Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 194

194 Chapter 194 Murder Unearthed

Ivy’s POV 1

Last night with the women was exactly what I needed after weeks of tension within the Thorne family operations. I laughed until my ribs ached and managed to push away the disturbing package that had arrived at our compound from my thoughts entirely. When we decided to end the evening, I sent word to my husband through the family’s secure channels. Almost immediately, imposing soldiers materialized from the shadows like deadly specters. Lila protested when Daniel suggested she return to the safe house with him, but he simply lifted her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing. Dominic gave Gemma a similar ultimatum, and she wisely chose to walk out under her own power rather than be carried.

Back at the Thorne compound, Caleb fulfilled every promise he had whispered against my ear that morning. His hands claimed every inch of my body with relentless hunger, barely allowing me a moment to catch my

breath.

“I never tire of watching you prepare for the day,” Caleb murmured from our

bed.

He reclined against the headboard, chest bare and magnificent, a thin sheet draped across his hips. His arms were folded behind his head, displaying the intricate tattoos and defined muscles of his torso. My husband was

absolutely devastating.

“Really? And what exactly captivates you so much?” I approached him wearing only delicate lingerie, thigh–high stockings, and mint green stilettos.

“Because I know I get to strip every piece off you later. You are my favorite prize to unwrap,” he said, his lips finding the curve of my breast through the sheer lace while his palm traced gentle circles on my growing belly.

“Your prize is expanding by the day,” I teased.

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“You will be the most beautiful and sensual woman carrying my heir,” Caleb pressed tender kisses to my bump. “Good morning, little soldier. Your father is already completely devoted to you.”

Caleb spoke to our unborn child constantly. Every morning he shared breakfast with Max, and every evening he dedicated time to bonding with him. Their relationship grew stronger each day. Max remained unaware of my pregnancy, and anxiety gnawed at me about revealing the truth. I had no idea how he would react to becoming a big brother, but I could not keep this secret much longer.

The medication Dr. Taylor prescribed had finally conquered the relentless morning sickness. However, exhaustion clung to me like a heavy blanket, and my appetite had become absolutely ravenous.

At the legitimate Thorne Group offices, Lila greeted us with an unusually bright smile. I was desperate to hear about her evening with the detective. The moment Caleb disappeared into his private office, I messaged Gemma and Ruby to join us for coffee and summoned Lila. We had arranged an impromptu virtual gathering so Gemma and Lila could share details about

their romantic encounters.

Settled in the break room with steaming mugs, I grabbed the tablet and video called Zoe, who was already waiting with Nora.

“Alright ladies, did everyone drive their men completely wild last night? Because mine looks thoroughly exhausted today,” Zoe began with her signature boldness.

“Caleb barely let me sleep. I am running on pure willpower,” I complained.

“I had to wear a turtleneck to conceal the evidence,” Nora laughed, touching her neck self–consciously. “I was actually envious of Lila’s situation.”

“I can barely walk straight. Sweet Xavier, that man has incredible stamina,” Ruby tried unsuccessfully to hide her satisfaction.

“I tormented Dominic all night long. Every time he became aroused, I made

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sure he could not take care of himself. He had to endure an ice–cold shower this morning,” Gemma grinned wickedly.

“That explains his absolutely foul mood today. I had to reprimand him

multiple times already. He is prowling around like a caged animal,” Zoe observed.

“But how can you be certain he did not handle things himself in the shower?” Lila asked innocently.

“Because I joined him in there. I told him I had already seen every

magnificent inch of that body, and what a body it is. I nearly climaxed just watching that gorgeous man under the hot water,” Gemma actually closed her eyes at the memory.

“Enough about us, Lila. How did things progress with the detective?” I asked eagerly.

“It was wonderful,” she replied, suddenly bashful.

“Details, woman!” Zoe demanded. “We need the intimate specifics. That delicious giant must have completely overwhelmed you.”

“Actually, it was not quite like that,” Lila blushed deeper.

“Do not tell me that ridiculously attractive man does not know how to use what nature gave him,” Nora asked, making us all dissolve into laughter.

“Oh ladies, I honestly do not know,” Lila squirmed uncomfortably. “We did not have sex. We just talked extensively.”

“What do you mean you only talked?” Gemma pressed.

“We did more than talk, but we limited ourselves to conversation and kissing,”

Lila clarified.

“Kissing how exactly?” Nora looked stunned.

“We made out intensely, lots of passionate kissing, wandering hands, and he is impressively endowed everywhere. But he insists on being gentle and

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taking things slowly,” Lila explained.

“I am going to tell Xavier that I found someone to handle your virginity situation,” Ruby commented mischievously.

“Why would you do that?” Lila looked confused.

“Because then your hot detective will abandon this gentleman nonsense and take you right on his desk,” Ruby suggested, sending us into hysterics.

After our gossip session, we returned to work where mountains of legitimate business and underground operations awaited my attention. Caleb stopped by my desk to mention he was having lunch with his captains but would bring me dessert afterward. That promise sent delicious anticipation coursing through me. Lunch with the women involved more laughter and stories about their previous evening adventures. The afternoon passed surprisingly quickly.

Caleb had just finished putting Max to bed when his encrypted phone rang. I watched his entire demeanor shift as he listened to the voice on the other

end. When he ended the call, he approached me with deeply troubled eyes.

“Tesoro, that was Xavier with updates on the Rossi investigation. Remember I mentioned the document forger who created fake identities for Roman? Baker Stay Chill?” he asked carefully.

“Yes, I remember. What about him?” I asked, dread already building in my

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