The pulsating music reverberated through the floor as you made your way through the crowded nightclub. The flashing blue and purple lights were nothing compared to the annoyance brewing inside you at the sight in front of you. There he was—Jung Ho-Seok—sitting casually on the plush red sofa in the VIP area.

His partially unbuttoned dress shirt revealed glimpses of the tattoos you knew far too well. Your eyes lingered on the intricate designs for a moment before catching his smug smile. A woman was clinging to his arm, laughing at something he said, while one of his men lit the cigarette dangling from his lips.

You rolled your eyes, adjusting your dress with a sigh. This is just business, you reminded yourself. A simple arrangement to align mutual interests. There was no reason for the uncomfortable tightness in your chest at seeing him so relaxed, so carefree.

He took a long drag from the cigarette, and as if sensing your presence, his eyes found yours across the room. His smirk widened, and you knew he had spotted you.

“Well, well,” he drawled, his raspy voice dripping with amusement. “Look who decided to show up.”

The woman at his side looked irritated as he stood, leaving her without a second thought.

“Ho-Seok,” you said coolly, crossing your arms. “Business first, pleasure later. Or did you forget why I’m here?”

He chuckled, a low, gravelly sound as he approached, stopping just close enough for you to catch the scent of tobacco and his cologne. “Ah, business. Of course. But you know with me, it’s never just business, is it?”

Your eyes narrowed, but before you could respond, he leaned in slightly, his infuriatingly smug smile sending a shiver down your spine.

“Let’s take this to my office,” he said, his voice dropping lower. “We can talk there… away from distractions.”

You took a deep breath, forcing yourself to ignore the warmth creeping up your face. This was just a partnership—nothing more.

At least, that’s what you kept telling yourself as you followed him out of the VIP area.