The jeep rolled down a long, private road. Trees stood tall on both sides, and heavy metal fences ran along the edges. Ayan pressed his face against the window, eyes wide. He had never seen such big walls before.
Rafe glanced at him. "We're almost there."
Ayan didn't answer, but his hand reached out and clutched Rafe's coat sleeve again. Rafe didn't pull away. He kept driving, pretending he didn't notice—but everyone would notice soon.
The mafia base was not a house.It was a fortress.
Huge iron gates blocked the entrance. Cameras moved silently on both sides. Guards in black uniforms held guns across their chests. When the jeep approached, the gates didn't open immediately. They waited until one guard checked the number plate, scanned the jeep, then nodded.
Only then the heavy gates slowly opened.
Ayan stared with round eyes. "Big…" he whispered.
Rafe heard it. His lips twitched a little. "Yes. Very big."
Inside the walls, everything looked strict and organized. There were several buildings—training blocks, meeting halls, garages, medical rooms, weapon storage. Men walked everywhere, guarding, checking, moving in formation.
Ayan shrank closer to Rafe, fingers gripping tighter at the coat.
Rafe parked the jeep near the main building. Before he could step out, a group of guards rushed over.
"Boss! You're back."
"Boss, anything happened?"
"Boss—"
Rafe raised a hand, and they instantly went silent.
He opened the passenger door and lifted Ayan out. The boy hesitated at first, but when his bare feet touched the ground, he leaned into Rafe's side automatically.
The guards stared.
Their eyes widened slightly. Some were confused. Some curious.
But all of them noticed one thing immediately—Ayan's fingers gripping Rafe's coat like he would fall without it.
Rafe ignored their looks. He placed a hand on Ayan's shoulder. "Stop staring. He's under my protection."
The guards straightened instantly. "Yes, Boss!"
Ayan looked around nervously. Too many people. Too many eyes. He lowered his head and stepped closer to Rafe, almost hiding behind him.
Just then, a man in a dark military jacket walked out of the main building.
Tall. Sharp eyes. Calm face.He walked like someone who controlled armies.
Alex.
Rafe's right hand.Commander-in-chief of the entire base.
He stopped in front of Rafe, eyes scanning him quickly, checking for injuries. "You're late."
Rafe snorted. "I had company."
Alex finally looked at Ayan. His eyebrows lifted slightly, surprised but not shocked. Alex didn't show emotions easily.
"This is him?"
Ayan made a tiny sound and hid half his face behind Rafe's arm.
Rafe nodded. "Yes. His name is Ayan."
Alex studied the boy for a moment. "He looks… small."
Ayan stiffened.
Rafe's tone chilled. "He is not your concern."
Alex nodded immediately, voice respectful. "Understood."
Ayan peeked at Alex nervously. Alex noticed and did something rare—he bent down a little to Ayan's height.
"Hello," he said in a slow, calm voice. "I am Alex. I won't hurt you."
Ayan stared at him, unsure, then whispered, "Hi."
Alex's lips lifted slightly. "He speaks."
"Not much," Rafe said. "Don't force him."
Alex nodded again.
Rafe placed his hand on Ayan's back and began walking toward the main building. Ayan walked close, staying glued to his side. Everywhere they passed, guards and staff paused for a second, confused by the sight.
Rafe never let anyone walk this close to him.
Never.
Inside the building
The interior was grand but serious. Marble floors. Dark walls. Security cameras in every corner. Ayan's steps were soft, and his eyes moved everywhere.
Alex walked beside Rafe. "Who attacked you?"
"Rebels," Rafe said. "Five men."
Alex's jaw tightened. "Did they touch the boy?"
"No," Rafe answered. "They died before they could."
Ayan shivered slightly. Rafe glanced down at him. "You're safe here."
Ayan held his coat tighter, like those words were something he needed to hold.
Alex spoke again. "I will double the security on the outer gates."
"Triple," Rafe said.
Alex nodded. "Consider it done."
They reached Rafe's private area—his own suite inside the base. Two guards opened the door.
The room was large but simple. A couch, a table, bookshelves, a bedroom behind a sliding door. It was clean, quiet, and warm.
Ayan stood at the entrance, watching everything with big eyes. He didn't step inside until Rafe walked in first. Then he followed quickly, as if the space might eat him if Rafe disappeared.
Alex stayed at the door. "Do you need anything else?"
"Yes," Rafe said. "Clothes for him. Soft, warm. Not too big."
Alex nodded. "I'll bring them."
"And food," Rafe added.
Ayan tugged Rafe's coat softly. "Not… hungry," he whispered.
Rafe looked down. "You still need to eat."
Ayan lowered his eyes. "Okay…"
Alex almost smiled at that quiet exchange. "I'll arrange everything. Also, we need to talk about the attack."
"Later," Rafe said. "After he rests."
Alex gave a respectful bow. "As you wish, Boss."
He closed the door.
Now the room was silent.
Ayan stood near Rafe, small and still shaking from the earlier fear. He looked around again, unsure where he belonged in such a big place.
Rafe placed a hand on his shoulder. "This room is safe. No one comes in unless I allow."
Ayan looked up slowly. "I… stay here?"
"Yes," Rafe said. "With me."
Ayan blinked, surprised. "Always?"
Rafe paused. Something in his chest tightened again. "Yes. Always."
Ayan's eyes softened. He stepped closer, his fingers sliding around Rafe's coat again, holding him like a lifeline.
Rafe let him.
He walked to the couch and sat down. Ayan stood for a few seconds, unsure. Then, carefully, he sat right beside Rafe. Too close. His shoulder touched Rafe's arm.
Rafe didn't move away.
Ayan whispered, "Many… people outside. Scary."
"They won't hurt you," Rafe said. "They fear me more than anything."
Ayan looked at him, small voice trembling. "You… not scary."
Rafe turned to him, slightly surprised. "No?"
Ayan shook his head. "Safe."
The word hit Rafe harder than any bullet ever had.
He cleared his throat and looked away. "Rest. Alex will bring clothes soon."
Ayan nodded and leaned lightly against Rafe's side, eyelids slowly closing.
For the first time, in the heart of the mafia's strongest fortress,Ayan felt like he had a place.
And Rafe—Rafe felt something he wasn't used to.
Responsibility.
Warmth.
And a dangerous softness forming in his cold heart.
A softness named Ayan.
continue.........