Runa sat in front of her father, who laid back in the leather chair behind an oak desk, a frown adorned on his older features along with glasses resting atop his slim nose. Next to the younger woman, was her closest friend, Lee Dong-Wook, with the same calm demeanor he'd worn all these years of being in this business, being the underboss of the Kang family.

At the head of everything, the devil himself, Kang Min-Su. Underneath him, his daughter and the most trusted of his captains, Kang Runa. And currently, this meeting wasn't going too well considering they never did with Runa's attitude that her father found defiant.

"Why don't we-"

"No."

Runa doesn't flinch from her father's tone. She's gotten used to it because that's all she's ever known. And right now she was hoping Dong-Wook would speak up for her. Because it seemed he cared more about her and her role in this family than her own blood. Maybe it was her father's imminent hatred for women, which was ironic considering she was his only heir, but regardless of that, it was still idiotic for him to cut her off.

Especially because she was considered one of the most important capos in the business. His disrespect irked her. At the age of 25 and after being trained since she was a young girl, the fact that her father devalued her because of her gender made her stomach twist in knots with rage. This shit was so unfair and petty. And those were two things of many that she never tolerated.

Before she could snap back, DongWook thankfully cuts in before a family fight can break out, "You need to hear her out. She and I have discussed this and we both think it's a good idea."

Upon hearing his defense, Min-Su rolled his eyes and lazily gestured for his daughter to speak, still acting with indifference because his ego wouldn't allow otherwise. He hated how close his underboss and daughter were. He found their relationship odd, but he couldn't say too much. Dong-Wook was too valuable of an asset to risk losing.

Runa silently gives the underboss an appreciative nod and takes a deep breath to settle her irritation towards the man glaring holes into the wall behind her, "Mr. Lee and I have discussed operations in Long Island. The oil business is something that we could use to our advantage, something that we could control since not only have gas prices risen in the past two years, but it's one of the most profitable industries that I see is worth investing in."

Hearing that finally gained his attention, and she sighed in relief once she saw her father's stern expression ease just a tad, "Long Island? Why would I want to operate there? That's Min's territory."

Runa snaps back quickly, and Dong-Wook has to pretend to scratch his nose to hide the slight smirk on his face. He knew exactly what was happening, he could see the trouble gleaming in Min-Su's eyes. He knew the Mins, the second-largest crime family in the city, and their allies weren't operating there. He was testing her, and he was about to get stabbed for it. Emotionally of course.

"The Mins have moved elsewhere when they closed off their businesses in Long Island and signed them over to you. The oil companies are the most valuable thing we can gain from that area. Because in that case, we'd be controlling more than just oil. We'd step into the trucking business, and if we sold the oil to other companies, we'd be able to gain profits and not be obligated to pay taxes. Illegally of course."

The mature smile on her face makes the underboss feel proud, and to see that look on the boss's face creates a swelling sensation of pride in his chest. Min-Su was too busy dealing with the FBI to even solely focus on the new territory he just gained, and the fact that Runa was always ten steps ahead stung him.

Min-Su's lack of knowledge about this opportunity was clear and the air felt suffocating within the room as he brewed in his thoughts and stared into his daughter's eyes. The same as her mother's, disgustingly witty and fierce beyond belief.

"I've been busy lately and wish you would've told me about this before the FBI started tailing us. My attention has been on keeping them away from us. And you."

He turns to the underboss with annoyance in his eyes, "I'd appreciate it if you came to me first about this. It would've been better to hear from you as opposed to one of my capos."

"It was only recent, sir. We came to you as soon as we could. And I felt it was important for her to be here since it was her suggestion after all", he smoothly replied, and his aura of calmness made Runa's nerves settle.

But the raven-haired girl suppresses the would-be satisfying urge to scoff with a roll of her eyes. That's what she was to her father. Not a daughter, just a captain, just a way to make money. And not a lick of credit was ever given to her. Even at her young age, she was smarter than most in this business and that's why with her help, the Kang empire was unreachable.

If it weren't for her hard work, she highly doubted that the Kang name would be as feared as it was. And it wasn't her ego speaking, it was the numbers. It was the piles of money stacked in safe-wired accounts and the fear of just a mere whisper of them. Her father knew that and he hated that his daughter was anything of value, more-so than him at least.

She didn't know why he always hated her, but her suspicion had always been it had something to do with her mother. But she was much too busy to get into her feelings about it. Runa was appreciative that Dong-Wook understood, even if he had to keep his mouth closed and not speak ill of his boss. That didn't make her hold back at all when she was out of her father's hearing range.

The mafia boss can only sigh heavily and nod in response, getting back to work on his computer after dismissing the two. Dong-Wook was prepared to hear her as soon as they walked out of his office and descended the stairs to the first floor of the mansion.

"Of course, per usual, he can never admit I'm right about something."

The male sighs and rubs his forehead, the two now walking into the kitchen. He heads to the fridge and she sits at the dining table, crossing her arms over her chest and waiting for his response.

"You know how he is."

The simple answer makes her groan and throw her head back, "You mean stupidly egotistical?"

He purses his lips, taking a sip of water from the glass he has in his hand and he sits in the seat across from her.

"I know you hate it, but you were born into this life. You are a Kang, this city is your birthright and you have to keep your emotions under control. Even with your father."

That makes her scoff, shaking her head and looking at him with furrowed brows, "If this city is my birthright, then why the fuck am I treated like I'm dirt under his shoe? As if I don't carry the same blood of the love of his life or whatever."

Dong-Wook holds his tongue, not commenting on that. She had been made to believe her father was deeply in love with her mother, and knowing the truth and reasoning behind it, and Min-Su's behavior towards Runa, he holds his tongue and remembers the words he's been telling himself for years. Don't slip up.

Instead he changes the subject, "Well since you're pissed about it, why don't we-"

"I mean is he for real? Not even a month has gone by since him and Min signed that contract and he's been distracted by the FBI? Sounds like excuses to me. He just doesn't want me knowing what move he's making because that fucker knows I'm interested."

Her bitter attitude was completely valid in his mind. But he couldn't say much considering there were cameras all around and he was sure Min-Su was watching them and scowling at her disrespect.

"I'm sure he's taking everything seriously and into consideration. Let's not talk about it anymore. He's aware and we've done all we can. The more important thing to worry about is the FBI."

Runa rolls her eyes in response, a habit that's become increasingly frequent as she gets older, "The FBI doesn't have shit on us. And if they get too close, we could make them disappear without a trace. What's the big deal?"

"We still have to be careful. We have to keep a close eye on things until your father finds a way to keep them away. Until then, we should make a few calls. It's about time some people made their payments and it's necessary to keep up on them."

She silently huffs and gets up from her seat just as he does.

"I'll see you later, kid. Ok?"

"Stay safe."

And with that, he salutes her while exiting the house. It was a silly gesture he did since she was young because she always said she wanted to be a soldier in the military. And that was before she knew what exactly her name meant, the power her family held, and that she'd be much more important than a foot soldier. Regardless, it still made her heart warm every time because he remembered.

When he leaves, she grabs a snack and takes it up to her room, locking the door behind her and munching on the granola bar as she sits down at her desk and opens her laptop. Two hours pass and she gets a call from her dad, who in his usual gruff tone, tells her to come into his office.

So after she makes one last call, she heads down the hall and knocks on the door. Once hearing her father's voice telling her to enter, she twists the doorknob and opens it, greeting her dad and eyeing the man to whom she now sits next. Something about him looked familiar, and she had an odd feeling in her gut when his pitch-black eyes met hers. Eerie.

Min-Su's voice gains her attention, "This is Jeon Jungkook. He's going to be your new bodyguard."

Her eyes went as wide as saucers, a hilariously incredulous look painting her once curious features, "What!?"

In return, her father rolls his eyes at her dramatic reaction, "It's for your safety."

"Like hell it is, you want to spy on me or something? What is this shit and why was I not informed? I don't need a bodyguard."

The man sitting beside her keeps quiet, watching the interaction between the two and studying them. But he's long forgotten in Runa's mind because the anger and frustration pumping in her veins made her see nothing but her father's disgustingly calm expression.

"Yes, you do. You are my only heir and your other bodyguard got killed last week so it was about time you got a new one. I delayed it because I've been handling some business, but now that I've had the time, he's here and you will obey me", he says sternly with a challenging glare.

Her eyes burned with defiance and he could feel it buzzing through the air. Much like her father, she had that effect on others. Without saying a word, you'd know who was in charge and who held the power. That was something that ran in the Kang bloodline, a ruthlessness like no other. Unforgettable people for certain.

"Obey you? I'm not a damn dog, I'm your daughter. I don't need or want a bodyguard. And like you said, my last one was killed so what's the point? If he couldn't protect himself and got caught in the crossfire, what makes you think this man is any different?"

The woman finally acknowledges the silent man sitting next to her. A bit breathless from her outburst, she takes a few seconds to look at him. Slicked back hair, dark beady eyes, dressed in a black trench coat with black boots.

He looked intimidating, and she could tell by his features he was older, but nothing less than handsome. He was Asian, so he looked younger than he was. Still, she could tell by that look in his eyes. He was anything but new to this. He had seen it all.

Min-Su shakes his head at his daughter's obliviousness. She had no idea who she was talking about. The last bodyguard she had was trained, he was considered one of the best but he was nothing compared to the man sitting beside her.

"Jeon Jungkook was raised in the Organization. He's an ex-assassin and is still to this day one of the deadliest men in the world."

She's a bit surprised to hear that, but her expression doesn't show it. Stone cold, much like her newest bodyguard who looks back into her eyes with the same energy. She wonders how someone's eyes can be so dark, so gorgeous, and before her thoughts can trail off to other places she clears her throat and returns a stern look to her father.

"I'm more than capable of doing things on my own."

"I don't care. I can do what I want. Regardless of you being capable of anything, you're mine. You're my property, you carry my name, and if I want something done, it will get done by my hand if necessary. I want you to have a bodyguard, specifically this man so enough arguing. I've had enough of your bratty mouth today."

She cackles in amusement, making the man beside her turn his head to see. He knew by the expression on the boss's face that he was more than irritated with her. He had a seething hatred for his daughter, and he wanted to know why.

"My bratty mouth huh? The same mouth that fed you information that could make us richer than we are? That could make us more powerful? Oh, sorry. I forgot. You're the only one with good ideas around here."

The sarcasm lacing her tone makes Min-Su grit his teeth, and out of curiosity, she glances at Jungkook who remains stoic as usual. He had an admirable side profile that was quite captivating, and the idea of this handsome older man guarding her life with his was starting to seem appealing. That didn't mean she'd back down so easily though. This was her life on the line after all.

Maybe it was the look in his eyes, the dominance that surrounded him, but she was intrigued by this man. Yet her stubbornness remained, she wanted to get her point across to her father, even if she was giving in and accepting the situation somewhat.

"Enough sassing. Get back to work. And Jungkook, don't ever leave her side."

"Yes sir", the man says with a firm nod.

His deep voice sent a tingle down her spine and she internally cursed herself for getting so caught up with such a minuscule detail. He had a nice voice, one that was authoritative, but smooth and warm. So what? Was she already getting hot over a simple answer? Jesus, she needed to be locked in a padded room at this point.

Instead of fighting back, she huffs and leaves the office, having enough of her father and she knew she needed to leave the room because tensions were already high, and so was her blood pressure. She felt him behind her, the soft thudding of his boots hitting the tiles and it made her stop.

"Just so we're clear if you're spying on me for my father, giving him any information about my personal affairs, I will rip out your guts and string them as ornaments when Christmas time rolls around."

He isn't fazed by the threat and places his hands behind his back. She was at least a foot shorter than him since he towered over her with nothing but a blank stare that made her question why he had to be so...so much like her type.

Maybe it wasn't a secret, but considering her close relationship with Dong-Wook, she had a thing for older men. Especially the ones that had dark black hair and a cold personality. And this was a result of her daddy issues. Also, something that was painfully clear.

"No need for the threats. I assure you I'm not a spy. I'm here to protect and assist you whenever you need. That is my duty and I will die before I ever let anybody graze a hair on your head."

His tone was dead, but she could feel that he was being real. Brutally honest, just how she liked it. So she eases the frown on her face and uncrosses her arms, finally turning around to meet his eyes.

"Alright then, good. It's nice to meet you. I'm Kang Runa", her voice lightens as well as her gaze, her personality doing a 180 and for a second, he thought she was insane, which she very well might be.

He glanced down at her extended hand, a gesture to shake it, and the boredom in his gaze and the fact that he didn't make a move to shake it spiked her irritation.

"No need for pleasantries, I'm sure you're a busy woman and have things you need to do."

She clicked her tongue, finding it rude he didn't exchange a greeting but she dismissed it, figuring he didn't want physical contact, and led him downstairs.

"You and I have some errands to run. Follow me."

After they exit the mansion, she goes into the garage with him close behind. Grabbing her keys, she unlocks the purple Porsche 992 GT3 RS parked next to her father's three cars.

Before she could get on the driver's side, he swiftly took the keys and walked towards the other side, opening the door for her and she gaped at the quickness of his movements and the audacity.

"Excuse me? I'm driving."

"I don't think so. Get in."

She raises a brow at the command, "Yeah, that isn't gonna work with me. It's either I drive or I'm leaving your ass here."

The man's blank expression never once falters as he speaks and she silently wonders just how he was as an assassin. Was he a good actor or something? Because not once has she ever met someone so dead inside. She's barely known him for ten minutes, yet she still can't read him. She is always good at reading people but him? Nothing.

"I'm your chauffeur, your bodyguard, the annoying leech attached to your skin. I am whatever I need to be to keep you safe. And driving you around in your car is a way to do that. So get in now", he firmly states, a sign that he wasn't giving in to her.

She rolls her eyes and gives up, walking to the passenger side and getting in as he closes the door and enters the vehicle. She was already exhausted from arguing with her father twice today, and it was only 11 a.m., so she didn't bother fighting with him too. Even if she wasn't one to be a passenger princess.

"Where are we going?", he asks after turning on the car and opening the garage from the button attached to the sun visor.

"I'll give you directions", she grumbled, still upset that now she couldn't even drive her car without her new babysitter.

He doesn't react to the sass and pulls out of the garage, pressing the button to close it and slowly driving down to the front gates that open once the vehicle rolls up. As they drive through the woods leading to the city, she silently analyzes him until he occasionally asks for directions.

After he makes a turn and navigates his way to the nightclub they were supposed to visit, he parks in a garage and before she can escape the vehicle, he locks it when she attempts to open the door.

"We need to get something straight. You might be frustrated about having a bodyguard, but it's in your best interest. I'm sure you know how to handle yourself, but you shouldn't be forced to when something happens. I'm here to assist you in any way I can to ensure your survival. So enough with the huffing and puffing over there. You're acting childish."

Being the woman she was, she scoffed, "I'm being childish? You don't fucking know a thing about me."

"I know that you and your father hate each other. How you feel that you're not appreciated by him in all your efforts and wish for once he could see what you do for him. I know that for some reason he resents you, which leads to your desperate attempts to defy him just so you could show him that you don't need him and you're strong on your own."

Runa purses her lips, still frowning and now unable to say anything because she knows it's true. He knew all this from just listening in on one argument, from observing them both and although it was slightly eerie his attention to detail, it felt oddly reassuring.

Even if he was just a stranger. But still, she had enough of her father trying to control her, so she certainly wasn't going to have another man do it as well. That was a big no. Even if he made a good point, she refused to be told things she already knew. Her feelings were valid and she didn't need this man calling her childish for acting defiant.

"Your attention to detail is quite annoying."

He shrugs nonchalantly and unlocks the doors while looking into her eyes, his eyes penetrating her soul and she silently curses herself for the dirty joke she made in her head. You could penetrate me instead, asshole. Ok, where's that padded room right about now?

"Observing is part of my job. Be prepared to hear some nasty truths if you can't face them on your own."

He exits the driver's side and she rolls her eyes secretly so he doesn't see, waiting for him to open her door and when he does, she ignores the hand he lends her and walks ahead with him close behind.