Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 529

Chapter 529: Chapter 125 Music Box Secret

Daniel’s POV

The penthouse was empty when we returned from the private medical facility, save for a note from Sybilla mentioning they’d be back late. After a long shower, my little one demonstrated quite thoroughly that she was the only woman I should ever turn to in times of crisis. Not that I harbored any doubts, but watching her take control and dominate me like that was something I’d never tire of, especially after the tension of recent family operations.

"What’s with the satisfied grin, big guy?" Lila emerged from our walk-in closet, catching me sitting in the bedroom armchair with what must have been a ridiculously smitten expression.

"Can’t help it. This smile is permanently etched on my face thanks to you." I pulled her onto my lap and captured her lips with mine, tasting the sweetness that had become my addiction.

"Stop that, we have company now." She laughed against my mouth, though her body pressed closer.

"Didn’t seem to bother you earlier tonight." My hand found its way to her breast, causing her to shiver involuntarily. "Sure you want to leave this room? I could make some calls, clear the apartment."

"Yes, it’s getting late." She quickly jumped off my lap, straightening her silk robe. "Besides, your family connections mean we can’t just ignore everyone."

When we reached the dining area, distinctly grumpy faces greeted us, with Beckett looking particularly murderous in that Sullivan family way.

"What’s wrong with everyone?" Lila asked, perplexed by the hostile silence. "Bad evening?"

"Bad doesn’t begin to cover it, Lila," Beckett replied with the stern authority of someone who’d inherited control of a major criminal enterprise at a young age. "I nearly kicked down your bedroom door tonight thinking this boyfriend of yours was torturing you for information."

"Well, he was, honey," Katarina interjected with a sly smile that would have made her modeling career proud. "Just not in the way you’re thinking, but in the way I demonstrated earlier. And don’t be ungrateful your evening wasn’t terrible at all."

"For Christ’s sake, Katarina!" Beckett glared at his wife with the intensity he usually reserved for rival family negotiations. "She’s my baby sister, and this Martinez bastard is corrupting her."

"In my defense," I laughed, enjoying how easily I could rile up the Sullivan heir, "she’s definitely the deviant in this relationship."

Lila’s head dropped in embarrassment. "Daniel!" she scolded, mortified by my candor in front of her brother.

"Tiny one, there’s no point playing innocent. You’re delightfully wicked and I adore that about you." I pulled her close, marking my territory. "And Beckett, drop the protective act. Your sister isn’t a child anymore, and she chose to be with a Martinez."

"What hypocrites!" Sybilla burst out laughing from her position at the counter. "You get all protective when I mention dating anyone from the other families. And you, Beckett, complaining about these two when your wife was equally vocal tonight. I should have invited Jude to stay then we’d have had multiple bedrooms of screaming"

"SYBILLA!" I cut her off, shocked by her boldness. "What exactly is happening between you and Jude?" I demanded, causing everyone to burst into laughter at my sudden shift to overprotective mode.

"See?" Sybilla pointed at me triumphantly. "Complete hypocrite!"

We were still enjoying our coffee and discussing family business when the security system announced visitors. I went to answer it, and Zoe strode in like the dangerous socialite she was.

"I have arrived, detective! Where’s my Tiny Cipher?"

Behind Zoe’s theatrical entrance, Finn merely shrugged apologetically, used to her dramatics.

"Come in, Finn," I welcomed him with the handshake reserved for trusted family associates. "And you, crazy girl, no embrace? You disappear for weeks on that European assignment and don’t miss your friends?"

"Oh detective, you know I always miss my friends." Zoe laughed, embracing me with the familiarity of someone who’d helped me through multiple family crises. "Here, brought you something from Milan." She handed me a gift bag. "Now where’s Tiny Cipher?"

"We’re having coffee, this way." I guided them with my arm around Zoe’s shoulders. When she spotted everyone at the table, her expression transformed completely.

"Oh. My. God!" Zoe started bouncing like an excited child despite her sophisticated exterior. "Is that I can’t believe it! Katarina Barrett! I’m literally your biggest fan! I once flew all the way to Milan just to see you walk the runway! I’m so emotional right now!" Everyone broke into laughter as Katarina stood to embrace the starstruck Zoe. "Guys, what an amazing surprise! How did you know about my obsession with her work?"

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