From Reluctance to Desire: A Mafia Story

✨TANGLED HEARTS✨

I woke up in the morning, my eyes fluttering open to find myself curled up on the couch next to Jungkook. For a moment, I stayed still, my heart racing as I saw him still fast asleep, his features softened in the vulnerability of slumber. He looked peaceful, a stark contrast to the cold and commanding man I usually knew. I carefully slipped away, trying not to disturb him, and made my way back to my room.

The shower was refreshing, but I couldn't clear my mind of what he said last night. His words replayed over and over in my head, each making my heart flutter in a thrilling and terrifying way. I blushed at the memory, realizing with a sudden, almost frightening clarity that I was starting to fall for him. What am I doing? I shook my head, trying to push the thought away as I dressed and headed downstairs.

Jungkook wasn't there. I bumped into Julia, who had just arrived, and asked if she had seen him.

"He was on the couch when I came in," she said, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "He mentioned he was drunk last night and didn't remember anything. He asked for something to help with his headache. Could you give this to him?" She handed me a glass of water and some tablets.

I nodded, taking them to his room, my heart pounding with every step. He doesn't remember anything... Why did that make me feel a pang of disappointment? I knocked on his door, and his voice came from within, sharp and direct.

"Come in."

I entered and placed the items on the table, avoiding his gaze. "Julia asked me to give you this for your headache," I said, my voice sounding more formal than I intended. He didn't reply, too focused on the task of loading his gun. The sight was both familiar and unsettling, a reminder of the dangerous life he led.

"Take care of yourself," I added softly, the words slipping out before I could stop them. I immediately regretted it, feeling exposed and foolish.

Jungkook stopped what he was doing and turned to look at me, his eyes narrowing slightly as if in disbelief. "Why this sudden concern for me, Mrs. Jeon?" he asked, his voice teasing and laced with a hint of danger.

He took a step closer, and then another, closing the distance between us with an unnerving grace. My breath caught in my throat as he leaned in, his face so close to mine that I could feel the warmth of his breath on my skin. My eyes darted down, unable to meet his intense gaze. He wasn't going to let me off that easily, though. Gently, he tilted my chin up, forcing me to look into his eyes.

"I asked you a question," he repeated, his voice low and coaxing.

"I... It was nothing, just a formality," I stammered, trying to sound indifferent, but my voice betrayed me.

"Just a formality," he echoed mockingly, a smirk playing on his lips as he mimicked the way I had said "just a dance" the previous day. He was teasing me, pushing buttons I didn't know I had.

He stepped back, turning to pick up the drink I had brought him. "Drink it," I managed to say, my voice almost a whisper now.

He looked at me over the rim of the glass, his eyes never leaving mine as he took a long sip. It was as if he was drawing this out on purpose, enjoying the effect he had on me. "I know, Mrs. Jeon," he replied smoothly. "You don't need to order me."

The way he said 'Mrs. Jeon sent shivers down my spine. There was something about the way the title rolled off his tongue, a mixture of possessiveness and a reminder of the power dynamics between us. He handed me the cup, his fingers brushing against mine for a brief, electrifying moment.