Gemma’s POV

Recently, my nights had been shattered by phantom calls that left me on edge. Each time my phone rang in the darkness, I’d answer to find nothing but labored breathing on the other end—someone lurking in the shadows but never revealing themselves. The relentless harassment had carved deep shadows under my eyes, and exhaustion clung to me like a second skin in this dangerous world I’d been pulled into.

"Gemma... Gemma!" Dominic’s commanding voice sliced through the haze clouding my thoughts.

"What? I’m sorry, what did you say?" I blinked hard, forcing myself to focus on his concerned expression across our breakfast table in the secured penthouse.

"You need proper rest," Dominic stated, his jaw tightening with the controlled anger of a man accustomed to eliminating threats. "We should get you a new secured line through the family’s network."

I shook my head firmly. "That won’t be necessary. These calls will eventually stop." The idea of surrendering yet another piece of my independence to the Thorne organization’s protective web felt like another small defeat.

"Then at least power down your phone during the night," Dominic suggested, his tone carrying the authority of someone used to giving orders. "If there’s family business requiring your attention, they can reach me instead."

"Actually, that makes sense." I nodded, rising from my chair. "But right now, I need to get to my position at Zenith Systems."

Dominic’s hand closed around mine with the possessive grip that had become familiar. "Stay in the compound today. Rest under proper security. Caleb would understand completely."

"Working keeps my mind occupied," I explained, squeezing his fingers. "I need that mental distraction from all this chaos."

"Understood," he conceded with obvious reluctance. "But were you listening to anything I discussed earlier?"

"Um..." I hesitated, realizing my thoughts had been completely scattered during our conversation.

Dominic’s smile carried both affection and exasperation. "Was I conducting a one-sided briefing this entire morning, my queen?"

"I apologize," I whispered, settling onto his lap and pressing my lips to his in a soft kiss.

His emerald eyes brightened with renewed focus. "I was explaining that your parents and I are coordinating a visit to your grandmother’s estate this weekend. And Vincenzo is joining us—he’s particularly enthusiastic about the trip."

"Really?" The prospect immediately lifted my spirits. "Let’s include Carmen in our plans too!"

"My sister and Gerard are going to be completely pampered," Dominic laughed with genuine warmth.

"Honestly, I’m seriously considering permanently relocating those two to our household," I teased.

"Nadia would probably hand them over with signed custody documents and a bow on top." His comment drew the first genuine laughter from me in days.

"I’ll coordinate all the arrangements then," Dominic promised with the efficiency of someone who commanded resources.

The thought of a weekend escape to the countryside filled me with genuine excitement. Visiting Grandma and stepping away from the city’s dangerous undercurrents would provide exactly the respite I desperately needed.

Later that afternoon, I informed Dominic I’d return home slightly delayed. I wanted to select a special gift for my grandmother along with her beloved imported chocolates—a sweet addiction that definitely ran through our bloodline.

At the upscale shopping center, I made my way directly to the luxury home furnishings store. I instructed Hunter, my assigned security detail, to maintain his position at the main entrance. The retail environment seemed secure enough, and I didn’t require a imposing shadow trailing me through every aisle.

I was examining an elegant cream-colored throw blanket adorned with delicate rose patterns—perfectly suited to Grandma’s refined floral preferences—when suddenly two hands seized my waist. A body pressed against mine from behind, violating my personal space. I spun around, immediately alert.

"Gemma, sweetheart! What an unexpected pleasure encountering you here." Marcus’s face loomed mere inches from mine.

Horror washed over me as I realized I’d been cornered in the store’s rear section, with towering shelves blocking any rapid escape routes. How had he tracked me to this location?

"Get away from me," I hissed, attempting to push him backward. Instead, he pressed his body more aggressively against mine, pinning me against the merchandise display.

"Come now! Give me a proper family greeting." He grabbed my throat, trying to force me into unwanted contact.

Terror surged through my veins as I struggled against his grip. My phone began ringing inside my purse, but Marcus snatched it away and hurled it to the floor. Panic clawed at my chest.

"I’m going to demonstrate, Gemma, that you’ve chosen the wrong Frost," he growled, pulling me closer with bruising force.

I fought desperately against his restraints. "You’re the wrong Frost! Release me, you disgusting animal! You’re absolutely revolting! I can’t tolerate your voice. Your touch makes my skin crawl."

"Oh, darling," he whispered, his breath hot and repulsive against my skin, "when I’m claiming you, making you submit, you’ll change your perspective completely."

His words triggered waves of nausea. He attempted to hold me motionless for his assault, but I kept twisting away with every ounce of strength.

"Here’s our plan, Gemma." His voice dropped to a menacing whisper near my ear. "We’ll exit this establishment and locate a private venue. I’m going to take you so thoroughly that you’ll forget Dominic ever existed."

Pure rage boiled within my chest. "You’re absolutely sick! I’m not going anywhere with you!" I summoned all my disgust and spat directly in his face.

"You worthless whore!" he roared, striking me hard across the cheek.

The sharp sting shocked my system. I hadn’t anticipated such blatant violence, and cold fear replaced my anger. I opened my mouth to scream for help, but he clamped his palm over it, pressing me harder against the shelving unit.

"You prefer the difficult approach." His eyes gleamed with malicious intent. "I actually enjoy it more when you resist. Makes me more aggressive. You know what? I’m going to claim you right here and now—a quick conquest right in this public store."

Marcus laughed under his breath and attempted another assault. I struggled against him with desperate strength and squeezed my eyes shut. Suddenly, the crushing pressure lifted. When I opened my eyes, I witnessed Hunter delivering a devastating punch to Marcus’s jaw.

Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably. All I wanted was to return home to Dominic and erase this nightmare from my memory. While Hunter turned to assess my condition, Marcus scrambled to his feet and fled the store like the coward he was.

"Miss Valance, are you injured?" Hunter asked, genuine concern evident in his professional demeanor.

"Terrible," I sobbed. "Please, just extract me from here and take me home immediately."

"Yes, miss." He bent down to retrieve my purse and handed it to me carefully. Seeing my unsteady state, he offered his arm for physical support. "Mr. Dominic contacted me because you weren’t responding to calls. He requires immediate communication with you." Hunter explained while retrieving his own phone from the floor.

"I’ll contact him myself," I said, attempting to steady my erratic breathing. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Actually, he’s currently holding on the line..." Hunter returned to his device and explained to Dominic what had transpired. I could hear Dominic’s furious voice through the speaker, threatening to terminate Hunter’s employment immediately.

"Let me speak with him," I said, reaching for the phone. Before Dominic could continue his tirade, I quickly interrupted. "Dominic, I specifically asked Hunter to wait outside the store. This wasn’t his failure—I didn’t anticipate any danger in a home goods establishment. Please, I’m coming home now. I need you desperately."