BEYOND THE LOVE

CHAPTER 24:

The next evening, the plan was set in motion. Rein had already arrived at the lunar club, sitting at a secluded corner. The club was a perfect spot: dimly lit, crowded, and with deafening music that made any conversation nearly inaudible to prying ears.

I hesitated for a moment outside the club, taking a deep breath and smoothing down my pastel green dress. The dress was more revealing than usual, reaching mid-thigh with a side slit. It was sleeveless, featuring delicate spaghetti straps making it perfect for such an occasion. My makeup was light, but my eyes had been accentuated with foxy glitter makeup which shimmered under the club's lights.

Entering, I made my way through the crowd, glancing over to see Rein's reaction. His eyes widened momentarily, clearly taken aback by my appearance. I couldn't help but smirk at his reaction, enjoying the brief moment of catching him off guard.

REIN'S POV:

I scanned the club in search of Nara. There she was, looking absolutely breathtaking. A wave of tension passed through me, causing my heartbeat to race, though I tried to keep calm. Her eyes sparkled as she approached, drawing the attention of several onlookers. Noticing my awestruck expression, she flashed a sly smirk before coming closer and standing beside me.

END OF REIN'S POV:

Spotting an empty seat next to Rein, I slid into it gracefully. "What if he doesn't show?" I whispered into his ear.

Rein leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against my cheek as he responded, "I've got an idea, but it's risky."

As he leaned in, a rush of warmth surged through me, making my heart hammer against my chest. It was evident to him how much his proximity affected me, and smirking slightly, he shifted even closer.

"Did you hear what I said?" he whispered.

I met his gaze, trying to steady my racing pulse. The potent scent of his cologne enveloped me, and his mere presence felt overwhelming. My attempt to divert his attention faltered as his eyes suddenly fixated on the cut on my wrist, which I'd meticulously concealed with makeup. Glancing at it, he inquired softly, "What about this?"

Gathering my composure, I replied curtly, "It's none of your concern."

His eyebrows arched in response. "Really?"

Swallowing hard, I shot back, "Don't act like you own me."

His voice dropped an octave, dripping with intrigue. "What if I do?"

My breath caught, and I managed a shaky "What?"

Drawing even closer, his fingers gently traced my concealed cut. He murmured, "You said you're unaffected by me , but every little reaction of yours says otherwise."

I tried to pull away from his touch, but he held my wrist gently, examining the cut. "You should've told me," he murmured, a genuine concern seeping through his earlier playful demeanor.

"I ...am ...fine" I lied, not willing to go into the real reason for the cut.

Rein's gaze was intense as he held my wrist. "I don't believe you," he replied softly.

An awkward silence settled between us, broken only by the thumping bass of the club's music. I was torn between wanting to flee from the intensity of the moment and the undeniable magnetism between us that urged me to stay.

Suddenly, Rein's gaze shifted behind me, his eyes narrowing.

"He's here," Rein whispered, releasing my wrist.

For a moment, the world blurred as the danger of our mission crashed back into focus. This wasn't just a rendezvous between Rein and me; it was a crucial operation that could change the course of events for many. The playful tension that had been building was immediately replaced by the stark reality of our situation.

Before I could inquire more, he discreetly handed me a small device.

"This is a tracker, in case we get separated. And also..." he whispered, pointing towards a waiter who approached us with two drinks. "Those are courtesy of a gentleman at the bar," the waiter gestured towards a shadowy figure. It was Corvus.

A shiver ran down my spine. There was something predatory about his gaze, an unmistakable gleam in his eyes that made my skin crawl. Taking a deep breath, I picked up the drink and raised it in acknowledgment, allowing a flirtatious smile to play on my lips.

Rein, clearly impressed by my composure, gave a nod of approval.

"Remember the plan. Keep him distracted, and I'll handle the rest."

We spent the next hour subtly observing Corvus. As the night progressed, his interest in me seemed to intensify. But as I got up to head to the restroom, giving Rein a subtle nod, Corvus made his move.

Approaching me, he placed a hand on my waist, his voice dripping with faux charm, "It's a pleasure to finally meet you face-to-face, Nara."

My heart raced.
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How did he know my name?
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Has our cover been blown?
Before I could react, Corvus continued, "I've heard so much about you and your team. You think you're very clever, don't you?"

His grip tightened, making me wince. But before he could do anything else, a commotion erupted at the bar. Rein, using the distraction, swiftly moved in, delivering a swift blow to Corvus's abdomen. As Corvus staggered, Rein whispered something in his ear, making his face pale.

Ji Woon and Suha appeared, taking strategic positions around the club. Corvus, realizing he was outnumbered, backed off.

"It seems you have the upper hand today," he sneered. "But remember, Nara, the game has just begun."

With a swift move, he disappeared into the crowd, leaving us with more questions than answers.
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