Chapter 238: Chapter 22 Making It Official
Official Commitments
Dominic’s POV
I positioned myself across from the boutique in Thorne family territory, watching through the storefront windows as Gemma finished her shift. Rather than entering the shop directly, I maintained my distance near the black SUV, scanning the street for potential threats. The territory had been relatively quiet since we’d dealt with the last wave of rival family encroachments, but I never let my guard down. Another figure stood closer to the shop entrance, and I assumed he was waiting for one of Gemma’s coworkers.
When Gemma emerged from the boutique, that radiant smile that could disarm even the most hardened soldier lit up her face. But I watched that beautiful expression crumble as the stranger grabbed her arm and began speaking in harsh, aggressive tones. The fear that flickered across her features had me moving before conscious thought kicked in, my hand instinctively reaching for the Glock concealed beneath my jacket.
"We have an issue here?" I asked, positioning myself directly beside Gemma, letting my presence announce exactly what kind of firepower backed her up.
"Back off, pretty boy. This is between me and my woman," the punk snarled, and I caught the terror in Gemma’s dark eyes.
"Get your hands off me, Nick. We’re finished," Gemma tried yanking her arm free, but his grip only tightened with the desperation of a cornered rat.
"Actually, Nick, you need to listen to MY GIRLFRIEND," I made sure to project the word loud enough for anyone in Thorne territory to hear. "Release her immediately, or we’re going to have a serious problem that involves more than just conversation."
"So the rumors are true? You’re spreading your legs for this rich mafia bastard now, Gemma? Turned into some high-end escort for the Thorne family?" The piece of street trash looked me up and down with disgust. I stepped between him and Gemma, applying pressure to his wrist with techniques learned from years of extracting information from uncooperative subjects until he was forced to let go.
Every instinct screamed at me to snap his neck right here on family territory, but Thorne security appeared from their patrol positions and dragged him away while he shouted threats about unfinished business. When I turned back, tears were streaming down Gemma’s cheeks. I gathered her against my chest, stroking her hair while scanning the area for any other potential threats.
"Come on, beautiful, let’s get out of here," I murmured, keeping my arm around her as we headed toward the armored vehicle. I had a pretty good idea who this street punk was, but once we were secure in my bulletproof car, I needed confirmation. "So who’s this loser who clearly never learned how to respect women in Thorne territory?"
"My ex," she exhaled shakily. "He’s become obsessed with reconciling."
"He’s violent, Gemma. In my line of work, that makes him extremely dangerous," I warned, already mentally cataloging ways to permanently eliminate this threat.
"I know. He’s been following me around the territory, demanding we get back together."
"During your relationship, did he ever strike you?" The question made my blood pressure spike, even though I already wanted to tear that bastard apart with my bare hands.
"Not exactly. He was possessive though, and we had constant arguments. He’d scream at me, call me terrible names, and grab me hard enough to leave marks, but he never actually hit me," Gemma seemed uncertain about her own words.
"Gemma, that IS violence. Maybe he didn’t use his fists, but he was absolutely abusive," I cupped her face gently, fighting every killer instinct that demanded I hunt down Nick tonight.
"The thing is, he cheated with Vanessa from the register. They got together right after we split up, not too long ago. Now suddenly he’s pursuing me again, following me everywhere in family territory." She let out a bitter laugh. "Vanessa actually blamed me when he dumped her for pursuing me again."
"How long has he been stalking you in Thorne territory?" My breathing became labored as I considered the security implications.
"For a while now. Apparently he and Vanessa are over," Gemma’s laugh held no humor. "She actually accused me of causing their breakup."
"Gemma, this is extremely serious. We need Thorne family resources to keep this psycho away from you," rage was building inside me like a volcanic eruption.
"I’m already handling it. My attorney obtained a restraining order. I hoped that would frighten him into backing off, but obviously legal paperwork doesn’t intimidate street thugs. He vanished for some time, but when he showed up today, something in his expression really unsettled me."
"Me too. That look suggested escalation."
"I should have mentioned this sooner, Dominic. I’m sorry." She sounded like she was apologizing for being terrorized by a lunatic. "I’d understand if you wanted to distance yourself from all this street-level drama."
"If you think this situation would make me walk away, you’re completely mistaken." I used a red light as an opportunity to meet her gaze. "This asshole cheated on you, ran off with someone else, and still believes he owns you somehow. I won’t allow him to touch you again, not in my territory."
"I don’t know how to make him stop. I’m genuinely frightened now." Gemma stared down at her hands folded in her lap.
"Gemma, I’m seriously concerned about your safety. You can’t continue working those late shifts in exposed positions, and there’s no reason to. I could arrange a secure position for you within Thorne family operations."
"Absolutely not, Dominic. I refuse to complicate our relationship that way. It would be inappropriate. Besides, family security is monitoring the situation."
"Fine, I’ll respect your decision, but if I determine the danger is escalating, I’m removing you from that position immediately," I stated with the authority of someone accustomed to being obeyed.
"By whose authority?" She studied me with complete seriousness.
"By the authority of being your boyfriend," I grinned at her, and she burst into laughter. "You have quite the ego."
"Well, you’re pretty fond of my ego too," I teased, trying to ease the tension while my mind calculated elimination strategies.
"Maybe a little," she smiled.
"Admit it, you think I’m incredible." Her laughter grew louder, and I treasured that sound. "Stay with me tonight?"
"I can’t, Dominic. I need to update my mother about what happened today. She’s already worried, and I want to keep her informed about everything so she stays vigilant. I’m concerned Nick might start harassing her to get to me."
"That makes sense. You’re absolutely right. Isn’t she leaving town tomorrow?"
"Yes, returning Friday."
"Then you’re staying with me until she gets back."
"Don’t you think you’re being a bit controlling?"
"No, Gemma, I don’t think I’m being controlling at all. I’m your boyfriend and I care about your wellbeing. There’s absolutely no way I’m leaving you alone in that house with some deranged ex stalking you. Either you come to my place or I’m staying at yours, but you’re not going to be alone." When I finished speaking, she was looking at me with an amused expression.
"Just one question. When exactly did we begin this relationship?" Her inquiry made me smile. Even I wasn’t entirely sure. I’d never been the relationship type, but Gemma had somehow completely filled my life, leaving no space for anyone else.
"We started dating the moment I saw you in that religious supply shop," I said matter-of-factly, making her laugh again.
"I think you forgot to inform me. Actually, I think you forgot to ask if I wanted to date you."
"Do I really need to ask? Your body tells me it wants me constantly." I traced my finger along her arm and watched her skin respond with goosebumps. "See?" I smiled triumphantly. "Besides, my nephew already refers to you as his aunt, and my sister adores you. There’s really no escaping it now, we’re definitely dating."
"My God, you’re so arrogant," Gemma grinned. "Vincenzo definitely inherited that from you."
"That kid talks too much, but he’s got a good heart." I smiled because I genuinely adored my nephew. "I heard you’ve been helping him with mathematics?"
"Yes, he’s incredibly bright, he just needed someone to explain things differently." Gemma’s smile was warm. "I’ve become quite attached to him. He’s so considerate and polite."
"Wait until you meet his sister. She’s a perfect little princess." I smiled thinking about my niece, who was absolutely precious.
"When will I meet her?"
"Whenever you’d like. My sister wants to meet you too. I’ll arrange something with her." I looked at her and couldn’t resist asking, "So are we officially together now?"
Gemma laughed loudly.
"I thought you said you didn’t need to ask." She laughed and placed her hand on my cheek as I parked outside her house. "We started dating the day we met in that religious supply shop."
I pulled her into an intense, passionate kiss. Gemma’s lips drove me absolutely wild; they were soft, responsive, skilled, intoxicating. I pulled her onto my lap right there in the armored car, parked on the street in front of her house. I didn’t care who might see, I just needed to kiss my girlfriend.
Her phone rang and I reluctantly released her. She glanced at the screen and answered.
"Hi, Mom. I’m right outside." Gemma listened and I watched her eyes widen as all color drained from her face. I immediately knew something was terribly wrong.
