FORCED TO MARRY THE MAFIA BOSS

WALKIE IN THE LION'S DEN

Chapter 11

Raina woke slowly, her eyes heavy, her body aching. The world around her was blurry at first—soft golden lights, silk sheets, the faint scent of leather and cedar. She blinked, confused.

This wasn’t the warehouse.

This wasn’t her apartment.

She wasn’t even in the office she had been trapped in.

She was lying in a bedroom—huge, luxurious, and undeniably expensive. Marble floors. Velvet curtains. A view of the city skyline through towering windows.

And on the far side of the room—

Luca was sitting in a chair, elbows on his knees, head bowed. He wasn’t wearing his suit jacket, only a black shirt, sleeves rolled up to his forearms. His hair was slightly messy, as if he had run his fingers through it too many times.

He looked… tired. Human. Almost vulnerable.

Raina inhaled sharply.

He lifted his head instantly.

Their eyes met.

And the world went still.

“You’re awake,” he said quietly, standing up and walking toward her. His voice was lower than usual—not cold, not commanding—almost… relieved.

Raina tried to sit up, but pain shot through her arm. She winced.

Luca was beside her in a heartbeat. “Careful,” he said, reaching out instinctively.

She jerked away out of fear, but he froze, hand suspended in the air. He didn’t force her. He didn’t grab her. He simply lowered his hand slowly.

“You’re hurt,” he said, his jaw tightening. “You didn’t listen when I told you to stay behind me.”

Raina frowned, her voice weak. “I… I didn’t want to die.”

Luca’s eyes darkened—something dangerous and emotional flickering in them. “Exactly why you should’ve stayed close.”

She held her breath. This was the first time his tone had sounded… worried.

“Where am I?” she asked.

“My home,” he said. “You passed out after the attack. I brought you here.”

Raina looked around again. The room was too beautiful to be real. “Why?” she asked. “Why bring me here instead of sending me back to the office?”

Luca’s jaw tightened. His voice dropped. “Because the office isn’t safe anymore. None of the outer buildings are.” He paused. “I put you where no one can reach you. Not my enemies. Not traitors. No one.”

Her mind raced. “You protected me…”

“Of course I did,” he said, as if it was obvious.

Something in Raina’s chest tightened. She didn’t understand this man. He was deadly, cruel, terrifying—yet now he stood by her bedside like someone who cared.

His gaze moved over her face. “Are you in pain?”

“No,” she lied.

He exhaled softly, a hint of frustration. “You don’t have to pretend with me, Raina.”

Her breath caught.

This was the first time he said her name like that—low, careful, almost soft.

A knock came at the door.

“Boss,” one of his men called. “We need to talk. It’s urgent.”

Luca glared at the door. “Later.”

“It’s about the bounty,” the man added.

Raina’s heart dropped.

Luca turned back to her, his voice deadly serious. “Don’t move from this bed. Don’t open the door. I will handle it.”

Her stomach twisted. “Luca… what if they come again?”

He paused at the doorway, looked over his shoulder, and said something she never expected.

“They won’t get to you. Not while you’re under my roof.”

His eyes softened. “You’re safe here.”

The door closed behind him.

Raina lay in the giant bed, staring at the empty space where he stood.

Safe.

Protected.

In the home of the most dangerous man she had ever met.

And for the first time since this nightmare began…

She didn’t know whether to fear him more—

Or trust him more.