Dominic’s POV

I woke up with an energy that only came from spending an incredible night with the woman who owned my heart and soul. The prospect of having an entire day with Gemma, away from the blood and bullets of our world, filled me with an excitement I hadn’t felt since childhood.

Making my way to the kitchen of our safe house, I started preparing breakfast with the supplies my men had stocked. Just as I was sliding the omelet onto a plate, I felt Gemma’s arms encircle my waist and her lips press against my back through my shirt. The sensation sent warmth through my scarred body, a stark contrast to the cold steel I usually carried. I savored the surprise, flipping the last omelet before turning to face her. She rose on tiptoes to kiss me properly, her lips soft against mine.

"Mmm," I murmured when our lips parted. "This fortress must have some kind of magic."

"I think you’re right," Gemma agreed, her smile radiant despite everything we’d endured in this violent world. "I absolutely love it here."

"Then I was right all along. This is where we’ll build our empire together." I peppered kisses along her neck, breathing in her scent that somehow made the metallic taste of violence fade from my memory. "When do you want to start making this place truly ours?"

Gemma’s laughter filled the kitchen, a sound more precious than any of the blood money flowing through our accounts. "Making it ours? I haven’t forgiven you yet, remember?"

"But you will," I replied with the same unshakable confidence that had helped me survive countless territory wars. "It’s just a matter of time and a bit more groveling on my part. In the meantime, you could start transforming our stronghold. A proper bed in that massive master suite upstairs would be nice."

"I like the cushions just fine," she countered, that stubborn streak that first attracted me still blazing bright.

"So do I, but I’m getting older and my body bears the scars of too many fights. My back demands a real mattress for everyday use," I joked, though the ache from old bullet wounds was real enough.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "So I’m supposed to forgive a battle-worn old soldier, is that it?"

"Exactly, which is why you shouldn’t wait too long." Her laughter was music to my ears, drowning out the echoes of gunfire that usually haunted my thoughts. "Come on, let’s eat. Then I’ll take you home to get ready before we stop by my penthouse to—"

She cut me off immediately. "I am never setting foot in that blood-stained place again unless it’s to burn that cursed bed." Her expression turned deadly serious, and I was reminded that my woman had spine of steel.

"I’m sorry. You’re right." I sighed deeply, remembering the carnage that place had witnessed. "I’ll drop you at your place, grab my things from the penthouse, then come back for you. Then we’ll pick up Vincenzo and Carmen. How does that sound?"

"Much better," she said, her expression softening slightly.

"I think my accounts are going to be drained by the end of today," I said, earning a small smile from her.

"You made a deal with Carmen but didn’t set any spending limits?" She raised an eyebrow as realization dawned on me. "No, I didn’t specify any boundaries."

"Oh, Dominic," Gemma laughed. "You’re not as strategic as I thought."

"It doesn’t matter. Seeing you smile makes it worth every dollar in my offshore accounts." I gave her a quick kiss. "So, will you start making this fortress into our home?"

"I’ll consider it. Maybe I’ll buy a bed, and you can move your arsenal in right away."

"I’d love nothing more."

My sister and brother-in-law were so desperate for alone time away from the family business that they’d already dropped Vincenzo and Carmen at Gemma’s apartment. When I returned after securing my weapons and sensitive documents, the apartment was overflowing with laughter. I stood at the door, listening like a lovesick fool before finally ringing the doorbell.

"This is exactly how I want our stronghold to be," I said, pulling Gemma into my arms when she opened the door. "Filled with joy and laughter instead of the screams that usually echo through our world."

"Good, because I told Nadia not to worry. I’ll take care of them today, and they’re sleeping over. My driver will take them to their private school tomorrow," Gemma announced happily.

"I’m not sure whether to laugh or cry," I joked, making her laugh.

"Let your sister and brother-in-law have some fun!" Gemma scolded playfully.

"Good morning, kids!" I called out as I entered.

Vincenzo immediately announced, "Uncle Dominic, you’re taking us to Aunt Willow’s new house after the shopping district."

"Excellent idea, Vincenzo," I agreed. "I haven’t had a chance to buy Willow and Ryder a proper housewarming gift from our family."

"I still haven’t forgiven you," Gemma reminded me pointedly.

"What matters is that you will," I replied, kissing her cheek while mentally calculating which of my clean bank accounts to use today.

Turning my attention to Carmen, I said seriously, "Little princess, we need to discuss something important." She matched my serious expression with the intensity of a seasoned negotiator.

"What is it, Frost?" The girl’s sassiness was increasing daily. Gemma and Vincenzo failed miserably at hiding their amusement.

"Don’t call me that! I’m your uncle," I protested.

"Whatever. What do you want?" Carmen regarded me with complete disinterest, clearly having learned negotiation tactics from watching family business meetings.

"Limits," I said, which was enough for her to understand my meaning.

"No way! Absolutely not! You didn’t set any parameters when you made the deal, so now, sweetheart, you can sit and cry all you want, but hand over that unlimited black card!"

"You ruthless little thing!" I blinked in disbelief.

"Look beside you," Carmen said smugly. "Are you saying this gorgeous woman isn’t worth every penny you’re about to spend winning her back?"

"You’re not a child! You’re a business school graduate trapped in a tiny body!" Gemma and Vincenzo were doubled over with laughter while I sat there in mock despair.

"Now I’m curious," Gemma asked, struggling to keep a straight face. "Am I not worth every penny you’ll spend to win me back?" What could I possibly say?

"For you, my queen, I’d give my life, let alone what’s in my accounts," I answered truthfully, catching Carmen’s victorious smile from the corner of my eye.

"Hey, Uncle, I’m feeling left out here!" Vincenzo complained.

"What’s wrong, kiddo?" I asked, already anticipating his answer.

"I helped you with everything, always took your side through all the family drama, and I got nothing." He was playing the victim card masterfully.

"No need to pout. Come on, I’ll take everyone to lunch at that restaurant you love, then let you all empty my accounts at the shopping district," I said, already regretting my strategic alliances. "Tomorrow I’ll call my accountant to declare financial ruin!"

We left the apartment laughing, with my security detail following at a discrete distance. That carefree atmosphere of joy persisted throughout the day, a rare respite from our dangerous world. It was genuinely one of the best days of my life. I was certain that with Gemma by my side, all my days would be filled with this kind of happiness, even amid the chaos of family business.

"Good God, this girl is going to buy the entire district!" I exclaimed, struggling with armfuls of shopping bags while my bodyguards carried the rest.

"Oh, Dominic, it’s not that bad," Gemma tried to defend Carmen, then looked at Vincenzo and me and reconsidered. "Okay, fine, she’s a money-burning machine!"

"Now I understand why Nadia keeps her on a tight leash," I said. "Vincenzo, should we take these bags to the armored car?"

"Yes, please, Uncle. My arms are killing me," Vincenzo complained, despite having already enjoyed his own shopping spree with my card. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Will you ladies wait for us here?" I asked, noting my men positioned strategically around the area.

"Of course, but leave the card," Gemma held out her hand, and I handed it over with a smile. We were standing near a lingerie boutique.

"Planning to buy something tempting to wear for me tonight?" I whispered in her ear.

"Perhaps," her eyes sparkled. "Carmen, sweetie, it’s my turn to use your uncle’s unlimited black card." The girl looked up and grinned.

When Vincenzo and I returned, we found them testing beds in an upscale furniture store that had recently opened in the luxury district. The salesman was laughing along with them, clearly unaware he was dealing with the family of one of the city’s most dangerous men. Before approaching, I snapped a photo of them hugging on an enormous bed, both smiling with sparkling eyes.

"Come over here, boys, and tell us what you think," Gemma called when she spotted us.

"I love it! It’s incredibly comfortable!" I commented, lying down beside her while mentally noting the store’s security cameras.

"Can your battle-worn back handle sleeping on this bed every night, old soldier?" Gemma teased.

"My back would be ecstatic to sleep on this bed every night," I replied contentedly.

"Great, because I bought it. They’re delivering it to the house tomorrow." I stared at her in disbelief.

"Are you serious?" I asked, breaking into a huge smile.

"You’re moving in today, Dominic. And the only thing you’re taking from that penthouse is your clothes, understood?" Gemma said firmly.

"Understood! I’m moving in today. Vincenzo, you’re helping me," I said without taking my eyes off her. "Does this mean that—" She interrupted me.

"I haven’t forgiven you yet! But this definitely counts in your favor!" Gemma maintained her tough facade.

We continued through the district as she purchased more items for our fortress, enough to make living there comfortable. I was overjoyed, knowing that home would now mean more than just a safe house.

I bought gifts for her parents and flowers and chocolates for Vincenzo and Carmen to present. The boy was such a charmer, already showing the diplomatic skills that ran in our family. We left the shopping district in high spirits, planning to have dinner with Gemma’s parents before I’d drop Carmen and Gemma at home and take Vincenzo with me to handle some family business.

We received a warm welcome at Gemma’s parents’ house. Ryder was technically her stepfather, but I considered him Gemma’s father because he’d told me he thought of her as his daughter, and in our world, family bonds mattered more than blood. The evening was delightful and entertaining, a peaceful interlude from our usual violence-filled gatherings. As we were saying goodbye, Gemma’s mother remembered something important.

"Honey, I almost forgot. The neighbor called, and I picked up your mail. This one looked important," Willow said, handing over an envelope.

Gemma’s demeanor changed instantly when she took the letter. I noticed her becoming tense, her smile forced. Something was wrong, and in our world, unexpected mail often meant trouble. I decided to ask about it later, away from her family.

When we arrived at her apartment, she remained distant. I pulled her into my arms, my protective instincts on high alert.

"I want to stay with you tonight. Can I ask one of my men to handle moving my things tomorrow? I promise it’ll be done by morning," I whispered in her ear.

"Okay, I want you to stay too," Gemma hugged me tightly.

"What’s in the letter, Gemma?" She shuddered at my question, confirming my suspicions that it meant trouble.

"Let’s get the kids to bed first, then we’ll talk," she said, taking a deep breath before turning toward the bedrooms.