Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 192

Chapter 192: Chapter 192 Girls Night Confessions

Ivy’s POV

We gathered at the Thorne estate’s private dining room, our usual sanctuary where crystal chandeliers cast warm light over marble tables. Armed guards maintained their watchful positions around the perimeter of the family compound, but they respected our need for privacy during our weekly gathering. My friends were practically vibrating with curiosity about my wedding night with Caleb, and I was more than willing to indulge them with every romantic detail of how tender and passionate my mafia don husband had been.

"Enough about me," I said, turning to Zoe with a knowing smile. "How’s domestic life treating you with Finn?"

"Ivy, Finn is absolutely divine," Zoe practically glowed. "He brings me coffee in bed every morning, plans these incredible surprise dates, and treats me like I’m the most precious thing in his world."

"Finn’s always been a true gentleman," Nora nodded approvingly from her seat at our private table.

Ruby shifted her attention to Gemma. "What about you and Hunter? I thought you two might hit it off."

Gemma shrugged, though I caught a flicker of disappointment in her eyes. "We went out a few times, but I couldn’t relax around him. When nothing physical happened, he basically told me he wasn’t interested in waiting around for me to figure things out."

"God, I’m so sorry, Gemma. I had no idea he’d be such an ass about it. Xavier tore him a new one when he found out," Ruby apologized, genuine regret coloring her voice.

"It’s fine, really. At least he was upfront about it," Gemma said. "Besides, I can’t stop thinking about Dominic. His mother cornered me at the wedding and said some things that got me thinking. We had lunch today and he seemed so sincere when he apologized. I told him we could try being friends, but now he’s invited me to stay at his family’s safe house and I have no idea what to expect."

"That sounds promising, Gemma. You’ll be able to see if he’s really changed," Zoe suggested, though her tone carried an edge I recognized from our years navigating the dangerous world of mafia relationships.

Nora raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you so supportive, Zoe?"

"Who says I’m being supportive?" Zoe’s grin turned wicked. "I’m thinking she can test his resolve. Drive him absolutely crazy, make him beg for her attention, then pull back when he least expects it."

Gemma’s eyes lit up with mischief. "I’m listening. What exactly did you have in mind?"

"Are you going there tonight?" Zoe asked.

"Looks like it. I already packed and my bags are in the armored car," Gemma sighed.

"Ruby and Lila had to do the same thing with their men, and look how well that worked out," I pointed out encouragingly, remembering how dangerous courtships worked in our world.

"Here’s what you do," Zoe leaned forward conspiratorially. "Wear the most seductive pajamas you own and parade around in front of him. Tell him you can’t sleep and ask him to keep you company. Tease him until he’s practically coming out of his skin, then suddenly get tired and leave him hanging."

"I like where this is going," Gemma’s smile turned predatory. "I think I can work with that strategy."

"Your turn, sweetie," Zoe turned to Lila. "You called this emergency meeting. What did our sexy Capo do to you?"

"Well, for starters, he did this." Lila pulled down her collar to reveal an enormous purple mark on her neck. "Not that I’m complaining, but..."

"Christ almighty, Lila! That man’s going to devour you whole," Nora exclaimed, making us all burst into laughter. "Look at the size of that thing! It’s making me hot just looking at it."

"He definitely has that raw, primal energy that runs in mafia families," Zoe observed with appreciation. "But he told you he could be gentle, right? So what’s the problem?"

"He is gentle, but there’s something else I can’t quite put into words," Lila’s cheeks flushed crimson.

"What do you mean you can’t explain it?" I pressed gently.

"He walked me home after the wedding and we kissed," Lila’s voice dropped to almost a whisper, her face now matching her neck. "It’s just that I don’t know how to..."

"Wait a minute," Nora interrupted, studying Lila’s expression carefully. "That was your first kiss, wasn’t it? I recognize that look, Lila. You’ve never kissed anyone before."

"Yes," Lila whispered, looking like she might cry from embarrassment as we all stared at her in shock.

"Hold on," Ruby said slowly. "Are you telling us you’re a virgin?"

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