Chapter Text
Heeseung was magnetic.
He repeated this to himself every night as he watched the boy go from table to table, smiling flirtatiously and laughing at the numerous compliments he received. He liked his smile, but his lips drove him wild; two cherry blossoms shaped like hearts. He was sure that tasting them would only be the beginning of a new addiction.
However, the thought was even stronger when he saw him on stage. His reddish-purple hair swayed with his movements, and his hips left much to be desired. He had a beautiful body, and he knew it even though he covered it up quite well. He had observed the boy so much that he dared to say he knew him well. He knew what expression he wore when he was tired, what he did when a customer crossed the line, and how his tone of voice changed depending on the person he was interacting with. He had many facets, but they all shaped him and made him unique. Even if he had a rather difficult personality, that didn't stop him from being the most sought-after man in that low-rent bar. It wasn't a place he'd gone to of his own volition. In fact, he'd discovered it thanks to one of his jobs.
He needed a hideout, and the bar had been the first thing that came into view as he ran. He slipped away without a trace; his enemies couldn't find him, and he quickly forgot about the chase as soon as the scene filled his field of vision: beauty incarnate in a human being gliding across the stage on that metal pole, which seemed to almost match the glow of his tan skin. Sunghoon was so captivated, and without realizing it, his obsession with Heeseung began. His routine had changed; he rearranged his schedule so that nothing and no one would prevent him from seeing his doll. He'd even been neutral with his best associates when they tried to negotiate certain jobs, but he'd been firm in his decision. On Friday nights, Sunghoon existed only for Heeseung, and if anyone tried to change that, he'd give them a good reason to get rid of such a trivial thought.
He'd been following the same routine for six months, and although he'd like to say he was already close to his precious doll, the truth was he'd never even tried to approach him. After a few days of going to that place, he discovered that Heeseung was exclusively for VIP clients, so approaching his table wasn't an option. While Sunghoon could afford to have him all to himself, something held him back. It could be that he loved Heeseung's behavior, and he was sure that if he dared to offer money, Heeseung would see it as a purchase. Sunghoon wasn't about to let his adoration get him down. Even so, he was starting to get impatient. But it had to be perfect. He had to be careful and not ruin the bond that hadn't even begun, but that Sunghoon longed for so fervently. They would be together forever, so Heeseung had to want him too.
The opportunity arose spontaneously. Sunghoon was walking down the avenue he knew by heart, too quiet and with no one loitering around, then he turned right into the alley, which was teeming with people. They were mostly men whose appearance was terrifying, homeless people. Sunghoon had already taught them a lesson when they tried to mug him. Their small, battered knives hadn't done anything to him, but their fists had done quite a lot of damage. He would have loved to use his blades, but they hadn't even held up. Pathetic.
Sunghoon ignored them as they lowered their heads, some kind of sign of respect, submission, that inflated his ego. However, as soon as he heard a scream, his senses sharpened and his eyes moved automatically, analyzing, searching for the person who had shouted. His pupils dilated as soon as he recognized who it was.
Heeseung was fighting three men, taller and bigger than him. You didn't have to be the smartest to know what was happening. Anger surged through his body, a rage he wasn't used to containing pounding in his chest. He wanted... no, he needed to gouge out their eyes, cut out their tongues and hands, to make them pay for what they were doing. It was common; that's how he tortured people who messed with him. But now there was Heeseung, his perfect doll, who knew nothing of the world's atrocities. He could see it in his eyes. He could see the innocence. Sunghoon wouldn't do anything to frighten those precious deer eyes.
"What are you doing?" His voice was firm, loud enough to startle the men and make them quickly release Heeseung. However, they didn't move away; it seemed they wanted to hide him.
A big mistake.
"Sir, we were just having fun with a whore. There's nothing to see here."
Sunghoon raised an eyebrow, glancing behind him at Heeseung's frightened face. His expression wasn't exactly pleading for help, and Sunghoon seemed to notice that the fear intensified the moment their eyes met. He felt as if a dagger had been plunged into his heart.
"Go," he ordered.
He didn't have to repeat himself, because the three of them ran off, taking other men who were hanging around with them, leaving them completely alone. Sunghoon looked back at Heeseung after making sure no one else was there. Heeseung was clutching his small bag, trying to cover his chest; the bastards had ripped the embroidered sweater and lace blouse he was wearing.
"Are you okay?" He tried to soften his voice. It was the first time he'd spoken to someone outside his circle, and he didn't want to intimidate him any further.
"Please, take my bag, but don't hurt me. I'm just going to work." Words came from his trembling lips, a product of the vulnerability that surrounded him. That shouldn't have excited him much.
“Cover yourself with this,” he replied instead. He held out the leather jacket he was wearing, trying to appear nonchalant.
Heeseung looked at him in confusion, but accepted the jacket, only because it was already difficult to cover half his body and he felt naked. Sunghoon didn't miss the quick glance Heeseung gave his arms, which made him smile. He turned his head, looking down the empty alley, allowing Heeseung to drop the torn clothes and quickly put on the jacket.
“Thanks,” he murmured. His tone had changed, so Sunghoon knew he no longer saw him as a threat. “I'm running late for work, but if you come with me, I can make it up to you.”
“Are you selling yourself?” His response surprised Heeseung. “I'm just kidding, doll.”
The small boy shifted in his seat, slightly embarrassed by the nickname; no one had ever called him that before. Heeseung seriously doubted he was a doll. It was a little strange that that was all that lingered in his mind, perhaps because the stranger's expression was amused and his body language was relaxed. He didn't feel threatened at all, even though he'd felt a little intimidated by his tone of voice a few moments ago. A fleeting memory flashed through his mind. Still, he quickly realized that he was just trying to get rid of the awful guys. That's how the streets worked; someone had to show who was the boss.
"I work at the bar on the next avenue. I can buy you all you want to drink," he offered. Strangers were rarely kind to him, so the best thing he could do was thank him properly.
"Sounds good."
Sunghoon let Heeseung walk ahead, using the excuse of watching his back in case any other guy tried to take advantage of him. The idea of being his doll's bodyguard was quite appealing, and besides, from this vantage point he could get a better look at the sway of his hips.
He would definitely kill anyone to touch the beauty who was leading him. He would follow him blindfolded wherever he led him, even if it was the depths of hell.
The night was peaceful, with martinis and shots of whiskey that Heeseung served him cordially, and time flew by. At four in the morning, the bar was closed, and he stood in the hallway by the locker rooms, patiently waiting for the object of his desires.
He watched with a bored expression as Heeseung's companions emerged from their rooms one by one, ignoring the stares and giggles. A few minutes passed before Heeseung finally came out, offering him a shy smile, as if apologizing for making him wait. He didn't mind; he would wait as long as it took, without arguing or objecting.
Heeseung handed him his jacket, thanking him again. Only then did Sunghoon realize he was wearing a gray sweatshirt that matched his sweatpants. He frowned.
"I don't want you going out without a jacket, it's already cold at this hour," Heeseung said quickly, as if he could read Sunghoon's thoughts.
"I don't mind. I gave it to you, you can keep it." ("You can stay with me if you want,") he meant.
Heeseung let out a nervous chuckle, oblivious to the effect he was having on Sunghoon's poor heart.
"I've already given you enough trouble, really. You saved me out there and brought me to work."
"I'd do it again."
Silence settled between them, brief but long enough for Heeseung's mind to fill with thoughts. Who was this guy? He seemed like a bad man, the kind his mother used to warn him about, but that he loved. He hadn't been good at making decisions, and that's why he was now working as a stripper in the poorest bar he could find. Everything about the place screamed illicit, and he knew his best tips came from clients whose jobs weren't exactly office-based. He didn't expect anything from anyone, yet now this man was standing in front of him, his gaze filled with adoration. Why?
"I'll take you home," Sunghoon said, letting him in, as if Heeseung were his boss.
He accepted.
It became a habit, and soon, a pleasant routine that felt intimate. They were no longer strangers; Sunghoon knew everything about Heeseung, and he... had a vague idea of what the man did for a living. He didn't think Sunghoon was a bad person, because he had shown him that he was willing to take care of him at any time. The more time they spent together, the more Heeseung couldn't help but fall a little more in love.
He hadn't received enough attention at home, nor had he experienced a relationship because of his sexual orientation. The poorest streets of Italy weren't kind to him either, but he clung to the idea that someday things would get better. After surviving multiple attempted assaults, he had finally found the man who would protect him no matter what. Heeseung was becoming obsessed with the idea of spending his whole life with Sunghoon.
"You don't have to work here anymore," Sunghoon told him once after his shift ended. Two months had passed; he didn't think he could wait any longer. "Come live with me."
Heeseung nearly choked on his own saliva.
"Are you delusional?" he asked with an amused laugh, his heart pounding. What did that invitation mean?
"If you keep changing in front of me, I'll probably start," he replied, covering his eyes as Heeseung put on his sweatshirt.
"I'm serious, Sunghoon."
The redhead's sudden closeness threw Sunghoon off. Heeseung had never been this close to him before; it was all so innocent, so Sunghoon made sure to be cautious. But the closer they were, the more he longed for touch.
Now he had him sitting next to him, their knees almost touching. Sunghoon remained still, observing the minuscule distance between them, wanting to grasp at something to distract him from his darkest thoughts.
"Sunghoon?"
“It’s been a while, Heeseung. I’ve been patient, but I don’t know how much longer I’ll have to wait.” The sincerity in his words disconcerted Heeseung. Sunghoon looked him in the eyes, daring, for the first time, to caress his face. Heeseung clung to the touch as if his life depended on it. “You have me in your hands, doll. Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.”
He considered Sunghoon a strong, fearless man, capable of anything. But when he looked into his eyes, Heeseung could see a great deal of vulnerability. It was the first time he had expressed his feelings aloud, and that was enough for Heeseung to dare to press his lips to his in a kiss that was meant to be sweet, but which had turned out to be voracious and desperate.
A kiss was only the beginning of cannibalism.
♡︎❦︎♡︎
Heeseung's stage moves drove him wild. He could admire him forever, and Sunghoon's millions would barely cover the cost of such a magnificent performance.
It wasn't what he'd envisioned, but his precious doll seemed to love dancing, and who was he to take away something that made him happy? Sunghoon was willing to give the handsome boy anything he asked for. So, as soon as he managed to get him out of his house, the first thing he did was build him a modern brothel so he could spend as much time as he wanted on stage.
And what had started as an investment in a small whim of his partner soon became something more. It was no secret to anyone, not even Heeseung, that Sunghoon was a hitman. People were always looking for him, and it was never for anything good. Despite this, Heeseung remained firm in his decision to move in with him. He knew the risk involved, but he was also aware of how devoted Sunghoon was. From the very first moment, he made him feel safe, even if they were under constant surveillance. Heeseung knew he shouldn't be afraid because Sunghoon would be there to protect him. He would never let anyone lay a finger on him. However, he did make one thing clear: Heeseung had to learn to use weapons and hand-to-hand combat, just in case.
Now Heeseung was an expert with firearms and the occasional knife, but his specialty was fistfights. For some reason Sunghoon didn't understand, but which he loved, Heeseung enjoyed the screams of pain every time he managed to break one of his opponent's bones. Causing pain, despair, and fear was something he enjoyed in such a twisted way that Sunghoon could only smile ecstatically whenever he witnessed such a scene. He didn't understand it, but if Heeseung was as happy causing pain as he was killing people, then there was no need to look for an explanation. They complemented each other, and that was all he needed.
Soon they began working together, which made them more sought after, by clients or by the police. The police were now standing in front of Sunghoon, showing him their ID. Sunghoon quickly scanned the information, promising himself he wouldn't forget the man's name or address.
"And what exactly am I accused of?" he asked with a sarcastic smile as he led them through the brothel. Employees were cleaning, setting up the tables, and preparing the bar. The clock read six in the evening, indicating that there were still three hours until the place opened.
"Drug trafficking, money laundering, and murder," the officer replied, closing the door behind him after entering the office behind Sunghoon. "These are very serious charges, Mr. Park."
Sunghoon took the cigar from the small box on the table and lit it calmly, as if what he'd just heard was nothing to worry about. He took a deep drag, taking his time to exhale the smoke before looking at the man.
"Officer, I promise you there's nothing illegal here that warrants taking me into custody. I have all my paperwork in order, and all my employees are of legal age. One of our rules is no drugs. If I don't allow the people who work for me to get high, do you think I'd allow them to use drugs too?"
"It's not about what I think, but about the reports I receive at the station."
"And that's what brought you here again to inspect my doll's brothel?"
"Mr. Lee has no record, but I'm afraid that because of your connection, he's also been dragged into these accusations."
"Tell me something, officer," Sunghoon said, his eyes fixed on him, as if he wanted to see into his very soul. "If there were anything illegal in this place, wouldn’t you have found it by now? It’s not like I have people telling me the exact time you’ll be inspecting, so I can hide any trace of drugs and keep you from suspecting anything. You know my staff; they’re all honest people, incapable of getting their hands dirty even if their finances are in shambles."
The officer remained silent, pondering his words. This was the fourth time Grèg Bianchi had come to the place because of reports of suspected crimes at the brothel, and although he knew he wasn’t going to find anything, he had to do his job. However, what he always found was the same: the employees singing the praises of Lee Heeseung and Park Sunghoon, as if they were their saviors. And perhaps that’s what they were, two young men who simply wanted to help poor people who thought there was no way out. They gave young people a chance to earn their daily bread fairly and honestly. They did far more than the Italian government itself.
He shook Park Sunghoon's hand and left.
Sunghoon's smile slowly faded, replaced by a serious expression. He went back into the brothel, his jaw clenched as he dialed a number on his cell phone.
One, two, three beeps.
"Hello?"
"Do you have it?"
A cheerful laugh came from the other end.
"Of course I have it."
Sunghoon wasn't a patient person. In fact, because of his lack of self-control, his enemies rarely sought him out to settle scores. Only a few people knew what happened if they angered him.
He quickly found himself rummaging through his office supplies, searching for what he needed to put an end to the damn police visits. They didn't know how much Heeseung loved this place, how much he loved dancing for others and receiving compliments. He was living his dream, and he wasn't going to let anyone take it away from him.
He heard a couple of knocks on the door and then watched his boyfriend slowly enter, his expression worried.
"I've got it figured out, princess," he said, his expression revealing what was troubling him.
"I know. Sunoo sent me the information too."
Heeseung sat on Sunghoon's desk, crossing his legs as he looked at what Sunghoon had pulled out. He had the parts of an AK-47, which made him frown in confusion.
"I won't do it from a distance. I need them to see me."
"Then why don't you just get your blades out?" “Heeseung questioned, noticing the tension in Sunghoon’s body.
“You know that…”
“Yes,” he interrupted, “but they’ve given my special place a bad name, and I won’t tolerate that.”
Their eyes met, and Sunghoon could see that Heeseung carried a certain resentment in those sweet eyes. Usually, Heeseung was calm and kind, but that changed if someone messed with what mattered to him, and that meant Sunghoon and the brothel. He couldn’t help but smile at his words, ecstatic at how vengeful he could be.
“Are you coming with me?”
Heeseung took him by the tie and pulled him close, their lips just inches apart.
“You know I’d go to hell with you,” he murmured against his mouth.
“We have to leave soon,” he said in a deep voice, placing his hands on his thighs as soon as Heeseung parted his legs.
“You know what I need.”
“I don’t think I can control myself.”
“Then don’t.”
Sunghoon took advantage of the opportunity, pressing his lips to Heeseung’s as he squeezed his thighs tightly. The kiss was desperate, hungry, because they knew time was limited—at least, not at that moment. Their mouths collided chaotically, wet and urgent, lips meeting, parting, coming together again in a burst of need. It was chaotic, simply giving in to carnal desire.
Sunghoon's hands instinctively moved to Heeseung's waist, gripping tightly as if afraid his wrist would vanish if he let go. It was warm and felt real, everything Sunghoon had ever unknowingly longed for.
Heeseung groaned against his mouth, desperate and ragged, and it stirred something within Sunghoon, something primal. Heeseung knew exactly what Sunghoon's only weakness was, and sometimes—just sometimes—he took advantage of it. Heeseung's fingers gripped Sunghoon's shoulders, pulling them down to his chest and around his neck, his nails grazing his skin as if trying to leave a mark.
Sunghoon moaned between the kisses—deep and rough—which sent a shiver through Heeseung. He wrapped his legs around Sunghoon's waist, pulling him closer, as if there were still space between them. Sunghoon's hands were all over Heeseung: pressing against his waist, sliding over the exposed skin revealed by his pretty white top. His fingers spread across Heeseung's ribs, his thumb brushing the softness just above his waist.
"You're such a pretty doll, my angel," Sunghoon murmured, his voice thick with a mixture of adoration and desire. "You have no idea how much you drive me crazy."
Heeseung's cheeks flushed crimson as he felt his heart race and heat rise in his groin. If there was one thing that drove him wild, it was Sunghoon's habit of calling him doll, as if he were small and delicate, someone he needed to protect.
Sunghoon pulled back slightly, watching him, as if he wanted to memorize every detail of his face. He liked to do this whenever they had these kinds of intimate encounters. Heeseung's eyes were half-closed and slightly teary, his cheeks flushed, his lips parted slightly as a soft gasp filled the space between them. He looked broken, completely lost, and Sunghoon had barely touched him.
"So damn perfect, doll," he breathed hoarsely, completely delirious at the majestic sight.
The tension was unbearable: in his body, in the air, in the tiny space between them, where their clothes barely brushed against each other and mingled with every movement.
Sunghoon leaned down, his hand brushing against Heeseung's jaw, then lower to the spot where his Adam's apple moved with every little sound that escaped his throat. He nibbled at the skin, licked a line along his neck, and then bit down hard enough to startle him. The gasp that escaped his lips was sharp, involuntary, and Sunghoon absorbed it like water.
Sunghoon's hand slid down his side, over his waist, the edge of his hip, before slipping beneath the waistband of his already soaked panties. Heeseung let out a muffled moan as his fingers brushed against his sensitive skin. The fabric clung to his skin like a second layer, radiating heat from beneath like a living flame.
"Look how wet you are for daddy, beautiful," Sunghoon whispered, his voice trembling.
He slid his hand lower, his fingertips tracing the slick line, pushing inward, beneath each fold.
And then he felt it. Skin to skin.
The first touch made Heeseung flinch, his hips instinctively thrust forward, and a moan erupted from deep within his chest. He was soaked, dripping, and the sensation of Sunghoon's fingers finally sliding through the wetness made his legs tremble.
Sunghoon found his clitoris and began slowly, rubbing in slow, deliberate circles, barely pressing. Just enough to make Heeseung gasp and shudder, but not enough to satisfy him. He inserted two fingers inside with a smooth glide that made them both moan. Heeseung clung to his shoulders, burying his face in Sunghoon's neck.
"Please," he begged desperately, feeling frustrated.
"Please what?" Sunghoon replied, trying to restrain himself from losing control and fucking him right there.
"Please, daddy, touch me."
That was it. Sunghoon curled his fingers deeply and rubbed his palm hard against Heeseung's clitoris. The reaction was immediate. Heeseung cried out, his hips rocking forward, his fingers digging into the fabric of Sunghoon's shirt. His legs spread even wider, as if that were possible, his hand between them, fucking him with slow, precise, and devastating pressure.
"Damn, you should look at yourself," Sunghoon panted against his ear. "You're dripping in my hand. You love this. You like Daddy fucking you with his fingers on his desk while everyone else is out there working, don't you, little slut?"
Heeseung nodded frantically, his voice cracking into a moan.
"Yeah... fuck, yeah..."
Sunghoon pressed his palm harder, his fingers penetrating him slowly and deeply. He pulled back just enough to see Heeseung frown, his mouth open, sweat trickle down his forehead. His thighs trembled, his legs barely able to hold him up.
"Come for me, doll."
And Heeseung, like the obedient doll he'd always been, did.
His whole body shuddered, his back arching, his muscles tensing as he stifled a groan. He throbbed around Sunghoon's fingers, a wet, overwhelming heat throbbing in his veins. His thighs closed, squeezing Sunghoon's wrist as orgasm washed over him in waves. He gasped as if he couldn't breathe, his mouth open, his voice caught in his throat.
Sunghoon didn't stop. He dominated him, his fingers still moving, slow enough to prolong it, holding Heeseung in that position until he left him trembling against the desk.
When Heeseung finally collapsed, exhausted and dazed, Sunghoon slowly withdrew his hand, savoring the warmth that still trickled down his fingers. He placed a soft kiss on his cheek, then on his jaw, and finally on his lips: gentle, reverent, with complete love and devotion. She cleaned his thighs with one of the wet wipes she kept in her desk drawer, especially for moments like this. She made sure Heeseung recovered, taking his time, and when they were both calmer after the ecstasy of the act, they shared one more kiss.
They left the brothel, Sunghoon wearing his usual cargo pants, a short-sleeved black shirt, and his military boots. He carried a bag, which he placed in the trunk of his car. Heeseung, for his part, wore tight black pants and a simple white t-shirt, covered by a black leather jacket that belonged to Sunghoon.
The drive was relatively short; they barely noticed the distance because they were both lost in their thoughts.
They arrived at a mansion located in a luxurious gated community known for its high cost of living. It wasn't the kind of place they usually frequented, but they were used to it since Sunghoon's clients were mostly wealthy people, politicians, and the occasional drug trafficker. He didn't really care who he worked for, as long as he got paid. In fact, he enjoyed what he did so much that it was impossible for him to quit. He was grateful that Heeseung had never tried to pull him out of it, to try to change him, because it was a good business and it was what allowed him to give Heeseung the comfortable life he deserved.
They entered through the front door, as calm as if they weren't about to commit the worst crime. But that was why they needed a huge house, more than five hundred meters away. He doubted anyone would hear what was happening, because one thing was certain: he would make them scream.
There was too much silence, though it was suddenly filled by ragged breaths and desperate pleas. Sunghoon entered the main room, smirking at the scene.
"Who would have thought it? Mama's boys always end up on their knees for me," he said mockingly, intending to humiliate.
He scanned the people who were kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs and their mouths covered with tape. His eyes lingered on one person: that burly, dark-haired man whose glasses were now shattered, yet still adorned his face. Sunghoon's jaw tightened, deciding he'd save him for the final scene.
"Am I not a genius?" Kim Sunoo exclaimed from the corner of the room, grinning broadly as if he'd accomplished something extraordinary.
"I've never underestimated you," Heeseung said beside him, greeting his old friend with a tight hug.
"I appreciate that at least one of the Parks recognizes my talent." The blond pouted, taking off his red glasses and throwing them to the floor, then removing his hideous green sweater. "This was harder than investigating them. Did you see that fat guy over there? He weighs three times as much as me!"
Heeseung burst out laughing.
"Where is he?" Sunghoon asked, his humor completely gone. He wanted to end this, because he didn't think he could hold back much longer before reaching his most desired victim.
"You offend me, Sunghoon."
"Why are you looking for me, Park?" A fourth voice joined the conversation, making everyone turn to face the person. "Just say thanks, you idiot."
This time, Sunghoon's lips curled into a slight smile. He approached the man and pulled him into a hug.
"I'm not sure we should do this in front of them," the other man said, his expression shifting to one of amusement as he returned the embrace.
"They're going to die anyway." Sunoo chuckled at his words, as if it were a joke.
"Dead people don't talk," Heeseung added, covering his mouth to hide his smile.
The satire in the conversation seemed to amuse everyone, except for the people on their knees, watching everything, trembling at the mere thought of what dying entailed. Why was this happening to them?
"Thank you, Jay. They're big shots I can easily handle on my own, but you know, this doll wants revenge."
Park Jay, Sunghoon's best friend for several years. They hadn't seen each other in a long time because of the work he was doing in Germany. He knew the only way to see him would be through Sunoo, since Jay wasn't going to let his boyfriend handle a big job on his own. He was capable, but Jay was far too overprotective. Sunghoon didn't judge him; that's why he was there, fulfilling Heeseung's whim regarding his revenge.
"We'll be keeping an eye on things for a while. Text me when you're done." Jay took Sunoo's hand, who was taking a couple of pictures with Heeseung as a memento. Who knew when they would see each other again?
When they were finally alone, Sunghoon placed the coffee table in front of them. He took his time as he pulled his tools out of his bag, which were nothing more than his blades in different sizes and styles, but all equally sharp and lethal. He positioned a chair in front of him, sitting with his legs spread, elbows resting on his thighs, as he scrutinized the faces of those present, wanting to memorize the expressions of terror for his memory album. He paused at one of the familiar faces.
"Officer Bianchi, it's good to see you here." The tone was cheerful, almost friendly, which confused the aforementioned officer. "Do you still think we're drug dealers?"
Heeseung approached the officer, tearing the tape from his mouth without any care.
"My colleagues will come for you," he spat angrily, staring at him intently.
Sunghoon managed a smile.
"I'll be waiting eagerly."
Park Sunghoon was a simple man. He had discovered he was good with weapons as a teenager, had been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he simply wanted to save his own skin. He soon learned that the world operated that way: it was you or someone else. Later, he associated with people who needed his skills, and his reputation grew. Rumors spread, and soon he was working for powerful figures who needed to eliminate pawns on the chessboard that were preventing them from winning the game.
He grew accustomed to this life, moving frequently, never staying in one place for long due to the enemies he had made. However, upon meeting Heeseung, the only thing on his mind was starting a family. It was madness; he had never even considered such a thing. It seemed absurd to aspire to a life that wasn't meant for him. Besides, Sunghoon made a habit of destroying families. He had forgotten how many children he had orphaned, how many parents he had murdered simply for money as a reward.
But that was the way the world was; those with power did as they pleased. Money motivated people.
That's why, as soon as he saw Riki Fabbri at the end of the line, his chest filled with rage and a thirst for revenge.
Riki Fabbri was the son of a well-known political candidate; campaigns were filling the streets and social media. The guy was important simply because he came from a wealthy family; he'd probably never been denied anything in his life, so his visit to the most famous brothel on Via Condotti didn't surprise anyone. Sunghoon saw it as a stroke of luck that he was going to take advantage of. If the Fabbris needed his services, he could earn millions, and that only meant giving Heeseung an even more luxurious life.
However, the moment he saw Riki assault one of his employees, he felt a rage he couldn't control. It wasn't the act itself, but the fact that he was doing it inside his doll's workplace, defiling the walls he had built to fulfill Heeseung's dream. He almost got into a fight. He almost gouged out his eyes. He almost killed him. But it didn't happen because Heeseung stopped him. They let Fabbri go, and from then on, the police visits began.
Heeseung had worked hard to keep everything legal. He had written the rules, and Sunghoon simply followed them because the brothel was his. If Heeseung wanted to change businesses, he would simply provide the money to fulfill his dream.
So now they were there, and this time no one would stop him from doing what he had longed for for months. If he was honest, he'd only glanced at the list Sunoo had sent him; after all, there was no point in remembering the names of the people whose lives he was about to take. But when he skimmed it again, he realized the world was conspiring in his favor—again.
And besides, Sunghoon wasn't an idiot; he hadn't missed the defiant, flirtatious look Riki had given Heeseung the moment he tried to separate them. Riki was hiding something else he couldn't quite grasp, and what bothered him most was that he seemed to share a secret with his most cherished love.
What was his boyfriend hiding, and why, after that altercation, was he still keeping quiet?
Oh, Sunghoon couldn't wait to find out.