Page 7 of Ruthless Touch

“Hey cutie,” he calls out in place of hello. He sidles up with his elbow propped on the bar counter. “Name’s Joon. I feel like we’re vibing already and you haven’t even let me buy you a drink yet.”

My smirk spreads, brows lifting. “That’s pretty presumptuous of you, isn’t it?”

“Look, I’m just saying… your chakras? Definitely calling mine. It’s not presumptuous if the universe already shipped us. I’m just playing my role.”

“Chakras?” I release a small laugh. “That’s a new one. A lot more creative than what’s your sign.”

“You ever hear of twin flames? ’Cuz I’m ninety-eight percent sure that’s me and you.”

“You’re very cute—and amusing—but I’m going to have to pass. I don’t think our chakras are as aligned as you think.”

Joon slides both hands through his shag of a hairstyle, then nods in defeat. “Okay, but tell me the truth: should I keep this outfit or return it to the mannequin?”

“Honestly? I’d try to get my won back.”

“Ouch!” he calls out, cringing at my polite but blunt delivery. “But I’ve got to respect a lady’s opinion. The most beautiful woman here tonight, no less?—”

A hand clamps down on his shoulder from behind and cuts him off midsentence. Joon’s caught off guard for half a second as he glances over at the culprit.

I’m less surprised because I anticipated he’d walk over if Joon spoke to me long enough.

The man is handsome, with dark, almond-shaped eyes that twinkle on their own as if he’s permanently amused by a joke only he knows.

The purple lighting reflects on the shiny, smooth texture of his jet-black hair. He’s combed it in a style that’s both polished and disheveled all at once—sleek and short with an undercut and textured fringe, it fits the rest of his face.

Features that are distinguished and angular but still broad and large enough to be masculine. He’s sporting a five o’clock shadow as he interrupts his friend with a hand on his shoulder and a crooked, cocky grin slants across his mouth.

My heart gives an extra beat, my pulse racing just a little bit faster now.

“Joon,” he says. “Why don’t you leave the beautiful lady to her drink? I’m not sure she wants to be bothered.”

Joon gives off a loud laugh, scratching the back of his neck. “You’re right. I think my chakras talk put her off. But you know where to find me, cutie.”

He winks and points at me with a finger gun before he’s finally choosing to abort mission and walk away.

It only takes five seconds before he’s approaching another woman. This one a redhead out with a group of her girlfriends.

But his friend remains. He turns his attention back to me, his grin shrinking to nothing.

“Your first time here?” he asks.

“How did you know?”

“I know everything that happens in this club,” he says plainly. “Andin Seoul. Which makes me wonder how you thought you’d get by.”

I blink twice, fighting hard to keep cool. I pop an innocent smile. “Get by with what?”

“Get by without telling me who you really are. Did you really think I wouldn’t know?”

…fuck.

THREE

GUN

Non-alcoholic drink.Guarded smile. Eyes that are a dark mystery but twinkle with keen vigilance and perception.

She’s not here to get drunkorbe seen.