The Thirteen Shadows / SEVENTEEN FF

Chapter 13: Feisty

'I'm not stubborn, I'm strong minded with enough common sense to think for myself.'

-Unknown

Maya's eyes flickered down to Seungcheol's lips, her breath catching in her throat. She couldn't explain the sudden, overwhelming urge to kiss him, to feel his lips on hers. Maybe it was the alcohol coursing through her veins, or perhaps it was the intoxicating closeness of his body, the heat radiating from him. Whatever it was, it made her reckless.

Before she could finish the thought, Seungcheol moved. His hand shot up, gripping the back of her neck with a firm, almost possessive hold, and he pulled her to him with a force that stole the breath from her lungs. His lips crashed down on hers, the kiss aggressive and demanding, full of the intensity that had been simmering between them since the moment they locked eyes.

Maya was stunned for only a second before her confusion melted into desperation. She kissed him back with equal fervor, her body responding to his as if it had been waiting for this moment. She wanted to touch him, to run her fingers over his sharp jawline, but as soon as she lifted her hand toward his face, Seungcheol caught her wrist in a bruising grip.

"Don't you dare," he growled against her lips, his voice low and commanding.

The words sent a thrill down Maya's spine, igniting something fierce within her. She opened her eyes, meeting his intense gaze as he leaned in to kiss her again. But this time, she wasn't going to be passive. Just as his lips were about to claim hers, she bit down on his bottom lip, hard enough to draw a gasp from him.

Seungcheol pulled back, a low growl rumbling from his chest. He looked down at her with a smirk, his eyes dark with a mixture of amusement and something much more primal. Slowly, he wiped his thumb over his lip, checking for blood.

"Feisty," he remarked, his voice rough with barely restrained desire.

Maya's smirk was short-lived as Seungcheol suddenly moved forward, his expression darkening with determination. Before she could react, he grabbed her by the waist and effortlessly threw her over his shoulder. The abrupt shift in perspective made her gasp, her hands instinctively reaching for anything to steady herself, but Seungcheol's firm grip on her kept her securely in place.

"What the hell are you doing?!" Maya shouted, her voice muffled by the thumping of the bass from the club. She kicked her legs, but Seungcheol barely flinched, his stride purposeful as he moved through the crowd.

With his free hand, he grabbed his expensive blazer and draped it over her, ensuring she was covered as he made his way toward the exit. The blazer, covered her like a protective shield, hiding her from prying eyes. The club's patrons barely paid them any mind, too engrossed in their own world of music and flashing lights to notice the scene unfolding.

Maya continued to squirm and shout questions at him, demanding to know what he was doing, where he was taking her. But Seungcheol remained silent, his focus entirely on getting them out of the club. His expression was unreadable, a mask of determination that made it clear he wouldn't be swayed by her protests.

Finally, they reached his sleek black sports car parked just outside. Seungcheol gently set her down in front of it, her feet touching the ground as she found her balance. The cool night air hit her skin, a stark contrast to the heated atmosphere inside the club.

Maya's confusion only deepened as she looked up at him, her mind racing with questions. "What are you doing, Seungcheol? Where are you taking me? You can't just—"

But before she could finish, Seungcheol cut her off with a single, commanding look. "Get inside the car, Maya," he ordered, his voice low and authoritative, leaving no room for argument. "We're going home."

The intensity in his gaze made her heart skip a beat. She hesitated for a moment, still trying to process what was happening, but something in his tone told her that this wasn't a request. Without another word, she reluctantly opened the car door and slid inside.

Seungcheol quickly moved to the driver's side, getting in and starting the engine. The car roared to life, the powerful engine a mirror to the tension simmering between them. 

" I can't believe you almost called me a dickhead..." He states with slight amusement.

"Well I thought it was some asshole that has the ability to only think with that head..." She angrily mutters causing him to give a laugh.

Maya was shocked to hear his genuine laugh for the first time as they sped away from the club, Maya's mind whirled with a mix of anger, lust, and pure confusion. 

"What about Aera?"

"I've already spoken to Mingyu, he will bring her back to the mansion safely." He answered.

Before Maya and Seungcheol left

Mingyu and Seungcheol exchanged a firm handshake, their eyes briefly meeting before Seungcheol's gaze swept the club, searching for someone specific. The other members had already dispersed—some were at the bar, while others were already occupied with women on their arms, leaving the two of them standing alone in the dim, luxurious atmosphere of the club.

"Where is Maya?" Seungcheol asked hastily, his voice low and urgent as he turned back to Mingyu. There was an edge in his tone that told Mingyu he wasn't here for pleasantries.

Mingyu simply nodded his head in the direction of the VIP area where Maya sat. Seungcheol followed his gaze, and the moment his eyes landed on her, his breath hitched.

There she was, seated elegantly in the VIP section, her posture graceful yet casual. The dress she wore was impeccable—it was both classy and undeniably seductive. The deep color of the fabric contrasted starkly against her skin, making her appear both powerful and vulnerable all at once. Her hair cascaded in soft waves, framing her delicate features and drawing attention to the subtle, natural beauty of her face. Every inch of her screamed elegance, but there was also an underlying danger in how effortlessly she commanded the space around her.

Seungcheol's thoughts clouded with an unexpected wave of possessiveness and lust. The world around him faded as he fixated on her, unable to tear his gaze away. All he could see was red—the red of her dress, the red of his own rising desire. The need to have her, to claim her as his, was overwhelming, and it took every ounce of self-control to maintain his composure.

Coming down from his thoughts, Seungcheol's expression hardened with resolve. "Mingyu," he said, his voice rougher now, "make sure you look after Aera. I'm taking Maya home."

'Not even ten minutes...' Mingyu thought.

Mingyu, having anticipated this, gave Seungcheol a knowing, cheeky smile. He knew that Maya had captured Seungcheol in a way no other woman ever had. There was no doubt in his mind that she was the one for Seungcheol. "Just take care of her," Mingyu reminded him, his tone more serious despite the smile on his face.

Seungcheol barely acknowledged the reminder, already focused on the task at hand. He moved toward Maya with purposeful strides, his gaze never leaving her. Mingyu watched him go, the weight of what was unfolding between them not lost on him.

As Seungcheol increased the distance, Mingyu allowed himself a moment to shift his focus. He found Aera in the crowd, her lively presence impossible to miss. A small smile tugged at his lips as he watched her laugh, her energy infectious. There was something about her, something that was slowly pulling him in deeper with each passing moment. Mingyu could feel it—he was falling hard for Aera, and the thought both thrilled and terrified him.

But for now, his attention was split. He would ensure Aera was safe and looked after, but something told him that whatever was about to happen between Maya and Seungcheol, it was inevitable—and perhaps exactly what they both needed. 

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Word Count: 1304