Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 469

Chapter 469: Chapter 65 Shadows and Secrets

Lila’s POV

I woke to the sensation of Daniel’s powerful frame pressed against mine, his muscular arms creating a protective barrier around me as he slept. Even in rest, his handsome features carried traces of the tension that had been weighing on him lately—the burden of navigating between his duties as a senior inspector and his obligations to the Martinez family’s underground empire.

"What shadows are haunting you, my love?" I whispered, studying the sharp contours of his face, momentarily softened by sleep.

I carefully slipped from his embrace, unwilling to disturb the precious rest he desperately needed. After preparing my morning espresso and getting ready for my shift at Thorne Corporation, I heard his footsteps approaching the kitchen. He appeared in the doorway, dark hair attractively disheveled, those intense eyes still heavy with sleep that had been too brief.

"Why didn’t you wake me, little one?" he murmured in that commanding voice that never failed to send shivers through me, bending to press his lips against my neck.

"You’ve been pushing yourself beyond limits. The Martinez family business and your police work—you need rest," I replied, wrapping my arms around his neck and breathing in that familiar scent of expensive cologne mixed with something uniquely him.

"What I need is more time with my beautiful woman," he said, nuzzling the sensitive curve of my neck, his kisses making me seriously question my commitment to showing up at Thorne’s legal department today.

"Nothing would make me happier," I sighed, "but I have responsibilities at the firm and law classes tonight."

"When will you be mine again?" His tone carried that possessive edge that marked him as a man accustomed to having his demands met.

"Tonight belongs to you entirely, big guy." I smiled as he effortlessly lifted me onto the granite kitchen counter.

"Perhaps I need something to sustain me until then." His hand traced tantalizingly along my thigh beneath my pencil skirt.

"You know I want nothing more, but there’s no time." I reluctantly pulled away from his touch. "But we have the holiday next week—we’ll have all the time we desire then."

"I’ve always been particularly fond of holidays," he murmured, continuing his assault on my neck with those addictive kisses.

"Daniel, why are there unmarked surveillance vehicles stationed around our building?" I asked, remembering the black SUVs I’d noticed positioning themselves strategically for the past several days. I felt his body go rigid against mine.

"You noticed our security detail." He lifted his head to capture my lips before moving away to pour himself coffee from our expensive Italian machine.

"It’s rather difficult to miss."

"Just a necessary precaution. After Gemma’s former associate made threats against you following the territory dispute, I refuse to take any chances with your safety," he explained, his tone carefully controlled in that way that told me he was managing information.

"Is that what’s been consuming your thoughts?" I finally asked directly, earning a deep sigh that seemed to come from somewhere profound within him.

"Tiny one, I couldn’t survive if anything happened to you." His piercing gaze locked with mine as he caressed my cheek with his thumb, and I saw something flicker there—fear, perhaps, or guilt.

"Nothing will happen. That psychopath has probably moved on to easier targets by now," I assured him, though we both knew men like that didn’t simply forget perceived slights in this world.

"I doubt that. Regardless, I want you protected and close to me." He kissed my forehead with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with the steel beneath his words.

"If it provides you peace of mind, I understand completely. But I really must go now." He helped me down from the counter with practiced ease. After quickly touching up my lipstick and gathering my briefcase and law texts, I gave him a swift kiss. "See you tonight."

As my hand touched the reinforced door handle, his voice stopped me cold.

"Tiny one," he called. I turned to see him leaning against the kitchen doorframe, his eyes blazing with an intensity that made my breath catch. "Don’t forget that I love you."

I couldn’t help myself. I dropped everything to the polished floor and ran back into his arms. He caught me effortlessly, rewarding me with that devastating smile that never failed to turn my bones to liquid.

"I love you too, big guy. I can’t fathom existing without you." His kiss left me breathless and weak-kneed, tasting of coffee and promises.

When we finally broke apart, he set me down gently and collected my belongings from the floor with the same care he showed everything connected to me.

"I’d escort you to the garage, but I’m hardly dressed for public appearances," he grinned, gesturing to his silk boxers. It took every ounce of willpower not to drag him back to our bedroom, but professional responsibility won the internal battle. I hurried away before temptation could change my mind.

The days progressed with notable improvement in Daniel’s demeanor. He seemed less burdened and worked no overtime shifts at the precinct. We spent an inseparable weekend together—he assisted with my corporate law assignments, and Sunday brought dinner at an exclusive Italian restaurant owned by family associates. But as Monday dawned, chaos quickly followed.

First came my mother’s call, demanding my address and announcing her intention to visit during the holiday. I refused again, triggering her predictable fury. I’d grown accustomed to her perpetual anger, but providing her with my location would likely result in her making good on threats to drag me back to the Sullivan family compound by force.

Shortly after, my father called—concerned as always, but reminding me I’d overlooked something crucial.

"Dad, it’s wonderful to hear from you. How are things?" I asked warmly.

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