Lila’s POV

I was absolutely thriving in my new position within the Thorne family’s legitimate operations. Working at Dominic’s front company had been educational, but being stationed in Don Caleb’s executive offices took things to an entirely different level. My responsibilities extended far beyond typical clerical work—I handled sensitive communications and managed confidential files that required the highest discretion. Unlike my previous sales role, this position challenged my intellect while keeping me at the heart of the family’s carefully orchestrated business empire.

"Little June, your dedication is remarkable. You grasp the complexities so quickly," Jude commended, handing me a stack of encrypted documents with an approving nod. "You already understand exactly how to handle these sensitive materials."

"Thank you, Jude. I’m genuinely excited to be part of this organization," I replied with enthusiasm—until the executive elevator doors slid open with their distinctive chime.

Detective Adler and Detective Daniel Martinez emerged, their official shields gleaming under the office lights. I hadn’t seen Daniel since he’d left my apartment that weekend evening, his parting words still echoing in my mind. Now here he was, approaching with that devastating smile that made my pulse quicken dangerously. Thank God I was seated because my legs immediately turned to liquid. Standing well over six feet with those powerful shoulders and that irresistibly dangerous face, he embodied everything forbidden that my sheltered upbringing had warned me against. This man completely short-circuited my rational thinking.

"Detectives, good afternoon," Jude hurried forward to greet them, immediately engaging Detective Adler in hushed conversation about recent territorial disturbances.

"Good afternoon, Lila," the gorgeous giant approached my desk, his presence commanding the entire space.

"Good afternoon, Detective Martinez," I managed with forced professionalism, struggling to maintain my composure under his intense gaze.

"Lila, please call me Daniel when we’re not conducting official business," his smile was so devastatingly beautiful it made me want to vault across the desk and claim his mouth. Heat rushed to my cheeks as inappropriate thoughts flooded my mind. "How are you adjusting to your new responsibilities, little one?"

"F-fine. And you?" I stammered as his fingertips deliberately brushed against mine while reaching for a file.

"Excellent. Just finished securing the penthouse apartment I acquired in the safe district. How about having dinner with me tonight and inspecting my new place?" Those brilliant brown eyes were practically hypnotizing me with their intensity.

"N-not tonight," I cursed internally as my nervousness made me either stutter helplessly or go completely mute. "I’m meeting the girls."

"Ah yes, the support network, as Don Caleb calls your group," he tucked a rebellious strand of hair behind my ear, his gentle touch sending electricity down my spine. "But aren’t those gatherings usually scheduled for earlier in the week? Today’s later in the week."

"We rescheduled this week," I managed without sounding completely breathless, proud of my small victory.

"Then join me tomorrow evening. Do you have classes?"

"Yes. And since I’m missing today’s lecture, I absolutely cannot skip tomorrow as well," I tried avoiding his penetrating stare, but he gently tilted my chin upward, forcing me to meet those captivating eyes.

"That presents no complications. I’ll collect you after your classes conclude and we’ll have dinner at my place," his tone brooked no argument. He’d reached his decision and that was final—typical of men in his position of power.

"Ma’am, we need to speak with Don Thorne," Detective Adler approached formally, and I immediately announced their arrival. They disappeared into Caleb’s private office, finally allowing me to breathe normally again.

After their meeting concluded, Detective Adler offered professional farewells while Daniel lingered at my workstation, his presence both thrilling and intimidating.

"I’ll collect you at the university tomorrow, beautiful little one," he leaned down and pressed his lips to my cheek in a gesture that felt far more intimate than professional courtesy before heading toward the executive elevator.

"Hey Lila," Jude teased from his office doorway, having witnessed the entire exchange. I gave him a slightly embarrassed smile before he returned to his duties and I attempted to refocus on work.

Later, during my coffee break, I returned to find a package on my desk. I found it peculiar that someone had left it without requiring my signature, but perhaps security had accepted it on my behalf. Upon closer inspection, the address label clearly read Ivy’s name.

After delivering the package to Ivy’s office, absolute chaos erupted throughout the building. The contents revealed a serious threat against Don Caleb’s wife, and suddenly everyone was mobilizing security protocols I’d never witnessed before. Before I could fully process the rapidly escalating situation, armed guards were being repositioned, communication channels were buzzing with coded messages, and somehow Daniel had determined I would be relocating to his protected residence for several days. I hadn’t even moved into Gemma’s apartment yet.

Arguing with these men proved utterly futile—they’d reached their decisions regarding everyone’s safety, and the situation clearly posed genuine dangers that I couldn’t fully comprehend. I returned home under armed escort provided by Don Caleb’s security detail, hastily packed essential items for an extended stay at Daniel’s place, and then met with my girlfriends for emergency consultation. After listening to their collective wisdom, I decided to embrace complete honesty, as we say back home. I would tell Daniel everything about my inexperience, and if he couldn’t accept it, he could find himself another woman.

Later that night, Daniel arrived to collect me. He approached with that broad smile that made my heart race uncontrollably. He looked devastatingly attractive in black jeans and a black dress shirt with rolled sleeves and three buttons undone, revealing tantalizing glimpses of his chest. I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him.

"Hello, beautiful little one," his lips brushed my cheek with practiced ease. "Shall we go?" I nodded and waved goodbye to my concerned friends.

At his penthouse, he provided a comprehensive tour. The space was expansive, airy, and meticulously maintained—clearly reflecting both his law enforcement salary and additional income sources I preferred not to examine too closely. Though the apartment featured three separate bedrooms, he deliberately placed my belongings in his master suite, making his intentions crystal clear.

"Little one, I cleared substantial closet space for your things," he said, taking my hand to show me the organized area.

"There are three bedrooms available," I pointed out, as if that explained my confusion perfectly.

"So what?" he asked, genuinely puzzled by my observation. I walked back toward the bedroom with him following, then watched as he settled onto the massive bed with predatory grace.

"I don’t need to occupy your personal space. I don’t want to impose on your privacy," I said awkwardly, wrapping my arms around myself defensively.

"Seriously, Lila? Must I explicitly state that I want to sleep with you? Don’t pretend you haven’t considered it," he stated the obvious truth with characteristic directness.

Taking a deep breath, I impulsively climbed onto his lap and grasped his neck with both hands, looking directly into those mesmerizing eyes. He wrapped his powerful arms around my waist, flashing that smug smile that made me weak.

"Here’s the situation, big guy. I’m completely inexperienced—I’d never even been kissed before you—so yes, I’m absolutely clueless about physical intimacy, but I desperately want to kiss you again," I blurted without pausing for breath. When I finished, I watched his smile fade completely. "I knew it would change everything!"

I attempted to escape his lap, but he held me firmly in place. I struggled against his strength as embarrassed tears burned my flushed cheeks. He maintained his grip while gently repositioning me on the bed, hovering above me and effectively immobilizing me while carefully supporting his weight.

"I was the first man to kiss these beautiful lips, little one?" he asked softly, and I nodded miserably. His fingers tenderly wiped away my tears. "Don’t cry, little one."

"I understand you want nothing to do with me now because I’m inexperienced, so just release me. I’ll stay with Zoe instead," I said, mortified by my confession.

"And deprive myself of kissing those sweet lips again? I want them desperately," he ran his thumb across my lower lip with reverent gentleness.

"You do?" I sniffled hopefully.

Instead of answering verbally, he cradled my face between his large hands and claimed my mouth with his. The kiss began as a simple touch, then he traced my lips with his tongue, nibbled gently, and finally sought entrance. Our tongues danced together in a kiss filled with intoxicating sensations that made my entire body come alive.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, uncertain of proper technique but letting him guide me through each new sensation. Soon I matched his movements and felt his warmth spreading through my entire being. Something ignited deep within—a tingling in my belly and heat between my legs, accompanied by a pulsing sensation that was completely foreign yet absolutely delicious.

Daniel groaned into my mouth as his body pressed against mine, allowing me to feel his hardness through his pants. This realization set my blood on fire; I couldn’t stop kissing him and moaned against his lips with abandon. He responded with increased passion, kissing me more hungrily, more primitively. His hands traced down from my face along my sides, making me shiver everywhere they touched.

He released my mouth to nibble my chin, trailing his lips down my neck while his hands moved upward to my breasts. My eyes widened as I tensed beneath his gentle exploration.

"Relax, little one. I’m simply discovering you," Daniel murmured against my throat. "Don’t you enjoy me touching you here?" He lightly squeezed my nipples through the fabric, making my body quiver with unexpected pleasure. "Answer me, Lila."

"I love it," I whispered between ragged breaths, releasing a moan when he placed his mouth over my dress and kissed my breast through the material.

Daniel resumed trailing kisses up my neck until capturing my mouth again with renewed hunger. His hand traveled down my body, lifted my dress, and squeezed my bottom possessively. My body was ablaze, craving something I couldn’t articulate or understand.

Without breaking our passionate kiss, Daniel released my bottom and caressed my hip, moving down the outside of my thigh and back up the inside. His thumb grazed over my panties, triggering an intense sensation that made me moan directly into his mouth. I felt his lips curve into a satisfied smile against mine. That light touch against my most intimate area was exquisite torture. When he repeated the motion deliberately, I wanted more—needed more of his touch there with desperate urgency.

He pulled away slowly, nibbling my lips one final time before releasing me completely. I lay there breathless, disheveled, and craving continuation, too embarrassed to look directly at him beside me.

"Little one?" Daniel called softly, his voice rough with desire. "Look at me."

I met his gaze, finding his smile absolutely dazzling as he traced my features with reverent fingers.

"Was that kiss satisfying for you?" I nodded enthusiastically. "Good enough to make you crave kissing me again?" I nodded. "Good enough to make you want to sleep in my bed?" I nodded. "Good enough to make you want to belong to me?" I nodded again without hesitation. "Then we definitely need to establish some ground rules."

Daniel stood and effortlessly lifted me into his powerful arms, making me feel as delicate as porcelain in his capable hands.