Dominic’s POV

The secure living room of my downtown safe house buzzed with comfortable conversation as we discussed plans for an upcoming family gathering when Nadia decided to check in on her children via encrypted video call.

"Hi, Mom! Where are you now?" Carmen’s voice rang through the reinforced tablet, her eyes bright with what appeared to be innocence though I had long since learned not to trust those deceptively angelic looks.

"Hi, sweetie! We’re in Madrid, waiting for our connection flight. Are you two staying out of trouble?" Nadia looked relaxed and carefree, clearly enjoying her European vacation with Quentin, far from the bloodstained streets of Port Serenity.

Carmen didn’t miss a beat. "I always stay out of trouble, Mom. As for Vincenzo..." she threw a sideways glance at her brother, "well, he’s a teenage boy in a mafia family. Can’t expect miracles." Her tone dripped with sisterly disdain, which made me smile despite the dangerous implications of her words.

"That’s completely unfair, Carmen," Vincenzo protested immediately. "Mom, I conduct myself with proper family honor. Always behaving like a future made man should."

Carmen rolled her eyes as Nadia laughed. "That’s wonderful. Keep it up so your mother can travel more often without worrying about Thorne family reputation."

My eyebrows shot up. She had barely escaped the family’s iron grip and was already planning her next vacation? Before I could comment on the security risks, Nadia requested, "Let me talk to your uncle and Gemma."

Gemma and I took the tablet, exchanging pleasantries with Nadia and Quentin. Throughout our conversation, I felt persistent nudging at my ribs Carmen was getting impatient with our family politics discussion. Deciding to cut to the chase before this sibling rivalry escalated into something requiring family intervention, I interrupted.

"Sis, I need to ask you something important," I said directly, using my Capo voice.

"Go ahead, Dominic." Nadia was only half paying attention as Quentin whispered something in her ear that made her laugh softly, probably some joke about European law enforcement.

"Can I get the kids a guard dog? I’ll purchase all equipment and cover all expenses," I blurted out, wanting to get this negotiation over with before any of my men walked in.

Nadia’s attention snapped back immediately. "How exactly did Carmen manipulate you into asking me this? Did she use family loyalty or threats?"

I launched into my prepared speech. "Nadia, trained animals help with children’s tactical awareness, create responsibility for family assets, reduce operational stress and anxiety, aid in recognizing hostile surveillance, teach focus and discipline..." I had researched this extensively after striking my deal with Carmen, knowing she would collect on her favor eventually. "It would be beneficial for their development as future family members."

"Seriously, Dominic? A rehearsed presentation? That’s the best my Capo brother could manage?" Nadia wasn’t impressed by my corporate approach to family negotiations.

"Please consider this a personal favor to your brother," I pleaded, knowing Carmen would make my life hell if I failed this simple mission. The kid had more leverage than most of my business associates.

"Dominic, if I allow this, you’re going to owe me a significant favor." Her tone made me wince internally. Owing Nadia anything was more dangerous than owing debts to rival families she collected on promises like a loan shark with perfect memory and unlimited patience.

"Agreed, Nadia!" I accepted, feeling like I had just signed away territorial rights to the devil herself. Her satisfied smile confirmed my suspicions.

"Fine. A small dog that won’t compromise operational security, and Carmen handles all maintenance. Before bringing it to my house, take it to our family veterinarian for complete health screening." Nadia laid down her conditions, which I readily accepted, grateful she hadn’t demanded anything involving family business.

"Mom..." Vincenzo began, but Nadia cut him off instantly.

"No, Vincenzo, you cannot have a drum set! Do you want to announce our location to every surveillance operation in the city?" Her maternal instincts remained frighteningly accurate even from overseas.

After some more conversation about travel security and family updates, we ended the encrypted call. Carmen immediately began celebrating around the living room like she had just negotiated a successful territorial expansion.

"Now, uncle, we’re going to find my guard dog!" she declared with absolute certainty, using family terminology.

"I love that plan!" Gemma chimed in, grinning. "Sweetie, you can take us somewhere upscale for lunch first, then we’ll go hunting for Carmen’s new security partner."

"Do I have any input in this family operation?" I asked, already knowing the answer from years of Thorne family dynamics.

I glanced at Vincenzo, who looked disappointed after being denied his drum set. "Let’s move out, everyone. I’ll take you to Vincenzo’s favorite restaurant where we won’t be overheard." His face brightened immediately at the prospect of good food and family time.

At the exclusive restaurant that catered to family business, Vincenzo predictably refused to share his truffle fries, and to my surprise, Gemma followed his lead. I wasn’t sure when this alliance had formed against me, but the three of them had clearly united to make me their primary target. I couldn’t deny I was enjoying myself despite being outnumbered perhaps I was developing masochistic tendencies from years of high stakes negotiations, but the atmosphere felt light and genuine.

"So, Carmen," I said between bites, "since you always seem to know exactly what you want in any deal, let’s be specific what breed are you targeting?"

"I want a mutt," Carmen replied matter of factly, attacking her food with tactical precision.

"A what?" I asked, confused by her unconventional choice.

"A mutt, uncle. A mixed breed rescue." Seeing my bewildered expression, she sighed dramatically. "Uncle, I want to adopt a loyal companion, not purchase merchandise."

"I assumed you’d want some expensive purebred with championship bloodlines," I admitted, genuinely surprised by her decision.

"No. I want a partner, uncle, and you can’t buy true loyalty." Carmen’s answer caught me off guard, as her insights often did. "Besides, there are many animals needing homes. I want to give sanctuary to one that needs protection. And I think treating dogs like expensive objects is wrong."

"You’re actually a tiny adult pretending to be a child, aren’t you?" I asked with mock seriousness, prompting laughter around our table. "Well then, let’s visit a shelter to adopt your new partner, since that’s your preference."

The pure excitement in her dark eyes was worth every bit of trouble this dog would undoubtedly create in our dangerous world.