Mafia's Heart: A Dangerous Love Story

Chapter 11: Restless in His Bed

Ray lay still, staring up at the ceiling, her heart racing in the silence. She was in Adrian's bed—his bed. Just the thought sent her mind reeling, filling her with a strange mix of excitement and nerves. His scent lingered in the sheets, a warm blend of cedar and spice that wrapped around her, filling her senses. She closed her eyes, breathing it in, letting the warmth settle over her.

How had she ended up here?

She replayed the events of earlier in her mind, tracing every step that had led her into his room. After their intense encounter in his office, she'd spent the rest of the night feeling unsettled, the memory of his gaze, his closeness, leaving her breathless. He'd walked her back to her room, his presence a quiet, steady comfort as she tried to calm her racing pulse.

But just as she'd begun to settle in for the night, a quiet knock on her door had stirred her. She'd opened it to find him standing there, his gaze softened by the dim light of the hall.

Without a word, he'd slipped into her room, his eyes serious as he looked at her. "Come here, Ray." Before she could ask what he meant, he'd reached down, scooping her into his arms in one swift, effortless motion. She barely had time to react, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as he held her close.

"Adrian!" she gasped, surprised, though her heart thrilled at the feeling of his strong arms around her, the warmth of his body against hers.

He gave her a faint smile, his gaze gentle but determined. "I don't want you sleeping alone tonight, Ray." His voice was low, filled with a quiet intensity that left her speechless.

As he carried her down the hall, her pulse thundered in her chest, her head resting against his shoulder. She felt safe in his arms, the steady beat of his heart beneath her cheek a strange, soothing comfort. They reached his room, and he carefully laid her down in the middle of his bed, pulling the blankets around her as if she were something fragile, precious.

She watched him as he moved to the couch, settling in and closing his eyes, and for a moment, she found herself staring, caught by the relaxed lines of his face, the way the shadows softened his features. She couldn't look away, drawn in by the strength and vulnerability she saw there, the quiet weight of the responsibilities he bore.

Thinking he was asleep, she got up, moving toward him quietly, unable to shake the pull to be near him. She leaned over slightly, studying his face, her gaze tracing the curve of his jaw, the softness in his features that was usually hidden beneath his intense, guarded exterior.

Just as she was about to turn away, his eyes opened, catching her off guard. Before she could react, his arms reached up, pulling her down and sweeping her up into his arms once more. She let out a soft gasp, but he simply held her close, his gaze warm as he carried her back to the bed.

"Adrian..." she whispered, her voice trembling as he laid her down again, this time slipping in beside her. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her against his chest, his warmth surrounding her.

"Stay," he murmured softly, his breath brushing against her hair. His arms tightened around her, holding her as if he never intended to let go.

Ray's heart pounded, her mind racing, but the feel of his embrace, the steady rhythm of his breathing, calmed her. She let herself relax into his hold, feeling his heartbeat beneath her cheek, steady and strong. For the first time in days, a sense of peace washed over her, and slowly, she felt her eyes growing heavy, the weight of sleep finally pulling her under.

In his arms, wrapped in his warmth and strength, Ray drifted off, feeling safe, cherished, and completely at home.