Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 469: Chapter 65 Shadows and Secrets

Lila’s POV

I woke to the sensation of Daniel’s powerful frame pressed against mine, his muscular arms creating a protective barrier around me as he slept. Even in rest, his handsome features carried traces of the tension that had been weighing on him lately—the burden of navigating between his duties as a senior inspector and his obligations to the Martinez family’s underground empire.

”What shadows are haunting you, my love?” I whispered, studying the sharp contours of his face, momentarily softened by sleep.

I carefully slipped from his embrace, unwilling to disturb the precious rest he desperately needed. After preparing my morning espresso and getting ready for my shift at Thorne Corporation, I heard his footsteps approaching the kitchen. He appeared in the doorway, dark hair attractively disheveled, those intense eyes still heavy with sleep that had been too brief.

”Why didn’t you wake me, little one?” he murmured in that commanding voice that never failed to send shivers through me, bending to press his lips against my neck.

”You’ve been pushing yourself beyond limits. The Martinez family business and your police work—you need rest,” I replied, wrapping my arms around his neck and breathing in that familiar scent of expensive cologne mixed with something uniquely him.

”What I need is more time with my beautiful woman,” he said, nuzzling the sensitive curve of my neck, his kisses making me seriously question my commitment to showing up at Thorne’s legal department today.

”Nothing would make me happier,” I sighed, ”but I have responsibilities at the firm and law classes tonight.”

”When will you be mine again?” His tone carried that possessive edge that marked him as a man accustomed to having his demands met.

”Tonight belongs to you entirely, big guy.” I smiled as he effortlessly lifted me onto the granite kitchen counter.

”Perhaps I need something to sustain me until then.” His hand traced tantalizingly along my thigh beneath my pencil skirt.

”You know I want nothing more, but there’s no time.” I reluctantly pulled away from his touch. ”But we have the holiday next week—we’ll have all the time we desire then.”

”I’ve always been particularly fond of holidays,” he murmured, continuing his assault on my neck with those addictive kisses.

”Daniel, why are there unmarked surveillance vehicles stationed around our building?” I asked, remembering the black SUVs I’d noticed positioning themselves strategically for the past several days. I felt his body go rigid against mine.

”You noticed our security detail.” He lifted his head to capture my lips before moving away to pour himself coffee from our expensive Italian machine.

”It’s rather difficult to miss.”

”Just a necessary precaution. After Gemma’s former associate made threats against you following the territory dispute, I refuse to take any chances with your safety,” he explained, his tone carefully controlled in that way that told me he was managing information.

”Is that what’s been consuming your thoughts?” I finally asked directly, earning a deep sigh that seemed to come from somewhere profound within him.

”Tiny one, I couldn’t survive if anything happened to you.” His piercing gaze locked with mine as he caressed my cheek with his thumb, and I saw something flicker there—fear, perhaps, or guilt.

”Nothing will happen. That psychopath has probably moved on to easier targets by now,” I assured him, though we both knew men like that didn’t simply forget perceived slights in this world.

”I doubt that. Regardless, I want you protected and close to me.” He kissed my forehead with a tenderness that contrasted sharply with the steel beneath his words.

”If it provides you peace of mind, I understand completely. But I really must go now.” He helped me down from the counter with practiced ease. After quickly touching up my lipstick and gathering my briefcase and law texts, I gave him a swift kiss. ”See you tonight.”

As my hand touched the reinforced door handle, his voice stopped me cold.

”Tiny one,” he called. I turned to see him leaning against the kitchen doorframe, his eyes blazing with an intensity that made my breath catch. ”Don’t forget that I love you.”

I couldn’t help myself. I dropped everything to the polished floor and ran back into his arms. He caught me effortlessly, rewarding me with that devastating smile that never failed to turn my bones to liquid.

”I love you too, big guy. I can’t fathom existing without you.” His kiss left me breathless and weak-kneed, tasting of coffee and promises.

When we finally broke apart, he set me down gently and collected my belongings from the floor with the same care he showed everything connected to me.

”I’d escort you to the garage, but I’m hardly dressed for public appearances,” he grinned, gesturing to his silk boxers. It took every ounce of willpower not to drag him back to our bedroom, but professional responsibility won the internal battle. I hurried away before temptation could change my mind.

The days progressed with notable improvement in Daniel’s demeanor. He seemed less burdened and worked no overtime shifts at the precinct. We spent an inseparable weekend together—he assisted with my corporate law assignments, and Sunday brought dinner at an exclusive Italian restaurant owned by family associates. But as Monday dawned, chaos quickly followed.

First came my mother’s call, demanding my address and announcing her intention to visit during the holiday. I refused again, triggering her predictable fury. I’d grown accustomed to her perpetual anger, but providing her with my location would likely result in her making good on threats to drag me back to the Sullivan family compound by force.

Shortly after, my father called—concerned as always, but reminding me I’d overlooked something crucial.

”Dad, it’s wonderful to hear from you. How are things?” I asked warmly.

”I’m managing, sweetheart, though your mother is making life challenging. She’s determined to obtain your address.”

”And I won’t provide it, Dad, exactly as you advised. I’m concerned she’ll follow through with her threats.”

”Of course, honey. But what about your old man? Won’t you share your new location with me?”

”Oh, Dad. With everything happening, I completely forgot I hadn’t told you.” Then I remembered he believed I was living with Gemma. The truth would have to emerge. ”Dad, there’s something else I forgot to mention.”

”What is it, Lila? Is everything acceptable?” Concern immediately colored his voice.

”I hope so.” Gathering courage, I announced, ”After returning from my trip, Daniel asked me to move into his penthouse, and I accepted.”

”And you didn’t tell me because you forgot, or because you feared my reaction?” he asked seriously.

”I genuinely forgot, Dad. Are you upset?”

”That depends entirely. Are you happy?”

”Extraordinarily happy, Dad.”

”Then I have no objections whatsoever. Give me your address—I’ll visit soon.”

The conversation proved easier than anticipated. My father had always prioritized our happiness above family politics. I provided the address and ended the call, relieved to have finally revealed the truth.

”Lila, the boss called,” Jude announced, emerging from his office.

”Which boss?” I asked, since neither Xavier nor Caleb was present at Thorne today.

”Caleb,” Jude laughed. ”He’s inviting us to lunch at his estate and giving us the afternoon off.”

”Time off on Monday?” I laughed incredulously.

”Yes, he’s not coming into the office today, and with the holiday approaching, executive operations will be quiet,” Jude explained.

”Who am I to refuse unexpected freedom?” I grabbed my purse and departed with Jude, both of us laughing.

”Take my car. I’ll bring you back for yours later. We can talk during the drive.” Jude seemed unusually subdued, clearly needing to discuss something, so I readily agreed.

During the drive, he confided that tensions remained elevated between him and Nora, though they’d agreed to maintain appearances publicly. My heart ached for my friend—his devotion to his wife was evident, but their relationship was clearly struggling under pressures I couldn’t fully understand.

Upon arriving at Caleb’s private compound, we encountered an unexpected scene: Gemma and Zoe physically confronting one of Dominic’s former associates who’d apparently caused problems. Breaking up the altercation proved challenging until Daniel arrived and restored order with the quiet authority that commanded respect in both legitimate and underground circles.

After lunch, we organized an impromptu gaming tournament. I was dominating the competition, thoroughly enjoying the guys’ shocked disbelief at losing to me, when Daniel received a call that summoned him to the precinct despite his scheduled day off.

”Tiny one, I need to leave. Stay and enjoy yourself—I’ll return for you,” Daniel told me before departing, but something in his expression troubled me.

I nodded, but something felt fundamentally wrong. Something was happening, and Daniel was deliberately keeping me in darkness. His absence stretched endlessly. When he finally returned, his earlier serenity had vanished completely, replaced by visible worry that he couldn’t quite mask. His continued silence frustrated me increasingly.

At home, I headed straight for our master bathroom, too upset to engage in conversation. I was washing my hair when I felt him step into the shower behind me.

”What’s troubling you, little one?” he asked, taking the expensive body wash and beginning to soap my skin with those careful hands.

”Nothing,” I answered curtly, continuing to rinse shampoo from my hair. I heard his resigned sigh echo off the marble walls.

The heaviness in my chest threatened to overwhelm me completely. I wanted to curl into a ball and cry until this suffocating tightness dissipated, but pride prevented me from letting him witness my tears. He gently washed my body, his touch memorizing every curve with tender attention that only intensified my hurt—despite our physical intimacy, he still wouldn’t trust me with whatever demons plagued him.

After showering, I silently donned silk pajamas and slipped under our Egyptian cotton sheets, foregoing our usual intimate conversation and goodnight rituals. I lay with my back toward him, eyes closed but mind racing with possibilities I didn’t want to consider.

The mattress dipped as he joined me, pulling me against his chest and holding me tightly against the warmth of his skin.

”Goodnight, little one. Don’t forget that I love you,” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to my damp hair.

Silent tears escaped despite my efforts to contain them. Something was terribly wrong—I could feel it in my bones—and his refusal to confide in me only deepened my growing fears. What dangerous secret was he protecting me from? And why wouldn’t he trust me enough to share the burden?