Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 325

Chapter 325: Chapter 109 Week Long Surprise

Dominic’s POV

Our family gathering at the secure compound was winding down, with everyone exchanging final embraces and farewells. Nadia and Quentin were the last senior members to leave, yet I noticed with confusion that Vincenzo and Carmen remained comfortably seated on our new armored couch in the reinforced living room.

"Time to head back to the main house, you two," I said with a gentle smile, assuming they were simply tired from the day’s family council activities.

Carmen looked up at me with that precocious expression she often wore. "We’ve already said goodbye to them, Uncle!"

I glanced through the bulletproof windows, watching Nadia turn to wave one final time before disappearing through the fortified gate. Gemma was waving back cheerfully from our secured entrance. My gaze shifted between my niece and nephew sprawled on my couch and my woman, who sealed the reinforced door with a suspiciously wide grin, blowing me a kiss as she passed. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Now, my precious ones," Gemma announced dramatically, settling herself between the kids, "I demand a foot massage!"

Without hesitation, Vincenzo slid onto the carpet, carefully removed her shoes, and began massaging one foot. Carmen snuggled against Gemma’s arm as they excitedly discussed weekend plans for activities within the compound.

"Join us, Uncle," Vincenzo called out. "I’ll take one foot, you take the other."

I felt laughter bubbling up but complied, sitting beside my nephew on the floor. "Would someone care to explain what exactly is happening here?" I asked, taking Gemma’s other foot while keeping my ear tuned for any security alerts.

"Mmm, that feels heavenly," Gemma purred, exchanging a conspiratorial smile with Carmen. "Want to share our little secret with Uncle Dominic, Carmen?"

"May I?" Carmen asked eagerly, continuing after Gemma’s nod. "We’re staying with you for several days in the new safe house!" Her green eyes sparkled with excitement.

"What a shock," I replied, sarcasm dripping from every word. "Your parents couldn’t even let us settle into our secured perimeter properly before pawning off you two troublemakers."

Vincenzo laughed beside me. "Come on, Uncle. You’re absolutely thrilled to have your favorite niece and nephew staying in your fortress."

"Oh yes, I can barely contain my overwhelming joy," I grumbled. "And why didn’t my goddess mention this protective custody arrangement?"

"Helloooo," Carmen interrupted, waving her hand for attention. "It was supposed to be a surprise, silly!"

I couldn’t help laughing, suddenly understanding why they’d arrived with overnight bags packed with secure communication devices. I had to admit, having these two under my direct protection for the weekend might actually be reassuring given the recent territorial tensions.

We lingered in the living room, sharing stories and laughter while the compound’s security system hummed quietly around us. Carmen demonstrated her latest ballet moves, Vincenzo recounted the trials of being in his later teens in a mafia family, and Gemma entertained us with tales of her own rebellious teenage years before joining our world.

Watching them, I felt a strange yearning stirring within me—the desire for children of our own blood to protect and guide through this dangerous life. My mother and Willow had planted that seed earlier during family discussions about legacy, and it was starting to take root in my mind.

When Gemma finally suggested the kids prepare for rest, they begged for a movie night with popcorn in the secured entertainment room. Of course, Gemma immediately loved the idea, much to my chagrin.

"Everyone change into night clothes and meet in the upstairs secure viewing room," Gemma instructed, standing up. "Carmen sweetie, could you take my shoes to the walk-in safe, please?"

"Sure!" Carmen grabbed the shoes enthusiastically before heading upstairs with Vincenzo toward the reinforced sleeping quarters.

"I’ll help you, goddess," I offered, following Gemma to the kitchen where our food supplies were stored behind concealed panels.

While she prepared the popcorn, I gathered containers, cups, and beverages, arranging everything on a tray as Gemma filled the bowls with freshly popped kernels, the familiar domestic routine contrasting sharply with the weapons cache hidden behind false cabinets.

"My goddess," I began casually, "what’s behind this surprise protective custody with my niece and nephew? We just reconciled after the bloodshed—I thought you’d want more private time with me."

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