Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 229: Chapter 13 Playing with Fire

Gemma’s POV

For an entire week, I had been receiving cryptic messages from the dangerous stranger who had turned my world upside down. The same man I was certain controlled half the protection rackets in our district had somehow infiltrated my daily routine with his relentless pursuit.

His notes contained bold threats disguised as flirtatious invitations, yet he had not stepped foot in our boutique since that first terrifying encounter. Instead, his nephew Vincenzo served as his courier, appearing every afternoon with sealed envelopes that made my hands tremble. On that very first day, I cornered the young man behind the jewelry counter until he confessed his uncle had recruited him for this deadly game. He even showed me a photograph to prove his connection to the Thorne family operations. That confirmed my worst fears about who was orchestrating this elaborate chase.

The notorious Capo was hunting me through written words. I was curious to see how long he would maintain this predatory charade before showing himself, but I found myself genuinely terrified by our paper correspondence. Vincenzo turned out to be surprisingly charming despite his family connections, eventually seeking my advice about protecting his girlfriend from rival family threats. We struck an uneasy deal: I would help him with romantic guidance, and he would keep secret the fact that I knew his uncle’s true identity in the Thorne crime organization. He would arrive at my store, deliver the daily collection of threatening notes disguised as love letters, and I would craft careful responses to each one. We were playing a dangerous game with the predator while the Capo believed he was being exceptionally clever. We had turned the tables on him completely, though I knew one wrong move could be fatal.

I had just finished sharing coffee and pastries with Vincenzo when he excitedly reported that his girlfriend adored the protection charm I had helped him select from our jewelry collection.

”Remember our agreement, Vincenzo. Your uncle cannot discover our friendship,” I warned him as we prepared to part ways, knowing that family betrayal in their world meant death.

”Absolutely not. I am thoroughly entertained watching my uncle pursue you like this. You should leave now before he shows up.” I quickly departed from the food court area, my pulse racing.

I was making my way back to the boutique when I encountered Zoe and Ivy strolling through the mall with their usual intimidating bodyguard detail. We exchanged careful greetings, and I remembered the stunning new arrivals that had been delivered that morning. They would be perfect for these two dangerous women, so I nervously invited them to browse the collection. Ivy had just emerged from the fitting room looking absolutely lethal in one of the black dresses that perfectly complemented her reputation.

My heart nearly stopped beating when I heard that familiar voice conversing with my customers. I turned around to find the gorgeous Capo standing in my store like he owned it. He appeared even more devastatingly dangerous than during our first encounter, dressed casually in dark jeans and a fitted black shirt that did nothing to hide the gun holster at his side. I forced myself to breathe steadily and pretended complete ignorance of his identity. After all, I was representing my workplace professionally, and crossing a Thorne family member meant certain death.

I retrieved coordinating accessories for the women to complete their outfits, both looking absolutely breathtaking and terrifying. I maintained my innocent facade, though I was acutely aware that the Capo was studying me intently with his penetrating gaze that had probably been the last thing many people ever saw. He settled into a chair like a king surveying his territory and began chatting easily with the women, who clearly served in his organization. What a terrifying coincidence. His attention remained fixed on me throughout their conversation like a predator marking its prey.

Unlike our previous encounter, his behavior was respectfully menacing. He was openly praising the women, though his notes had already revealed his deadly confidence to me. Suddenly he reached for my hand, sending electric currents of fear through my skin. He addressed me as beautiful lady with friendly warmth that barely concealed the threat, requesting my name and complimenting how I had enhanced his associates’ appearance. Through Vincenzo, I already possessed considerable dangerous information about him, including his reputation for eliminating rivals.

”I am Gemma,” I responded as though meeting him for the first time, hoping my voice didn’t betray my terror. He lifted my hand to his lips in a courtly gesture that felt more like a claim of ownership. He was certainly laying on the lethal charm.

”Gemma, you possess impeccable taste,” he said, his eyes traveling deliberately along my figure like he was memorizing every detail. ”If you were selecting an evening gown from this collection for yourself, which would capture your attention?”

”Are you purchasing something for your woman?” I asked with feigned naivety, knowing that asking about a Capo’s personal life was dangerous territory.

”I am currently unattached, darling. However, I would enjoy presenting a gift to a very special friend,” he replied with a smile that could stop hearts permanently.

I went to retrieve a dress I had been admiring since its arrival, hoping to appease him. It was absolutely stunning and carried a substantial price tag that meant nothing to someone of his wealth and power. The gold sequined creation was daringly short, featuring a wrap-style skirt and dramatically plunging neckline, with delicate straps that created an intricate pattern across the back. It was undeniably seductive and probably perfect for the kind of woman who moved in his deadly circles. I also selected matching gold sandals adorned with Swarovski crystal details. When I presented the dress, I watched his eyes ignite with predatory interest.

”Would you consider modeling it so I can envision how it might appear on my friend?” He requested, and I recognized his true intentions immediately while my blood turned to ice.

Customers frequently asked us to try on pieces when selecting gifts for wives, girlfriends, or daughters. I always accommodated these requests as part of my professional service without hesitation. However, I was not planning to make this easy for my persistent and dangerous admirer, despite the risk.

”I apologize, sir, but that would not be appropriate. However, if she shares my approximate measurements, it will look absolutely perfect. I can guarantee that,” I responded with professional politeness, praying I hadn’t just signed my death warrant.

”Very well, I will purchase it,” he said, catching me off guard with his easy acceptance. ”Additionally, I am gifting these two ladies their dresses and accessories. Before you object, I insist, as Zoe’s boss and a friend to our Don’s wife. Consider it a gesture of appreciation for your excellent service, and Ivy recently secured an exceptional territory expansion for me.” His generosity was impressive and terrifying, showing the kind of money that flowed through criminal enterprises. He handed me his black credit card, flashed that devastating smile, and told the women, ”We should organize an evening out so you can debut these gorgeous pieces at the casino.”

The women gave me their selections and I proceeded to the register with trembling hands. This sale would generate an excellent commission for me, assuming I lived to enjoy it. I wrapped everything with enthusiasm, genuinely enjoying serving these dangerous but beautiful customers despite my fear.

I bid farewell to the women, and when I turned to present the shopping bags to the Capo, he requested a business card. I understood he wanted my personal contact information, having navigated similar dangerous situations before with men who didn’t accept refusal. Since he was obviously the deadly predator type who took what he wanted, I simply handed him our store’s business card. Then they departed like a lethal storm passing over.

Sunday found me working alone, which proved exhausting and terrifying. Vanessa and Sabrina had stepped out for refreshments and Lia had the day off. I was lost in thought when I heard that increasingly familiar voice that made my survival instincts scream.

”Beautiful Gemma.” The Capo entered my store with the confidence of a man who owned everything he surveyed.

”Good evening, sir. Please do not tell me your friend was dissatisfied with her gift,” I responded cordially, maintaining my customer service demeanor while calculating escape routes.

”I have not presented it to her yet, though I am confident she will appreciate it.” He captured my hand across the counter and kissed it gently, a gesture that felt like a brand of ownership.

”Please inform her that if the fit or style is unsuitable, she may return for an exchange,” I said with my practiced professional smile, hoping normal business protocol might protect me.

”I will convey that message. But why maintain such formality with family business? You need not address me as sir,” he said with obvious dangerous charm.

”Then how should I address you?” I asked, though I already knew his reputation from our correspondence and hearing the women call him boss repeatedly.

”Have I neglected to introduce myself properly?” He asked, and I shook my head. ”How terribly rude of me. I am Dominic Frost. The pleasure is entirely mine, Gemma.”

”Likewise.” I could not suppress my nervous laughter. ”I see your mother continues praying for you,” I teased him, immediately regretting my boldness.

”Ah, so you do remember our encounter,” he smiled with obvious satisfaction that looked predatory. ”My mother was quite stern with me and insisted that if I encountered you again, I must offer a proper apology. Therefore, please forgive my thoughtless behavior during our first meeting.”

”You are forgiven,” I smiled, acknowledging that he could be quite appealing when he chose to be, though no less dangerous. ”Tell me, did your mother appreciate the gift you selected for her?”

”You will not believe what transpired with that gift. Ultimately, she preferred the small card you included and demanded to meet the woman who had such courage.”

”I cannot believe it. You actually gave it to her?” I was laughing at the absurdity, though I knew his mother was probably as dangerous as he was. My intention had been to irritate him, and he had treated the card as an amusing challenge.

”Naturally I did, since you addressed it to her. However, she demanded that I apologize properly and pursue you with honor. I have already visited the store to apologize to the saleswoman and...” Dominic produced a small wrapped package from his pocket. ”I purchased this for you, hoping we might meet again, and here we are.”

”You bought me a present?” I found his gesture endearing despite the danger and accepted the package. ”It is part of my apology and my protection.”

I opened the wrapping to discover a small box containing a beautiful keychain featuring a tiny gun with a crucifix and two small Thorne family medallions that marked me as under their protection.

”It is lovely, Dominic, thank you,” I said, examining the delicate but deadly keychain that would probably save my life someday.

”There is also a card.”

He retrieved an envelope from his pocket, addressed in the perfectly masculine handwriting I recognized from our correspondence: ”Sorry for being rude the other day, but you were the one who was wrong to resist family business.”

I began laughing at his audacity. I opened the envelope to find a small card containing the same prayer I had sent to his mother. On the reverse side was written: ”I am a complete fool, perhaps I need more people besides my mother praying for me. I apologize for my attitude and pledge my protection.”

”How sweet. I will pray for your soul daily,” I said, smiling. ”Though your handwriting bears a striking resemblance to someone else I know.”

At that moment, Zoe and Ivy entered the store with their security detail, both appearing quite cheerful and deadly.

”So, boss, have you decided to expand into fashion?” Zoe asked Dominic with obvious sarcasm that only someone in his inner circle would dare.

”Are you ladies tracking my movements?” Dominic teased in response, though there was real menace beneath the playful tone.

We chatted briefly and ended up arranging to go out the following Saturday to one of their controlled establishments. I exchanged phone numbers with the women under Dominic’s watchful eye, and we planned to meet for lunch during the week at a Thorne family restaurant. They said their goodbyes and left with their bodyguards, but Dominic remained behind like a predator claiming territory. The troublesome duo Vanessa and Sabrina returned, and Vanessa immediately began flirting shamelessly with Dominic, clearly not recognizing the danger.

”Hello there. May I assist you? Gemma works so slowly,” Vanessa said, practically throwing herself at Dominic.

”No thank you. Gemma is absolutely perfect,” Dominic dismissed her with cold authority and guided me toward the lingerie section like he owned the place. ”Who possesses handwriting similar to mine?” He smiled, knowing exactly what I meant.

”My secret admirer who sends me threatening love letters,” I teased back, feeling bold.

”Should I eliminate this competition?”

”Perhaps not yet.”

He gave a mischievous smile that promised violence. ”Gemma, you have not given me your personal number.”

”Why would I do something so dangerous?” I asked, smiling.

”Because we are family now,” Dominic said, his attention caught by a white lace bodysuit on display that looked expensive and seductive. ”What an exquisite piece.”

”It truly is gorgeous, crafted from French lace and tulle. Notice how delicate the construction is,” my sales instincts engaged as I showed him the garment, trying to maintain normalcy. He looked from me to the bodysuit and retrieved his black credit card from his wallet.

”Please wrap one in your size,” he smiled with obvious dangerous mischief.

”I believe you would require a much larger size, Dominic,” I smiled back, feeling reckless.

”Very amusing,” Dominic laughed without shame. ”It is for my friend who will wear the dress and who needs protection.”

”Is this friend becoming something more?”

”Definitely.” He winked at me with predatory intent. ”And I still want your phone number.”

I took his card and the bodysuit and proceeded to the register, my hands shaking slightly. I created an elegant package and handed him the bag. I took one of our cards and wrote where he could not see: ”I am running away from dangerous problems...” Then I slipped the card into the bag like a message in a bottle.

”It has been my pleasure serving you again,” I said and walked him to the door, knowing I was playing with fire.

Dominic kissed my hand and bid farewell with a wink that promised this was far from over. Lila was observing everything from the cosmetics store across the corridor with an enormous smile, completely unaware of how much danger I was actually in.