Heeseung saw her the instant the door creaked open. Yellow dress. Pale shoulders. Big, soft eyes scanning the dark room like she could still escape if she found the way out fast enough. Foolish girl. There are no exits once you come here. His cigar burned low between my fingers. My men shifted in their seats, restless wolves smelling fresh blood. But I let her walk. I wanted to see how far the angel would step into hell before she realized the price.

"Let her come," Heeseung said when Jay asked if he should throw her out. Because curiosity is a slow, sweet poison.

And then she stood before him.

"Mr. Lee?" Her voice was soft, trembling—but not broken.

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the table. The shadows wrapped around her like greedy fingers.

"Angel... do you know what it costs to ask a man like me for help?"

She swallowed hard. "I can pay."

A low chuckle from Jay behind me. "Doubt it. Girls like you don’t have what he wants."

I raised a hand. Silence fell.

"What’s your name and tell me, what brings you to my table wearing that sunshine dress in a house of shadows?" I asked.

You, you only needed time. A few more weeks for your brother. Your big brother owed money to this man, to the dangerous mafia Lee Heeseung.