Ivy’s POV
My phone buzzed with Parker’s message saying his driver was downstairs waiting. I grabbed my clutch, kissed Max goodnight, and bid farewell to Carmen and Zoe before heading down to the lobby.
The moment I stepped outside, I saw Parker leaning against his armored black sedan, that devastatingly charming smile already spreading across his face. Dear God, why did this man have to be so ridiculously magnetic? I was still completely torn up about Caleb, heartbroken over losing him to the brutal world of mafia politics, but Parker was dangerous in an entirely different way. He radiated this raw power that made my pulse race. Everything about him screamed temptation - the way his expensive cologne enveloped me, how his tailored suits fit his lean frame perfectly, that confident swagger that could make any woman forget her own name in this treacherous underworld.
"Hello there, gorgeous Ivy," he said, closing the distance between us and placing a soft kiss at the corner of my lips that sent electricity shooting through my entire body. "You look even more stunning than usual tonight."
"I... uh... well..." I stammered, clearing my throat as heat crept up my neck. "Good evening, Parker."
His eyes danced with amusement as his grin widened. He placed his warm hand against the small of my back, guiding me toward the passenger side. After opening the door, he leaned in close to help with my seatbelt, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered.
"Enjoying the view, Ivy?"
My eyes went wide and I opened my mouth to protest, but nothing came out.
"Because you’re definitely undressing me with those beautiful eyes of yours," he murmured, gently biting my earlobe before standing up and closing the door. He slid into the driver’s seat with that same mischievous expression. "Tonight is going to be absolutely incredible."
I sat there completely speechless, my mouth hanging open. He had caught me red-handed checking him out and was thoroughly enjoying my embarrassment.
"So Ivy, I know you’re still head over heels for that Thorne monster - and I emphasize still because that’s going to change. But I can tell I’m getting under your skin. Am I wrong about that?"
"Parker, I..." My cheeks burned with embarrassment.
"Come on, we’re both adults here. You’re an incredibly beautiful woman and I’m being completely transparent about wanting you in my organization and in my bed. Just be honest with me - do you feel even the slightest bit of chemistry between us?" He held up his fingers with barely any space between them.
"You’re obviously very attractive, Parker. Every woman in the underground probably fantasizes about being under your protection," I admitted.
"Maybe so, but there’s only one woman I’m thinking about," he said, catching my eyes as we stopped at a red light. "And she’s sitting right here beside me. You still haven’t given me a real answer though."
"Fine, yes Parker. You’re incredibly powerful and I do feel attracted to you," I said, meeting those mesmerizing green eyes.
"Attracted? Come on Ivy, don’t be so proper," he laughed. "Loosen up a little."
"What do you mean, loosen up?" I found myself relaxing despite everything, drawn in by his playful energy.
At the next red light, he turned toward me, his gaze slowly traveling down my body before locking onto my eyes again.
"Like this - I’m completely captivated by you right now. You’re absolutely gorgeous and you’ve got me completely under your spell. I’d protect you from any rival family that dared to touch you."
"Okay, I think I understand," I said as the light changed green and he focused back on driving. Two could play this game. I leaned over and whispered against his ear, "You want honesty? You’re dangerously seductive, devastatingly handsome, and every time you touch me, my skin catches fire. So yes Parker, you definitely affect me, and it’s way more than just a little attraction." I traced my tongue along his earlobe before settling back in my seat, watching goosebumps rise along his arms.
"Damn it Ivy, the second I park this car, I’m going to kiss you senseless," he said, his voice rough with desire and making my stomach flip with anticipation.
Minutes later, we pulled into a private underground garage beneath one of his legitimate business fronts. Parker took my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles before getting out and opening my door. The moment I stepped out, he backed me against the car, his hands finding my waist. He moved closer slowly, never breaking eye contact, brushing his nose against mine tenderly before finally bringing his mouth to mine. The kiss started gentle and sweet, but quickly deepened as I wound my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He caught my bottom lip between his teeth, then soothed it with his tongue. He pulled back just slightly, our bodies still pressed together, eyes still closed.
"God Ivy, you’re going to be the death of me," he breathed against my lips before kissing me again quickly. When he looked at me, his smile was brilliant. "I brought you here to make you happy, but apparently all I have to do is kiss you to see that beautiful smile."
"You’re incredibly arrogant," I laughed, placing my palms flat against his chest. His eyes heated at my touch.


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