The Ghost in Me - Chain my Soul

1

PREFACE

The novel you are about to read was conceived in 2018 thanks to an incredibly intense dream: a chance encounter, immense attraction, and unforgettable, deep blue eyes.

I published The Ghost in Me: Chain my Soul in Italy in 2020, but my true dream was to reach US readers and the international market. I have always felt that this story belonged to America. It was a long and tough road to get where I am now, but here we are. You are reading my first novel and I have fulfilled my dream.

I hope you enjoy the story, and that the characters' toxic, dark, sinful romance will chain your soul to them, as it has mine.

Welcome to Sub Vegas.

Alysha J. Black

CHAPTER 1

Amara

12 April 2067

Today is a bright, sunny day in Las Vegas. Just like every Thursday, I'm heading to the gym to train. I live in a quiet, upper-class neighborhood – one of the most expensive areas in the city – thanks to my parents' line of work. Both successful lawyers, they bought our house here in The Lakes when I was born. They wanted to raise their only daughter in a safe, residential neighborhood.

The gym is just a few blocks away. I've been going there for four years already, ever since my parents forbade me from enlisting in the army.

"This war going on between Russia and the US is getting too dangerous," they informed me, "Do you really think we'd run the risk of never seeing you again? Our only daughter?"

They convinced me to drop the idea by promising to find me the city's best martial arts instructor. They could see I needed to quell my urge to seek physical combat, so that's exactly what they did. They found David, a veteran who received an honorable discharge after having lost one of his hands in the war. Luckily, today's cutting-edge technology has made him as good as new. He has a highly advanced, robotic, prosthetic hand and works at the gym as an instructor in close combat, but his experience and knowledge go far beyond that. I feel like I'm his most dedicated student. Combat is a necessity for me, not just a hobby. It allows me to release all the stress built up during the week, while also satisfying my intense desire to learn how to take care of myself.

As I walk along, I think about what I want to do with my life over the next few years. I've never been like most other girls my age, concerned with guys and going out. Right now, I only have a small circle of friends and all they care about is finding an attractive husband and having a family. I want something different, but I'm not exactly sure what. Men have never been a priority, so for now, I've decided to concentrate on building a carrier and developing my own interests.

Some of our equally well-to-do neighbors are outside in the yard playing with their son. The little boy laughs insanely as his father tickles him. I watch as he runs away and climbs like a little monkey up a ladder into his treehouse. They seem so happy. Forgetting my thoughts for a few seconds, I smile and say hello before continuing my pleasant walk to the gym.

I get there fifteen minutes later and head into the women's locker room to change up for my session with David. Inside, the ambiance is minimalistic, modern, and clean. I love the simple, relaxing vibe. There are several black lockers near the entrance and then a changing room, complete with benches and chairs, leading into the shower area. The spacious stalls are luxurious feeling, with dark, opaque glass to ensure privacy. It's obviously an expensive gym and my parents have been paying for my membership for the last four years just to keep me from leaving Las Vegas and joining the army.