Gemma’s POV
With Nick eliminated from the equation, life had taken on a wonderful lightness. Each day felt brighter, more vibrant, all because of Dominic—the Thorne family Capo who didn’t just speak his devotion but demonstrated it constantly through his blood-sworn protection and unwavering loyalty.
Dominic made it his mission to ensure my safety and happiness, though honestly, his mere presence was enough. Falling asleep under the armed guard of his security detail and waking to those emerald eyes watching over me—it was the kind of sanctuary I’d never dared to imagine for myself in this dangerous world.
Our days had settled into a pattern of carefully orchestrated passion. Nights filled with intense lovemaking within the fortress walls of his compound, mornings beginning with tender intimacy before the harsh realities of mafia business called him away. His kisses, his touch, his fierce devotion—I was becoming thoroughly addicted to them all.
The family’s legitimate businesses had provided perfect cover for clearing my schedule of any pressing matters. By the end of the week, however, I was a complete nervous wreck about the upcoming ceremony. The classic bridal jitters had caught me off guard—something I never anticipated experiencing, especially since marriage had never featured prominently in my survival-focused life plans.
Perhaps my nervousness stemmed from finding the man who completed me in ways I hadn’t known were possible. We would soon bind our lives together in the most sacred tradition of his world—exchanging blood oaths before the family soldiers and associates who mattered most. Whatever the reason, I couldn’t quiet the anticipation coursing through my veins.
Zoe and Nadia had taken charge of organizing our inner circle for the coastal ceremony. That morning found us heading to the Thorne family’s heavily fortified beach compound to oversee final security arrangements. The men would join us on the morning of the ceremony, just hours before our sunset blood-binding. I’ll admit I sulked considerably at the thought of several days without Dominic’s protective presence.
Zoe picked me up early that day in her armored SUV. When I climbed in, Lila and Audrey were already in full celebration mode—laughing, chattering, singing at the top of their lungs despite the armed escort trailing behind us. Their enthusiasm was both exhausting and infectious.
Upon arriving at the beach compound, we’d barely passed through the security checkpoint when trucks bearing wedding furnishings began rolling up under heavy guard. Watching Zoe and Nadia coordinate everything with military precision, you’d think they commanded their own private army—which, frankly, they did. Meanwhile, I found myself with absolutely nothing to do.
By the following afternoon, boredom had fully set in. Zoe and Nadia had handled every detail so efficiently that I felt completely superfluous. I sat by the pool inside the compound’s walls, sulking slightly while armed sentries patrolled the perimeter.
"What’s bothering you, Gemma?" Lila asked, settling beside me under the watchful eyes of our security detail.
"Everything’s running so smoothly that I’m left with nothing to do. I’m dying of boredom," I complained, prompting Lila to burst into laughter.
"Don’t worry about that, future Mrs. Frost," Zoe appeared behind me, startling me despite her deliberately audible approach. "I’ve got a list of items to collect from our contacts downtown. Would you mind handling it? Everything’s arranged—just collect and transport back."
"Yes! Town expedition!" Audrey cheered.
"Count me in! Maybe we’ll spot some interesting locals while we’re there," Lila added with a mischievous laugh.
"Take my armored truck so you can bring everything back safely," Zoe said, dangling her keys toward Audrey, who grabbed them eagerly.
"Let’s go, ladies! Adventure awaits!" Audrey pulled me along while Lila linked arms with both of us.

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