Kissing a Mafia king

Chapter 2 – Into the Lion’s Den

Serena adjusted her heels as she followed Leo through the sleek corridors of the Moretti estate, the sound of her steps echoing against marble floors. Each door they passed seemed heavier than the last, as though the walls themselves were saturated with power, secrets, and danger. She didn’t falter; her pulse raced, but her head was clear. She had chosen this path—she would see it through.

Leo walked beside her, silent, his presence overwhelming. He was quiet now, but the tension between them was electric. Every glance from him, every subtle shift of his posture, was a reminder: she was in his world now. One misstep and everything could change.

“You’re quiet,” he finally remarked, his voice low, almost predatory. “I expected chatter. Most people are terrified, and they try to compensate with nervous words.”

“I don’t need to chatter,” Serena said smoothly. “I observe. I learn. And I don’t get distracted easily.”

A corner of his mouth lifted. “Impressive. Dangerous. Exactly what I like… and exactly what I shouldn’t allow.”

Serena kept her gaze level, refusing to let him see her reaction. His power was tangible, a heavy weight pressing at her chest, yet thrilling her in a way she hadn’t expected. “Then you’ll just have to decide which side of the risk you’re on.”

They reached a glass-walled office, sleek and modern, overlooking the glittering city below. Inside, a woman stood at the far desk, sorting through papers. Her posture was precise, disciplined, but there was an unmistakable aura of familiarity—confidence tempered by loyalty. Mia Rainer.

Leo’s expression shifted subtly as she looked up. Mia’s eyes were sharp, calculating, yet something softer flickered when they met his. She had returned from leave just days ago, but the connection between them was palpable. Serena sensed it immediately: history, intimacy, and unspoken tension.

“This is Mia,” Leo said, his voice neutral but with an edge Serena could detect. “My assistant… and a very efficient one.”

Mia’s gaze flicked to Serena, sharp and assessing, her expression unreadable. Serena met it evenly. “Pleasure,” she said politely, though her smirk hinted at the silent challenge.

Mia’s lips tightened, but she didn’t reply. Instead, she returned to her papers, though Serena could feel the subtle scrutiny in her eyes.

Leo watched the exchange carefully, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. He enjoyed watching Serena hold her own, even in subtle power plays. “You’ll be working closely together,” he said finally. “I expect efficiency, discretion… and absolute loyalty.”

Serena nodded, though internally she allowed herself a thrill. Loyalty. A word loaded with weight in this world. “Understood,” she said calmly. “I work well under pressure.”

Leo stepped closer, his hand brushing hers as he passed to lean against his desk. The contact was fleeting, but it sent a jolt through her, undeniable and sharp. His eyes darkened slightly, unreadable, calculating. “Good,” he said softly. “You’ll need to. The world you’re in… it doesn’t forgive mistakes.”

Serena’s pulse jumped, not from fear, but from the sheer intensity radiating from him. “I can handle it,” she said evenly.

Leo circled his desk, a predator enjoying the challenge. “Bold. Clever. Dangerous. All in one package. You may be exactly what I need… or my greatest mistake.”

Serena held his gaze, unflinching. “I’ve survived worse than mistakes.”

There was a brief silence, thick and tense, before Leo’s phone buzzed sharply on the desk. He glanced at it, then back to her, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. “We’ll see about that,” he murmured.

Mia cleared her throat, drawing their attention. “Mr. Moretti, the shipment schedule is ready for review. And there’s a security breach reported in the south warehouse.”

Leo’s gaze snapped to her, a flash of irritation and focus. “Handle the schedule. I’ll check the warehouse personally.”

Mia nodded, precise and efficient. Serena noticed the subtle tension in Mia’s posture as Leo moved toward the door. She understood immediately: Mia was protective, not just of the empire, but of Leo. And Serena was now in her way.

The moment Leo left the office, Serena leaned slightly toward Mia. “I know I’m new here,” she said, voice soft but confident, “but I’m not here to compete unnecessarily. I just want to work… and survive.”

Mia’s eyes flicked up, sharp, appraising. “Survival in this world requires more than confidence. It requires understanding, loyalty… and the ability to handle chaos.”

Serena smiled faintly. “Good thing chaos is something I’m familiar with.”

Mia didn’t smile back, but Serena could feel the acknowledgment, a silent respect forming even in the tension.

Later, as Serena settled into her new workspace, her phone vibrated. A message flashed on the screen: “Watch yourself. Not everyone here is what they seem. – D.C.”

Her pulse quickened. Damian Cruz. Her old connection, her hidden ties, the reason she had come here in the first place. And now, she was trapped in Leo’s world, where danger was a daily presence, and trust was a weapon few could wield effectively.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Leo returned, his coat slightly open, hair mussed just enough to be distracting. He leaned against the edge of her desk, arms crossed, a faint smirk on his lips. “You’re still here,” he said, his tone teasing but dangerous. “Working, observing… or plotting?”

Serena lifted her gaze calmly, meeting his. “Maybe all three,” she replied, letting her lips curve in a small, confident smile.

Leo chuckled softly, a low, dangerous sound that made her pulse race. “Good,” he murmured. “I like a woman who keeps me guessing.”

And just like that, the office became more than a workspace. It was a battlefield, a stage, and a playground all at once. The tension between them was palpable, a silent game of dominance, attraction, and unspoken desire.

Later that night, Serena stayed behind to review documents. The office was quiet, the city lights glittering like scattered diamonds below. A soft knock interrupted her focus. She looked up to see Leo leaning against the doorframe, his silhouette framed by the city glow.

“You’re still here,” he said quietly, voice low, magnetic.

“I could ask you the same,” she replied smoothly.

He stepped closer, closing the distance until the space between them was electric, charged. “You’re learning quickly,” he murmured. “But knowledge comes with danger. And desire… well, that’s something you’ll have to survive as well.”

Her pulse jumped, her chest tightening. “Then I’ll make sure I survive,” she whispered, letting her lips tilt into a sly smile.

Leo’s eyes darkened, intense, and unreadable. For the first time, the danger and heat between them became almost unbearable. “We’ll see,” he murmured, leaning even closer. “Because in my world, everything comes at a price.”

Serena tilted her head, challenging, daring. “Then I guess I’m ready to pay it.”

The faint flicker of a smile tugged at his lips. And in that silent, charged office, surrounded by the glittering city, something irreversible had begun.

Fire had been lit. And this time, it was a wildfire.

Serena leaned back slightly in her chair, letting herself breathe, though every nerve in her body was still alive with electricity. The city stretched below, glittering like a constellation she could never touch, yet she felt it was hers to conquer—or perhaps, Leo’s to command. Her fingers lightly traced the edge of the desk, a grounding gesture, but it did nothing to slow the fire thrumming in her veins.

Leo remained leaning against the doorframe, his dark gaze holding hers with unflinching intensity. There was a long pause, the kind that stretched seconds into minutes, where neither of them moved, yet the tension spoke volumes.

“You think you can handle this world,” he said finally, his voice low, almost a growl, “but this world? It doesn’t bend. It doesn’t forgive. And it certainly doesn’t wait for anyone to catch their breath.”

“I thrive on the chaos,” Serena replied softly, letting her tone carry a mix of defiance and invitation. “And if I stumble… I rise. That’s how I survive.”

Leo’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “Survivor,” he repeated, the word rolling off his tongue like a caress. “Interesting. Very… interesting.” He stepped closer, the space between them now so tight that every exhale of his could mingle with hers. Serena didn’t step back. She refused.

“I hope ‘interesting’ is a good thing,” she said, her voice teasing, even as her pulse hammered in her ears.

“It can be,” he murmured, leaning down just slightly so their faces were nearly touching. “But interesting has a price. And in my world… the cost is never small.”

Serena’s breath caught at the nearness of him, at the heat radiating from his body. “I’m willing to pay,” she whispered, a challenge wrapped in promise.

He froze briefly at her words, surprised—not by the declaration itself, but by the confidence behind it. Most women trembled, hesitated, begged. Serena did none of that. She was fire. Dangerous fire. And he couldn’t look away.

“Bold,” he muttered, almost to himself, “reckless… and utterly fearless.” His hand brushed past hers again, deliberate, fleeting—but the contact left a trail of heat that lingered longer than it should have. “Few people make me feel… alive. Most just want something from me. You… you might actually be the first to demand nothing, yet take everything.”

Serena tilted her head, letting her eyes meet his with unwavering defiance. “You think you can handle that?” she asked softly, letting the words hang in the charged air between them.

Leo’s jaw tightened. For the first time in years, he felt unmoored. His control, his usual iron-clad dominance, was challenged—not in the boardroom, not on the street, but here, in this office, by a woman who refused to submit or yield. “We’ll see,” he said finally, voice low, dark, and magnetic.

The city outside continued to pulse with life, but inside, time seemed suspended. Serena could feel the weight of his gaze on her body, assessing, measuring, testing. Every move she made, every subtle expression, was a message. And she returned his scrutiny with equal intensity.

The silence was finally broken by the faint buzz of her phone. She glanced down, seeing Damian’s name flashing on the screen. Another warning:

“Be careful. He isn’t just a man. He’s fire, and fire consumes everything.”

Her pulse raced. Damian’s warnings were meant to protect, to pull her back—but she couldn’t. She wouldn’t. The pull toward Leo, toward the danger, toward the chaos, was irresistible. She tucked her phone away, choosing to focus on the man in front of her instead.

Leo noticed the glance at her phone. “Someone’s warning you,” he said softly, voice low, but there was a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “Doesn’t matter. Warnings rarely prepare anyone for what I bring.”

“I’m not here for warnings,” Serena said evenly. “I’m here for the challenge.”

He stepped even closer, now so near that she could feel the warmth radiating from his chest. The scent of him, cologne mixed with leather, was intoxicating. “Challenge… huh? Dangerous. That’s a word I haven’t heard in years.” His gaze held hers, unflinching, unrelenting. “And yet… I think I like it.”

Serena’s lips curved into a small, teasing smile. “I’m not here to be liked,” she said, her voice dropping slightly, deliberate, intimate. “I’m here to survive. To dominate… and maybe to burn a little along the way.”

Leo’s breath caught, subtle, almost imperceptible, but enough for Serena to notice. For a man so used to controlling every situation, this was new. This was unpredictable. This… was exhilarating.

“I admire your confidence,” he said softly, letting his hand hover just inches from hers on the desk. “Most people crumble long before the fire even reaches them.”

“I don’t crumble,” she whispered. “I ignite.”

The intensity between them escalated further as Leo’s gaze flicked toward the window, then back to her. “Do you even realize what you’ve walked into?” he asked quietly, almost to himself. “Because once you step fully into this world, there’s no turning back.”

“I’m aware,” Serena said evenly, “and I’m ready.”

Leo’s eyes darkened, unreadable, almost feral. He leaned closer, so close she could feel his breath brush against her ear. “Ready,” he murmured, “is a dangerous word in my world. Especially when desire and fire mix with power. You may survive… or you may get consumed.”

Serena’s pulse raced, her chest tightening. “Then I’ll make sure I control the fire, not let it control me.”

A faint smirk curved his lips, dangerous, approving, teasing. “We’ll see about that,” he said softly, almost growling under his breath. “Because I don’t give anyone control over me… easily. And you—” He hesitated, almost letting the word linger, “—might just be my first real challenge in years.”

Her lips lifted in a sly smile. “I like a challenge,” she whispered. “Especially one that promises heat and danger.”

For a moment, neither moved. The city outside glittered beneath them, but inside the office, it was a battlefield of tension, desire, and unspoken promises. Then, the faint buzz of her phone broke the silence again. Another message from Damian:

“Don’t get lost in him. You’ll burn faster than you can survive.”

Serena tucked the phone away again, refusing to be intimidated. “I don’t plan on getting lost,” she murmured, though the thrill in her chest betrayed her.

Leo’s gaze softened just slightly—not much, just enough to be dangerous. “Most people don’t survive the heat of my world,” he said quietly. “And yet… you seem to crave it.”

“I do,” she admitted softly. “Because fire… teaches lessons no calm ever could.”

He took a deep breath, the air thick with tension, and stepped back slightly, giving just enough space for Serena to breathe, but not too much. “You’re bold,” he said softly, almost reverently. “And reckless. Exactly what I need. But be warned… once the fire begins, it doesn’t stop.”

Serena met his gaze, fearless. “Then I guess I’ll enjoy the burn.”

A flicker of amusement crossed his face, dangerous and dark. “You’re insane,” he whispered. “But… I like insane.”

The electricity between them hummed, thick, unbroken. The office had transformed into something else entirely—more than a workspace, more than a battlefield. It was a storm, a clash of heat and desire, power and fire, where every word, glance, and touch could ignite chaos.

And Serena, for the first time in years, felt alive in a way she hadn’t known. Not just alive, but sharp, burning, untouchable.

Leo’s dark eyes studied her one last time before he stepped toward the door. “Stay sharp,” he said, voice low, dangerous. “The night is young… and my world is just beginning to test you.”

Serena watched him leave, her chest still tight, heat coursing through her veins. She knew it wasn’t just the man himself—it was the world he commanded. The chaos, the danger, the power. And the undeniable pull he exerted over her, one she couldn’t—and didn’t want to—resist.

She sank back into her chair, letting out a slow breath. The documents in front of her were meaningless now. All that mattered was the fire, the tension, and the dangerous game that had just begun.

Her phone buzzed again, this time a message from Mia:

“Don’t get in over your head. Leo doesn’t tolerate mistakes… and neither do I.”

Serena’s lips curved into a faint, mischievous smile. “Good,” she whispered. “I like a challenge on every side.”

The city lights below flickered like a thousand sparks in the dark. But inside the office, fire had been ignited. And there was no putting it out.

This was the beginning.

A wildfire had begun, and neither Leo nor Serena would survive it unscathed.

Expanding the Chapter:

Serena adjusted her skirt, the silk smooth beneath her fingers, but her mind was anything but calm. The air in the office had shifted, charged with unspoken promises and veiled threats. Every glance, every touch, was a test—a dance of dominance and desire that left her breathless and wanting more.

She rose from her chair, needing to move, to feel something solid beneath her feet. The city lights beckoned, a glittering promise of power and chaos. She walked to the window, letting the cool glass press against her forehead, trying to regain control of her racing thoughts.

The message from Mia lingered in her mind, a subtle warning wrapped in ice. Serena knew she was walking a tightrope, balancing between loyalty and ambition, desire and survival. And the slightest misstep could send her plummeting into the darkness below.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see Leo standing in the doorway, his silhouette framed by the city glow. He was relaxed, almost casual, but there was a glint in his eyes that told her he was anything but.

“Working late?” he asked, his voice low, almost a caress.

“Just admiring the view,” Serena replied, letting her tone carry a hint of challenge.

He stepped into the office, closing the door behind him. The sound echoed in the silence, a deliberate act that sent a shiver down her spine. The space between them was electric, charged with unspoken promises and veiled threats.

“The view is beautiful,” he murmured, stepping closer, his gaze fixed on her. “But I think there’s something more interesting in here.”

Serena held his gaze, refusing to back down. “Is there?” she asked softly, letting her lips curve into a teasing smile.

He stopped just a few feet away, the air between them thick with tension. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Serena,” he said, his voice low, almost a growl.

“I thought danger was your specialty,” she replied, letting her tone carry a mix of defiance and invitation.

Leo’s lips curved into a predatory smile. “It is,” he said, stepping closer, his hand reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. “But you… you’re something else entirely.”

Serena’s breath caught at the nearness of him, at the heat radiating from his body. “Something else how?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“Something… untamed,” he murmured, leaning down just slightly so their faces were nearly touching. “Something… wild. Something… irresistible.”

Serena’s pulse hammered in her ears, her body alive with electricity. She wanted to step closer, to close the space between them, to feel his lips on hers. But she held back, refusing to let him see how much he affected her.

“And you think you can tame me?” she asked softly, letting her tone carry a hint of challenge.

Leo’s eyes darkened, unreadable, almost feral. He leaned closer, so close she could feel his breath brush against her ear. “I don’t want to tame you,” he whispered. “I want to unleash you.”

Serena’s breath caught, her chest tightening. She wanted him, wanted him more than she had ever wanted anything in her life. But she knew that giving in to her desire would be a mistake. It would give him power over her, and she couldn’t afford that.

“Then you’ll have to try harder,” she said, stepping back slightly, putting some distance between them.

Leo’s lips curved into a faint, mischievous smile. “Oh, I intend to,” he said softly, his gaze fixed on her. “I intend to try very, very hard.”

The intensity between them escalated further as Leo’s gaze flicked toward the window, then back to her. “Do you even realize what you’ve walked into?” he asked quietly, almost to himself. “Because once you step fully into this world, there’s no turning back.”

“I’m aware,” Serena said evenly, “and I’m ready.”

Leo’s eyes darkened, unreadable, almost feral. He leaned closer, so close she could feel his breath brush against her ear. “Ready,” he murmured, “is a dangerous word in my world. Especially when desire and fire mix with power. You may survive… or you may get consumed.”

Serena’s pulse raced, her chest tightening. “Then I’ll make sure I control the fire, not let it control me.”

A faint smirk curved his lips, dangerous, approving, teasing. “We’ll see about that,” he said softly, almost growling under his breath. “Because I don’t give anyone control over me… easily. And you—” He hesitated, almost letting the word linger, “—might just be my first real challenge in years.”

Her lips lifted in a sly smile. “I like a challenge,” she whispered. “Especially one that promises heat and danger.”

For a moment, neither moved. The city outside glittered beneath them, but inside the office, it was a battlefield of tension, desire, and unspoken promises. Then, the faint buzz of her phone broke the silence again. Another message from Damian:

“Don’t get lost in him. You’ll burn faster than you can survive.”

Serena tucked the phone away again, refusing to be intimidated. “I don’t plan on getting lost,” she murmured, though the thrill in her chest betrayed her.

Leo’s gaze softened just slightly—not much, just enough to be dangerous. “Most people don’t survive the heat of my world,” he said quietly. “And yet… you seem to crave it.”

“I do,” she admitted softly. “Because fire… teaches lessons no calm ever could.”

He took a deep breath, the air thick with tension, and stepped back slightly, giving just enough space for Serena to breathe, but not too much. “You’re bold,” he said softly, almost reverently. “And reckless. Exactly what I need. But be warned… once the fire begins, it doesn’t stop.”

Serena met his gaze, fearless. “Then I guess I’ll enjoy the burn.”

A flicker of amusement crossed his face, dangerous and dark. “You’re insane,” he whispered. “But… I like insane.”

The electricity between them hummed, thick, unbroken. The office had transformed into something else entirely—more than a workspace, more than a battlefield. It was a storm, a clash of heat and desire, power and fire, where every word, glance, and touch could ignite chaos.

And Serena, for the first time in years, felt alive in a way she hadn’t known. Not just alive, but sharp, burning, untouchable.

Leo’s dark eyes studied her one last time before he stepped toward the door. “Stay sharp,” he said, voice low, dangerous. “The night is young… and my world is just beginning to test you.”

Serena watched him leave, her chest still tight, heat coursing through her veins. She knew it wasn’t just the man himself—it was the world he commanded. The chaos, the danger, the power. And the undeniable pull he exerted over her, one she couldn’t—and didn’t want to—resist.

She sank back into her chair, letting out a slow breath. The documents in front of her were meaningless now. All that mattered was the fire, the tension, and the dangerous game that had just begun.

Her phone buzzed again, this time a message from Mia:

“Don’t get in over your head. Leo doesn’t tolerate mistakes… and neither do I.”

Serena’s lips curved into a faint, mischievous smile. “Good,” she whispered. “I like a challenge on every side.”

The city lights below flickered like a thousand sparks in the dark. But inside the office, fire had been ignited. And there was no putting it out.

This was the beginning.

A wildfire had begun, and neither Leo nor Serena would survive it unscathed.