Gemma’s POV

As much as every fiber of my being craved another night wrapped in Dominic’s arms, duty demanded my attention. After our blissful Sunday at Xavier’s safehouse, reality forced me to return home and prepare for Monday’s milestone - my first day working inside Caleb’s legitimate front operation. Dominic’s reaction was nothing short of petulant fury.

"If I had known you’d abandon me tonight, I never would have let you escape my bed this morning," Dominic growled repeatedly as his armored vehicle idled outside my apartment building, two of his soldiers maintaining watchful positions nearby.

"Then we would have missed that wonderful afternoon with our family," I countered, watching his jaw clench with barely controlled possessiveness.

"Sure, it was great. But nothing compares to having you beneath me, completely mine."

His crude honesty sent molten heat racing through my veins, and I couldn’t suppress my laughter at his brooding expression. The truth was, I wanted him just as desperately. Our bodies had discovered a rhythm so perfect, a connection so complete, that denying our physical compatibility was impossible. In the dangerous world we now inhabited together, these stolen moments of intimacy felt even more precious.

After kissing Dominic goodbye with whispered promises of making up for lost time, I stepped inside to find my mother’s knowing smile waiting for me.

"Someone had quite the weekend," she observed with that maternal intuition that never failed to read me perfectly, though I noticed her glance nervously toward the window where Dominic’s security detail remained visible.

"I did, Mom. I’ve found my place within an incredible family, and I have a man who would burn the world down to protect me," I said, closing my eyes with a dreamy sigh that made her chuckle despite her obvious concerns about my new reality.

"That’s wonderful, sweetheart. And remember, tomorrow you begin working directly for the Thorne organization."

"I know. Everything feels like it’s shifting into something bigger than I ever imagined."

"Which is exactly why I’m calling our realtor tomorrow morning to accelerate our apartment search. We need to find something in a more secure area. I want you involved in every decision."

"Of course, Mom. I’m actually relieved about leaving this neighborhood behind. Just remember I can only look during lunch breaks or after hours. Caleb seems understanding about family obligations, but I refuse to take advantage of his generosity, especially when I’m still proving myself."

"Smart thinking, honey. I’ll coordinate with your schedule. Are you hungry?"

"No thanks, I already ate. I need a hot shower and my bed - I’m exhausted. Good night."

After kissing my mother’s cheek, I slept more peacefully than I had in months, knowing Dominic’s network of protection extended over our building.

Monday morning arrived with unexpected hostility. At the Thorne Group’s downtown headquarters, the reception desk became my first battlefield. Something was seriously wrong when the blonde receptionist refused me entry entirely, treating me like a potential threat rather than Caleb’s new employee.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Caleb’s direct line. He sounded genuinely confused and asked me to wait while he came down personally to handle the situation.

"Good morning, Gemma," Caleb said as he emerged from the private elevator, his expression darkening as he surveyed the scene. "What exactly is happening here?"

"That woman at reception claimed I wasn’t authorized for building access. When I tried explaining my position, she called security and had me physically removed from the premises," I replied, my irritation barely contained while recognizing this could be something more dangerous than simple workplace politics.

"This is completely unacceptable, Gemma. Come with me immediately."

Caleb’s tone carried the unmistakable authority of a man accustomed to absolute obedience. He marched me back inside, his presence commanding instant respect from every employee we passed. After I identified the security guard who had manhandled me, he summoned both the guard and receptionist for an immediate explanation. The woman insisted my entry hadn’t been properly cleared and that she’d received specific instructions to remove me, but she refused to reveal her source.

Caleb’s response was swift and decisive - both employees were terminated immediately and escorted directly to Human Resources, though I suspected their departure from the Thorne organization would involve more than just collecting final paychecks.

He personally arranged my security credentials and building access before escorting me to my designated workspace within his inner circle.

"Monica, I need an explanation for why Gemma’s building access was deliberately blocked," Caleb addressed his personal secretary with barely controlled menace.

"Who is Gemma, sir?" Monica’s innocent act was transparently false, and I could see the calculation behind her eyes.

"Drop the performance, Monica. I sent you detailed instructions regarding her integration into our operations. I expect zero complications moving forward."

"Sir, I honestly don’t understand why you require additional administrative support when I’ve managed everything flawlessly," Monica protested with obvious resentment and something that looked dangerously like jealousy.

"Since when do you question my strategic decisions?" Caleb’s patience had clearly reached its limit, and his voice carried undertones that made even me nervous.

"I apologize, sir."

"Arrange the workspace beside yours exactly as I specified. You’ll be responsible for training Gemma on our protocols. I’ve been considering promoting you to head of operations, Monica, but if you’re too comfortable with your current responsibilities, perhaps Gemma would be better suited for advancement."

The threat worked like magic. Monica’s demeanor shifted instantly from resentful to obsequiously helpful.

"Thank you for this opportunity, sir. I’ll ensure Gemma learns everything she needs to know about our organization," she said with newfound enthusiasm that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

The moment Caleb disappeared into his private office, Monica’s friendly mask evaporated completely.

"Listen carefully, little girl. Don’t create problems for me, or I’ll make your life very unpleasant," she hissed with undisguised venom.

"Don’t worry, Monica. I’m sure we’ll work together perfectly," I replied, matching her coldness with my own steel composure while mentally noting that I’d need to discuss this potential internal threat with Dominic.

My new position brought genuine satisfaction, even if tolerating Monica’s constant provocations and subtle sabotage attempts throughout the week proved exhausting. Fortunately, Katelyn from accounting proved to be an absolute treasure - funny, loyal, and wonderfully supportive.

The entire week passed without seeing Dominic, as apartment hunting with my mother consumed my evenings. He voiced his frustration repeatedly during our nightly calls, but I promised to compensate him thoroughly over the weekend.

Friday brought triumph when my mother and I finally discovered the perfect apartment in a building with excellent security and discrete connections to Thorne family interests. After viewing countless properties, we found a beautiful space that exceeded our expectations while meeting Dominic’s stringent safety requirements. The financial arrangement worked ideally - we could use our current house as payment and move in as soon as the legal paperwork was completed.

Since the apartment viewing ran late, my mother and I decided on pizza for dinner. I invited Dominic to join us, but he graciously declined, suggesting we enjoy our mother-daughter bonding time while his security detail maintained discrete surveillance. His thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze me.

Later that evening, I called my dangerous boyfriend, who answered with characteristic dark humor.

"Hello, source of my constant torment and sleepless nights."

"Oh Dominic, your dramatic intensity is ridiculous," I laughed. "How was your day managing the family’s interests?"

"Lonely and violent without you," he sighed heavily. "I never imagined sharing you with Caleb’s operation would steal so much of your time."

"It was just my initial week establishing myself within the organization, that’s all. Plus finding secure housing complicated everything."

"Tell me about this fortress you found."

I spent several minutes describing our discovery and expressing excitement about all the upcoming changes, including the building’s discrete but comprehensive security features. Dominic listened attentively, asking pointed questions about exit routes and defensive capabilities.

"Now tell me, my dangerous goddess, do I have you completely to myself this weekend?"

"Every single minute."

"Perfect, because sharing wasn’t negotiable anyway. I’m collecting you early tomorrow morning and returning you Monday morning."

"The entire weekend?"

"Every single second. I’ve made special arrangements at one of our family’s private compounds. Pack a swimsuit."

"I love the sound of that."

"You’re going to love what I’ve planned for us." Dominic’s voice dropped to that husky tone that made my pulse race dangerously. "I need to lose myself in you completely, Gemma."

"I think I’ll let you do exactly that," I whispered back, and we continued talking until late into the night.

After ending the call, anticipation coursed through me like electricity. I carefully packed light clothing and several swimsuits in a small bag, set aside Monday’s work outfit, and organized everything I’d need for our mysterious weekend at what I suspected would be a heavily fortified Thorne family retreat.

Saturday morning couldn’t arrive fast enough.