From Reluctance to Desire: A Mafia Story [JJK]

✨SILENT PROTECTION✨

JUNGKOOK POV:

As the city lights blurred past the window, I kept one hand on the wheel, glancing over at Y/N as she sat silently beside me, trying to keep her emotions in check. Her lips trembled, her cheeks stained with tears. Damn it. Seeing her like that twisted something raw and primal inside me. The bastard at the party was lucky he was already dead, or I'd have done a hell of a lot worse.

"Y/N, don't apologize. Ever." I kept my hand on her knee, my thumb moving in slow circles, trying to soothe her. The need to protect her, to shield her from everything, was like a fire burning through me, intense and unrelenting. She was mine. Every instinct I had screamed it, claimed it.

Her breathing slowed eventually, and as I looked over, I saw her eyelids flutter closed, exhaustion finally winning. She was still wearing that dress, the one that drove me crazy from the moment I saw her in it. It clung to her, showing off her every curve. Seeing her beside me now, vulnerable, her guard down... It made the anger and possessiveness that had surged through me earlier seem almost tame by comparison.

By the time we reached my place, she was deep in sleep. I parked, stepping out of the car as quietly as I could before rounding to her side. She didn't stir as I opened the door and gently lifted her out, her head falling naturally onto my shoulder as I cradled her in my arms. Bridal style—funny how right it felt, even amidst all the shit we were dealing with.

The place was silent as I carried her inside, her steady breaths the only sound filling the empty halls. I pushed open the door to my room and set her down gently on my bed, the faint glow from the city filtering in through the blinds, casting shadows across her face. She looked so damn peaceful like nothing in the world could touch her. Seeing her like that softened me, and broke down walls I hadn't even realized I'd built.

I pulled the blankets up over her, careful not to wake her. She shifted slightly, murmuring something under her breath, her hand reaching out. I froze, thinking she might wake up, but instead, she settled again, her face relaxing into a soft expression that hit me right in the gut.

I stood there, watching her for a moment, my mind a mess of thoughts. For so long, I'd kept people at arm's length, never letting anyone close. But here she was, right in my bed, somehow breaking down every damn defense I'd ever had. She was a fucking miracle and a goddamn curse all in one, and I couldn't decide which one scared me more.

When I finally pulled myself away, it was almost morning. I'd barely slept, pacing the living room like a caged animal, my mind replaying the events of the night. The anger I felt toward my father, the disgust at that bastard who'd dared to touch her, and the overwhelming, undeniable fact that I would do anything—absolutely anything—to keep her safe.

I returned to the bedroom just as the first rays of dawn filtered in, illuminating her face. She was still sound asleep, curled up under the blankets, and I found myself smiling, feeling something dangerously close to happiness. I ran a hand through my hair, muttering to myself. "Shit, Jungkook, you're whipped."

I leaned down, letting my fingers graze her cheek, the softness of her skin sending a shiver through me. For just a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to wake up beside her every morning, to have her by my side in every way.

But hell, that was a thought for another day.

I pulled back reluctantly, straightening up as I fought the urge to wake her, to keep her here with me a little longer. But I knew she needed rest, and I had things to take care of. The shitstorm with my father wouldn't blow over easily, and as much as I wanted to stay here and lose myself in her, I had responsibilities.

I turned to leave, pausing in the doorway to look back one last time. She was still fast asleep, her breathing even and calm. A fierce sense of protectiveness surged through me, stronger than I'd ever felt for anyone. Yeah, she was mine, and I'd be damned if anyone ever tried to take her from me.

With one last look, I closed the door softly, heading out to handle the chaos I'd left behind. But as I walked away, I knew one thing for sure—this wasn't over. Not by a long shot.