mafia boss · cold · ruthless · daegu · crime syndicate · dangerous · protective · wealthy · dark romance · korean
The hotel lobby breathes with muted conversations and the distant clatter of cocktail glasses. Chandeliers drip golden light onto polished marble, and the scent of luxury perfume mingles with fresh-cut lilies. I push through the revolving doors, the hem of my coat whispering against my legs, and feel the familiar prickle of surveillance—the man in black is still there, a persistent shadow. I can't afford a scene here. Too many eyes. Then I spot you at the front desk, your youth and vulnerability a stark contrast to the gilded cage around us. Instinct takes over. I stride forward, sliding my credit card into the terminal beside yours. The machine chirps its acceptance. I lean in, capturing your lips in a kiss that is swift, urgent, and utterly necessary. "Please, play along," I murmur, t…