The Innocent and The King

Chapter Sixteen - Fire And Fury

The aftermath of the attack on the cabin left an unsettling quiet that Reva couldn't shake. Jungkook had been glued to her side ever since, his possessiveness and protectiveness turning into something palpable, a shield she could feel even when he wasn’t in the room.

She sat on the couch, wrapped in a blanket, her hands trembling as she sipped the hot tea Jimin had made for her. Across the room, Jungkook paced, his dark eyes alight with fury as he issued orders to his men.

“Find out who leaked our location,” he growled into his phone, his tone sharp enough to cut glass. “I want every Kang affiliate in the area under surveillance. No one makes a move without me knowing.”

Reva watched him, her heart heavy. She hated seeing him like this—so angry, so burdened—but she also knew this side of him was born out of his love for her.

“I’m fine,” she said softly, her voice breaking the tense silence.

Jungkook stopped mid-step, his gaze snapping to her. He pocketed his phone and crossed the room in a few quick strides, kneeling in front of her. “You’re not fine,” he said, his voice softer but no less intense. His hands cupped her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek. “You were nearly taken, Reva. If I had been even a minute later—”

“But you weren’t,” she interrupted, placing her hands over his. “You saved me, Jungkook. You always do.”

His jaw clenched, and she could see the war raging in his eyes—the guilt, the anger, the fear. “I shouldn’t have left you here. I should have known they’d try something.”

“You couldn’t have known,” she said gently. “And I didn’t make it easy for them, you know. I fought back.”

A ghost of a smile flickered across his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “You’re braver than you give yourself credit for.”

“I had to be,” she said, her voice trembling. “Because I knew you’d come for me.”

Something in his expression softened, and he pulled her into his arms, holding her as though she might disappear. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you again,” he whispered fiercely.

---

Later that evening, the cabin was a flurry of activity. Jungkook’s men were everywhere, securing the perimeter, fortifying defenses, and reviewing footage from hidden cameras Jungkook had insisted on installing after they arrived.

Reva sat at the kitchen table, her hands cradling a glass of water. She felt a strange mix of emotions—relief that the immediate danger had passed, guilt that Jungkook and his men were risking so much for her, and anger that the Kangs had dared to target her.

“You’re quiet,” Taehyung said as he joined her, pulling out a chair. His normally mischievous demeanor was subdued, his concern for her evident.

“I just feel... helpless,” Reva admitted. “All of you are doing so much, and I’m just sitting here.”

“You’re not helpless,” Taehyung said firmly. “You fought back. That’s more than most people would have done in your position.”

Reva gave him a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Taehyung.”

He grinned, his usual charm returning. “Don’t let Jungkook hear you thanking me. He’s already possessive enough without thinking I’m stealing his spotlight.”

Reva laughed despite herself, the sound surprising her. For a moment, the weight on her chest felt a little lighter.

---

As the night deepened, Jungkook finally sat down beside Reva, his hand immediately finding hers. The others had dispersed, giving them a moment of privacy.

“We’re leaving in the morning,” he said, his voice low.

“Where?” she asked, though she wasn’t surprised.

“To a safe house in Busan,” he replied. “It’s more secure, and it’s closer to my main base of operations. I’ll feel better having you there.”

Reva nodded, though the thought of uprooting again made her stomach churn. “What about the Kangs?”

“They’ll pay for what they’ve done,” Jungkook said, his tone dark. “I’ve already put things in motion. But first, I need to know you’re safe.”

Reva reached for his hand, intertwining their fingers. “I trust you, Jungkook. Just... promise me you’ll be careful.”

He turned to her, his eyes softening as he cupped her cheek. “I’ll be careful,” he promised. “For you.”

---

The next morning, Reva found herself in the backseat of a black SUV, Jungkook beside her and Namjoon driving. The rest of Jungkook’s men were in the vehicles surrounding them, a convoy that made Reva feel both safe and conspicuous.

Jungkook’s hand rested on her thigh, his touch grounding her as they drove through the winding mountain roads.

“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

“I think so,” she replied, leaning into him. “I just wish things could be normal for once.”

Jungkook’s expression softened, and he pressed a kiss to her temple. “One day, I’ll give you the life you deserve. No more running, no more danger. Just us.”

Reva smiled, though her heart ached. She wanted to believe him, but the shadows of his world seemed impossible to escape.

---

The journey to Busan was long but uneventful. The safe house was an imposing structure hidden behind tall gates and thick walls. Jungkook wasted no time securing the area, issuing orders to his men before leading Reva inside.

The interior was surprisingly cozy, with warm lighting and plush furniture that made it feel more like a home than a fortress.

“This is where we’ll stay for now,” Jungkook said, guiding her to a couch. “There are guards stationed at every entrance, and the house is fully equipped with security systems.”

Reva nodded, though her eyes lingered on his face. “You’ve thought of everything.”

“I have to,” he said, his tone serious. “Because losing you isn’t an option.”

Reva reached for his hand, her fingers brushing over his tattoos. “You won’t lose me, Jungkook. I’m right here.”

His gaze softened, and he pulled her into his lap, his arms wrapping around her. “I know,” he said, his voice a whisper. “But I need to protect you. Even if it means being ruthless.”

Reva leaned her forehead against his. “Just promise me you’ll protect yourself too. Because I can’t lose you either.”

Jungkook’s lips curved into a small smile, and he pressed a gentle kiss to hers. “I promise,” he said.

For the first time in what felt like days, Reva allowed herself to relax. In Jungkook’s arms, she felt safe, even if the world outside was anything but.

But in the back of her mind, she knew the storm wasn’t over. The Kangs had made their move, and Jungkook would retaliate. She just hoped they’d survive the fallout.