Lines Blurred, Traces Found (Published Under Ukiyoto Publishing)

Chapter 16: Asia-Pacific Logistics

Asia-Pacific Logistics

As morning slowly arrived, Hyunjie gradually woke up, unaware of what was happening. She thought nothing out of the ordinary had occurred the night before, but when she glanced down at her body, she wondered why she was only wrapped in a blanket. Sitting up in bed, she noticed Eros lying beside her, shirtless, and memories of the previous night began to flood back. "Fuck! No, no, no!" she exclaimed, scolding herself for giving in.

Just moments later, Eros woke up and saw Hyunjie awake, confusion etched on her face. "Good morning, darling," Eros said with a husky voice, smiling.

"What did you do to me?" Hyunjie asked, trying to piece together the events of the night.

"What do you mean?" Eros asked, feigning innocence. "You wanted it last night, didn't you? That's why I'm glad it happened, darling. I knew you couldn't resist me."

Hyunjie shook her head, avoiding eye contact. "It's not like that, Eros. Last night doesn't change anything. You can't stop me from doing what I need to do. I won't let your obsession control me." But Eros just smirked, his piercing gaze mesmerizing her, making her feel trapped and uncertain. Eros's intense stare made Hyunjie feel uneasy, but she tried to maintain her composure. "Don't look at me like that," she said, attempting to sound firm. "It won't work."

Eros chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Oh, but it already has, darling. You can't deny the connection between us."

Hyunjie shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "There's no connection, Eros. It was just a mistake."

"A mistake?" Eros repeated, his voice low and husky. "Is that really what you think?"

Hyunjie nodded, though her heart raced with uncertainty. "Yes, it was. And it won't happen again."

Eros's smirk grew wider. "We'll see about that," he whispered, his voice sending shivers down Hyunjie's spine. Suddenly, Eros's phone buzzed on the nightstand. He glanced at the screen and sighed. "I have to take this." As Eros answered the call, Hyunjie seized the opportunity to escape. She quickly got out of bed, grabbed her clothes, and rushed to the bathroom to dress and collect her thoughts.

When she emerged, Eros was still on the phone, his expression serious. He caught her eye and mouthed, "We're not done discussing this."

"We can't be together, Eros. You're a police officer, and now I'm part of Champ's group, working to take down the syndicate from the inside. I know being an asset is no joke, but I'm determined to see justice served. I don't want to jeopardize everything I've planned and risk losing my chance at revenge just because of our feelings for each other," Hyunjie said, her voice firm but laced with emotion.

Eros's expression turned resolute. "But I told you, Hyunjie, we'll face everything together. We'll navigate this complex situation as a team."

Hyunjie shook her head, her eyes welling up. "It's getting more dangerous by the minute, Eros. Your CID team and the FBI are joining forces on the case, and I know they'll want to extract me from Champ's operation. But I need to see this through."

Eros's grip on her arms tightened. "That's exactly why we need to secure you, especially now that you're working closely with Maya Anderson. She's a valuable witness, and they'll stop at nothing to silence her - and anyone close to her."

Hyunjie pulled away, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need some space, Eros. Time to think and prioritize my mission. Can you understand that?"

Eros's face contorted in a mix of frustration and concern, his eyes pleading with Hyunjie to reconsider. "Space? Hyunjie, we're running out of time. Every moment we're apart puts you in greater danger. Champ's men won't hesitate to hurt you if they suspect you're working against them." But only silence prevailed between the two of them, the tension undeniable. Hyunjie's resolute expression left no room for negotiation. Eros looked away, his gaze drifting to the floor as he processed everything she said. He nodded slowly, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "Fine, darling. For now," he whispered, the resignation in his voice betraying his true feelings.