Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask (by Silver Spoon) novel Chapter 390

Chapter 390: Chapter 174 Hearts Reunite

Dominic’s POV

The panic clawing at my chest grew stronger with each passing second. I woke to the rich aroma of imported Italian coffee drifting from the kitchen, only to find the leather couch beside me cold and empty. Gemma was gone. My heart hammered against my ribs as I bolted upright and rushed toward the kitchen, finding Nadia perched on a barstool by the bulletproof window, her sharp eyes studying me with the calculating intensity of a seasoned consigliere.

"Morning, little brother. How’s the hangover treating you?" Nadia asked, her gaze penetrating as if she could dissect every thought racing through my mind.

"Like hell, absolute hell. Have you seen Gemma?" My voice cracked with desperation that would have embarrassed me in front of anyone else. The thought of her disappearing because of her fears about our dangerous world was eating me alive.

"I have." Nadia gestured toward the reinforced window with a subtle nod. "She’s been out there for quite some time, sitting on the rocks."

"I need to go to her." I spun around, determined to head outside where Gemma sat facing the endless expanse of ocean beyond our heavily fortified compound.

"Like hell you are," Nadia commanded, her tone carrying the same authority she used when coordinating family operations. "Sit your ass down and drink your coffee. She needs space to process everything, and barging in like some desperate soldier won’t help. Not one damn bit."

Reluctantly, I dropped into the chair as Nadia placed a steaming cup of black coffee before me. She filled two additional cups with something hot and exited the kitchen. Through the reinforced glass, I watched my sister approach Gemma, the two women engaging in what appeared to be an intense conversation. I strained to catch their words, desperate to eliminate whatever dark thoughts were consuming the woman I’d kill for.

"Sharing the sanctuary spot, I see," Quentin’s voice startled me as he clapped my shoulder. I’d been so focused on surveillance that I hadn’t heard the former Navy SEAL’s approach.

"What?" I asked, confusion clouding my thoughts.

"That rock formation—it’s Nadia’s thinking spot. She goes there whenever family business gets too heavy. Says the ocean helps her strategize, clears her head for making tough decisions," Quentin explained, grabbing coffee and settling beside me. "She mentioned it to Gemma during our last family gathering."

"That makes sense now."

Quentin and I sat in tense silence, watching our women positioned on that rocky outcrop, gazing at the vast ocean that stretched beyond the reach of our enemies. After what felt like hours, they embraced, and Nadia began making her way back while Gemma remained seated. Nadia entered the kitchen, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze that carried years of shared blood and loyalty.

"Good morning, my love," she greeted Quentin with a kiss as he wrapped his muscular arms around her waist.

"Missed you," he murmured, holding her like she might vanish into the dangerous world that surrounded our family.

"I know," Nadia smiled with genuine warmth. "But family duties call."

"Why is she still out there?" I couldn’t mask the impatience eating at me like acid.

"Because that spot has power, and she’s finding her peace with the ocean," Nadia replied matter-of-factly. "Dominic, go shower and get your head right. She’ll be in soon. Be the man she needs, not the panicked capo she’s seen too much of lately. Everything’s going to work out."

With a heavy exhale, I acknowledged the wisdom in her words. Gemma needed me to be her rock, her protector, not a desperate man drowning in his own paranoia and fear. I rose, kissed my sister’s forehead in gratitude, and headed upstairs to the master suite.

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