Chapter 586 - 182 Best Laid Plans

Chapter 586: Chapter 182 Best Laid Plans

Lila’s POV

Daniel had orchestrated the perfect evening with those DNA test results, confirming my true heritage as a Sullivan family blood heir. His attention to detail never ceased to amaze me, whether he was conducting a high-stakes operation for the police department or planning intimate surprises for me. Tonight, however, I had my own carefully laid plans. I was determined to seduce my powerful inspector. We hadn’t been intimate since returning from the Connor family compound where he’d rescued me from that forced marriage scheme. He’d been treating me like delicate porcelain ever since, worried about my fading bruises and minor injuries from the ordeal. Nothing serious enough to warrant his excessive protection, but Daniel had always been fiercely protective of what belonged to him.

That afternoon, while he was handling some Thorne family business with Caleb, I slipped into an exclusive boutique in the diamond district that catered to discerning wives of prominent families. I selected a scandalously short cherry-colored silk nightgown with a dramatic cutout along the spine and matching barely-there panties that would leave little to his imagination. Before bedtime, I made Daniel promise to stay awake, claiming I needed to discuss something important about the Sullivan family’s legal restructuring now that my true parentage had been confirmed.

After locking myself in our marble bathroom, I took my time preparing. The shower was long and luxurious, followed by applying the expensive French perfume he’d bought me to all the places I knew would drive him wild. When I slipped into my scandalous purchase, I knew my detective wouldn’t be able to resist. The Martinez family men were known for their appetites, and Daniel had never been able to keep his hands off me once he saw me in something enticing.

When I emerged from the bathroom with only the soft amber glow of our bedside lamps creating atmosphere, I called his name in the sultry voice that usually had immediate effects. Nothing. Thinking he was playing games, I crawled across our king-sized bed and touched his muscled arm. Complete stillness. Daniel lay there like a statue, eyes closed, his broad chest rising and falling with the deep, rhythmic breathing of someone in profound unconsciousness.

"You have got to be kidding me right now," I whispered in disbelief. "The man is completely dead to the world."

I gave his shoulder a gentle shake, but he didn’t even twitch. My supposedly foolproof seduction strategy had crashed and burned spectacularly. For a moment, I considered creating enough commotion to wake him, but then I remembered how he’d spent the entire day coordinating with various family allies and still managed to prepare an elaborate dinner for me. The responsibilities of maintaining his position in both the legitimate police force and the underground network of family alliances were exhausting, even for someone as formidable as Daniel.

With a frustrated sigh, I admitted defeat. I switched off the lamps and settled into bed with my back turned to him. While I understood his exhaustion, I couldn’t suppress my irritation that he’d fallen asleep after I specifically requested he wait up for me.

I woke unusually early the following morning. Despite it being Saturday when I could indulge in sleeping late, I felt too restless and annoyed to remain in bed. As I carefully extracted myself from the sheets, inspiration struck like lightning. I’d show him exactly what he’d missed out on. I peeled off my nightgown and arranged it deliberately on the bed, positioned so he’d immediately recognize it wasn’t just any garment when he woke. Then I slipped off my panties and placed them provocatively on my pillow before padding to the bathroom.

I was nursing my coffee and brooding over my failed romantic ambush when Sybilla bounced into the kitchen wearing designer workout attire, her dark hair pulled back in a perfect ponytail, radiating more energy than should be legal at this ungodly hour.

"Good morning, gorgeous Lila!" she chirped, settling across from me at the granite island. Even without makeup and fresh out of bed, she possessed the kind of effortless beauty that ran in the Martinez bloodline.

"Morning," I mumbled into my cup. "What’s with all the boundless enthusiasm?"

"Meeting Jude at the private gym in his building."

"And you’re this animated because of Jude or because of the workout?" I asked with undisguised dryness.

"Because it’s Saturday, Lila! A beautiful Saturday! Plus, I still have employment for the foreseeable future."

Sybilla couldn’t shake her persistent anxiety that Xavier might terminate her position at Thorne Group. Working directly under the family’s chief strategist was both a privilege and a constant source of stress for her.

"He’s not going to fire you," I assured her, taking another bite of my toast with imported apricot preserves.

"Who’s getting terminated?" Daniel appeared in the kitchen doorway, looking devastatingly handsome even in casual weekend attire. "Good morning, beautiful ladies." He approached and planted a quick kiss on my lips. "Mmm, that apricot preserve is incredible."

I didn’t return his smile. My mood hadn’t improved overnight, but he seemed completely oblivious to my displeasure. I waited expectantly for some acknowledgment of my lingerie display upstairs, but he simply sat down and poured himself coffee from our expensive machine.

"So, who’s getting the axe?" he repeated casually. Sybilla kicked me sharply under the table.

"Nobody, big brother," she lied smoothly. "Just my usual paranoia about making costly mistakes and getting dismissed."

"Little sister, that’s never happening. You’re incredibly capable. Caleb mentioned you’re proving to be an invaluable addition to our operations." He smiled warmly at her, still apparently unaware of my simmering mood.

"That’s wonderful news!" Sybilla finished her fresh juice with forced brightness. "My darlings, I need to leave. Don’t wait up tonight, Jude and I have extensive plans."

"Hold on there, young lady. Where exactly are you two heading?" Daniel caught her wrist with practiced authority.

"Gym session with Jude, then lunch and spending time together." She pulled free and blew him a playful kiss.

"Just exercise caution, Sybilla. You two are practically attached at the hip lately, and he’s still navigating his divorce proceedings. The legal separation isn’t finalized yet. I don’t want you getting emotionally wounded." It was the same protective warning he’d delivered repeatedly. If only he knew the complete truth about their relationship.

"Daniel, Jude and I are simply friends," she insisted before blowing another kiss and making her exit. The front door slammed moments later.

"Now it’s just us, young lady." Daniel crossed his powerful arms, studying me with intense focus.

"I’m not involved with Jude," I replied with deliberate provocation.

"Excellent, because your boyfriend happens to be extremely possessive." He reached into his pocket and tossed something onto the marble surface before me. "I discovered this on our bed, along with a tiny scrap of fabric that might qualify as a nightgown, assuming nightgowns came in microscopic proportions."

I fought to suppress my smile, still determined to maintain my annoyed facade.

"You know what’s amusing? I’ve never encountered these items before. Care to enlighten me?" His dark eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Perhaps they’re intended for your personal use," I replied with feigned indifference.

"I don’t believe cherry is particularly flattering on me. However, I know someone who would look absolutely breathtaking in it."

"Really? Then deliver it to her."

"Brilliant suggestion."

In one fluid motion, he swept me into his arms as if I weighed nothing and carried me toward our bedroom. He continued directly into the bathroom and set me down gently. I noticed the nightgown placed strategically on the marble vanity, and when I turned back, he dangled the panties from one finger with a wicked grin.

"Now, my little one, you’re going to model these for me. I’ll be waiting in bed."

"Oh really? Will you fall unconscious again?" I challenged, raising one eyebrow.

"Such a defiant little thing." His smile was absolutely sinful. "I’m waiting to cure that rebellious attitude of yours."

He departed, closing the door behind him. I stood there staring after him, indignant but secretly thrilled. If he thought I’d make this easy for him, he was gravely mistaken.