Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244: Chapter 28 Steel and Surrender

Dominic’s POV

Walking into my heavily fortified compound with Gemma beside me felt like entering uncharted territory. The bulletproof windows and reinforced steel doors that normally provided comfort now seemed to emphasize the dangerous world I was bringing her into. My palms were damp, my pulse racing in a way that was completely foreign to me. In my years as a Capo for the Thorne family, nothing had ever made me this anxious, but Gemma was different. She turned this feared lieutenant into a fumbling teenager desperate for approval.

"This place is like a fortress," Gemma said, her gaze sweeping across the surveillance monitors and reinforced living room as I disabled the security system.

"It has to be in my line of work. I had everything ready for you earlier this week, but then you stormed off." I flashed her my most apologetic expression. "Today I’m completely unprepared, but I need you to hear me out. What you saw at the mall was nothing."

"Then explain it to me, Dominic. Because I watched that woman throw herself at you like she owned you. She kissed you, and you just stood there like some made man who couldn’t handle his own business."

"I was shocked, not willing. That kind of public display could have compromised both our positions." Frustration crept into my voice. "Look, why don’t we sit down with some wine? I’ll tell you everything you want to know about how our world really works."

Gemma studied my face, probably noting the tension that came from years of looking over my shoulder, before nodding slowly. I settled her on the leather couch that faced away from the weapons cabinet and disappeared into the kitchen, returning with wine, glasses, and a hastily assembled cheese board. After pouring the wine and handing her a glass, I sat close enough to catch her perfume but far enough to respect the invisible barriers between our worlds.

"Gemma, before you came along, I lived without any real attachments. In the Thorne family, commitment makes you vulnerable, and I never committed to anyone. Yes, I’ve been with many women from our circle, sometimes repeatedly."

"How reassuring," Gemma said dryly, her expression souring.

"I’m in my thirties and a Capo in one of the most powerful families on the East Coast. I have a history, and I was never celibate. But I was also never careless."

"I understand that, Dominic." She sighed heavily. "It just bothers me that these women keep circling you like they have some claim on family business."

"Beatrix, the one from the mall, is the only one who’s become a real problem. She’s connected to families we do business with."

"Tell me about her."

"Caleb, Xavier, and I have known Beatrix and her circle since we were kids running numbers for our fathers. Same territory, same family connections, we practically grew up in the same blood-soaked streets." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"And?"

"Yara always chased our Don, Caleb Thorne. Elza went after Xavier, our Consigliere. And Beatrix set her sights on me. Caleb had the sense to stay away from Yara, but Xavier and I made the mistake of getting involved with the other two. Now they think they have territorial rights."

"Involved how? Were you in a relationship?"

"No, Gemma. It was purely physical arrangements, and I made that crystal clear from the start. In our world, you don’t mix business with emotions. I never wanted anything serious with anyone. Until you completely turned my world upside down and made me forget every rule I lived by."

"What do you mean?"

"For the first time in my life, I want more than just physical release or strategic alliances. I want a real relationship, even if it puts a target on both our backs. I don’t understand how it happened, but I’m in love with you, Gemma. You’re everything to me now, worth more than any territory or family loyalty."

"Then why did that woman launch herself at you in broad daylight?"

"Because she has no boundaries and thinks her family connections give her privileges. But there’s nothing between us anymore, and there never will be again."

"Did you make it clear that you’re taken?"

"I’m taken?" A grin spread across my face despite the gravity of what that meant in my world, and Gemma glared at me. "I chased after you instead of dealing with her properly, but if I see her again, I’ll make it perfectly clear that touching me is a death sentence."

"Fine. I believe you," Gemma said simply.

"You do?"

"Yes, I believe you. But I’m warning you now. I’ve been betrayed before, and you know it. I won’t survive that again, especially not in your dangerous world. Are we clear?"

"Crystal clear, my goddess. You’ll never experience that pain again. I’d burn down every rival family before I let anyone hurt you." I pulled Gemma onto my lap and captured her lips with mine.

The moment our mouths connected, electricity shot through my entire body. I tangled my fingers in her curls and kissed her like she was my lifeline, my other hand mapping the curves of her body, feeling her shiver under my touch as I pressed her closer against me.

Gemma traced my face with gentle fingers, probably feeling the scars from territorial disputes, before sliding them into my hair, pulling me deeper into the kiss. It was the perfect kiss to seal our dangerous truce and grant me permission to explore every inch of her.

We stayed on the couch, embracing and kissing while sipping wine. I worshipped her body with my hands, kissed her like she was the sweetest addiction. I needed her to know that only she mattered, that I’d abandon every family loyalty for her. Tonight I would show her exactly how much she meant to me.

"I want to take you to my bedroom and lose myself in you. Will you let me?" The question came out rough with desire, and her answer came in the form of another searing kiss.

In my bedroom, I left only the bedside lamps glowing softly, keeping the security monitors dimmed but visible. I held Gemma close and pressed gentle kisses along her neck. She wore an emerald silk dress with flowing sleeves, a flared skirt, and a deep V-neckline that drove me wild.

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