Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 318

Chapter 318: Chapter 102 Sweet Amid Bitter

Gemma’s POV

I woke up with a splitting headache, the aftermath of yesterday’s emotional carnage. My eyes were puffy, underscored by dark circles that made me look like I’d been through a street war. The tears had taken their toll, leaving me feeling hollow and irritable, like a gun with no bullets.

When I dragged myself into the living room, Dominic was commanding attention like a don addressing his soldiers - security personnel and household staff lined up attentively in military precision. The moment he spotted me, his serious expression transformed into a warm smile as he extended his hand with the grace of a man who controlled half the city’s underground.

"Gemma, good morning, beautiful!" His lips brushed against my hair as he guided me through introductions to the small army of people who would be ensuring our safety from rival families and street threats. The sheer number of armed guards and surveillance specialists was overwhelming, a reminder of just how deep into Thorne family territory I’d fallen.

Once everyone dispersed to their positions, Dominic pulled me into an embrace that felt like sanctuary behind bulletproof walls. His arms around me provided momentary relief from the throbbing in my temples and the constant fear that had become my shadow.

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" he whispered, his breath warm against my ear, voice carrying the tenderness he reserved only for me.

"Not really. My head’s killing me and I just feel... off-center somehow. It’s hard to explain," I mumbled against his shoulder, allowing myself to lean into the strength of a man who could level entire city blocks if someone threatened what was his.

"Aw, my poor goddess," Dominic cooed, his tender tone coaxing a reluctant smile from me despite the circumstances. "Come on, let’s get some breakfast in you, then a painkiller. I’ll call Caleb to let him know you’re taking a sick day from the legitimate operations."

"I absolutely will not!" I pulled back, suddenly indignant at the suggestion.

"But you’re clearly not feeling well," he reasoned, concern etching his features in a way that made him look less like a feared capo and more like a worried boyfriend.

"So what?" I challenged, my tone sharper than intended. "A headache doesn’t render me incapable of handling the family’s financial records."

Dominic, wisely sensing my mood and remembering how I’d once held a gun to his chest without flinching, backed down. "Are you certain you can handle the numbers today?"

"Completely," I affirmed with unwavering conviction that would make any soldier proud.

"Breakfast first, then," he conceded, steering me toward the kitchen with the protective instinct of a man who’d killed for less important things.

My spirits lifted marginally at the sight of chocolate cake waiting on the table - imported from some exclusive European bakery that probably cost more than most people’s monthly rent. I devoured a generous slice alongside my coffee before downing a painkiller and preparing to face another day in the legitimate front of a criminal empire.

As Dominic drove me to work in his armored sedan, flanked by discrete security vehicles, he reminded me, "Gemma, arrange something with your mom and Ryder. We need to talk to them about protection protocols."

"I’ll call her today," I promised, watching the city pass by through bulletproof glass. "Any particular day work better for family security briefings?"

"The sooner the better, Songbird," Dominic’s tone was serious, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. "They need to understand the threats that come with being connected to our world now."

He was right. I’d initially dismissed Nick’s threats as the ravings of a bitter ex, but now that he’d discovered our safe house location, the danger felt uncomfortably real. This wasn’t just some disgruntled ex anymore - this was family betrayal at the highest levels of organized crime.

Throughout the morning at Caleb’s legitimate investment firm, my headache persisted, making me increasingly irritable as I processed offshore accounts and shell company transfers. By lunchtime, I opted to order in rather than venture outside where rival families or Marcus’s associates might be waiting. While waiting for delivery under the watchful eyes of building security, I seized the opportunity to call my mother.

"Gemma, where on earth have you been?" She answered with maternal exasperation that cut through all the violence and danger to remind me I was still someone’s little girl.

"Mom, I’m sorry. Things have been... complicated in ways I can’t fully explain."

"Zander mentioned you were considering reconciliation with Dominic. What happened? And why do I keep seeing black SUVs in our neighborhood?"

I smiled despite myself. "Zander has quite the loose lips for someone who works around dangerous people, doesn’t he?"

"He was simply easing a worried mother’s mind when my daughter wouldn’t return my calls and strange men in expensive suits started asking questions about our family."

"Well, Mom, Dominic and I are back together," I confessed, leaving out the part about midnight raids and blood oaths.

"Finally, some good news! I’ve always liked that young man, Gemma. He clearly adores you, even if his business associates are rather intimidating."

"He wants to meet with you and Ryder tonight. Security briefing disguised as dinner. Can we arrange something?"

"Dinner at my house. I’ll expect both of you and whatever protection detail he thinks we need. Should I invite Zander?"

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