Gemma’s POV

It took every ounce of self-control not to beg Dominic to take me the way only a ruthless Capo like him knew how—that dangerously wicked style that drove me absolutely wild. But I refused to give him that satisfaction, especially now.

The situation with the Social Union surveillance footage remained unresolved. Our contact at the underground casino had informed Zoe they hadn’t located what she requested and needed more time to check backup files from their private security network. Until I discovered what truly happened between Dominic and that vixen Beatrix in the parking lot before Ivy’s mafia wedding, I was determined to keep him wanting.

I had to admit, though—seeing his face when I claimed I just wanted to sleep was priceless. Dominic knew me too well, understood my stamina, realized I never stopped after just one round. The bewilderment that crossed his dangerous features was utterly comical.

After he retreated to the bathroom, I crept silently toward the door and peeked inside without him noticing. There he stood, his impressive erection prominently displayed as he subjected himself to an ineffective cold shower. Just as he appeared ready to take matters into his own hands, I deliberately interrupted, entering with feigned drowsiness.

"You startled me, Dominic," I said with innocent sweetness. "I thought you’d abandoned me."

His predatory eyes flickered with heat. "Invading my privacy, goddess?"

"Nothing there I haven’t seen before," I replied with a mischievous smile. "I’ve witnessed you naked quite frequently, if you recall."

"I thought you’d already showered earlier?" he questioned, his voice carrying that edge that made lesser people tremble.

"Got overheated. Weren’t you supposed to be sleeping?"

"I got chilly. Perhaps you could lie beside me and warm me up?"

His excitement was immediate. The shower shut off faster than I could blink.

"Let’s go, goddess. I won’t let you stay cold." He dried himself hastily and pulled me toward the bedroom with the possessive grip of a man who commanded armies.

Once in bed, he pulled me close with the same intensity he used to control his territory. I curled against him, murmured a sweet "goodnight," and pretended to close my eyes. His frustrated growl was audible as he switched off the lights and nestled against me. I could feel his hardness pressing against me, and I decided to torture him further by shifting my hips slightly, as though merely getting comfortable.

"If you continue rubbing that sexy ass against me," he whispered harshly in my ear with the voice that had intimidated countless enemies, "I’ll take you hard and fast. I don’t care if you’re asleep."

I remained motionless, suppressing a laugh while internally suffering my own sweet torment. The desire to grind against him and invite exactly what he’d promised was overwhelming. But I had to maintain control over this dangerous man who controlled half the city.

The night stretched endlessly. Whenever he attempted to move away, I found an excuse to follow. Each time he sought relief, I prevented it. Just as he’d begin to relax, I’d wiggle slightly, rekindling his arousal.

Morning finally arrived. He rose early for a shower, and I followed, shedding my clothes and joining him in the stall. He appeared tense, impatient, and distinctly uncomfortable—a rare sight for someone who never showed weakness.

"God, this water’s freezing!" I complained innocently.

"It’s invigorating—good for your health," he replied tersely, though he adjusted the temperature with surprising gentleness.

"Much better! Would you mind soaping my back?" I requested, deliberately ignoring his persistent erection.

He inhaled deeply, took the sponge, added body wash, and began circling motions on my back—his touch electrifying despite his frustration. Even frustrated, his hands held the controlled strength of a man who’d eliminated countless threats. He finished quickly and exited.

By the time I reached the kitchen, coffee was brewed, and he sat clutching a large mug, staring distantly with the calculating gaze of someone planning territorial moves. I served myself silently, sensing his tension. Perhaps I’d pushed too far.

"Gemma," he said abruptly, his voice carrying the authority that made hardened criminals obey, "I’ll be dropping you off and picking you up from the office daily. This isn’t negotiable—I’m merely informing you." His anger was palpable, the kind that usually preceded bloodshed.

"Fine. How long will this arrangement continue?" I ventured carefully.

"I don’t know, but potentially forever!" He rose, placed his mug in the sink with barely controlled force, and departed. "I’ll wait in the living room."

His unprecedented nervousness was evident. Even Capos had breaking points, apparently. I finished my coffee quickly, completed my preparations, and joined him in his armored vehicle. When we arrived at the legitimate business front where I worked, he simply wished me a good day without his customary kiss. Something was definitely off.

I headed directly to the executive floor, having arranged a video call with my friends to share details about our respective evenings. Lila was already there, wearing a shy smile.

"Seems like someone had an enjoyable night," I remarked, watching her smile widen.

"It was incredible, Gemma! What about yours?" Her mood was enviably bright.

"Difficult. Tormenting that man is essentially tormenting myself," I admitted ruefully.

"Gemma, you care for him, he cares for you—just forgive him already! Why continue suffering? Don’t you think he’s learned his lesson? Besides, let’s be honest—they trapped him quite effectively," Lila reasoned.

"He should have communicated with me," I insisted.

"And did you communicate when you received that photo Friday? No, you stormed off, only staying because of Ivy’s wedding." Lila defended Dominic, her argument surprisingly persuasive.

"How is this possible?" I asked, confusing her.

"What?"

"How can someone who had never been kissed until Saturday possess such relationship wisdom?" I smiled. "That detective got lucky finding you!"

"Oh, he’s absolutely wonderful, Gemma!" Lila gushed.

"Has this wonderful man claimed your first kiss yet?" I inquired.

"Not yet—he says it will be special." Her eyes practically sparkled with adoration.

"I already approve—a man who understands a woman’s first time should be meaningful," I smiled warmly. "But did he kiss you again?"

"I followed Zoe’s advice."

"Meaning?"

"I threw my arms around his neck and told him that despite being inexperienced, I wanted him to kiss me again," Lila explained excitedly.

"You didn’t!" I laughed as she nodded confirmation. "What happened then?"

"He kissed me repeatedly."

"Just innocent kissing?"

"There was nothing innocent about those kisses or his hands exploring my body."

"My God—he properly made out with you?"

"The kind that makes you burn inside. We talked extensively too."

"Did you sleep together?"

"Yes, wrapped in each other’s arms. Oh Gemma, I think I’m falling for him. What should I do?"

"Just embrace it and be happy." Suddenly Lila’s expression shifted to concern. "What’s wrong?"

"What if when we finally have sex, he discovers I’m terrible and leaves me? I’m not even certain we’re officially dating..."

"What do you mean? How can you not know?"

"We talked for hours, but he never clarified our relationship status."

"Lila, let’s be modern—don’t fixate on labels. You’re together. What matters is establishing exclusivity while you’re seeing each other."

"I think so. He mentioned wanting me since first sight."

"Possessive—I like it! Make sure he understands you’re claiming him equally."

"But what if I’m awful at sex? Completely horrible?"

"Friend, it doesn’t work that way. Sex is about connection, desire, mutual attraction—with those elements, it’s good. Since you’re inexperienced, he needs patience to guide you. And you must be honest about what pleases you, what doesn’t, and what you desire."

"What do you mean by telling him what I want?"

"For instance, take initiative. Don’t wait for him to always begin. You might say something like, ’Tonight I want you to take me from behind.’" I couldn’t help laughing at Lila’s furious blushing. "Gemma, I’d be too embarrassed."

"That’s exactly what you need to overcome when you’re with him. Nothing kills passion faster than prudishness. Listen, he’s experienced, considerably older, and completely smitten. Don’t squander this opportunity!"

"I’ll remember your advice."

"If you need anything, just ask—I’m here to help."

Lila smiled gratefully. Soon Ruby and Ivy arrived, and we connected with Zoe and Nora for our video call. Everyone had stories to share, making for a thoroughly enjoyable conversation that temporarily distracted me from the dangerous game I was playing with Port Serenity’s most ruthless Capo.