Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 187

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Daniel’s POV

When Caleb called asking me to be his best man, I figured it was just respect between family associates, showing gratitude for the muscle I’d provided during that bloody warehouse cleanup. But when he mentioned I’d be paired with that petite girl from the syndicate wives, my pulse quickened. I booked the first flight out late in the week, heading straight to Port Serenity. Xavier offered his guest room until I could find my own place. We’d known each other since we were kids, back when his family ran the biggest legitimate cattle operation in Greenleaf, providing cover for my father’s illegal arms trafficking business.

The bachelor party was everything I expected from these guys. High–stakes poker, aged bourbon, and Cuban cigars smuggled fresh from our Cancun connections filled the night. I blended in easily with the crew, and Wyatt, another enforcer I’d worked with before, offered to sell me his furnished safe house since he was moving in with his girlfriend. We planned to check it out over the weekend. Everything was falling into place for my permanent position in the Thorne organization. But honestly, all I could think about was seeing her again.

I was adjusting my tie when Xavier knocked and stuck his head through the door.

“Looking sharp, brother,” Xavier strolled in with that easy confidence he’d always carried in our world.

“Think I’ve got a shot with the short one?” I turned toward him, straightening my suit jacket.

“Man, you’re like a skyscraper next to her. She might bolt,” Xavier grinned knowingly.

“I can handle that,” I replied with the certainty that came from years of intimidation work.

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“You’ll need more than your usual enforcer tactics. Her crew is protective as hell. Lila’s the baby of their syndicate wives group, and those women guard her like trained killers. She’s still so young, Daniel.” His tone carried the weight of family law.

“That’s exactly what’s got me second–guessing myself. I don’t usually mess around with girls that green. But there’s something about her…” I secured my Glock in its shoulder holster beneath my jacket.

“You really need that piece?” Xavier watched me check the strap.

“I’m muscle for the Thorne organization. This gun is part of me, like having an extra limb. Only time it comes off is in the shower.” I adjusted my jacket. “Besides, there’s still some psychopath out there targeting the boss and his lady.”

“Fair enough. Ready to head out? The estate is just down the private road. Women are already there setting up.”

My stomach tightened with anticipation knowing I’d see her soon.

We collected Thorne from the living room, where he was pacing like a caged predator, and headed to the ceremony location on the family compound. My nerves were buzzing. In my mid–thirties, I considered myself quite the catch in our circles. I kept myself in fighting shape, maintained my black hair in a sharp cut, stayed groomed to perfection, and kept my beard precisely trimmed. My black eyes and six–foot–five frame with broad shoulders and sculpted muscles from daily combat training usually commanded respect. I was an experienced soldier in this family, and she was probably barely five feet of innocence. But something about her had hooked me completely.

The moment we arrived, the women started complaining about us being late. I found it amusing how they had these hardened criminals completely whipped, especially Xavier, who practically submitted to that redhead’s every demand. They swarmed me, gushing thanks for the protection I’d provided during recent territory disputes, which embarrassed me slightly but seemed like a good sign. Then they officially introduced me to her.

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“Daniel, meet Lila. She’s your partner today,” Zoe announced, nudging Lila toward me with a mischievous smile.

“Aren’t you precious,” I said instinctively, smiling down at her. “Pleasure to meet you properly, Lila. We didn’t get introduced during that shootout.” I took her delicate hand and gave her gentle kisses on her cheek, following old–world tradition.

“Pl–pleased to meet you, Daniel,” Lila stammered visibly. Her hands were ice cold and trembling, slightly damp with nervousness. I found it endearing.

“Just Daniel when we’re off duty,” I gave her my most charming smile.

Lila was absolutely stunning. Long hair with golden streaks caught the afternoon light, bright brown eyes framed by thick lashes, heart–shaped lips on a doll–like face, delicate frame with a tiny waist, perfect curves, small firm breasts, and golden skin that showed bikini tan lines beneath that strapless yellow dress.

“Okay, Daniel.” She flashed a gorgeous smile showing perfect white teeth.

We chatted while Thorne greeted arriving family members and allied organization representatives. When the ceremony began, I offered Lila my arm as Zoe organized the processional. When her delicate hand slipped through my arm, Zoe looked us over and whistled low.

“You’re massive, aren’t you?”

“If you want, Zo, Lila could walk with Dominic and I’ll escort the enforcer,” Gemma suggested, making Dominic scowl dangerously.

“Not happening, Gemma. I’m staying with my shorty,” I responded quickly, my tone brooking no argument.

“Easy there, enforcer,” Zoe looked at Lila with a knowing grin.

That made me laugh deeply while Lila’s cheeks turned pink.

“Don’t worry, Zoe. I know how to handle delicate things.” Zoe smiled at my double meaning, making Lila blush deeper.

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I stayed glued to Lila’s side throughout the entire wedding, taking full advantage of being her assigned escort. We talked constantly and danced multiple times during the reception. I felt her gradually relaxing around me, giving me room to shower her with attention and old–fashioned courtship. When the celebration ended, I offered to drive her home, saving Finn the

trouble.

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I took her tiny hand, which looked even smaller engulfed in mine, and led her to the armored sedan I’d acquired through family connections right after arriving in Port Serenity. I opened her door and helped arrange her dress’s long skirt. As I reached across to secure her seatbelt, I positioned myself closer than necessary, bringing us face to face.

“There. Now you’re protected,” I said, studying that beautiful face and smiling.

“Th–thank you,” Lila replied, clearly rattled by my proximity. I decided to test

the waters.

“Are you afraid of me, Lila?” She shook her head. “Then why the nerves?”

“It’s just… it’s just…” I didn’t let her finish. I leaned in and captured those beautiful lips.

I started slowly and softly, just barely touching. Lila gasped in surprise. I deepened the kiss, parting her lips with my tongue and intensifying the connection. She was trembling, seeming completely inexperienced, almost like this was her first kiss. But that seemed impossible.

“Relax, shorty,” I murmured against her lips before kissing her even more intensely.

Lila finally began to melt, sliding her small hands up my shoulders and embracing me tentatively. I pulled her closer and kissed her with hungry desire, like I wanted to consume her completely. When we broke apart, we were both breathing hard, her lips swollen and glistening, her eyes brighter than ever.

“You’re incredible,” I whispered against her ear, kissing there before trailing

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down her neck.

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I boldly moved my hand to cup one of her breasts, squeezing gently while marking her delicate neck. Lila went rigid under my touch, like she was startled. I immediately moved my hand back to her neck and returned to kissing her lips. She relaxed again and responded to the kiss. We stayed there making out for long minutes, and the more I kissed her, the more she

loosened up and matched my rhythm.

“Do I really have to take you home?” I asked, hoping she’d say no.

“Yes, you do,” she sighed against my mouth.

“Then let’s go.” I reluctantly pulled away and walked around to the driver’s side.

“Put your address in the GPS, beautiful shorty,” I requested while fastening my seatbelt.

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