Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 414: Chapter 10 Hearts Beat Together

Lila’s POV

My fingers worked deliberately down the front of Daniel’s tailored dress shirt, each button releasing under my touch with practiced precision. The expensive fabric felt smooth beneath my fingertips as I parted it wide, revealing the powerful chest beneath. His body was a masterpiece of controlled strength—the kind that came from years of commanding respect in both the precinct and the shadowy underworld he navigated daily.

My palm pressed hesitantly against his warm skin, trailing downward over the defined muscles of his chest to the sculpted planes of his abdomen. Every ridge and curve spoke of disciplined training, the kind necessary for a man who lived perpetually balanced between two dangerous worlds.

Daniel’s breathing grew heavier as I explored the landscape of his torso. When my hand returned to rest over his heart, he captured it with his own, pressing my palm firmly against the steady rhythm beneath.

”Can you feel that, little one? Can you feel how my heart beats for you?” His voice carried that familiar edge of authority softened by genuine tenderness, dark eyes boring into mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

I nodded wordlessly, overwhelmed by the connection pulsing between us. Without breaking our locked gazes, I guided his other hand to rest against my own racing heartbeat.

”Your heart pounds just like mine does for you,” I whispered, watching his expression brighten and that rare genuine smile spread across his features—so different from the calculated expressions he wore during his professional dealings.

”Kiss me, little one,” he requested, his commanding voice reduced to barely a whisper.

I couldn’t refuse him anything. Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to his while our hands remained positioned over each other’s hearts. The kiss began gently, unhurried, until he released our joined hands to pull me closer against his powerful frame. My body molded perfectly to his as the kiss deepened, leaving me dizzy with want and desperate to discover more of his magnificent form. When we finally separated, we were both breathing heavily.

”Tiny one, I want you so desperately. Can you feel what you do to me?” He gripped my waist with those strong hands that had both protected me and eliminated threats, shifting his hips upward so I could feel his hardness pressing against me through the expensive fabric. The sensation made me close my eyes and shiver with pure desire.

”Do that again?” I requested before my rational mind could intervene.

A low chuckle rumbled from his chest as he repeated the motion several times, drawing involuntary moans from my lips. The delicious pressure sent waves of heat through my entire body, making me wet with anticipation for what was to come.

”Oh, little one, I’m exercising tremendous restraint here not to take you right now, but if you make another sound like that, I won’t be held responsible for my actions,” Daniel whispered against my ear, his warm breath causing goosebumps to erupt across my skin. ”But we need to discuss something important first.”

The strain in his voice was unmistakable. He gently repositioned me to face him properly, but with his shirt hanging open and his chest exposed like an invitation, focusing on conversation became nearly impossible. My fingers returned to tracing patterns across his skin, eliciting that satisfied smile I loved.

”Tiny one, a woman’s first time carries significance—it cannot happen carelessly,” he said while his hands caressed my thighs, leaving trails of fire wherever he touched.

”And what exactly do you mean by that?” I asked distractedly, still mesmerized by the sight of his bare chest.

He tilted my chin up with one finger, forcing me to meet his penetrating gaze. ”I think I’ve unleashed a little temptress. You’re devouring me with those beautiful eyes, little one,” he laughed.

”Well, that’s what happens when you look like this,” I confessed without thinking, making his laughter deepen.

”I’m gratified to meet your exacting standards,” he teased playfully.

”Damn it, Daniel! You said I could touch, and if I can touch, I can certainly look, so don’t ruin my enjoyment,” I replied with mock indignation.

His rich laughter filled the secure penthouse around us. ”You can do whatever you desire, my little one. But I need to tell you something serious—pay attention to me.”

I dramatically pulled his shirt closed over his chest and focused intently on his face, which only provoked more laughter from him.

”Alright, I’m listening now. Go ahead,” I said primly, though every fiber of my being wanted to continue exploring his magnificent body.

”Tiny one,” he began, controlling his amusement, ”I want your first time to be extraordinary. I want to create something truly special for you.”

”What does that entail?” I asked impatiently.

”Does everything require explicit explanation with you, no subtlety whatsoever?” he asked, amusement dancing in those dark eyes.

”Preferably, yes,” I replied flatly, which provoked more laughter from him.

”Very well. What I mean is that I’m going to arrange something genuinely special for our first time together.”

”And how long will this preparation require?”

”Not long—I’ll have everything ready tomorrow, unless you need more time. Remember we have dinner reservations?”

”Still tomorrow? But I’m here right now.” He burst into laughter at my obvious disappointment.

”Easy there, eager one. Yes, you’re here, but we already have our dinner planned for tomorrow, so tomorrow it shall be.” His hands rested comfortably on my thighs, those dark eyes fixed on me. ”But that doesn’t mean you can’t continue touching me.” My eyes brightened instantly.

”Is there anything else you need to discuss?” I asked impatiently.

”Actually, yes—one question.” His expression grew serious. ”I’m assuming you’re not using any birth control, correct?”

”Actually, that assumption is wrong. I have polycystic ovary syndrome and I’m on hormone therapy, so I do use birth control. You know what that is, don’t you, Mr. Experienced?” I challenged.

His eyes sparkled with amusement. ”Yes, Miss Impatient, I’m well aware. But because of that, I have another question.”

”You talk excessively,” I huffed, making him laugh again.

”Are you in some kind of rush?”

”Yes, I want to be kissed properly,” I stated matter-of-factly.

”Alright, just one final question then. Since you’re on birth control, can we forgo protection? I get regular medical examinations and I can provide you with the results if you want verification, plus I always use protection and...”

I pressed my finger against his lips to silence him. ”You talk too much! If you always use protection, why are you asking this question?”

”May I speak?” His eyes danced with humor as I granted permission. Then his expression transformed, becoming intensely serious as he held my gaze.

”Because you’re different from anyone else, don’t ask me to explain why, but you’re special and I want to feel all of you, want every sensation of my skin against yours. I want to be completely connected with you, no barriers, nothing between us.”

”Protection dismissed,” I declared, leaning toward him. ”Can I be kissed now?”