Phantom, we need to talk about your next undercover assignment.” Chief motioned for me to take a seat across from him at his desk.
“Tomorrow you will report to RSS (Romano security systems) as a candidate for their cyber security specialist position.“Ricci is a huge client of Romanos and is the best way for us to intercept information now that he’s covering his tracks even more because of the warehouse incident.”We went through my cover story as Evelyn Mower (my mother’s maiden last name). We kept everything as close to the truth as possible so when Romano pulled up my information there would be no way he could find discrepancies.Chief ended our conversation with, “Under no circumstances can Ricci identify you while you are at RSS. It will not only blow your cover but, potentially risk a full out war with the Mafia.”I nodded in understanding and walked out of his office.The next morning I opted out of my usual jeans, converse, and a tee shirt to corporate America's lady boss in a navy blue pencil skirt, white blouse, and a navy suit jacket. My navy heels clicked on the ground as I rushed around my apartment grabbing everything I needed for the day. Before stepping out of the door, I gave Alfredo a kiss and threw some cat themed Snoozie slippers in my purse. I was never a heals kind of gal, so I knew I wouldn’t be able to last the day.Hopping into Bug after switching my license plate, I sped off to RSS.The building or shall I say, skyscraper, couldn’t be missed. After finding a parking space in the visitor lot, I took one final glance in my visor mirror. I made sure to keep my makeup neutral and let my light brown hair cascade in loose curls. I wanted to look professional, but also not over done.Walking into the lounge I was mesmerized by the modern architecture. Floor to ceiling length windows lined the perimeter of the building, shiny white marble floors shine brightly from the sun's rays. After getting my visitor pass, I took the elevator to the 55th floor. A red head receptionist greeted me with a warm smile.“You must be Evelyn,” the receptionist welcomed me by extending a hand.I returned a warm smile. “Yes ma’am” I shook her hand.“Pleasure to meet you Ms.Mowers, my name is Christine. Let me bring you to Mr Romano.Following her lead, I couldn’t help but stare at her gorgeous hourglass figure that was accentuated by her black dress and black pumps.She knocked on a frosted glass door and heard a deep baritone voice that told us to come in.My breath hitched when I saw him. The pictures of Kaden Romano did not do him justice. He stood leaning his backside to the front of his desk wearing a charcoal gray suit with a crisp white shirt that is tailored to look like another skin on him. Tattoos peaked out at the end of his sleeves. He looked like an Italian God, with jet black hair tousled on top and trimmed on the sides. Dark whiskey colored eyes seem to stare into my soul, everything from his extremely short stubble to the way he leaned against his desk, oozed power, masculinity, and dominance. As he stood, he extended his hand to shake mine. I half craned my neck to reach his eyes, now that he is closer. Taking His hand, it engulfed my little one. It took a lot for me to get intimidated, and Kaden Romano made me feel as such along with a ping of lust that pooled between my thighs. Plastering a smile on my face I returned the hand shake.“Please to meet you Ms. Mowers,” his voice was a woman's wet dream laced with a hint of an Italian accent.“Nice to meet you sir,” I responded, trying to keep my voice strong.“Please have a seat,” he gestured to the seat opposite his office chair. I obliged and neatly folded my hands on my lap over my notebook.Mr. Romano shuffled some papers on his desk. “So Ms. Mowers, how does a person who works at an Elite gym think they will be an asset to RSS?” His whiskey colored eyes continue to bore into me.Well at least he is straight to the point. I cleared my throat before stating, “Well, as you know, since you mentioned the word “elite,” that the clientele I currently work with is higher than a standard gym. My job is to make sure all of our clients' information remain confidential while making sure our facility is fully secured from anyone who may want to get their next story. As a clearly successful businessman, Mr Romano, I would hope that you could see the value of a candidate who understands the discretion and security of clients.”A small smirk came across his gorgeous face. “Fair enough,” He stood up and walked over to the ceiling to the floor length window. His back to me. It took all of me not to drool over this man’s physique, especially from behind. “Tell me Ms. Mowers, why is it that I could only find little information about you? Your online footprint is slim to none. It's like you don’t exist.” He looked over his shoulder at me with a raised eyebrow.I knew he would look into the fake file and I prepared for this question. Without my voice wavering I looked him dead in the eye as I spoke. “What potential could I possibly provide to a security employer if I did not make sure that my identity and personal information was secured and confidential. If I was careless with my own information, that would defeat the purpose of why I am seeking this opportunity and please call me Evelyn, Ms. Mowers make me sound old.” I teaseI am greeted with a smirk and a chuckle. “Very well, Evelyn. Since I was not able to find out much about you, tell me something about you that is beyond the stereotypical information.” He turns to me crossing his arms over his chest.I couldn't lead with ‘oh well my so called stepfather is responsible not only for my father’s death, and is one of the lead sex traffickers in the country, so I am looking to destroy him and I’m here to infiltrate as much information as I can since he’s a client.’Instead I went with “My work is my life. Some people would call that unhealthy, but to me it’s everything. Our world runs on data, and it's important to understand the value of that data and how it affects peoples lives. I have always been someone who likes being in the shadows; absorbing information, while remaining anonymous and undetected.” In order for this undercover assignment to work, I knew that I would need to divulge some truth in order to be successful.“Like a ghost,” Romano says quietly.“Exactly.” My cheeks flush, I knew it was a risk to say all of that, but there was no way he could know I was Phantom.“If I offer you the job Ms.- Evelyn,” he clears his throat, “You will be responsible for one of RSS’s biggest accounts. Do you understand that no matter what you find, you must remain confidential at all times? At no point may you discuss client information unless it is with a superior or a meeting warrants discussion.do you understand that there may be times that may test your own moral code, but understand to remain a neutral entity as long as it doesn’t involve a security risk? Do you understand that you will be required to sign a non-disclosure ?”I nod my head in agreement. “Yes sir.”“Do you have any questions, Ms.. Evelyn?” Kade sat back in his seat and reclined. Looking completely relaxed, while my heart felt like it would thump out of my chest. I thought for a moment before responding.“I believe we all have evil in us. It’s what we do with that evil that defines us. So I ask you, do you use your evil for good or bad?” I knew all about the tall, dark, and dangerous mob boss that I was speaking to. It was a bold question, however I knew that in order to make an impression, I needed to be bold.He took a moment to give my question some thought. “Some would say that good and bad are inferred differently by people. Some might think that I use my skills or ‘evil’ for bad; however I would argue that in the grand scheme of things I use my evil for the greater good. Sometimes we are forced to do bad things in order to get good outcomes.”I couldn’t help but wonder if his definition of the greater good matched mine. Only time would tell.Kade POVI don’t know what I expected from Evelyn Mowers, but it certainly was not this. Not only was she gorgeous, which was emphasized by her outfit that fit her curves just right, her last question threw me off guard. It was a bold question, but I couldn’t help but admire her confidence that came through as she spoke. I by no means thought I was a good man. You couldn’t be when you were the Don of the Italian Mafia. I killed those who wronged me or my family. However, I lived by a specific code, that my father and grandfather refused to live by. Following this code of ethics, allowed me to avoid unnecessary casualties and kept me from law enforcement's radar. After my father died from a heart attack over a year ago, I was forced to take on his empire along with his reputation as The Reaper. One could not get this name without being considered a monster. Although the reputation did keep my enemies in line, it also meant I acquired relationships like Anthony Ricci, that I did not w
Evelyn POV:The Hive was not at all what I thought it would be nor were the team members what I envisioned. With RSS prestige reputation, I figured I would be walking into a stuffy, black tie, office with everything in pristine order. Instead I was pleasantly surprised by a welcoming room with people dressed casually.A short curvy blonde named Lennie was the first to say hello. Her face was priceless when she was caught with a piece of pizza hanging from her mouth. Once seated, Lennie overviewed the purpose of the Hive. A tall, skinny male with shaggy brown hair and brown eyes stared at me with a blank expression as he sat across from me. His faded band t-shirt and jeans looked wrinkled as if he hadn't had any sleep in days. If I had to guess, that was Jax. Next to him was a tall red head, a woman with delicate features. She was naturally beautiful which was accentuated with a dusting of freckles along her cheeks and the bridge of her nose. She had a beaming smile and green eyes t
EVELYN POVAs I pulled up to Domino's Gym, I noticed the familiar vehicles of my team. I was surprised they all beat me when usually I was the first one to show up for meetings. I walked into the main entry of the gym and was greeted by our regular clients. Buddha was in the weight room spotting Arrow on the bench press. As soon as Buddha noticed me, a wide grin filled his face. It was their queue that it was time for the meeting.The conference room was located on the far side of the gym, hidden by a set of double doors that read “employees only.” I placed my hand on the scanner so it could read my handprint. It was a security measure that ensured that no patron would access the area. The scanner beeped and allowed me access through the doors. The bare hallway illuminated as I walked down the hallway that led to the conference room. The conference room was large with a huge oak table sat in the middle. On the back wall lined artillery and tech gear. Adjacent hung a large screen to
Evelyn POV As I entered the skyscraper of RSS, I was greeted by the friendly face of Lennie. She handed me my badge and guided me through security. One of the security officers chuckled when he saw the contents of my bag. Snoozie slippers, marshmallows, a massive yeti filled with coffee, and a framed picture of me and Alfredo.My face heated. I couldn’t help that I needed certain things in order to function and if I wanted to make this look real I needed to personalize my office space. “Welcome Ms. Mowers. I hope you enjoy your marshmallows.” The officer greeted me. Lennie looked confused until she saw my bag. “You’ll fit in just fine. Don’t worry.” Lennie said, giving my arm a little squeeze. As we entered the Hive, I was greeted by Gwen and Ollie. Jax barely spared a glance my way and continued to tap away on his keyboard. As I got settled, I booted up my work computer and put in my credentials. That’s when I noticed my task list along with the rest of the team. Annoyed as I r
Kade POV“Who ratted on Ricci’s shipment? I won’t ask you again.” I rested my hands on the two armrests that our current captive was tied to. We had been at this for over 2 hours. We needed to find out if Ricci was the one messing with our shipments now that one of his had been hit. But first we needed to know who attacked Ricci. “I swear man, I have no idea. I’m just a transporter for him. No one tells me anything.” The gaunt faced man cried. His little beady eyes filled with tears. I sighed and scrubbed a hand down my face. I squeezed Machine’s shoulder for him to take over. An evil grin took over Evan’s face. The guy had too many loose screws in his head. But that was why I also needed him. He was notorious for getting information. Twirling a knife in his hand he stalked towards the bloody man in the chair. “We are going to play a little game. It’s called I am going to cut things off until you talk. Don’t worry I’ll make sure that you stay alive until you do.” Machine crouched
Evelyn POVI walked into RSS Friday morning to complete chaos. Servers were down, phones weren’t working and staff were racing around the building trying to figure out what was going on. I rushed to the Hive where Jax was already seated typing frantically. “What’s going on?” I asked, quickly logging into items I could. When Jax didn’t respond, I repeated myself. “Jax, what the fuck is going on? You can resume whatever beef you have with me after we fix whatever is happening.” He ran a hand through his hair. My voice snapping me out of what he was working on. “A virus was planted into the server. I can’t find where the bug came from but it’s attacking the entire database.”Fuck this was wasn’t good. I couldn’t help but wonder if the glitches I found were connected to this. “Have you tried calling Mr. Romano?” “Yeah but he’s not picking up, and his secretary said he won’t be in until later this morning. The one day that he doesn’t come in early, Armageddon decides to happen.” The
Kade POV The one day that I did not come to the office early, was the one day that almost cost me the entire company. I paid Ricci a visit this morning to give him a gift. The ears of the transporter that Machine cut off last night. The conversation from there, was less than productive. Once I reached the office I was bombarded with questions, calls, texts, and emails. I was so angry to find out that Evelyn went against an order; however I couldn't help but admire her dedication. She clearly cared about others and their personal information. I knew I was harsh with her and Lennie. I made sure to send Lennie a text letting her know that her favorite donuts from her favorite bakery would be delivered to her this afternoon.I didn’t know enough about Evelyn. Except that she drank more coffee than a human should, she has a cute cat, and wore silly slipper socks.I needed to find out more about her and I knew just the place. —-Evan was all too eager to go to Domino’s with me. He knew
Evelyn POVThe universe was against me for whatever reason. It didn’t matter that Kaden Romano was the sexiest man I’d ever seen . His ego was enough to dampen his sex appeal. And now, he was in my sanctuary. Bursting my Kade-free zone bubble. Kade stood behind me getting into the first position. The first objective was to get out of a chokehold from behind. Badger demonstrated the moves with Machine who was visibly getting frustrated by each take down. “Ready?” Kade whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. The smell of his cologne overstimulated my senses. “Yes” the word sounded sharper than I had intended. Focus Evelyn. This isn’t the first hot guy you’ve trained with! His arm wrapped around my throat pulling me flush to him. He wasn’t squeezing hard which annoyed me even more. “If you’re going to train with me, don’t baby me.” I titled my head to look up at him. Any closer and our lips could touch. “As you wish, princess.” He tightened his grip, cutting off my airw