Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 9: The Heart of Darkness

The Heart of Darkness

Hyunjie's eyes flashed with anger, but Eros's grip only tightened. "Let me go!" she demanded, struggling against his hold.

"Listen to me, Hyunjie," Eros said, his voice firm but laced with desperation. "You don't understand the danger you're in. Champ's operation is just the tip of the iceberg."

"I don't care," Hyunjie spat, her voice venomous. "I'll take my chances. Harry deserved justice."

Eros's eyes seemed to bore into hers, searching for a glimmer of understanding. "I'm trying to protect you, Hyunjie. You're not equipped to handle this alone."

Hyunjie's laughter was harsh. "Protect me? You're holding me captive!"

Eros's expression softened, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "I know it seems that way, but trust me, Hyunjie. I'm your only hope."

Hyunjie's gaze never wavered. "I'd rather die than trust you." The air was heavy with tension as they stood there, locked in a silent standoff.

His gaze focused intently on hers, burning with an unspoken emotion. "I won't let you die," Eros said, his husky voice sending shivers down Hyunjie's spine. "Since I found you, I don't know how to find a reason to let you go." His eyes seemed to bore into her soul, as if willing her to understand. "I don't want to lose sight of you, Hyunjie," he continued, his voice laced with desperation. "Because you're driving me crazy." The admission hung in the air, heavy with vulnerability.

Hyunjie's eyes flashed with defiance, even as her heart raced. She raised her hands, struggling against Eros's grip on her arms. "You're insane," she spat, trying to break free.

But Eros's hold only tightened. "The way I'm falling in love with you," he whispered, his breath caressing her skin. "The way I'm getting too obsessed with you." His words dripped with raw emotion, leaving Hyunjie breathless. Her mind reeled, torn between fear and fascination. How could she feel drawn to this complex, troubled man?

"What's wrong with you?" Hyunjie demanded, trying to hide her trembling.

Eros's gaze never wavered. "You," he replied, his voice barely audible. "You're what's wrong with me." The tension between them was palpable, a living, breathing entity. Eros's eyes seemed to darken, his gaze intensifying. "I can't let you go, Hyunjie," he whispered, his breath hot against her skin. "I won't."

Hyunjie's struggles grew futile as Eros's grip tightened. His fingers dug into her arms, holding her captive. "You're mine now," he murmured, his voice low and possessive. "Mine to protect, mine to keep." Hyunjie's fear spiked, but a spark of fascination flickered within her. She felt trapped, yet drawn to the depths of Eros's tortured soul.

"Eros, stop," she pleaded, her voice barely audible. But he didn't respond. His eyes burned with an inner fire, consuming everything in their path. Suddenly, Eros's lips crashed onto hers, his kiss fierce and unyielding. Hyunjie's world spun out of control.

Hyunjie's lips parted in shock, her mind reeling from the intensity of Eros's kiss. She felt consumed, her senses overwhelmed by the raw emotion pouring from him. Hyunjie's eyes flashed with defiance, her lips pressing together in resistance. She tried to twist away, but Eros's grip held firm. "Let me go!" she demanded, her voice muffled against his mouth.

Eros's kiss faltered, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, they stared, the air thick with tension. Then, Eros's face darkened, his jaw clenched. "You can't deny this, Hyunjie," he growled, his voice low.

Hyunjie's heart pounded, her fear spiking. She knew she had to escape, to break free from Eros's suffocating grip. With a surge of adrenaline, Hyunjie wrenched free, her hands flying up to push Eros away. Her palms connected with his chest, but he barely budged.