Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 284

Chapter 284: Chapter 68 Making It Ours

Dominic’s POV

I woke up with an energy that only came from spending an incredible night with the woman who owned my heart and soul. The prospect of having an entire day with Gemma, away from the blood and bullets of our world, filled me with an excitement I hadn’t felt since childhood.

Making my way to the kitchen of our safe house, I started preparing breakfast with the supplies my men had stocked. Just as I was sliding the omelet onto a plate, I felt Gemma’s arms encircle my waist and her lips press against my back through my shirt. The sensation sent warmth through my scarred body, a stark contrast to the cold steel I usually carried. I savored the surprise, flipping the last omelet before turning to face her. She rose on tiptoes to kiss me properly, her lips soft against mine.

"Mmm," I murmured when our lips parted. "This fortress must have some kind of magic."

"I think you’re right," Gemma agreed, her smile radiant despite everything we’d endured in this violent world. "I absolutely love it here."

"Then I was right all along. This is where we’ll build our empire together." I peppered kisses along her neck, breathing in her scent that somehow made the metallic taste of violence fade from my memory. "When do you want to start making this place truly ours?"

Gemma’s laughter filled the kitchen, a sound more precious than any of the blood money flowing through our accounts. "Making it ours? I haven’t forgiven you yet, remember?"

"But you will," I replied with the same unshakable confidence that had helped me survive countless territory wars. "It’s just a matter of time and a bit more groveling on my part. In the meantime, you could start transforming our stronghold. A proper bed in that massive master suite upstairs would be nice."

"I like the cushions just fine," she countered, that stubborn streak that first attracted me still blazing bright.

"So do I, but I’m getting older and my body bears the scars of too many fights. My back demands a real mattress for everyday use," I joked, though the ache from old bullet wounds was real enough.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "So I’m supposed to forgive a battle-worn old soldier, is that it?"

"Exactly, which is why you shouldn’t wait too long." Her laughter was music to my ears, drowning out the echoes of gunfire that usually haunted my thoughts. "Come on, let’s eat. Then I’ll take you home to get ready before we stop by my penthouse to—"

She cut me off immediately. "I am never setting foot in that blood-stained place again unless it’s to burn that cursed bed." Her expression turned deadly serious, and I was reminded that my woman had spine of steel.

"I’m sorry. You’re right." I sighed deeply, remembering the carnage that place had witnessed. "I’ll drop you at your place, grab my things from the penthouse, then come back for you. Then we’ll pick up Vincenzo and Carmen. How does that sound?"

"Much better," she said, her expression softening slightly.

"I think my accounts are going to be drained by the end of today," I said, earning a small smile from her.

"You made a deal with Carmen but didn’t set any spending limits?" She raised an eyebrow as realization dawned on me. "No, I didn’t specify any boundaries."

"Oh, Dominic," Gemma laughed. "You’re not as strategic as I thought."

"It doesn’t matter. Seeing you smile makes it worth every dollar in my offshore accounts." I gave her a quick kiss. "So, will you start making this fortress into our home?"

"I’ll consider it. Maybe I’ll buy a bed, and you can move your arsenal in right away."

"I’d love nothing more."

My sister and brother-in-law were so desperate for alone time away from the family business that they’d already dropped Vincenzo and Carmen at Gemma’s apartment. When I returned after securing my weapons and sensitive documents, the apartment was overflowing with laughter. I stood at the door, listening like a lovesick fool before finally ringing the doorbell.

"This is exactly how I want our stronghold to be," I said, pulling Gemma into my arms when she opened the door. "Filled with joy and laughter instead of the screams that usually echo through our world."

"Good, because I told Nadia not to worry. I’ll take care of them today, and they’re sleeping over. My driver will take them to their private school tomorrow," Gemma announced happily.

"I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry," I joked, making her laugh.

"Let your sister and brother-in-law have some fun!" Gemma scolded playfully.

"Good morning, kids!" I called out as I entered.

Vincenzo immediately announced, "Uncle Dominic, you’re taking us to Aunt Willow’s new house after the shopping district."

"Excellent idea, Vincenzo," I agreed. "I haven’t had a chance to buy Willow and Ryder a proper housewarming gift from our family."

"I still haven’t forgiven you," Gemma reminded me pointedly.

"What matters is that you will," I replied, kissing her cheek while mentally calculating which of my clean bank accounts to use today.

Turning my attention to Carmen, I said seriously, "Little princess, we need to discuss something important." She matched my serious expression with the intensity of a seasoned negotiator.

"What is it, Frost?" The girl’s sassiness was increasing daily. Gemma and Vincenzo failed miserably at hiding their amusement.

"Don’t call me that! I’m your uncle," I protested.

"Whatever. What do you want?" Carmen regarded me with complete disinterest, clearly having learned negotiation tactics from watching family business meetings.

"Limits," I said, which was enough for her to understand my meaning.

"No way! Absolutely not! You didn’t set any parameters when you made the deal, so now, sweetheart, you can sit and cry all you want, but hand over that unlimited black card!"

"Will you ladies wait for us here?" I asked, noting my men positioned strategically around the area. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

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