Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 268

Chapter 268: Chapter 52 Unexpected Arrival

Gemma’s POV

I stepped out of Ivy’s fortress-like penthouse to find Hunter leaning against his armored car, waiting for me. The moment he spotted me, his scarred face lit up as he strode over and planted a gentle kiss on my cheek.

"Gemma, you look absolutely stunning," Hunter said with genuine warmth in his voice.

Hunter possessed the kind of dangerous handsomeness that commanded respect in our world. Though not quite matching Dominic’s imposing height, he still stood impressively tall beside me. His shoulder-length black waves caught the afternoon light, complementing his naturally bronzed skin that bore the subtle marks of our violent lifestyle. Those calculating dark eyes sparkled with predatory energy, while his well-groomed beard framed a disarming smile that could charm information from anyone.

"You always know exactly what to say," I replied, sliding into the bulletproof passenger seat as he held the door open like a true gentleman.

"So, my beautiful queen, I have something special planned," Hunter announced as he settled behind the wheel, checking his rearview mirrors with practiced caution. "There’s this incredible private estate restaurant just outside our territory. It’s secure, exclusive, and serves the most amazing food. The owner owes my family several favors. Does that sound appealing to you?"

The prospect of escaping the suffocating surveillance of our territory filled me with the first genuine lightness I’d experienced in days. "That sounds absolutely perfect, Hunter."

During the drive through carefully monitored checkpoints, Hunter kept our conversation flowing effortlessly. His natural wit and endless stream of amusing stories about rival families created an atmosphere of carefree joy I’d almost forgotten existed. Yet I could sense the question hovering beneath his cheerful demeanor, the one he was too strategic to rush into asking.

Finally, his curiosity won out, though he approached the subject with careful calculation. "My queen, I don’t want to pry into matters that could get us both killed, but I need to understand what Dominic did to hurt you so deeply."

The simple truth felt like swallowing broken glass. "He betrayed me with another woman, Hunter."

"What an absolute fool," Hunter declared with a brilliant grin spreading across his face. "His spectacular stupidity is definitely my gain."

"Is that so?" I found myself laughing despite everything, just as Hunter guided the armored car into a heavily guarded private parking area beside the restaurant.

"Because now I finally have a real shot at winning your heart." His boldness was refreshing and utterly disarming.

"Look at you being so confident," I teased back.

"Darling, you haven’t experienced anything yet." He leaned over to kiss the tip of my nose before jumping out to signal his security detail. "Come on, my queen. I’m going to spoil you completely, and we’re going to create some beautiful memories this afternoon."

"Now that’s a plan I can definitely get behind."

The hours that followed with Hunter felt like stepping into a fairy tale. The private estate exceeded every expectation with its farm-to-table cuisine that tasted like pure heaven. Afterward, we explored the secure grounds on horseback, the wind whipping through our hair as we raced across protected fields while armed guards maintained discreet perimeters. We paddled a small boat across the pristine lake, sharing stories about our families and survival while swans glided alongside us. Hunter revealed pieces of himself with genuine openness, clearly wanting me to see the real man beneath the criminal exterior. The entire experience felt wonderfully uncomplicated and joyful.

As evening painted the sky in soft pastels, Hunter drove me home and once again demonstrated his impeccable manners by walking me to my secured door.

"My gorgeous queen, when can I have the pleasure of your company again?" he asked, that trademark calculating smile making his dark eyes absolutely luminous.

"Anytime you want to ask me out again."

"How about tomorrow evening? I could pick you up after your shift at the compound, take you to catch a movie, then dinner somewhere special?"

"I absolutely love movies! You can choose whatever you want. I’m game for anything - action, horror, science fiction, romantic comedies, you name it."

"You’re absolutely incredible! I’ll send you an encrypted message so we can nail down all the details."

"It’s a date. Hunter, today was truly magical. Thank you for everything."

"My queen, spending time with you is pure privilege. I should be thanking you."

We exchanged warm hugs and gentle kisses on the cheek before I headed inside my fortified apartment. Once in my secured space, I finally checked my encrypted phone for the first time since leaving with Hunter. Multiple messages from my fellow mafia wives filled the screen, along with several from Vincenzo and even missed calls from him. Concern immediately flooded through me, so I quickly dialed his number.

"Auntie, my absolute favorite person!" Vincenzo’s familiar warmth greeted me instantly.

"Vincenzo, my sweet boy! How are you doing?"

"Missing you terribly, auntie. Is everything going well with you?"

"Yes, everything’s fine. I spent the afternoon with a friend and completely missed your calls. I’m so sorry about that."

"Just a friend, auntie? Or are you maybe trying to find yourself another handsome young soldier like me?" 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Oh honey, even if I had a hundred gorgeous young soldiers in my life, you’d still hold the top spot in my heart!"

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