Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 226: Chapter 10 Legal Protection Secured

Gemma’s POV

”Thank God weekend collections end early,” Lila breathed as we met at the boutique’s reinforced entrance.

”My feet are killing me,” I groaned, shifting my weight from one aching foot to the other. The marble floors of Thorne territory businesses were unforgiving, especially after dealing with nervous clients all day.

”Jeremiah got called away on family business, so no escort today,” Lila mentioned. ”Can’t complain though. He’s been watching our backs like a hawk.”

”He really has. The family takes care of their people. Want to call for a car together? I can’t handle the subway right now,” Lila suggested.

”I’ll cover the ride. I’m completely drained too.” We headed toward the exit, both laughing despite our exhaustion from another day in Thorne family retail operations.

The moment we stepped outside, Nick emerged from the shadows between buildings. That familiar predatory smirk spread across his scarred face. My stomach plummeted as I realized he’d been stalking our workplace again. He positioned himself directly in my path and seized my arm with bruising force.

”Let’s go, Gemma. I’m taking you somewhere we can have our conversation,” Nick commanded rather than asked.

”Get your filthy hands off me, Nick. We have absolutely nothing to discuss,” I shot back.

”We have plenty to discuss, sweetheart. The quicker you stop this ridiculous game, the sooner everything goes back to how it was,” Nick replied, attempting to drag me toward the alley.

”I said let go.” I wrenched my arm away and backed up several steps. ”Don’t put your hands on me again. I’ve told you to disappear from my life.”

”You’re coming with me, and we’re settling this. You’re coming back where you belong, Gemma, because you’re mine,” Nick declared with that same cold smile that used to terrify me.

”If you take one more step toward me, I’ll scream loud enough for every soldier on this block to hear,” I warned.

”Everything under control here, Gemma?” Mason’s voice came from behind me. He was one of the Thorne family’s street enforcers assigned to protect the retail district. ”Lila radioed that some punk was bothering you ladies.”

”This is private business between me and my woman, tough guy,” Nick informed Mason dismissively.

”I’m not your tough guy. You need to disappear immediately and stop harassing these women, or I’ll hold you here until the family decides what to do with you,” Mason stated firmly, his hand moving to the weapon concealed beneath his jacket.

I wrapped my arms protectively around myself while Nick raised his hands in mock surrender, shooting a venomous glare at Lila. He began retreating but couldn’t resist one final threat.

”This conversation isn’t finished, Gemma. You know it isn’t.”

”Come on, ladies, I’ll make sure you get out safely,” Mason offered.

”We’re calling for pickup, Mason,” Lila told him.

”Perfect. I’ll stay with you until the car arrives,” Mason replied, remaining vigilant until we were safely inside one of the family’s unmarked vehicles.

”Gemma, I hope you don’t mind me saying this, but you need to talk to someone higher up about Nick. He’s stalking you, and the way he spoke today was genuinely frightening,” Lila said once we were safely in the car.

”You’re absolutely right, Lila, but I suspect I’ll need stronger evidence before the family takes serious action. Mom returns later this week, so I’ll discuss it with her then. She’ll know the right approach.”

”Perfect. Until she’s back, you’re staying with me. And whenever your mom travels, you’re staying over too.”

”Thanks, Lila. You’re saving my life.”

The next morning, shortly after checking in, Jeremiah summoned me to the boutique’s secured entrance.

”Gemma, I heard about yesterday’s incident,” Jeremiah said immediately. ”We held a security briefing, and every soldier on this street has been told to watch for trouble. You’re protected here.”

”Jeremiah, I can’t express how grateful I am to all of you,” I said, feeling enormous relief knowing I could at least work without fear.

”Don’t mention it. But you need to take this up the chain. He hasn’t escalated to anything extreme yet, but situations like this tend to worsen. His stalking behavior is already crossing lines,” Jeremiah counseled.

”Lila said the same thing. But I’m lost about what steps to take. Mom arrives later this week, and I’ll get her advice then.”

”Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll share a contact with you. He’s a lawyer who handles family business. My sister had similar boyfriend troubles, and this attorney got her the protection she needed. It might not solve everything, but if he’s just making threats, it could scare him off,” Jeremiah explained.

”That sounds like exactly what I need. Please text me his information. Thank you so much, Jeremiah.”

”No thanks necessary. I’ll send it over. Now let’s get back to work, and signal if you need anything,” he said with an encouraging smile before walking away.

Later in the week was my day off, and I arranged for Mom to collect me from Lila’s protected apartment when she returned. I refused to wait alone at our house. Once we got home and Mom had settled in, I explained everything that had been happening. Her face showed immediate concern.

”Gemma, your friends are giving you sound advice. Call that lawyer and see if he can meet with us today,” Mom urged.

”Mom, you just got back from traveling. You must be exhausted.”

”I’m too worried to rest. Let’s handle this situation now.”

I dialed the number Jeremiah had given me. The secretary was extremely helpful and said the attorney could squeeze us in late that afternoon. Mom and I arrived at his office precisely on time. After hearing my complete story, he responded professionally.

”Unfortunately, I encounter cases like yours frequently in our circles. It’s wise that you’re seeking help early. I’ll petition for a restraining order and file a police report, but that doesn’t mean you can lower your guard yet.”

”What exactly do you mean?” I asked.

”I’m hoping the restraining order will intimidate him enough to make him back off permanently, but you must remain vigilant,” the lawyer cautioned. ”You work in Thorne territory with competent security, which is excellent. You’ll be safe inside protected areas. However, exercise extreme caution in neutral zones and on open streets. I strongly recommend having someone accompany you whenever you leave protected territory. Apply this same rule everywhere you go. Don’t create opportunities for him to approach you.”

Following the attorney’s comprehensive guidance, we returned home. Mom immediately started discussing selling our house and moving to an apartment within Thorne family residential areas. I attempted to calm her anxiety, but she was deeply shaken.

The next morning, the lawyer called with news that he’d already secured the restraining order. His efficiency was impressive. I immediately informed Jeremiah and thanked him for the referral. He requested a copy of the legal document and took it directly to the district security chief.

The restraining order provided some peace of mind, but I intended to follow every single one of the lawyer’s safety recommendations.