Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Chapter 10 A Dangerous Attraction

Caleb’s POV

The moment she turned around, the world tilted on its axis.

Those emerald eyes. Bright and lethal like perfectly cut gems that could slice a man’s soul in half. Her full lips, the elegant curve of her neck, and that slender figure wrapped in a dress that should be classified as a weapon—every curve designed to bring men to their knees.

"Well, well," Xavier’s voice cut through my trance like a blade.

My jaw clenched with murderous intent. The sight of my consigliere openly appreciating my new assistant sent a surge of possessive rage through my veins that caught me completely off guard.

"You must be the new blood who went to war with the boss," he continued with that lethal charm that had women confessing their deepest secrets.

I watched her cheeks flush the most enticing shade of pink as she stumbled over her words, and something primal in me wanted to eliminate every man who had ever seen that blush.

"I’m Xavier Black, consigliere and best friend to the beast beside me," he introduced himself, extending his hand toward her with predatory grace. "And you’re the legendary Ivy Brooks."

My eyes narrowed to deadly slits as their hands touched. What the fuck was wrong with me? I’d never felt this territorial over anyone before, especially not an employee I’d just encountered.

"Xavier, please," he insisted, flashing that dangerous smile before gesturing toward me. "And this terrifying specimen is Caleb Thorne, your new Don."

Her gaze shifted to meet mine, and something earth-shattering happened. A bolt of recognition so powerful it nearly brought me to my knees. Those striking green eyes widened with what looked like shocked realization, her perfect lips parting as if she’d seen a ghost.

"Miss Brooks," I managed, my voice coming out rougher and more threatening than intended.

"Mr. Thorne, it’s... a pleasure to finally meet you," she replied, extending her trembling hand.

The moment our skin connected, lightning struck. Her hand was soft and warm, fitting perfectly in mine like she’d been crafted specifically for my touch. I couldn’t remember ever reacting this violently to simple contact. The scent of her perfume—something intoxicating and dangerously familiar—drifted toward me, stirring memories I couldn’t quite capture.

I realized I’d been holding her hand far longer than appropriate, my thumb unconsciously stroking across her knuckles in a gesture that was unmistakably possessive.

"We’ll be in my office," I said abruptly, needing to escape her presence before I did something that would compromise us both. "Bring the chamomile tea in fifteen minutes."

I strode past her, carefully avoiding any contact that might shatter what remained of my control. Once inside my sanctuary, I took a steadying breath, trying to regain the composure that had never failed me before.

Xavier followed, closing the door with deliberate precision. The moment it shut, a knowing smirk spread across his face like a predator scenting blood.

"Don’t," I warned, my voice carrying lethal promise.

"I didn’t say a word," he replied, raising his hands in mock surrender as he settled into one of the chairs across from my desk with casual elegance.

"You didn’t need to. Your face says everything." I loosened my tie, suddenly feeling like I was being strangled by silk.

"Admit it, Thorne. She’s absolutely devastating."

I shot him a glare that had made grown men weep. "She’s an employee."