Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Chapter 23 Chocolate Cake and Dangerous Confess

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Ivy’s POV

I settled back at my desk as the workday wound down. The afternoon tasks kept my hands busy while my mind processed everything that had happened earlier—Roman’s attack, Caleb’s protective fury, and the dangerous electricity that seemed to crackle between us whenever we were in the same room. Jude’s cheerful voice drifted through the office as he belted out "Oh! Pretty Woman" with surprising vocal talent.

"Jude, you should audition for one of those singing competitions," I called out with genuine admiration.

"Maybe someday, but honestly, I love the adrenaline here too much to leave." His expression shifted to concern as he approached my desk. "Monica filled me in on the drama while I was upstairs handling classified files. You holding up alright?"

"I’m fine, really. Thanks for asking."

"Good to hear. Well, I’m heading out early tonight. My wife got home and texted that she has something special planned. Her surprises are always incredible, so I’m practically racing home."

"Look at you, the devoted husband. Enjoy your evening."

"I will definitely share the details tomorrow over lunch. Hey, we should do something this weekend. I mentioned you to my wife and she’s dying to meet you."

"That sounds wonderful. Would it be okay if I brought someone?"

"Absolutely. See you tomorrow, pretty woman."

His playful nickname made me smile, but before I could respond, a familiar voice spoke directly behind me, so close I could feel his breath against my ear like a dangerous caress.

"Well, Miss Brooks, you’re becoming quite the problem for me. My lieutenant whistles like a lovesick teenager whenever you walk by, my consigliere has nicknamed you pretty woman, I can barely concentrate on business, and now I have an unhealthy obsession with chocolate desserts. Where exactly is this all leading?"

Caleb’s voice carried that dangerously smooth quality that reminded me of warm honey laced with poison.

"Mr. Thorne, you might want to be more careful about developing addictions," I replied, keeping my tone light while refusing to turn around and face those lethal ice-blue eyes.

"Come on, pretty woman, let’s take that beauty of yours somewhere it can be properly appreciated. Dinner sounds perfect after the violence we dealt with today. But don’t think I’m dropping our earlier conversation just because we’re being social." He flashed that knowing wink before heading toward the door where Xavier and Heidi were already waiting by the elevator.

Dinner exceeded my expectations in every dangerous way. The restaurant buzzed with sophisticated conversation and undoubtedly served as a front for high-level criminal meetings. The food was exceptional, and the company kept me laughing throughout the meal despite the undercurrent of lethal tension. When dessert arrived, my boss ordered his now-signature chocolate cake and leaned in close enough that his words tickled my ear.

"Want to help me with this?"

He ran both hands through his hair in that gesture I was beginning to find irresistibly endearing.

"Do you have any idea how frustrated you left me, watching you pleasure yourself when I couldn’t participate?"

"I’m sorry about that, but I was furious with you after what happened during lunch."

"Don’t you dare apologize for that. Just remember next time that I want to join in too," he said with a wickedly seductive smile that promised retribution. "I’m not firing you. You’re incredibly valuable, and whatever develops between us personally, I know it won’t interfere with our professional relationship. Right? So can we just see where this dangerous game goes naturally? And maybe avoid leaving me speechless during important client meetings?"

I nodded, secretly thrilled to know I had rattled this powerful, controlled man so completely.

"Now go get some rest. You must be exhausted. We’ll have a proper conversation tomorrow about where this leads."

He lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to my knuckles that sent electricity shooting up my arm. As I stepped out of the car and headed toward my building entrance, he called out with laughter in his voice.

"Ivy, I’m definitely going to keep provoking you." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

The promise in his words made my blood sing with dangerous anticipation. This game between us was far from over.