Chapter 322: Chapter 106 Creating Our Sanctuary

Gemma’s POV

I had been buzzing with anticipation ever since Maia, Dominic’s trusted housekeeper who managed his estate, called after lunch. "The furniture has arrived," she’d said, her warm voice instantly lifting my spirits. Maia was more than just household staff—she was the guardian of Dominic’s fortress, running everything with military precision while maintaining maternal warmth. We’d developed a wonderful bond since I’d become part of Dominic’s world, and she always kept me informed about matters concerning our home, especially the furniture delivery.

My excitement sustained me through the remaining hours at Caleb’s front company offices. I practically floated out of the building, but when I slipped into Dominic’s armored Mercedes, his demeanor immediately caught my attention. Though he greeted me with a kiss and a protective embrace, tension radiated from him like the heat from his concealed weapons.

"My handsome, what’s troubling you?" I gently probed, studying his battle-worn features.

He exhaled deeply, his jaw tight. "It’s been a bloody awful day, Gemma. I just want to spend tonight holding you close."

"What happened, Dominic?" My concern deepened as he released me and started the engine, his knuckles white against the steering wheel.

"Marcus," he answered simply, his emerald eyes hardening with familiar rage.

"What has that bastard done now?" I pressed, knowing his exiled father remained a constant threat to our family.

As we drove through Thorne territory toward his estate, Dominic recounted his father’s latest intimidation tactics and veiled threats, followed by disturbing intelligence that Mia had been one of Marcus’s victims during his time in the family. My stomach churned with each horrific revelation about the man who shared Dominic’s blood.

"I confess I wasn’t taking this demon seriously enough before, but he’s far more dangerous than I imagined," I said as we passed through the estate’s security gates.

"I question every day how I could be the son of such a despicable monster," Dominic sighed, his shoulders bearing the weight of his bloodline’s sins.

"Don’t torment yourself with that," I urged, pulling him close for a reassuring kiss before we approached the front entrance. "Focus on just one thing now..."

"What’s that?" he asked, his powerful arms encircling my waist possessively.

"Our furniture has arrived!" I couldn’t contain my smile.

His brow furrowed. "Wasn’t the delivery scheduled for later this week?"

"I made a quick call yesterday and expedited it through some connections. Which means we have considerable work ahead."

"Christ, my goddess..." Dominic groaned. "I’m exhausted from dealing with family business. Let Maia handle it with her crew."

"Absolutely not, Dominic!" I planted my hands on my hips defiantly. "If you want me living in this fortress with you, then you’ll help me make it our sanctuary."

His eyes softened at my declaration. "You look magnificent when you talk about sharing this life with me and claiming this house as ours."

"Then do your part so I can keep saying it," I teased, leaning in for another kiss.

"Alright! Let’s spend the evening creating our perfect home." He pushed open the reinforced door and led me inside.

Dominic’s expression fell dramatically when he saw the mountain of boxes and furniture scattered throughout the main living area. I was too elated to sympathize with his dismay. Maia greeted us warmly, and I embraced her while bouncing with excitement.

"Gemma, I’ve arranged for two trusted staff members to assist with the heavy lifting. Dinner’s prepared whenever you’re ready," Maia reported with her usual efficiency.

"Perfect, Maia. We’ll clean up first, have dinner, then begin organizing. But you and the others should retire early—we can secure additional help tomorrow if needed." Dominic looked puzzled at this, so I explained, "Caleb granted me tomorrow off to establish our home properly. He’s already fishing for a dinner invitation to see the results."

"What a calculating friend," Dominic laughed, some tension finally leaving his shoulders.

"Want to hear the best part?" I asked, tugging him toward the staircase.

"Tell me."

"Zoe cleared your schedule tomorrow too." His eyes widened in genuine surprise.

"She didn’t inform me... In that case, we could postpone all this until tomorrow and rest tonight." He attempted to distract me with heated kisses along my throat.

"Not a chance! I’m far too excited!"

After dinner, we began the task of arranging our sanctuary. Maia had efficiently supervised the placement of major pieces according to my detailed instructions, so our job involved mainly unwrapping and personalizing. We worked well past midnight, completing the upper floor to perfection. Noticing Dominic’s drooping eyelids, I decided to curtail my enthusiasm.

"Let’s save the remainder for tomorrow. Come here—you’ve been so helpful, you deserve a hot shower and a thorough massage." His weary expression immediately transformed into something predatory and suggestive.

"Finally! Though your hands on my body tend to arouse rather than relax me."

"So you’re refusing the massage?" I asked with feigned innocence.

"I want it desperately, but I crave much more than just that."

"Anything you desire."

I began slowly removing my clothing as we entered the master bedroom, moving deliberately toward the marble bathroom. Dominic’s eyes darkened with hunger as he quickly followed, his powerful frame pressing mine against the cold shower wall. He was already rigid with need, taking me right there with precise, commanding thrusts that brought me to a shattering climax, his name torn from my lips in ecstasy.

After our shower, we collapsed onto the bed where his hands worshipped my body with reverent intensity. His mouth claimed my most sensitive places, making me arch and gasp as waves of pleasure consumed me. After bringing me to another devastating peak, he positioned himself above me, and we made slow, passionate love, our bodies moving in perfect synchronization. We finally collapsed in complete exhaustion, utterly satisfied.

We slept entwined in each other’s arms, and the next morning, I woke him with my mouth wrapped around his hardness, savoring him like the most exquisite indulgence.

"You’re absolutely insatiable," he whispered during breakfast, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"That’s because you’re devastatingly attractive," I replied with a wink.

"Seriously, my goddess, your appetite is incredible and you genuinely worship pleasure. I find that absolutely intoxicating!" His expression was deliciously wicked.

"You know, before you claimed me, I wasn’t like this," I admitted. "I didn’t crave it nearly as much. You’ve transformed me into someone just as wicked as you."

Dominic laughed richly. "Are you saying I’m responsible for your sexual hunger?"

"That’s exactly what I’m confessing. One look at you ignites fire in my veins. My body responds instantly." I leaned close to his ear and whispered, "And I adore taking you in my mouth until you surrender completely, just like you did this morning."

"You wicked little temptress!" Dominic pulled me into his arms for a kiss that melted my core.

"Don’t start now—we have work to finish. If we’re efficient, we can indulge earlier tonight." I promised him with a seductive smile.

"I’ll hold you to that vow!" He released me with a playful swat to my rear.

We tackled the lower floor while Maia supervised upstairs. When we reached the formal dining room, I couldn’t contain my joy seeing our massive table—purchased with exact calculations for how many family members and allies would regularly gather in our home.

"I see the table brings you the most joy," Dominic observed, embracing me from behind protectively.

"Dominic, growing up it was just my mother, grandmother, and me. I never had many friends—essentially none, except Lila when I started working, and Zander since we met. Now I have you, your loyal household, our chosen family... How could I not be euphoric?"

"My goddess, my circle was also tiny—just Caleb, Xavier, and Jude. Then you women entered our world and expanded everything. That brings me immense happiness too."

"I can’t wait to host everyone here."

"Neither can I, but first, I want to unite our families. I want our mothers to meet on neutral ground."

"When were you thinking?"

"Later this week!"

"Perfect! Let’s finish quickly then—we’re already well into the week, and I have a significant dinner to organize." I gave him a quick kiss before returning to work.

By evening, our fortress was completely arranged, and we were exactly where we belonged—tangled in bed, christening our new sanctuary properly.