Lila’s POV
I practically floated into Thorne Group’s headquarters that morning, radiating happiness despite the dangerous world that surrounded our operations. My inspector had given me the most incredible birthday celebration—breakfast in bed accompanied by tender affection, followed by passionate encounters that continued seamlessly into his private shower. Lost in these delicious memories of our secure penthouse sanctuary, I barely noticed when Daniel’s armored sedan pulled up to the corporate building that served as our family’s legitimate front.
"Where’s your mind wandering, little one?" Daniel asked, his lips curving into that devastating smile that could disarm both prosecutors and rival families alike.
"Just replaying this morning’s activities and wondering if there might be an encore tonight," I admitted, knowing our conversations were safe from surveillance in his specially equipped vehicle.
His eyes darkened instantly with that predatory intensity that made him feared in both the precinct and the underworld. "Do you honestly believe I wouldn’t make you moan and come apart beneath me all night long?" The bluntness of his words sent heat rushing to my cheeks. Even after all this time in his protected world, his uninhibited way of expressing such intimate thoughts still flustered me.
"Is that a guarantee, inspector?" I managed, summoning the courage that came from being under the protection of the Martinez name.
"Absolutely, my little one. I have several ideas for tonight that I think you’ll enjoy in our secure tower."
"You’re feeling particularly inventive today," I teased, enjoying this rare moment of lightness in our heavily guarded existence.
"That’s entirely your fault. That incredible way you pleasured me this morning, looking up at me with those mischievous eyes while taking all of me into that sweet mouth of yours."
"Daniel..." I attempted to sound scolding, but secretly I was thrilled by how much he enjoyed my attentions. The way he responded drove me wild, and I had grown to love the intimacy of that particular act, especially knowing how much trust it represented in our dangerous world.
"Don’t even try to deny it, you sexy minx. It’s written all over your face how much you enjoy it." He laughed knowingly, and I couldn’t argue. He could read me like classified intelligence files, interpreting my every thought just by studying my expressions. "Now go handle those legal contracts, but be careful—you have promises to keep tonight."
I reluctantly bid my inspector goodbye, wishing I could spend the entire day in our fortified penthouse instead of maintaining the legitimate business operations. But family responsibilities came first in our world. The workday began pleasantly with warm hugs and gifts from Xavier, Jude, and Caleb—all trusted associates who understood the delicate balance of keeping Thorne Group’s operations running smoothly.
At noon, Gemma and Ruby arrived to escort me to lunch with proper security protocols, where Ivy, Zoe, and Nora were already waiting at a restaurant owned by one of our allied families. My friends showered me with more hugs and presents, and for dessert, they’d arranged for a cake with candles. The entire establishment joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to me, though I knew half the staff were likely armed and watching for threats. I felt overwhelmed with emotion; never before had my birthday been celebrated so wonderfully, especially with such careful protection.
"Tiny Cipher, tell us what Daniel has planned for tonight," Nora inquired eagerly, using the code name that had stuck since my early days learning the family’s encryption systems.
"He’s taking me to dinner at one of the secured venues and gave me a gorgeous dress," I answered, my mind already wandering to the promises he’d whispered in the car, though those details were staying private even among trusted friends.
"That inspector! He could have organized a gathering and invited all of us to the private dining room," Zoe pouted, making me laugh at her feigned indignation. "Well, since that’s how it is, make sure you wear the lingerie I gave you tonight. Your inspector won’t know what hit him."
"Oh, Zoe! Only you would say that. But I do love the gift—you always know exactly what to get, even when shopping through our secure suppliers."



VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon)