Velvet Vengeance- Choi Seungcheol. Pt 1.
✨Puttin' on the Ritz✨
🍒Pairing: Mafia Boss!Choi Seungcheol x f! Reader
,🍒Summary: New York, mafia controls through strategy, silence, and violence. A fragile peace now begins to break when secrets surface in clubs. Choi Seungcheol is looking for answers, for names, for revenge just like you are. While trying to find the man who’s behind your loss, you’re caught between an imminent gang war and Seungcheol, a man determined to protect you, to fight for you and now to fight next to you.
🍒Pt1 WC: 10,6K Final WC: TBA
🍒Genre: Romance, mutual love interest, some fluff, angst, eventual smut, hurt/comfort, au! mafia 1920´s
🍒Warnings Pt1: Mentions of death, grief, mentions of suicide, guns, killing, blood, mentions of attepted assault, plans for revenge, sort of 1920's dinamics (attempt) crime, fleeting the police, dealing with a dead body, seductive and suggestive ending?. (feel i might miss something)
A/n1: I'm sorry for the delay, but here it is Pt 1. This is for the ✨Puttin' on the Ritz✨ Collab that our lovely @studiosvt had presented and let me be part of this. i am and will be forever greatful. Please, go check the rest of the wonderful works off these amazing authors that are part of this collab! Please we all appreciate your support by rebloging and sharing your thoughts. Thank you.
A/n 2.: This has been a challege, a storm of ideas that i didn't know how to put together but i hope i did a good job. I'm sorry if there are some things that don't make sense. Firstly i'd like to thank @straylightdream for the wonderful banner, @aeristudios for being the first to help me get it a big together even if i totally changed the part she helped me with. to @shinysobi for also giving me her input in this, to the sweet @jakedustry for helping me read and spot errors in this and of course my dear lovely @belovedgyu with the patience and the wonderful amazing help she gave me. helping me spotting what it needed to be fixed and her opinion through it all. I apologize if there are still holes that i missed. i did my best tho! xD
Divider credit to @/chrisssiren
Happy reading, and hope you enjoy! truly scared but, here we go!
The heir Choi Seungcheol and Sector 17
The air inside the Choi private office was heavy, mixed with the scent of expensive tobacco and something stronger— anticipation. Power had a way of thickening the atmosphere, and this room had been a place where decisions changed entire districts, orders ended lives, and tonight it was going to be a place to patiently wait for another big decision.
Seungcheol stood near the tall window, his back straight, his reflection faintly visible in the glass. The grey suit he was wearing had been tailored to perfection for him, cut to emphasize broad shoulders and a posture that made him look exactly as a leader was meant to look—composed, steady and intimidating. Owning the role he was destined to be.
Outside, the sun was setting, revealing a beautiful set of colors in the sky. For a small moment, the beauty of it all took his mind somewhere softer, where no issues follow him.
He pictured a walk at this hour by the park, a woman by his side, sweet floral scent that made him crazy. Her dark hair in soft waves, a beautiful emerald dress and pearls around her neck. That sweet smile that always made him weak and soft for her. Eyes so beautiful they showed so much to him, he could see every emotion clearly, so expressive and kind. Truly the most beautiful woman he’s seen and the only woman who could make his heart stop with just one smile.
The quiet memory and intimacy of it all made him smile for a second. He thought about a dinner and later a delightful time dancing with laughter and stolen glances, maybe a kiss or two.
That illusion shattered as his father asked for his attention and he returned to the desk at the center of the room.
It was filled with documents, financially coded reports—proof of what this family empire was truly about. Seungcheol approached it with some familiarity already. Every number, every name, every piece of territory in those documents would soon be his burden to carry and to maintain afloat.
His father’s presence behind the desk was calm but firm, a man who had ruled Sector 17 to the place it is now was stepping out, leaving his legacy to his heir. He slid a heavy ring across the polished desk toward Seungcheol.
The moment his fingers closed around it, weight settled deeper making this all real. This was not just a symbol or an accessory. It represented responsibility, legacy, authority, expectation and blood-soaked loyalty.
Mr. Choi assured him docks, the speakeasies, the family, all of it now bowed to him. His eyes reflected pride towards his son. The moment he slid the ring on his finger he felt the thick undeniable expectations, the pressure to keep the legacy as strong as it is and to prove he’s worth the title.
The Choi legacy was now in hands of Seungcheol.
He accepted it without flinching, a faint curve of confidence touching his lips. Some would call it arrogance, but others would recognize it for what it truly was: certainty. Sector 17 had become the strongest family under his father’s rule. Seungcheol was not merely an heir, he was born for this.
Yet leadership demanded more than strength. As the seriousness of the moment deepened, there was an unspoken truth. Power was measured not only by what one could take, but by what one was willing to sacrifice. And at that moment, his thoughts betrayed him.
You.
Your laughter light and melodic, taking away the darkness of the room. He could almost feel the playful sting of your hand against his arm when he teased you, your laughter making him smile, the warmth of your presence grounding and he could feel comfortable and more like himself.
To you, he was simply Seungcheol. To you, he was a man waiting to give you flowers and take you out to dance. He was the man who looked at you like you were the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. Doing everything he could to court you properly, and make sure you felt the certainty of his feelings.
Inevitably it makes you vulnerable to know him. A clear target the minute things get complicated.
At the same time, another mafia had decided its new leader and he is far more reckless and hungrier for power and eager to prove himself. Making borders stand now on the edge of no longer being stable and alliances were starting to feel fragile for everyone.
Because of this vulnerability, right now any kind of relationship tied up with any mafia member was an easy target. The truth settled brutally and very painfully into Seungcheol’s chest, being seen with him now would place you directly in the reckless lion’s den. Until Sector 17 was secured, and stable with him as the boss, there shouldn’t be public appearances with him, no more moments together at night. Loving him and even just being near him would make you vulnerable. And he wanted to protect you at all costs.
The men who answer Seungcheol’s orders now, are not any men, they are his brothers, and they felt the change the second he entered the meeting room. How the ring glinted subtly on his finger, and with it came recognition. This was not only their brother, but he is also their leader now.
That didn’t stop some of them from giving him faint smirks and endless jokes. There was an ease to the interaction, moments of dry humor and name calling with a familiar confidence through their conversation.
“Should I call you boss now?” Jeonghan, his best friend since childhood grinned as he took a sip of his whiskey “or majesty? Which one.”
“As if you’re going to actually do it.” Seungcheol scoffed as he grabbed a drink for himself. It’s not like he needed them to speak to him that way. They knew him and simple formality wouldn’t change anything between them.
“Hey, I might!”
“I would. Your majesty, what shall we do today?” getting up from his chair Mingyu then bowed and giggled “I’m at your service your hi—”
“Fuck off, you’re annoying.” Seungcheol groaned with a small smile on his face. It was good to have them with him. Sector 17 being strong as mafia was a good thing, but being a true bonding family made them powerful. They tested him in small ways, but everything was easy, natural. He always listened, corrected and planned. He joked when appropriate and to even let himself relax, but he also reminded them of his role and that there should be professionalism and seriousness since this job demanded it.
Somewhere beyond the safety of these walls, you remained the one thing he could not have yet. Because loving you now meant doing everything, he could to keep you alive and away from his job, his world. For now, distance was the price to pay for that safety, and it was the only way to protect you.
Back then, you felt the change before you could understand why. At first, it was easy to think it was normal. People grew busy, you knew his family was wealthy and he probably would be the heir or something. You didn’t know what they did but you could bet Seungcheol’s family willingly worked 24/7 so it wasn’t strange for him to be busy working.
But the silence stretched on, and this space between you two became heavier. The Seungcheol that gave you fun and exciting nights, sweet and lovely romantic days, who once was a steady and grounding figure, faded into something distant and unreachable. The warmth you associated with him now felt like a ghost, making his absence even more painful.
The Diamond.
It was a charming place, crystal chandeliers glowing making the place to be a luxury and a secret place. Red velvet curtains framed the entrance promising intimacy while jazz music wrapped the bar in warmth and life. It smelled of expensive liquor, tobacco and perfume, hiding the faintest trace of gunmetal that was hidden in between roses and bottles. People talking laughing and even dancing had a duty to control the room and not make obvious who owned the bar and the men that had a gun attached at their hip.
Inside, conversations were too intimate. Some men gathered with colleagues, other with chosen dates, oh yes the beautiful mistake of the night. Power was discussed in murmurs and closed deals with just glances, the perfect place to do whatever they wanted.
And somewhere within that perfect place, secrets waited to be found by Miss Cherry.
She was a woman you created once you understood how men work, you created her to get what you wanted.
After your father's death, you inevitably got in some dangerous situations, and you learned many things. How mafia had their money involved with the authorities. Once you tried to get justice after your father’s death and get your business back it was clear that mafia was not only by the streets or in a speakeasy.
One way or another, you understood how this city worked and you had to learn how to stay alive. Of course, you were not letting this rest, so you also learned how to get information without getting your hands too dirty.
Miss Cherry existed in places like these, where men believed they were untouchable. At first, you still looked like yourself. Sophisticated, with poise, interesting and always ready to please.
“Hello fellas, what can I get you tonight?” your voice was now shaped into a seductive tone. One that always invited men in, alluring them to you. It was a risk, but it was necessary.
Miss Cherry was the kind of woman men underestimated because it was convenient. Satin or velvet-textured dresses, pearls, gloves pulled neatly over her hands, hair styled perfectly in soft waves and a lace mask. She listened, memorized faces, habits, the way men leaned across tables in low light. Names that surfaced, routes, meetings. Information she considered relevant, she would take it one way or another.
You would take it.
However, information always had a price and a few times it was paid in blood.
The first man had waited for you outside and followed you too closely until he cornered you into an alley behind another club that no longer exists. He had recognized you, not as a threat, but as an opportunity since you had been teasing him, not letting have his way with you at the bar like any other Miss working that night.
He never understood his mistake until it was fatal. His body was left in the rain next to a dumpster, a bullet straight to his heart and just for fun, another bullet right through his dick. His silence was secured permanently, and his disgusting intentions won’t bother anyone else ever again.
You wished that was the only time you had to use your gun on someone else, but life was not nice to you anymore. There were times where you had to deal with men who—stubborn as men are— couldn't take no for an answer. There had been a man who tried to take you down for being so defiant, there had been another who realized he talked too much and revealed important shit to you. Each time your life was threatened, they lost theirs. You managed to keep those deaths without a single trace but leaving a strong statement. Fuck with me and you get a bullet in your dick.
Just like that, each time you had felt less. Even if your goal is not going to a killing spree, it was something you learned to do for your own safety. Eventually, there was no regret. No guilt and it could easily become a new hobby for you if you wanted.
The men you killed were simple pawns, nobodies but with information enough for you to do a silent attack each time. It was all starting from going on easy things. Not all in a rush, not obvious or loud.
You learned how to move differently. How to disappear into shadows and how to let men believe they were in control, Miss Cherry learned how to be with a man and get whatever she wanted until they were disposable. The delicate girl who once stood before a judge with proof to claim justice for her father was long gone. Ever since you understood how New York worked, you came to a conclusion.
Men often opted to ignore women, to make them seem like weak sources of their own pleasure and commodity. Women had no voice or say in almost anything yet. You had to find a way to take that as a ventage point.
You might not have got justice because of how corrupted they were as mafia had engulfed the authorities, but you will definitely shake and ruin their lives then. From the inside and silently ruin everything.
At one point you realized that you were not the only one targeting them, Sector 17 was doing shit on their own. Their approach was louder, direct and not afraid. It was a little confusing since they were also a bit reckless, but it was clear now that you needed to get to them if they wanted to spill blood too, having them as a sponsor if you may call it that.
As disgusted by the idea as you were, since mafia was already the reason you lost your family, you needed some more help from people like them. You could be many things, you've learned to kill with no remorse now, but that’s not enough. You are one woman against a whole mafia family.
Now, you had to find a way to get that ally to even hear you out, and you will do that with the help of Miss Cherry.
Proudly in a way, you wore red like a second skin. A color chosen not for beauty, but to make your mark. Lips matched the crimson red dress and nails. All of it a beautiful contrast with the gun attached to your thigh.
A complicated present.
ATZ had grown reckless—too visible at the ports, too aggressive and making so much noise. Recently, their operations began to fail in subtle but damaging ways. Cargo slipped through their hands with changed routes or shipments arriving empty. It was enough to hurt but not enough to destroy, yet. One thing was clear— the person behind this was doing silent damage and had planned to remain as a ghost. Finding them might not be easy but it is not impossible.
It started to bother Seungcheol. Mostly because this person was attacking at the same time for a year.
He started with the street soldiers, and the local business involved with them, doing enough damage. However, even with that he can't get to the center of the issue without getting burned himself.
Why is Seungcheol targeting ATZ?
Because he knows what they did to your family.
He knows they killed your father, but there’s not much he can do as a Mafia Boss without starting a war with the police that are true to their words to protect the city from everyone. Because even Sector 17 is hiding behind "legitimate" business and secured protection from the authorities.
But he still wanted, fuck he needs to protect you, to take vengeance for you and your father. Every attack, every fire was his way of doing justice for the man he couldn't save and a way to distract them from you.
That wasn’t exactly helping. Seungcheol didn’t know but between every blow, he was making your job more difficult. His attacks were hitting the streets but the responsible of you father's murder—the one who gave the order—remained untouched. The records, the corrupt judges, the plans all that was invisible.
-
Jihoon slammed a grainier and blurry photograph onto the table. It showed a woman talking to a man, it appeared that it was one of the docks that had been intercepted.
"This is 'Miss Cherry,'" Jihoon explained. "She’s a hostess at The Diamond. But our informants say she’s more than that. She’s apparently the person who’s been giving the data about the ATZ cargos? They don't talk to anyone. They only talk to her and next thing we know is that there’s an issue with something related."
Seungcheol looked at the photo. He couldn’t fully recognize the woman, but something about the way she stood—the small tilt of her head, her posture— sent a chill down his spine. It was a familiar in a way he couldn’t explain, but it looked awfully similar to a woman hunting his dreams.
"I’ll go with Wonwoo and bring her here," Mingyu offered determined to get her. "We’ll pull her out—”
"No," Seungcheol said, his voice sharp and with evident tension, he was still staring at the photo with such intensity that Jihoon found odd. "If she’s the one talking to the person hitting the Lee lines against ATZ, I want to be the one to hear it. This woman... she’s smart. If she sees any of you simply waiting for her by the door she’s going to dust. She needs to see a ‘customer’ big enough to stay."
"Cheol, it’s a risk," Wonwoo countered. "The ATZ is probably watching her too now."
Seungcheol didn't hear him. He was looking at the woman’s hands in the photo. She was wearing what looked like a simple ring, but it looked exactly like the one he bought for someone not too long ago. A part of him thinks it’s impossible, he was told she’s not in Manhattan anymore, she’s supposed to be with Jiyoo in long island.
"I need to know what she has to say in person." Seungcheol said, grabbing his coat. His voice was cold and the "Boss" mask now firmly in place letting them know he was not changing his mind. His hands were trying to steady himself by gripping the desk. "She probably has information on the Lee sabotage. That makes her my business, and you all know it. Mingyu, get the car. We’re going to the Diamond."
Seungcheol walked through the main doors of The Diamond, beside him, Mingyu with his hand resting casually near his waistband where his gun was tucked in, eyes scanning the crowd making sure everything was clear.
"Jisoo said she’s pricey, Boss" Mingyu let out a small giggle as he leaned in, his voice cutting through the jazz.
“If you keep calling me Boss and giggling after, you’re going to stay with Seungmin doing paperwork shit.” Seungcheol chuckled at Mingyu’s annoyed expression.
“Don’t blame me, it’s fun calling you Boss.” Seungcheol rolled his eyes at Mingyu as he fixed his suit. He won’t lie it is fun to hear Mingyu calling him boss after all the nights they spent together drinking until they black out. They’ve seen each other at their worst. Now even with the new title of Boss, Mingyu can’t take away a drunk Seungcheol who once tried to take a stray cat home saying he was the reincarnation of his late grandfather and crying afterwards.
"Hello gentleman, what can we do for you?” Haewon approached them, wearing her green dress, pearls on her neck, her short hair styled perfectly to fit with her white mask. She gave them her most lovely smile and seductive voice. “We got a table over there and our singer will arrive s—”
“I’m looking for Miss Cherry," Seungcheol spoke, not wanting to lose time or let her keep talking. “I’m sorry, but I need to talk to her.”
Seungcheol could be many things, but one thing he was taught not to be, was rude to a woman. Contradicting, isn’t it? Being a mafia boss who already dealt with dangerous people, one or two women involved. Still, the man who was raised by a lovely woman won’t stop being polite to them. Now, if she turns out to be a danger or an issue, that’s totally a different context.
“Right, Miss Cherry.” She sighed as she gave one last glance at Mingyu. The disappointment was noticeable on her face. She had hoped to have time with either of them. “She’ll be with you in a minute. I’ll get your drinks.”
As Mingyu and Seungcheol approached the private booths, the music faded and suddenly was replaced by the muffled sounds of struggle. A grunt, crash of glass, and then— two sharp gunshots behind the thick velvet of the last private booth.
Seungcheol and Mingyu pulled out their guns, there was commotion on the other side of the bar that both ignored for a moment as they approached the table with caution. The curtain opened and a woman wiping her arm came to view. It was definitely the same woman in the photograph Jihoon had showed them.
The table had a broken whiskey bottle and a man who collapsed over the table, lifeless, blood clearly beginning to stain the table. The woman with a crimson short dress was surprisingly calm, using a silk napkin to wipe a smear of dark blood off her forearm. Her black lace mask was slightly crooked, revealing a sharp, determined but delicate jawline.
She looked up and her eyes, your eyes landed on Mingyu first. “Well, this is awkward” surprised that someone else witnessed this, you tilted your head and slowly a witty grin spread across your lips. "Careful, you’ll catch flies if you keep your mouth open like that."
Mingyu shook his head trying to gather his thoughts, he realized the man on the table looked familiar, he saw him with ATZ Yeosang once. “Who the fuck are you and what the hell did you just do?"
With a small sigh you fixed your mask. “Miss Cherry, nice to meet you darling.” You grinned at him finding adorable his shock, at the same time you were trying to come up with a valid reason as to why you just killed a man. “I’m so sorry for this mess. What can I—"
Your gaze shifted to the man standing beside Mingyu and you froze completely. The witty attitude drained from your face, replaced by a recognition that took your breath away.
Seungcheol didn't move. He stared at you—Miss Cherry — but his brow furrowed. He’s seen those eyes. Your voice, one he couldn’t forget even if he tried. And that smile, even with a mask covering half of your face, he could clearly see that it’s the same smile that appeared often in his dreams. But it was impossible, the woman he knew was a memory of soft colorful dresses and joyful attitude, not this blood-stained woman.
“Gyu, take care of the body before the cops get here,” his voice sharp he was aware of the noise around. Looking back at Mingyu who was confused and about to protest with all his might, but Seungcheol turned to him as he glared at him “Now, Mingyu. Do it.”
The whole Miss Cherry persona gone the moment he spoke, and you didn’t know what to do at that moment.
“Take off the mask” Seungcheol demanded, his voice trembling with a sudden, unexplainable desperation. Not because you’ll do something, but because of how he recognized your smile.
It’s been a little over a year since the last time you saw each other, but he could never forget that smile. It was the one he learned to admire only in his memory.
You finally reacted and tried to be as composed as you could be, you’ve mastered lying and hiding emotions, but this was way harder. He could see right through you. The light catches the way your eyes started to water, you couldn’t help it as you saw the man you loved deeply standing in front of you once again.
“Seungcheol,” your voice barely a whisper but loud enough to fill the awkwardness, trying to regain your composure you cleared your throat and fixed your hair a bit. “Well, Mr. Choi. What do we owe the pleasure of your company?”
“Take. It. Off.” With a demanding tone he took a small step towards you trying his best to ignore the lifeless body on the table.
The way he looked at you, it was as if he already knew the answer but a part of him wished it wasn’t true.
Because if it is, he just witnessed the woman he loved commit a crime. Not that he’s not used to murders since he’s done a few kills himself and on his behalf. But because you’re you, pure and sweet. You are a kind woman, not a killer and certainly not a woman who works at a speakeasy bar in a dress that other men could lust over.
“Wouldn’t you like to know,” you tilted your head and looked at the now empty booth that conveniently Mingyu must’ve had cleaned, you still don’t know why “Look, I’d love to catch up but I’d like to not have a chat with the cops tonight.”
A part of you hoped he would let it go and ignore you, but you know better. This wasn’t something to simply look away from and you know Seungcheol. When he wants something, he gets it. If he’s intrigued, if he’s annoyed, he will get the information he wants. Also, a part of you knew he already recognized you.
“Please,” he took a step closer to you blocking you from leaving. The closeness made you dizzy, you felt the way his eyes bore into your own. Not with intimidation to try and get the information out of you with fear. It was a plea and his voice was soft like you remembered had been with you. “Sweetheart?”
You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding, your heart beating out of your chest and so close to tears, it was impossible to look away from him and maybe that’s why he knew.
Reaching up with a steady hand but giving you a second to back away, you decided to cut the crap and let him unhook the silk ribbons of the mask. Just like that, he took it off you and now your bare face looked up at him, tears visible in your eyes but you were reluctant to let them fall. Your pride wouldn’t let you cry, not now.
"It’s been a long time, Seungcheol," you whispered, with the hurt you felt clear in your voice but also full of pride and defiance. “Surprised darling?"
Seungcheol’s face went pale for a second, a mixture of painful relief that you were okay. Complete concern as to why you had to decide on killing a man and anger if he remembered what you were often referred as in this place. It was a mixture of emotions that overwhelmed him.
"Y/n," he exhaled, the name sounding like a fucking prayer and a curse. His eyes darting from the empty now empty booth to the blood on your dress. "What have you done?”
All of it was too much, and too many questions he needed answers to, but didn’t even know how or where to begin. It was something dreadful, something out of a damn horror tale. To see you dealing with this.
“What I had to do to survive, that’s what I did.” You took the mask from his hand and glanced back “Not my first rodeo, darling.”
“Cheol, the workers called the cops.” Mingyu rushed back, he had already dealt with the body. Now the issue is to avoid being seen here. Almost scared of interrupting this interaction he urged them “Seriously, we need to dust out of here.”
"You're coming with me," Seungcheol growled, his eyes dark with the weight of this new reality. "Now, before I decide to burn this bar for letting you get in and before the police or the scum crawl in here”
You didn't flinch at his demanding tone as you leaned into his space, eyes reflecting the same fire anger and conflicted feelings as his. "I don’t think so," letting out a scoff you turned to Mingyu and frowned "It’s been—lovely, but I have things to do. I didn't spend months building a reputation in this gutter just to walk away you because now you want to play the hero."
Seungcheol reached out, grabbing your shoulders with a grip that was both desperate and terrifyingly strong. He was torn, a part of him wanted to take you into his arms and take you in, fuck he just missed you and wanted to be close.
The other part wanted to scold you for throwing yourself into the very fire he had tried so hard to keep you away from. The very reason why he left, to protect you from this instead of loving you properly.
"I wasn't asking, Y/n. Let’s go." His jaw tight but with a desperation clear in his voice
"And I wasn't joking," you snapped, letting out a bitter chuckle. You were finally losing patience and succumbing to the hurt that kept crawling back up. "I have things to do.”
“Y/n, don’t. I said you’re coming with me. Now.”
Mingyu was getting impatient “Cheol, we need to leave. Now.”
Without asking, Seungcheol grabbed your arm and dragged you out with them through the back door. Between the whole commotion happening, no one noticed how two men were pulling you forcefully out of the bar.
You tried to get free from his grasp, you could get him off of you easy, you’ve done it before with a bigger man, but somehow that side of you was not reacting. Right now, you were not that strong woman who had shot the men who tried to force themselves on you.
“Seungcheol, let me go! Fucking hell, don’t—”
“Don’t what?” he growled as you were in a temporary safe place in the alley. “Are you going to shoot me?”
“Fuck you.”
“Mingyu get the car, be careful.” He told him with a stern look, turning to you his gaze softened for a second before they were once again sharp and determined “You are coming with us, it’s not safe for you here.”
With a scoff you replied “Not safe, right. Then tell me, where the hell were you all this time? When my father died, or when my mother took her own life? When I had to send Jiyoo away so she would be safe from the men who took everything from us? I had to keep her away from watching her sister become this woman.” You let out a bitter humorless laugh, “you disappeared Choi Seungcheol and left me with nothing, not even a goddamn goodbye! And now you show up and think you can give me orders as if you were the Big Cheese!" It was taking on your energy but still, it was something that wanted to come out for so long.
"Fuck, Y/n, I was protecting you!" he burst out, his frustration boiling over. "I had to stay away to keep you safe"
“To keep me safe, right." You let out a scoff, rubbing your temples you tried so hard not to snap once again. "Look, this is not my first time darling, and I don't need a savior. I have information about the men who killed my father, and I’m looking for Sector 17. Their Boss is the one who can actually help me so, scram. I have things to do, but give your buddy my regards, for dumping the stiff trash."
The irony hit Seungcheol like a punch in the guts. He stepped into your space making sense about what you said. His patience finally snapping under the weight of the life you didn’t know he had.
"You’re looking for Sector 17 Boss?" he growled, the sheer authority in his voice making you shiver and look away as you tried to control the slight fear he just caused. "Look at me, Y/n! You’ve been looking for him? Well, he’s standing right in front of you!"
The silence that followed was deafening. You were confused to say the least and your face must’ve been reflecting that because Seungcheol sighed as he fixed his blazer and a small smirk threatened to appear. For a moment, he found your confused face cute and amusing.
You searched for the lie in his eyes, but he didn’t say anything. Seungcheol was waiting for you to speak. Slowly everything started to make sense, and the pieces fell into place. The expensive suit and life you remembered, the way Mingyu moved instantly at his commands and the way both carried a gun. For a moment you thought Seungcheol, a mafia member let alone a boss, didn’t make sense. But now it does. You can totally see it now, and you want to laugh hysterically.
At that moment, Mingyu pulled in by the end of the alley and Seungcheol grabbed your arm once again walking faster to the car.
"You?" you whispered, a small, bitter laugh escaping your lips trying to catch up with him. "The 'Boss' everyone is terrified of—I’ve been talking with disgusting men trying to get to him— and it was you the whole time? "
"Yes." He replied, annoyed. It was almost as if you just asked what time it is for the hundredth time. "Now, get in, I’ll tell you everything you need to know in my office, and we will handle this. I am not fucking leaving you in this joint for another second."
"Fine," you mumbled speaking through your teeth, without taking his hand you started to walk towards the car. "I’ll go to your office. But don't misunderstand this or think I’m falling back into your arms right now. I’m going because you have the resources, I need to get what I want Mr. Choi."
You stared at him with pure frustration in your eyes before you got inside the car followed by him, Mingyu sighed in relief as he finally drove away as casually as he could. But now, the tension inside the car was too think and could be cut with a knife. It was suffocating with million questions in both of your heads. God, even more in Mingyu’s head. The one he had to deal with this situation, and he wasn’t even involved in.
All because of the Miss sitting in the backseat at the brand-new Cadillac he got the chance to buy. And she’s not even there for him.
“You left to be a Mafia Boss.” It came out softer than you wanted to, filled with the true emotion that kept eating you alive since everything started to fall apart in your life.
Loneliness.
“No, it’s not like that.” Seungcheol’s voice was gentle because he knew what he did with his absence, what it meant to leave you just like that, like it wasn’t a big deal.
Something in your mind was unsettling, because the implications of him being a boss changed many things. But you didn’t have the luxury to think too much about it right now, so you tried your best not to let your mind wonder for too long.
“What did you do with the stiff?” you asked with the intention of avoiding the bigger issue.
“Not our first rodeo, sweetheart.” Seungcheol dared to give you a wink. You simply rolled your eyes and looked away.
No one spoke for a moment, but what the hell happened in this year almost two years apart kept bugging both of you. He wanted to know why on earth did you ended up working in a speakeasy bar, he wanted to know exactly what you did there and what the hell was the photograph Jihoon showed him.
You, well you only wanted to know why he didn’t say anything, why he left you. It’s not like being a boss is not important. It’s just that what hurts is that the love of your life disappeared out of nowhere leaving you thinking if you did something wrong.
Sitting by his side in silence, you kept your head held high, even if those feelings were there. You had the mask on because, right now, you felt safer with it on. Even from him.
Seungcheol turned to look at you, overwhelmed too. His heart felt heavy with the realization that even if he found you again, the woman he loved has been replaced by a woman who knew how to use a gun with no fear or remorse. A woman who could look at a corpse and be as nonchalant as ever, a woman who knew exactly how to use a man.
Still feeling the drying blood on your arm and dress. A bit frustrating since you had washed it yesterday and now it reeks of blood.
As the car parked at the huge Choi mansion, you let out a loud scoff. This was way bigger than the house you knew back then. Leaving you wondering if you knew him at all. It was totally ridiculous. It hasn’t even been more than two years, but so much changed your memories.
Seungcheol got out and offered his hand for you to take. With a long sigh you took it, and confirming the way his touch still had that effect on you. "You’re shaking," he said softly as you finally let go standing by the door.
"I’m okay," voice tight and trying to sound as casual as ever. Keeping your eyes focused somewhere else but him. "I’m just cold. It happens when you spend a rough night in a speakeasy in this dress and then being dragged out."
"Y/n, we need to talk.” Seungcheol hated the simple idea of you spending your nights there. He wanted, fuck he needed to know why the sweet woman he knew was working there. “Please, come with me."
Mingyu walked around the car and crossed his arms “I’m going to call for a meeting.” He groaned once he looked at both of you, and the tension palpable “how long do I give you, boss.”
“Boss,” instead of him, you snorted. Making Mingyu raise an eyebrow at you and then at Seungcheol who only shuggred.
“She can laugh but I can’t?”
“Yes.” He gave a small smile but masked it once again, “Call in for a meeting in an hour. I want everyone here by then.” Mingyu opted for not let out his usual tantrum and followed his instructions.
“Am I going to get scolded by the boss?”
“Come on, we do need to talk.”
It was scary, but necessary. So you simply followed him inside. The house was beautiful, you’re sure the decor was carefully chosen by Mrs. Choi and it was so elegant clean but also very welcoming. However, the part of the house he was guiding you to was totally the opposite. Dark was filling slowly each hallway, he led you to an office that made you feel cold the minute you stepped in. It was thick with the scent of coffee and tobacco.
Somehow it was an office you clearly could vision him working at. Maybe not exactly with the title he has, but definitely sitting there with a glass of whiskey and a cigarette on his desk. For a moment you let yourself dream of a moment were you could walk in here in the morning, light coming through the big window, casting a glow over him as he works diligently, looking up to you as you brought a cup of coffee for him. Hoping he’ll make some time to ask about your day and have you sitting on his lap to simply help him relax for a minute. Maybe a few kisses or giving in to a time when a massage could help both of you.
“What are you thinking?” His voice startled you for a second as he pulled you out of that small dream and back to the reality where that won’t happen probably.
“I’m thinking you need to start explaining yourself.”
“It’s funny, I was thinking the exact same thing.” He offered you a seat which you took as confidently as you can. “Y/n, I’m not going to go around the bush, I need to know exactly what happened. Why?”
The way his voice sounded scared you. He sounded almost hurt. A part of you didn’t want to talk about any of it, but the way he looked at you made you remember the man who waited for you at your front steps when he invited you to dance, the man who brought you lilies, the man who was amazed by your knowledge and strong beliefs. The man who would listen to you ramble about the little things and still think it’s the most interesting thing you’ve said. The man who made you feel he could bring you down the stars if you wanted.
You closed your eyes, and for a moment, the sarcastic wall you built disappeared, replaced by a exhaustion and melancholy. "My father died about three months after you left. He was recovering from pneumonia; he was weak but stubborn and wanted to keep working. There had been inconsistencies in his business, he noticed it. ATZ took advantage of his recovery to do their shit. Dad being the meticulous man he was, tracked what they were doing. They were not happy, so they took him out of the map. No mercy, they just killed him, just like that."
You were looking at the floor and then turned to him as he was resting against the desk looking at you like he always did when you were telling him your thoughts. As you were trying to take away the memory of it all, you felt your eyes were already filling with unshed tears. “I tried to take the murder to court, I mentioned ATZ and they laughed in my face and advised me to not pursue this further. You can surely guess why,” scoffing you let out a dry laugh, he probably has his own judge and lawyers working for him. “They turned their heads on me. They were working for them, I am sure.”
“Y/n, if I had known they were going to—”
“Whatever.” You shook your head and looked away. “Everything went south from there. My mother went from crying herself to sleep for 2 months to not waking up one day. She couldn’t take it, so she just—yeah” it was a vivid memory, walking into her room only to find her there, stone cold and an empty bottle of pills on her night stand.
"I became 'Miss Cherry' because I had to survive all this. Burying my mother months after I buried my father and sending Jiyoo away in fear of those men coming after her because they could. I was alone, Seungcheol. Totally, utterly alone in a house that felt like a grave." You chuckled at the memory and smiled bitterly at him “They took that one from me too by the way. Now I’m living in a sketchy apartment with humitity and an excelent melody to wake up every moring. Let’s also mention how my neighbor loves to fuck every goddamn morning. Dude I come back exhausted and he’s fucking at 7:00 am, Why?!”
Seungcheol flinched as if you had punched him. He pulled the other chair closer to you and sat way too close to you. He reached out to take your hand and this time, you didn’t take yours away. His thumb tracing your knuckles with a sweet, aching tenderness letting you continue.
With a long sigh you now lay out what you were truly doing “I’m the one sabotaging every ATZ shipping and business. I only gather information as Miss Cherry to later get to the real work in the shadows. I’m doing this to end the man who gave the fucked up order to kill an incredible man who did nothing but work for his family.” You finally let go the tears that filled your eyes. One thought you had since the beginning wanting to clarify everything made your voice crack. “I don’t sell my body, Cheol. I don’t let anyone touch me. The men who had actually tried to do it— well, let’s say they were found in a dirty alley a few hours later.”
Seungcheol let out a long painful sigh at your words. A part of him relieved you didn’t had to go to the extent of selling your body but pained him to know how you were in danger of men forcing you to. Somehow also glad you’ve got your ways to deal with them though.
“God, I’m sorry, y/n”
“I did what I had to do to survive.”
Silence filled the car once again. It felt good to let go of it all, but it still felt heavy in your chest. Jiyoo is unaware about your doings, and you wanted it to stay that way. You couldn’t tell Haewon about this because she’ll think you’re crazy and probably sell you out. You didn’t trust anyone, but somehow talking to Seungcheol felt right. You didn’t know if it was entirely because its him, or because he’s a boss.
Either way it was a little bit refreshing.
"I never stopped thinking about you,” he whispered after a long silence filled the office, his voice now thick with a longing he had felt since the last time he saw you. "Every night I spent in those cold warehouses, every deal I made to silence the threats... it was all to build a place where I believed you’d be safe and I thought if I kept the 'Sector 17' name far away from yours, this world wouldn't find you." He slowly reached to caress your cheek; his eyes were once again those soft brown eyes that could melt your heart.
“I wanted to go back to you the minute I got word of what they did. Fuck I got so pissed off I almost go there myself and kill them. But I couldn’t risk it, so I have been trying to make them pay for it. But there had been someone making my job difficult because she keeps attacking the same targets as me.” He grinned at you making you snort at the goddamn irony.
That grin slowly disappeared, and a painful look took over once again. He leaned closer once he saw you won’t reject him, his forehead almost touching yours now. "I missed you too much every fucking day and night. I felt like shit. I wanted to go to your house and tell you everything, to get out and kill them. I couldn’t, my hands were tied with this damn responsibility. They were already filled with blood and I kept thinking I couldn’t do that to you.
"You should have let me choose," you breathed, tears already falling as you spoke. "You decided my fate without you was for the better but you didn’t ask if I wanted that. I was, God I am strong enough to stand by you, with you! I didn't need you to keep me in a bubble, I didn’t need a ghost watching over me, Seungcheol. I needed a man to hold me, to love me and to choose me too.”
"I know," he murmured, his eyes dark with regret. "I was a fool, but I was scared sweetheart, this life is too dangerous and I thought I was being a protector."
“Yeah, well remember I have been doing dangerous shit for half a year.” You mumbled making him let out a long sigh, still overwhelmed for that fact.
Still, without hesitation he pulled your hand up to his lips, kissing your palm, your knuckles and that made your breath hitch. Still having this powerful effect in you "I'm not leaving again. I won't let you be alone anymore."
“I’m still fucking angry at you.” contradicting yourself, you leaned your head against his, the tension slowly snapping. The grief was still there, the anger, resentment and loneliness. But for the first time in a little while, it felt a little less heavy. Not gone yet, but better. "Fucking hell you're an idiot, Choi Seungcheol."
"And you're a dangerous woman, Lee Y/n," he replied, his grip on your hand tightening. "But now, more than ever, I think we're a perfect match."
After a minute of slightly comfortable silence, you decided it was time. “We need to talk about ATZ and the next move Cheol.” You sighed, as much as you wanted to spend time with him, it was important to get that cleared out with him, and everyone.
“Yes, we do Miss Cherry.”
There was furniture that displayed guns as if they were on sale. A massive map of New York and the Manhattan docks was pinned to the wall marked with red ink. A man was leaning over the table with his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, taking simple notes. Mingyu was next to him, Wonwoo you heard call him. Across from him there were two men visibly bickering about something. The whole table had men already too absorbed in their conversations that took them a little too long to notice you entirely.
Seungcheol didn't walked to the head of the table like he always does the second he walks inside. Instead, he stood aside, holding the door for you.
The room went dead silent once they noticed. Mingyu somehow expected you to be right at the other side of this house, not here. His jaw didn't quite drop this time— not like it did at the speakeasy—but Wonwoo slowly straightened up, his eyes darting from you to Seungcheol’s surprisingly calm expression.
"Cheol?" Wonwoo asked, his voice cautious. "I thought this was a closed meeting."
Wonwoo wasn’t the only confused in the room, as almost every men there looked at you with curious eyes. One of them was wearing a dark grey suit and a cigarette between his fingers, his long brown hair styled back and you saw how he slowly grinned. The one sitting across from him, with a short undercut, something you’ve never seen before, eyed you up and down. He was inspecting, analyzing you.
“Who is this pretty doll?” the long-haired man spoke after letting a cloud of smoke out of his mouth.
You arched an eyebrow as you glanced back at them just like they did, tilting slightly your head and making a disapproving nod.
“Jeonghan,” Seungcheol warned after he let out a sound close to a growl, but his voice was firm. "Everyone, this is Lee Y/n—” you saw the minute almost everyone straightened their backs.
“You might also know me as Miss Cherry,” with a chuckle you watched Jeonghan almost choke. “So, you have heard about me.”
“Wait, why is she here, boss.” The man with the undercut asked crossing his arms looking annoyed at your presence to which you found fun.
“You look tense darling.” With a wicked smile you were tempted to annoy him even more. “Is there a problem with a lady being in your little play date? Maybe I should call my friend to help you with that stiff attitude?” Aside the drunk assholes at the bar, you enjoyed pissing rude men off. Especially men who had a superiority complex.
“Y/n, stop,” Seungcheol rolled his eyes as he reached for his usual chair and signaled you to sit next to him “She has information we need; she’s part of this plan now."
Mingyu let out a short, dry scoff trying to mask it by coughing into his hand. Wonwoo, as polite as he is, cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Boss... it’s a bit unusual. The docks are a mess right now. I got word that Yeosang’s right hand was found dead about an hour ago.”
“She’s the one in the photograph.” Someone on the far end talked, he had been silent since you walked in “You’re the one selling information to the one that keeps interfering with our work” he slide down the photograph of you and some idiot that gladly accepted a falsified document from you not too long ago.
“Ah, you’ve kept tabs on Miss Cherry?”
“Miss Cherry has been working with someone and it’s very annoying.” He replied with an eye roll “Cheol you asked for an important meeting, with all due respect, this is no place for... well, a lady to be involved. Even if it is Miss Cherry”
“Minghao—"
You didn't let Seungcheol keep talking and defend you, and a part of him knew you didn’t need him to. You held your head high and leaned your palms against the table and looked at Minghao with a grin.
"I am a lady, thank you for that," you let out a sassy, mocking chuckle and tilt your head. “I might not smell like cheap tobacco, I don’t have a dick, but I do have information you need. Also, that asshole had it coming. He was being too handsy." You replied looking back at Wonwoo who had talked about the man you killed tonight.
Seungcheol gripped the armrest tight at the implication. Two things had him on edge now. The man you killed was Yeosang’s right hand and he tried to lay a hand on you.
You turned to look at him and shrugged with a small smile, “I told you, no one touches me.” As you turned to look back at Minghao and then at everyone you sighed. "Look, I get it. You all have your roles. You do the 'heavy shit' and the shooting. But while you were busy playing soldiers and wildly attacking docks I was the one sitting in a VIP booth with that asshole pulling secrets out of his head before I put a bullet in it. To later be the one doing damage with that information. My job is different from yours, but it gets results too. Oh, if it wasn’t already clear. I am that annoying source giving you problems. Sorry about that."
“Well, that’s interesting.” Jeonghan lifted his glass of whiskey. He found the way you talked to them amusing. “I think it’ll be fun to have you on board. A pretty face to look at while working is always welcomed”
“I wouldn’t keep talking if I were you, hyung,” the undercut guy that eyed you up and down finally spoke, he turned to look at Seungcheol who had his jaw tight, and fist closed basically throwing daggers at Jeonghan. That caused Jeonghan to laugh louder before sighing
“Sorry boss.” Obviously, he was trying to get into both, yours and Seungcheol’s skin. The latter being easier, something he found way too funny.
“Either way, how is this going to help Cheol?” Minghao looked slightly awkward at the fact that you were the one behind all that.
Seungcheol hesitated to answer for a small moment. An idea made you giggle, and a mischievous grin appeared in your face. "I’ll tell you what, if either of you is brave enough to use a silk tight red dress, and walk in heels into a den of drunk men sexually constipated to listen to them whine—with intentions of doing nasty shit to you with nothing but a derringer strapped to your thigh and a sultry smile on your face, then I’ll happily stay in the car, damn I’ll stay here. Any takers? Minghao, you got a pretty smile, Jeonghan? I think red is your color, and with that luscious hair mhm you’ll be a dream for them.”
Mingyu choked on a laugh, shaking his head and looking at the floor. Even the stoic Jihoon, Wonwoo and even Minghao had to fight back a smile, and hide their amusement.
"I know I’ll be irresistible, but I think I’ll pass. You’re funny, Miss Y/n," Jeonghan spoke, a hint of respect and curiosity in his voice as he held a laugh.
"Good. Then, we understand each other better." You said, tone shifting back to business as you approached the map. "Now, let’s hear what I got out of that man’s head while you were playing with your guns.”
The old big somehow beautiful clock in the hallway hit 3:00 AM, the echoing of your heels were loud through the long, silent corridors of the mansion. The meeting ended a few minutes ago and it had been challenging—a mix of sharp and sarcastic replies from everyone, surprised faces at the information you shared so far and still one or two voices who doubted the convenience of you being part of this plan now. Because now, it didn’t seem like a plan of Seungcheol to simply avenge you and your family. It slowly is turning to a war of reckless behavior of the ATZ against all three families. So it might take another huge turn and you didn’t know if it could be for the worse or for the better.
Seungcheol decided for you that it was best for you to stay here, safer for you. definitely.
He led you toward the wing of the house that looked more alive even at night. He was carrying fresh clothes—one of his silk grey pajamas and his white robe. Stopping at a tall, white door, he pushed it open to reveal a guest room that looked more like suite than a bedroom. Definitely, the same size as the apartment you had been struggling to sleep peacefully in.
"It’s not much," he said, his voice low and raspy from hours of talking and moments of laughing at your remarks against his men. "But it’s quiet. No sirens, no jazz, no, neighbor fucking..." both of you chuckled at what you had mentioned earlier.
His mind trailed off again the second his eyes dropped to your arm where the blood had been, now replaced by a faint, fading bruise after you had cleaned it. The image of you in that VIP booth, cornered by a man who saw you only as something to be taken just to pleasure him, had been burning a hole in his mind all night. The implications of what that scumbag had wanted to do to you made him sick.
You noticed, of course you did. So you grabbed his hand and squeezed as you stepped into the room. You felt and looked smaller here. You were far away from the smoke of the Diamond and the Miss Cherry persona was gone. "It’s perfect, Cheol. Better than that sketchy place I had to sleep in."
When you reached the huge bed you turned to take the pajamas from him, but as your fingers brushed his, the air in the room suddenly felt way too heavy. Seungcheol didn't let go of them immediately. He dared to step closer, his presence still warm and overwhelming to you. The scent of his cologne was still strong, and still delicious.
"I’m sorry about tonight," he whispered finally finding his voice, his eyes searching yours with desperate care and with a heavy feeling of regret. "I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner. I'm sorry you ever had to go there put on that mask in the first place."
You felt the way your pulse accelerated. A big part of you wanted to stay angry—you were angry—but the way he was looking at you, with that familiar cheeky smile and tilt of his head filling you with a raw adoration, was threatening your self-restraint.
"I see you want to play the hero Choi," you teased, and your voice was not bitter. With a tilt of your head you leaned back against the bedpost, "look, I handled it. I’ve been handling things like this for quite some time. You're now just a 'Big Cheese' who decided to show up tonight and try to pay my bill. Finally."
Seungcheol let out soft, laughter. Once again he dared to step closer. He reached out, his thumb catching a lock of your now disheveled hair and tucking it behind your ear. His touch was doing things to you that you didn’t know how much longer you could contain. "What, am I Just a bank account with a fancy suit?"
"Maybe," you replied with a cheeky grin, trying to control your heart racing as he leaned down, with a smirk of his own. His face inches away from yours. "Or maybe you’re just a stubborn sheik who doesn't know he could be replaced."
With a huffed laugh he murmured "You couldn't replace me if you tried, sweetheart" His gaze was now on your lips, then back to your eyes. The tension was no longer just about the war or the secrets both of you held. It was more than a year of longing, of nights where the ‘what-ifs’ eat both of you not letting you rest. It was all finally turning to a real moment.
Seungcheol’s hand slid from your hair to the nape of your neck, you felt how warm his hand was and how much you missed, wanted, and dreamed about this warmth on you. Even if you wanted more than his hand on your neck.
Right now, Seungcheol wasn't the Boss of Sector 17. He was just a man who had loved you and never stopped. The air turned into an overwhelming quiet and then a strong desire.
You couldn’t help yourself, your need your longing and the ache for him made you rest a hand on his chest. You could feel the frantic, way his heart was beating beneath his clothes. Still, a small reasoning part of your brain still had energy to work.
"You should leave," you whispered, and you knew that is not what you want, fuck your body is betraying your rational self as you leaned and stepped a small fraction closer, fingers curling into his shirt. You were unsure if this was right but damn it did feel right "I-I have a reputation to keep, Mr. Choi. I don't sleep with a client."
"Then it's a good thing I'm not a client," he replied, his voice a low seductive growl. He leaned in, nose brushing yours letting you be the one deciding the next move. His breath hitching as he felt the way you lean into him like it was something you have done for years. "I've missed you so much. Fuck sweetheart, I need you."
The space between you too felt too dangerous. One more inch and this will get out of control. Both of you are weak for each other and these years apart have been torture enough. Seungcheol’s other hand found your waist pulling you harshly against him, each second that passes you were losing the battle.
For a second, the rest of the world, the ATZ incidents, the police, the blood both of you had shed—simply vanished from your thoughts.
The scent of his cologne, the softness of your eyes, the heat that both of your bodies irradiated against each other were terrifying proof that both of you were missing each other in more ways than you thought.
This damn temptation was going to kill you. Seungcheol needs you to make a decision because he won’t force you to anything simply because he needs you in more ways than he can name.
But you thought the same, you wanted him to decide because you knew at the end you would stop fighting yourself and give in to this need.
Because even if you’re angry at him, that anger fuels the desire to feel him in every way possible.
Seungcheol is the man you’d let touch you with no doubt, no complain, no hesitation.
“What do you want, sweetheart?”
“You.”
To be continued....
