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I rest my forehead against his as we shatter together and our orgasms vibrate through us like a powerful earthquake. The vibrations start in my pussy and then spread through the rest of my body in deep tremors that have me slumping against Jin’s chest.

He’s no less effected—he’s heaving ragged breaths, dripping sweat, every muscle corded and tense.

We’re suspended in time ’til the freeze wears off, then we’re collapsing beside each other in bed. I roll over to face him, sleepy and content and curious all at the same time. Jin’s already waiting for me, stretching a long arm to pull me even closer.

“Jin…” I mutter. “We’re engaged.”

“Surprised?”

I giggle before I can stop myself, looking up at the ceiling. “Honestly? A little! I didn’t expect you to ask so…”

“What, Tokki-ya? Tell me.”

“Romantically?”

“Your mother gave her blessing.”

“Wait… hold up. You got my mother’s permission?” I ask, pushing myself up on my elbow and quirking a brow at him.

He shrugs, folding an arm under his head. “I wanted to ensure she was in support of it. Her opinion means a lot to you. And to me. She will be my mother-in-law.”

“You… you… softie!” I can’t contain myself as another excitable giggle escapes me and I descend on him with small kisses all over his face and throat.

At first, he tries to push me away, like he’s too cool for such gushy affections, then he just accepts it. He gives in with a lightchuckle as I wrap my arms around him and kiss his jaw and then bury my face in the crook of his neck.

“So, I might have a soft spot,” he admits in his own flat tone Jin sort of way. “Your mother and you have a talent for winning people over. I tried very hard to fight against it, but I’ve realized there’s no winning.”

I giggle again. “Face it, Jin-tae. You secretly love it.”

“Maybe so.” He kisses the top of my curly head. “But that’s because you’ve made it easy to become obsessed with you. I can no longer survive without my little rabbit by my side.”

My small smile remains on my face as I snuggle in his arms and the candles flicker around us in the dark room. “I guess it was a self-fulling prophecy. You marked me in the alley that night thinking it was for death, but really it was just for yourself. For us to be together.”

He considers what I’ve said, then makes a throaty sound of agreement. “I wouldn’t change any of it.”

28.Jin

The Claw Loungestands proudly among the other establishments on the busy street. Its once-faded exterior has been transformed over the last year.

The brick facade, once crumbling, has been repurposed and smoothed over. The old neon sign that was half dead has been replaced by a tasteful, lit-up emblem that bears the Baekho’s claw.

I step out of my Genesis and cross the street like a man who has all the time in the world. The truth is, I like to admire the fruits of my labor—look up at the Claw Lounge and see how far it’s come from Jae-hyun’s days of drunken neglect.

The inside of the lounge is different these days too.

Gone is the acrid stench of cigarette smoke and stale liquor. The cloying smell of bad cologne and blood that never quite washed out of the carpets.

The lighting is moody and low, creating the kind of ambient atmosphere that fits our syndicate.

Men sit scattered around the lounge, their postures easy but alert. Their conversations differ, jackets slung over the backs of their chairs. Near the fireplace, a group of lieutenants sithunched over a game of cards. At the bar, some soldiers drink like fishes.

They all notice me as I pass through.

They nod in respect. Acknowledgment for the authority I wield.

Over the past year, the Baekho Pa has flourished like its glory days so many decades ago. But it’s been hard-earned among me and my men. It’s not something that’s come easily. It’s not something a leader like Jae-hyun would’ve brought to fruition.

I ride the elevator to the third floor, stepping out once the doors split down the middle. The smell of clean leather and fresh lacquer hangs in the air while the carpet beneath my feet is lush and smooth. The once-faded gold trim has been redone, as has the battered wallpaper.