How to Love the Stars | Ghost (Simon Riley)

Chapter 41

Price's voice sounded through their earpieces. "We have a target. Carlos Gutiérez. He is planning to trade with Hassan after the missile launch. He imports and exports drugs illegally in and out of Las Almas. Apprehend him, take him in alive for questioning."

Somehow, Althea felt as if the statement was directed towards her. Ghost glanced her way with a look of shared understanding, his lips forming a silent but unmistakable 'alive' as he wore a playful grin.

Price continued. "Soap, Gaz, Alejandro. Hassan is on the lower deck. He has the launch codes. The launch code is also the code to disarm the missile. Capture him get the code and stop the missile. Ghost, once Althea has successfully captured Carlos, you need to get to the control room and disarm the security protocols on the missile. Hassan has already recorded the mechanism controlling it. We've already prepared a diversion for you."

Suppressing a theatrical roll of her eyes, Althea locked onto their target, Carlos Gutiérrez, amid the kaleidoscope of revelry on the deck. His dark, sharp eyes surveyed the crowd, narrowing over his crooked nose. He had a condescending air around him, his head held high. Even though he wasn't very tall, he always seemed to be looking down at everyone. He stood there, an island of subtlety amidst a sea of vibrant, flamboyant partygoers, his demeanor inconspicuous but every inch the focal point of their mission. He was dressed subtly, which was a mistake in this party. He stuck out like a sore thumb. The orchestra lifted their instruments, and to the delight of the audience, began to play a fast, dark waltz. The party was filled with many people of high social status, and of course, they all knew the steps to the waltz. Luckily, Althea did too.

Ghost, with his ever-present swagger, extended a gloved hand to Althea, and as their fingers brushed, an electric charge coursed through her. "Care for a dance, love?" he purred, his voice barely a whisper above the pulsating beats of the music. His light hair caught the light, seeming to glow.

A wicked grin crept across Althea's lips as she responded in kind, her eyes locked onto their quarry. "Of course, sir. It would be my pleasure." Their dance was to be one of deception and intrigue as they moved in to apprehend Gutiérrez, all the while concealing their true intentions from the watchful eyes around them.

Althea's gloved fingers intertwined with Ghost's, a touch that spoke volumes beneath the surface of their mission. The sweltering night air wrapped around them like a clandestine promise as they joined the ebb and flow of the dance, their steps a seamless blend of grace and deception, moving in sync with the rest of the audience.

The deck was an explosion of vibrant colors and silhouettes, a spectacle of extravagance that concealed the clandestine operation underway. The dance floor itself was a kaleidoscope of patterns, with dancers twirling in a mesmerizing array of movements, their outfits a spectrum of luxurious fabrics and shimmering jewels. The music pulsed through the night, an intoxicating blend of rhythmic beats and sultry melodies that seemed to breathe life into the revelry.

As Althea and Ghost glided across the floor, the warmth of the evening clung to their skin, and the scent of salt and ocean mingled with the perfumes and colognes of the partygoers. The moon, high above in the star-studded sky, cast its silvery glow over the scene, its gentle radiance amplifying the air of mystery.

Their dance was a seductive performance, an intricate choreography of trust and strategy. Althea moved with a practiced poise, her body responding to Ghost's lead with a precision that concealed their true intent. Her dress clung to her form, the fabric flowing with each fluid step, and the subtle glint of a concealed weapon beneath it was a testament to the double life she led. Her eyes never left her target, her laser focus clear.

Ghost, her partner in this high-stakes ruse, exuded charm and charisma as he guided her through the throng of revelers. His tailored tuxedo exuded sophistication, and his every move was a masterful play, the embodiment of their cover identities. The twinkle in his eye was not just from the dance but from the thrill of the mission unfolding. He was an exceptional dancer, to Althea's surprise. At the very least, his dancing skills far exceeded his driving skills.

For fleeting seconds, she could almost believe that she was alone with him, that there was not one other person in the world. All she would have to do was close her eyes.

But she didn't want to close them. She wanted to see. She reveled in the experience, the thrill of the mission. The thrill of dancing, the thrill of the perfect match of their movements.

As the music came to a crashing close, he dropped her into a heart-stopping dip, deftly catching her with an arm around her waist, and his fingers intertwined so tightly with hers that she felt as if she could feel the vibrations of the instruments in her chest. But there they were, successfully at the other side of the boat, standing only 5 feet away from her target.

"Looks like this is where we split up." Althea gave him a small smile, pulling away. He said nothing at first, not making any move to pull away as she slipped her hand out of his. His hand lingered on her waist, his eyes still tracing the expressions on her face. "Before you go, take this." He removed a small ring from the pocket of his jacket. He ran his finger along the edge, revealing a small, concealed blade. She moved to take it, but he took her hand, slipping it on her finger for her. It was delicate but deadly, its needle-thin exterior made it appear all the less dangerous, almost invisible. He held her hand for only one perfect, fleeting moment before finally letting her go. 

"Thank you." Althea gave him one last smile.

He nodded at her, hesitating before continuing. "Be... careful."

"I'm always careful." With a smirk, she curtsied before departing.

He lingered only a moment longer, watching her melt into the crowd, before heading toward the control room.

A/N: AHHHH GUYS I'M SO HAPPY! I love reading all of your comments and seeing you all vote on my story! I might be posting less frequently, but I find a lot of joy and motivation in knowing that there are people waiting for the next chapter. I will continue to write this story to the end, and I hope you enjoy every step of it! Have a wonderful day everybody, and make sure to take care of yourself. Also, if you are reading this go do work or do something productive, there's nothing worse than wasting time!!!!

THANK YOU ALL FOR READING!! See you all next time!