[A/N: Valentine's Special Update 3]

Song Recommendation: Renegade Remix

The trap, the golden trap

She was to walk away

But started to walk to it

Only to grab

Grab the knob to the door

The door that led her life to crap

Alas! The trapper was beautiful

Beautiful enough to put her to nap

Nap of Death and darkness to snap

Snap the light and rip the bright

Putting her corpse in the dark trap

The trap, the golden trap

She was to walk away

Yet she stayed and got stabbed

The crisp morning air kissed Cherry's bare arms as she stepped onto the porch, the silk night gown sinfully kissed her curves with every sway. She cradled her warm mug of coffee in both hands, inhaling the rich scent as her feet carried her toward the garden like they always did.

It was her favorite time of the day—the quiet before the world stirred, where she could simply exist without the weight of lingering gazes or heavy thoughts.

But then—

Her steps halted. For a few minutes, she just peered at it.

A box.

Sitting on the doorstep, elegant and dark, wrapped with an expensive black ribbon. Her breath caught in her throat.

It was stunning, the kind of box one would find in an exclusive store meant to hold something rare, something dangerous.

She set her mug down on the railing, a slow unease creeping up her spine. Her fingers hovered over the box before she finally picked it up, feeling the weight of it in her arms.

It was silent on the outside, there was no sender name inked to the top.

But she didn't need one to know who it was from. The box screamed his name. Her stomach twisted as she clutched the box to her chest, a war raging inside her. She should throw it away. She should leave it there and pretend she never saw it.

But instead—

"Cherry?"

Her father's voice jolted her, making her grip on the box tighten.

Shit.

She turned quickly, seeing him standing in the doorway, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"How many times I have told you not to go out right after getting out of your bed honey, you'll catch a cold. Now come, breakfast is ready, your mom made egg rolls" he spoke. Then, his gaze flickered to the mysterious package in her arms. "What's that?"

"Nothing!" she blurted, too quickly.

His brows furrowed.

"I mean—it's, uh, a package. For Sophie. I was just bringing it in for her." She forced a smile, shifting the box behind her back.

Her father stared at her for a second longer before sighing. "Okay. Come eat."

"I'm not hungry."

His frown deepened. "Not even coffee?"

She hesitated, her gaze darting to the forgotten mug still sitting outside.

"I—I'll get it later" she mumbled, already backing away.

Before he could ask more questions, she turned on her heel and rushed inside, heart pounding against her ribs.

Up the stairs.

Down the hall.

Into her room.

The door clicked shut behind her, and only then did she let out a breath.

She stood there for a moment, staring at the box in her hands like it was something alive. Her fingers curled around the ribbon, hesitating.

Then, finally, she moved.

She climbed onto her bed, placing the box in front of her before sitting cross-legged. Her hands trembled slightly as she pulled at the ribbon, watching it unravel like a secret waiting to be uncovered.

The lid came off.

The first thing she saw was—

A rose.

Black as midnight, speckled with deep red, as if it was bleeding.

Her stomach flipped watching the unique beauty in front. Swallowing, she set the rose aside and reached for the folded letter resting beneath it. The parchment felt expensive, the edges slightly curled.

With shaky fingers, she unfolded it.

Wear this for me. Let me see you wrapped in something as sinful as you are. Let me take you where the night belongs to us, where your mind doesn't have to fight against your body.

And yes, I prefer lace if you might ask!

9:00 PM.

The Black Orchid Lounge.

Pervert!

Her breath was unsteady as she lowered the letter, her fingers tightening around the edges.

Slowly, she pulled back the last layer of silk and revealed the dress beneath it.

Black.

Dripping in dark gems that caught the light, glinting like fallen stars. The fabric was impossibly soft beneath her fingertips, smooth like liquid sin. Atop it rested a crimson stick of red lipstick!

She swallowed hard.

This was insane. Absolutely insane.

And yet—

Her fingers traced the beading and the jewel-like lipstick case, her pulse betrayed her. Because the truth was... She wanted to go. Even if it meant walking straight into the lion's den.

—----------------------------------

The Black Orchid Lounge

The cab rolled to a slow stop in front of the towering building, its sleek black glass reflecting the city's golden lights. Cherry's fingers curled around the hem of her dress as she swallowed hard, her heart rattling against her ribs.

She couldn't believe she had actually come all the way here for him. No turning back now.

Slipping a few bills to the driver, she stepped out, her heels clicking against the pavement as she straightened herself. The wind whispered against her bare shoulders, and for a moment, she hesitated—before inhaling sharply and stepping through the grand entrance.

The dimly lit lounge smelled of expensive cologne and aged whiskey, the kind of place that demanded exclusivity. The hostess at the front desk, dressed in an elegant black gown, barely spared her a glance before asking in a smooth voice, "Reservation name?"

Cherry cleared her throat, forcing her voice to stay steady.

"Kim Taehyung."

That got the woman's attention.

Her gaze flickered to Cherry's dress, recognition sparking in her eyes before she gave a polite nod. "Follow me."

The walk felt endless as they weaved through the lavish interior, past gold-trimmed mirrors and candlelit booths, the air thick with whispers of power and wealth. And then—an elevator.

The hostess pressed a button, and the doors slid open. She stepped aside, gesturing for Cherry to enter.

"Rooftop."

Cherry hesitated, but the moment stretched too long, so she stepped inside. The doors closed. The soft hum of the elevator was the only sound as she ascended, nerves coiling tighter with each passing second.

And then—

A soft chime.

The doors slid open, revealing a scene so breathtaking it stole the air from her lungs.

The rooftop was bathed in a warm golden glow, tiny fairy lights draped over the canopy above, flickering like fallen stars. The entire space was lined with black roses, their petals kissed with hints of red, eerily similar to the one she had received earlier.

A private paradise.

Set for two.

She stepped forward, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor.

The world felt eerily still as if the universe itself was holding its breath.

Was she... alone?

She turned, glancing around, her fingers brushing over the cool petals of a nearby rose. The silence wrapped around her, stretching, growing heavier by the second.

And then—

A presence.

She felt it before she saw it.

The slow, deliberate heat of someone standing too close.

Her breath hitched as she turned sharply, her heel catching against the smooth surface. She barely had time to react before she stumbled—

But she didn't hit the ground.

A strong grip caught her waist, steadying her. His grip! The scent hit her first—dark spice and musk, heady and intoxicating. Then, the warmth of a body pressed just inches away.

And finally— The low, amused chuckle against her ear.

"Falling for me already, baby girl?"

A shiver curled down her spine. She didn't need to look. She knew exactly who it was.

Kim Taehyung.

She barely had time to gather herself before he took another step closer, the warm scent of spice and smoke curling around her like an invisible noose. The rooftop shimmered with golden lights, casting a soft glow over the black roses that surrounded them, but all she could see—feel—was him.

Taehyung's gaze roamed over her, slow and deliberate, like he was memorizing every inch of her.

"Look at you" he murmured, his voice smooth as silk, laced with something almost reverent. "Dressed so perfectly for me... like a dark little delirious dream."

Cherry's breath hitched, her fingers curling against her sides.

He lifted a hand, dragging the back of his knuckles along her bare shoulder, sending a delicious shiver down her spine. "This dress..." he mused, eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Black gems shimmering, clinging to your curves sinfully, tempting me to touch... You look breathtaking"

Her stomach flipped violently. He leaned in just enough that she could feel the whisper of his breath against her skin. "And your hair..." His fingers barely ghosted over the strands cascading down her back. "Messy little waves, like you just tumbled out of a dream straight into my arms."

Her lips parted, her heart slamming against her ribs.

He wasn't just looking at her. He was devouring her with his eyes, pulling apart every piece of her with words alone.

"And your lips..." he drawled, thumb reaching up—hovering, just barely—to trace the shape of them. "Blood red like the hickeys I will give you... " His gaze flickered down, dark and wanting. "'cause they taste fucking too sweet to let go"

Cherry forgot how to breathe. She was drowning in him, in his voice, in the way his presence wrapped around her like a drug.

"Stop" she whispered, barely audible, but it came out breathless instead of firm.

Taehyung only smirked, his lips tilting like he had already won.

"You don't really want me to stop, do you?"

She did.

She didn't.

"A simple compliment like 'You look pretty' could do the job too"

He chuckled, dark and velvety. "But, baby girl you have a high standard, that's why you are here, letting me tell you how fucking mesmerizing you are."

She sucked in a sharp breath, her legs threatening to give out beneath her. He wasn't wrong at that!

If he kept talking like this, she might never be able to breathe again.

Taehyung took another step closer, his presence intoxicating, his heat pressing against her skin without even touching her.

She tried to step back, to create space between them, but the moment she moved, his hand shot out, fingers curling around her waist. A soft gasp escaped her lips as he pulled her in, close enough for her to feel the slow rise and fall of his chest.

"You don't have to run, sweetheart" he murmured, tilting his head slightly, his dark eyes locked onto hers. "I don't bite... unless you want me to."

Her breath stuttered. The way he spoke, the way his voice dripped with amusement yet held something deeper—something far more dangerous—made her dizzy.

"Why am I here t-tonight?" she started, the words slipping off her tongue, tangled.

Taehyung smirked, his grip tightening just enough to send a thrill up her spine. "Isn't it obvious enough? We are on a date" His lips brushed the shell of her ear, and her entire body locked up. "Or you just like to pretend oblivious to everything hm~"

Her heart slammed against her ribs. He was too much. Way too much.

But still, she didn't push him away.

He chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "You're trembling" he noted, his fingers teasingly running down the curve of her waist. "Is that fear, Cherry? Or something else?"

Something else. Definitely something else.

And from the way his smirk deepened, he already knew the answer.

He finally released his hold on her, but not before letting his fingers trail down her arm, slow and deliberate, as if savoring the feel of her.

"Come" he said smoothly, stepping beside her. He didn't offer his hand, but the weight of his presence alone pulled her forward. "I had this place prepared just for us."

Cherry swallowed hard and followed him as he guided her toward the center of the rooftop. There, beneath a canopy of golden fairy lights, was an elegantly set table draped in black silk. The centerpiece was made of deep red and black roses, their petals seemingly dipped in gold at the edges. Two glasses of wine shimmered under the soft glow, reflecting the flickering candlelight between them.

She had seen fancy restaurants before, but this... this was something else. It felt exclusive, like a world crafted just for them, detached from reality.

Taehyung pulled out a chair for her, his movements slow and unhurried. The perfect gentleman—dangerous, charming, and utterly irresistible.

She hesitated for a second before sitting down, feeling the intensity of his gaze never leaving her. He moved around the table and took his own seat, resting one arm on the back of his chair, his dark eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

"Do you always do this?" she asked, attempting to keep her voice steady as she gestured to the extravagant setup.

His lips curled. "Only for the ones worth it."

Her stomach flipped.

"I know we didn't have the best start" Taehyung began, his voice low and smooth, a quiet storm beneath the surface. He leaned back slightly, his fingers idly tracing the rim of his glass. "And I know this might be a lot for you to take in. You met me through my work, and now you're aware of the things I do... well, some of them but the things that most would rather not know about."

His gaze locked onto hers, dark. "But something changed for me through this." He exhaled softly, setting his glass down with a quiet clink. "Somewhere along the way, I realized I didn't just want you to fear me—I wanted you to see me. Not the reputation. Not the danger. Just me."

Her fingers curled around the stem of her wine glass, her throat suddenly dry. There was something raw in his words, something that made her chest tighten.

Taehyung tilted his head slightly, watching her reaction. "So why not give it a chance?" His lips curled into something softer, something almost... genuine. "Get to know me as I am, away from the shadows of my work?"

The wind stirred gently around them, making the golden lights above flicker as if they, too, were waiting for her answer.

Cherry licked her lips, her mind whirling. "And what if getting to know you pulls me into those shadows?"

A slow, knowing smile spread across his face. "Then I'll make sure the dark feels like home."

Her breath caught. He knew his way around the words and he did it well!

Taehyung leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table, his fingers lazily playing with the rim of his wine glass. His eyes never left hers—dark, smoldering, patient. Too patient. Like a predator that knew its prey would come willingly if he just waited long enough.

"You're too tense, Cherry," he murmured, voice dipping into something softer, silkier. "I do bite but I'll give you a heads first."

Her fingers twitched around her fork, her pulse betraying her. "You're impossible" she muttered, forcing herself to focus on the food in front of her instead of the heat creeping up her neck.

"And yet, you're here." He tilted his head, studying her like a puzzle he was slowly piecing together. "Alone. With me. Doesn't that tell you something?"

She exhaled sharply, rolling her eyes. "It tells me I make questionable decisions."

Taehyung laughed—a low, rich sound that curled around her like smoke. "Maybe. Or maybe," he tapped his fingers against the table, "you're just curious. About me."

He hesitated, but he caught it. Of course, he did.

"You know," he continued, reaching for his drink, "people fear what they don't understand. But you—" he swirled the liquid, watching it lazily dance around the glass before bringing it to his lips. "You don't run. You hesitate, sure. You overthink, definitely. But you're still here."

Something in his words settled in her chest, stirring the thoughts she had tried so hard to suppress. He was right. She should have been far away from him by now, but she wasn't.

She didn't know if it was attraction, intrigue, or just plain insanity—but she wanted to hear him talk, wanted to know what went on inside his twisted, beautiful mind.

She sighed, setting down her fork. "Fine" she admitted, meeting his gaze properly for the first time since sitting down. "Maybe I am curious."

Taehyung's lips curled into something slow, victorious. "Good." He leaned in slightly. "Then let's make a deal. I'll answer any question you ask, no filters. But in return, you do the same."

Cherry narrowed her eyes. "What if I ask very personal ones?"

He chuckled, the sound rich and indulgent. "I hope you do," he murmured, eyes dark with amusement. "After all, what's the point of getting to know me if we keep things... shallow?"

She rolled her eyes, swirling the wine in her glass. "And if I don't want to answer one?"

His gaze flickered with something unreadable. "Then you take a sip of your drink instead. But," he tilted his head, "that just means you're hiding something interesting, doesn't it?"

She hesitated. A game. That's what this was—another one of his games. And yet, a part of her was intrigued. She wanted to know more about him, to peel back the layers of whatever Taehyung really was beneath all that smug arrogance and dark allure.

"Fine," she said, straightening. "I'll go first." She tapped her manicured fingers against the table. "What's the worst thing you've ever done?"

Taehyung didn't blink. "I killed a man."

The answer came so casually that Cherry felt a chill race down her spine. Her fingers tensed slightly, but she kept her expression neutral. Of course, she knew what kind of man he was. What he did. But hearing him say it so plainly...

"Do you regret it?" she asked, voice quieter now.

Taehyung studied her for a moment before exhaling through his nose. "No."

The honesty sent a strange mix of emotions through her, but she didn't let it show. Instead, she picked up her glass, taking a slow sip.

Taehyung smirked. "Ah. That's interesting."

She placed the glass down with a click. "What is?"

"You didn't flinch" he murmured, eyes flickering with something unreadable. "Didn't panic. Didn't call me a monster."

Cherry lifted a brow. "Would it have made a difference if I had?"

His smirk softened just a little. "No."

Silence stretched between them, heavy and electric.

"But again, that's my work but you are here for me not my work so, I'll give you another chance, your turn," he reminded her, tilting his head. "Ask away, babe."

She exhaled, gathering her thoughts. If he was willing to be honest, then maybe... she should be too.

"Why me?" she finally asked, voice barely above a whisper. "Of all people, why did you set your sights on me?"

Taehyung's expression shifted. Something dark and unreadable flickered behind his eyes. He leaned in slowly, his voice dipping lower, sending a shiver through her. "Because..." he murmured, "from the moment I saw you... I knew you were mine."

Cherry's breath hitched. The way he said it—so certain, so possessive—sent a dangerous thrill down her spine.

"Yours?" she echoed, voice barely above a whisper.

Taehyung hummed, swirling the wine in his glass as if the words weren't life-altering. "Mm. Mine. You just don't know it yet."

She swallowed hard, gripping the edge of the table like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. "That sounds a lot like obsession."

His smirk deepened. "It is." The confession should have sent alarms blaring in her mind, should have made her push back, run. But instead, she found herself trapped in the heat of his gaze, unable to look away. Hell, he isn't even afraid or careful of what slips from his tongue.

"What if I don't want to be yours?" she asked, testing him, testing herself.

Taehyung chuckled, shaking his head slightly. "Lying doesn't suit you, Cherry."

Her lips parted, but no words came out. Because damn him—he was right.

He leaned in again, close enough that she could feel the warmth radiating from his body. "Do you know what I see when I look at you?"

Cherry forced herself to hold his gaze.

He reached out, his fingers barely grazing her wrist, featherlight yet burning. "I see a girl who's curious. A girl who's fascinated by the darkness but too afraid to admit it." His voice dropped, rich and intoxicating. "You like the danger, but you won't accept it. And, I have always wanted someone to be by my side willingly, not for the facade I have to put on"

She should have denied it. Should have pushed his hand away, shaken her head, told him he was wrong.

But she didn't.

And Taehyung saw it.

Cherry inhaled sharply, steadying herself. "Alright," she said, tilting her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "If we're doing this—no filters—tell me something no one else knows about you."

Taehyung's lips curled into something unreadable, almost thoughtful. He leaned back slightly, letting his fingers glide over the rim of his glass. "I don't sleep much," he admitted. "Most nights, I just sit in the dark, thinking. Planning. Sometimes wondering what life would've been like if I'd been born... different."

She frowned slightly. "Different how?"

His gaze flickered, something unreadable dancing in his irises. "Less dangerous."

A beat of silence stretched between them before Cherry, to her own surprise, spoke again. "But would you really want that? To be different?"

Taehyung chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Now that, Cherry, is an interesting question." He leaned forward, resting his chin against his knuckles. "Your turn."

She blinked. "What?"

"You asked me something no one else knows. Now it's your turn to share."

Cherry hesitated for only a moment before exhaling. "I... overthink everything." She gave him a wry smile. "And I mean everything. I replay conversations, analyze things too much, and sometimes... I wish I could just shut my brain off."

Taehyung hummed, amused. "That explains a lot."

"Hey!" She scowled, though the amusement tugging at the corners of her lips betrayed her.

His grin widened. "No, I mean it. That's why you fight your instincts so much. You feel things, but you don't trust them."

She opened her mouth to argue, but stopped.

Because he was right. Again.

And that should have scared her.

But instead, she found herself leaning in just a little closer. "Your turn again," she murmured.

Taehyung's eyes darkened slightly, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Alright." His voice dropped, sending an unspoken promise into the air. "Why don't I tell you exactly what I thought when I first saw you?"

She swallowed, her heart betraying her with its frantic pace. She wasn't sure if she wanted to hear his answer—but she knew she couldn't stop herself from asking.

"What... what did you think?" she murmured.

Taehyung's gaze flickered to her lips before meeting her eyes again, something primal lurking beneath the surface. He leaned in slightly, his voice dipping into a low, velvety whisper.

"I thought you were trouble," he said. "The kind of trouble I shouldn't want." His fingers traced the rim of his glass absentmindedly. "But then you looked at me—wide-eyed, defiant, scared—and I knew."

"Knew what?" she whispered, her throat dry.

"That you'd taste like sin."

A shiver ran down her spine.

His smirk deepened, knowing, teasing. "And do you want to know what else, Cherry?"

She could barely nod.

"I knew you'd be the sweetest sin I ever had."

Her breath hitched. The space between them felt smaller now, suffocating in the best way possible. Every part of her screamed to move away, to put distance between them—because he was dangerous, intoxicating, the kind of man who could ruin someone without lifting a finger.

And yet...

She didn't move.

She couldn't.

Taehyung tilted his head, studying her reaction. His voice softened, a seductive caress. "Are you afraid of me, Cherry?"

She should have said yes.

But instead, her lips parted, and what came out was the most dangerous answer of all.

"No."

His smirk disappeared, replaced by something darker, something unreadable.

"Good," he murmured. "Then this will be much more fun."

Before she could process the weight of his words, a waiter approached, clearing his throat to announce the arrival of their food. The tension in the air didn't dissipate—it only simmered beneath the surface, waiting, lingering.

As Cherry reached for her glass of water, she realized her fingers were trembling.

And she wasn't sure if it was from fear... or excitement.

The plates were set before them—exquisitely plated dishes that looked like something out of a five-star restaurant. Cherry stared at hers, feeling the weight of Taehyung's gaze on her. She took a slow sip of water, desperate to steady herself.

"Eat," he said smoothly, picking up his own utensils. "I had the chef make something special for you."

She hesitated, glancing at the meal. It looked delicious, but that wasn't what made her hesitate. It was the fact that he had thought about it. That he had chosen something for her.

Slowly, she picked up her fork and took a bite. The flavors melted on her tongue—rich, decadent, the perfect blend of spices. She let out a quiet hum of approval before she could stop herself.

Taehyung smirked. "Good girl."

Her fork clattered against the plate.

His words sank into her skin, wrapping around her like a slow burn. He didn't say it like a casual compliment—no, he said it like he meant it. Like he enjoyed watching her reaction.

Cherry's fingers curled around her fork, knuckles turning white. "You like messing with me, don't you?"

His smirk deepened as he leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. "I like watching you react to me."

Her throat dried. She needed to steer the conversation somewhere else, somewhere safer.

Clearing her throat, she forced her voice to stay even. "So, Kim Taehyung..." she said, lifting a brow. "Tell me something real about you. Something I wouldn't know."

He tilted his head, considering her for a moment before answering.

"I don't like spicy food."

Cherry blinked. "You don't?"

A lazy shrug. "Never have."

"No wonder..." She gestured vaguely at him. "You call me 'sweet' all the time."

His smirk was slow, deliberate. "Exactly."

She should have seen that coming. Cherry shook her head, rolling her eyes, but she couldn't stop the tiny tug at her lips. Taehyung caught it, his gaze flickering with something unreadable.

"You should smile more" he murmured, taking a sip of his wine. "It suits you."

Something warm settled in her chest.

Damn him.

She hated how effortlessly he did this—how he pulled her in, made her forget who he was, what he was. How he made her heart race and her breath hitch with just a few words.

And the worst part? She didn't want to stop him.

He swirled the deep red liquid in his glass, his gaze flickering with something unreadable as he watched Cherry. "You know," he mused, tilting his head, "I wasn't going to hurt you that night."

She blinked at him, taken off guard by the sudden change in topic.

He let out a low chuckle. "But damn, that lady who came to your rescue? She hit me hard. Almost made me reconsider my life choices." His smirk deepened, eyes gleaming with amusement. "I think my ribs still remember her."

"Yeah, well," she muttered, pushing a piece of steak around her plate. "Maybe you shouldn't go around kidnapping people."

Taehyung tsked, shaking his head playfully. "That wasn't the plan, sweetheart. You just... happened to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time." He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the table, fingers grazing the rim of his glass. "Or maybe... the right place, at the right time. I am glad I made that mistake... or I wouldn't have had such a beautiful night with such a beautiful lady"

Cherry felt heat creep up her neck, but she refused to let him see how easily his words got to her. Instead, she arched a brow, swirling the drink in her glass. "So, kidnapping me was a mistake, but now it's a blessing? That's a twisted way of looking at things."

He smirked, propping his chin on his hand as he watched her. "Perspective, baby girl. Life is all about perspective." He lifted his glass, taking a slow sip. "If you weren't there that night, if things had gone differently, we wouldn't be here right now, would we?"

Cherry exhaled, shaking her head. "That doesn't make it okay."

He chuckled. "Maybe not. But tell me," his voice dipped, silky and smooth, "are you regretting being here?"

She hesitated, and that was enough of an answer for him. His smirk deepened.

"Didn't think so," he murmured. Slowly he got up from his chair. Taehyung's fingers moved with unhurried grace as he undid the second button, the smooth fabric parting slightly to reveal a glimpse of the black silk shirt beneath. His movements were deliberate—designed to draw her attention, to make her eyes follow every shift, every motion. And damn it, she did.

He stepped around the table, the soft sound of his boots against the marble floor sending shivers through her. By the time he reached her side, the air felt heavier, thicker with something unspoken. His hand lifted, palm facing up, an invitation wrapped in mystery.

"Come with me" he said, his voice low and warm, cutting through the delicate tension hanging between them.

Cherry tilted her head, eyeing his outstretched hand warily. "And where exactly are we going?"

His lips curved into that devastating smirk—the one that always left her heart slamming against her ribs. "You're curious. I can see it in your eyes," he murmured, leaning down just enough that his breath skimmed her skin. "I promise, I'll make it worth your while."

Her pulse quickened, a flutter dancing in her stomach. She hated how easily he did this—how a simple gesture could make her heart pound as if she was already his to command.

For a moment, she hesitated. She should say no. She should walk away. But the warmth of his palm hovered too close, tempting her to dive headfirst into whatever madness he had planned.

"Trust me" he whispered. "Just this once."

Cherry inhaled sharply, fighting the urge to shiver at how smoothly those words rolled off his tongue. Against her better judgment, she placed her hand in his, and the moment their skin touched, Taehyung's grip tightened just enough to make her breath hitch.

"Good girl" he praised softly, and her knees nearly buckled beneath her.

Without another word, he led her away from the table, his fingers laced with hers like a promise he had no intention of breaking. As they moved toward the shadowed edge of the rooftop, the city lights flickered beneath them, but Cherry barely noticed. All her senses were tangled in him—his touch, his warmth, the addictive pull of whatever this was.

"You're not scared, are you?" he teased, glancing at her through those long, raven lashes.

Cherry scoffed, masking the way her heart pounded. "Of you? Please."

He chuckled low, and it was the kind of sound that made her stomach twist in all the wrong—no, right—ways.

"You should be" he murmured, pulling her closer as they reached a sleek, private elevator at the edge of the rooftop. With the press of a button, the doors slid open. His grip on her hand didn't loosen as he guided her inside the elevator. The moment the doors slid shut, the world outside disappeared, leaving just the two of them in the dim, golden glow of the small space. The air felt heavier here, charged with something neither of them spoke of.

"And why should I?" Cherry could feel the heat of his body, the lingering press of his fingers wrapped around hers. She tried not to focus on it, but it was impossible when his presence consumed everything.

"I am a dangerous man baby girl, I might bite a bit hard" He whispered sucking her sanity again.

The elevator descended smoothly, a soft chime announcing their arrival at the ground floor. The doors slid open, revealing the quiet, elegant lobby of the Black Orchid Lounge. Taehyung wasted no time leading her outside through a private exit, the cool night air greeting them like a sharp contrast to the warmth he radiated.

The same aston martin sat waiting at the curb. The valet stepped forward, nodding respectfully as he handed Taehyung the keys. Without missing a beat, he opened the passenger door and turned to her, his dark eyes gleaming under the soft glow of the streetlights.

"Get in" he said smoothly, a quiet command rather than a request.

Cherry hesitated, glancing between him and the car. "Where are we going?"

His lips twitched, something unreadable flickering across his face. "Somewhere quiet. Somewhere... just for us."

The way he said it sent a shiver down her spine. A part of her screamed that this was dangerous, that she was stepping into something she might not be able to escape. But the other part—the part that had been drawn to him from the very start—urged her to take that step.

With a steadying breath, she slipped inside, the leather seats cool against her skin. Taehyung shut the door behind her before rounding the car and sliding into the driver's seat.

As the engine purred to life, he cast her a sideways glance, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on the gear shift.

"You're really gonna sit that far from me?" His voice was a low murmur, smooth like honey yet laced with something deeper, something darker. "Come on, baby girl. Snuggle up."

Before she could respond, he reached for the central partition, pushing it back with a swift flick of his wrist, leaving no barrier between them. The seat was now a single, unbroken expanse of leather. And then—his arm slid around her waist, firm and possessive, pulling her against his side like she belonged there.

Cherry stiffened, but only for a second. His warmth, his scent—spice and musk and something uniquely him—wrapped around her, making it hard to think, hard to breathe.

"T-Taehyung," she started, but he only chuckled, his fingers tracing lazy circles against her hip.

"What? You nervous?" His voice was teasing, but his grip was firm, unwavering.

She swallowed, refusing to let him see how much he affected her. "Just wondering where you're taking me."

Taehyung hummed, his fingers briefly tightening around her waist before relaxing again. "You wore lace, can't let it be unseen now can I?"

Her breath hitched. The words were spoken so casually, yet they dripped with something far more dangerous. Her heart pounded against her ribs as his fingers traced slow, deliberate patterns against her waist, his touch searing even through the fabric.

She turned her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You noticed?"

His low chuckle vibrated against her, the sound sinful. "Sweetheart, I notice everything about you."

His grip on the wheel tightened momentarily as he maneuvered the car down a quieter street, the neon lights of the city fading into the distance. The hum of the engine, the low music playing in the background, and the warmth of his body beside her—it was all too much.

Cherry swallowed, feeling the weight of his words settle deep inside her. "And what else have you noticed?"

Taehyung's lips curled into a smirk. "That you're trying really hard not to melt under my touch." His hand drifted slightly lower, teasing. "That your breath hitches every time I get close. That for all your defiance, you haven't pushed me away yet."

She should have. She knew she should. But instead, she stayed still, the tension between them thick, suffocating.

The car slowed as Taehyung pulled into a quiet spot. He killed the engine and turned to her fully, his gaze dark, intense.

"Come on, Cherry." His fingers slipped from her waist, but the absence of his touch only made her crave it more. He pushed open his door, stepping out effortlessly before walking around to hers.

The cool night air rushed in as he opened the door for her, his hand extending toward her, palm up, an invitation.

"Let me show you how good the dark can feel."

It was then she realized where they were. It was a hilltop from where the city's glittering lights could be seen under a sky full of stars.

She stepped out, her heels clicking softly against the gravel. The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of earth and the lingering musk of Taehyung's cologne. He hadn't let go of her hand yet, his fingers warm against her skin, grounding her in the moment.

She tilted her head up, taking in the breathtaking view. Below them, the city stretched like a canvas of twinkling lights, glowing softly beneath the endless expanse of the star-strewn sky. It was beautiful—untouched, almost surreal.

"You brought me here just for the view?" she asked, her voice quieter than intended.

Taehyung's lips curled at the edges as he stepped closer behind her, his breath ghosting over her ear. "I brought you here because you deserve to be admired against something just as breathtaking."

Cherry swallowed hard, her pulse quickening.

"You always talk like this?" she managed, forcing a small smirk to mask the way his words affected her.

He chuckled lowly. "Only when it's the truth."

His hand slipped away, leaving her skin cold in its absence. He stepped forward, leaning against the hood of the car, his dark eyes studying her with quiet amusement.

"Come here," he said.

Cherry hesitated, but curiosity got the best of her. Slowly, she moved to sit beside him, but her pulled her infront of her with her back to his chest while his arms wrapped around her body.

She stiffened for a moment, her breath catching in her throat. His warmth seeped into her, his hold firm but not restricting. The city lights stretched before them, but all she could focus on was the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest against her back.

"Relax," he murmured, his lips grazing the shell of her ear. "I just want you to feel what it's like to be held."

Cherry swallowed hard, her hands resting over his forearm, unsure whether to push him away or hold on.

"This isn't fair," she whispered.

Taehyung chuckled, the vibrations rumbling through her. "What isn't?"

"The way you do this." She shook her head. "The way you make it feel so easy to forget who you are."

His grip on her waist tightened slightly, his chin dipping to rest against her shoulder.

"And who am I, Cherry?" His voice was low, coaxing, a dangerous invitation. He slowly turned her around to himself pulling her close pressed chest to chest.

Her palms landed against his chest, the fabric of his coat soft beneath her fingers, but the heat of him—undeniable, consuming—burned through it. She tried to create some distance, but his grip on her waist was firm, keeping her exactly where he wanted her.

"You tell me," he murmured, his gaze locked onto hers. "Who am I to you?"

Cherry swallowed, her lips parting, but no words came out. His hand lifted, fingers brushing a stray curl from her face, his touch lingering against her cheek. "Am I the villain you should run from?" His thumb traced over her lower lip, a slow, deliberate motion. "Or the man you can't resist?"

Her breath hitched. "You're—" she started, but the words tangled on her tongue when his hand slid lower, resting against the small of her back, pulling her even closer.

"I'm what?" Taehyung pressed, his lips mere inches from hers, the warmth of his breath teasing her skin.

Her pulse hammered in her ears. She should say something—anything—to push him away, to remind herself why she needed to. But when she finally spoke, it was barely more than a whisper.

"I don't know."

Taehyung's lips curled into a smirk, his grip tightening. "Then let me help you figure it out." The night air was cool against Cherry's heated skin, but it did nothing to stop the slow burn creeping through her veins as Taehyung held her close. His scent—spice and danger, temptation wrapped in something dark and forbidden—wrapped around her, making her dizzy.

His fingers brushed along her jaw, tilting her face up toward him. His eyes, dark and hooded, flickered between her lips and her gaze, silently asking, silently daring.

Her breath hitched. She didn't move away.

He took that as his answer.

Slowly, torturously, he leaned in, his lips just barely grazing hers, teasing but not quite giving in. A ghost of a kiss, nothing more than a whisper of touch, but it sent a shiver down her spine.

He did it again, dragging his lips along hers, excruciatingly soft, like he had all the time in the world.

She exhaled shakily, her fingers curling into his coat.

And then—he deepened it.

His lips pressed more firmly against hers, warm and demanding, coaxing her to open up for him. A soft moan slipped past her lips, and that was all it took.

A growl rumbled deep in his chest as his arm tightened around her waist, pulling her flush against him. His free hand tangled into her hair, angling her exactly where he wanted. He kissed her deeper, hungrier as if he was claiming every breath, every thought, every last piece of her.

Cherry melted into him, her hands sliding up to clutch his shoulders, nails digging in as his tongue traced along her lower lip before slipping inside, stroking, tasting, devouring.

The kiss turned desperate, searing—an unstoppable force. His grip on her tightened, fingers pressing into her waist possessively as he backed her up against the hood of the car. She gasped as he lifted her slightly, seating her there effortlessly, his body slotting between her legs.

Taehyung groaned against her mouth, biting down on her lower lip before soothing it with his tongue. "You taste so fucking sweet, baby girl," he murmured against her lips before diving back in, taking, taking, taking.

Cherry could barely think, could barely breathe. He was everywhere, his touch burning into her skin, his kiss leaving her wrecked and wanting.

And yet, it still wasn't enough.

"Taehyung~" She moaned.

His movements were fluid and effortless. One moment she was melting into his embrace, the next, the world tilted, and she found herself lying against the cool metal of the car hood, her breath stuttering as Taehyung hovered over her.

His eyes burned as he took her in—flushed cheeks, swollen lips, the way her chest rose and fell rapidly beneath the thin fabric of her dress.

"Fuck" he muttered under his breath, voice rough with desire. "You don't even know what you do to me."

His hands slid down her sides, slow and teasing, before gripping her hips, pinning her in place. Then, without warning, his mouth was on her again—but this time, he wasn't kissing her lips.

He trailed lower, pressing hot, open-mouthed kisses along her jaw, down her throat, sucking gently before grazing his teeth against her skin, savoring every little reaction she gave him.

"Taehyung—" she gasped, her fingers tangling into his dark locks, her body already arching toward him as his mouth descended further.

A dark chuckle left his lips. "So sensitive" he murmured, the warmth of his breath fanning over the thin fabric covering her chest.

Then he bit down.

Not too hard—but enough to make her cry out, enough to send a pulse of heat straight through her body.

Cherry gasped, her back arching instinctively, pressing herself further against him. The feel of his mouth on her, even through the fabric, sent a thrill down her spine. He soothed the spot with his tongue before doing it again, alternating between gentle bites and slow, languid kisses that left her burning.

His gaze stayed locked with hers, the heat in his eyes almost unbearable. His fingers trailed down her sides, slow, deliberate, teasing. Then, with practiced ease, he lifted her legs, draping them over his shoulders. The soft fabric of her dress slipped higher, baring more of her skin to the cool night air, but the heat between them made it impossible to feel anything but him.

His lips ghosted over her thigh, his breath warm against her sensitive skin. His fingers kneaded into her flesh, thumbs tracing lazy, knowing circles that sent shivers up her spine.

Her breath hitched, her head tilting back against the hood of the car, surrendering to the way his sinful lips pressed against her moist folds through the lace fabric. He was in no rush, savoring every moment, letting the anticipation build, letting her feel the weight of his gaze, the slow descent of his mouth.

"Look at you" he murmured, voice thick with something possessive, something dangerous. His lips brushed, a mere whisper against her skin. "You let me ruin you so beautifully."

Her fingers curled into his hair, her body already melting, already lost.

And then felt the fabric being slipped to the side. It was warm, the intruder, lapping around her hard bud in circles. She moaned with her eyes rolling close feeling the raven head assault her through the already built arousal with such tease.

The stars watched her being unraveled by the raven head and she felt exposed to the darkness. The raven sky with diamonds in it, the dark night and the raven head.

She was being worshipped by the devil himself, and oh, it felt sinful.

He moved like a man who knew exactly what he was doing—like he had all the time in the world to savor her, to make her come undone only at his pace. His touch was fire and silk, reverence and ruin, pressing into her skin like a dark promise.

She should have been scared—he was dangerous, a man dipped in sin—but right now, he was hers, and she was at his mercy.

And God, she loved it.