Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 475

Chapter 475: Chapter 71 Shadows in Morning

Lila’s POV

The rich aroma of imported Italian coffee and the gentle sensation of calloused fingers threading through my hair gradually pulled me from sleep. Opening my eyes, I found Daniel perched on the edge of our king-sized bed, his powerful frame silhouetted against the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse. His hand moved tenderly through my hair, and a soft smile formed on his lips when our eyes met.

"Good morning, sunshine," he greeted me, his deep voice immediately triggering memories of the previous night—how he’d whispered his devotion while our bodies moved together in perfect harmony, his words carrying the weight of a man who understood that love in his world was both sanctuary and vulnerability.

"Good morning, ray of light," I responded with a lazy smile. He leaned down to kiss me, his lips tasting faintly of the expensive whiskey he’d been nursing late into the night, before handing me a steaming mug of coffee in bone china that probably cost more than most people’s rent.

Concern etched his sharp features as he asked, "How are you feeling today?"

I glanced at the professional bandage wrapping my arm, applied by the discrete doctor who made house calls for the Martinez family. "I’m fine. The wound stings a bit, but nothing serious."

"Hmm. Almost time for your pain medication." He placed a breakfast tray laden with delicacies from the exclusive deli that catered to the city’s elite across my lap. "Eat."

I laughed at his commanding tone, so characteristic of a man accustomed to absolute obedience in every aspect of his life except this one. "Is that an order?"

"Most definitely." His dark eyes twinkled with playful authority, the same eyes that could make seasoned criminals confess their sins with a single glance.

Between sips of the perfectly brewed coffee, I remembered something important. "I need to report my stolen phone and block the line. I completely forgot yesterday."

"Already taken care of," he assured me, and I wasn’t surprised. Daniel’s connections could make problems disappear with a few strategic phone calls. He smiled then. "You have some jelly on your mouth." He leaned forward, his tongue darting out to remove the apricot preserves from the corner of my lips before placing a gentle kiss there. "Mmm! Delicious. Now I see why you’re so fond of apricot jelly."

"Wait—are you telling me you’ve never had apricot jelly before?" I asked incredulously.

His eyes darkened with that familiar intensity that reminded me he was a man who’d seen and done things I couldn’t imagine. "Not on you, but I think I’ll start." He picked up the expensive jar of imported preserves, examining it with exaggerated interest that made my pulse quicken.

I stared at him wide-eyed, and he responded with a mischievous grin that transformed his usually serious face before returning the jar to the tray. "That’s for another time. Today we’re going to get you a new phone."

"You don’t have to," I protested, finishing my last bite of artisanal toast. "I still have my old one."

"The one your mother constantly bothers you on? The one you keep turned off most of the time? No, little one. I want to be able to reach you whenever I want." His tone carried an undercurrent of something deeper than mere preference—in his world, being unreachable could mean being unreachable forever.

"You hardly ever call me anyway," I pointed out, my tone more accusatory than intended. "And you can always call me at Thorne Group."

His eyes sparkled with amusement, though I caught a flicker of something else—guilt, perhaps. "Are you complaining that I don’t call enough?"

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