Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 135: Chapter 135 Stolen Moments

Ivy’s POV

Xavier and I gathered with Caleb and Jude in the secure conference room for an urgent family meeting. Caleb had just received word from our Brooklyn associates, and their message demanded immediate action from the highest levels of our organization.

”The arms deal has exceeded their projections, but they want the Don there personally. They’re prepared to expand our territory agreement, but only through direct negotiation with family leadership,” Caleb briefed us, his cold blue eyes scanning the encrypted documents spread across the mahogany table.

”When do we move?” Xavier asked without hesitation, already calculating logistics in his mind.

”First available transport tomorrow morning,” Caleb replied curtly. ”Jude will provide security detail, and I believe Ivy should accompany this operation. These associates need to witness our complete power structure and understand our negotiation methods.”

”Agreed,” Xavier nodded. ”What are your thoughts, Ivy?”

”Actually, I think remaining here would be more strategic. These associates require extensive money laundering documentation, and you might need immediate access to financial records like the Denver situation.”

”She makes a valid point,” Xavier acknowledged. ”Ivy’s rapid intelligence delivery prevented a significant delay on our last territorial expansion.”

”You’re absolutely correct,” Caleb conceded with a slight smirk. ”Ivy oversees our financial operations while we handle the Brooklyn families. Can you manage everything during our absence?”

”Consider it handled, gentlemen,” I confirmed. ”How long should I expect you to be away?”

”An extended period,” Caleb estimated.

We spent the remainder of the day preparing for their departure. Document encryption, communication protocols, and operational security briefings consumed our afternoon. The sun had disappeared behind Denver’s skyline by the time we finished our preparations. I offered my best wishes for their successful negotiations.

Only after returning home and putting Max to bed did I notice my phone’s silent mode. I reactivated the sound and scrolled through accumulated messages.

The group chat showed Ruby asking about my location, with Gemma explaining my meeting-heavy schedule. Zoe had sent word about staying at Finn’s safe house tonight. My parents had left a message requiring quick acknowledgment. Then I discovered Parker’s message:

”Every moment feels endless until I see you again. Missing you constantly, beautiful.”

His message sent warmth through my chest. Parker remained in Texas expanding his gambling operations, yet maintained daily contact through encrypted messages and secure video calls. His consistency and charm never failed to lift my spirits despite the dangerous world surrounding us. I prepared to respond when his incoming call interrupted my typing.

”Hello, stranger! How’s the Texas expansion treating you?”

”Profitable territory and excellent weather. Completely meaningless without you here.” Parker’s smooth voice carried its usual dangerous charm.

”Then you must be suffering from terrible boredom.”

”Absolutely torturous!” His laughter carried through the encrypted line. ”How was your day, stunning Ivy?”

”Productive but draining. My phone stayed silent all day during family business, so I missed your earlier message. I apologize for the delay.”

”No apologies necessary from you. Are you completely exhausted?”

”Somewhat tired, why do you ask?”

”Because I’m currently parked outside your building’s main entrance, hoping to steal some time with the most beautiful woman in Denver.”

”You’re lying!” The prospect of seeing him sent excitement through my voice.

”Completely serious. But if the timing isn’t safe, I completely understand.”

”Come upstairs immediately. I want to see you too.”

We disconnected and I rushed to change clothes, selecting white shorts and a flowing lavender tank top. I positioned myself by the living room entrance, anticipating his arrival while checking the security monitors.

The elevator doors opened to reveal Parker carrying multiple luxury shopping bags, dressed in casual jeans and a fitted black shirt. His Texas tan enhanced his already striking features. His face illuminated when he spotted me waiting.

”Ivy, you’re being completely unfair to me.”

”What exactly am I doing wrong?”

”Wearing those shorts. Your legs are absolutely breathtaking!” His compliment sent heat rushing to my cheeks.

”Stop being ridiculous, Parker!”

”I’d be ridiculous not to appreciate such beauty. How do you become more stunning each time I see you?”

”That’s impossible.” I rose on my tiptoes as he pressed a gentle kiss to my cheek, then we moved inside.

”Please make yourself comfortable. Can I bring you anything?”

”Two wine glasses and a corkscrew. I brought premium Texas wine for us to share while we catch up. I promise not to overstay my welcome.” Parker’s thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze me.

I retrieved the requested items from the kitchen. Upon my return, he handed me the glasses before presenting two elegant shopping bags.

”This bag contains something for Max, and this one is specifically for you,” he explained, indicating each bag clearly.

”Parker, your generosity overwhelms me. You shouldn’t take such risks. Max can discover his surprise tomorrow morning,” I said, setting aside his bag while opening mine.

”I hope it meets your approval,” Parker commented as he worked the corkscrew into the wine bottle.

I opened my bag and discovered an exquisite box inside. The contents took my breath away - a stunning cocktail dress with nude lining and sheer overlay, completely adorned with crystals, featuring a dramatic neckline and elegant long sheer sleeves. The luxury left me speechless.

”Do you approve?” Parker watched me with an expectant smile.

”It’s absolutely magnificent, Parker. But I cannot accept something so expensive.”

”Of course you can accept it. It’s a gift with no strings attached. I’d be honored if you’d wear it tomorrow evening when you accompany me to the underground casino gala. What do you think?”

”That sounds absolutely perfect,” I agreed, accepting the wine glass he offered. However, guilt crept into my consciousness as I remembered recent events. ”Parker, I know you’re pursuing me seriously, and I’ve maintained honesty with you throughout our relationship.”

”Yes, and your honesty means everything to me. But unless you’ve reconciled with that dangerous fool Thorne, I refuse to abandon my pursuit,” Parker smiled confidently.

”Thorne and I remain completely finished. But something occurred that you deserve to know.”

”Tell me everything. You know I want complete transparency between us.”

”How do I explain this properly...” I hesitated, fearing Parker might judge my character harshly, so I selected my words carefully. ”Several days ago, something happened between Caleb and me.”

”You had a vulnerable moment and slept together?” Parker’s directness caught me off guard. I nodded confirmation. ”That doesn’t shock me whatsoever. Ivy, you’ve been completely honest about still having feelings for him. What happened between you two seems natural, considering your dangerous history together.”

”I feel terrible about this situation. He’s engaged to another woman, and you deserve better treatment from me. I feel ashamed.”

”Ivy, you’re not ashamed or cheap. My feelings for you haven’t changed one bit. You sleeping with Caleb changes nothing for me, since you two aren’t together officially. Besides, you’re not committed to me, so I cannot demand exclusive loyalty from you. However, that doesn’t mean jealousy isn’t eating me alive inside.”

”I’m so sorry for hurting you.”

”Stop apologizing immediately. I shouldn’t have stayed away for so long,” he said with understanding. ”But now, perhaps I can demonstrate that you could learn to love me.” His fingers traced my face tenderly.

Setting both wine glasses aside and moving closer with deliberate care, Parker whispered when his face nearly touched mine:

”Ivy, may I kiss you properly?”

I swallowed nervously and nodded consent. Parker kissed me with characteristic gentleness, but underlying longing and passion burned beneath the surface. My lips trembled momentarily as his warm mouth claimed mine. His kiss conveyed hungry tenderness, allowing me to feel every emotion he harbored for me, every ounce of his deep affection. I surrendered to his kiss, which always tasted divine. His soft, skilled lips and his tongue moving expertly within my mouth, demanding to lead mine, left me drowning in conflicted emotions. My heart hammered frantically and, in that precise moment, Parker shattered my certainties completely.

”I felt your response, Ivy,” he said with absolute certainty about his effect on me. ”My chances just improved dramatically.” He smiled triumphantly and kissed me again.

He positioned himself above me on the couch, our bodies molding together perfectly, and without spoken words, dangerous intimacy emerged, transporting me to complete bliss. Each movement of his lips against mine, each meeting of our tongues, made me float in an ocean of sensations. That kiss created perfect harmony between us. I tasted his wonderful, sweet lips and the delicious wine flavor, which carried me on an intoxicating journey with someone I had grown to admire and care for deeply, and momentarily, I could forget everything else consuming my thoughts.

Parker and I remained entwined on that couch, exchanging kisses and gentle caresses, until he gazed at me and said:

”I should leave now. It’s getting late and we both have dangerous business tomorrow.” He sat upright and pulled me onto his lap, delivering another quick, tender kiss. ”So, my beautiful woman, am I winning your heart now?” he asked with hopeful confidence.

”Parker, we’re still exploring our connection. If you’re asking whether we’re officially together, my answer remains no.”

”Really?” he asked with amused surprise. ”I gave you my absolute best effort and I’m still merely a friend?”

”Parker.” I laughed at his playful protest. ”I refuse to begin a serious relationship with you while harboring feelings for someone else. But I genuinely enjoyed our time together. Maybe we can share more intimate moments like this.”

”Is that a promise?” Parker’s face lit up with the most radiant smile imaginable. ”Can I kiss you again right now?”

”Yes, absolutely. Including tomorrow evening, when you take me to the underground gala and I’m wearing my gorgeous new dress,” I teased him flirtatiously.

”I’m absolutely going to hold you to that promise!” He gave me another lingering kiss. ”Now I really must go before Thorne’s surveillance catches me here.”

I slid off his lap and walked him to the door, receiving one final passionate kiss before he disappeared into the dangerous Denver night.