Gemma’s POV

Dominic guided me through the entrance, and I stopped dead in my tracks. The spacious interior took my breath away—not from any lavish furnishings, but because the entire house had been transformed into something from a dream. Countless red roses filled every corner, soft candlelight cast warm shadows across the walls, and heart-shaped balloons drifted along the ceiling like silent sentinels.

The living room’s center showcased plush cream carpets surrounded by vibrant cushions of every size. A small table held fresh strawberries, imported chocolates, and champagne cooling in a silver bucket. Dominic was recreating one of our most treasured nights together, but he’d elevated it to something magnificent.

"Whose safe house is this?" I asked, still absorbing the breathtaking scene around me.

"Ours," Dominic replied, moving closer with that predatory grace typical of Thorne family enforcers.

"I don’t understand," I said, my mind struggling to process his meaning.

Dominic’s expression softened as he explained, "Gemma, I purchased this property several years ago, before Caleb lost his parents to that rival family hit. My crew was stationed here temporarily, and I was considering relocating my operations closer. But I never actually moved in because something crucial was missing."

"Obviously—furniture and proper security systems!" I quipped, crossing my arms defensively.

He chuckled at my deflection. "You know resources have never been an issue for someone in my position." After a pause, his voice grew more serious, "What was missing was the woman I love, someone who could make this place feel like home instead of just another safe house."

"But you already had that snake Beatrix in your life!" The words escaped before I could stop them.

"She was never the woman I truly loved," he said, his eyes holding mine with the same intensity he reserved for family business.

"What exactly do you want from me, Dominic?" I asked, anxiety creeping up my spine like ice.

"I want you back—for good. I want us to share this house, raise our children here, build something real together. I want to prove to you every single day how deeply I regret my mistakes and swear on my honor never to betray you again." His arms encircled me with surprising gentleness for hands that had spilled blood.

"Dominic..." I began, but he silenced me with a tender kiss that ended far too soon.

"I love you, Gemma. Please give me another chance to earn your trust." His voice carried a vulnerability that the brutal Capo never showed to anyone else.

"I don’t know if I can," I admitted, looking away from those emerald eyes.

"You’ll never know unless you try," he said, hope flickering across his dangerous features.

"Can I see the rest of the house?" I offered a tentative smile, which he returned with genuine warmth.

"It’s all yours, beautiful." Dominic took my hand as we began exploring.

The house was stunning—modern architecture with bulletproof windows and rich hardwood floors throughout. Every room had been meticulously decorated with roses, balloons, and candles. The effort must have been enormous considering the property’s size, not to mention coordinating his crew to set this up without compromising security. We spent a considerable time exploring each room, discussing possibilities of starting fresh away from the constant violence.

When we returned to the living room, Dominic helped me settle onto the cushions, poured champagne for both of us, and sat beside me, gently running his fingers through my hair.

"Why did you set this up in the living room instead of the master bedroom?" I asked curiously.

"Because I need you to understand that I want more than just physical intimacy. Had I chosen the bedroom, you might have thought I only wanted your body. But I want all of you in my life." Dominic smiled as he raised his glass. "Besides, the sunrise view from here is incredible."

"Strategic thinking," I said, narrowing my eyes. "But who said I’m staying until sunrise?"

"Hope dies last, Gemma," he replied with that subtle smirk that made him so dangerous in negotiations.

"What exactly do you want from me, Dominic?"

"I told you—a fresh start. I want you in my life every day from now on. I want you to bear my children. I want to be the man you can depend on through both the easy times and when rival families come for us. I want your love and trust. I want to be the love of your life, because you’re already mine." His words nearly knocked the breath from my lungs.

"Remember to breathe, Gemma," he added softly.

"You’re quite ambitious for a man who chose another woman over me," I said, making him wince.

"Yes, and stubborn too." He took my hand and pressed a gentle kiss to my palm.

"What if I can’t forget what happened with her?" I asked, feeling tears threatening.

"That’s why we’re here tonight—to talk through everything, to answer all your questions, and to put your doubts to rest," he said with the patience of someone accustomed to high-stakes negotiations.

"I thought we were here for other reasons," I teased.

"My beautiful girl, nothing would please me more than losing myself in you, but I refuse to touch you that way before we’ve resolved everything between us," Dominic sighed. "You drive me to distraction, but I won’t make love to you until you’ve truly forgiven me. And when I undress you next time, it won’t be just physical—it’ll be complete surrender."

The man certainly knew how to use words like weapons. But I needed to stay strong, regardless of how much I desired and loved this dangerous man. I needed complete understanding before I could truly forgive him.

"Why did you believe that photograph, Dominic? Why didn’t you come to me first?" I asked, the pain still sharp in my chest.

"Because Marcus has always poisoned my thoughts and controlled my decisions," Dominic sighed heavily. "Gemma, it’s always easier to believe betrayal when it’s what you’ve been conditioned to expect. He’s spent years undermining me, making me question my own judgment, finding ways to make me doubt everyone around me..."

Dominic’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, compelling me to run my fingers through his hair. His father represented an infected wound in his heart, and despite his fearsome reputation in the family, he suffered deeply from this toxic relationship.

"My father operates the same way—selfish, manipulative, narcissistic," I began speaking without filtering my thoughts. "He never genuinely loved me, though as a child, I believed fathers naturally loved their children. Eventually, I realized he was using me as a weapon against my mother. In his twisted mind, he enjoyed watching her suffer. I’ll never comprehend that mentality. But once I understood he didn’t love me, I cut him out completely. It hurt, but watching my mother’s pain was worse."

"Exactly," Dominic growled disapprovingly. "Society teaches us that family bonds are sacred."

"Right. Sometimes we remain trapped in toxic family dynamics that bring us nothing but harm, simply because we’ve internalized these concepts so deeply that we force ourselves to endure the abuse," I concluded.

"Marcus is poison, Gemma. And I refuse to become like him. Help me," Dominic pleaded, a tear sliding down his handsome face.

"I can’t save you, Dominic. That’s not possible. But I can stand beside you and hold your hand when he gets in your head. For that to work, though, you need to trust me more than you trust his manipulations," I said, meeting his gaze.

"I’ve learned my lesson. I don’t make the same mistake twice," Dominic assured me with conviction that made me believe him.

"Why did you go to Beatrix?" I needed complete clarity.

"Gemma, Beatrix is like those socialite daughters of rival families—always appearing where she’s not wanted. We have history, and before you, she would occasionally show up and we’d have casual encounters, but I always made it clear it meant nothing serious," Dominic explained, repeating his earlier confession.

"I understand that part, but why after me?" I pressed.

"Because I was an idiot. I felt wounded and angry. She appeared at my lowest moment, and I thought returning to old patterns might hurt less than the agony of losing you. I was trying to protect myself from further pain," Dominic answered honestly.

"And you were in agony?"

"I am in agony," he emphasized. "From the moment I started leaving those notes at your workplace until we became lovers, I fell completely. I can’t explain when it happened or adequately describe what I feel, but it burns in me like fire. I love you, Gemma. That’s why Marcus’s trap cut so deep, why I reacted so poorly, and why I didn’t have the courage to face you afterward."

"That brings me to my next question—why didn’t you end things with me before being with her?"

"Because I couldn’t bear hearing you confirm that he was right about me, and I couldn’t face the pain of losing you or hearing you say goodbye," Dominic admitted as tears flowed freely.

"He could never be right about you," I assured him.

"He’s always convinced me otherwise, made me believe his version of who I am," Dominic said, his eyes reflecting distant painful memories.

I pulled him into an embrace, feeling his tears dampen my shoulder. This powerful man who commanded respect and fear throughout the underworld was, in this moment, just a vulnerable soul seeking comfort.

We lost track of time holding each other. While he battled his demons, I wrestled with my own doubts. Could I truly forgive him and heal from the betrayal that still ached in my heart?