The Don Tore Up Our Divorce (Gemma and Cassian) novel Chapter 36

**Before Rain Touches Earth Memories Return With Gentle Warmth by Eli Dane**

**Chapter 36**

**Gemma**

We find ourselves ensconced in a private office perched above the lavish banquet below. The man seated across from us wears a smile that sends a ripple of unease through me—it’s the kind of smile that reeks of confidence, perhaps even arrogance, from a man who is all too aware of the power he wields.

A shiver of both excitement and apprehension dances up my spine, intertwining in a way that leaves me breathless.

Throughout my life, I have watched my father and Cassian engage in meetings like this, their voices low and serious, their expressions unreadable. They always believed that I wouldn’t be able to navigate their treacherous world.

How terribly mistaken they were. I’m not just here to survive; I’m here to flourish.

It doesn’t surprise me in the least that the man before me exudes such smugness. Angelo Giancarlo, the head of one of the most notorious mafia families in the city, sits there, oozing a sense of entitlement. While his power pales in comparison to the Blackwells, the Giancarlos are formidable enough to command respect—evidenced by his hosting of this extravagant banquet, where the city’s most alluring and dangerous individuals mingle, exchanging whispers and forming alliances.

“Moonlight,” he begins, his voice smooth as silk, “I’ve been eager to meet you for a long time.” He leans back in his chair, crossing one ankle over the other, the picture of casual dominance.

His attire—a charcoal gray pinstripe suit complemented by a striking red patterned tie—only enhances his air of authority as his gaze flits between Zina and me, assessing, calculating.

Zina responds smoothly, “Of course, Mr. Giancarlo. We apologize that Moonlight cannot be here in person tonight, but we are fully authorized to handle her business affairs.”

“Her?” Giancarlo raises an eyebrow, and I feel a surge of irritation. I want to jab Zina in the ribs, to remind her of the importance of secrecy surrounding my identity. If people believe I’m a man, it serves as a shield, allowing me to operate undetected.

But Zina, blissfully unaware of the blunder she’s just made, merely shrugs. “It’s a sign of trust to let you in on these matters, Mr. Giancarlo. I trust you understand the gravity of this.”

He nods, though I can see the glimmer of greed in his eyes—an unsettling reminder of my father’s creditors. A chill courses through me; what if he was one of them? What if, three years ago, his men pursued me through the rain-slicked streets, their intentions dark and menacing?

I shake off the thought. Some things are better left buried.

“Let’s get to the point,” I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. “What job are you interested in hiring Moonlight for?”

“I would prefer to meet her face-to-face,” he replies, his tone smooth, yet firm.

“That won’t be happening,” I counter swiftly. “But I assure you, she’s listening to every word we say right now.”

He arches an eyebrow, glancing around the room as if expecting to see me materialize from the shadows. “Here? How? This is my domain. It’s impossible to breach.”

“Moonlight has a knack for making the impossible possible,” Jace interjects, his first words breaking the tension that had been thickening in the air.

Giancarlo’s expression shifts slightly as he processes this, his calculating eyes narrowing. He’s an older man, his salt-and-pepper hair framing a face lined with experience.

With a resigned sigh, I nod. Staying would only lead to my gaze drifting toward Cassian and Reyna, and I’m not in the mood for that kind of heartache.

I’d much rather hold onto the memory of them as they were the last time I saw them—utterly stunned by Zina’s boldness.

Jace and I exit the downtown penthouse, the night air refreshing as we begin our walk home. The distance isn’t great, and the evening is pleasant, but my high heels are becoming a torment. I decide to slip them off, carrying them in my hand—a choice that’s not the wisest on the city streets.

I don’t notice the sharp stone lying in my path until my foot comes down hard on it, sending a jolt of pain shooting through my ankle like a flash of lightning.

“Ow!” I exclaim, stumbling sideways as the sharp pain radiates up my leg.

In an instant, Jace is there, his arm wrapping around my waist to steady me as I lean against him. We both struggle to regain our balance, and in the process, my ankle twists painfully.

Before I know it, I find myself in his arms, one hand pressed against his chest, staring up into his hazel eyes. His lips part, a look of concern washing over his features. “Are you okay?” he asks, his voice laced with genuine worry.

“Yeah,” I manage to reply, even as my ankle throbs mercilessly. “I—”

Suddenly, a cold voice slices through the night air, cutting off my words. “So, this is what just friends look like?”

Not ten feet away, Cassian leans casually against the sleek, black car, his expression one of barely restrained irritation.