DANCE WITH THE DEVIL

CHAPTER 6

"What was that?" Mark asked, his voice filled with frustration as he ran a hand through his hair. "Areum and Chenle almost got shot."

"I didn't know they were there," Jaemin replied, his tone defensive.

"It's still a public place!" Mark exclaimed. "There were innocent people around!"

"I didn't know they'd drive there," Jaemin said, his voice softening slightly. "Some low-level gangs were raiding a hardware store and tried to steal my car. I shot two of them."

"And you didn't call for backup?" Mark asked, his eyebrows furrowed.

"The police came," Jaemin shrugged. "I managed to take care of the situation."

"Did they hurt you?" Mark asked, concern lacing his voice.

"They shot my car," Jaemin replied, pointing to a dent in the door.

Mark sighed. "Thanks for calming Areum down."

"You didn't thank me enough before," Jaemin said, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"It's my sister, Jaem," Mark replied, understanding Jaemin's concern.

Jaemin nodded. "Alright, I'll go now. Good luck explaining why you have a gun."

"Fuck, I just picked it up," Mark muttered. "Damn, Chenle saw me shoot one."

Jaemin chuckled. "Lie well."

Hidden behind the bushes, Areum watched the scene unfold. Years of sneaking out and searching for evidence had finally led her to this moment. Now, she was certain of what she had suspected all along.

A week passed, and the siblings had been cooped up inside, unable to shake off the trauma of the recent incident. Chenle's mother had flown in from China as soon as she heard the news, her heart heavy with worry. Chenle himself was still struggling to process what had happened.

Areum, meanwhile, was carrying a heavy burden of her own. The revelation of her family's involvement in the mafia had shattered her perception of them. She knew that organized crime existed, but she never imagined her own family would be part of it.

Jaemin, too, was caught in the crossfire. She couldn't decide whether he was a high-ranking member or even the boss. His young age made it seem unlikely, but she couldn't rule it out.

The weight of these revelations kept Areum awake at night. She couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal and confusion.

"Are you sure you're still sleeping?" Renjun asked, concerned about Areum's lack of sleep.

"Three hours," Areum replied, downing a shot of whiskey. "We should be happy, you know, Jeno won!"

Jeno chuckled. "It feels weird after losing so much."

"Only because Jaemin's not here," Areum teased, her voice trailing off as she realized what she had said.

"What? You got quiet," Jeno said, noticing her change in mood. "Finally got drunk on Jack Daniels?"

"In your dreams," Areum laughed, trying to change the subject. "Come on guys, let's celebrate Jeno's future wins!"

The three friends cheered and continued drinking. A few hours later, they were tipsy and enjoying the music on the dance floor. Areum was having a blast, dancing and chatting with strangers.

As she swayed to the music, she accidentally bumped into someone. A strong arm caught her, preventing her from falling. She looked up and saw the only guy she's been thinking all along.

"Should I sincerely apologize?" she slurred, her words a bit slurred.

Jaemin chuckled and pulled her closer. "Enough drinking for now, chérie."

"My name is Areum Soleen," she frowned.

"I know," Jaemin replied, his voice soft.

He pulled her away from the dance floor and towards their booth. "Is this your bag?" he asked, sitting down and pulling her onto his lap. "Chérie," he said, his voice low and husky.

"My name is..." she began, her words trailing off as he kissed her.

Jaemin groaned as she bit his lower lip, deepening the kiss. He pulled away, his breath ragged. "Not here, chérie," he said, his voice filled with desire.

"You taste like cigarettes," she replied, her eyes closed.

"And you taste like whiskey," Jaemin murmured, pulling her up and standing. "Grab your bag, chérie. I'll take you home."

"Jaemin?"

Jaemin turned to see Jeno and Renjun approaching. "Why are you here? Are you taking her somewhere?"

"I'll take her home," Jaemin replied, his voice firm.

"No, we'll take her home," Jeno insisted. "Sol, let's go."

Jaemin pulled Areum closer to him, preventing Jeno from grabbing her hand. "You're obviously drunk, Lee," he said.

"And you're not?" Renjun retorted. "We can take a taxi."

"More dangerous," Jaemin replied. "You three are drunk, and this girl..." He trailed off, not wanting to say what he was thinking.

"Anyway, I just drank one and smoked," Jaemin continued. "I'll take her home."

"Na Jaemin," Jeno warned.

"Lee Jeno," Jaemin countered.

"Can you take me home now? I want to sleep," Areum groaned, her head pounding.

The two exchanged a glance before reluctantly agreeing. Renjun handed Jaemin Areum's bag. "Take her home safely and respectfully," he said. "I know you're both messing with each other, but she's clearly not sober."

Jaemin nodded. "I will."

Areum waved goodbye to her friends as Jaemin led her out of the club. As they drove, she felt a sense of comfort in his presence. She couldn't explain why, but she felt safe with him.

Jaemin knew he shouldn't be responsible for her, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of duty towards her. Was it because she was his adviser's daughter? Or because she was his right hand's sister? Or maybe it was simply because he owed her family.

He knew he shouldn't get involved, but he couldn't resist the temptation. This was the last time, he promised himself.

have i opened the line for a chittaphon guidance, no?

oh well you guys know the drill, this book is rated mature ^-^