Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 434: Chapter 30 Secret Birthday Plot

Daniel’s POV

Saturday arrived like a blessing, offering me precious time away from both police duties and Martinez family obligations. Nothing mattered more than these uninterrupted hours with Adriana. My little one practically vibrated with excitement about meeting her friends at Caleb Thorne’s private estate. Ivy had been confined to the heavily secured compound lately due to her pregnancy and the escalating threats from rival families, which worked perfectly for my plans. I needed Zoe’s expertise for something crucial.

Adriana’s birthday was approaching next week, and I wanted to orchestrate something extraordinary for her. No one could design unforgettable events quite like Zoe, with her boundless creativity and talent for theatrical presentations that impressed even seasoned mafia bosses.

At Caleb’s fortress-like mansion, I waited for the right moment when Adriana became absorbed in conversation with Gemma. I subtly signaled Zoe to join me in the soundproof study, away from prying ears.

”What’s the emergency now, detective? Don’t tell me you’ve already created a mess and need damage control?” Zoe approached with her characteristic smirk.

I pressed my hand to my chest in mock offense. ”Seriously? Do I have zero credibility with you?”

”You have some credit,” she admitted with amusement. ”But considering your associates’ track records—especially Dominic’s disaster with Gemma—I proceed with caution. You men only seem to contact me when there’s chaos to clean up.”

Her assessment was brutally accurate but amusing. Both Caleb and Dominic had nearly destroyed their relationships through spectacular blunders.

”Zoe, I haven’t created any disasters, and I don’t intend to. I operate with more finesse than these amateurs.” I gestured toward my friends, who immediately protested from across the marble-floored room.

Xavier stepped forward in my defense. ”Give him credit, Zoe. Judging by Adriana’s radiant expression whenever she visits our headquarters, our detective operates more like a gentleman than a brute.” His support surprised me.

”So the Thorne organization has become a breeding ground for romance?” Zoe’s eyes sparkled with mischief. ”Very well, detective, how can I assist you?”

”Next Saturday marks Adriana’s birthday,” I explained with growing enthusiasm. ”I want to create something truly magnificent—it must be a complete surprise.”

Zoe’s eyebrows arched dramatically. ”A surprise? And you’re discussing this in front of Xavier, our resident information broadcaster? I question your strategic planning abilities.”

The room erupted in laughter at Xavier’s expense.

”Really?” Xavier protested indignantly. ”You believe I’m incapable of maintaining confidentiality?”

”Xavier, on the scale of secret-keeping reliability, you rank only marginally above Vincenzo, Dominic’s nephew—and that child spreads information like a malfunctioning surveillance system,” Zoe mercilessly teased.

Caleb nodded gravely. ”She speaks truth, Xavier. Your discretion requires improvement.”

I fixed Xavier with my most menacing police inspector glare, the one that made hardened criminals confess. ”Can you maintain absolute silence, or must I employ enhanced interrogation methods?”

Xavier raised both hands in immediate surrender. ”I swear on the Thorne family honor to keep quiet.”

”Consider it handled,” Zoe assured me, her mind already working through possibilities. ”Are you envisioning a grand celebration with the entire organization, or something more intimate?”

”Her birthday falls on Friday, so I’m planning dinner with our inner circle, followed by a private weekend retreat—just the two of us. But it needs to be absolutely unforgettable,” I detailed my vision.

Zoe’s knowing smile spread across her features. ”Well, detective, she’s completely conquered you, hasn’t she?” She didn’t require my verbal confirmation—my expression revealed everything. ”Don’t worry. I’ll help create something she’ll treasure for eternity.”

We scheduled a lunch meeting for Monday to refine the details. While I already had several concepts brewing, Zoe would transform them into something truly spectacular for my little one.

The evening had grown late when we finally departed from Caleb’s compound. Adriana appeared tired, and I craved having her entirely to myself. The moment our penthouse apartment door sealed behind us, I drew her into my arms and claimed her lips in a hungry kiss.

”I’ve been craving you all day,” I murmured against her ear, pressing her gently against the reinforced steel door. ”Sharing you with friends while you wore those tantalizing shorts, showing off your perfect legs—absolute torture.”

She tilted her head back, exposing her elegant neck. ”I’ve been aching for you too.”

”Allow me to remedy that situation immediately.” I dropped to my knees before her, sliding those distracting shorts down her silky legs, taking her delicate lace underwear with them.

There I knelt before this petite woman who had completely dominated my heart and soul. Looking up, I saw her watching me with desire darkening her beautiful eyes—she wanted me as desperately as I wanted her.

I placed worshipful kisses across her flat stomach, my hands spanning her narrow waist, marveling at her exquisite proportions. Her skin carried an intoxicating fragrance—spicy yet sensual, earthy with hints of sweetness—absolutely irresistible and maddening. I wanted to devour every inch of her like some rare, precious delicacy.

My lips traveled across her abdomen, occasionally sucking gently, watching her expression transform with building pleasure. Each kiss moved progressively lower until I reached the sensitive junction between her thigh and her center, where I delivered a gentle bite. Her soft moan was the sweetest reward, intensifying my already painful arousal.