Insight into the chapter

"Of course, a mafia prince has his secrets, and you need to do your best to uncover them. How would you do that?"

~~~~~~~~~~

Crap! I am in real trouble.

It took me a moment to settle my breathing. Suddenly, all of it was becoming more real.

So, my identity might be easier to uncover than I expected. That is concerning. I should be extra careful when I am around Jungkook, so he doesn't get suspicious! I should see what else I can find. Where should I look next?

I took your wallet and opened it carefully.

Credit cards, cash, receipts... Oh, what is this?"

I found a tiny photograph peeking out of a card slot.

Oh... It is a photo!

An adorable young woman was smiling in the picture, with a soft loving look in her eyes.

Who is she and why does Jungkook keep a picture of her?!

Strange emotions stirred up within me.

And why do I even care?! Am I jealous? No way! It must be stress. Nothing else.

I shook my head, pushing those unwanted thoughts away, then placed everything back and reached for your phone next.

I wonder what I will find here!

I took a peek over my shoulder once more, just in case, but you were still sleeping, your breath deep and relaxed.

I tapped on the screen, but the phone was locked.

Gosh! Of course, it is locked. What did I expect? It is locked with a pattern code. But there is nothing I cannot handle. I remember Jungkook using it. I am sure I will find something useful in it. Maybe I will also find out who this girl is...

I took a deep breath and swiped my fingers across the screen in what I thought was the right pattern. My first try did not work.

How did it go... all the way up, then one right, one down, one right again?

It did not work again.

Crap! I only have one more try.

I go over the screen in my head, trying to recall the way your fingers moved across it.

No, no! It was all the way up, two rights, one down, one left!

And the home screen appeared in front of me. I succeeded!

Yes! Now to the best part! Let's see what we have in the inbox.

I opened the inbox but there were only a few messages, and none were of any use.

It seems Jungkook is careful and deletes his messages on a regular basis.

But just as I was about to stop scrolling through the messages, a familiar unsaved number caught my eye. A number, I knew by heart.

That is dad's number!

I checked the date - it was the day before he went missing.

Oh, no!

I tapped on the screen and opened the message.

It just says 'Confirmed'. Confirmed?! What was confirmed?!

But there were no more messages to give me a better grasp of what was going on.

It is not unknown for families to communicate, but there is a chance Jungkook might be more involved in this than I initially thought!

I heard a quiet commotion and my gut feeling sent clear danger signals.

Shit! I got to hurry!

I quickly hid your phone and put everything back and folded it as it was.

I rushed to the toilet, hoping I might make it there on time before you notice me. But I only managed a couple of steps when...

"There you are!"

Your eyebrows furrowed as you noticed me fidgeting.

"Are you okay? What are you doing here?" you enquired.

"I was thirsty, so, I was just getting a glass of water."

"And where is the glass?"

Shit! He has caught me!

"I put it back in the cabinet once I was done."

Hope he eats it and will not ask me to show where exactly I put it.

"I did not think you were a neat freak."

"Well... Now you know me a bit better, right?"

"I hope I do."

I sighed in relief.

That was close. I should really be more careful in the future.

I headed to the bathroom, crawled back into the bed and drifted off to a restless sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

The smell of coffee woke me up. It took me a split second to remember where I was.

Oh, right! The safe house! That smells good. If this Mafia guy prepares a cup of coffee for me by himself, I should make it worth his efforts.

Swiftly, I slid out of the bed and approached the mirror. I took a minute to ruffle my hair, pinch my cheek, and nibble my lips to make them plump and juicy.

I brushed my teeth with a piece of cloth, put on a sweet smile, and headed for the kitchen.

Once I entered the kitchen, my self-assurance gets shaken by a view of you half-naked making breakfast.

"Hi there, sleeping beauty! Did you sleep well?"

I leaned against the kitchen counter.

"Actually, I slept great. I can't remember when I had such a peaceful sleep before. Especially after everything we have gone through yesterday. I guess it is just the effect you have on me."

"You are a flatterer, you know. But why were you up in the middle of the night then?"

"You cannot deny the call of nature, Jungkook!"

"No one can, I think. How do you like your eggs for breakfast?"

"Whatever your specialty is."

"As you wish. Breakfast will be ready before you finish your coffee."

You handed me a cup of wonderful-smelling black coffee with spices and turns back to the oven, scrambling, flavoring, and working morning kitchen magic.

He is so perfectly casual! Like we have known each other for years.

You rewarded me with one of your trademark smiles and, for a moment, I was unable to speak.

Just then, your phone that was laying on the kitchen counter rang. You glanced at it and scowled.

"Watch the pan, I will be right back. I need to take this call."

You took the phone in one hand, your own cup of coffee in the other, and left to the bedroom.

I followed you with my gaze, lost in thought as my ears strained to pick up the conversation.

I wish I could hear what they are talking about.

I was focused too hard, however, because when I looked back to the stove, I noticed that the gas flames have caught the food in the pan on fire.

Oh shit!

I quickly turned off the gas ring, but the flame inside the pan was still burning.

I need to act fast.

I reached for a glass and turned on the tap to fetch some water. I poured the water on the frying pan, but the fire only surges higher.

Oh, no! Water on top of a grease fire - is not a good combination.

"Cara Mia! Can I leave you for a minute?" you yelled.

I jumped back at the sound of your voice, confused as to when you showed up behind me. You rushed to me and quickly covered the pan with a lid, killing the fire.

"Are you okay, Eun Jeong? Are you hurt or burnt anywhere?" you asked with your eyes filled with concern for me.

Damn! Why does he have to be so considerate of me? Why does he care about me so much whom he met yesterday?

"Yeah. I am okay," I answered.

"Glad to know that. Well, if anything like this happens to you again just cut off the air access, and the fire will die by itself."

"Okay, but how did you know that?"

"It's basic knowledge that might save your life one day, Piccola. You should remember it too."

You came closer and inspected the pan.

"Looks like breakfast is ruined. But don't worry. I will make another one quickly."

And now he thinks I am some stupid girl with two left hands growing from my ass. Good job, Eun Jeong.

Then you stepped even closer and said, "But watching you dealing with a fire... might have ignited something in me."

You stepped more closer and moved a stray hair from my face, tracing your fingers down until your palms were around my waist, burning my skin through my clothes.

Ohh!!

Your voice was a raspy whisper as you spoke, pulling me closer to you.

"Do you like to play with fire?"

"Well... Sometimes."

"Really?"

"What if I like to be burned a little? It helps me to feel alive."

You looked at me attentively before letting me go. I couldn't help but miss your touch immediately.

"You should be more careful with your desires, Piccola. You might get really burned."

Oh no! That is completely the opposite of my intention!

I considered what to say next, wanting to keep your attention. Knowing to always keep a grain of truth in your lies to make them more believable, I have a fraudulent sigh.

"Jungkook, life was not... easy for me growing up."

Your face mellowed into a look of deep concern and once again I was reminded of just how irresistible you are.

"Do you want to talk about it?" you asked.

As I gazed into your eyes, I wondered, Is he really this compassionate? Or does he just want to get into my pants?

I shook my head, not wanting to open up just yet. To move too fast.

"I don't really want to talk about it."

"Of course, I understand."

"But I do appreciate your concern."

I looked up at you, letting the vulnerability creep onto my features as I soften my gaze, putting on an expression of pure innocence.

You smiled with tenderness and reassurance as you tucked some hair behind my ear.

He is so gentle. I did not expect this from a Mafia prince.

But then your gaze dropped to my lips, and my heart picked up speed. You caught my eyes again as you slowly started to lean in.

Oh my... He is going to kiss me! Again! The first time left me breathless. This man is trouble with a capital T! But I guess I should... take one for the term, sacrifice myself for the greater good.

My heart pounded harder at the memory of your lips on mine.

I need to seize this opportunity.

I leaned in just an inch, and that was all it took for you to press your lips to mine.

Butterflies burst in my belly at the touch of your tongue with mine, taking you by surprise.

Wow... Lord! It is all for work, nothing is real. There is no chemistry there... none at all.

But as you continue to kiss me, slow and deep, my eyes drifted shut as I melted into the kiss.

"Your taste..." you whispered against my lips and then went back to kissing me.

I glided my palms up your chest, feeling the rapid beat of your heart, before wrapping them around your neck.

After a while, we both pulled back, left panting from the intensity of the kiss.

You stared at me, mesmerized and wide-eyed with deep want lurking behind your eyes.

What the heck just happened?

The same surprise was mirrored on your face.

You seized me powerfully again, and I found myself trapped in your arms.

Your lips pushed down on mine with passion and thirst. A growl buzzed in your chest.

I reached for your hair and pulled your head towards me. Your hands grabbed and pulled and slid all over my body, my back, my waist and up to my chest, squeezing my breast, sending me into a hot frenzy.

My Lord, this is too much!

A fire raged within me; unlike anything I had ever felt before.

You twirled me around and pushed me against the fridge.

You looked straight into my eyes, then licked my lips again. Your lips brushed my earlobe as you whispered into my cheeks, "Tell me... what do you want?"

"Oh, Jungkook! I want you to kiss my neck."

"Sure. But first... say please."

"Oh! Please, Mr. Jeon! Would you kiss my neck?"

A shiver passed throughout my body as you lowered your head beneath my ear.

Your lips found the sensitive skin on my neck, sending tingles all the way down my nether. Tilting my head back, I gave into your hot kisses, exposing my throat to you.

The brief hint of teeth scraping up the side of my neck made me whimper and I shakily sighed as you bit into my skin.

You followed the bite with a lick on the same spot and I moaned wantonly.

"Please, Jungkook. More."

"Oh, Piccola. You are so good to me."

I pulled you back in, reaching for you with my mouth.

I explored your mouth with my tongue while sliding my hands down to your pants. I pressed closer to you and felt your erection against me.

My hands slide over your sides as my fingers found what they were looking for. You leaned in towards me at the feel of my touch and grin against my lips.

That smirk should not be that sexy.

I tugged on your shirt gently pushing your body into the curves of yours.

The low growl in your throat urged me on. I reached for your zipper, but you grabbed my hand and stopped me.

"Piccola. As much as I would want to continue with this. I think we have to stop now. I really have to leave and report to my father."

"Oh. Alright."

My stomach clenched as I lowered my head in disappointment. You noticed it.

"Piccola, believe me when I say I want you very much."

You kissed me once more gently but with intent.

"But with you. I want to take my sweet time," you added.

These words made me more excited than they should have. And for all the wrong reasons. I stepped away from you, forcing a smile to my lips.

"Fine. I might let you do just that, Jungkook. Perhaps on the next occasion?"

"Of course, Piccola. Let us change and go. My driver will drop you off at home."

"Okay."

You turned away and headed towards the bathroom to change.

Crap. Why is this guy making me feel so confused? I need to keep my head clear. But he is making that really hard!

After we both got dressed, I piled up in your car and headed out.

I slipped into the back seat with you, your driver remaining still and not uttering a word as I entered.

Do not ask any questions, just do your job. Seen that many times before.

"Where do you want the driver to drop you off?" you asked.

"Oh, just drop me off a block away from the salon," I answered.

"Is that where you live?"

"No, not really."

"Why can't we just take you home? It is really not a problem. Might be safer."

Crap! He can't know where I really live at the moment!

"I am meeting a friend there. We usually grab a cup of coffee together before work. I can't wait to tell her about you!"

"Right. Well, I just wanted to make sure you get home safely."

He says it as he means it!

"I appreciate it. Really. Maybe next time?"

"Sure! I will let you know where my favorite hairdresser works. If we are lucky, there might be a shoot-out there as well.!"

"Jungkook!" I exclaimed as I hit you on the shoulder.

"What? Too soon?"

I shook my head and giggled.

"Oh, Jungkook, I might even miss you."

I leaned in and pecked you on the cheek softly.

"Oh, you will definitely miss me."

Your grin was wide and magnetic. I could feel it in my core.

"Yeah. You are right."

I think I actually will miss you.

All too soon, the car pulled to a stop.

"Okay, we are here."

Silence dropped over me as we both waited for me to exit the sedan.

I reached for the handle.

I should give him my phone number! How else can I make sure we see each other again? But it would be so much better if he asked for it. And he will if I have done my job right.

"Eun Jeong, hold on a second!"

"Yes?"

"Could I have your number?"

"Oh! Thought you would never ask."

"You think I would miss a chance to see you again?"

You winked and heat crept up my cheeks.

"Just give me your phone, Mr. Jeon."

You handed me your phone and I typed my number, then called myself. My phone vibrated in my pocket.

"And now you have my number as well, Eun Jeong."

"I do, thank you."

I gave you your phone back and your warm fingers lingered against my skin.

"I should go now."

You leaned in and opened the door for me. The smell of your cologne filled up my nostrils and I couldn't help but gasp.

He smells so good!

While pulling away, you pivoted and suddenly, your lips were upon mine offering the gentlest kiss.

The softness of the kiss was a velvety sensation that I felt in my core. I mewled in the back of my throat, wanting more, but you pulled back just as quickly.

A strange sad thought came to my mind.

What if I never see him again?

"See you around, Piccola. Don't forget me."

Like that is possible.

"Ciao, Mr. Jeon."

I exited the car and walked a couple of blocks before finding the little shop where I was supposed to meet with Uncle Chang.

I entered the shop and sat on a chair.

Time seemed to stretch for ages, my mind was in turmoil over my time spent with you until Uncle Chang finally arrived.

He closed up the shop first before turning to me.

"Kiddo! So relieved that you are okay! I heard what happened at the salon!"

He wanted to pull me in for a quick hug, but I recoiled.

"You knew about it. Didn't you?"

"Yeah. I did. I am sorry, kid, that I didn't inform you. Thankfully there were whispers on the street, but no one took them seriously. I mean, who would be that stupid to go after Jeon's son in public?"

"I don't care if they were just rumors, you should have warned me!"

"At least it made your reactions authentic, right?"

"What? Are you kidding me? I could have died. If you are not going to take this seriously, I am going to do this on my own."

"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute, kiddo! I trust you to be able to take care of yourself and you did that. It is not like you don't know how dangerous and unpredictable this job can be."

"You should have still told me."

"Okay, scouts honor. I will tell you everything up front from now on. No matter how weird it might look."

"There were other people there. Innocent people."

"I know, but I could not risk letting anyone suspect you might be working for us!"

I took a deep calming breath.

No use in arguing.

I folded my arms across my chest while changing the subject.

"Do you at least know why anyone would attack the parlor?"

"Families are stirred up, revolted even."

"Why is that?"

"If Chan Yeol Jeon started kidnapping rivals - no organization is safe! Families in Chicago have long obtained fragile peace. This would be a game-changer."

"Oh! So, that is why the attack happened! It was a warning to Chan Yeol Jeon."

"Exactly. They were targeting him by hurting his son. I don't think they would have actually killed him. No one would dare!"

"Jungkook's gunshot wound says otherwise."

"What? Jeon got shot?"

"He sure did. He is okay though."

"What happened then?"

"Well..." I let my fingers slide through my hair as I searched for words. "After we got out of the parlor. He took me to his safe house."

"Did you find anything there?"

"There was a letter from his father. He told Jungkook that there were rumors about me being in town and to find me and kill me."

"How in the hell did he get to know about you?"

"I don't know. But it is a good thing that I gained Jungkook's trust."

A thoughtful expression crosses his face.

"Even if Chan Yeol has heard something, we still have the advantage. You have his son's trust, and he doesn't suspect a thing."

"Still, I have to admit, he is not responding to my regular seduction tactics. Are there any more details about him that were not included in that first file?"

"Right! Shoot."

"Really bad choice of words!"

He flinched and gave me an apologetic look.

"Sorry. What exactly are you looking to know about him? I got all the info on hand if you need it."

Do I want to know about Jungkook? Of course, I do! That is why I asked. I am curious if Uncle Chang would have the info I need.

"Does he have any sexual preferences? Kinks? Fetishes, perhaps?"

"Huh!!"

Oh, the look on his face! He certainly did not expect that question.

"No? Even though some sources say he likes to take control in the bedroom. He likes his women submissive. To be called sir and things like that," informed Uncle Chang.

"Somehow that does not surprise me."

Shame. I tend to work better with less dominant men.

I bit down on my lip considering what to ask next.

"What about his love life?"

"He is single as far as I know."

"That is it?"

He shrugged and looked away.

He always used to do this when he didn't do his research right.

"Geez, Uncle Chang! It is fin, I understand. I know that type of information is sometimes hard to retrieve."

"Well, I am not really used to looking into another guy's kinks, you know."

"What about his exes? Any casual lovers?

"It's unclear. He is rather mysterious when it comes to his love life."

"That should not have stopped you or your sources."

"Wait! There was a rumor about Chan Yeol scouting out a girl as Jungkook's potential wife. Charlotte Baldwin, a rich heiress.

Finally, something useful!

"It did not work out as Chan Yeol Jeon wanted?"

"No, there are no details on that. But apparently, Jungkook broke it off."

Interesting.

"Any past sins? A wild boy like that should have some prior mistakes. Perhaps when he was younger?"

"He seems to be as clean as a whistle. It is unnerving. Sorry, I forgot! He got a speeding ticket. Once!"

"That's of no use," I scoffed.

"That is all I got, kiddo."

"Fine. One more thing. I need weapons."

"I don't think that is smart."

"Well, I hoped I might go without, but the attack proved otherwise."

"I guess you have a point there."

He walked behind the counter and asked, "So, what is your preference?"

"Give me a revolver."

"Small and safe to hide. Good choice."

He then reached behind the counter and took out a gun.

Sweet.

I threw him a soft smile while tucking the gun away and said, "This will do just fine."

"Do you need anything else?"

"No, that is all. It is time I head out."

I shifted on my feet and glanced at the door. I could not wait to go home and get some rest.

"Will you keep me posted?" asked Uncle Chang.

"Sure. See you, Uncle Chang."

"See, Eun Jeong. Stay safe."

I turned around and exited the store, heading straight back to my apartment, not too far away.

I sighed in relief as I took off my shoes when I entered.

My feet are killing me!

I took a look at my little studio apartment. I rented this place for the sake of the mission.

It is not fancy, but hey! Now it is home.

I was drained, a lot has happened in the last two days.

I just want to take a shower and get some good sleep. I am so jetlagged!

But then I remembered.

Here I am, complaining about a bit of fatigue, while my dad is being held somewhere and maybe even tortured. Lord knows when the last time he got some rest was.

But I recalled my mission to save him, and with a steadfast mind, I took a deep breath and cleared my head.

There is no time for this! I need to stay on top of things! Which means getting under Jungkook's skin.

I grabbed my phone, sank into the couch, and texted him, "Mr. Jeon."

And it took you mere seconds to respond, making me grin.

"Piccola."

I shivered pleasantly at being called that.

"Will you stop calling me Mr. Jeon?" you texted, and a chuckle escaped me.

I was beginning to enjoy this little game of mine.

How should I respond?

"Do you really want me to stop?" I replied.

"Actually, I am starting to enjoy it, Piccola."

"By the way, thank you for this morning. And for taking care of me. I enjoyed your company."

"Me too. Are you always this sweet, Piccola?"

I paused to consider what to write next, but you were ahead of me.

"You even taste sweet," you added.

Oh! Now we are getting somewhere!

"I do have one regret though." I texted.

"What is that?"

Should I continue? Maybe some flirting would help me get closer to Jungkook. I just have to keep my own feelings in check.

"I regret that I did not get to taste you more."

I pressed the send button and waited for your reply, anxiously.

This was a gamble. I hope I did not go too far too soon.

And this time, it took you what seemed like, forever to respond.

"Piccola, do you always get it your way?"

"Only when I truly want something."

"I guarantee you, you will not get to taste me before I get to taste you."

The three dots on the screen continued to blink - you were writing more.

"That brief flavor of your lips was not enough. I want to take my time, and let my mouth wander... Over every inch of you." you added.

Fish!! When he writes stuff like that...

I squirmed, pressing my thighs together. A flush spread across my cheeks as I envisioned what was written.

Keep it cool, Eun Jeong.

"Mr. Jeon, does that mean you plan on seeing me again?"

"Only if I get to savor you."

"We shall see that."

"Yeah, I guess we will. I do have one condition."

"You do?"

"Yes. And I think you know which one it is."

At first, this confused me, so I took a moment to consider it.

Yeah, I think I do know. Oh, Jungkook. I think I see where this is going.

"To say - please?"

"Good girl, Piccola."

I imagined the low rumble of your voice uttering those words and I bit my lower lip.

Shit! This cannot get me this flustered! It is time for the power move.

I got up and paced around the room.

Okay, let's stir this up a bit. He might be cute, but I am still on a mission. And you don't mess with this massage girl's dad.

I waited a minute before sending the next text.

"OMG!! I got to go. I think someone is snooping under my window."

There you go, little fly. Try to resist THAT!

For the final touch, I turned off my phone. You won't be able to reach me over the line at all.

Good thing I did not tell him where I live!

I knew you were going to be worried as hell. It almost made me feel sad for you.

He will probably have a restless night. I will wait and call him tomorrow.

Not much time passed before someone banged on my door.

BANG! BANG!

Crap! Nobody is supposed to know I live here.

Dread filled me at the thought of being discovered.

My handgun! I am sure it will come in handy now!

Quickly, I ran towards the cabinet and pulled out my gun. I grasped it tightly as I tiptoed toward the door.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

I took a deep breath, hid the weapon and cracked the door open slightly.

My heart stopped when I saw you.

"Piccola! Are you okay?!"

"Jungkook!!!"

TO BE CONTINUED

18th March, 2023