Second Marriage, The Billionaire's Planned Love novel Chapter 217

217 S2–Chapter 1 Before Everything Changed (continue their stories)

217 S2–Chapter 1 Before Everything Changed

(continue their stories)

Dominic’s POV

The amber liquid in my glass caught the dim light of the Social Union as I sat with my closest allies, Caleb Thorne and Xavier Black. Our regular nights at the underground establishment had become our sacred tradition, a way to decompress from the constant vigilance required in running our respective operations within the Thorne crime family. Tonight, however, my curiosity was getting the better of me.

“Caleb, what happened with that woman I recommended for your legitimate front operation?” I leaned forward, genuinely interested in his response.

Caleb’s jaw tightened slightly, his usual calculating expression growing even more rigid. As the Don of our organization, he rarely discussed personnel matters outside of official family business. “That falls under Heidi’s jurisdiction, Dominic. She’s conducting a video interview in the morning. From what I understand, Heidi has already vetted her background thoroughly, spoken with Kyle Miller, and seems rather impressed with her qualifications for our cover operation. The hiring seems inevitable.”

His clinical tone told me he was deliberately avoiding details, which only fueled my curiosity further. In our world, every new face represented either an opportunity or a potential threat.

“Robert mentioned she’s exceptionally capable at maintaining legitimate facades,” I pressed, watching his reaction carefully.

“According to Heidi’s assessment, yes,” Caleb replied curtly, his fingers drumming against his whiskey glass with the controlled rhythm of a man accustomed to life–and–death decisions.

“Come on, didn’t Heidi share any personal details? She must have seen photographs, reviewed her credentials for front work…” I persisted, knowing I

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217 S2–Chapter 1 Before Everything Changed (continue their stories)

was pushing his buttons.

Caleb’s eyes flashed with the dangerous irritation that had made lesser men disappear permanently. “Dominic, I don’t give a damn about my employees‘ physical appearance. Their ability to maintain our cover operations without drawing federal attention is my only concern.” His voice carried the edge that suggested the topic was making him uncomfortable, though in our line of work, discomfort could prove fatal.

Xavier’s laughter cut through the tension from across our table. “You’re forgetting our Don lives and breathes family business, Dominic. Nothing else registers on his radar except territory and tribute.”

“Actually, I did ask Heidi about her,” Xavier continued with a mischievous grin that would have been charming if not for the blood permanently staining his

hands.

My attention snapped to him immediately. “What did she tell you?”

“To keep my distance from the new applicant. Nothing more specific than that.” Xavier’s reputation with women was legendary throughout the organization, and Heidi’s warning made perfect sense given how our business partnerships could be complicated by personal entanglements.

“Can we please stop analyzing my potentially future cover operation manager?” Caleb’s voice rose slightly, causing both Xavier and me to laugh at his obvious discomfort.

His growing agitation was becoming more entertaining by the minute, especially considering how he’d tortured suspected informants without breaking a sweat.

“Damn it! There goes our peaceful evening,” Xavier muttered, his expression souring as Yara Rossi strutted through the entrance with her usual entourage of wannabe crime family princesses.

“I warned you we should have chosen the gambling den,” Caleb grumbled under his breath. “Apparently, that’s the only establishment in this city where

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217 S2–Chapter 1 Before Everything Changed (continue their stories)

that insufferable woman can’t track me down through her family’s connections. I’m leaving before she sinks her claws into me. Xavier, in the morning at the private airfield.” Without another word, Caleb slipped out through the club’s side exit, his bodyguards seamlessly flanking him.

“Territory expansion?” I asked Xavier, watching Caleb’s tactical retreat.

“New business alliance in Ramsey territory. We’ll probably be there for several days establishing new revenue streams,” Xavier explained, finishing his drink while keeping one eye on potential threats.

“Damn it! Now who’s going to give me information about Thorne’s new cover operation assistant?” My frustration was genuine.

“Don’t even consider asking Heidi,” Xavier laughed, standing to leave. “She guards Don Thorne’s interests like a pit bull.”

“Where did my precious kitty disappear to?” Yara’s voice pierced through the club’s ambient noise, her shrill tone making everyone within earshot cringe.

“I had no idea you owned a cat,” Xavier replied sarcastically, grabbing his jacket. “Dominic, I’m out of here. We’ll continue this conversation when I return from Ramsey territory.”

“Don’t leave so soon, handsome,” Elza purred, her voice equally grating.

“Get lost, Elza,” Xavier shot back, not bothering to look at her as he headed for the exit, his hand automatically checking for his concealed weapon.

“Well, ladies, the table is yours if you want it. I’m leaving as well.” I stood, ready to make my own escape before this social situation became a security liability.

“You’re not going to abandon me here without giving me a little goodbye kiss, are you?” Beatrix pressed herself against me, her lips forming an exaggerated

pout.

“I’m not the type for innocent kisses, Beatrix. But I could offer you something more interesting in my car,” I replied with a knowing smile.

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Beatrix had her appeal. She was younger than my years, tall with platinum blonde hair that cascaded down her back, brown eyes, and a slender frame. More importantly, she understood the rules of engagement in our world and was adventurous in bed. Since I was already here and needed to maintain certain appearances for territorial security, why not end the evening with some physical satisfaction?

“Let’s go then,” Beatrix whispered, her smile turning predatory as she pulled me toward the exit.

The parking lot was dimly lit, perfect for what I had in mind. I always parked my armored vehicle in the back corner, specifically for occasions like this. The privacy was essential, and the reinforced steel provided additional security against potential ambushes.

“Are we going straight to your safehouse?” Beatrix asked, her excitement

evident.

My car was positioned against the wall, parked in reverse for maximum tactical advantage and quick escape routes. I opened the back door and whispered against her ear, “We’re not going to my place tonight. My mother is visiting. This will have to do.” I turned her around, guiding her body onto the seat with her legs hanging down. She laughed softly, clearly enjoying the dangerous spontaneity that came with my lifestyle.

I leaned over her, my voice low and commanding. “This needs to be quick. I don’t have much time before my next security check.”

I pushed her dress up around her waist and slid her panties down, running my fingers along her entrance. She was already wet, responding immediately to my touch. I played with her, building her arousal while she began moaning. I freed myself from my pants, stroking my length while rubbing the head against her most sensitive areas. Her moans were becoming theatrical, too loud and obviously fake, threatening to kill my arousal entirely and potentially compromise our security.

I covered her mouth with my hand, leaning down to whisper harshly in her

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217 S2–Chapter 1 Before Everything Changed (continue their stories)

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