A Kiss For A Kiss

11

Jungkook's taste still lingers on my tongue as I swirl the whiskey in my glass, the burn of the liquor matching the heat that's been simmering between us since the car ride. We're at some lavish party now, the kind where everyone seems to measure their worth in zeros and designer labels. The moment we walked through the grand doors, I could sense it—a gathering of pretentious business types who would throw a fit if a hair was out of place. But frankly, I couldn't care less about their little egos.

I have no clue why Jungkook brought me here. The second we arrived, he abandoned me to schmooze with some people who I assume are his business partners. Left to my own devices, I gravitated toward the buffet, shamelessly indulging in the best food I've tasted in a while. If there's one thing about these high-society parties, it's that they know how to feed you.

Now, as I sip my whiskey, I catch Jungkook's gaze from across the ballroom. His eyes promise all kinds of wickedness, and my body responds to the memory of what we did in the car before coming here. It takes everything in me not to go to him right now, but I force myself to look away, only to meet the eyes of a group of women who have been staring daggers at me since I arrived.

I ignore them and head for the strawberries dipped in molten chocolate, trying not to focus on Jungkook's intense gaze as I take a bite. But his stare is relentless, burning into me with every movement of my lips. God, he needs to stop.

Just when I decide I can't take it anymore and start toward him, a wall of designer handbags and high heels cuts me off.

"Can I help you?" I ask, trying to keep my voice polite, even though I already know this is going to be a waste of time.

"Who are you?" the woman in the middle snaps, her tone as sharp as her diamond-encrusted manicure.

"A human being," I reply dryly. "Why?"

"You can't talk to her like that!" one of her minions chimes in, her voice a little too shrill for my liking.

"I'm so sorry," I grit out, my patience wearing thin. "But you're blocking my way. So, if you'll excuse me..." I try to push past, but one of them grabs my wrist, yanking me back.

"What the hell?" I glare at her in disbelief.

"Is Mr. Jeon your husband?" another one asks, this one looking like the dumbest of the group.

I stare at her, biting back a laugh. Well, this could be fun.

"Yeah, he is," I lie with a straight face, glancing around at the group. "So don't even think about looking at him, much less touching him. Or..." I bare my teeth in a mock-snarl, "Scary Chaeyoung will pounce."

I stalk off, barely able to contain my laughter as I think about the looks on their faces. That was epic. Sometimes it's just too fun to be the villain.

"Miss Park?" A male voice interrupts my thoughts.

I turn to find a man I don't recognize smiling at me. "Yes, that's me. Why?"

"I can't believe it!" He beams, leaning in conspiratorially. "You have my utmost respect, Roseanne Chaeyoung Park! I'm part of The Bummers, though I'm sure you know all about that. Kim Chul told me how successful our mission was five years ago thanks to you. I've been dying to meet you—"

His words fade into static as my vision darkens, and suddenly, I'm falling, the hard floor rushing up to meet me.

Five Years Ago

"Chul, stop talking nonsense," I hiss at my former best friend.

"I'm serious, Chaeyoung," he whispers urgently. "I need your help."