Lines Blurred, Traces Found

Chapter 7

The Lockdown (A Prison of Protection)

Before Hyunjie could get far, Eros was approaching her again, his long strides eating up the distance. His eyes locked onto hers, burning with an unyielding determination. Eros cornered Hyunjie, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity. He didn't care if he had to kidnap her; he would do whatever it took to keep her safe, to protect her from herself.

Hyunjie's back hit the wall, her chest heaving with exhaustion. Her eyes flashed with anger, her breath coming in short gasps. She glared at Eros, defiance burning in her eyes like a wildfire. "You can't stop me," she spat, her voice venomous, dripping with malice.

Eros didn't flinch, his expression unyielding. "Watch me," he growled, his voice low and even.

Hyunjie's gaze never wavered, her jaw set in a fierce resolve. "I won't let you," she warned, her voice steady.

Eros's eyes narrowed, his face inches from hers. "You don't have a choice," he whispered, his breath caressing her skin. With a swift motion, he scooped Hyunjie into his arms, ignoring her struggles. Eros managed to get out of the warehouse, Hyunjie struggling in his arms. He swiftly put her in his car, locking the doors before she could escape.

As he drove away fast, Hyunjie frantically tried to open the door, but it wouldn't budge. "No, stop the car!" she shouted, pounding on the window. "Stop it, why are you doing this?!" she demanded, her face red with anger.

Eros's expression remained stoic, his eyes fixed on the road. "I told you before," he said sparingly, his voice firm.

Hyunjie's eyes blazed with determination. "I'm just doing my mission," she insisted. "But because of you, I'll lose all my determination. You're not helping me!"

Eros's gaze flicked to her, his eyes piercing. "Determination to commit revenge? For the death of your brother?"

Hyunjie was stunned, her eyes widening in shock. "How did you...?" she trailed off.

"I know you want to avenge Harry's death," Eros continued, his voice softening slightly. "But it doesn't help the mission if hatred and anger dominate your feelings."

Hyunjie's face twisted in anguish. "You don't care!" she accused, her voice cracking.

Eros's expression turned grim. "I care about you, Hyunjie. That's why I'm doing this."

Hyunjie's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched on her face. "What do you mean?" she asked warily.

Eros's gaze returned to the road, his jaw set. "You'll know soon enough." Hyunjie realized that the car had stopped, and when Eros got out, he opened the door where Hyunjie was sitting, letting her out into the cool evening air. But when Hyunjie stepped out, she was shocked as the man grabbed her arm tightly again, his grip unyielding. "Come on," he said, pulling her to start a walk.

"Don't worry, this is my rest house," Eros said, his voice low and reassuring. "No one knows this place, and no one will know where you are." Hyunjie's eyes scanned the surroundings, her mind racing. The secluded location sent a shiver down her spine. Eros opened the gate, and they stepped into a serene garden. Only the two of them were there, no signs of life elsewhere.

As they walked toward the rest house, Hyunjie's anxiety grew. When they finally got inside, Eros closed the door firmly behind them and led Hyunjie upstairs. He opened a room door and gestured for Hyunjie to enter. "You're kidnapping me, you know that?" Hyunjie accused, her voice rising. "I can't just be imprisoned here; I have to do my mission. Let me out of here!"

Hyunjie tried to reach the door, but Eros stopped in front of her, his eyes burning with determination. He grabbed both of her arms, holding her firm. "You're not going anywhere," he said, his voice unyielding.