Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 386: Chapter 170 Ghost Behind Glass

Gemma’s POV

With Nick eliminated from the equation, life had taken on a wonderful lightness. Each day felt brighter, more vibrant, all because of Dominic—the Thorne family Capo who didn’t just speak his devotion but demonstrated it constantly through his blood-sworn protection and unwavering loyalty.

Dominic made it his mission to ensure my safety and happiness, though honestly, his mere presence was enough. Falling asleep under the armed guard of his security detail and waking to those emerald eyes watching over me—it was the kind of sanctuary I’d never dared to imagine for myself in this dangerous world.

Our days had settled into a pattern of carefully orchestrated passion. Nights filled with intense lovemaking within the fortress walls of his compound, mornings beginning with tender intimacy before the harsh realities of mafia business called him away. His kisses, his touch, his fierce devotion—I was becoming thoroughly addicted to them all.

The family’s legitimate businesses had provided perfect cover for clearing my schedule of any pressing matters. By the end of the week, however, I was a complete nervous wreck about the upcoming ceremony. The classic bridal jitters had caught me off guard—something I never anticipated experiencing, especially since marriage had never featured prominently in my survival-focused life plans.

Perhaps my nervousness stemmed from finding the man who completed me in ways I hadn’t known were possible. We would soon bind our lives together in the most sacred tradition of his world—exchanging blood oaths before the family soldiers and associates who mattered most. Whatever the reason, I couldn’t quiet the anticipation coursing through my veins.

Zoe and Nadia had taken charge of organizing our inner circle for the coastal ceremony. That morning found us heading to the Thorne family’s heavily fortified beach compound to oversee final security arrangements. The men would join us on the morning of the ceremony, just hours before our sunset blood-binding. I’ll admit I sulked considerably at the thought of several days without Dominic’s protective presence.

Zoe picked me up early that day in her armored SUV. When I climbed in, Lila and Audrey were already in full celebration mode—laughing, chattering, singing at the top of their lungs despite the armed escort trailing behind us. Their enthusiasm was both exhausting and infectious.

Upon arriving at the beach compound, we’d barely passed through the security checkpoint when trucks bearing wedding furnishings began rolling up under heavy guard. Watching Zoe and Nadia coordinate everything with military precision, you’d think they commanded their own private army—which, frankly, they did. Meanwhile, I found myself with absolutely nothing to do.

By the following afternoon, boredom had fully set in. Zoe and Nadia had handled every detail so efficiently that I felt completely superfluous. I sat by the pool inside the compound’s walls, sulking slightly while armed sentries patrolled the perimeter.

"What’s bothering you, Gemma?" Lila asked, settling beside me under the watchful eyes of our security detail.

"Everything’s running so smoothly that I’m left with nothing to do. I’m dying of boredom," I complained, prompting Lila to burst into laughter.

"Don’t worry about that, future Mrs. Frost," Zoe appeared behind me, startling me despite her deliberately audible approach. "I’ve got a list of items to collect from our contacts downtown. Would you mind handling it? Everything’s arranged—just collect and transport back."

"Yes! Town expedition!" Audrey cheered.

"Count me in! Maybe we’ll spot some interesting locals while we’re there," Lila added with a mischievous laugh.

"Take my armored truck so you can bring everything back safely," Zoe said, dangling her keys toward Audrey, who grabbed them eagerly.

"Let’s go, ladies! Adventure awaits!" Audrey pulled me along while Lila linked arms with both of us.

The small coastal town served as neutral territory—compact but offering everything wealthy tourists might desire. Immaculately maintained streets and buildings gave it a deceptively peaceful quality, though I knew Thorne family interests maintained subtle influence here.

After completing half our collection rounds, exhaustion set in—who knew retrieving pre-arranged packages could be so draining? We spotted a charming diner with tempting pastries displayed in the window and decided to refuel under the discrete watch of our security escort.

We’d barely settled into our booth when my encrypted phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, I couldn’t help smiling as I answered.

"My dangerous man!" I answered, not hiding my excitement. "You can’t imagine how much I miss your protection!"

"My lethal beauty, I think I can—I’m feeling exactly the same withdrawal," Dominic’s voice carried that edge of possessive intensity that never failed to thrill me.

"I didn’t even need to come early. Zoe and Nadia have everything under military control," I whined childishly, making him chuckle with dark amusement.

"Perhaps I have something to brighten your day," Dominic said, predatory satisfaction evident in his tone. "Look out the window." Confused but curious, I obeyed.

There he stood across the street, leaning against his bulletproof sedan, phone to his ear while his security team maintained strategic positions. I squealed and leaped up, racing outside to throw myself into his arms despite our bodyguards’ immediate alert postures.

"My handsome!" I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him with all the longing of our brief separation.

"My goddess!" Dominic gripped my waist possessively, lifting me completely off the ground while his men formed a protective perimeter.

When we finally broke apart, we found ourselves standing breathless in the middle of the quiet street. His emerald eyes blazed with fierce joy as they locked with mine.

"I couldn’t survive another day without seeing you," Dominic confessed, thumb gently caressing my cheek while his other hand remained ready to draw his concealed weapon.

"I’m so glad you broke protocol," I beamed back.

"I’m here too, you know, Miss Gemma," Jude complained from the sidewalk, though his mock annoyance quickly dissolved into a grin. "Me and the whole crew of hopelessly devoted soldiers who can’t function without checking on their women."

I laughed at Jude’s theatrical disdain, momentarily distracted by his complaints about the other family men. The town maintained its peaceful facade with minimal civilian traffic, so I remained carelessly positioned in the street, listening to Jude describe the men’s "desperate" need to verify our safety. Dominic leaned against his armored vehicle, holding my hand while I faced Jude on the sidewalk.

I never saw the speeding car that suddenly barreled toward me at alarming velocity. I only heard Jude’s sharp warning before Dominic yanked me against him, clutching me tightly as he threw himself backward against his sedan.

In the next instant came the sickening sound of crushing metal and shattering glass. The vehicle that had nearly struck me had crashed violently into a tree just down the block. We rushed toward the wreckage with our security team, but as we approached the smoking remains, shock nearly stopped my heart cold.

Behind the spider-webbed windshield, I recognized a face that should have been impossible to see.