Chapter 416: Chapter 12 Exclusively Mine
Lila’s POV
I stirred awake to the intoxicating sensation of Daniel’s lips pressed against mine. His morning kisses had become my most dangerous addiction—tender yet commanding, impossible to resist, like everything about the Martinez heir who had claimed my heart.
"Good morning, little one," he whispered, his voice rough with sleep as he pulled back slightly, those dark eyes studying my face with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.
"Good morning, big guy," I replied with a smile that quickly faded as I self-consciously covered my mouth. "Wait, I haven’t brushed my teeth yet. God, I must look terrible—messy hair, puffy face, and morning breath included. I should have woken before you to make myself presentable."
Daniel’s deep laugh rumbled through his chest as he gently captured my wrists, pulling my hands away from my face with the same careful control he used when handling his service weapon.
"Tiny one, you could never look anything less than perfect. Yes, your hair is wild, but it’s beautiful. And trust me, your breath is fine," he assured me, his thumb tracing my lower lip with reverence. "Better get used to this—I plan on waking you with kisses every single day for the rest of our lives."
With that declaration, he positioned himself over me, supporting his weight on his forearms while claiming my lips again. The warmth of his bare chest against mine sent electricity coursing through my veins. My hands seemed to move of their own accord, traveling up his powerful arms, across his broad shoulders scarred from years of dangerous work, and down the muscled expanse of his back. Every inch of him felt like perfection under my fingertips—this man who straddled two worlds with lethal grace.
"Tiny one," he murmured between kisses, "your touch feels incredible. I love when you put your hands on me."
We continued kissing for several more minutes, making me seriously consider calling in sick to Thorne Group. Eventually, responsibility won out. Daniel, ever the protective gentleman, insisted I shower first while he checked his encrypted messages from the precinct. When I returned to the bedroom fully dressed—just shoes in hand—I found him lounging against the headboard, arms folded behind his head like some dangerous god surveying his domain. The intensity in his gaze as he watched me could have melted the reinforced steel of his apartment’s security doors.
"Come here," he commanded softly, extending his hand toward me. I approached the bed and immediately found myself pulled into his embrace for another soul-stealing kiss.
"Tiny one, are you absolutely certain about us?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of a man who knew the darkness his world could bring.
"Completely certain," I replied without hesitation, meeting his searching gaze.
"I want you to know we can continue with just kisses for as long as you need. There’s no rush."
I looked directly into his eyes, seeing both the dangerous Inspector and the tender man who held my heart. "I want more than kisses, Daniel. I’m looking forward to tonight. I want you to be my first, and I want it to be today. I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life."
His smile was devastating. "I’m honored and privileged, little one. But understand this—you’re not obligated to anything. We can stop at any moment if you want. Just say the word. Understood?"
"Understood."
He studied my face with the thoroughness of an investigator. "And you need to tell me immediately if something doesn’t feel right or makes you uncomfortable. Communication is everything between us. I need to know what you’re feeling. Understood?"
"Understood. Anything else?" I asked, eager to return to kissing this infuriating, protective man.
His expression turned serious, taking on the commanding presence that made hardened criminals confess their sins. "Yes, just one more thing." I waited as he continued, "From now on, little one, you’re mine. Exclusively mine. In this world, that means something. Understand?"
Instead of answering with words, I leaned in and pressed my lips to his, showing him my complete surrender. I was already addicted to his kisses—the shivers they sent across my skin, the butterflies they released in my stomach, the warmth they spread through my chest. The sensation was intoxicating, and I’d become dependent on it faster than I could have imagined.
"Hmm, taking initiative—I like that. Do it whenever you want," he encouraged before capturing my lips again, his hands tangling in my hair.
I floated into Thorne Group’s executive offices that morning, sighing dreamily every few minutes as I organized legal documents. Tonight couldn’t come soon enough, though I still had to endure work and law school classes before then.
The girls and I had planned to meet for coffee to share details about our evenings. Before the others arrived, I seized the opportunity to chat with Gemma alone. Gemma had always been my confidante for advice; her worldliness had helped transform me from a painfully shy legal secretary who missed opportunities to someone who could confidently navigate both the legitimate and shadier aspects of Thorne Group’s operations.
Though sometimes her candid advice made me blush furiously—like today when she suggested I take initiative and clearly communicate my desires. Despite my embarrassment, she made a point that resonated with something Daniel had already mentioned: playing hard-to-get only creates dangerous confusion in their world. I decided then that I would be straightforward and decisive rather than coy. Still, I trembled with fear that Daniel might not enjoy being with me, especially as I recognized I was already falling completely under his spell.
As the day progressed, another concern emerged that only one person could help me with—Zoe Miller, my self-proclaimed "creator." Since she had overhauled my appearance, transforming me from invisible wallflower to confident woman capable of holding her own in Thorne Group’s sophisticated circles, she jokingly referred to me as her most successful project.
Zoe had been instrumental in my metamorphosis—changing my hairstyle, convincing me to switch from fixed braces to removable ones, teaching me to wear contact lenses instead of glasses, and completely revamping my wardrobe to fit Thorne Group’s upscale image. I had loved every moment of the transformation.
Now, I needed her expertise once more to prepare me for what awaited tonight with the most dangerous and captivating man I’d ever known. With nervous fingers, I picked up my phone and dialed her number.
Comments