Lila’s POV

Sunday passed in solitude with Daniel handling Thorne family business, giving me the perfect opportunity to reorganize my academic priorities. My study schedule had completely transformed since joining Dominic’s legitimate front company. Previously, when working at the mall, my mornings were dedicated to coursework. Now, with evening shifts, I found myself dragging through college lectures already drained of energy. But such is life’s rhythm when pursuing dreams within the shadow of the Thorne empire.

By day’s end, I’d accomplished more than expected. The dining table was perfectly arranged when Daniel finally arrived looking utterly worn out from his enforcement duties. Without hesitation, he crossed the room and swept me into his arms, lifting me off the ground. His passionate kiss pressed me against the wall, stealing my breath and igniting my desire.

Instinctively, my legs wrapped around his waist, arms encircling his neck. His intoxicating scent alone was enough to awaken every nerve ending in my body.

"Ah, little one," he whispered, eyes closed, forehead resting against mine, his wandering hand sliding upward along my thigh. "I just need to lose myself in you right now, need to feel myself inside you."

"Please do," I gasped, feeling heat pooling between my legs. "I’ve missed you terribly today!"

The ache for him squeezed my heart—an almost painful longing that only his touch could soothe. When Daniel’s eyes opened, I witnessed pure desire darkening his dilated pupils.

"I need you too," I pleaded softly.

Without further conversation, his hand moved between my legs, feeling the evidence of my arousal through thin fabric.

"Ah, little one, you’re delicious," he groaned, his gaze locked with mine. "Hold tight."

He kept me pinned against the wall with his body while freeing himself from his pants. Supporting my weight with one strong arm, he used his other hand to push aside my underwear and position himself at my entrance.

Though he started gently, his control quickly shattered. He filled me completely in one swift motion, drawing a pleasure-filled cry from my lips. The momentary discomfort was nothing compared to the exquisite sensation of being fully joined with him.

"Sorry, little one," he murmured, kissing along my jawline while remaining perfectly still within me. "I couldn’t control myself. You drive me insane with want."

"Don’t apologize," I whispered back. "It feels wonderful. It’s always so good!"

My body trembled beneath his masterful touch as he covered my neck, ears, and mouth with kisses. Slowly, he began to move while tugging down my dress straps to expose my breasts, taking one into his hungry mouth.

I surrendered completely, clinging to his neck, feeling each deep thrust. My teeth found his shoulder to muffle increasingly loud moans. Nothing existed beyond the addictive pleasure this man was giving me.

His pace intensified, thrusts becoming harder and faster until a powerful orgasm ripped through me, making me writhe against the wall, crying out his name. He followed immediately, his guttural groan hot against my ear as he emptied himself inside me.

We remained embraced against the wall, catching our breath. Eventually, Daniel carried me to the bathroom, only then setting me down to remove our clothes. His eyes held mine with an unusual intensity, as if trying to preserve the moment forever.

"Big guy, is something wrong?" I asked, caressing his face.

"Just family business, little one. But I don’t want to think about that now." He smiled, kissing my palm. "All I want is to shower with you, eat something, then take you to bed and listen to those scandalous little moans of yours for hours." His teasing smile made me laugh.

"Scandalous little moans?" I attempted to look offended.

"You’re not exactly quiet, little one." He embraced me, guiding me toward the shower. "I love your scandalous moans—hearing your pleasure turns me on."

He wasn’t exaggerating. After dinner, he fulfilled his promise, making me scream with pleasure for what felt like hours. I fell asleep wrapped in his strong arms, feeling completely secure. Yet I woke in the middle of the night alone. A note on the nightstand explained he’d been called back to handle urgent Thorne business.

This had never happened before—returning to family duties after completing his assignments. I tried dismissing my concerns as paranoia, but sleep eluded me. The ceiling became my silent companion for the remaining hours of darkness. When morning arrived and I left for work, Daniel still hadn’t returned.

Outside the office building, I spotted Gemma and Dominic engaged in a passionate embrace, their happiness radiating like sunshine after surviving the dangerous betrayals that had nearly destroyed them.

"Finally got her, Capo Jordan!" I called out as I approached.

"Little Lila!" Dominic greeted me enthusiastically. "She’s mine and I’m never losing her again!"

"You better not," I teased. "You’re my favorite couple!"

"And here I thought your favorite couple was you and Daniel," Gemma joked.

"We’re good, but you two are special. After all, I helped this underboss win you back," I reminded them, recalling how Dominic and I first met through the family’s legitimate operations.

"And I’ll always be grateful!" Dominic’s smile was contagious. "How’s Thorne treating you?"

"Just as well as you did." My response was genuine—I truly loved my current position within the family’s corporate front.

"Good to hear. Remember, there’s always a place for you in my division if you ever want to return." Dominic’s offer was sincere.

"I know. Thank you." I smiled appreciatively before heading inside.

"I’ll join you, Lila." Gemma gave Dominic one last kiss before falling into step beside me. "So how are things with Daniel?" she inquired once we were alone.

"They’re fine," I answered, eyes fixed on the floor.

"What’s wrong, Lila?" Gemma studied me carefully. "Besides those marks your makeup isn’t quite hiding—though those aren’t exactly a problem..."

"The marks are wonderful," I smiled briefly. "It’s just...something’s bothering me."

"What do you mean?"

"I’m not sure, Gemma. It feels like something’s happening, but I can’t pinpoint what. He’s been tenser lately, answering his phone differently. Last night he left in the middle of the night—just a note saying he’d gone back to handle Thorne business. That’s never happened before."

"Have you asked him about it?" Gemma’s expression turned serious.

"Yes, and he always blames family operations. Which is probably true—I know his work for the Sterlings is dangerous."

"It certainly is, Lila." Gemma offered a reassuring smile. "Keep paying attention. If this continues or if his behavior becomes more unusual, confront him directly."

"I will," I promised as we reached Gemma’s floor. Ivy was waiting for the elevator. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Finally!" Ivy stepped in, preventing Gemma from exiting. "Let’s grab coffee upstairs. And before I forget—dinner at my house tonight! Everyone’s coming to celebrate Gemma and Dominic’s reconciliation. I couldn’t stand sharing Caleb with Dominic’s mopey self any longer."

"We all suffered through that," I laughed at her complaint. "Dominic was unbearable without Gemma."

"You have no idea!" Ivy rolled her eyes dramatically. "One night when Caleb was handling territorial disputes, Dominic came to see the kids and I got stuck with him. We ended up having a romantic comedy marathon with ice cream and chocolate. He cried like a heartbroken teenager over Gemma."

We dissolved into laughter, regaling Gemma with stories of how utterly pathetic the powerful Thorne capo had been during their separation.