Five

Jungkook

Taehyung's phone rang and he cursed, he immediately answered and went towards the window.

I was glad for the distraction, I am not able to handle the intensity of Taehyung's gaze. As if he directly spoke to me that I've tried to fight ever since our fateful kiss.

I lay back down as I felt the fatigue building in my body and the moment I closed my eyes, images of Wolf's dead body flashed through my mind. Even if Taehyung hadn't killed him, it didn't mean it wasn't his fault.

'He'd have done the same if my father's men hadn't acted first.'

I must have dozed off because I jerked violently when something touched my arm. My eyes flew open and I found Taehyung hovering over me.

Taehyung faced me with a wry smile, "Your lover's death doesn't seem to bother you too much if you can fall asleep like that."

I sat up and glared back, knowing he was being cruel on purpose but at the same time wondering if it was true.

'Was I that callous? Was I the same as Taehyung than I wanted to admit? No. I had dreamed about Wolf's death, my chest felt like it was in a vice when I thought of what happened to him.'

We held each other's gaze until his eyes roamed down to my mouth and I instinctively licked my dry lips.

He was focused on them for a minute and returned his eyes on mine before he spoke, "We need to get going. Our flight leaves soon."

Taehyung grasped my wrist to pull me to my feet but I wrenched it away, suddenly angry. He reached for me again, jerked me against his body.

"Careful, Jungkook. Less than a few hours ago you were fooling around. I pride myself on my control but there is a limit to what I will take from you."

I swallowed the lump that seemed to form in my throat as he grabbed my arm and led me out of our room. The other men were already waiting in the corridor, their eyes scanned me from head to toe.

The other man besides the shooter snorted and said, "He's still surprisingly unscathed. If my supposed fiance had gone around fvcking other men, I'd have beaten him to a bloody pul-"

Taehyung looked at him and glared, eyes turning darker, menacing, "Do I look like I care about your fvcking opinion?" he asked dangerously.

I immediately whipped my face to look at him, stunned and confused as to why exactly Taehyung wasn't doing what they had suggested.

I decided to keep my mouth shut for now.

Self-preservation.

A trait that wasn't my thing but I wasn't completely suicidal.

'Death is preferable to what my father had in mind for me.'

A few minutes later and a quiet airport hanger later we boarded the Baekho clan's private jet, an ominous, slick, black, Gulfstream G550. I settled on a seat by the end of the galley beside a window as Taehyung sat across from me, the flight was long but he didn't make conversation.

Nobody tried to speak to me throughout the entire flight.

I had a feeling Taehyung was using the time to calm down. I'd catch him watching me a few times but I still couldn't read the look in his eyes. For a moment our eyes were locked, Taehyung didn't stop, as if trying to figure a big problem in his head.

I leaned against the seat and closed my eyes as fear and sadness raged in my body. It was getting increasingly difficult not to break down into a sobbing mess.

I almost wished Taehyung had manhandled me.

'Why did he have to act like a decent human being?'

"What were you thinking?"

'Was he asking me about why I ran or what's on my mind?'

I opened my eyes, my gaze settling on him and kept quiet, not even caring that he would punch me at the moment. Taehyung's eyes wandered over my face as if he was looking for a sign that I was up to something.

I would have laughed if I thought I could but we only stared at each other and resumed our silence.

~~~

My stomach was in a multitude of knots when we landed in Busan.

I hadn't gotten a minute of sleep while we were in the air, knowing that I would have to face my old man soon has kept me wide awake. It was only yesterday that I'd eaten pizza with my flatmates and made plans for a trip to Croatia in the summer.

Now my life was once again out of my control.

'Taehyung had no reason to protect me from my father's wrath and even if he tried, why would Yoongi allow him to risk a conflict with the Cheong Ryong over me? I was less than vermin in their eyes.'

The private jet came to a stop and Taehyung got to his feet, motioned for me to do the same. My legs nervously shook as I followed him toward the door, which was already gliding open. Cold air blasted against my face.

Snow dusted the landing strip and the surrounding buildings. It was around 4 pm, but I felt as if it was the middle of the night. Taehyung grabbed me by my wrist, giving me a warning look.

"Don't run. Don't do anything stupid. Your father's men are looking for a chance to hurt you. I'd kill them of course but that won't help you."

'Was he actually worried about me?'

Taehyung was an enigma.

I wasn't sure why he was so interested in me. I had a feeling it was his pride, he couldn't accept that I didn't want him and he'd force me to marry him even if I didn't want it. Even if he didn't want me anymore. If he cared about me, he would let me go.

'No, this was a power play. Emotions had nothing to do with it.'

"Don't worry, I want to see Jimin."

He shook his head, "This isn't the right moment for your snark comments. Your father won't appreciate it."

'Then why was he almost smiling if he thought it was such a bad idea?'

The jet's door was fully open and Taehyung led me down the stairs, his fingers around my wrist unwavering. Annoyance battled with my worry but before I could decide if I wanted to risk a retort but then I spotted a familiar blond head.

Jimin.

He stood beside Yoongi and when Jimin saw me he started running.

I peered up at Taehyung pleadingly but he didn't let me go and kept leading me toward Jimin with unhurried steps. When my older brother had almost reached us, he released me and I rushed toward Jimin. We collided together, Jimin hugged me as tight as possible and I did the same in return.

"Oh Jungkook, I'm so scared for you. I'm so glad you're here."

Jimin was crying and my face was wet with tears.

'God, I'd missed him.'

After a moment, he pulled back, eyes doing a quick scan, lingering on my new hair colour, "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

Regret weighed heavy on my mind as I brushed a few strands of his bangs away from his pixie-like face. I suddenly felt like breaking down, sobbing in his arms.

'I should have never run.'

Seeing Jimin's worried face was another reminder, 'If I'd stayed, if I'd married Taehyung, then Wolf would still be alive, Jimin wouldn't have had to worry for months. Why did I want the freedom to make my own decisions?

"Jungkook?" Jimin lowered his voice. "Did Taehyung do something?"

"I didn't do anything," Taehyung said in a hard voice, making Jimin and me both jump.

"I didn't ask you," Jimin said quietly.

My eyes darted between them, I had a feeling they weren't on good terms because of me.

Yoongi arrived beside us and clapped his brother's shoulder, "Good to see you, little brother."

I hadn't even considered that Taehyung had been gone from home for a long time because he'd been after me.

Yoongi barely glanced my way, not that I cared.

"I'm fine," I told Jimin who seemed reluctant to believe me.

"The boss is waiting," my father's men barked. "It's not like the whore deserves a big welcome."

Jimin gasped and I stiffened, I didn't give a damn what they thought of me but Taehyung was the fastest to react. He pulled a knife and hurled it at the one who spoke, then said man screamed when the blade nicked his ear.

"Stop talking, dead skin cells are coming out of your mouth. Next time, my blade will split your fvcking skull."

My father's men rested his hand on the gun in his holster but didn't pull it. Blood was dripping from his cut ear down onto his shirt. There was murderous intent in his eyes but the other one stood very still, he hadn't pulled his gun.

When I turned to Yoongi, I understood why he got both of his guns aimed at them. Behind him, Namjoon, whom I hadn't even noticed, was doing the same.

"We don't want this to end badly, do we?" Yoongi asked in a very low detached voice. "Your boss wouldn't appreciate it."

Both nodded and relaxed their stance but the injured man looked like he didn't care if my father punished him as long as he got to kill Taehyung first. For several tense moments neither of us moved and then Yoongi put his guns back into their holsters and spoke, "Let's go."

The calmer man picked up the knife Taehyung had thrown and handed it back, "He'll drive in a car with us."

Taehyung's lips pulled into a deadly smirk, "This is the last warning you get. Stop pissing me off or I'll carve a smile into your throat."

The man nodded and grabbed the other's arm, pulled him toward a black car while the rest of us headed toward two blacked out Hyundai Genesis.

Jimin moved to sit in the back with me, but Yoongi held him back, "Minnie, no. I want Taehyung to keep an eye on your brother."

Jimin gave me an apologetic smile before he sat shotgun beside Yoongi.

Taehyung gave me a knowing look as he settled beside me, "Behave. I know you'd probably jump out of the moving car if given a chance."

I huffed, "I'm not completely crazy. Do you think I'd risk running around Busan unprotected when my father's men are obviously out to hurt me?"

"So, you trust me to protect you but still don't want to marry me."

Surprise shot through me, "You still want to go through with the marriage?"

"You could probably ram a knife into his back and he'd still want to go through with it," Yoongi said from the front. "He's a stubborn fvcker just like you. It's a match made in fvckin' heaven."

"I didn't hunt you for months only to let you go," he said as affirmation.

I looked at his face, trying to see through his lies. But I couldn't look past his arrogant smirk, his cold facade.

He wouldn't let me.

"Maybe you shouldn't have wasted so much time hunting me."

Taehyung didn't say anything but his lips tightened, the rest of the drive passed in tense silence. I tried to hide my nerves as we pulled up in front of my old home.

'What would my father do to me?'

~~~

Taehyung

The Cheong Ryong car came to a stop in front of the Jeon villa and Yoongi parked ours right behind it.

Yoongi and Jimin exited the car immediately and I pushed the door open to follow them but paused when I realized Jungkook hadn't even unbuckled his seatbelt yet. He was staring intently down at his hands resting in his lap.

Annoyance flared up in me.

'Couldn't he ever go the easy route? Did he have to be so damn stubborn?'

"I'm not in the mood to argue with you, Jungkook. You really shouldn't let your father wait. He's pissed as it is. Get out of the car or I'll carry you."

I waited for a clever comeback but instead, Jungkook reached to unbuckle himself. His hands were shaking and I realized what was going on. Jungkook wasn't stalling to annoy me, he was nervous about being back here.

His fingers struggled with the seat belt, I pushed them away gently and did it for him. Jungkook's doe eyes shot up, brows drawn together as he searched my face.

Jungkook looked anxious.

He didn't even push my hands away, which were still resting on his thigh.

"We need to get out," I repeated, this time without the annoyance.

Jungkook nodded slowly, I could see Yoongi and Jimin watching us and behind them were Jeon's men, everyone's waiting.

Namjoon lingered next to our second car, scanning the surroundings. I didn't think this was a trap, but you could never know with the fvcking Cheong Ryong.

Things hadn't exactly been peachy between us in the last few months.

"I'm scared," Jungkook said quietly then laughed bitterly. "Isn't it messed up that I'm scared of my father?"

"Your father is Jeon Hae-jin, the king of assholes. And there's plenty of reasons to be scared of him."

Jungkook was still staring at his lap, "He hates me. He wouldn't even hesitate to put a bullet through my head after what I did."

'Jeon Hae-jin will have to go through me before that happens.'

I can take the fvcker down with one arm tied to my back.

I hooked a finger on Jungkook's chin and turned his face towards me until our eyes met, "I won't allow it."

For a moment Jungkook softened, his eyes darted to my lips but then he became his usual self and pulled back.

I almost groaned, he opened the door and slid out.

When I caught up with him, there was no sign of fear on his face. Jungkook held his head high and sent Jeon's men the most scathing look I'd ever seen from him. That was the Jungkook I knew.

The only indication that he wasn't as relaxed as he pretended was that he didn't argue when I rested my hand on his lower back as I led him toward the front door. I couldn't wait to run my hands over every inch of his body, to finally claim him.

Images of Wolf with his paws on my fiance slipped into my mind again and I had to resist the urge to hit something.

Yoongi raised his eyebrows, impatience written all over his face, "What took you so long for fvck's sake?"

I ignored him because the door opened at that moment and Jeon appeared by the doorframe, a scowl on his face. Jeon Hae-jin, Alpha Leader of Cheong Ryong, was in front of us, talking on his phone. He hung up and glared at us.

I had to suppress a shiver when his cold eyes settled on me, the iceman indeed. Suddenly I was really scared. This was serious. Jungkook shrank against me, I didn't think he even noticed because his face remained perfectly unimpressed.

Jeon Hae-jin talked to his men briefly before sending them away and turning to Yoongi. They shook hands and then he hugged Jimin. He hadn't spared Jungkook a single look so far.

It annoyed the hell out of me.

His cold eyes zoned in on me and I sneered at him. I hated everything about that man, even his stupid face and slicked-back hair. He looked like the worst cliché of a jo-pok.

"I see you found him," the fvcker said, stating the obvious.

"I always get what I want."

He still didn't even glance Jungkook's way but his expression turned cruel, "What you wanted was a reputable 'Jeon.' What you get are the ruins of God-knows how many men."

Jungkook stiffened under my hand, his eyes widening a fraction before he regained control over his face, but his father wasn't done yet.

'No wonder he and my father had gotten along so well.'

"I can't see why you even bother wasting your time on him. My men could have caught him without you."

His men would have done a lot of things with Jungkook. Yoongi narrowed his eyes at me in a warning.

'Could Yoongi tell how much I wanted to bury my knife in his chest?'

I glared back at Hae-jin, wanting to wipe that superior smirk off his face.

"I think we should go inside to discuss matters," Yoongi said, using his alpha voice.

It usually grated on my nerves when he did that but this time it was probably for the best. I had a feeling that my knife would accidentally find its way into Jeon Haejin's eyeball if I had to bear his stupid expression another second.

The other alpha leader nodded and opened the door further. Jungkook was practically pressed up against my side as we walked past him.

Protectiveness burned through my veins.

Jungkook hasn't realized it but he sought my presence when he's scared. It was all the confirmation I needed for his feelings for me, even if he wasn't aware of them yet.

"How can you even touch him after what he's done? After what you saw him doing. I'd be disgusted," Hae-jin expressed as he closed the door.

He didn't expect a reply because he turned to Yoongi.

"If my consort had done something, I would have broken their legs, arms and buried them alive. I have a feeling you would have done the same, Yoongi."

Jimin shot Yoongi a shocked look but he was busy staring Jeon Hae-jin down.

"I'm not here to discuss what-ifs with you. I want to have this settled once and for all. You promised us something and I expect you to deliver."

"What I promised isn't available anymore," Hae-jin nodded toward Jungkook. "This is foremost a Cheong Ryong business after all. But, if you want damaged goods... I'm sure we can agree on something, hmm? "

"I'm sure we can come to an understanding..." Yoongi met my gaze, warning clear in his eyes, "that will benefit all of us."

I didn't give a damn about Cheong Ryong or Hae-jin.

I am taking Jungkook back to Seoul with me, even if I had to gut every single asshole here in the process.

~~~

Jungkook

I'm trying hard to keep a neutral expression but I found it incredibly hard. To my embarrassment, Taehyung's hand on my lower back helped me focus.

Though his expression only fueled my anxiety, he looked like he's out for blood. I glanced at Yoongi then my father, who wasn't bothered to dish out pleasantries either.

Things had taken a definite turn for the worse since I'd left.

'If Yoongi was acting barely civil toward my father then relations between the Cheong Ryong and Baek-ho couldn't be in good terms right now.'

Jimin gently touched my arm, eyes full of worry, I forced a smile but it must have been off because he only frowned in return.

Taehyung nudged me forward, my father and Yoongi were heading towards the living room but at the sound of hurried footsteps, I froze, my eyes darting to the staircase.

Jinnie's storming towards me, their faces alight with happiness. Tears sprang into my eyes as my little brother gave me a tight hug and buried his head against my chest. Jimin threw his arms around me as well.

'God, he'd grown since I'd last seen him. How was that even possible? I'd been gone for only six months!'

"We missed you so much," Jinnie whispered tearfully.

Jimin's hold on me was making breathing difficult but I didn't care. I hugged them back just as tightly.

While I've been on the run, I've barely thought about my family as it had felt hollow like it was ripped into my chest every time I did.

'Damn it.'

"Didn't I tell you to keep him upstairs?" Hae-jin hissed, causing me to look up and find Jinnie's mother, Tae-hee, coming down the staircase hastily.

"I'm sorry, hun. Seokjin's too quick," Tae-hee said in a meek voice.

Kim Tae-hee, the 3rd consort and Jinnie's mom, her cat-like eyes flitted over me briefly before returning her gaze to the alpha without a word to me.

I swallowed.

'So... this was it? Because I hadn't done what they wanted I was dead to them? I'd known that my 'dear' old man would condemn me but I'd hoped at least, one of the mothers would be happy to have me back.'

"Jinnie, back to your room," Tae-hee said.

"But father, we haven't seen Jungkook in forever," Seokjin said, protesting.

Our father stood and crossed the distance between us in two quick strides and wrenched my brothers away before shoving Seokjin toward his mom.

"Upstairs now!" Jeon Hae-jin ordered in a cool tone.

Jinnie jutted his chin out and didn't move. Our father's face was turning red in anger from Jinnie's defiance.

"It's okay," I told him, "We can talk later."

"No, you can't. I won't have you around them. You are no longer my son and I don't want your defiance and rottenness to rub off on Seokjin," my father said, eyes hard.

I wasn't even sure what to say to that.

He didn't want me to see my brother anymore.

"That's bullshit," Taehyung said.

"Taehyung," Yoongi warned. He was already gripping Jimin's wrist to keep him from interfering. "This isn't our business."

Hae-jin glared. "That's right. This is my business and Jungkook is still subject to my rule, don't you ever forget that."

"I thought I wasn't your son anymore, so why do I have to listen to a word you say?"

Taehyung gripped my waist tightly, a clear warning.

'What? He could provoke my father but I wasn't allowed to?'

"Tut. Tut. Careful," Hae-jin said. "You are still part of the Cheong Ryong." He taunts.

"We shouldn't let this wait any longer," Yoongi said, changing the topic, and entering the house.

Everyone moved into the home office without incident. As we entered the wide office, I tried to remember the last time I'd felt this helpless.

"Everyone out except Yoongi, Taehyung, Jimin," Hae-jin said in his emotionless voice, "Jungkook."

I jumped in surprise, as my father's men left us alone.

"Sir," I said, bowing my head slightly.

I hated doing it but I knew what was good for me.

"You realize that what you did was a betrayal?" my father asked.

I wasn't sure what to say.

'If I agreed I'd be screwed, if I didn't I'd infuriate the man who could decide to have me killed.'

"Jungkook is my fiance if he hadn't run he'd be my husband by now. I think it should fall upon our clan, Baek-ho of the northern territory, to determine if he deserves punishment."

My eyes flew from Taehyung to Yoongi whose hard cat-like eyes sent another shiver down my back.

Hae-jin didn't look offended, "I take it you still want to go through with the wedding?"

"Yes," Taehyung said without hesitation.

'Nobody bothered to ask what I wanted but I knew better than to open my mouth. Not when things could end badly.'

Hae-jin went quiet and observed Taehyung, he didn't look pleased.

"I won't stop you from going through with the wedding. If you don't, however, I won't have a choice but to punish you," Hae-jin said to me.

He then turned towards Yoongi, "Can you afford to welcome someone like Jungkook in Baek-ho? As a new alpha leader, your people expect you to protect traditions and treat traitors without mercy."

"My men accept my decisions," Yoongi said but there was a hint of warning in his voice. "Whatever that decision will be."

Suddenly I wondered if Yoongi would burden himself with me.

'It wasn't like I wanted to become part of Baek-ho, but, if the choice was between staying in my father's territory and living in Seoul with Jimin, then I'd choose the former.

Looking like he was on the verge of pulling his knives, Taehyung walked over to Yoongi to discuss something quietly and Jimin used the moment to join me.

I gave my older brother a grateful smile.

"My brother will take Jungkook off your hands, despite his transgressions. I think that's a very generous offer on our part. You should be glad that you don't have to look for a new husband for him."

Jeon Hae-jin scoffed, "As if I'd find someone. I wouldn't waste my precious time like that."

My blood was boiling, not only because of his words, but Yoongi's offer didn't sit well with me either. They acted like I was a piece of scum. Listening to them made me realize I had been right to run.

"So?" Yoongi asked blankly.

"I hope you don't intend to have a wedding celebration. I want this matter to be dealt with as quietly as possible. He has caused me and the Cheong Ryong enough embarrassment already. I won't give him a chance to shame us further," he said eventually.

I gritted my teeth hard, I was surprised my jaw didn't snap.

Taehyung shook his head, "I don't need a party. I prefer getting drunk without the oldies of the family anyway."

A laugh tickled the back of my throat but I swallowed it.

Taehyung shot me a look as if he wanted to see if I found him as funny as he obviously found himself.

Everything he did was calculated.

That was something I could never forget.

Taehyung masked his deadliness with humour and smiles, I wouldn't let that fool me.

Not now, not ever, especially when it was obvious he thought he was being generous by taking me back.

"The oldies wouldn't have come anyway. Nobody wants to be associated with someone like him," my father glared in my direction.

Jimin's grip on my wrist was tight as if he still didn't trust me not to viciously attack our father.

"Tell me Taehyung, I'm curious. I thought you were looking for revenge but my men told me you didn't lay a finger on him. Then again, you probably didn't want to get your hands dirty. I don't think a simple shower is going to wash my son clean again," my father states matter-of-factly.

His words and expression made me feel dirty, I hated that he had that power over me. At the same time, I'd have rather thrown myself off the roof of this house than admit that I hadn't slept with anyone while I'm on the run.

'That was a secret I'll carry to my grave.'

"I hunted him for months. Do you think I'll waste so much time on him if I didn't want him? I've got better things to do."

Jimin gripped my wrist tighter, I hadn't even realized I'd taken a step toward.

"Who says I'm not still out for revenge?" Taehyung asked as he stood tall with that deadly smirk on his face.

His dark eyes met mine.

The bastard.

'So the concerned looks in the car had been all for show? Who knew what else he had in mind for me once I am in his clutches?'

He knew I didn't want to marry him.

He knew this was a punishment for me.

"There will be a ceremony as the tradition," Yoongi cuts in. "There's no need for guests beyond the closest family."

"Do as you wish."

Yoongi nodded.

I didn't give a fvck about their stupid traditions. Self-preservation be damned, "I won't marry anyone," I snapped. "This is my life."

My father then stopped in front of me and slapped me hard across the face. My ears were ringing and my mouth was filled with the taste of copper.

I didn't cry as I glared back.

They act as if they're doing me a favour as if I was a criminal on death row who was handed a pardon on a silver platter.

"For your betrayal, nobody would blink an eye if I gave you to one of the Cheong Ryong's sex clubs, we can make use out of your promiscuity."

Hae-jin's hand was still raised, ready to hit me again.

'What would he do if I hit him back? I wished I were brave enough to find out.'

Jimin managed to position himself halfway between father and I, despite Yoongi's obvious disapproval but he was busy holding Taehyung's shirt in an iron grip.

My wrist was almost numb from Jimin's crushing grip.

I tried to tug Jimin back but never took my eyes off that 'dear' old man. Jimin was still trying to protect me but this was a battle he couldn't fight for me.

Taehyung's eyes were burning with so much hatred that the hairs in the back of my neck rose. Yoongi was still gripping his shoulder, stopping him.

'From what? I wasn't sure.'

"That won't happen. Jungkook will become my husband. Today," Taehyung said.

"What? I–" I blurted but my father's slap silenced me again.

It was harder than before and his ring caught my lower lip.

Pain burst through my face and warm liquid slowly trickled down my chin.

"That's enough," Jimin said.

Yoongi was pulling him back and Taehyung was gripping my arm tightly and leading me out of the room and down the hall toward the bathroom.

I wasn't sure if it was the shock of what had happened or the speed in which Taehyung dragged me away, I didn't fight him, only stumbled along, not even bothering to stop blood from dripping onto my shirt from my split lip.

Taehyung shoved me into the bathroom, then entered after me and locked the door.

I stared at my image in the mirror.

My chin was covered in blood and more blood was dripping from the cut in my lower lip, onto my shirt. My lip was already swelling but I was happy to find my eyes dry, no sign of a single tear.

Taehyung appeared behind me, towering over me, dark eyes scanning my messed up face. Without his trademark boxy-smirk and the arrogant amusement, he looked almost tolerable.

"You don't know when to shut up, do you?"

His lips turned into a smirk, it looked somehow wrong. Something was unsettling in his eyes. His gaze in them reminded me of the one I had seen when he dealt with the Yakuza captives in the basement.

"Neither do you," I say as I winced in pain shooting through my lip.

Before I had time to react, he gripped my hips, turned me around and hoisted me onto the washstand.

"True, that's why we are perfect for each other," he said in a strange voice.

The bastard stepped between my legs with an arrogant smile. "What are you doing?" I hissed, sliding back from the edge of the washstand to bring more distance between us, pushing against his chest.

He didn't budge, too strong for me, Taehyung's smile got bigger as he grabbed my chin and tilted my head up. "I want to take a look at your lip."

"I don't need your help. Maybe you should have stopped my father from busting my lip in the first place."

"Yes. I should have," he said darkly, his thumb lightly touching my wound as he parted my lips. "If Yoongi hadn't held me back, I would have plunged my knife into your dear father's fvcking back, consequences be damned. Hmm.. maybe I still will."

Releasing my lip and pulling a long curved knife from the holster below his jacket before twisting it in his hand with a calculating look on his face, then his deadly eyes flickered up to me.

"Do you want me to kill him?"

'God, yes!'

I shivered at the sound of Taehyung's voice, I knew it was wrong but after what that 'dear' old man had said today, I wanted to see him begging for mercy. I knew Taehyung was capable of bringing anyone to their knees, it horrifyingly excites me.

'That was exactly why I'd wanted out of this life, why I still wanted out. I had the potential for cruelty, this life was the reason for it.'

"That would mean war between the Cheong Ryong and Baekho clans," I simply looked directly at his eyes.

"Seeing that disgusting dragon head you call father bleed to death by my hands would be worth the risk. You are worth it."

I wasn't sure if he was joking or not, this was getting serious. I wanted to kiss him for his words, but it was wrong.

Taehyung was wrong.

Everything was.

Just yesterday, I watched Wolf get killed. I knew it might just as well have been Taehyung who'd pulled the trigger.

I couldn't let him mess with my mind.

He was too good at it.

I shoved his shoulder again. "I need to take care of my lip, get out of my way."

He still didn't budge and he was simply too strong to move him. His muscles flexed under his shirt, making me wonder how he would look without it. Wrong. So wrong.

He set his knife down on the counter beside me.

"You shouldn't leave sharp objects within my reach when I'm pissed."

"I think I'll take the risk," he said, bracing his palms to both sides of my thighs, leaving me no choice but to lean back to bring some distance between us.

"Stop it," I growled because he smelled too nice and I felt my body wanting to move closer, then winced again.

I brought my hand up my wound, it seemed to have swollen even more and it still hadn't stopped bleeding.

"You'll make it worse," Taehyung pulled my hand away, "it'll need stitches. Should I call for a doctor?"

"No," I said quickly. I didn't want my bastard of a father to find out he'd managed to split my lip. "I'll do it myself."

Taehyung raised his eyebrows.

He took a step back and did a quick scan of the cupboards before he came up with a medical kit. He threaded a needle and handed it to me. I shifted on the washstand to see myself in the mirror, then brought the needle up to my lip.

I'd never stitched anyone up, least of all myself. I hated needles. I even had to close my eyes when I got a shot. Taehyung was watching me and I didn't want to look like a wimp, so I nudged my lip with the tip of the needle, jumped from pain and pulled back again.

"Fvck. That hurts like hell." I hissed, glaring at Taehyung, "Go on. Laugh."

Taehyung snatched the needle out of my hand. "This isn't going to work."

"I know," I muttered. "Can you do it?"

"It'll be painful. I don't have anything against the pain."

"Have you ever stitched yourself up?"

"A few times."

"Then I can handle you stitching me up. Just do it."

He handed me some painkillers.

"Pop a few. They won't help with the immediate pain but they'll be good later."

"Vodka works too."

"I guess you found out in your months as a fugitive," he said with a smirk.

He hadn't asked too many questions yet, not even about other guys besides Wolf.

'Maybe he didn't want to know, I wouldn't tell him anyway. It was bad enough that one innocent was killed because of me. I wouldn't tell him the names of the other guys I'd kissed so he won't have new targets to kill.'

Death was too harsh a punishment for a kiss, for anything really, that wasn't something a man like Taehyung would agree on.

"Among other things," I taunted because... I never knew when to shut my mouth.

'And what better moment to choose to provoke someone than when they're about to poke you with a sharp needle.'

"I bet," he said, his smirk getting deadlier. Taehyung cupped my chin, "Try to hold still."

I nod as I braced myself for the pain, he touched the needle to my lip. Despite my taunting, Taehyung was careful when he stitched me up. It still hurt like hell every time the needle pierced my skin and my eyes filled with stupid tears.

I fought them for as long as possible but eventually a few trailed down my cheeks.

Taehyung didn't comment for which I was glad.

For him, this was probably nothing.

When he set the needle down after what felt like forever, I quickly wiped the tears off my cheeks with the back of my hands, embarrassed that I'd shown weakness in front of him like that.

"It'll swell even more. Tomorrow morning you'll have a fat lip," Taehyung said.

I checked my reflection, my lip had already swollen considerably, or maybe that was my imagination.

I pulled down my lower lip to check the stitches. You couldn't see them from the outside. At least I wouldn't have an ugly scar.

"You can't possibly want to marry me looking like this." I pointed at my face. "We should postpone the wedding."

Taehyung shook his head with a small laugh.

"You won't slip through my hands again, Jungkook. We will marry today. Nothing will stop me."