"So, Mr. Kim," So-hee said, her voice smooth as silk, "I hear you have a thing for rare artifacts."
Taecyeon turned to face her, a slow smile spreading across his face. "And I hear you have a thing for… dangerous men, Miss Lee."
So-hee raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Is that your way of flirting, Mr. Kim? Because I have to say, I'm not impressed."
Taecyeon chuckled, a low, throaty sound that sent a shiver down her spine. "Oh, I can do better than that, Miss Lee. Much better. But first, tell me, what exactly are you hoping to find in my collection?"
They were standing on a balcony overlooking the Grand Ballroom of the Shilla Hotel, the glittering lights of Seoul spread out before them like a jeweled carpet. The annual Arts Foundation Gala was in full swing, the air buzzing with the murmur of conversations and the clinking of champagne glasses.
So-hee, however, had little interest in the party. She was here for one reason and one reason only: Kim Taecyeon.
He was a powerful man, a wealthy collector, and a notorious playboy. He was also, So-hee suspected, a cold-blooded killer.
She had been tracking him for months, gathering information, waiting for the perfect opportunity to get close. And tonight, she had finally found it.
"I'm interested in anything that's… unique," So-hee said, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. "Anything that tells a story."
Taecyeon's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping over her body with undisguised appreciation. "And what story do you want to hear, Miss Lee?"
So-hee leaned closer, her lips brushing against his ear. "The one about how you made your fortune, Mr. Kim. The one about the secrets you're hiding."
Taecyeon's smile faded, his eyes hardening. "Some stories are best left untold, Miss Lee. Some secrets are too dangerous to be revealed."
"Maybe," So-hee said, her voice laced with challenge. "But I'm not afraid of a little danger, Mr. Kim. In fact, I thrive on it."
She stepped back, her eyes locking onto his. "So, what do you say, Mr. Kim? Are you going to show me your collection? Or are you going to keep me guessing?"
Taecyeon hesitated for a moment, his mind clearly racing. He was used to getting what he wanted, and he wasn't used to being challenged. But So-hee could see the flicker of interest in his eyes, the spark of desire that she had been hoping to ignite.
"Alright, Miss Lee," he said, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "You've piqued my interest. I'll show you my collection. But be warned, it's not for the faint of heart."
He reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of her jawline. "And neither am I."
So-hee shivered, her body responding to his touch despite her best efforts. She knew that she was playing a dangerous game, but she couldn't back down now. Not when she was so close to uncovering the truth.
"Lead the way, Mr. Kim," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm ready for anything."
Taecyeon smirked, his eyes gleaming with predatory delight. He took her hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. "I have a feeling you are, Miss Lee," he said. "I have a feeling you are."
He led her away from the balcony, deeper into the heart of the gala, his grip on her hand tightening with each step. So-hee knew that she was entering his world, a world of secrets, lies, and hidden dangers.
But she was ready. She was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
As they walked, So-hee noticed a woman watching them from across the room, her eyes filled with a mixture of jealousy and concern. The woman was beautiful, with long, flowing hair and a stunning red dress. So-hee didn't recognize her, but she could sense that she was someone important.
Who is she? So-hee wondered. And why is she looking at me like that?
Before she could dwell on it further, Taecyeon stopped in front of a set of ornate double doors, guarded by two hulking figures with cold, dead eyes.
"This is it, Miss Lee," he said, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "Are you ready to see what lies behind these doors?"
So-hee took a deep breath, steeling her nerves. "I was born ready, Mr. Kim," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
Taecyeon nodded to the guards, and they silently swung the doors open, revealing a dimly lit hallway that stretched into the darkness.
"After you, Miss Lee," Taecyeon said, gesturing for her to proceed.
So-hee hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. This was the point of no return. Once she stepped through those doors, there would be no turning back.
But she couldn't back down now. Not when she was so close to the truth.
Taking a deep breath, So-hee stepped forward, her eyes fixed on the darkness ahead.
"Let's go, Mr. Kim," she said, her voice filled with a newfound determination. "Show me what you've got."
(To be continued...)