Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Caleb’s POV

I couldn’t shake my concern about the women, so I persuaded them that while they enjoyed their evening at the Syndicate’s private social club, we’d remain nearby playing poker in our family’s casino. We wouldn’t interfere with their night, but we’d be within reach if any rival families tried anything. Despite their protests about being overprotected, I left them little room for negotiation. Eventually they conceded, with the stipulation that we stay away from the dining area and wait for their signal when they were ready to leave.

The cards held our attention while conversation naturally drifted to our women, until we reached Finn, who was practically glowing about his life with Zoe. He’d just sold his fortified apartment to Daniel, complete with its state-of-the-art security system.

"I assumed my brother would crash at my safe house for a while longer, but he packed up and moved out yesterday," Xavier grumbled, dealing another hand.

"Xavier, Finn offered me a deal I couldn’t refuse. The place is incredible, fully equipped with everything brand new, including reinforced walls and surveillance. I had to jump on it," Daniel chuckled, organizing his chips.

"Fine, I’ll let it slide because it really was an amazing deal, and that fortress is impenetrable and comfortable. Plus Finn even hooked you up with a trusted housekeeper who’s been vetted by our security," Xavier conceded.

"That was perfect timing, especially with what’s happening in our territory. I’m planning to bring the little one there," Daniel mentioned, his expression turning serious as he glanced around the smoke-filled private room.

"Why the long face? Did your little bird already turn you down?" Finn ribbed Daniel, taking a swig of his whiskey.

"Not yet, but I’m expecting it."

"What makes you think that?" Dominic leaned forward with curiosity, his gold rings catching the dim light.

"I think I spooked her. After the wedding, I drove her home in the armored car and kissed her, but she was so tense. Guys, I’m not accustomed to innocent women, and she’s extremely innocent. It’s not just her age, it’s her complete lack of experience with our world."

"What do you mean inexperienced?" Dominic questioned. "Lila is one of the sharpest people I know. She’s got street instincts, even a streak of cunning that could serve her well in the family business."

"That may be true, Dominic, but when it comes to intimacy she’s completely green. I’m certain of it," Daniel stated firmly, stubbing out his cigarette.

"Are you saying she’s untouched?" Jude raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-shuffle.

"Not necessarily untouched, at least I don’t believe so. Come on, she’s young, living independently in our protection, away from blood family. The odds of her being untouched are practically nonexistent, right?" Daniel’s voice carried doubt despite his words.

"Looks like the enforcer needs to do some investigating," Xavier teased his brother, earning chuckles around the table.

"What exactly went down? Because the moment Ivy walked into the office today, Lila immediately called for an emergency sisterhood gathering. That’s why their regular weekly meeting got moved to today," I observed, dealing the next round.

"We’re in deep trouble," Finn dragged his hand down his face. "An emergency meeting spells disaster for all of us. We were already dealing with Dominic’s situation, unable to keep his activities with Gemma under control, and now our enforcer has created chaos too?"

"Finn, maybe we should distance ourselves from them," Jude said with complete seriousness, and Finn nodded in agreement. "Caleb, perhaps you should join us in exile." Laughter erupted around the table, echoing off the leather-paneled walls.

"Listen, I’m serious about making things right with Gemma. Having her stay at my secured place will be perfect. It’ll give me more opportunities to prove my commitment to the family and to her," Dominic explained, adjusting his cufflinks.

"In my situation, I’m not sure bringing Lila to my fortress is wise, but I need to ensure that girl’s safety from rival families," Daniel admitted, his jaw tightening.

"Why are you convinced Lila will reject you?" Dominic pressed, leaning back in his chair.

"Young, inexperienced girls like her prefer guys with romantic, gentle approaches, and I’m definitely rough around the edges. Hell, I torture people for information," Daniel explained with brutal honesty.

"Brother, let me share some experience," Finn began, setting down his cards. "I’ve been with Zoe since she was quite young, and I’m her only relationship. She loved, and still loves, romantic and gentle treatment. But one night, we hadn’t been together very long, we attended a family gathering where I drank, which rarely happens. Afterward, I brought Zoe to my place while my parents were handling business overseas. I was rough with her, quite primitive as you put it. Initially she was startled, but within minutes she was consumed with desire. So my brother, she might be inexperienced, but she could surprise you."

"You, rough, Finn? Man, you’re practically royalty in this family, everyone knows that," Xavier mocked, dealing himself another card.

"Do you honestly think a woman like Zoe, confident, commanding, and knowing exactly what she wants, would stay with a guy who was gentle in every aspect for this long?" Finn challenged.

"Absolutely not. Zoe is a real woman who can handle our world," Xavier responded with respect.

"I think you’re the one who appears inexperienced, Daniel," I decided to voice my thoughts while studying my hand. "Women desire passion as much as we do. The key is how much pleasure and protection we can provide our women. If we can make them feel cherished and completely safe in our dangerous world, they’ll trust us with everything."

"I’m not convinced Lila is like that. Besides, I enjoy explicit talk during intimacy, I prefer intense encounters, and Lila panicked just because I gently touched her," Daniel expressed his genuine concern, his scarred knuckles gripping his glass.

"Did you know that most women actually enjoy hearing explicit talk in bed? Yeah, I was shocked by that information too," Jude commented, noticing our surprised expressions. "Nora educated me about it. She explained it enhances the experience by engaging another sense."

"You should have an honest conversation with her. Communication is essential in our line of work and in relationships," I recommended, thinking of my own experiences with Ivy.

"Recently I was completely honest with her about who I am, what I do for the family, I explained what I enjoy," Daniel shared.

"How did she respond?" I inquired, genuinely curious.

"She said nothing. I spoke my piece, told her to think about what she wanted from this life, and left," Daniel confessed.

"We’ve identified the problem, gentlemen," Xavier mocked. "You need to listen to her, my brother. Women require being heard, especially in our world where they sacrifice normal lives."

"But what if she rejects me? What if she can’t handle what we are? I don’t understand what this little woman has done to me, but I’m completely obsessed with her," Daniel looked defeated, more vulnerable than I’d ever seen our enforcer.

"You mentioned kissing her. Do you think she enjoyed the kiss? Because the kiss reveals everything and is extremely important," Finn sounded like a relationship counselor.

"I think she enjoyed it. Hell yes, she enjoyed it, she absolutely loved it," Daniel said with a brilliant smile and sparkling eyes for the first time tonight.

"Then your prospects are excellent. And depending on what you shared with her about our family business, the women might become your allies, because they share everything with each other," Jude declared knowingly.

"I’ll speak with her tonight when we return to the compound," Daniel decided, straightening his shoulders with newfound determination. "Damn, now I’m nervous like a teenager about to make his first kill."

We erupted in laughter, completely understanding his feelings. These women had this effect on us, these magnificent creatures who had completely enchanted us and somehow agreed to live in our violent, shadowy world.