Chapter five: Into the Lion's den

Chapter Five: Into the Lion’s Den

Luna’s head spun as she stood in Dante’s grand office, trying to process his words. “Enemies?” she repeated, her voice faint. “What do you mean, your world isn’t safe?”Dante stepped closer, his gaze fixed on her. “I mean exactly what I said. I have rivals—dangerous ones—who would do anything to bring me down. If they find out about you and the baby, you become a target. I won’t let that happen.”Luna’s heart pounded in her chest. A target? This wasn’t the life she’d imagined for herself—or her child. “This… this is insane! I don’t belong in your world, Dante.”“You didn’t choose it,” he said firmly. “But now you’re in it. And whether you like it or not, I’ll protect you.”“By forcing me to live here?” Luna demanded, crossing her arms. “This isn’t protection, Dante—it’s control!”He tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. “Call it whatever you want. But as long as you’re carrying my child, I will keep you safe.”Luna let out a frustrated breath, glaring at him. “And what if I refuse?”Dante’s golden eyes darkened. “Then you’ll be risking the life of our child.”The weight of his words settled over her like a stone. Luna’s instinct was to fight back, to tell him she didn’t need his protection, but deep down, fear gnawed at her. What if he was right? What if refusing him put her baby in danger?Still, she couldn’t let him steamroll over her. “I need time to think,” she said, her voice quieter now.Dante studied her for a long moment, then nodded. “You have until tomorrow.”“Tomorrow?” she repeated incredulously.“This isn’t something we can drag out, Luna. My enemies don’t wait. If they catch wind of this, it’ll be too late.”Luna swallowed hard, realizing just how serious he was. Without another word, she turned and walked out of the room, her mind spinning.Later That NightLuna sat on her bed in her tiny apartment, staring at the cracked ceiling. Sleep was impossible—Dante’s words echoed in her head.My world isn’t safe.If they find out about you and the child, you become a target.She thought about her baby, growing inside her. Could she really risk staying here, alone and vulnerable? She didn’t want to believe Dante’s world was as dangerous as he said, but something in his eyes—something raw—told her he wasn’t lying.Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was Kira.“Luna, I’m coming over,” Kira said immediately. “I made pasta, and we’re going to talk this out.”Luna smiled weakly. “Thanks, Kira. I could really use a friend right now.”An hour later, Kira was sitting cross-legged on Luna’s couch, shoveling pasta into her mouth. “So let me get this straight—he wants you to move into his mansion? To ‘protect’ you?”Luna nodded, picking at her food. “It sounds crazy, right?”Kira shrugged. “I mean, it’s definitely intense. But you’ve gotta admit, living in a billionaire’s mansion does sound kinda nice.”“I’m not doing this for luxury, Kira,” Luna muttered. “I don’t want his money, or his house. I just…” She trailed off, pressing a hand to her stomach. “I just want my baby to be safe.”Kira softened, her tone gentle. “Then maybe you should listen to him. If what he’s saying is true, staying here alone might not be the best idea.”“I know,” Luna said quietly. “But it feels like walking into a trap.”Kira laughed, though there wasn’t much humor in it. “Luna, your whole situation is a trap. At least this way, you’ll have a roof over your head and someone to watch your back.”Luna sighed, knowing Kira had a point. As much as she hated to admit it, Dante was right—she couldn’t do this alone. But living under his roof? That was another thing entirely.The Next MorningLuna’s nerves were shot as she stood outside Dante’s mansion again, staring up at the towering gates. She had barely slept, and the weight of her decision hung heavy in her chest.When the gates opened and a sleek black car pulled up, Luna almost turned and ran. But instead, she steeled her spine and climbed into the backseat.The butler greeted her at the door, his tone polite but distant. “Mr. Cross is expecting you.”Luna was led to a different room this time—a large, elegant sitting room with tall windows and soft cream furniture. She didn’t have to wait long before Dante appeared, dressed as impeccably as ever.“You came,” he said, though there was no triumph in his voice—just a calm acceptance.“I’m not here because I trust you,” Luna said, crossing her arms. “I’m here because I don’t want to take any chances with my baby.”“Fair enough,” Dante replied, sitting across from her. “I wouldn’t expect you to trust me. But I promise you this, Luna: as long as you’re under my roof, you and our child will be safe.”His words were firm, and for the first time, Luna saw a flicker of something else in his eyes—vulnerability, maybe even guilt.“Fine,” she said after a long pause. “But this isn’t permanent. I’ll stay until the baby is born. After that, we’ll figure something out.”Dante’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “Agreed.”“Also,” Luna added, narrowing her eyes, “this isn’t a prison. I’m free to come and go as I please.”“You’ll have security with you at all times,” Dante countered. “Non-negotiable.”Luna opened her mouth to argue but stopped. Was this really worth fighting over?“Whatever,” she muttered.Dante stood, his posture commanding. “I’ll have someone show you to your room. You’ll find everything you need there.”Luna followed the butler up a grand staircase, feeling more out of place with every step. The room she was given was larger than her entire apartment—a four-poster bed sat in the middle, draped with silk sheets, and there was a balcony overlooking the gardens below.“Dinner is served at seven,” the butler informed her. “If you need anything, just ring.”Luna stood alone in the massive room, feeling small and overwhelmed. She sank onto the bed, running her hands over the soft fabric.What have I gotten myself into?As the sun set over the horizon, Luna looked out the window, her thoughts heavy. This mansion was beautiful, but it wasn’t home. And Dante Cross? He wasn’t just a billionaire—he was a man with secrets, with enemies, and with a world she wasn’t prepared for.But now, she was part of it. And there was no turning back.