Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 245

Chapter 245: Chapter 29 Hostile Territory

Gemma’s POV

As much as every fiber of my being craved another night wrapped in Dominic’s arms, duty demanded my attention. After our blissful Sunday at Xavier’s safehouse, reality forced me to return home and prepare for Monday’s milestone - my first day working inside Caleb’s legitimate front operation. Dominic’s reaction was nothing short of petulant fury.

"If I had known you’d abandon me tonight, I never would have let you escape my bed this morning," Dominic growled repeatedly as his armored vehicle idled outside my apartment building, two of his soldiers maintaining watchful positions nearby.

"Then we would have missed that wonderful afternoon with our family," I countered, watching his jaw clench with barely controlled possessiveness.

"Sure, it was great. But nothing compares to having you beneath me, completely mine."

His crude honesty sent molten heat racing through my veins, and I couldn’t suppress my laughter at his brooding expression. The truth was, I wanted him just as desperately. Our bodies had discovered a rhythm so perfect, a connection so complete, that denying our physical compatibility was impossible. In the dangerous world we now inhabited together, these stolen moments of intimacy felt even more precious.

After kissing Dominic goodbye with whispered promises of making up for lost time, I stepped inside to find my mother’s knowing smile waiting for me.

"Someone had quite the weekend," she observed with that maternal intuition that never failed to read me perfectly, though I noticed her glance nervously toward the window where Dominic’s security detail remained visible.

"I did, Mom. I’ve found my place within an incredible family, and I have a man who would burn the world down to protect me," I said, closing my eyes with a dreamy sigh that made her chuckle despite her obvious concerns about my new reality.

"That’s wonderful, sweetheart. And remember, tomorrow you begin working directly for the Thorne organization."

"I know. Everything feels like it’s shifting into something bigger than I ever imagined."

"Which is exactly why I’m calling our realtor tomorrow morning to accelerate our apartment search. We need to find something in a more secure area. I want you involved in every decision."

"Of course, Mom. I’m actually relieved about leaving this neighborhood behind. Just remember I can only look during lunch breaks or after hours. Caleb seems understanding about family obligations, but I refuse to take advantage of his generosity, especially when I’m still proving myself."

"Smart thinking, honey. I’ll coordinate with your schedule. Are you hungry?"

"No thanks, I already ate. I need a hot shower and my bed - I’m exhausted. Good night."

After kissing my mother’s cheek, I slept more peacefully than I had in months, knowing Dominic’s network of protection extended over our building.

Monday morning arrived with unexpected hostility. At the Thorne Group’s downtown headquarters, the reception desk became my first battlefield. Something was seriously wrong when the blonde receptionist refused me entry entirely, treating me like a potential threat rather than Caleb’s new employee.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Caleb’s direct line. He sounded genuinely confused and asked me to wait while he came down personally to handle the situation.

"Good morning, Gemma," Caleb said as he emerged from the private elevator, his expression darkening as he surveyed the scene. "What exactly is happening here?"

"That woman at reception claimed I wasn’t authorized for building access. When I tried explaining my position, she called security and had me physically removed from the premises," I replied, my irritation barely contained while recognizing this could be something more dangerous than simple workplace politics.

"This is completely unacceptable, Gemma. Come with me immediately."

Caleb’s tone carried the unmistakable authority of a man accustomed to absolute obedience. He marched me back inside, his presence commanding instant respect from every employee we passed. After I identified the security guard who had manhandled me, he summoned both the guard and receptionist for an immediate explanation. The woman insisted my entry hadn’t been properly cleared and that she’d received specific instructions to remove me, but she refused to reveal her source.

Caleb’s response was swift and decisive - both employees were terminated immediately and escorted directly to Human Resources, though I suspected their departure from the Thorne organization would involve more than just collecting final paychecks.

He personally arranged my security credentials and building access before escorting me to my designated workspace within his inner circle.

"Monica, I need an explanation for why Gemma’s building access was deliberately blocked," Caleb addressed his personal secretary with barely controlled menace.

"Who is Gemma, sir?" Monica’s innocent act was transparently false, and I could see the calculation behind her eyes.

"Drop the performance, Monica. I sent you detailed instructions regarding her integration into our operations. I expect zero complications moving forward."

"Sir, I honestly don’t understand why you require additional administrative support when I’ve managed everything flawlessly," Monica protested with obvious resentment and something that looked dangerously like jealousy.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify