I can see the galaxy in your lively eyes....

"Get me an invitation card," Sri commanded Arin, who was meticulously fixing his blazer. He wanted to look sharp, hoping to catch her eye as more than just a subordinate.

"But boss," Arin hesitated, a playful smirk creeping onto his face, "Aren't we supposed to enter first and then clear your path? Why do you need an invitation card?"

Sri's lips curled into a sly smile. "I've made a slight change in the plan. I want to enjoy the party while I can."

Arin's heart raced at the prospect. "They may recognize you. Besides, it's a duet party; you won't be allowed in alone." He threw a wink her way, leaning slightly closer. "How about I be your charming date? I can be quite the entertainer."

Sri raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and challenge in her gaze. "Is that so? You think you can keep up with me, Arin?"

"Please," he replied, straightening his blazer with confidence. "I could give you a run for your money, Noona. Just wait until you see my moves on the dance floor."

Sri chuckled, shaking her head, her amusement lighting up the room. "I'm sure you think you're quite the catch. But Taehyung will be going with me," she announced, her tone final and unwavering.

Arin's heart sank, feeling utterly defeated. "Why him?? He'll be a burden to us. Why not take me—"

Sri cut him off, her voice sharp but her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because he's more than just a pretty face, Arin. And besides," she leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "Taehyung has his own charm."

Arin felt a spark of jealousy flare up but quickly masked it with a grin. "Charming? Please, I can charm the socks off anyone in this room. Just give me a chance."

With that, Sri rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Get ready; we're leaving in 15!" She strode out of the house, her heels clicking rhythmically against the marbled floor, leaving a trail of frustration and longing in her wake.

"Aishhh!! Noona! Why do you never notice me?? I like you so damn much!" Arin punched the air in frustration, his emotions bubbling over.

"Arin-ssi?" The low, dangerous growl behind him made Arin turn around. Jungkook stood there, dressed in an immaculate party suit that clung to his toned frame, radiating an effortless sexiness that could make anyone weak in the knees. His eyes were ablaze with a fierce protectiveness. "Keep your distance from my Noona. Don't even think about it."

The air between them crackled with tension, but Arin couldn't resist the urge to tease. "Oh come on, Hyung! I'm practically a romantic hero in disguise over here!"

Jungkook smirked, his eyes narrowing. "Romantic hero? More like a sidekick in a bad romance novel. Know your place, Arin."

"Yah! Are you jealous? Or maybe you like me— AAAA MIANHAE!!" Arin yelped as he ducked just in time to avoid the knife Jungkook had thrown at him. He silently thanked the Titans for his training, which had made him quick on his feet when it came to dodging blades.

"Run for your life!" Jungkook smirked, cracking his knuckles in a way that made Arin's heart race—not from excitement, but sheer terror.

Arin felt a rush of déjà vu. He had been chased by Jungkook more times than he could count, and none of those encounters were good for his health. The moment Jungkook caught him—something that was practically guaranteed—he'd become the human punching bag for a full ten minutes. Arin's face went pale as he bolted for the door, taking to his heels.

..............................

"The Savior was attacked three weeks ago by some gang. The top cardiologist, Dr. Kim Taehyung, has been missing since then. What are the police doing? The public is protesting. They want their doctor back...."

The reporter continued reading the news on the TV, but her words were ignored by Taehyung, who was lying on his back while admiring the ceiling. Soon after he found out that Sri was the boss of the Titans, he had been given a separate room to stay in. He felt relieved that he didn't need to stay with her in the same room. His perception of her had changed; she was nothing but a merciless woman to him. He felt suffocated living with her. Perhaps she felt the same way. Angel and devil could not reside under the same roof.

His mind traveled back to the day he was kidnapped—or doc-napped, to be precise. His brother might have been worried sick about him. He wished he had taken a day off that day. He wished he had run away from the hospital that day. But alas! Dwelling on the past wouldn't change the present.

The sudden knock on the door brought him out of his melancholic thoughts. He sat up and asked, "Who is it?" After receiving no reply, he went to check.

Tae opened the door and found a man holding a suit. "Boss wants you to get ready in 15 minutes."

The doctor stood there dumbfounded. This was the first time Sri had wanted to contact him since that day. She was probably planning something to trouble him.

The man grew annoyed holding the suit and shoved it into Tae's hands before leaving. The brunette closed the door and changed his clothes. He wore an expensive watch and fixed his tie. He checked his reflection in the mirror. The image was handsome as ever, but his face had lost its charm. A caged bird is never happy.

Taehyung followed the man soon after, not bothering to close the door of his room. He was already under surveillance 24/7, and a thief in the house of world-class criminals was the last thing to expect.

..................

Sri opened the door of the warehouse located at the corner of the mansion campus, some distance away from the residential building. It was the Titans' armory, with Miss Song being in charge of it.

Name: Song Kyun Hee

Age: 35 years

Profession: Incharge of the weapon department of The Titans. New weapons are imported under her surveillance.

Likes: Stylish dresses and handsome men.

Dislikes: Boring conversation and weaklings.

Miss Song was wearing her usual shades and a knee-length, skin-tight dress that accentuated her figure. Her ankle-high Chelsea boots added a touch of elegance, and her lips were painted a striking maroon red. A black, furry scarf was wrapped around her neck, giving her a sophisticated yet edgy look.

She welcomed her boss with a bright smile. "I have everything ready," she said, her voice confident.

Sri walked past her to the shotgun shelf and picked up a silver weapon. It was about six inches long—small enough to conceal. With a quick motion, she dropped it into her handbag. Next, she grabbed a revolver and skillfully shoved it into her thigh holster, ensuring it was securely tucked away. She then approached the table where Miss Song had selected several daggers for her. Sri traced the deadly blades with her finger, admiring their sharpness and precision. With a satisfying grin, she cleverly hid them in her hair bun, disguising them as part of her hairstyle.

"Jungkook and Arin have taken their weapons and left," Miss Song notified her, her tone matter-of-fact.

"Good. I shall get going then," Sri replied, her voice firm.

"All the best," the 35-year-old woman said, waving off the young gang leader with a hint of respect.

Taehyung was said to wait in front of the car. It was the same BMW 8 Golden Thunder in which he had been kidnapped, a vehicle that now seemed to symbolize his entrapment. He stood leaning against its door in silence, his eyes scanning the busy surroundings. The gangsters were clearly preparing for a fight, their movements efficient and purposeful. Men dressed in black walked back and forth, exuding an air of readiness.

As Taehyung observed, he noticed Jungkook holding a revolver in both hands, his expression focused and intense. The silver knife blades that peeked from Jungkook's mini pockets didn't go unnoticed by Taehyung; he felt a mix of admiration and concern for the younger man.

Arin was following Jungkook in his suit, but his face was bruised, a testament to whatever conflict he had encountered. Taehyung wondered what had happened to him. "Serves him right," he muttered under his breath, a slight smile creeping onto his face as he considered the consequences of gang life.

The duo got inside their car and drove away, engines roaring to life as they sped into the night.

After some time, Taehyung's eyes fell on the most gorgeous woman in the Titans, Sri herself. She exuded a confidence that captivated him, her beauty undeniable even in the midst of the chaos surrounding them.

Sri walked in wearing a stunning blue slit dress that accentuated her figure. The fabric clung to her curves, and her sexy left leg was exposed as she made her way towards him, each step radiating confidence. Her hair was elegantly tied in a bun, with soft curls cascading down to frame her face. Her eyes were beautifully lined with black mascara, and the corners were highlighted with blue, adding a striking effect. Her lips were cherry red, drawing attention with every smile, and her high heels clicked rhythmically against the paved ground, echoing her commanding presence. With her chin slightly raised, she exuded bossy vibes that left no doubt about her authority.

Taehyung didn't realize his lips were already parted, nor that his eyes had been glued to her for the past three minutes. His heart hammered against his chest, each beat resonating with an undeniable attraction. In that moment, Taehyung found himself completely lost in Sri's beauty, captivated by her elegance and poise.

Sri's eyes, sparkling with mischief, fell on the doctor who was standing by her car. A knowing smile spread across her lips as she took in the sight of him, appreciating the way his handsome features contrasted with the turmoil of their circumstances.

She had never seen a man as handsome as him. The classic black and white suit perfectly complemented his striking features, enhancing his allure. His brown hair was slightly parted, exposing his forehead, and his eyes sparkled with an imperial intensity, reminiscent of a lion's gaze. If she didn't know better, she might have mistaken him for a dangerous yet ethereal Mafia boss. It would have been a lie to say she wasn't intrigued by his looks. Her eyes locked with Taehyung's, and she felt an invisible force drawing her closer to him. For a moment, she wondered if he was a hallucination or perhaps a god in human form, come to punish her for her sins.

The couple didn't realize they were already standing in front of each other, their proximity electric. Sri had to tilt her head slightly to meet his gaze, her heart racing. They shamelessly checked each other out, yet the air was thick with unspoken words. It was Sri who eventually tore her gaze away first.

"Where are we going?" Taehyung asked, coming back to reality.

"To a party," she replied, her tone crisp and businesslike.

"Why am I going?"

"Because I want you to."

"Why do you want me to go?" His curiosity piqued.

"The party allows only duos."

"And am I your partner?" he inquired, a hint of mischief in his voice.

"Yes."

"Why not Arin or someone else?"

"Because I—" She abruptly stopped, her thoughts swirling.

"You?" Taehyung seized the moment to tease, feeling a surge of confidence. He smirked at her and took a slow step closer.

"Because I don't want my men to have that kind of enjoyment during a mission. Besides, you're going to die anyway. I was being kind enough to let you enjoy a few hours of your life." With that, she turned and got into the car, closing the door with a soft thud, leaving him momentarily stunned.

"Liar," Taehyung mumbled, shaking his head as he walked around to the other side to join her. The driver started the engine, and with a roar, they sped away into the night, the tension between them palpable.

.........

The ride was silent, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words. Taehyung kept glancing at Sri, who seemed lost in thought, enjoying the scenic beauty outside. He couldn't help but recall the day she had fallen asleep in his arms; she had looked so peaceful then. Unknowingly, warmth spread through his heart, and a faint blush crept to his cheeks. He wished he could hold her like that again—the Sri he thought he knew, not the cold, ruthless woman she was.

Suddenly, it struck him. The shutters of the window were not drawn, and he could clearly see the road ahead. Were they deliberately allowing him to see his escape route, or had the driver simply forgotten to close them?

"Are you done planning your escape?" Sri's voice cut through his thoughts, making the first possibility clear.

Taehyung cleared his throat before responding, "If I get a chance, then yes, I will."

"Sure!" she scoffed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'll track you down no matter where you go. Probably your hyung..."

"NO! Don't you dare go near my family!" Taehyung's voice rose, a mix of anger and fear coursing through him.

Sri's smirk widened, clearly enjoying the effect her words had on him. "Depends on how you behave, Dr. Kim."

"Fuck you!" Taehyung shot back, his frustration boiling over.

"Nah! I'm good as a virgin," she replied, her playful tone igniting his cheeks with embarrassment.

He hadn't meant it like that. Flustered, he chose to remain silent, staring out the window as the cityscape blurred past, his mind racing with thoughts he dared not voice.

Double update!!
This was a huge chapter. Word count 2452.

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I appreciate all the readers who are reading my book. Continue to shower Doctor x Gangster with your love. 💜💜

Ps. I wish I could recover Joonie's lost files. He had worked hard on them.☹