𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄 🌹(18+)

𝟒𝟕:- 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧

Taehyung's fingers tightened around the steering wheel as the car smoothly cruised through the dimly lit roads. The faint hum of the engine filled the air, broken only by Nari's soft shivers in the backseat. He glanced at her through the rearview mirror, the blanket wrapped tightly around her trembling frame. Her pale face and damp hair clung to her, making her look fragile, vulnerable. Perfect.

He let out a low, calculated sigh, loud enough for her to hear. "Still cold, little bird?" he asked, his voice dripping with a gentleness that made her lift her tired eyes to meet his gaze in the mirror.

"I... I'm fine," she stuttered, though her body betrayed her with another involuntary shiver.

"Fine?" he chuckled softly, his tone laced with mock concern. "You're shivering like a leaf, and after everything we did back there... tsk. I suppose I did tire you out, didn't I?"

Her cheeks burned, the words hitting her like a jolt. She clutched the blanket tighter, her mind fuzzy and unsteady. "T-Taehyung..."

He smirked, eyes flicking to the mirror again. "Ah, there it is. My name on your lips... I'd almost started to miss it. But-" he paused, leaning back slightly, "you still haven't earned the right to call me that, have you? Husband. Say it, little fox."

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Her heart raced as he turned his attention back to the road, his smirk lingering like a secret he wasn't ready to share.

"You could've fallen sick out there," he continued, his tone shifting to one of mock scolding. "I wouldn't have forgiven myself if something happened to you. After all..." He paused, his smirk widening, "you're mine now, aren't you? My responsibility."

Nari bit her lip, looking away, unsure whether his words were genuine or veiled with something darker.

Taehyung adjusted the rearview mirror, his piercing gaze locking on her through the reflection. "Drink some water," he ordered gently, reaching into the console and handing her a bottle without looking back. His fingers brushed hers briefly when she took it, making her heart stutter. "You need to stay hydrated after... everything. We wouldn't want you collapsing on me, would we?"

Her face burned at the implication, and she took a shaky sip of the water, avoiding his eyes.

"You know," he continued, his voice softer now, almost coaxing, "I'm not as bad as you think. If you'd just trust me... let me take care of you, you'd see how good life can be."

His eyes flicked to her again in the mirror, watching her as if she were a puzzle he'd already solved but enjoyed playing with anyway.

"You're not a prisoner, Nari," he said suddenly, making her head snap up in disbelief. "I mean, if you wanted to leave..." He trailed off, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You could try. But we both know you won't."

"Why wouldn't I?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

Taehyung laughed softly, the sound both charming and chilling. "Because you don't want to, little bird. You might not realize it yet, but you belong here... with me."

Her grip on the blanket tightened as her mind struggled to process his words. Everything felt distant, as if her body was moving on its own, following his lead without protest.

"You feel it too, don't you?" His voice dropped, low and teasing. "That pull... like no matter how much you resist, your body knows where it belongs."

Nari opened her mouth to protest, but the words caught in her throat. There was something hypnotic about his voice, the way he spoke with such conviction.

"I'll protect you," he added, his tone deceptively gentle as he gave her a dress to wear. "Even from yourself, if I have to. But you don't need to fight me, little fox. Just... trust me."