"Dubai... Japan..." she repeated, trying to process the speed at which Daniel's world was moving. The idea of her parents, of her Japanese mother, meeting Daniel, the mysterious and powerful "Ghost," was something she had never imagined. "My parents? They... they would love it. My mother would be so happy to see Japan again and introduce it to you.A wave of warmth spread through her, a mixture of affection and gratitude. It was a meaningful gesture, a sign that Daniel wanted to integrate himself into her life in a way no one else had.
Daniel squeezed her hand across the table, his smile soft and reassuring.For me, Elara, the world is limitless; it's just a gateway where we make a difference. And speaking of which, give me your passport. I need to add visas for all countries to it.He winked, a touch of humor in his eyes. She handed it over, feeling the lightness of her old life slipping away, giving way to a new era of adventure and purpose with the man who was her universe.
The aroma of grilled salmon and red wine wafted through the dining room as Daniel and Elara enjoyed their lunch. The light filtered through the crystal chandelier danced across the fine china and silverware. Everything seemed like a perfect scene of tranquility and luxury, but Daniel's mind was already racing, orchestrating the next steps of his life with Elara.
As Elara finished her plate, Daniel made a subtle gesture to Henry, who approached the table with his usual discretion, almost like an efficient shadow.
"Henry," Daniel began, his voice calm and direct, without taking his eyes off Elara, but with the authority of someone giving irrefutable orders. "Please start preparing the cars for shipment to the airport. I want them loaded onto the plane before we leave."
Henry nodded, a barely audible "Yes, sir," and stepped back to perform the task. The efficiency of his team was something Daniel valued, a well-oiled machine operating behind the scenes of his complex life.
Daniel turned to Elara, the glow in his eyes intensifying. He took her hand across the table, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver across her skin.Honey, call your parents and invite them to family dinner tonight. How about they meet me? We're leaving in two days. And I didn't even ask, honey, do you have any siblings? If so, invite them too."
Elara felt a mixture of surprise and warmth in her chest. The idea of introducing Daniel to her family, to those who had known her forever, was a huge step. Her mind was already beginning to imagine her mother's reaction, her father's curiosity. She smiled.
"Yes, Daniel, of course! I would love to.Her voice was a little choked with emotion. "I have a younger brother, Kenji. He'll love meeting you. My parents, well, they'll be... surprised, but very happy. They'll love the idea of meeting you before we leave." She squeezed his hand, grateful for his gesture of inclusion.
Daniel smiled back, a genuine smile he rarely showed others. He released her hand, and Elara picked up her phone, already planning the call. As she dialed, Daniel leaned back in his chair, thinking. There was more to be done before they could embark on their new adventure. It was time to beef up security and make sure everything was spotless for Elara.
He asked Henry, who was nearby, for the satellite phone. The device, a robust device with a prominent antenna, was clearly designed for secure communication anywhere on the planet. Daniel held it to his ear, and within seconds, the call was connected. His tone changed, becoming more formal, but with an underlying familiarity.
"Hello, my good friend Erik Prince, how are you?" Daniel said, his voice filled with an authority Elara hadn't heard before. The silence of the room allowed her to hear the murmur on the other end of the line, before a deep, experienced voice answered.
Erik Prince's voice, coming from the other end, was equally direct, without flourishes.Daniel, my dear. Always a pleasure to hear from you. I'm fine, as always, in command of the chaos, you know how it is. And you? What brings you to call me directly instead of through the usual channels? I assume it's something big." There was a note of curiosity mixed with respect in Erik's voice.
Daniel smirked, a gleam of cunning in his eyes.You know me well, Erik. Yes, it's a big deal. I need a team, Erik. A top-tier team, like the president's. Do you have one? I want the best of the best. Those who don't ask, just act."
The line went silent for a brief moment, a sign that Erik was processing the request. Elara, pretending to be absorbed in the conversation with her parents, actually listened to every word, her heart beating a little faster. A "level one, equal to the president's" team—this only confirmed the scale of the world she was about to enter.
Then Erik Prince's voice echoed again, more measured now.Level one, Daniel? That's a... substantial request. You know these men and women are the best. They're on high-risk, highly sensitive missions. They're not easily expendable. But for you... there's always a way. I have a few names in mind. Former special operators, intelligence, counterterrorism. They're the ghosts of ghosts. But why the urgency and such specificity? What kind of operation are we talking about?"
Daniel leaned back in his chair, the calm in his voice almost chilling, considering what he was saying.Yes, they'll be authorized for heavy weapons, as always, Erik. With me, you know I can do anything. This isn't a rescue operation, Erik. Not in the traditional sense. It's more... protection. For my wife. She's coming to my world, and that world, you know, has its own shadows. I need maximum, absolute protection, 24 hours a day, wherever we go on the globe. They'll need to be discreet, nearly invisible, but lethal if the situation demands it. I don't want the spotlight, I want efficiency. And above all, I want unquestionable loyalty."
Another brief silence on the line. Erik Prince was a man who understood the gravity of Daniel's words. The mention of "his wife" and the need for "maximum protection" anywhere in the world, authorization for heavy weapons, spoke volumes about the seriousness of the situation.
Finally, Erik answered, his voice carrying an unusual gravity.Got it, Daniel. Your wife. This changes everything. You know that securing someone at this level requires a considerable amount of infrastructure. But if it's for you, and for her, you can consider it done. The team will be assembled with the best available. People you can trust completely. They'll be ready for the mission as soon as you give the green light. Discretion will be the priority, as always. I'll arrange the logistics and initial training, taking into account the specific terrain you specify. And yes, authorization for 'heavy weapons' will be included, under your supervision, as usual. Anything else, Daniel?"
Daniel glanced at Elara, who had already ended her call and was watching him with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. He gave her a reassuring smile before answering Erik.Not yet, my friend. Just hurry up. I need this team ready before we leave. Keep the details confidential, you know. We'll talk soon."
He ended the call, the satellite phone still in his hand. Daniel's brown eyes landed on Elara's, a glint of determination and possessiveness in them. The promise of a world without limits came with a new layer of complexity and a security beyond anything she had ever imagined. She was Daniel's woman, and he would do anything to protect her in his new role.
They climbed back up to theclosetsumptuous, a paradise ofdesignWith mirrored walls and lighted closets displaying rows of impeccable clothing, custom-made shoes, and luxurious accessories, the air was filled with the soft scent of fine leather and expensive fabrics. Elara, still wrapped in a soft towel, watched Daniel as he ran his hand over the perfectly tailored suits.
"Daniel," Elara began, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she picked up arobeof silk that was hanging."You're acting strange. You're anxious about dinner, aren't you? This is your first time meeting a mother-in-law and father-in-law, isn't it?"
Daniel turned to her, an almost comical expression of apprehension on his normally unflappable face. He let out a sigh, his commanding air giving way to a trace of vulnerability that Elara found endearing.Elara, you know me too well. Yes, this is a first. It's never happened before. It's... different." He ruffled his hair with one hand, a rare gesture of nervousness. "I usually deal with heads of state, warlords, and criminal tycoons... but in-laws? That's a whole new minefield."
Elara laughed, the sound crystal clear and light. She moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.Don't be silly, Daniel. My parents will love you. They trust my judgment, and if I trust you, they'll give you a chance. But you'll have to be... a little lessGhostand a little more Daniel."
He hugged her back, her scent, a blend of jasmine and her natural essence, filling his senses.LessGhost...I'll try. But speaking ofGhostand in worlds, we need to talk about the trip and what you're going to tell them." He led her to an upholstered bench in the center of thecloset, between the islands of drawers with jewelry and watches.