Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Threats

Gemma’s POV

I hadnt seen Dominic since earlier this week when he left to handle some urgent family business with his nephew Vincenzo. After encouraging him to focus on Thorne family matters, I seized the opportunity to help Mom prepare for our upcoming relocation to the new safe house that Caleb had arranged for us.

Time seemed to slip away effortlessly. Don Caleb had assigned me the task of redesigning both his private office and his sister Cora’s workspace at their legitimate front company, which I found absolutely thrilling. The only dark cloud hanging over this exciting project was having to endure Monica, that venomous snake who worked as receptionist and seized every opportunity to make my life miserable.

Monica launched into her usual routine as she spotted me heading toward Don Caleb’s office. "Certain individuals with their shiny foreheads seem to believe theyre untouchable around here just because they caught a capo’s attention."

I fixed the don’s poisonous employee with my most expressionless stare. "You must be completely obsessed with me. Listen carefully, sweet Monica, do me a favor and leave me alone whenever humanly possible."

"Better watch your step, you little nobody," she hissed back venomously.

I glanced skyward dramatically. "Dear God, please help me resist the overwhelming desire to introduce some peoples faces to concrete."

Monica stepped closer, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Allow me to offer you some friendly guidance, precious Gemma. You might want to start browsing job listings because your little protected status here has an expiration date."

"You know what, Monica? I would totally value your perspective, but my patience meter just hit empty." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Jude emerged from the elevator, walking in our direction. As one of Caleb’s trusted soldiers, he sensed the brewing tension between us and addressed us with genuine concern. "Is there some kind of issue happening here, ladies?"

"Not at all, Jude, everythings perfectly fine." I shot Monica a look, noting the pure venom radiating from her gaze. Before making my exit, I decided to deliver one final jab. "Just so were crystal clear, darling Monica, whatever beef you have with me belongs entirely to you." I blew her an exaggerated kiss and swept into Don Caleb’s office with Jude trailing behind me.

"Gemma, whats the real story here?" Jude inquired once we were alone in the don’s office.

"Jude, that woman never passes up an opportunity to get under my skin. Im just maintaining my cheerful facade to avoid having Dominic turn her into fish food."

Jude erupted in laughter. "Gemma, youre absolutely incorrigible. This wall color you selected for the don is stunning."

"Gorgeous, isnt it? Im completely in love with this project."

"Your aesthetic sense is impeccable. Just keep brushing off Monica. Dominic would lose his mind if she caused you real trouble." Jude gave me a conspiratorial wink before departing to handle his security rounds.

Later in the week brought a phone call from Dominic. The moment I picked up, he launched into his complaints with that familiar possessive growl.

"This situation is completely unacceptable, Gemma. You should come with a warning label from the surgeon general."

"What are you talking about?" I asked, genuinely confused.

"A big red warning stating that you cause severe physical and psychological addiction to dangerous men." I dissolved into hysterical laughter at his ridiculous declaration.

"Dominic, you are absolutely ridiculous."

"My beautiful goddess, out of all the places your mind could wander, you refuse to leave mine. Its becoming a serious problem. I cannot concentrate on family business." Dominic let out an exaggerated sigh while I continued cackling.

"You bring so much joy into my life, you know that?" I managed between giggles, wiping tears from my eyes.

"Perfect, because Vincenzo and I are coming to collect you this evening, and were bringing a complete dinner to share with your mother. I know youre drowning in moving preparations for the safe house."

"She will absolutely adore that idea. And honestly, so will I."

When we arrived home, Mom was already deep into packing kitchen supplies. "Mom, we have company," I announced as we walked through the door.

My mother emerged from the kitchen, her face lighting up when she spotted Dominic behind me.

"Well, well, my future son-in-law finally decided to grace me with his presence," Mom teased Dominic playfully.

"My sincere apologies, dear mother-in-law. Family obligations kept me away longer than I intended," Dominic responded with equal playfulness, embracing my mother warmly.

"And who might this handsome young gentleman be? Is he your son, Dominic?" Mom examined Vincenzo with curious interest.

"This is my oldest nephew, Vincenzo," Dominic explained.

"Ma’am, we brought a complete meal and extra hands to assist with your packing," Vincenzo announced enthusiastically. I could immediately tell he had completely charmed my mother.

"I have excellent feelings about this young man," Mom smiled approvingly at Dominic.

"How could you not? Vincenzo is an absolute angel," I added, watching Vincenzo turn pink with embarrassment.

"Wonderful, lets enjoy our meal first, then tackle some work while you share stories about your uncle, Vincenzo. I need to determine whether hes worthy of my Gemma," Mom joked, and Vincenzo eagerly joined the game.

"Well, ma’am, Im honestly not entirely convinced he deserves her," Vincenzo replied with mock seriousness. Dominic shot him a warning glare that could have melted steel, sending us all into fits of laughter.

Later, I accompanied Dominic and Vincenzo to the front gate. Vincenzo said his goodbyes and settled into the armored car. Dominic drew me against his chest, his hands possessively gripping my waist.

"How does dinner sound tomorrow evening? Just the two of us, a romantic night alone at my private estate?" Dominic whispered seductively in my ear.

"That sounds absolutely perfect." He pressed his lips against my neck, sending delicious shivers down my spine. "But what about Vincenzo?"

"Hes returning home tomorrow. My sister contacted me saying our dear father finally moved to a neutral hotel, so she wants Vincenzo back home." Dominic continued his assault on my neck with gentle kisses. "Ill arrive in the evening to pick you up in the armored vehicle. The weather forecast predicts things are going to get very hot tomorrow."

I burst into laughter at his terrible pun. He was wonderfully corny and armed with an endless supply of cheesy lines that somehow made my heart race despite his deadly reputation.

Mom was preparing for bed when I returned inside.

"Sweetheart, Im exhausted. Well finish packing tomorrow." She kissed my forehead, and as she headed down the hallway toward her bedroom, she suddenly remembered something important. "Oh, Gemma. You received a letter today. I found it rather strange since who actually sends physical letters anymore, especially with no return address? I placed it in your bedroom."

"Probably just some promotional material, Mom. Thank you." I smiled and headed to the kitchen for water, though something cold settled in my stomach.

The letter sat waiting on my nightstand when I reached my room. Examining the envelope closely, I found it deeply unsettling. It definitely wasnt advertising material or anything resembling typical mail. The sender remained unknown to me, and I didnt recognize the handwriting either. The writing appeared feminine but somehow menacing, and the sender had provided no name, only an unfamiliar address that made my skin crawl. I changed into comfortable clothes, and settling onto my bed, I carefully opened the envelope with trembling fingers. Terror washed over me as I read the contents, my blood turning to ice.