CBTB | MW [✔]

06.

I jump as a fist slams on the door again, and Mingyu scowls, turning toward the sound. "What the hell?"

"No, it's okay." I push past him. "Just... Can you stay in the bathroom while I go check?"

Without waiting for him to answer, I hop over the corner of the mattress and grasp the handle, cracking the door open.

Relief floods me when I find the property manager standing on the other side instead of my loan shark.

With a glance back at Mingyun, I squeeze through the crack and step outside. "Hey, Mr. Ji, about the payment that was due yesterday—"

"You're late on rent again." He scratches the stained, white tank top that stretches over his stomach. "This is your third time."

"Yes, but I'll pay the fine when I get paid—"

"Three missed payments, and you're out. It's the rules." His gaze drops to my neck, where kiss marks stand out on my pale skin, and his tongue swipes over his bottom lip. "Are you finally taking on customers? We're not supposed to allow that on the premise, but I could look the other way if—"

The door yanks open, and Mingyu steps out, a small gun pointed at the apartment manager's head. "He's not a sex worker."

Alarm shoots through me, along with a rush of warmth at his protectiveness. I place a hand on Mingyu's tense arm. "It's okay. He's not going to touch me."

Paling, Mr. Ji raises his hand. "Sorry for the misunderstanding. When someone like you comes to a place like this, it's only for one reason."

"Mingyu, please." I cast a furtive look around. "Mr. Ji was just reminding me that rent was due yesterday."

The muscle in Mingyu's jaw ticks before he shoves his gun into his waistband.

"It was a misunderstanding. I'm Wonwoo's boss." Mingyu takes out his wallet and hands Mr. Ji a sleek black card with Velvet Oasis written in hot pink on the back. "Come down sometime, on the house."

Mr. Ji's hand shakes slightly as he reads the name. "No shit?"

"No shit." Mingyu pulls out a stack of bills and holds it out. "This should cover Wonwoo's rent and any fines."

Eyes wide, I snatch the cash before Mr. Ji can take it. "That's way too much. Aren't you supposed to be a businessman?"

I quickly count out the right amount, add fifty for the fine, and slap it against Mr. Ji's chest. "Please enjoy your evening at Velvet Oasis."

Grabbing the leather billfold from Mingyu, I shove the rest of the money back inside and push him into the apartment, slamming the door.

"Dammit." I thrust the wallet back at Mingyu. "I'll pay you back."

He tucks it back into his pocket. "Velvet Oasis owes you a final paycheck."

"That was more than what was owed to me." Tears burn my eyes. "I'll figure out a way to make up the difference."

I look around at what remains in my apartment. Nothing in here is worth selling, but it's everything I have in life.

Instead of telling me not to bother, Mingyu nods in acceptance. "I'll help you find another job."

Surprised, I rub the sleeve of my jacket over my eyes. "At one of your other clubs?"

"No." The sharp word comes with a sense of finality.

My eyes drop to the gun in his waistband. "Where were you hiding that?"

He lifts his sweater to reveal a holster between his shoulder blades. In one smooth, practiced move, he sheathes the gun and drops his sweater.