Chapter 3 - Shadows in the Penthouse
By midnight, Tessa had been safely transferred to a private, heavily guarded VIP wing at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Vance assured me that acute pulmonary failure was a severe risk, but with aggressive treatment, specialized oxygen therapy, and complete rest, she would stabilize.
I sat in a leather armchair beside her hospital bed, watching the steady rise and fall of her chest. Ruby was asleep on a cot in the adjoining family room, exhausted from the emotional whiplash of the day. Nash stood quietly by the door, holding a thick manila folder under his arm.
"Speak," I murmured, not taking my eyes off Tessa.
"Word is spreading through the syndicate, Boss," Nash said in a low, cautious tone. "The Ramos cartel caught wind that you've set up a permanent residence for a woman and a child in a high-security medical wing. They think you're showing vulnerability. Victor Ramos is testing the waters."
I slowly stood up, rolling my shoulders. The gentle warmth I felt looking at Ruby vanished instantly, replaced by the cold, calculating fury of the Ghost.
"Victor Ramos thinks a stray dog can bark at a lion because the lion stopped to feed its cub?" I whispered, walking over to the window and looking down at the glittering Los Angeles skyline. "He forgets why they call me the Ghost. Set a meeting for tomorrow night at the docks. Tell him I want to discuss his 'concerns' face-to-face."
"Boss, it's a trap," Nash warned. "Ramos has been stockpiling imported artillery from the South American ports. He's looking to make a move on your territory."
"Good," I replied coldly. "Let him bring everything he has. Let's see how brave Victor feels when he realizes I have a very good reason to clean up this city once and for all."
I turned back to look at Tessa. Her breathing was already sounding deeper and less ragged than it had hours ago. The IV fluids were doing their job. I walked over, brushed a stray lock of chestnut hair from her forehead, and whispered, "Rest, Tessa. Let me handle the monsters for a while."
When morning broke, the hospital room was quiet. Tessa's eyes fluttered open just as the morning sun hit the blinds. She blinked a few times, disoriented by the IV lines and the sterile white walls, before she saw me sitting in the chair next to her, reading a tablet.
"Dante..." she rasped.
"Drink some water," I said, pouring a cup and holding a straw to her lips. She drank gratefully.
"Where... where are we? This place must cost a fortune."
"It's my hospital, essentially," I replied smoothly. "And you're staying here until Dr. Vance signs off on your full recovery. After that, you and Ruby are moving into my estate in Bel-Air."
Tessa's eyes widened in panic. "Bel-Air? Dante, no! That's insane! Your world is violent, dangerous—people want you dead! I can't raise Ruby in a mafia fortress!"
"My estate is the safest place on the North American continent," I said firmly, setting the cup down. "Guards at every gate, bulletproof glass, perimeter sensors, and an entire wing dedicated to whatever you need. You think I'm going to let the mother of my child live in a slum while my enemies are sniffing around? Think again, Tessa."
Before she could argue further, the door burst open. Ruby came running in, clutching her pink teddy bear tightly, followed by a nurse carrying a tray of pancakes and fruit.
May you like
"Mommy!" Ruby cried, scrambling up onto the hospital bed and wrapping her tiny arms around Tessa's neck. "You look better! The doctor said you can eat pancakes today!"
Tessa softened instantly, burying her face in Ruby's hair, letting out a shaky laugh. She looked up at me over Ruby's shoulder, a mix of fear and resignation in her eyes. She knew she couldn't fight me on this. Not anymore.
