The Innocent and The King

Chapter Eleven - A Game Of Fire

The next morning, Reva awoke to the faint aroma of coffee wafting through the air. She stretched lazily, the events of the past days lingering in her mind like a heavy fog. Despite everything, Jungkook’s presence—his touch, his whispered promises—had been her anchor.

As she padded into the kitchen, she found him standing at the counter, a steaming cup in hand. Dressed in a fitted black shirt and jeans that hugged his form, his tattoos snaking up his exposed forearms, Jungkook looked every bit the dangerous, captivating man who’d stolen her heart.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he teased, his lips quirking into a smirk as he glanced at her.

“Morning,” she replied, her voice still groggy. “How long have you been up?”

“Long enough to make you coffee,” he said, pushing a mug toward her.

Reva took the cup gratefully, savoring the warmth as she took a sip. “Thank you. I didn’t realize mafia kings also had barista skills.”

Jungkook chuckled, leaning casually against the counter. “I’m a man of many talents.”

Reva raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes. “Oh, really? Like what?”

He smirked, setting his cup down and stepping closer to her. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

Her cheeks flushed as he closed the distance between them, his proximity making her heart race. She tried to maintain her composure, but the intensity of his gaze was enough to make her knees weak.

“Jungkook…” she started, but her words faltered as he reached out, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.

“Hmm?” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.

“You’re—”

“Close?” he finished for her, his lips curling into a wicked grin.

Reva’s breath hitched as he leaned in, his nose brushing lightly against hers. “You know,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “you’re impossible.”

“Am I?” he asked, his tone playful as his hands rested on her waist.

Before she could respond, Jungkook’s lips captured hers in a kiss that was as soft as it was electrifying. Her hands instinctively found their way to his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

The kiss deepened, his grip on her waist tightening as he pulled her closer. Reva felt herself melting into him, her worries and fears momentarily forgotten in the warmth of his embrace.

When they finally pulled apart, both of them were breathless. Jungkook rested his forehead against hers, his dark eyes locked onto hers.

“You drive me crazy,” he admitted, his voice a husky whisper.

Reva laughed softly, her cheeks still flushed. “Right back at you.”

---

Later that day, Jungkook decided to teach Reva some self-defense techniques.

“If you’re going to be part of my world,” he said, his tone serious, “I need to know you can protect yourself.”

Reva stood in the living room, clad in leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. She looked up at him, her brows furrowing. “I’ve never been in a fight, Jungkook. The most violent thing I’ve done is swat a mosquito.”

Jungkook smirked, folding his arms across his chest. “Don’t worry. I’ll go easy on you.”

“Somehow, I doubt that,” she muttered under her breath.

He chuckled and stepped closer. “Alright, first lesson: how to break free if someone grabs you.”

Jungkook reached out, his hands gently encircling her wrists. “The key is to use your strength strategically. Instead of pulling away, twist your wrist toward their thumb—it’s their weakest point.”

Reva tried to follow his instructions, but his touch distracted her. His fingers were firm yet gentle, and his proximity made her pulse quicken.

“Focus, Reva,” Jungkook said, though there was a teasing edge to his voice.

“I am!” she protested, though the blush on her cheeks betrayed her.

He leaned in slightly, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, “Are you sure about that?”

Her breath hitched, and she shot him a glare. “You’re not helping!”

Jungkook laughed, releasing her wrists and stepping back. “Alright, alright. Let’s try again.”

They practiced for a while longer, Jungkook’s patience and guidance surprising Reva. Despite his intimidating presence, he was gentle with her, encouraging her every step of the way.

At one point, he demonstrated how to escape a chokehold. Reva hesitated as he stood behind her, his arms loosely encircling her neck.

“Relax,” he said softly. “I won’t hurt you.”

“I know,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As she followed his instructions, twisting her body to break free, she stumbled slightly, falling back against his chest.

“Careful,” Jungkook said, steadying her. His hands rested on her shoulders, and for a moment, neither of them moved.

Reva turned to look at him, her face mere inches from his. The intensity in his gaze sent a shiver down her spine.

“Jungkook…”

Before she could say more, he closed the gap between them, capturing her lips in another kiss. This one was different—hungrier, more urgent. His hands slid down to her waist, pulling her flush against him.

Reva’s fingers tangled in his hair as she responded, her heart racing. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless. Jungkook’s forehead rested against hers, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“You’re a fast learner,” he teased.

Reva laughed, her cheeks still flushed. “Maybe I just have a good teacher.”

---

That evening, the two of them sat on the couch, a warm fire crackling in the hearth. Jungkook had his arm draped over Reva’s shoulders, and she leaned against him, feeling safe in his embrace.

“Do you ever wish things were different?” she asked suddenly, her voice soft.

Jungkook looked down at her, his brow furrowing slightly. “What do you mean?”

“I mean… if you weren’t part of this world. If you had a normal life.”

He was quiet for a moment, his fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on her arm. “Sometimes,” he admitted. “But then I think about everything that’s led me to this point. And if even one thing had been different, I might not have met you.”

Reva smiled, her heart swelling at his words. “You’re such a softie,” she teased.

“Only for you,” he said, his tone serious despite the small smirk on his lips.

She laughed, her fingers tracing the tattoos on his arm. “I like this side of you.”

“You bring it out of me,” he replied, leaning down to press a kiss to her temple.

As the night wore on, Reva felt herself drifting off, the warmth of Jungkook’s embrace lulling her to sleep. Despite the challenges they faced, she knew one thing for certain: with him by her side, she could face anything.

And in his arms, she had found her home.