No Escape

​The silence in the trapped elevator was deafening, broken only by Yuri’s ragged breathing. Jimin’s imposing frame completely boxed her in, his dark eyes stripping away every defense she had.

​He didn't need her to speak. Her trembling lower lip and wide, terrified eyes gave him the answer he wanted.

​With a satisfied smirk, Jimin finally pulled back just an inch. He reached out, his thumb gently catching a damp coil of her short, dark curly hair, tucking it behind her ear. His gaze trailed down to her attire—a soft green, textured button-up shirt, the sleeves still rolled up to her elbows from her grueling shift. She looked exhausted, delicate, and utterly perfect.

​"Good girl," he murmured, his voice a lethal caress.

​He reached behind him and flicked the emergency switch. The elevator hummed back to life, instantly descending past the lobby and plunging straight into the underground VIP parking garage.

​"Wait, my things—my locker!" Yuri protested, finding a fraction of her voice.

​"Already collected and packed," Jimin replied smoothly, adjusting the cuffs of his suit without looking at her. "There is nothing left for you in this building. From now on, your skills belong exclusively to me."

​Ding.

​The doors slid open. Yuri expected to see the familiar concrete walls of the hospital garage, but instead, her breath caught in her throat.

​The garage was entirely blocked off. A fleet of sleek, bulletproof black SUVs sat idling, their headlights cutting through the dimness. Standing by the open door of a massive Rolls-Royce Phantom was a tall, strikingly handsome man with a playful, yet dangerous glint in his eye.

​"Welcome back, Boss," Kim Taehyung chimed, flashing a boxy, charismatic smile. His eyes flicked to Yuri, scanning her from head to toe before he gave a low whistle. "So, this is the little bird that’s been keeping you up at night. She's smaller than I expected."

​"Eyes on the floor, Taehyung," Jimin warned, his voice dropping an octave, cold and completely devoid of the warmth he had just shown Yuri.

​Taehyung immediately raised his hands in surrender, though his smirk remained. "Just admiring the rescue mission, Boss. The perimeter is secure. Jungkook wiped the hospital's security feeds ten minutes ago. To the world, Nurse Yuri practically vanished into thin air."

​Vanished. The word slammed into Yuri like a physical blow.

​Panic surged through her veins. She couldn't let this happen. Without thinking, she shoved past Jimin, sprinting toward the exit ramp. "Help!" she screamed, her voice echoing off the concrete walls. "Somebody help me!"

​She didn't make it five steps.

​A strong arm wrapped around her waist, lifting her effortlessly off the ground. Yuri kicked and thrashed, striking out at the solid chest holding her, but Jimin didn't even flinch. He simply pulled her back against him, securing her wrists with one hand while holding her tight against his body.

​"Shh," Jimin hushed her, burying his face in the crook of her neck and inhaling deeply. The scent of rain and antiseptic seemed to calm the beast inside him. "Fighting me will only exhaust you, mi amor. And you have a long night ahead of you."

​"You're a monster," she choked out, tears finally spilling hot and fast down her cheeks.

​"I am whatever I need to be to keep you safe," Jimin replied calmly. He carried her to the car, gently but forcefully depositing her into the plush leather backseat before sliding in beside her.

​Taehyung shut the door, plunging them into the dark, soundproof interior. The locks clicked instantly.

​As the motorcade peeled out of the garage and into the stormy Seoul night, Yuri pressed herself against the farthest door, hugging her knees to her chest. She watched the neon city lights blur past the tinted windows—the city she used to call home.

​Jimin poured a glass of amber liquid from the car's minibar, taking a slow sip as he watched her reflection in the window.

​"Your friend, Eun-ji," Jimin stated casually, making Yuri freeze. "She is currently sleeping soundly in your apartment. I suggest you behave, Yuri. It would be a tragedy if my men had to pay her a visit."

​Yuri snapped her head toward him, pure hatred mixing with her fear. "Don't you dare touch her."

​Jimin leaned forward, the shadows of the car playing across his sharp jawline. He reached out, his hand cupping the back of her neck, pulling her face mere inches from his own.

​"Then don't give me a reason to," he whispered fiercely. "Your world revolves around me now. Accept it, and you will have a kingdom at your feet. Fight it... and I'll break everything else you love until I am the only thing you have left."

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