Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69: Chapter 69 Sanctuary and Secrets

Ivy’s POV

The black sedan pulled away from Caleb’s penthouse fortress as I pressed myself against the bulletproof windows, my body still burning from our night together. Every nerve ending remembered his touch, the way he held me like I was something precious he was terrified of losing. But the hollow ache in my chest reminded me why I had to escape before he woke.

I closed my eyes against the tears threatening to fall, watching the city’s dangerous streets blur past. The goodbye note I left on his silk sheets felt like a blade I had driven through my own heart. One last time, I had whispered to myself in the darkness. One final night to memorize the feel of his scarred hands claiming my skin before I disappeared from his world forever.

The driver, one of Caleb’s trusted soldiers, kept checking on me through the rearview mirror, his weathered face lined with concern. He had seen too much blood and betrayal in this business to be easily fooled.

"Miss, you need me to take you somewhere safe? The boss gave strict orders about your protection."

I shook my head, not trusting my voice. How could I explain that I had just surrendered my soul to the most dangerous man in the city? That no matter how perfectly we burned together, some wounds carved by this life cut too deep to heal?

Through trembling fingers, I found my phone and called Zoe. Her voice cut through my despair like a lifeline.

"Gather the girls," I managed to whisper. "I need backup."

By the time I reached the safe house, Max was curled up on the armored sofa with Carmen, cartoons flickering across the reinforced windows. I kissed his forehead, breathing in that innocent sweetness that always anchored me to what mattered. At least I still had him. At least I had kept him safe from Caleb’s world.

The scalding shower washed away Caleb’s expensive cologne from my skin, but not the memory of how he growled my name against my throat like a prayer and a curse. Carmen took one look at my red-rimmed eyes when I emerged and practically pushed me toward the door.

"Go, minha filha. Your heart bleeds, and only your sisters can help stop the bleeding."

Zoe arrived like a storm of determination, already armed with plans and that fierce loyalty that had kept us alive through every nightmare since we were kids running these same deadly streets.

"What is this place?" I stared up at the imposing structure before us, all gleaming marble and old money power that screamed organized crime.

"The Venetian Club. Dad got us access through his associates. It’s basically a fortress for the families and their associates. Private dining, secure meeting rooms, weapons check at the door, the works. Round-the-clock sanctuary for when our world gets too heavy." Zoe’s eyes sparkled with dark mischief. "Plus the food is incredible, and after last night, I’m betting you haven’t eaten."

I had to laugh despite everything. "The mafia really does live differently than the rest of us."

"Come on, the girls are waiting in our private room. And I’m starving. Emotional warfare always makes me hungry."

The club’s interior took my breath away. Crystal chandeliers cast dangerous shadows across polished floors, and everywhere I looked, beautiful deadly people moved with the casual confidence of those who had never feared for their lives because everyone else feared them. The hostess, polished and professional in the way that screamed discretion bought with blood money, guided us to a private dining room where familiar faces waited.

"Zoe, this place is unreal!" Gemma jumped up to embrace us, her eyes wide as she took in the opulent surroundings that probably cost more than most people’s homes.

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