Chapter 346: Chapter 130 Blood Oath Proposal
Dominic’s POV
I worked closely with Carmen to keep Gemma occupied, ensuring she stayed inside with her grandmother while we prepared everything under the cover of enhanced security protocols. Vincenzo had been invaluable, coordinating with our trusted soldiers to execute the plans Willow, Ryder and I had meticulously crafted for Gemma’s surprise. The backyard of Edith’s heavily fortified safe house was our chosen location—a perfect sanctuary filled with vibrant flowers and cherished memories, now protected by our best men stationed at every entrance.
Time passed quickly as we transformed the space under the watchful eyes of our security detail. Willow had shared how this backyard held special significance for Gemma; it was where she’d spent countless childhood hours before the streets became too dangerous. Learning this only confirmed my choice was perfect for what could be our most vulnerable moment.
During our preparations, Edith pulled me aside into her private room, now equipped with panic buttons and bulletproof glass. Her eyes glistened with emotion as she discussed my intentions with the gravity of a mafia matriarch approving a union. Then, with trembling hands, she presented me with something that would make this blood oath even more meaningful. Her blessing overwhelmed me, and I embraced her, knowing I was gaining not just a grandmother-in-law, but a powerful family ally.
By evening, everything was ready. Edith’s trusted housekeepers, all background-checked by our intelligence network, had prepared an exquisite dinner. The table settings sparkled under strategically placed lights that also served as additional security illumination. Throughout dinner, conversation flowed easily despite the underlying tension of our dangerous world, punctuated by laughter and carefully chosen stories.
As the main course concluded and before dessert arrived, I knew my moment had come. Rising from my seat, I commanded everyone’s attention, my heart pounding against the bulletproof vest hidden beneath my formal shirt.
"Gemma," I began, my voice surprisingly steady despite knowing snipers from rival families would love nothing more than to disrupt this moment, "with everyone’s help here, I’ve prepared something special for you. I wanted this moment to be shared with the two remarkable women who brought us together in this blood-soaked world—Edith and my mother." I gestured toward the encrypted tablet positioned on the table where my mother waited on our secure video line, her smile wide with anticipation from her protective location.
Vincenzo gave me a thumbs up, indicating that our private livestream to trusted family members across our territories was running. Our soldiers and allies from around the country were now watching, ready to witness what would bind our futures in the most sacred way our world understood.
"Gemma," I continued, looking directly into those fearless eyes that had stared down gun barrels and emerged victorious, "you make me the most powerful man alive every single day. Now you’re carrying our heir—the greatest blessing I could ever imagine. I never thought a man with blood on his hands deserved such overwhelming happiness."
"Oh, darling," Gemma responded, her eyes growing misty, "you make me feel like the most protected woman in this dangerous world too!"
Taking a deep breath, I reached into my jacket pocket, past the concealed weapon that never left my side. "Gemma, I love you more than I ever thought possible for someone in our line of work. I’ve waited my entire violent life for you." My hands trembled slightly as I withdrew two small boxes. Kneeling beside her chair, I opened the blue velvet one first, knowing this moment made us vulnerable but willing to risk everything.
"Before you, my life was empty—days filled with blood and business deals I can barely remember now. From the moment you challenged me on my own territory, my soul recognized yours, creating a bond stronger than any family loyalty. I want to call you my wife, I want you to bear my name with all the protection it provides, and I want your face to be both my first sight every morning and my last vision every night." The diamond ring sparkled like the city lights over our territory. "Gemma Valance, would you do me the extraordinary honor of becoming Mrs. Gemma Frost, my partner in this dangerous life?"
"You... you..." Gemma stammered, tears streaming freely down her face. "Are you asking me to take a blood oath with you?"
"Yes, my Songbird," I confirmed, my voice thick with emotion and the weight of what this meant in our world. "I want to be your husband and protector for the rest of our lives. Will you marry me and share my name, my power, and my enemies?"
For a terrifying moment that felt like standing in sniper crosshairs, she couldn’t speak through her tears, just threw herself into my arms. As her crying subsided, she pulled back slightly, her hand caressing my scarred cheek as she gazed into my eyes.
"Dominic," she finally said, "I would be honored to become Mrs. Gemma Frost, but most importantly, I’ll enjoy showing off my dangerous husband and watching all those scheming women run for their lives." Her teasing broke the emotional tension, causing everyone to laugh despite the gravity of our world.
With slightly unsteady hands, I slid the engagement ring onto her finger—a symbol that would mark her as untouchable to every criminal in the city. Then, I opened the second box—the small black one Edith had entrusted to me earlier. Gemma gasped, looking between me and her grandmother in disbelief.
"These are my grandparents’ wedding bands," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "But, Grandma..."
Edith rose from her seat, tears glistening in her eyes, and placed her weathered hand over our joined ones with the solemnity of a mafia blessing.
"I’ve treasured these rings since the day I married, Clair. My marriage brought me incomparable happiness despite the dangers we faced. Nothing would honor me more than seeing my only granddaughter marry wearing these symbols of loyalty stronger than death. They brought me joy and protection, and I wish the same for you, sweetheart."
"I’ve dreamed of this my whole life, Grandma," Gemma whispered, tears flowing freely as she embraced her grandmother tightly. "Thank you for trusting me with something so precious." She pulled back, her hands shaking as she looked at the delicate bands. "I promise to honor their legacy and the love they represent."
With infinite care, I slid her grandfather’s wedding band onto Gemma’s trembling finger, sealing our bond with the weight of family history and unbreakable promises. She took my left hand, sliding her grandmother’s wedding band onto my ring finger with reverent precision.
Gemma’s emotion was contagious, spreading through everyone present. These rings represented everything I promised her—unwavering loyalty, deadly protection, absolute faithfulness, and a household that would kill for her safety.
The garden erupted with applause and cheerful whistles from our security team. Ryder delivered an elaborate toast with all the ceremony our dangerous world deserved. As I held my fiancée close under the starlit sky, surrounded by armed guards and loved ones, I knew with absolute certainty that no man—criminal or otherwise—had ever been happier than I was at this perfect, heavily protected moment.
