Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Dominic’s POV

The shopping complex seemed like the most efficient way to handle my errands without attracting unwanted attention. Everything consolidated under one roof meant fewer stops, less exposure. I decided to hit the religious goods store first, wanting to complete that particular transaction before carrying around anything that might seem contradictory to a man in my line of work.

Inside, a single employee was engaged in animated conversation with a customer. I pulled out my encrypted phone and sent a quick message to my current distraction, letting her know she had something special coming her way tonight.

I approached the counter with the authority that came naturally to a Thorne family Capo. No time for pleasantries when business needed attention. The saleswoman could return to her gossip after handling my transaction. But the other customer had different ideas, insisting she deserved immediate service. The situation began escalating into a territorial dispute about who held priority.

My patience was already stretched thin from managing family operations when I glanced up from my secure phone. The sight that greeted me nearly shattered my legendary composure. This woman was absolutely devastating. Rich dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing features that could topple empires. Her body moved with a dangerous confidence that sent molten heat racing through my bloodstream. Those lips looked like the kind of temptation that could make a man forget his oath of loyalty.

Here I was, experiencing the most blasphemous thoughts imaginable while surrounded by crucifixes and holy relics. The irony would have been amusing if I weren’t fighting for control.

Thank God for custom-tailored Italian suits and strategic tailoring. The growing tension in my pants would have been compromising otherwise. This gorgeous little spitfire was throwing my entire system into chaos, and that never happened to men in my position. I needed distance immediately.

When she collected her purchase and walked away with those hips swaying like a weapon of mass destruction, my pulse nearly flatlined entirely. Then she had the audacity to tell me to stop acting like a spoiled child and mentioned leaving something for my mother’s special occasion. Every predatory instinct screamed at me to grab those dangerous curves and demonstrate exactly what kind of man she was challenging.

Finally, the saleswoman focused her attention on me. I was still recovering from my encounter with that stunning force of nature. After some discussion, she convinced me to purchase a beautifully illustrated collector’s Bible paired with an elegant silver rosary featuring delicate rose-shaped beads. Mom would appreciate both pieces for her upcoming celebration.

At checkout, she wrapped everything meticulously in black paper adorned with golden crosses. Then she handed me an envelope with obvious hesitation.

"Sir, the other customer requested I give you this." Her voice carried undertones of nervous respect.

Curiosity overcame caution as I examined the envelope. Elegant handwriting spelled out "For the tantrum-thrower’s mother" across the front in flowing script.

I had to respect her nerve. Inside was a card featuring a children’s prayer, with a personal message written on the back in that same graceful penmanship.

"Dear Ma’am, congratulations on your blessed occasion. However, I believe your son requires divine intervention to prevent darkness from consuming his soul. We must pray for lost children to find their way to righteousness and virtue. Please accept this humble prayer and dedicate it to your son’s salvation daily."

Laughter erupted from my chest before I could suppress it. The sheer brazenness of this woman was unprecedented. Nobody had ever pulled something this bold with a Thorne family Capo. Mom would find this story absolutely priceless. I’d definitely share the card, and knowing her devout nature, she’d probably recite that prayer for me religiously. The whole situation struck me as brilliantly audacious.

While I stood there with tears streaming down my face from uncontrolled laughter, the saleswoman observed me like I’d completely lost my sanity. Too bad I’d never encounter that beautiful little warrior again.

I left the religious store and descended to the adult boutique that operated under our family’s protective umbrella. After selecting several items for my evening entertainment, I departed feeling thoroughly amused by the day’s unexpected developments.

The following morning, before heading to family headquarters, I stopped at the florist we kept on our payroll to arrange strategic deliveries. Red roses for my current companion, pristine white ones for my mother. While confirming delivery logistics and ensuring proper allocation to each recipient, my secured phone vibrated with Xavier’s encrypted contact.

"Xavier, wait until you hear what happened to me yesterday," I answered, grinning at the memory.

"Save the story for face-to-face contact," Xavier replied, barely suppressing his amusement while Jude’s chuckles echoed in the background.

"Hold on, weren’t you supposed to be locked down in New Ramsey territory for the entire operation?"

"That was the established timeline. But Caleb suddenly developed creative negotiation tactics with the clients, and we’re flying back today."

"What do you mean? Caleb never deviates from operational protocols."

"Exactly. But he contacted the clients unexpectedly, arranged an emergency summit last night, and somehow managed to close everything in a single session. Convinced them we could handle remaining business through secure channels. I still don’t understand his methods."

"That’s completely uncharacteristic for Caleb."

"Tell me about it. But Heidi mentioned to Jude that Caleb specifically requested the new assistant’s dossier, and apparently they had some kind of intense confrontation yesterday."

"Are you serious, Xavier? Is our Don rushing back because of the assistant?" The thought of Caleb being affected by an employee was too entertaining to ignore.

"I think the sleeping predator just awakened," Xavier said, dissolving into laughter again.

"Well, if Ivy is anything like her friend, Caleb’s about to face his greatest challenge."

"What friend?" Xavier’s interest sharpened immediately.

"My new intelligence coordinator, Zoe Miller. Absolutely lethal, Xavier. And she doesn’t take orders from anyone." I smiled, remembering how she’d handled her recruitment interview. "She and Ivy are practically blood sisters."

"You recruited Robert Miller’s daughter? You’re about to lose a valuable alliance," Xavier warned.

"Not happening. She already established the chain of command," I replied with dark amusement.

"And what chain of command would that be?"

"The one where I answer to her," I said, sending Xavier into another fit of laughter.

We continued strategizing before disconnecting. I made Xavier promise to report back about Caleb’s reaction to meeting the assistant. This was going to be absolutely fascinating.