After meeting with Kai, Runa called Dong-Wook in the car and asked him what she should do after telling him what happened. Seeing as the underboss was already in Manhattan, he suggested that just in case Dori tried to be slick, they meet up together and talk to him.

Runa tried to convince him she'd be fine and of course, he dismissed that, saying they needed to be extra careful about addressing such rumors that were seen as traitorous. Jungkook agreed with him on that and spoke up as well, so she finally agreed and now the trio entered the hotel to see Dori waiting in the lobby with his usual smug smirk and raised a pierced eyebrow.

"Look what we have here. Your father's are with you today?", the man sneers, stepping forward and eyeing the girl with mock amusement.

"This is Jungkook, my bodyguard. And if you had half a sane mind, you'd be careful where your eyes lingered...or else one might fall out", she responds, as if she hadn't just threatened the third most powerful leader in the world.

Who also happened to be one of their biggest sources of income, but that could be handled differently. Dori wasn't needed, and the alliance would be tossed aside if he was withholding information about his side of the business.

That was a big no, and because Dori liked her feistiness so much and had a taste for trouble, he always let her insults slide. One, because he didn't want to hurt her pretty face, and two, because she still held more power than he did. Regardless if she was just a capo and not a leader.

He whistles in amazement, his eyes still assaulting the view of her legs until he lifts his eyes to meet Dong-Wook's. The man was less than happy, just another crazy to deal with and although he had gotten word the Yakuza was in town, it was still an unpleasant surprise seeing him again. There was enough crazy between Taehyung and his gang, and when the two men hung out together, trouble ensued.

"Alrighty then, I can't promise to play nice because I expected you here alone. But exceptions can be made for you, princess."

The man winks and sticks out his tongue playfully, earning a grimace from her that all but excited him, "From the things I hear, it's a good thing I have these men with me."

"Well maybe instead of talking out in the open, we should use the meeting room. Hm? Sound good?"

Runa nodded firmly, following the man into a hallway with multiple doors on each side, but they entered the one on the end and it was a simple room used for business meetings. A whiteboard, a large circular desk with comfortable chairs, and the windows were of course concealed with blinds.

"Alright princess, I assume you're going to ask me something. Shoot."

He exaggeratedly exclaims with a chuckle, plopping down in one of the chairs and kicking his boots up on the table, his eyebrows raised with expectation as his tongue slides across his bottom lip. Jungkook mentally groaned, glancing over at Dong-Wook who leaned against the wall and took out a cigarette to light it between his lips.

Just how many fucking crazies were there? And he thought in his years of being a hitman he couldn't meet much worse people. He couldn't lie and say this wasn't the least bit more interesting than his old work, it was a bit fun to analyze these people and create mental psychological profiles of everyone important around her.

What can he say? He's a creature of habit and this kind of work will never not make him feel alive. With that in mind, he watched Runa sat down across from Dori, her posture straight and her aura exuding power that didn't need to be verbally flaunted for the usual eccentric Yakuza leader to act calmer in her presence. It was hot, and that thought so briefly passed the bodyguard's mind he forgot about it within seconds.

"Are you aligned with an unknown drug lord?"

The question makes him giggle, his eyes crazed and gleaming with a thirst for trouble, "No princess, I have all the men I need so there's no reason to add in another partner and share more profits. I'd say I'm doing that enough as it is, don't you think?"

She raises a brow at that, leaning forward and resting her intertwined hands on the table, "That's what we do, that's our agreement. We share our profits as well, and considering we're your main source of transportation to getting your weapons into Japan, I'd say we're being fairly generous not to ask for anything more."

Knowing that she was right made Dori smirk. His ego was a tad bruised because it was excessively large and he hated a woman talking down to him. But he watched his mouth because Dong-Wook and the bodyguard were there. He imagined what it'd be like to be in a room alone with her, that's what he hoped to indulge in when he gave that bartender the address.

"And I am so appreciative of that of course. But like I said, it would be stupid to be partners with another drug lord, considering I am one and the most successful in my home country. I assure you, princess, your family has my deepest loyalty and respect."

"Then why are these rumors even surfacing at all?", Dong-Wook buts in, blowing smoke out from his mouth and earning a dark look from the leader who was once flirtatious when only addressing her.

"Because people say dumb shit to get attention and stir trouble, that's why. I have no secret alliance and I wasn't speaking to you, was I? Are you Kang Runa? No, I don't think so. Now if you would keep silent."

The older male scoffs in response, and the tension between them rises when he steps forward and stands by her chair, blowing smoke in Dori's direction.

"I'm thinking all the pills you pop just to feel something down there is starting to get into your head instead of its intended place. Do you even remember who you're talking to? Do you need a reminder?"

Sensing the threat in his tone, Dori just smiles and shakes his head, "No need. If we're done here with the interrogation, I'd like to speak with her alone for a second."

"No."

The foreign voice makes Dori's eyes land on the figure to the left, the man who looked like he had nothing in his eyes but darkness. The Yakuza leader smirks, subtly winking at Runa before standing up and sighing dramatically while putting his hands on his hips, and Runa holds in a scoff. He was always a fucking drama queen.

"No? I don't think I asked you, big boy. I'm not afraid of you just because you used to be some big wig assassin, alright? And I doubt you have any say in this girl's life. You're a bodyguard, nothing more. You have no important position that allows you to speak to me and especially command me in such a way. No? Is that a fucking joke? Who the fuck are you saying no to?"

Runa stands up before Dori can go any further. She knew he hated being told what to do, and she gave Jungkook a stern look before using her looks to her advantage and de-escalate the situation.

"Hey, you wanna talk in private? Don't speak to him like that, he's my protector and he could slice off your head in a second. Rethink your position and remember that we're in control. These nasty rumors have upset us and maybe you should go a little further to prove you're still an ally."

Dori's eyes immediately look down at hers, and he has the strong urge to touch her face, trace the slope of her nose, and kiss her because that's something he's always wanted. To get in bed with the most powerful woman in the mafia, would be much more pleasant than arguing about rumors.

And it looked like they believed him. That was good for him and bad for them, especially considering that Dori was good friends with Taehyung. Meaning it'd be nice to get her on his side as well. But that wasn't going to happen.

His hostile tone softens and turns sultry as he responds, "Sweet princess, my apologies. I tend to let my mouth run faster than my brain. Please excuse my rude behavior."

Although she could tell it was playful and had no sincerity to it, she took the weak apology just so no one's brains would have to get scrubbed off the walls.

"I accept it. Now, why did you give the bartender that note?"

"I know it's a bar you frequently visit for business. I figured since I didn't have your number, I would tell someone I was looking for you."

It sounded like a lie but she only continued, "If you want my number, grow some balls, be a man, and ask me for it."

He nods, dramatically clearing his throat and acting sweet, "May I please have your number?"

Dong-Wook rolls his eyes, putting out the cigarette on the table and wiping off the ash left behind. He knew Jungkook had a hand on one of his guns, the right one in particular and he gave him a signal with his hand to remain at ease. Dori wasn't stupid enough to do something rash at this moment, although his casual flirtatiousness surely made him sick to his stomach, he was like this with everybody.

Unapologetically and maniacally unserious to the point where many questioned why he was in charge of a mafia when all he liked to do was cause problems. He was effective as a fear factor, that's why the Kang's remained in business with him, even if he was annoyingly immature most of the time.

Once they exchange numbers Dori hands the phone back to her which she slides into her skirt pocket, she takes a step back from him and pushes in the chair she previously sat in.

"Is that all then? I'm in town and you only wanted to see me about business? How cruel", the leader pouts playfully, hoping to get his way and make her stay a little longer, hoping that maybe at least Dong-Wook had had enough and would leave to tend to more important things.

The answer she gives upsets him but he doesn't show it, "Yes, I might be cruel but we aren't friends. We're business partners and the only thing I needed to talk to you about were those rumors. I pray you aren't lying to me."

Her tone had a threatening edge to it and Dori only laughed, walking back to the other end of the table and sitting down again while spinning around in the chair. This man was desperate for a woman, she could see the lust in his eyes and his shameless attitude made her sick.

Still, she couldn't kill him because of the annoying pet names or the lingering gazes. He was a valuable asset to have, and unfortunately, that was the main reason keeping a lot of people alive.

"I'd never lie to you. Cross my heart and hope to die little angel", he crosses his finger over his heart and gives her a wink.

The nickname echoes in her head, and in the back of her mind, Taehyung's voice rings and repeats it over and over. It meant nothing, but that mysteriously intrigued look in his eyes told her that he and Taehyung might be closer than anyone thought. But then again, she tended to look too deep into shallow things and had to remind herself that not everything is a sign.

"Goodbye Dori, try to keep yourself under control while you're here, yeah? And if you see Taehyung, tell him to give me a call. Maybe if you're lucky he can convince me to go to dinner with you guys one night."

The suggestion makes his eyes sparkle and he giggles, "I'll see about that, princess. Toodles."

He wiggles his fingers at her as she leaves and the two men follow behind, Dong-Wook giving him a sharp glare before closing the door and leaving Dori to drown in his wild and reckless imagination. As soon as the trio is a safe distance away from the hotel and in the mostly empty parking garage, the underboss raises his voice at Runa when they get to her car.

"Are you serious, Runa? Why would you try and trap him like that? And dragging Taehyung into this as well? Didn't Jungkook and I tell you to keep your distance from him?"

Runa folds her arms together and leans her back against the vehicle while returning the same frown he gave her as Jungkook stood by and listened to them argue.

"This is for the sake of business. If he and Taehyung are so close, I'm wondering if maybe he knows something about Dori and his new partner. Maybe he's involved and fucking around with us."

Dong-Wook shakes his head with assurance, "No, trust me, Taehyung isn't involved in Dori's situation. He wouldn't betray us like that."

"Oh yeah? What makes you so confident?"

"Because-"

The older male bites his tongue and sighs heavily, feeling frustrated that he can't tell her why he knows because the long story behind what he would have to tell her would mess up the plan in place. And that was a risk he was not going to take for the sake of giving her an answer, no matter how much he wanted to.

"Look, Taehyung likes to have his fun with Dori because they're two peas in the same pod. Chaotic, stupid, and suffocating large balls of energy. But one thing for certain is that Taehyung likes you too much to betray you in such a way."

"If so, then his obsession with me shouldn't make you and Jungkook hound me about meeting up with him."

Dong-Wook throws his head back with a sigh, "Runa, things are complicated. Ok?"

"Then explain it to me and stop wasting my time by trying to hold me back from doing my job."

"Soon, ok? We'll figure this out together."

The firmness of his voice and in his eyes made her nod in response, tired from arguing about this because she was frustrated enough with the fact that not only was Dori a possible traitor and had a much more sinister agenda, but supposedly the mysterious new player was involved with the Russian mafia leader.

"How about I figure out what's up with Dori and you look into connections with the Russian mafia? My associate told me that the drug lord is somehow linked to this other mystery leader as well."

Jungkook noticed how the male stiffened for a brief moment before slowly nodding his head, his eyes glancing around, "Got it. Call me if you need anything, kid. I'll be at my place."

With a salute, he walks away to his car and both Jungkook and Runa are silent on the way home, but the silence is comfortable. Until Jungkook disturbed the peace and made his usual snarky comment.

"I have yet to meet a man who doesn't want to devour you whole."

💎🗡️💎🗡️💎🗡️

Runa stood on her balcony, phone to her ear as she looked out at the lake and the forest surrounding the mansion. The phone wouldn't stop ringing, the person she was calling wasn't picking up and she had a sick feeling growing in her stomach.

"Fucking hell, pick up already", she grumbles to herself, sighing in frustration as she sends a fifth message to the contact and makes an attempt to call again.

It goes straight to voicemail and so she gives up. Instead, she tries to clear her mind for a moment and enjoy the gentle breeze of nighttime and the tranquil humming of insects. Still, her mind never rested because she had too much to worry about.

There was never a dull moment in her life, and right now with the suspicions toward Dori, rumors of an unknown drug lord, and even her best friend possibly being a traitor, she couldn't relax for a second.

This was her life, and although she loved the power she had and the fear she could instill in people, this side of extravagance came at a price. And that was peace of mind amongst many other things.

Reflecting on the meeting with the Yakuza leader earlier had her pacing anxiously. Her gut was screaming at her, telling her that something was wrong and that since her associate wasn't answering his phone, something happened.

It had to be because her gut never failed to warn her. She always listened to her body and not once had her emotions ever been wrong. The sly look in Dori's eyes when he looked at her, it was the cockiness that spoke volumes. He knew something she didn't and that simply wouldn't do.

If this unknown man resurfaces and the truth comes out about Dori being involved, it wouldn't be shocking considering his slippery personality. She couldn't understand why her father still tolerated that man and conducted business with him when they could get someone else in his place.

He was a snake, always had been, and always will be. And she couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. If Kai wasn't answering his phone, what if Dori did something to him? It's not like that would be surprising since he knew who the bartender was and even went as far as to give him a message for her.

It was all starting to piece together and she didn't hesitate to throw on an oversized suit jacket over her blouse, putting her gun's holster on her belt before she buttoned the middle so it wouldn't be seen, and descended the main stairs.

Her heels clicked against the floor as she entered the West Wing and went up to the room down the hall. After knocking three times, Jungkook swings the door open and is a bit surprised she isn't in bed at this time since she had a particular schedule she stuck to religiously.

"I've been calling Kai and he hasn't answered. I have a bad feeling something happened and I want to check up on him."

The bodyguard shrugs nonchalantly, leaning his side against the door frame and his height didn't fail to make her feel tiny. Something about him wearing a simple black shirt tucked in black jeans had her feeling warm inside and she mentally cursed herself for the horrible timing. Although his arms did look so buff, like if he wrapped them around her she'd feel safer than he already made her feel. But anyway, she wasn't here to gawk at the man.

"He's a grown man, maybe he's busy right now."

She shakes her head, "I have a bad feeling, Jungkook. I know where he lives. We'll just make a quick trip. Please? It'd make me feel better to know he was ok. Especially after meeting with Dori...I'm a little on edge right now and-"

He cuts her off, "I understand. No need to explain."

He opens the door further so she can walk in as he turns around to go to the closet and get his things. She takes a brief look around, noticing how much he seems to love black based on the bedsheets and everything else. There wasn't much in there, everything was cleaned and organized, and seeing as he must've moved around a lot at his old job she took him for a minimalist.

"You ready?", he asks while coming out of the closet adorned in his usual trench coat and putting both of his guns in their holsters.

"Yeah. Let's go."

When they get into the garage, he takes the car keys off the small hook they were on and unlocks the vehicle, letting her get in first before he circles to the other side. When he starts the engine, he looks over to see her pouting at him and the innocent  look shining in her wide eyes throws him off.

"What?"

She bats her eyelashes sweetly, glancing at the wheel, "Can I please drive for once?"

He sighs and opens the garage, his eyes ahead and avoiding her gaze, "No."

"Please?", she pressed, hoping to make him falter.

"No", he firmly says and she groans, throwing her head back against the headrest.

"It's my goddamn car", she grumbles.

"Exactly, and I'm driving it for you. So enough."

Runa clicks her tongue, her attempts at pretending to be all cute and sweet were fruitless because he wasn't moved by anything. Nothing could make him flinch or smile, nothing at all, and although that was a good thing considering his position, she wished he was a bit nicer to her at least.

"Why don't you ever smile?", she asks, breaking the silence and he wishes she didn't ask so many questions about it.

It was bad enough that they always had to be together, and engaging in conversation and answering personal questions would only create a bond between them and he wasn't used to that. Everything he did was strictly for business, this was his job and he took that very seriously to the point where getting to know each other was never on his mind.

"Why do you ask so many questions about me? It's not your business who I am and why I do things. We're not friends so stop talking to me, it's distracting."

His emotionless response only made her angrier, but she knew it also wasn't fair to force this on him. Other than her little crush, she did wish to be close to him, maybe in the way she was close to Dong-Wook and that was because she trusted him.

He had shown many times how seriously he took her protection and to feel safe around someone, where you don't feel uncomfortable to be vulnerable was something rare. And since she felt that with him, she wanted to get to know him more, regardless if he was just her bodyguard. It was still an intimate relationship whether anyone wanted to admit that or not.

"Alright then, I see how it is", she bitterly concludes, thinking it was best not to say anything further and make him upset.

The rest of the ride is quiet until they get into the city and she gives him directions to an apartment building downtown. It wasn't a good neighborhood, the graffiti covering almost every building for blocks made that much clear, and the amount of gangs that occupied this area too.

Jungkook didn't like being here because of the risks, so he stayed glued to her side and he kept his hand on his gun until they got inside the place and took the elevator up to the 7th floor. When they arrive, he follows her until she stops in front of Kai's apartment door and knocks thrice.

"Kai? You in there?"

No response comes and she puts her ear against the door, focusing and trying to hear anything but it is dead silent. She tried to open the door and to her surprise, it was unlocked. One glance at Jungkook and he already has his guns in hand, and when she slowly creaks open the door, they walk inside the dark apartment and when she quietly closes the door, she finds the light switch and flips it on.

"Jesus..."

Kai comes into vision, his body cold on the living room floor as his head is cut off and blood seeped into the rug underneath him. Jungkook looked around the apartment to make sure they were alone, and when he returned, he saw that she lifted the bartender's shirt and there was a 'D' carved into his back.

When he approaches the body, he squats down and examines it, looking up at her when she pulls down his shirt and stands while Jungkook looks for any other wounds on the male's body with his guns already back in their holsters.

"Dori did this. This is his signature style of killing. Decapitation and...that", she gestured to the mark underneath the shirt and Jungkook stood up, straightening out his coat.

He could see the disappointment in her eyes, like she wished to be wrong and that look quickly disappeared into the abyss. Instead, she looked worried. Dori killing Kai only meant that he was right and they were starting to get too close to something.

"We should tell your father about this. I'll call the company so they can clean up and bury the body."

She nods and takes a brief look around before walking towards the door, careful not to step in the blood. Jungkook follows close behind, exiting the place and he takes out his phone from the pocket of his trench coat, making a brief call in the elevator before they get in her car and head home.

In a way, he was glad she had that feeling and acted on it. It meant that she didn't doubt herself and confidence was one of the most valuable things to have in her position. She was never cocky about it, because, in the end, she didn't care if she was right about something as long as she could find a solution to the problem.

It isn't surprising that she didn't seem fazed by Kai's death, seeing as she's witnessed stuff like this all of her life and had grown numb to it. But this confirmed her suspicions were true and that meant they had to watch out for Dori. Even if it wasn't a direct threat, she knew in her heart he did it on purpose to shake her.