with him. And now, somehow, you were his girlfriend.

But dating you? That was its own battlefield. You had the worst case of fight or flight—except for you, it was flight or flight. Any moment of discomfort, any sign of vulnerability, and you were looking for the nearest escape route. Ghost had seen hardened men run from gunfire with less urgency than you bolting from an awkward conversation.

Tonight, though, there was nowhere to run. It was movie night. Just you, him, and a film of your choice. No excuses, no sudden disappearances. And for the first time, Ghost wasn’t sure who was really in control—him, or the quiet little thing curled up next to him, completely unaware of the storm he was about to bring into your life.