Mafia's Heart: A Dangerous Love Story

Chapter 4: Debt of Honor

Adrian hadn't expected to run into her, the girl who'd saved his life without knowing who—or what—he was. He'd done his best to forget that night, but there was no denying the pull he felt toward her, no matter how hard he tried to ignore it.

When he'd first spotted her in the café, he'd thought about leaving, keeping his distance. After all, getting too close to people only brought trouble—for them and for him. But then she'd waved, her eyes lighting up with recognition, and Adrian's resolve melted. Against his better judgment, he'd approached her.

Now, as he sat across from her, he realized how strange it felt to be in the presence of someone who knew nothing about him. To her, he wasn't some feared figure in a brutal world; he was just Adrian, a stranger who'd crossed her path by accident. He found himself relaxing, a feeling he hadn't felt in years.

He studied her as they spoke, taking in the way she smiled easily, her curiosity breaking through her caution. Ray had this lightness about her, a warmth that was almost foreign to him. It was the opposite of everything in his life—the violence, the secrets, the loyalty bound by blood.

When she'd mentioned the mafia, he'd been caught off guard by her directness. Most people flinched or fell silent at the slightest hint of his world. But not her. She looked him in the eyes, unafraid, like she wanted to understand him.

And that was dangerous.

The best thing he could do for her was to push her away. James had been right when he warned her. But Adrian couldn't help feeling that he owed her something more than a simple thank you. She had, after all, saved his life—a life that others in his line of work would pay dearly to end. He couldn't walk away without repaying that debt.

Ray's quiet words lingered with him: *Then, just promise you'll stay out of trouble.*

He had to chuckle at that, though he knew there was no staying out of trouble in his world. For as long as he could remember, he'd lived on the edge, where loyalty and survival went hand in hand. The bruises and cuts still healing on his body were reminders that he belonged to a world where peace was an illusion.

As he sat there, a strange thought crossed his mind: if he'd met her under different circumstances, if his life had been different, maybe he wouldn't have had to protect her from the truth of who he was. But his life was anything but ordinary, and the enemies that shadowed his every move didn't care about collateral damage.

But he couldn't deny the pull he felt toward her, like gravity, pulling him closer to something he knew he shouldn't want.

"Alright," he said, his voice rougher than he intended. "I can't promise no trouble, but I'll do my best."

He saw her smile, the warmth in her eyes enough to thaw something buried deep within him. For a brief, dangerous moment, he felt... normal. Like he was just a man talking to a woman who didn't judge him by his past or his connections.

They talked about little things after that, skirting around the truths neither of them were quite ready to share. She asked him about books, about his favorite places in the city, and Adrian found himself giving answers he hadn't thought about in years. She made him forget, if only for a little while, the weight he carried.

When it was finally time to leave, Adrian felt a strange reluctance to say goodbye. He knew he shouldn't feel this way; he'd spent his entire life making sure no one got close enough to be a weakness. But Ray was different. She'd become part of his life without meaning to, without understanding what that meant.

"Take care, Ray," he murmured, standing up and giving her a final look.

"You too," she replied softly, her eyes lingering on him. "And... stay safe."

He gave her a small nod, biting back the truth—that safety was something he could never promise. But as he walked away, he couldn't help but feel that he'd left a part of himself at that table, a part he couldn't get back.

Adrian knew he'd be seeing her again—he just didn't know when, or how. But he felt a strange certainty that their paths would cross, no matter how much he tried to keep his distance.

And that thought both thrilled and terrified him.