Chapter 102: Chapter 102 Claiming His Heir
Ivy’s POV
The morning light filtered through the bulletproof windows of our penthouse as Caleb once again insisted on handling both Max’s drop-off at the Thorne family compound’s private childcare facility and my escort to the legitimate front operations of our organization. His need to maximize every moment with his claimed family had become a sacred ritual.
"I want to absorb every second I can steal with my people," he murmured against my ear as we gathered Max’s belongings, his voice carrying that possessive edge that made my pulse quicken.
At the Thorne compound’s secure childcare wing, Mrs. Palmer greeted us with her practiced warmth. Her experienced eyes moved between Caleb and Max with the calculating assessment of someone who had served mafia families for decades. That familiar spark of recognition flickered across her weathered features.
"What a striking father and son pair," she observed, studying their matching profiles with the sharp attention of a longtime family retainer. "The boy has inherited your commanding jawline, Don Thorne. The bloodline resemblance runs remarkably deep."
Before I could formulate any correction to address her assumption, Caleb stepped forward with that trademark confidence that commanded entire territories.
"Grazie, Mrs. Palmer. The family resemblance speaks for itself," he responded smoothly, his hand claiming the small of my back in a gesture that broadcast ownership to anyone watching.
My heartbeat thundered against my ribs. Each time someone drew these connections, Caleb embraced the implications more completely. The way he claimed Max without hesitation should have terrified me, yet instead it sent dangerous warmth coursing through my veins.
The drive to Thorne Group headquarters passed in loaded silence. Caleb’s knuckles were white against the steering wheel, his jaw locked in that particular configuration that meant his mind was processing something heavy. I could practically witness the calculations spinning behind those piercing blue eyes.
As we approached the imposing glass towers that housed our legitimate money laundering operations, he finally shattered the tense quiet that had settled between us.
"Ivy, there’s something I need to address, and I’m hoping you won’t shut down this conversation." His voice carried a weight that made my stomach clench with apprehension. "Last night, when your cousin and her husband were discussing family matters, they mentioned that you don’t know Max’s father’s identity. I’ve been trying to push it from my thoughts, but it’s consuming me."
My breath caught in my throat. Of all the dangerous conversations I’d been dreading within our organization, this one topped every list.
"Caleb, we’re literally pulling into Thorne headquarters right now. This hardly seems like an appropriate parking garage discussion," I deflected, buying precious time as panic fluttered behind my sternum.
"I understand the timing is problematic, but it’s been devouring me since last night. When I first discovered Max’s existence, I asked Heidi if she knew his father’s identity. She indicated only you possessed that information because it involved deeply personal territory." His knuckles had gone bone-white against the steering wheel. "I’m planning to give Max my name regardless of blood. As far as I’m concerned, he’s already my heir. But I need to understand the truth."
The vulnerability threading through his voice nearly shattered my composure. Here was this ruthless man who commanded fear across the entire eastern seaboard, laying his heart completely bare in an underground parking structure.
"The reality is straightforward, even if it makes me appear foolish," I began, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. "I encountered Max’s father during one night. We shared those hours together, then he vanished like smoke in the wind. Some time later, I discovered I was carrying his child."
Caleb’s jaw muscle ticked dangerously, but he maintained silence, waiting for me to continue my explanation.
"He has no knowledge that Max exists. Even if I wanted to locate him, I wouldn’t know where to begin searching. He disappeared completely, as if our night together held absolutely no significance for him."
"Does he know he has an heir walking this earth?"
"No, and honestly, there’s no method for me to track him down. If I could find him, I wouldn’t keep Max from knowing his biological father. But that ship sailed long ago." The admission tasted bitter on my tongue.
Caleb reached across the console and captured my hand, bringing it to his lips. The gentle kiss he pressed against my knuckles sent electricity racing up my arm.
"You don’t need to carry shame about any of that, Ivy. Max has me now, and that’s the only thing that matters."
As he parked before Thorne Group’s imposing entrance, Caleb moved with predatory grace to open my door. The moment my feet touched the concrete, his powerful arms encircled my waist, pulling me flush against his chest. His kiss was deep and claiming, the kind that left me breathless and craving more of his dangerous attention.
"When are you returning to where you belong? Working directly under my protection?" His voice was rough against my lips.
I couldn’t suppress my laughter, even as desire pooled low in my belly. "You’re absolutely relentless."
"Grant me until Friday to make my final decision. But you have to promise that whatever I choose, you’ll respect my judgment."
"I can’t make promises I might not honor, but I can wait until Friday." That devastating smile spread across his face, the one that made my knees weak with want. "Have the most incredible day, my angel. I’ll be counting every minute until I see you again."
"You’ll be occupying my thoughts too." I rose on my toes for one more stolen kiss before forcing myself toward the building.
The morning flew by until a delivery arrived at my workstation. An exquisite arrangement of pink and white tulips nestled among delicate baby’s breath, filling my workspace with their sweet fragrance.
Lila’s round face appeared over our shared cubicle partition, her eyes wide with admiration.
"Ivy, those flowers are absolutely breathtaking! Your man is completely devoted to you. Do you think I’ll ever find someone who loves me like that?"
"Lila, you’re still so young. You have endless time to find your person. Just focus on enjoying your freedom right now," I said warmly.
Ruby’s perfectly styled head emerged from the opposite side, her expression mischievous.
"Lila, darling, I could introduce you to some genuinely sophisticated men. I know plenty of successful gentlemen who would appreciate a sweet girl like you."
"Right, like any high-class guy would spare me a second glance," Lila said, her self-doubt evident.
"Are you serious? You’re beautiful, Lila. You just need to recognize it yourself," I insisted firmly.
"Why don’t you join us after work? We could give you a complete transformation. Gemma has an incredible eye for style," Ruby suggested enthusiastically.
"But wouldn’t your friends mind having a stranger crash your plans?" Lila’s voice carried hope mixed with uncertainty.
"Trust me, the girls would love to have a new project. They’ll treat you like their favorite makeover doll," I assured her with a grin.
"Okay, if you’re certain they won’t mind, I’d love to come," Lila said, her excitement bubbling over.
"Perfect! Now let’s grab some coffee before the afternoon chaos hits," Ruby announced.
Walking toward the break room, I pulled out my phone to text Caleb.
"The tulips make my entire day brighter. I love you more than words can express."
His response arrived within seconds.
"You’ll be receiving fresh tulips every week for the rest of our lives together. I love you beyond all measure."
Reading his message sent warmth flooding through my entire body. How had this dangerous man become so essential to my happiness in such a short time? The thought of existence without him felt impossible now. Maybe soulmates really did exist, and maybe I’d finally found mine in the most unlikely place.
