Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask novel Chapter 63

63 Chapter 63 Lightning Before Storm

Ivy’s POV

When we reached the entrance of The Darkstone, Ruby was already waiting in the arms of a towering man whose piercing eyes matched her fierce gaze perfectly. The establishment’s

gn cast red shadows across the sidewalk, and two armed ctfully as they recognized our group.

doormen no

“Holy

mus

ok like goddesses descended from Mount Olympus! I absolutely

laimed, rushing toward us while

u found those dresses,” Rub ned his protective stance. you’re definitely coming wi ugh – that place will drain e alculated how many month

allow me to introduce my cured us the most exclusiv

ome to The Darkstone business obligations

ng,” Parker said,

rely hope this night ends.”

ker posses

mof

time we hit that boutique. Fair hat we have,” Zoe laughed, and I

I’d need to recover financially.

Parker. He controls this entire district house tonight.”

el of neutral territory. What a damn shame m enjoying your captivating company all his lips with practiced charm. “Though I an will honor me with at least one dance before

ating stare as Ruby, but his radiated the calculated to wielding power. He guided us through the crowd who owned not just the building, but everyone in it. Our view of the dance floor, where a live jazz ensemble filled ating melodies.

my senses completely. Deep crimson walls adorned with gold ched toward a ceiling dripping with crystal chandeliers that cast everything. The expansive dance floor dominated the center, imate booths upholstered in rich leather. A winter garden lounge with emerald velvet sofas and wrought iron tables, while an

d mahogany bar commanded the opposite wall. Behind it, towering ed premium liquor li

smerizing trick

and skilled bartenders

nine wrapped around

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63 Chapter 63 Lightning Before Storm

the entire space, accessible by marble stairs behind our seats. The place breathed old–world elegance mixed with dangerous undercurrents.

“Well, well, my most valuable assets all gathered in one place,” Dominic announced his arrival with typical arrogance, Gemma glowing beside him in that golden dress he’d supposedly bought for a business associate. The manipulative bastard had been orchestrating this seduction for weeks.

“Gemma! Finally made it!” Zoe launched herself at Gemma, immediately pulling her into our circle and introducing her to Finn and Ruby while Dominic watched with possessive satisfaction.

Jude materialized moments later with his wife Nora, completing our party. After quick introductions involving careful handshakes and knowing glances, Zoe dragged us onto the dance floor as the band launched into an irresistible rhythm, leaving the men to their whiskey and whatever territorial discussions men in their line of work always seemed to have.

We lost ourselves completely in the music for a while before thirst drove us back toward the table. But Parker intercepted my path, his fingers brushing my arm as he leaned close enough for his breath to tickle my ear.

“One dance, beautiful Ivy. I insist.”

His smile proved absolutely impossible to resist. The band had shifted into sultry salsa, and couples moved across the floor in passionate embraces that bordered on scandalous. Parker moved like liquid mercury, guiding me through steps I barely knew, even attempting some daring lifts that left me breathless and laughing despite myself. His eyes held mine with dangerous intensity that made me forget we were surrounded by witnesses.

“Such a tragedy that duty calls me away,” he murmured against my ear as the song ended, his voice carrying subtle threat beneath the charm. “But allow me to escort you back, beautiful Ivy.”

I nodded, still dizzy from the dance and his overwhelming proximity. But when we reached the table, my blood turned to ice in my veins. Xavier sat there smiling like a predator, while Caleb glowered beside him like a thundercloud ready to unleash hell. Parker bid farewell with a promise to claim another dance later, leaving me frozen in complete shock. I shot Zoe a desperate look that she immediately understood.

09:17

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63 Chapter 63 Lightning Before Storm

She pulled me close, her voice low and urgent. “Breathe, honey. They’re part of Dominic’s circle, you were bound to cross paths eventually. You’ve already made with Xavier, and facing Caleb head–on was always inevitable.

peace

Logic couldn’t calm the storm of emotions raging in my chest. Dominic handled introductions with his usual theatrical flair while I somehow found myself trapped in the seat directly beside Caleb, our knees nearly touching under the table.

“My brother is absolutely smitten with you, Ivy!” Ruby beamed, clearly oblivious to the lethal tension radiating from Caleb like heat from a furnace. “I’ve never seen him so interested in anyone.”

“He’s incredibly charming and an exceptional dancer,” I replied honestly, feeling Caleb’s stare burning into my skin like a brand.

“And completely gorgeous too, am I right girl!” Zoe’s tone carried deliberate provocation, and I realized she was intentionally baiting Caleb for reasons I couldn’t fathom.

“Isaac, Dominic, when did you recruit this stunning redhead? I might need to submit my application immediately,” Xavier turned his attention to Ruby with practiced

irtation, his interest providing a welcome distraction. Ruby responded with obvious reciprocation.

“I’m extremely selective about my personnel, friend. Not just anyone meets my exacting standards,” Dominic boasted with typical arrogance that made me roll my

eyes.

Waiters appeared with premium tequila shots for everyone, the expensive alcohol burning down my throat. Caleb’s gaze never wavered from me, his jaw clenched with barely contained emotion. I ordered a mojito and settled in for what promised to be an endl

hal ballad that made couples drift toward the

ne, our group dispersed until only Caleb and I etween us like electricity before a

64 Chapter 64 Just For Tonight