Dominic’s POV
The shopping complex seed like the most efficient way to handle my errands without attracting unwanted attention. Everything consolidated under one roof ant fewer stops, less exposure. I decided to hit the religious goods store first, wanting to complete that particular transaction before carrying around anything that might seem contradictory to a man in my line of work.
Inside, a single employee was engaged in animated conversation with a custor. I pulled out my encrypted phone and sent a quick ssage to my current distraction, letting her know she had sothing special coming her way tonight.
I approached the counter with the authority that ca naturally to a Thorne family Capo. No ti for pleasantries when business needed attention. The saleswoman could return to her gossip after handling my transaction. But the other custor had different ideas, insisting she deserved imdiate service. The situation began escalating into a territorial dispute about who held priority.
My patience was already stretched thin from managing family operations when I glanced up from my secure phone. The sight that greeted nearly shattered my legendary composure. This woman was absolutely devastating. Rich dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing features that could topple empires. Her body moved with a dangerous confidence that sent molten heat racing through my bloodstream. Those lips looked like the kind of temptation that could make a man forget his oath of loyalty.
Here I was, experiencing the most blasphemous thoughts imaginable while surrounded by crucifixes and holy relics. The irony would have been amusing if I weren’t fighting for control.
Thank God for custom-tailored Italian suits and strategic tailoring. The growing tension in my pants would have been compromising otherwise. This gorgeous little spitfire was throwing my entire system into chaos, and that never happened to n in my position. I needed distance imdiately.
When she collected her purchase and walked away with those hips swaying like a weapon of mass destruction, my pulse nearly flatlined entirely. Then she had the audacity to tell to stop acting like a spoiled child and ntioned leaving sothing for my mother’s special occasion. Every predatory instinct scread at to grab those dangerous curves and demonstrate exactly what kind of man she was challenging.
Finally, the saleswoman focused her attention on . I was still recovering from my encounter with that stunning force of nature. After so discussion, she convinced to purchase a beautifully illustrated collector’s Bible paired with an elegant silver rosary featuring delicate rose-shaped beads. Mom would appreciate both pieces for her upcoming celebration.
At checkout, she wrapped everything ticulously in black paper adorned with golden crosses. Then she handed an envelope with obvious hesitation.
"Sir, the other custor requested I give you this." Her voice carried undertones of nervous respect.
Curiosity overca caution as I examined the envelope. Elegant handwriting spelled out "For the tantrum-thrower’s mother" across the front in flowing script.
I had to respect her nerve. Inside was a card featuring a children’s prayer, with a personal ssage written on the back in that sa graceful penmanship.
"Dear Ma’am, congratulations on your blessed occasion. However, I believe your son requires divine intervention to prevent darkness from consuming his soul. We must pray for lost children to find their way to righteousness and virtue. Please accept this humble prayer and dedicate it to your son’s salvation daily."
Laughter erupted from my chest before I could suppress it. The sheer brazenness of this woman was unprecedented. Nobody had ever pulled sothing this bold with a Thorne family Capo. Mom would find this story absolutely priceless. I’d definitely share the card, and knowing her devout nature, she’d probably recite that prayer for religiously. The whole situation struck as brilliantly audacious.
While I stood there with tears streaming down my face from uncontrolled laughter, the saleswoman observed like I’d completely lost my sanity. Too bad I’d never encounter that beautiful little warrior again.
I left the religious store and descended to the adult boutique that operated under our family’s protective umbrella. After selecting several items for my evening entertainnt, I departed feeling thoroughly amused by the day’s unexpected developnts.
The following morning, before heading to family headquarters, I stopped at the florist we kept on our payroll to arrange strategic deliveries. Red roses for my current companion, pristine white ones for my mother. While confirming delivery logistics and ensuring proper allocation to each recipient, my secured phone vibrated with Xavier’s encrypted contact.
"Xavier, wait until you hear what happened to yesterday," I answered, grinning at the mory.
"Save the story for face-to-face contact," Xavier replied, barely suppressing his amusent while Jude’s chuckles echoed in the background.
"Hold on, weren’t you supposed to be locked down in New Ramsey territory for the entire operation?"
"That was the established tiline. But Caleb suddenly developed creative negotiation tactics with the clients, and we’re flying back today."
"What do you an? Caleb never deviates from operational protocols."
"Exactly. But he contacted the clients unexpectedly, arranged an ergency summit last night, and sohow managed to close everything in a single session. Convinced them we could handle remaining business through secure channels. I still don’t understand his thods."
"That’s completely uncharacteristic for Caleb."
"Tell about it. But Heidi ntioned to Jude that Caleb specifically requested the new assistant’s dossier, and apparently they had so kind of intense confrontation yesterday."
"Are you serious, Xavier? Is our Don rushing back because of the assistant?" The thought of Caleb being affected by an employee was too entertaining to ignore.
"I think the sleeping predator just awakened," Xavier said, dissolving into laughter again.
"Well, if Ivy is anything like her friend, Caleb’s about to face his greatest challenge."
"What friend?" Xavier’s interest sharpened imdiately.
"My new intelligence coordinator, Zoe Miller. Absolutely lethal, Xavier. And she doesn’t take orders from anyone." I smiled, rembering how she’d handled her recruitnt interview. "She and Ivy are practically blood sisters."
"You recruited Robert Miller’s daughter? You’re about to lose a valuable alliance," Xavier warned.
"Not happening. She already established the chain of command," I replied with dark amusent.
"And what chain of command would that be?"
"The one where I answer to her," I said, sending Xavier into another fit of laughter.
We continued strategizing before disconnecting. I made Xavier promise to report back about Caleb’s reaction to eting the assistant. This was going to be absolutely fascinating.
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