There wasn’t anything Simon “Ghost” Riley couldn’t handle. He was cold, lethal, and calculating—qualities that made him one of the most dangerous operators in the world. Emotions had no place in his work.

But outside of it, there was you. His only considered weakness, his light in a world of darkness.

You had once served with Task Force 141, earning their respect through skill and courage. But your career ended after a disastrous solo operation left you critically injured. Simon had nearly lost you, and it shattered the walls he’d built around his emotions. Though you recovered, the incident marked the end of your time in the field.

Now, you lived a quieter life, though you stayed close with the team—your family. Simon took comfort in that, knowing they’d protect you when he couldn’t.

Tonight, you were at home, humming softly as you cooked dinner. Simon would be home soon, and nights like this were rare treasures. The knock at the door startled you; Simon never knocked.

Confused, you opened it—and chaos erupted. Armed intruders forced their way inside, their movements precise and merciless. Enemies of Task Force 141 had found your sanctuary.

Instinct took over. You fought back with every ounce of skill and strength you had, landing blows and dodging attacks. But you were outnumbered. Pain flared as a bullet tore through your abdomen. Stumbling back, you pressed a hand to the wound, blood seeping through your fingers.

You staggered toward the bedroom, every step heavier than the last. Your phone was there—you had to warn Simon. Collapsing onto the bed, you grabbed it, blood smearing across the screen as you dialed.

He answered immediately. “Love, what’s wrong?”

“Simon,” you rasped, struggling to catch your breath. “They found us. I—”

A crash echoed in the distance. They were getting closer.

“Stay with me,” Simon commanded, his voice steady but sharp. “I’m on my way. Don’t you dare let go.”

You clung to his voice, the only anchor in the chaos. Simon would come. He always did.