Page 97 of Ruthless Touch

I catch her hands and gently lower them so she can’t.

“Don’t. I like seeing this side of you. You feel deeply, Goyangi-ne. That’s not a weakness. That’s a strength.”

We kiss softly, the salt of her tears on her full lips. I savor the taste of her in every way, even her tears.

When we draw back, I wipe the remaining moisture away with my thumb.

“What do you want when it’s all said and done? When—notif—we survive this. What do you want to do with your life?”

A genuine, bemused smile breaks across her face. “I’ve never looked that far ahead. Maybe… maybe a real vacation. Like on a nice beach somewhere. I’ve actually never… taken one before. Just for fun, you know?

“Then maybe I’ll take you on one someday,” I tell her, meaning every word. “We’ll go away to some nice beach just you and me. I’ll make it come true.”

TWENTY

ELISE

Gun trustsme enough to leave me in his loft alone. Yet I didn’t tell him a word about the visitor who would be coming by while he’s gone.

He’s gone for a few hours today, which leaves me with time alone and the loft to myself.

He couldn’t avoid Cheongryong business any longer—there was a meeting at syndicate headquarters he had to attend, plus he needed to check in with his crew and maintain the facade that everything was normal.

It’s the perfect window for Uncle Jerald and me to finally meet up now that he’s arrived back in South Korea.

When the knock comes at the door, I let him in quickly, glancing down the hallway to make sure no neighbors are watching.

“This has to be fast,” I say. “I’m not supposed to have visitors. It’s too risky right now. Are you sure nobody was following you?”

“Baby girl, really? You’re going to ask me that like I’m an amateur? I know when I’m being followed. Nobody paid me any mind.”

Uncle Jerald opens his arms for an embrace, pulling me into one of his bone-crushing hugs. He’s wearing a tropical shirt with palm trees on it and a Panama hat that tells me he’s still in vacation mode.

But it feels good to hug him. The only real family I have left.

“You look like you’re getting a little too skinny.” He draws back to assess my appearance with a critical eye. “You need to bulk up if you’re going to be going after them Blue Dragons.”

I look away guiltily, wondering if I should tell him the truth—that Gun and I are working together now. Everything has changed in ways I never would’ve predicted.

But the words don’t come out as I realize I’ve reached another crossroads.

Not only do I feel guilty for not telling Gun my uncle was coming by to visit, I feel guilty for not telling Unc that I’m allied with Gun.

He’d probably react like KD—he’d consider it sleeping with the enemy.

My thoughts are drawn back to the present by Uncle Jerald himself.

He’s wandered into the main living area, giving an impressed nod as he takes his time surveying the accommodations.

“This place is mighty spacious for Seoul,” he says. “How’d you land it, baby girl? Was it KD? That boy is so smitten with you, he’d do anything.”

“I acquired it myself,” I lie without thinking.

His gaze settles on the jackets hanging from the coat rack near the entrance. One belonging to me. The other Gun’s. His expression shifts.

“Seems like the jacket on the left belongs to a man.”

“I like a loose fit.”