The Dangerous Depths Of Devotion

LONG CHAPTER AHEAD

Two weeks had passed since Taesung's unsettling encounter with Junseong. The luxurious hotel suite, felt like a gilded cage the him. Junseong had barely left it, his rage a palpable presence in the air, a storm brewing behind his icy façade. The city outside, with its vibrant energy and relentless pace, seemed to fade into a muted background, a distant echo of a life he no longer recognized.

Taesung, haunted by the chilling threat in Junseong's eyes, had redoubled his efforts. He'd scoured every lead, every possibility, every scrap of information. He'd worked tirelessly, fueled by a mixture of fear and loyalty, determined to find Seongho before Junseong's rage consumed him entirely.

The phone rang, jarring him from his thoughts. He answered, his voice tight with anticipation. " Mr. Taesung," the detective's voice was cautious, hesitant. "We have something."

"What is it?" Taesung pressed, his heart pounding in his chest.

"We've traced a series of transactions," the detective said, his voice low. "A significant amount of money moved through a specific account. The account belongs to a company owned by Jaehyun."

"And?" Taesung's voice was sharp, demanding.

"The company owns a warehouse on the outskirts of the city. We believe it's a holding facility. We're not sure if Seongho is there, but it's our best lead so far."

Taesung slammed the phone down, the plastic casing clicking against the polished wood of the coffee table. The detective's words echoed in his ears: "...a warehouse on the outskirts...we believe Seongho might be there..." He had to tell Junseong. Immediately.

He spun around, his eyes scanning the hotel suite. He'd thought Junseong was in the bathroom when he'd woken from his brief, restless sleep. But the bathroom door was closed, the only sound the gentle hum of the ventilation system. He pushed the door open; empty. A cold dread tightened his chest. Junseong wasn't here. He'd probably already gotten wind of the information somehow, and he was gone.

Panic clawed at him. He knew Junseong when he was angry. He was like a demon unleashed, capable of unimaginable violence. The thought of Junseong storming the warehouse alone, confronting Jaehyun and his men, sent a shiver down Taesung's spine.

He dialed the detective back, his voice tight with urgency. "Detective, it's Taesung. Junseong's not here. He's probably already gone to that warehouse."

There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end, then the detective's voice, grim and serious. "Damn it. We need to get there before he does something drastic. He's like a man possessed when he's angry. Murdering Jaehyun and his crew… that's a life sentence, minimum."

"I'm on my way," Taesung said, already moving, grabbing his jacket. "I'll try to intercept him. But he's… he's not going to listen to reason."

"We'll meet you there," the detective said, his voice firm. "We're mobilizing now. We need to contain this before it escalates further."

Taesung didn't wait for a formal goodbye. He was already sprinting towards the exit, adrenaline surging through his veins. He had to find Junseong and had to get to that warehouse, and fast.

The warehouse was a cavernous space, echoing with the rhythmic thump of techno music from a hidden speaker. A haze of cigarette smoke hung in the air, mingling with the scent of cheap cologne and sweat. In a secluded corner, away from the throng of scantily clad bodies and the flashing lights, Jaehyun and Jiwoon sat at a makeshift bar, their faces illuminated by the flickering glow of a string of fairy lights.

Jaehyun, a smirk playing on his lips, poured himself another glass of soju. "It's a shame," he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, "that Junseong has to be so stubborn. He's got a good head on his shoulders, but he's blinded by love. He's going to lose everything."

Jiwoon, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint, chuckled. "He's going to be begging for mercy soon enough. He'll be so desperate to get Seongho back, he'll give us everything we want. The property, the money, a whole damn lot."

Jaehyun raised his glass in a toast. "To Junseong's downfall," he said, his voice a low, menacing growl. "And to our success."

Jiwoon clinked his glass against Jaehyun's, his eyes fixed on the two young men who were dancing suggestively on the dance floor. "Seongho will be so grateful to us," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "He'll thank us for saving him from that stubborn, controlling husband of his."

Jaehyun laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the warehouse. "He'll be thanking us for a long time to come," he said.

The two men continued to drink and laugh, their voices mingling with the thumping music and the murmur of the crowd. They were oblivious to the approaching storm, the darkness that was gathering on the horizon. They were blind to the fact that their victory was a fleeting illusion, a mirage that would soon vanish in the heat of the coming battle.

Jaehyun took a long swig of his soju, the amber liquid burning a warm trail down his throat. He glanced at the two young men dancing on the stage, their bodies moving in a suggestive rhythm. They were good, but not good enough. He needed something… more.

"Hey, Jinwoo," he called out, his voice cutting through the din of the warehouse. A tall, muscular man with a shaved head and a menacing look emerged from the crowd, approaching the bar.

"Yeah, Boss?" Jinwoo said, his voice gruff.

"Bring Junseong's doll here," Jaehyun said, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. "He's got a nice face and a good ass. He'll make a fine addition to the entertainment."

Jinwoo nodded, a smirk spreading across his face. He knew what Jaehyun meant. Seongho was a prize, a trophy to be displayed and enjoyed. He was the perfect boy toy, a beautiful, submissive creature who would be eager to please.

"He'll be here in a minute," Jinwoo said, turning to leave. "I'll make sure he's ready for the show."

Jaehyun chuckled, his eyes meeting Jiwoon's across the bar. "He'll be a good distraction," he said, a low growl rumbling in his throat. "We've got some friends coming in. They'll appreciate the entertainment."

Jiwoon nodded, his eyes narrowed. He knew the type of entertainment Jaehyun was talking about. It was a cruel, twisted game, a display of power and dominance. But he was in, he was all in, and he was ready to play.

Three new faces emerged from the crowd, their laughter echoing through the warehouse. They were Jaehyun's friends, his accomplices, his partners in crime. They were all men of wealth and influence, men who enjoyed the finer things in life, men who were used to getting what they wanted.

Jaehyun raised his glass in a toast. "Welcome, gentlemen," he said, his voice laced with a chilling warmth. "I've got a little something special for you."

The men leaned in, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. They were ready for the show. They were ready for the entertainment.

Few minutes later,the door creaked open, and Jinwoo ushered Seongho inside. Seongho, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear, stumbled into the dimly lit room. He was bound and gagged, his clothes torn and dirty. He looked like a broken doll, his beauty marred by the bruises that bloomed across his skin.

Jaehyun and Jiwoon watched him with a mixture of amusement and disgust. They saw the fear in his eyes, the tremor in his hands, and it only fueled their desire to own him completely.

"Look at him," Jaehyun said, his voice dripping with disdain. "He's so pathetic. He's like a little bird, all chirping and fluttering, but he's so easy to catch."

Jiwoon chuckled, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "He's a pretty little thing, isn't he? I wonder what it would feel like to have him all to myself."

Jaehyun laughed, a harsh, grating sound that echoed through the warehouse. "You're not the only one who thinks so," he said. "He's a prize, a trophy. And Junseong's been hoarding him all to himself."

He turned to Seongho, his eyes cold and calculating. "You're a beautiful creature," he said, his voice a low, seductive purr. "But you're wasting your beauty on that stubborn, hot headed husband of yours. You deserve better. You deserve to be appreciated, to be loved, to be… used."

Seongho struggled against his bonds, his eyes pleading for mercy. But Jaehyun and Jiwoon were relentless, their cruelty growing with each passing moment.

"He's so greedy," Jaehyun said, shaking his head as he examined Seongho's butt. "He wants to keep all the good things to himself. He wants to keep you all to himself. But we're going to show him that he can't have everything."

He turned to Junghyun,one of his henchmen. "Get the others," he said, his voice a chilling whisper. "It's time for the show to begin."

As Junghyun disappeared into the crowd, Jaehyun smiled, a cruel, twisted smile that promised pain and suffering. He was ready to destroy Junseong, to break everything that stood between him and his desires. He was ready to play his game, and he knew he was going to win.

Jinwoo shoved Seongho onto the stage, his grip bruising Seongho's already battered skin. Three men, eyes gleaming with predatory hunger, leaned in, their gazes stripping him bare. The heat of their stares was suffocating, a burning brand on his flesh.

He gagged, the stench of cheap cologne and sweat making his stomach churn. His head lolled back, his eyes squeezed shut. He wanted to vanish, to disappear into the shadows, to escape the suffocating heat of their gaze.

He felt their breath hot on his skin, heard their low whispers, laced with chilling promises of pain and pleasure. Their desire was clear: to break him, to use him, to own him.

He wanted to scream, to beg for mercy, but his voice was trapped behind the gag, a silent scream echoing in his mind. He wanted Junseong. He wanted his husband, his protector, He wanted to feel his strong arms around him, to hear his voice, to feel safe.

He had never been with anyone. He wanted to lose his virginity to Junseong, to share that moment of intimacy with the man he had married. But Junseong, despite his deep care and respect for Seongho, had never shown any romantic interest. Their arranged marriage was a bond of duty, not love and Junseong had not let him forgotten that fact.

Tears streamed down his face, blurring his vision. He prayed for Junseong to find him, to rescue him from these monsters. But he knew Junseong didn't know where he was. He was probably still searching, still hoping, still believing he would find him.

A cold hand clamped onto his cheek, a rough finger tracing the line of his jaw. He opened his eyes, meeting the gaze of the man closest to him. His eyes were dark and hungry, his lips curled into a cruel smile.

"Don't worry," the man said, his voice a low, seductive purr. "We'll take good care of you. We'll make sure you're happy."

Seongho shuddered, his body trembling with fear. He knew he was going to lose his innocence. He was going to be broken. He was going to be theirs.

The man's hand tightened on Seongho's cheek, his thumb pressing into the corner of his jaw. He leaned closer, his breath hot on Seongho's ear. "Don't worry, little bird," he whispered, his voice a chilling caress. "We'll make you sing."

Seongho's eyes widened in terror, his body trembling uncontrollably. He wanted to scream, to fight back, but his voice was trapped, his body paralyzed by fear. He felt the man's gaze burning into him, stripping him bare, leaving him exposed and vulnerable.

Jaehyun, turned his head, his eyes flashing with a cold, calculating gleam. He nodded curtly, his lips curving into a cruel smile. "Record it all and send it to Junseong."

The man in the doorway, a hulking brute with a face like a bulldog, nodded and disappeared back into the shadows. Seongho's heart plummeted. They were going to send a video of this to Junseong. He could only imagine the horror and despair that would engulf his husband upon seeing it.

Jaehyun's gaze returned to Seongho, his eyes burning with a predatory hunger. "We're going to make this very special for you, Lee Seongho," he said, his voice a low, menacing growl. "We're going to make sure you never forget this night."

Seongho's vision blurred with tears, his body trembling with the cold dread that gripped his soul. He felt utterly helpless, trapped in a nightmare he couldn't escape. He closed his eyes, praying for a miracle, for Junseong to find him, to save him from this living hell.

Meanwhile,Junseong stood outside the warehouse, his entire body radiating a palpable tension. The air around him crackled with barely contained fury, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were white. His eyes, usually calm and calculating, were now cold and hard, reflecting the storm brewing within him. Beside him, Taejoon shifted uncomfortably, his gaze fixed on the ground. He knew he had no right to be there, to stand beside Junseong after his betrayal years ago, but he had no choice. He had to help.

It had been Taejoon who had called Junseong yesterday, revealing the location of the warehouse where Seongho was being held captive. Junseong hadn't hesitated for a second, his heart plummeting at the thought of his husband in danger. He knew Taejoon had hurt him deeply, had betrayed their friendship, but the urgency of the situation, the fear for Seongho, had overridden his anger. He had to trust Taejoon, even if it felt like swallowing a bitter pill.

The warehouse loomed before them, a dark, ominous silhouette against the fading light of the setting sun. It was a place of shadows and secrets, a place where hope seemed to wither and die. But Junseong wouldn't allow that, his mission was to bring Seongho home and nothing could ever change that.

Junseong's hand moved with a practiced ease, the smooth, cold metal of the Barrett M82A1 – the most powerful sniper rifle in the world – feeling like an extension of himself. He loaded it with a chilling efficiency, the click of the bolt echoing in the silence, a sound that sent a shiver down Taejoon's spine. In his other hand, he held a gleaming dagger, its sharp edge catching the last rays of the setting sun.

Taejoon watched, his stomach churning with a mix of fear and guilt. He had never seen Junseong like this before, this simmering rage simmering beneath the surface, this terrifying calm that seemed to mask a storm of fury. Junseong's smile, usually disarming, was now a chilling, predatory smirk, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous light.

"Junseong, wait!," Taejoon pleaded, his voice trembling. "The cops will be here soon. We need to be patient."

Junseong's gaze snapped to Taejoon, his smile vanishing, replaced by a cold, hard glare. "Patient?" he spat, his voice laced with icy venom. "If it was your husband being tortured, would you be patient? Would you wait for the cops while he was being… used, tortured?"

Taejoon swallowed hard, unable to meet Junseong's gaze. He knew he couldn't answer that question. He knew he wouldn't be patient. He knew he would do anything to save the person he loved. But he also knew he had no right to judge Junseong, to tell him what to do.

Junseong didn't wait for an answer. He simply smirked, a cruel twist of his lips, and turned back to the warehouse. Six men, their faces hardened and eyes filled with malice, stood blocking the entrance. Junseong didn't hesitate. He launched himself forward, a blur of motion, his fist connecting with the first man's jaw with a sickening crack. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious. The others reacted with a roar, charging forward, but Junseong was already moving, a whirlwind of fury and precision. He dodged, blocked, and countered, his movements fluid and deadly. One by one, the men fell, their bodies hitting the ground with a thud. Within seconds, the entrance was clear.

The warehouse door burst open, a gale of fury sweeping in with Junseong. His eyes, usually unreadable and cold, were now twin pools of molten rage. Taejoon, his face pale but his grip on the metallic baseball bat strong, followed close behind. The air crackled with tension, the scent of fear mingling with the metallic tang of blood.

One of Jaehyun's men, his face a mask of terror, saw Junseong and instinctively reached for his phone. A silver blur sliced through the air, a dagger flung with deadly precision, burying itself in the man's shoulder. The man screamed, a raw, primal sound of agony, collapsing to the floor, clutching his wound.

Taejoon was a whirlwind of motion, the bat a deadly extension of his arm. He moved with a ferocious grace, a brutal efficiency that he didn't know he possessed. Men fell before him, their surprised cries swallowed by the echoing clang of metal against flesh.

Junseong's voice, cold and deadly, echoed through the warehouse. "Jaehyun! Jiwoon! Come out now with Seongho! One minute,I give you just a minute or I'll find you. And I'll make your deaths slow and painful."

Inside Jaehyun's private office, Seongho's eyes widened in disbelief as he heard his husband's voice. "Junseong! I'm in their playroom which they disguised as a private office! Come quickly and take me from here!" he shouted, his voice trembling with a mixture of hope and fear.

Jaehyun and Jiwoon, their faces pale with shock, stared at each other. Their carefully constructed world, their secluded hideout, had been breached.

Jaehyun, his mind racing, barked orders. "Take him away from those three! Now!" He gestured to one of his men, who grabbed Seongho, pulling him away from the men who had been fondling him moments before. The boytoys, their faces contorted with terror, watched as Seongho was dragged away, knowing that Junseong wouldn't spare any of them.

Jaehyun and Jiwoon, with the remaining men, rushed out to confront Junseong. They found him standing in the middle of the warehouse, his eyes burning with a cold fury, a terrifying aura radiating from him. He looked like a predator cornered, ready to unleash his full wrath.

As soon as Junseong saw Seongho, his heart clenched. Seongho was bruised, his clothes torn, his face pale and drawn. He looked broken, utterly defeated. The sight of his husband in such a state ignited a primal rage within Junseong. He raised the gun, his finger tightening on the trigger. Three of Jaehyun's men, caught off guard, were instantly felled by the powerful rounds, their bodies crumpling to the ground.

Jaehyun, his face contorted with a mixture of fear and desperation, grabbed Seongho, holding a knife to his throat. He pressed the blade against Seongho's skin, drawing a thin line of blood. He looked at Junseong, a cruel smirk playing on his lips. "Here and now ,I have some documents with me, so give all your companies, all your properties, all your wealth to my name ," he snarled, his voice dripping with malice. "Then, maybe, I'll let him live."

Junseong's laughter echoed through the warehouse, a chilling, unnerving sound. It was a laugh that spoke of madness, of a man pushed to the edge, a man who had nothing left to lose. "You think you can bargain with me?" he asked, his voice a low growl. "You think you can control me? You think you can take anything from me? You're wrong. You've made a terrible mistake."

Junseong's laughter died down, replaced by a chilling silence. He took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Jaehyun, his gaze burning with a cold, calculating intensity. Jaehyun, despite his bravado, felt a shiver run down his spine. There was something about Junseong's demeanor, a shift in his aura, that made him uneasy. He had underestimated him, mistaking his quiet demeanor for weakness. He was about to learn a painful lesson.

Then ,Junseong turned his gaze to Jiwoon, his smile a cruel mockery of his usua blank facel . "You thought you could hide behind Jaehyun, didn't you, Park Jiwoon?" he said, his voice dripping with venom. "You thought you could betray me, leak my company secrets, and walk away scot-free? You were wrong."

He leaned closer, his breath hot on Jiwoon's face. "That day, you were in that boardroom meeting, the one about the embezzlement case. I didn't trust you for a bit,You were the one feeding Jaehyun information, playing both sides. You thought I wouldn't notice, but I always see everything."

Jiwoon's face paled, his eyes wide with fear. He had thought he was safe, that Junseong wouldn't suspect him. He had been wrong.

"You think Jaehyun is going to save you?" Junseong asked, his voice a low growl. "You think he's going to protect you? Then you're delusional because he's just as scared as you are."

He turned back to Jaehyun, his gaze cold and unforgiving. "You think you know me, Jaehyun?" Junseong said, his voice a low growl that sent a shiver down the spines of everyone in the warehouse. "You think you know what I'm capable of? You're wrong. You've only seen a fraction of what I can do."

He took another step forward, his movements slow and deliberate, each step radiating a palpable sense of danger. He wasn't just angry anymore. He was something else entirely. He was a predator, a force of nature, unleashed and unstoppable.

Jaehyun, his hand trembling slightly, tightened his grip on the knife. He felt a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. He had seen Junseong's ruthlessness in business, but he had never seen this. This was something different, something terrifying.

"I'm not going to play your game," Junseong said, his voice cold and emotionless. "I'm not going to bargain with you. I'm going to take what's mine, and I'm going to make sure you pay for what you've done."

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, silver device. It was a detonator, a simple, unassuming device that held the power to unleash chaos. Jaehyun's eyes widened in shock. He had no idea what Junseong was planning, but he knew it couldn't be good.

"You see,Kim Jaehyun," Junseong said, his voice laced with a chilling calm. "Even though I've planned all these just for a short time, I've been waiting for this moment. And now, it's finally here."

"This warehouse," Junseong said, his voice barely a whisper, but carrying a weight that made everyone in the warehouse tremble. "This is my little surprise for you. It's filled with enough explosives to level this entire block."

Jaehyun's eyes widened in horror. He had no idea what Junseong would do. Hell, he had no idea how he had managed to rig the warehouse with explosives. He had underestimated him, and now he was paying the price.

"You're going to die, Jaehyun," Junseong said, his voice filled with a cold, cruel satisfaction. "And you're going to take everyone with you."

Junseong, his eyes narrowed, surveyed the scene, a predator sizing up its prey. "Taesung, now!" he barked, his voice a low growl that cut through the din.

A moment later, the lights flickered and died, plunging the warehouse into an inky blackness. A collective gasp rippled through the room as men stumbled, bumping into each other in the sudden darkness. Junseong, however, was unfazed. He moved with a practiced grace, his eyes adjusting to the darkness faster than the others. He saw Jaehyun, his hand instinctively reaching for Seongho, who was struggling against his grip.

Junseong was a blur of movement, a silent predator in the pitch black. He snatched Seongho away from Jaehyun, who was left fumbling in the darkness, utterly disoriented.

"Get in the car," Junseong commanded as they ran to the exit of the warehouse, his voice a harsh whisper as he shoved Seongho into the backseat of the car parked outside. He slammed the door shut, the tinted windows shielding Seongho from view.

Seongho, his face pale and streaked with tears, clung to Junseong's arm. "Don't leave me here, Junseong! Please, don't leave me alone!"

Junseong, his heart clenching at the sight of his husband's distress, opened the door and gently cupped Seongho's face. "Shhh, it's alright," he whispered, wiping away the tears that streamed down Seongho's cheeks. "No one can see you. The car is tinted. Just stay calm."

His words were a balm to Seongho's fear, but the tremor in his voice betrayed his own turmoil. He had almost lost Seongho, and the thought of it sent a wave of icy fear through him.

Flashback:

The memory of the day before, the day he had orchestrated this entire plan, flashed before him.He had just finished visiting the detective agency, his mind replaying the horrifying scene from the Met Gala. Jaehyun and Jiwoon, those scumbags henchmen of his, had abducted his husband, their eyes gleaming with a sick kind of pleasure.

He was sitted in his car, a cold rage burning in his veins, as he remembered the night his husband was kidnapped.

He had been furious, a primal rage burning within him. He had never felt this way before, this overwhelming need to protect Seongho, this possessive urge to keep him safe. He didn't understand it. He didn't love Seongho. He had never loved anyone, except his own family. But he couldn't bear the thought of Seongho being hurt, of him being in danger. He had to do something, anything, to save him and FAST.

He then called his men, his voice tight with barely suppressed fury. "Get to the warehouse early tomorrow morning. Rig it with explosives. I want it to explode, but only if I give the signal."

The men, accustomed to Junseong's ruthless efficiency, had followed his orders without question.

He had to understand this sudden, overwhelming possessiveness. He had to understand why the younger, had become so important to him. He had to understand why he was willing to risk everything for him.

Back to the present:

As he left the warehouse with Seongho, Junseong's men, on his orders, had tied up Jaehyun and Jiwoon, the three men that who had been harassing Seongho earlier, and administered a potent dose of chlorophyll to render them unconscious. They drove off with them to an unknown location,that Junseong instructed his men to take them too.

Junseong left Seongho and returned to the warehouse, his eyes burning with a cold fury. He had a score to settle, and he would not rest until he had seen justice done.

He took out the detonator, his fingers tightening around it. He was about to press the button, to unleash the chaos he had planned, when a sudden sound cut through the night. The screech of tires, the flashing lights of police cars, and the unmistakable voice of Taesung.

"Junseong! Please Stop!"

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Junseong froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. He had been so focused on his plan, so consumed by his rage, that he hadn't even considered the possibility of the police arriving.

Taesung, his face grim, strode towards him, his eyes locked on the detonator in Junseong's hand. He moved with speed snatching the detonator from Junseong's grasp before he could react.

"Junseong, what were you about to do?" Taesung demanded, his voice a low growl.

Junseong glared at him, his anger burning hotter than ever." Shibal(fuck) ,don't shout at me like that!"

He turned to Taejoon, his eyes blazing with fury. "And you just stood there," he spat, his voice raw with anger. "You just watched him do it. You didn't even try to stop him."

Taejoon, his face pale and drawn, looked away, his gaze fixed on the floor

"I...I couldn't," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "He was...he was too powerful. I couldn't do anything."

Taesung scoffed, his anger rising. "You're a coward," he said, his voice shaking with rage. "You just stood there and watched while your friend wanted to end people's lives? ."

"Yah,It wasn't like that," Taejoon said, his voice rising in irritation. "I tried. I tried to reason with him,I told him to wait for the police but he wouldn't listen. He was...he was consumed by his own anger."

"You should have fought him," Taesung said, his voice laced with bitterness. "You should have done something. You could have stopped him."

Taejoon closed his eyes, his heart heavy with guilt. He knew Taesung was right. He should have done more. He should have Junseong see reasons but he had been paralyzed by fear, unable to act.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice barely audible.

"You're not sorry," Taesung said, his voice cold and distant. "You're just afraid."

He stopped talking, his gaze locked on Taejoon. The silence hung heavy between them, filled with unspoken words and simmering emotions.

The police, their faces etched with relief, swarmed the warehouse, They found the other men, bound and unconscious, but Jaehyun and Jiwoon were nowhere to be seen.

"Where's your husband ,Jaehyun and Jiwoon,Mr Lee?" one of the detectives asked, his eyes searching Junseong's face.

Junseong, his gaze unwavering, pointed towards the car. "He's in the car. And the others ran away before I got here."

He knew he was lying, but he had to ,for revenge.

The police officers, their faces grim, herded the men from the warehouse into their van. The air hung heavy with the stench of sweat and tension.

"We got them all, sir," a young officer said, his voice tinged with a hint of triumph. "They're all accounted for."

The officer, a seasoned detective with a weathered face and piercing blue eyes, nodded. He turned to Junseong, his expression softening slightly. "Don't worry, Mr. Lee," he said. "We'll get to the bottom of this. We'll find those two and bring them to justice."

Junseong's lips curved into a subtle smirk. Justice? He chuckled inwardly. Jaehyun and Jiwoon wouldn't be getting any justice. They would be getting something far more brutal, something far more personal. His men were already in Korea, waiting for his return .

"Thank you, officer," Junseong said, his voice laced with feigned gratitude. "I appreciate your dedication."

He turned away, his gaze lingering on the van where the men were being processed. He imagined Jaehyun and Jiwoon, their faces contorted with fear as they realized their fate. He savored the thought, a dark pleasure coursing through his veins. He would make them suffer. He would make them pay for what they had done.

The officer, oblivious to the darkness in Junseong's heart, patted him on the shoulder. "We'll get them, Mr. Lee," he said, his voice firm and reassuring. "We'll make sure they pay for their crimes."

Junseong nodded, his smile widening. "I know you will," he said, his voice a chilling whisper. "I know you will."

After the officers left,he turned back to the duo,"Let's go," Junseong said, his voice a low command.

"Why did you go to such lengths to save him?" Taesung countered, his voice laced with disbelief. "It was an arranged marriage, Junseong. You made it clear you didn't love him."

Junseong rolled his eyes, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "I was just being dutiful," he muttered, his voice laced with disdain.

"It was more than duty Junseong and don't try to deny it," Taesung insisted, his gaze unwavering.

Junseong, his patience wearing thin, turned away. "Aish,don't ask silly questions," he snapped.

He turned to Taejoon, his expression softening slightly. "Thank you," he said, his voice a gruff murmur.

Taejoon, his face still pale and drawn, nodded silently. He had seen the darkness in Junseong's eyes, the monster that lurked beneath the surface. He had never seen Junseong like this before, and he knew that this was a side of him that he would never forget.

The three of them left the warehouse, the air thick with tension. Junseong, his mind racing, felt a surge of relief as he approached the car and saw Seongho sleeping peacefully in the passenger seat.

"Book us the first flight to Korea tomorrow," Junseong said, his voice a low growl.

Taesung, his gaze fixed on Seongho's sleeping face, nodded silently. He knew that Junseong was right. Seongho had to go back home so that he'd be well taken care of by the family .

Taejoon, his goodbyes a mere whisper, turned and walked away. He had seen enough. He had seen the darkness in Junseong's eyes, the monster that lurked beneath the surface. He had never seen Junseong like this before, and he knew that this was a side of him that he would never forget.

Taesung, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and suprise, entered his car and drove away.

Junseong sat in his car, his gaze fixed on Seongho's sleeping face. He had saved him and had become a monster, a man driven by a primal need to protect his own.

He watched as Seongho's chest rose and fell with each breath, his face serene in sleep. He had never seen Seongho so vulnerable, so helpless. He felt a surge of protectiveness, a fierce desire to shield him from the world, to keep him safe from harm.

He scanned Seongho's face, his eyes lingering on his pouty lips. He felt a sudden urge to nibble on them, to taste them, to feel the softness of them against his own. He quickly pushed the thought away, chiding himself for having such thoughts. He should never fall in love Seongho, he just shouldn't.

He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts and started the car, his gaze fixed on Seongho's sleeping face. He would protect him, even if it meant becoming the monster he had always feared.

As he drove back to the hotel, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was walking a tightrope over an abyss. He had crossed a line, a line he had never intended to cross. He had become a monster that he'd kept hidden since years ago and he was sure he would never be the same again.

The elevator doors slid open, revealing the lobby of the hotel. A collective gasp rippled through the staff as they saw Seongho, his face pale and drawn, leaning against Junseong. They rushed forward, their faces beaming with relief and surprise.

"Mr. Seongho! We're so glad you're safe!" one of the staff exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine concern. "We were so worried about you."

Junseong, however, was not in the mood for pleasantries. He glared at the staff, his eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. "Back off," he growled, his voice laced with a dangerous edge. "I don't need your help."

The staff, taken aback by his sudden outburst, quickly stepped back, their smiles fading. As the elevator doors closed, they began to whisper amongst themselves, their chatter quickly turning into a frenzy of tweets and social media posts about Seongho's return.

As soon as they entered the room, Seongho limped into the bathroom while Junseong, his heart pounding in his chest, went to the balcony, giving Seongho privacy to bathe and change from the clothes that had torn and dirty due to the fact that he had been in it for three weeks.

One hour later,Seongho emerged from the bathroom in a robe, his face pale and drawn, his eyes filled with a mixture of fear and gratitude. He had been through a lot, and he was still shaken by the events of the past weeks.

Junseong, his heart aching for him, approached him, his voice a low murmur. "Are you alright little one?"

Seongho, his eyes meeting Junseong's, nodded slowly. "I'm okay now that I'm with you hubby," he said, his voice a mere whisper.

He wanted to talk to Junseong, to understand what had happened, to ask him why he had done what he had done. But he was still too shaken, too afraid.

Junseong, his gaze fixed on Seongho's face, felt a surge of protectiveness he couldn't understand and pulled Seongho close, his arms wrapping around him tightly. "It's alright," he whispered, his voice a low rumble. "I'm here now. I won't let anyone take you away again."

He felt Seongho's body trembling against his, his heart pounding in his chest and held him close, his heart aching for him. He would protect him, even if it meant losing himself in the process.

Junseong gently guided Seongho to the bed. "Rest a little," he commanded, his voice softer now, but still laced with authority. He reached for his phone, his fingers flying across the screen as he called for a team of doctors. He didn't want Seongho going to the hospital. The media would be all over it, and Seongho didn't need that kind of attention right now.

The doctors arrived within minutes, their faces grave as they examined Seongho's injuries. They were a team of specialists, called in for their expertise in treating trauma victims. The lead doctor, a woman with a stern face and a sharp gaze, took in the sight of Seongho's battered body, her brow furrowing. She had seen her share of violence, but the sheer brutality of the attack on Seongho was shocking.

The doctor gently probed Seongho's wounds, her touch careful and precise. She noted the deep bruises, the lacerations, the signs of prolonged abuse. She could see the fear in Seongho's eyes, the way he flinched at every touch. She had seen this before, in countless other victims, and she knew it was a long and arduous road to recovery.

"This is...extensive," she said, her voice low and measured. "He's been through a lot."

Junseong, his gaze fixed on Seongho, barely registered her words. His anger was a simmering volcano, threatening to erupt at any moment. He had never seen Seongho like this, so vulnerable, so broken. His heart ached for him, but his rage was a consuming fire.

As the doctor began to clean the wounds, Seongho winced, a whimper escaping his lips.

"You're incompetent!" Junseong roared, his voice thick with fury. "Are you even trying?"

"Hubby ,don't be mean to the doctors," he whined, his voice laced with a touch of aegyo. "They're just trying to help."

Junseong, his anger momentarily quelled by Seongho's pout, took a deep breath. He knew he was being unreasonable, but he couldn't help it. He hated seeing Seongho in pain.

As the doctors finished their examination, they rose to leave. Junseong moved to escort them out, but Seongho reached for his hand, his fingers tightening around his. "Don't leave me, hubby," he pleaded, his voice trembling slightly. "Stay with me."

Junseong, his heart softening at Seongho's plea, nodded. He would stay. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving Seongho alone, not after what he had been through.

As soon as the door closed,He moved towards Seongho and helped him out of the robe, his gaze lingering on the bruises and cuts that marred his husband's skin. He pulled on one of his own shirts, the oversized fabric swallowing Seongho's small frame. The shirt reached his knees, making him look even more vulnerable, more precious.

Junseong sat beside down on the bed and Seongho, his body aching, leaned against Junseong, resting his head on his chest. He snuggled closer, his face buried in Junseong's shirt, his eyes closed. "Hubby," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I missed you so much."

Junseong, his heart aching for him, stroked Seongho's hair, his touch gentle and reassuring. "I know, Seongho" he murmured, his voice filled with a tenderness he didn't know he possessed.

Seongho, his eyes opening slowly, looked up at Junseong, his face a mixture of sadness and gratitude. "They hit me every day, Junseongie," he whispered, his voice trembling. "They tortured me. They said such awful things..... about you and me too."

He told Junseong about the abuse, the constant insults, the threats, and the way they had made him feel like nothing more than a worthless object. He told him how they had fondled him, how they had played with his nipples, their touch cold and predatory.

Junseong, his anger simmering, took a deep breath, trying to control his rage. He would make them pay. He would make their lives a living hell.

He held Seongho close, his arms tightening around him. "It's okay now, little one," he whispered, his voice a low rumble. "I'm here. I'll protect you."

He stroked Seongho's hair, his touch slow and comforting. " But you know,I was so worried , little one," he continued, his voice filled with concern. "Your parents, my parents, we were all so worried."

He told Seongho about the detectives, secret agents he had hired, the endless hours he had spent searching for him, the sleepless nights he had endured. He told him everything, pouring his heart out and his troubles .

Seongho, his heart swelling with love, snuggled closer to Junseong. He had never felt so loved, so protected, so safe. He had been through hell, but now, he was finally home.

Junseong gently cupped Seongho's face, his thumb tracing the delicate line of his jaw. "Don't sleep yet, little one," he murmured as he noticed that Seongho was no longer paying attention and was slowly drifting off, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through Seongho's body. "You need to eat and take your medicination."

Seongho, his body aching and his eyelids heavy, tried to pull away. "I'm not hungry, hubby," he mumbled, his voice hoarse. "And I'm so sleepy."

Junseong's grip tightened slightly, his gaze unwavering. "You need your strength back. You've been through a lot." He immediately reached for his phone, his fingers flying across the screen. "Send up dinner," he commanded, his voice clipped and authoritative. "And make sure it's something he can eat. He's not used to New York food."

He knew Seongho wouldn't like the food here, but they were far from home. They'd have to make do.

When the dinner arrived, Seongho tried to resist. "I'm really not hungry, hubby," he whined, his voice laced with exhaustion. "And I'm so sleepy."

Junseong's concern was evident in his brow furrowed with worry. He lifted Seongho up, his strong arms effortlessly supporting the smaller man. Seongho squeaked in surprise, his eyes wide and Junseong gently placed him on his lap, his legs acting as a makeshift throne.

"Eat," he said, his voice firm but gentle, as he began to feed Seongho.

Seongho winced as the fork touched his bruised lips. The force of the blows he had endured had left his jaw sore and tender. He tried to chew, but the movement sent a sharp pain shooting through his teeth. The unfamiliar flavors and textures food only made things worse.

"This is so weird, Jun," he complained, his voice muffled by the food in his mouth. "I don't like it."

Junseong's concern was evident in the way he slowed his movements, making sure to avoid any sudden movements that might cause Seongho pain. "Eat more, little one," he said, his voice laced with a hint of amusement. "You need to regain your strength."

Seongho leaned closer, his frown turning into a playful smile, teased him. "You're already in love with me, aren't you, Junseong-ah?"

Junseong shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "I already told you a lot of times,I'm not in love with you, little one," he said, his voice a low chuckle. "But I am protective, and I am caring like how a husband should be."

Seongho's smile widened, a spark of warmth in his eyes. Junseong, his heart clenching, felt a strange sense of satisfaction. He was not in love with Seongho, but he has realized that he had became possessive, fiercely protective, and strangely obsessed with the younger man.

After Seongho finished eating, Junseong gave him his medication. Within minutes, Seongho's eyelids fluttered closed, and he drifted off to sleep. Junseong gently tucked him in, his touch lingering on Seongho's soft cheek. His concern was evident in the way he adjusted the pillows, making sure Seongho was comfortable.

He then went to the balcony, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere of the suite. He lit a cigar, the pungent aroma filling the air. He pulled out his phone and dialed one of his men.

"Everything is in place?" he asked, his voice a low growl.

"Yes, Mr. Lee," the man replied, his voice tight with respect. "Jaehyun, Jiwoon, and the others are in one of your warehouse in Busan. We've already started the process."

Junseong smirked. "Good. Start torturing them. Make them suffer. When I get to Korea, I'll handle the rest."

He ended the call, his eyes filled with a cold, calculating gleam. He would make them pay. He would make them suffer. And he would make sure Seongho was safe.

He turned back towards the room, his gaze lingering on Seongho's sleeping form. He was a man consumed by an unknown obsession, a man who would stop at nothing to keep Seongho safe. He would make sure no one ever hurt him again.