“You can stay here until the deal’s over,” your father’s deep voice rumbled from inside his office.

Your brows furrowed in confusion. Stay until the deal’s over… What could he possibly mean?

Your father wasn’t just any man. He was a mafia kingpin who controlled the underworld with nothing more than a flick of his wrist. To him, you were his most prized possession, the one thing he shielded from harm at all costs. Despite being nineteen your life was more restricted than most.

And perhaps that was why you’d developed a rebellious streak. Like now, as you pressed your ear against the door of his office, straining to catch the words of the conversation inside.

A voice, low and unfamiliar, made your stomach twist. It wasn’t one of your father’s men—that much you were sure of. But before you could make sense of the unsettling chill that ran down your spine, the door swung open.

You stumbled forward, barely catching yourself before you hit the floor. Acutely aware of the eyes now fixed on you, you straightened. “I… I was going to ask if one of the guards could accompany me while I shop,” you lied, your voice shaky but determined.

Your father sighed, clearly unimpressed. “Go back to your room. Now.” But before you could retreat, a soft chuckle cut through the tension. It wasn’t your father—it came from the man standing across the room.

You froze.

He was tall, with a scar slicing down his cheek and tattoos marring his skin. His eyes locked on you, amusement flickering in their depths. “Well, aren’t you the little liar?” he drawled, a teasing edge to his voice.

“That is my child, Mr. Taejoon,” your father said sharply, leaving no room for argument. “I suggest you keep your distance if you value this negotiation.”

Taejoon didn’t flinch. Instead, he gave a slow, mocking nod. “I won’t lay a finger on your precious thing. You have my word.” But the smirk tugging at his lips said otherwise.

Whatever he was here for, it was clear: he wouldn’t leave without making you part of the deal.