Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Ivy’s POV

My phone buzzed with Parker’s message saying his driver was downstairs waiting. I grabbed my clutch, kissed Max goodnight, and bid farewell to Carmen and Zoe before heading down to the lobby.

The moment I stepped outside, I saw Parker leaning against his armored black sedan, that devastatingly charming smile already spreading across his face. Dear God, why did this man have to be so ridiculously magnetic? I was still completely torn up about Caleb, heartbroken over losing him to the brutal world of mafia politics, but Parker was dangerous in an entirely different way. He radiated this raw power that made my pulse race. Everything about him screamed temptation - the way his expensive cologne enveloped me, how his tailored suits fit his lean frame perfectly, that confident swagger that could make any woman forget her own name in this treacherous underworld.

"Hello there, gorgeous Ivy," he said, closing the distance between us and placing a soft kiss at the corner of my lips that sent electricity shooting through my entire body. "You look even more stunning than usual tonight."

"I... uh... well..." I stammered, clearing my throat as heat crept up my neck. "Good evening, Parker."

His eyes danced with amusement as his grin widened. He placed his warm hand against the small of my back, guiding me toward the passenger side. After opening the door, he leaned in close to help with my seatbelt, his breath tickling my ear as he whispered.

"Enjoying the view, Ivy?"

My eyes went wide and I opened my mouth to protest, but nothing came out.

"Because you’re definitely undressing me with those beautiful eyes of yours," he murmured, gently biting my earlobe before standing up and closing the door. He slid into the driver’s seat with that same mischievous expression. "Tonight is going to be absolutely incredible."

I sat there completely speechless, my mouth hanging open. He had caught me red-handed checking him out and was thoroughly enjoying my embarrassment.

"So Ivy, I know you’re still head over heels for that Thorne monster - and I emphasize still because that’s going to change. But I can tell I’m getting under your skin. Am I wrong about that?"

"Parker, I..." My cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"Come on, we’re both adults here. You’re an incredibly beautiful woman and I’m being completely transparent about wanting you in my organization and in my bed. Just be honest with me - do you feel even the slightest bit of chemistry between us?" He held up his fingers with barely any space between them.

"You’re obviously very attractive, Parker. Every woman in the underground probably fantasizes about being under your protection," I admitted.

"Maybe so, but there’s only one woman I’m thinking about," he said, catching my eyes as we stopped at a red light. "And she’s sitting right here beside me. You still haven’t given me a real answer though."

"Fine, yes Parker. You’re incredibly powerful and I do feel attracted to you," I said, meeting those mesmerizing green eyes.

"Attracted? Come on Ivy, don’t be so proper," he laughed. "Loosen up a little."

"What do you mean, loosen up?" I found myself relaxing despite everything, drawn in by his playful energy.

At the next red light, he turned toward me, his gaze slowly traveling down my body before locking onto my eyes again.

"Like this - I’m completely captivated by you right now. You’re absolutely gorgeous and you’ve got me completely under your spell. I’d protect you from any rival family that dared to touch you."

"Okay, I think I understand," I said as the light changed green and he focused back on driving. Two could play this game. I leaned over and whispered against his ear, "You want honesty? You’re dangerously seductive, devastatingly handsome, and every time you touch me, my skin catches fire. So yes Parker, you definitely affect me, and it’s way more than just a little attraction." I traced my tongue along his earlobe before settling back in my seat, watching goosebumps rise along his arms.

"Damn it Ivy, the second I park this car, I’m going to kiss you senseless," he said, his voice rough with desire and making my stomach flip with anticipation.

Minutes later, we pulled into a private underground garage beneath one of his legitimate business fronts. Parker took my hand and pressed his lips to my knuckles before getting out and opening my door. The moment I stepped out, he backed me against the car, his hands finding my waist. He moved closer slowly, never breaking eye contact, brushing his nose against mine tenderly before finally bringing his mouth to mine. The kiss started gentle and sweet, but quickly deepened as I wound my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He caught my bottom lip between his teeth, then soothed it with his tongue. He pulled back just slightly, our bodies still pressed together, eyes still closed.

"God Ivy, you’re going to be the death of me," he breathed against my lips before kissing me again quickly. When he looked at me, his smile was brilliant. "I brought you here to make you happy, but apparently all I have to do is kiss you to see that beautiful smile."

"You’re incredibly arrogant," I laughed, placing my palms flat against his chest. His eyes heated at my touch.

"Come on, I want to see you laughing all night," he said, taking my hand and leading me toward the building entrance.

A discrete sign read "The Comedian" across the front of the building. Parker explained it was an exclusive entertainment venue featuring an amazing underground comedy show tonight, completely off the radar of rival families. Inside, we were seated at a perfect table in the center of the room with an unobstructed view of the stage, which was bathed in spotlight while the rest of the space remained dimly lit and secure.

"You’re going to love this, I promise. And if you don’t, I’ll just have to kiss you again until you smile," he said with that cocky grin that made me shake my head in disbelief.

"I’ll have a caipirinha," I said, scanning the drink menu.

Parker ordered our drinks and some food, and we talked easily until the show started. He was absolutely right - I had an amazing time. The venue was fantastic, featuring not only the main act but several up-and-coming comedians as well. By the time we left after midnight, my sides ached from laughing so hard.

Back in the car before leaving the garage, Parker turned to me.

"So Ivy, did you have a good time?"

"Absolutely incredible, Parker. My face and stomach hurt from laughing so much. I loved every minute of it. I really needed this tonight after all the family drama. Thank you," I said, beaming at him as he made an exaggerated disappointed face.

"Damn, I was really hoping to kiss you again," he said flirtatiously, making me burst into laughter again.

While I was still giggling, Parker captured my lips in another kiss, this one hot and consuming.

"I couldn’t help myself," he said when we broke apart, his thumb tracing along my bottom lip. "I need to make a quick stop at the casino floor. Want to come with me? We could dance a little in the VIP lounge."

"I’d love that," I replied, genuinely enjoying his company and this incredible night he was giving me.

At the casino, Parker led me upstairs to a secluded table tucked away in a quiet corner of the high-roller section. We ordered drinks and appetizers that arrived quickly. Brenda appeared and slid into our booth with us.

"Ivy, why didn’t you bring my gorgeous friend with you tonight?" Brenda pouted dramatically.

"Because she’s with her boyfriend tonight, Brenda," I replied, amused by his theatrics.

"Oh really? I think I’ll text her then," Brenda said with that troublemaker gleam in his eyes.

After actually sending the message, Brenda discussed some territorial business matters with Parker. Soon after, Parker turned his attention back to me.

"I want to dance with you, but up here in the private lounge where we can have some privacy instead of that crowded floor downstairs. Is that alright with you?" he whispered in my ear.

"Absolutely," I said, loving the idea of dancing with him away from all the chaos below.

When Parker finally brought me home, dawn was already breaking. The entire night had been wonderful and relaxing. Parker had been a complete gentleman throughout everything despite the dangerous world we inhabited. He opened my car door and walked me all the way to the building entrance.

"So, did you enjoy yourself tonight?" he asked before we said goodbye.

"It was perfect. Thank you so much, Parker. You always know exactly the right places to take me, even in this complicated world."

"I’m thrilled you had such a great time. And just so I know," he leaned down and whispered against my ear, "how much has that little attraction grown tonight?"

"Well, maybe it’s gotten considerably stronger," I said teasingly.

Parker pulled me against him by my waist and kissed me with raw hunger and urgency, making my knees buckle and leaving us both breathless. Before ending the kiss, he caught my bottom lip between his teeth and ran his tongue along the same spot in that incredibly sexy way he had before.

"Sweet dreams, beautiful Ivy. I’ll see you very soon," he whispered against my ear before stepping back. He waited until I was safely inside before returning to his armored car.