The Servant's La Reine (Bonten #4)

CHAPTER 2

Y/N

"When they're looking for me and I'm in danger, you kill them."

Kakucho simply nodded at my words, his expression calm as he lit his cigarette. The sharp click of the lighter echoed in the quiet room, and I found myself watching him. There was something captivating about the way he carried himself—his confident movements, the slight furrow of concentration in his brow. It was effortless and maddening.

Ever since Kakucho discovered I was the daughter of their new enemy, he hadn't left my side.

Why would he? He had everything to gain by keeping me close. I was his insider, his way of knowing my father's next move. In return, I demanded something from him too: protection. He would kill anyone who tried to harm me. It wasn't a partnership of trust, but a mutual exploitation.

I hated it.

But I hated myself more for needing it. For needing him.

I had no choice. No matter how much I loathed my father's world, I was tied to it. I was his daughter, a fact I could never outrun.

Kakucho believed I was destined to take over my father's organization. I let him think that. It was easier than explaining how much I resented it, how much I wanted to burn that life to the ground.

He knew how I felt—he wasn't oblivious—but he ignored it. Perhaps because his heart was somewhere else.

With her.

I know about the woman Kakucho loves. I've met her. She's Sanzu Haruchiyo's woman, Bonten's number two. A doctor, ironically, surrounded by criminals and unaware of the guards who shadow her every move. She has a past, too—another daughter of a crime lord who tried to escape the darkness only to fall into Bonten's grasp.

What fate.

Kakucho met her when she was still considered an enemy. And now, he's protecting me, the daughter of their current enemy.

But there's no comparison between us. Kakucho protects her because he loves her. He protects me because I'm useful. She stirs his heart; I'm just another transaction.

"No calling me during my work hours," he said suddenly, breaking my thoughts. "I let you get away from your father. We'll only talk when he has a new plan. Clear?"

I nodded stiffly. "Yes."

"Good." He stood, already turning to leave.

"Take care," I said softly, almost instinctively.

He didn't reply. Didn't even glance back.

As the door clicked shut, I bit my lip, frustration bubbling inside me. Why can't he see me?

Days passed. The silence between us was unbearable, but there was nothing I could do. I couldn't call him; he had made that clear. So I waited.

I busied myself with updates from my informant, a woman posing as Koko's secretary. She was loyal to me, though her price was steep.

"No new plans from your father," she said during one of our calls. "Bonten's quiet, too."

"Good," I replied. "Keep me posted."

"Yes, Queen."

I smirked at the nickname, but my thoughts drifted back to Kakucho. Days without seeing him felt like weeks, and the ache in my chest only grew stronger.

Then, unexpectedly, he appeared at the condo one night, completely drunk.

"Kakucho?" I rushed to him, alarmed.

He didn't respond, stumbling against me until I had no choice but to catch him and guide him to the bed.

"Damn," he muttered, wincing. "My head hurts."

I knelt beside him, carefully removing his shoes. "Why are you so drunk?"

He didn't answer, his eyes closing as if the effort to speak was too much.

I stayed by his side, watching him as he drifted off. His sharp features, usually so guarded, seemed softer now. Vulnerable. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what it would be like if he saw me. Really saw me.

Without thinking, I leaned closer.

I kissed him.

It was fleeting, almost hesitant, but my heart raced. I pulled away, guilt flooding me, but before I could move, his hand caught the back of my neck, pulling me back.

He kissed me, deeply, hungrily.

When we broke apart, his eyes locked with mine, something unspoken passing between us.

"So this is the feeling?" he murmured with a smirk.

"Kakucho—"

He silenced me with another kiss, his hands wandering, and in that moment, I didn't care if he was thinking of her. I didn't care if I was just a stand-in for the woman he truly loved.

I wanted to feel him. To feel wanted, even if it was temporary.

And I gave myself to him.

The next morning, I woke to find him standing by the window, buttoning his shirt. His back was to me, but when he turned, his expression was cold.

"This was a mistake," he said flatly.

I sat up, clutching the sheets. "Kakucho—"

"I was drunk. This won't happen again."

The words cut deeper than I expected, but I forced myself to nod. "I understand."

He didn't stay long. He left without another word, leaving me alone in the deafening silence.

My phone buzzed, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Hello?"

"Y/N," came her panicked voice. "Your father... He kidnapped three women."

My blood ran cold.

"Three women connected to Bonten!"

"What the fuck?"

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