Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 231

Chapter 231: Chapter 15 Give Me Your Phone

Gemma’s POV

This week had been extraordinary for the boutique’s operations. My sales figures were breaking records, and I was finally finding my footing in this dangerous corner of Thorne family territory. Lila had accepted Dominic’s offer to join his money laundering operation at Zenith Systems after proving herself during a high-stakes consultation with rival family contacts. I celebrated her success, but her departure left me strangely isolated in the shop that sat squarely within Capo Dominic Frost’s protected zone.

Dominic had established a concerning pattern at the shopping complex. Every single day during my lunch break, he materialized without fail, sweeping me away for coffee meetings that left my pulse hammering against my ribs. He kept demanding my contact information with an intensity that bordered on obsessive, and I found myself relishing the control I wielded over this feared Thorne family enforcer. The situation’s absurdity wasn’t lost on me that his own nephew Vincenzo possessed my number while the dangerous Capo remained completely excluded.

One day delivered an unexpected lunch invitation from Vincenzo, who was eager to introduce me to his girlfriend. She proved to be genuinely sweet, though she possessed enough nervous energy to fill a room when meeting someone connected to her boyfriend’s lethal family. After we finished our meal and walked back toward the boutique, Vincenzo intercepted me at the entrance with that signature smile that seemed to be a Frost family trait.

"You look absolutely stunning today," he said with inherited charm that reminded me exactly of his uncle’s predatory confidence. "Listen, I won’t be patrolling the mall next week because of finals. Mom will have my head if I don’t focus on academics instead of family business."

"Smart choice, sweetheart. But why the advance warning?" I asked, genuinely curious about his reasoning.

"Because I need to ask you for a massive favor."

"I’m listening."

"Please, for the sake of everyone’s sanity, give Uncle Dominic your phone number. He’s already threatening to resume those handwritten notes next week, and I cannot continue serving as his personal communication courier. The secondhand embarrassment from a Capo acting like a lovesick teenager is unbearable." Vincenzo pressed his palms together in exaggerated supplication, making me dissolve into laughter.

"Fine, you’ve worn me down. I’ll meet him for lunch tomorrow and finally end his suffering. But I’m going to torture him just a little longer first."

"You’re a lifesaver! Oh, and Grandma and Mom are desperate to meet you. Any possibility you could join us for dinner soon?"

"Soon, honey. Send them both my regards."

I embraced Vincenzo and his chattery girlfriend goodbye. Right on schedule, Dominic emerged for our daily coffee routine, his eyes brightening dangerously the moment they found me.

The next day’s lunch arrangement involved meeting Zoe and Ivy, though I suspected ulterior motives behind the casual invitation. Zoe had been orchestrating connections, allegedly helping Ivy’s former associate arrange a reconciliation meeting. She claimed Dominic had only agreed to facilitate Ivy’s introduction to one of his contacts if I participated in the lunch as well. Zoe was developing quite sophisticated manipulation skills.

After we concluded our meal, Dominic escorted me back to the boutique, his hand occasionally making contact with mine in ways that sent dangerous electricity racing up my arm. He mentioned having territorial business during our usual coffee time, genuine frustration darkening his features.

That moment inspired my decision to surprise him.

"I’m going to miss you," I confessed, the admission escaping before I could contain it.

"Only if you choose to," he replied, moving closer with predatory grace.

"But you’re the one who’ll be handling family obligations." I smiled up at him, enjoying the way his green eyes intensified.

"If I had your number, I could contact you later," he leaned down until his breath scorched my ear, "maybe a private call when you’re comfortable at home."

"You’re absolutely ruthless," I breathed, my heartbeat accelerating at his suggestion. "You’re going to destroy me completely. Give me your phone."

I quickly programmed my number into his contacts, and he rewarded me with a smile that could have illuminated the entire complex.

"I’m calling you tonight, beautiful," Dominic murmured before pressing a kiss perilously close to my lips, leaving my knees unsteady.

That evening, I took exceptional care with my shower and settled into bed to await his call. When my phone finally rang, my heart crashed against my ribs like a caged animal. I forced myself to take several steadying breaths before answering.

"I can hear you trying to calm yourself," Dominic’s amused voice came through the speaker, making me laugh until tears threatened.

"Dominic, you’re impossibly arrogant," I said, wiping my eyes.

"Obsession makes everyone desperate, gorgeous."

"Is that what this is? How did your territorial meeting go anyway?"

"Painfully tedious. I kept fantasizing about being with you instead, especially after you admitted I’m going to destroy you completely. Because I absolutely will."

"You’re already making progress," I admitted.

"Not even remotely close to what I have planned. When I really ruin you, you’re going to worship every second."

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