12. Allison

I longed for Ghost;it had been seven days since he left, and I was eager for his return. Spartan and Rebel were ready to kill Benni. She was ready to leave and go back to Spain, perhaps because she found it challenging to be around Spartan without feeling a strong attraction. The chemistry between them could light up the entire house.

"He's driving me insane; I can't bear to be in the same room with him," Benni complained, pacing to the window. I can't believe my obsession with him. He"s just so irresistibly attractive! I mean, it can't be his personality. He's a damn jackass. I need to get out of this place before I do something reckless like walking naked into his room."

"The only time I have ever slept with Spartan was when I seduced him. Can you believe that? The man devoured my body; it was incredible. My first and only time I've had sex. I guess you can see Amy is his."

"Seducing him led to the best thing in my life—Amy. He was furious when he learned I was a virgin. I wouldn't let him leave my body. I wrapped myself around him until he gave in and made love to me. He told me to stay the fuck away from him when the sun was coming up, and he stopped making love to me. So, that's what I did. I stayed away, but only because I saw a look in his eyes that made me ashamed, Benni said, running a hand through her long blonde hair.

God," she sighed, looking miserable. "I love him so frigging much," she whispered. I'm sure you understand, having been through everything with Ghost. Is that why you moved away?"

"Yes, I know it sounds foolish, but if I hadn't gotten shot, I would never have been able to get back with Ghost. When I saw an opening to be with him, I took it. I love Ghost, and that's all that matters. When he returns, I'll tell him I remembered him later that same day."

"He won't mind; he's so happy being with you. Let's go shopping in the city, and we'll take Rebel with us. Amy adores shopping. We'll leave in the morning and stay the night. If Rebel doesn't want to go, he can stay behind."

"I would love to go shopping, but staying overnight makes me nervous. Why don't we make it a day trip instead? I know you are probably used to going shopping in the city, but I still feel uneasy about staying away overnight."

"What is wrong with me? I'm so sorry, Allison. Of course, you are. Why don't we go another time? I'm not much of a shopper anyway; I usually order everything I want online. I don't even know why I suggested it."

"I enjoy shopping, but I've been feeling a bit apprehensive lately. That's why I always have someone go with me when I check on people. I know I'm being overly cautious, but for now, that's how it is. Being shot changed me; it made me fearful."

"I'm sorry. How about we make some cookies instead of going out?" Benni suggested, walking over to hug me.

"Yes, that sounds perfect," I said, aware that I sounded like a coward. But I didn't want Spartan to flip out, and I still felt safer if Ghost was around.

"I love oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips. What kind of cookies do you like, Amy?" I asked as she ran into the room.

"Sugar cookies," she exclaimed, jumping up and down. We ended up baking two different types of cookies. I heard something going on outside. I looked out the window and saw Ghost approaching the front door. I ran to meet him, and as he opened the door, I stood there, and he wrapped me in his arms.

I missed you so much, sweetheart." Ghost whispered as he leaned in to kiss me.

I missed you too," I said, looking up at him. Then it hit me; I needed to confess right now that I remembered everything. "I love you so much. That's why I have to tell you I lied," I said, feeling him stiffen beside me.

"What do you mean?"

I remembered everything. When I first woke up in the hospital, I didn't remember that we weren't together. But later that day, my memory returned," tears streamed down my face. "I pretended not to remember because I loved you so much and wanted to be with you. I didn't want to be away from you anymore," I sobbed.

"Sweetheart," Ghost picked me up and carried me to our room. "Hush, I'm glad you pretended. That's why I was in a hurry to marry you. I wanted us married before your memory came back. I love you, and I want to spend every moment I have with you."

"So you"re not upset I lied?"

"No, I'm relieved you did."

"We both chuckled, I cried again, relieved of the burden of my secret. I thought for sure you would be angry," I said, wrapping my arms around him. "How was your trip?"

"We rescued our people, including Jason Jones. He's Emily"s brother; she is married to Kash Walker. Jason is a Navy SEAL, and they were going to put him under a firing squad. Thank goodness we found him when we did," Ghost explained.

I smiled up at him, and he lowered his head and kissed me tenderly. "Do we want to go to bed and celebrate my memory coming back?" I teased, slipping my hands under his shirt.

"Hell, yes," he grinned, pulling my shirt over my head. I laughed as he picked me up and carried me to the bed.