#darkmafia

synopsis ∴ two leaders and one city. territory sparks rivalry, desire, and betrayal. nothing ends clean.

genre ∴ dark mafia | romance | rivals → tragedy

warnings ∴ violence · guns · betrayal · tragedy · blood · mentioning of sex

characters ∴ mafia!jungwon x mafia!reader

wc ∴ 1.2k

taglist ~ @won1yoiz

——————

CHAPTER 3 - WEDNESDAY

Reader’s POV

“meet me in the alleyway,” jungwon says before hanging up.

you were sitting at your desk, the annoyance of your rival instructing you orders pissed you off. clean.

as much as you didn’t want to follow his orders, you had territory to take over. including his own.

you grab your leather jacket, throwing it around your shoulders as you head out of your club, making your way to see what the fuck jungwon was on about.

the streets smell of war before it even began. smoke curled from overturned cars, and the neon lights of the district flickered against puddles of rain water. you moved through the chaos, scanning faces you didn’t know. your heart hammering against your ribs, anticipation grows inside of you.

then you saw him. jungwon. calm. calculated. way more composed than last night. your eyes lock in with his. you didn’t speak. you didn’t need to.

“any leads yet?” he questions, taking a pull from his cigarette.

“nothing solid. i’ve checked my routes. nothing is missing on my end.” you answered, putting your hands in your pockets.

he looks at you. “then someone’s clever. using your territory against you… and me.”

you smirk, holding your hand tight around your gun in your pocket. “then let’s see how clever they really are.”

you hear a little rattle come from behind you. turning your head rapidly, nothing was there. you felt a presence and it wasn’t a friendly one. as you begin to walk towards the sound the rattling noise continues.

you were nearly out of the alleyway, crouching by a trash can. you lifted it when jungwon shouted “look out!” he ran toward you, and together you tumbled to the ground as bullets whizzed past.

“front’s mine. cover back!” jungwon shouts.

“backs clear” you shout.

jungwon fired relentless at the car, unaware of movement in the underground stairwell. your pulse spikes, a figure appeared with a gun pointed towards jungwon. instinct took over.

bang.

the shot hit the intruder in the ribs. he dropped a leather pouch, groaning, then scrambled back into the stairwell and disappeared.

you crawled forward, grabbing the pouch—cash and a folded card with your clubs logo. someone was framing you. you slid back behind the dumpster, eyes immediately back on the car.

jungwon kept firing, the car finally retreating and winding down.

the alleyway fell silent except for your ragged breaths. you met jungwon’s eyes. this wasn’t just an attack. it was a message and it was meant to provoke both of you.

“we clear?” jungwon heaves, laying his head back against the dark red brick wall.

“we should be,” you say as you get up from the floor.

jungwon also gets up, his tongue grazing his bottom lip as he heads towards you.

your blood was pumping through your body and you couldn’t tell if it was because of the left over adrenaline from the shoot out or from how good your rival looks at the moment.

snap the fuck out of it.

“take me to your vip room. i have something to show you,” you demand,

he runs his fingers through his jet black hair. he yanks you slightly behind him, gun raised. still alert. “stay low.” his jaw tightening.

“always,” you replied. “i found a clue,”

—

“so you’re telling me someone is framing you?” his tone confused.

“yes, in-fact someone was coming out of your bar trying to shoot you.”

jungwon’s eyes widened. “i’m going to have niki run the tape.”

you tilt your head. “who?”

“niki. he’s my crew member.” he says, dialling the number on his phone.

jungwon steps away from you. you hear him on the phone talking to niki. your hands trace around the leather wallet, nothing else in there but your card and some cash.

you begin to slowly retrace the steps of everyrhing happening. you were at the garbage, bound to inspect the rattling sound that caught your attention. jungwon jumps on you and protects you, giving you time to pull out your weapon and fire back with him.

that intruder. it just kept running through your mind. where did he come from? why was he pointing the gun towards jungwon? what the fuck is going on.

jungwon comes back to his table, running his fingers through his hair. you tend to keep your calm demanour, but your intuition was telling you something different. something wasn’t right.

“he said he’ll view the tapes in thirty,” he exhaled. “is there anything else you need to tell me?”

your head still in your thoughts, calculating everything that happened. you being to hear snapping noises, but it was only jungwon’s fingers in your face.

“snap out of it. i’m talking to you.” he says. “is there anything else i must know?”

“no,” you say, getting up from the leather seat, the dark smell of vanilla roaming your nose. “i’ll be heading my way out. i have my own shit to handle.”

you got up rapidly, storming out of his room without hearing another word come out of his mouth.

your phone started ringing, you ignored it till you got back to the club. you were too busy focusing on your surroundings, making sure another break out doesn’t happen while you’re alone.

your phone rings again and this time you answer it—a hard and annoying “what,” erupts out your throat.

“boss! they got one of our people.” a voice says.

you stop mid walk, eyes widening. “who?”

“we don’t know who as of right now boss. we ran the footage, it was a guy with a black suit on. he was limping.” the guy spits over the phone.

limping.

“how the fuck did you manage to let an intruder into my hostess?” you question aggravated. “send me the footage now and with that being said put me on the speakers.”

“yes boss,” the guard said putting you on speaker. “you’re on speaker.”

“whoever managed to let the intruder inside, drop your weapon. you are no longer apart of my empire. those that weren’t there…” you pause. “kill them.”

you hung up the phone before you could hear the bullets going in your ears. standing on the sidewalk you look at the footage. your eyes squinting when you see something that stood out to you.

the placement of the intruders hand deepened your mind.

this was the person you shot in the ribs.

and not only that.

they had on gear you’ve only seen be worn on individuals who support your rival.

———————

synopsis ∴ two leaders and one city. territory sparks rivalry, desire, and betrayal. nothing ends clean.

genre ∴ dark mafia | romance | rivals → tragedy

warnings ∴ violence · guns · betrayal · tragedy · blood · mentioning of sex

characters ∴ mafia!jungwon x mafia!reader

✧ ✧ ✧

Chapter 1: Monday

Chapter 2: Tuesday

Chapter 3: Wednesday

Chapter 4: Thursday

Chapter 5: Friday

✧ ✧ ✧

who will move first? who will survive the night? click to see the game begin…

——————————

synopsis ∴ two leaders and one city. territory sparks rivalry, desire, and betrayal. nothing ends clean.

genre ∴ dark mafia | romance | rivals → tragedy

warnings ∴ violence · guns · betrayal · tragedy · blood · mentioning of sex

characters ∴ mafia!jungwon x mafia!reader

wc ∴ 1.0k

——————

CHAPTER 2 - TUESDAY

Jungwon POV

the bar smelled of cheap liquor and smoke, but it was his kingdom and yesterday night felt heavier than usual. even after she left, the sharp twist in his chest lingered.

he poured himself a drink, the amber liquid catching the dim light, and he exhaled slowly, letting the smoke drift upwards. his men moved around silently, giving him space, sensing the tension he didn’t bother hiding. the map from last night lays neatly on his desk. he traces a finger over her name, over the territory lines, over the leverage she didn’t yet know he intended to take.

“boss,” a guy calls.

“what.” jungwon replies, making no eye contact with his crew.

“we sold nine pounds yesterday night, earning us twelve thousand in cash,”

he looks up at the armed man. “and you’re telling me this because?”

the armed man stands up straight. “it’s bloody money.” he spurts, fear overtaking him.

jungwon immediately got up from his seat rushing over to his guard.

“what are you telling me?”

the guard swallowed, voice shaky. “some of it… never made it to the warehouse. route was clear, but when we checked the drop, the cash… was gone.”

jungwon’s eyes narrowed, eyes darkening at the words coming out of his guards mouth. his mind raced—every detail of the routes, the crew, last night movements replaying in his head.

“gone? are you saying someone intercepted it?” he asks, tone sharp, low, and controlled.

the guard nodded, gulping quietly. “we don’t know who boss. could’ve been someone close… someone watching us.”

jungwon goes back to his seat, slamming his hand on the desk rattling his belongs. “someone close? or is someone fucking testing me.” his gaze flicks back to the map again, looking at her territory. the routes only her crew could reach. a seed of suspicion twisted in his chest, sharp as a knife.

he exhaled slowly, pieces of his hair falling out of place. “find out who ever did this. every name, every route. and make sure she knows this wasn’t… a coincidence.”

“yes boss!” the guard exclaimed, making an exit out of jungwon’s room.

looks like i have to pay someone a visit.

—

the dark sky collaborates with jungwon’s aura. he’s not walking with a will of negotiating anymore. he’s leading with the power of death. blood. territory.

as jungwon is walking to the famous club that shares the same street as him, he runs into the glowing sign of the building that screams nothing but sex and money.

he takes a deep inhale before opening the door of his rival. the deep smell of sex hits his nose, his face neutral yet intense. he walks past the naked individuals sharing each other’s body as he heads to find her.

he finds a hallway with stairs, a woman standing there halfway naked.

“hey there handsome. would you like to—“

jungwon takes his hand against the women’s head, smashing it towards the wall. enough to scare her but not to damage her. “where is she?” he asks darkly, the woman’s demeanour switching.

“go upstairs then make a left. h-her door is red.” she pants, chest heaving with shock.

jungwon walks up the stairs making his move. when he reaches her door he’s about to knock but she already opened the door for him.

“no need. walking into my club unannounced? have some respect.” she says, leaving the door open and going back to the desk.

jungwon slams the door. stomping towards her area. “this wasn’t apart of the deal. where is my fucking money.” he barks.

she’s unfazed. “what money are you talking about?” she looks at him dead in his eyes.

that untwisted feeling in his chest returns, his eyes softening.

“you know what i’m talking about y/n. cut the shit or i’ll blow up every last one of your sex servants that make you your profit.”

she laughs, a genuine laugh that caught jungwon off guard.

“if i wanted your money, you’d be missing bodies too.”

jungwon analyzes her. her body still, the calm and collected energy radiating off of her. he wants to back down. he hates that he wants to back down. he can’t trust her. he’s her rival.

“you think i’d steal from you and let you walk in her breathing?” she questions sarcastically, her motive making jungwon calm down.

“tell me what you were doing last night after you left my club.” jungwon demanded.

“i don’t have to tell you shit. you came into my club unannounced with ridiculous accusations. i stuck to your deal and went on with my day.“

jungwon’s face tightens. patience snaps.

in one stride, he’s across the room. across from her.

his hands slam on her desk, glass rattling. she doesn’t flinch but her guards are outside, guns clicking faintly against the walls.

“don’t fucking play strategist with me.” he growls. “someone has my money. someone touched it. that means someone dies tonight.”

her smile fades this time. not out of fear, out of annoyance. “you came here ready to spill blood in my club and still think i’d move behind your back?”

jungwon leans in. “i don’t think. i act.”

he straightens, pulling a gun from his waistband and setting it on her desk. a threat wrapped in steel.

“you have twenty four hours,” he says. “find who took it. bring me a name. or i’ll start cutting pieces of your operation until the message sticks.”

her eyes flick to the weapon, then back to him. cold. sharp. “you touch my people,” she warns, “and i won’t stop at your money.”

his lips twitch—almost a smile. “good.” he says. “i was hoping you’d say that.”

he turns, boots heavy against the floor, and paused at the door.

“this isn’t a rivalry anymore.” he turns his head over his shoulder. “this is a countdown.”

the door slams.

downstairs, naked individuals are still all over each other and jungwon walks back into the night already dialling a number.

“lock every route,” he says into the phone. “i want names, faces, anything that fucking breathes wrong.”

he slips the phone away, eyes dark, blood humming in his ears.

someone thought stealing from him was smart.

and they were about to learn how painful being wrong could be.

——————

synopsis ∴ two leaders and one city. territory sparks rivalry, desire, and betrayal. nothing ends clean.

genre ∴ dark mafia | romance | rivals → tragedy

warnings ∴ violence · guns · betrayal · tragedy · blood · mentioning of sex

characters ∴ mafia!jungwon x mafia!reader

wc ∴ 969

________

CHAPTER 1 - MONDAY

Readers POV

it was raining. hard.

you were walking through a dark alleyway leading you to the underground. the club that thrived on dirty money and drugs.

you came to a stop at a golden door. knocking on it three times, a tall armed man opened the door. his face covered with a mask and his suit tightening on his broad frame.

“i’m here to speak with your boss. yang jungwon,”

the guard kept still.

“i don’t believe he asked for extra guests tonight. you can see your way out.” he says, closing the door in your face.

you put a stop to it. the guard somewhat caught off guard.

“i believe he did. i would hate to call him down to come and get me and see you get your ass beat for not following simple instructions. move out of my way,” you threatened, shoving past the guard.

the guard exhales stumbling at your aggressive shove. as you hear the door close behind you, you take your wet umbrella and leave it by the door. when you continue to walk you see a good hundred of people drinking and partying in a dark room with flashing lights of blue, white, and purple.

a few of your crew members were also in here. for the sake of spying, not because they wanted to be there. while you’re scoping the scenery you spot yang jungwon on top of the balcony looking over everyone.

his slim frame and cold aura highlights him like no other. you notice the way his head tilts slightly, scanning the crowd. nothing escapes him, and yet, you can’t read the corner of his mouth, can’t tell if he’s amused or calculating.

the barista comes up to you, holding out a tray of drinks.

“want a drink?” she says, smiling ever so happily.

you stare at her, restless and unmoved.

“no thanks. i want you to get yang jungwon for me though. tell him to meet me in the vip room.” you say, walking off.

the barista’s smile falters immediately as she follows your orders. you’re walking through a crowd of individuals, sloppy drunk and overly loud.

heading to the back of the club, you walk into the vip room, smelling dark vanilla. taking a seat in the leather chair opposite from your opponent whom isn’t there yet. the room consisting of pictures of himself, the city, and money.

you check your watch, its five minutes past ten and you were starting to get annoyed. he called you for a meeting at ten o’clock and he’s five minutes late. usually if someone is late to a meeting of yours, you’d dismiss them or kill them. no in between.

you tap your fingers against the armrest, slow, deliberate. each second that ticks past adds weight to the silence, making his eventful entrance feel heavier.

the door opens, armed men walk into the room first guarding the door as jungwon walks in behind them. jungwon adjusts his suit before taking a seat and staring you into the eyes. your face matches his, dark and serious.

“my apologies for being late. i had business to handle,” he says, pulling a cigarette from out his drawer.

you just stare at him, waiting for him to get on with whatever he has to say.

“i called you because we have problems.”

you raise an eyebrow. “such as?”

“territory.” he says. “you’re on my territory,”

“then move.” you spit, leaning back into the chair.

jungwon let’s out a hard chuckle, taking a pull from the cigarette. “you believe it’s that easy? let’s make a deal,” he says, pulling out a map from under his desk.

“no need. if you can’t handle my hostess club being on your territory then move your underground club elsewhere.” crossing your hands in-front of your chest.

jungwon stares at you once more. “you don’t have a choice. i know your men are in here spying on my club to report little shit back to you. I would hate to kill them on the spot, leaving nothing but more blood on your hands.”

your heart slightly drops but you made sure to not let him notice it. you kept your emotions under control and face still.

“now. lets make a deal,” he bribes, pulling out a marker.

he began to circle locations that you were familiar with. you don’t understand why he circled these specific locations.

he taps the marker on the paper once. twice. each circle feelings intentional.

“these locations,” he says slowly, eyes lifting to meet yours. “aren’t just territory. they’re leverage.”

you straighten slightly. “explain.”

jungwon leans back into his chair, smoke curling between you like a warning. “every one of them sits on a route you still depend on. move wrong and your money bleeds. your people follow.”

silence settles heavy in the room.

you then realize—this meeting was never about compromise. it was all about control.

“and if i don’t play along?” you ask.

his lips curve, barely. “then this city picks a side.”

the marker rolls off his fingers, stopping right at the edge of your name etched on the map.

you tilt your head, measuring him. every inch of him screams control, precision, and a challenge you’ve been waiting for without even knowing.

he smirked ever so slightly, like he knows he’s pushed you into a corner. a corner you don’t usually show.

“you think this street is yours,” he says, voice low, deliberate.

you don’t answer. you don’t need to.

but as his gaze lingers, something sharp twists in your chest, something you’re not ready to name.

and then he gets up, walking back to his occupied club, leaving the coldness behind him. you realize the night isn’t over. not by a long shot.

________

synopsis: two leaders and one city. territory sparks rivalry, desire, and betrayal. nothing ends clean.

genre : dark mafia | romance | rivals → tragedy

warnings:: violence • guns • betrayal • tragedy • blood • mentioning of sex

characters : mafialjungwon x mafia!reader

wc: 1.0k

taglist ~ @won1yoiz

——————

CHAPTER 5 - FRIDAY

Readers POV

the harbor bridge never slept.

steel groaned under the weight of trucks. water slapped the concrete, cold and relentless. rain came down in thin, sharp threads—enough to sting, not enough to wash anything clean.

you were early. of course. boots planted, jacket zipped high, gun in hand. neutral ground. nobody’s territory. which meant everyone’s.

the wind cut at your face. neon reflected off wet surfaces. every shadow looked like it could move. every drip felt like a footstep.

then you saw him.

jungwon. ten feet away. dark suit clinging to his form, hair slicked back from rain, eyes sharper than the skyline behind him.

“you came alone,” he said.

“so did you,” you snapped.

he didn’t flinch.

but something passed between you—tense, dangerous, alive.

you tightened your grip on your gun, fingers slick with rain.

“you think you’re untouchable?” you asked, voice low. “after last night, after everything? you think I trust you?”

“trust?” he spat the word, a laugh without humor. “we’re not here to trust each other. not tonight.”

“then why draw?” you asked, stepping closer, rain soaking your hair, dripping into your collar.

he didn’t answer. only raised his gun a fraction, fingers steady.

you mirrored him. aiming at him, but not really. it was a ritual, recognition, the unspoken rule between you: respect, power, danger.

“this wasn’t my setup,” he said finally.

“funny. third gang frames me, kidnaps my people, and suddenly I’m supposed to believe you?”

“i didn’t touch your man,” he replied evenly.

you scoffed, letting the rain wash some of the anger into the concrete. “someone wearing your gear tried to kill me. don’t act like i don’t know the difference.”

his eyes flicked sharp. “and someone wearing yours tried to kill me too.”

you froze, heart thumping. the words hit harder than the gun in your hand.

“so you’d risk it? all of this, just to see me?”

“i didn’t risk anything,” he said. “i just watched.”

the wind howled. steel moaned. the bridge felt alive, like it was holding its breath.

“i want answers,” you growled. “and i want them now.”

he tilted his head, eyes unreadable. “answers cost blood.”

“then i’ll pay it,” you hissed. “don’t think for a second that i won’t.”

his jaw tightened. “you think it’s me you’re aiming at?”

“don’t test me,” you snapped. “i know you’re a liar, jungwon. don’t act like i don’t see it.”

he laughed softly, dark and low. “maybe i like that you see it.”

“then get out of my way,” you said, stepping closer, boots sliding slightly on the wet concrete

he didn’t move. didn’t flinch. “you’ll have to pass me first.”

your pulse spiked. each second stretched. the rain stung your eyes. the cold bit at your hands through the gloves.

you raised your gun a fraction. he did the same. the city split beneath your feet. territory carved invisible lines neither of you respected.

“you always play like you’re untouchable,” you said, teeth gritted.

“i know how to survive,” he replied. “you think you’re better?”

“i think i know you,” you said, stepping closer still.

“more than you know yourself.”

his eyes softened fractionally, a glimpse of something raw and dangerous. “careful,” he murmured.

“careful?” you laughed, sharp and hollow. “we’re already at the edge.”

rain soaked your jacket, clinging to your arms. fingers tightened on the trigger. adrenaline roared. your chest ached with every shallow breath.

“look at me,” he said suddenly. tone low, commanding, almost tender.

you did. every inch of you focused. the gun, the wet concrete, the wind, and him.

“this is a test,” you said. “to see who flinches first.”

“not just a test,” he murmured. “to see who’s lying.”

your finger hovered. every second stretched to eternity.

and then—a shot rang out. sharp. metallic. closer than expected.

jungwon’s eyes widened, the movement jerking him back. instinct slammed into you.

niki emerged from the shadows, rain streaking his face, jacket hanging uneven, left side heavier.

“niki,” you hissed, heart hammering.

jungwon’s eyes flicked toward him. recognition, shock, calculation, but too slow. blood slicked the side of his ribs, dark against black fabric.

“what are you—” jungwon rasped.

niki’s gaze stayed on him. slow. deliberate. “you taught me to think ahead,” he said flatly. “i finally did.”

“you—” jungwon started, coughing wetly. “you shot—”

niki shrugged. “no. i shot the future.”

jungwon’s hand twitched. you gripped him tighter, pressing your hands against his chest, feeling the wet warmth of blood seeping through.

“why,” you demanded. “why? this wasn’t supposed to—”

niki’s voice was calm, chilling. “third gang was bait. wanted power. chaos. easy.”

jungwon’s eyes, usually so controlled, flicked weakly toward niki. “you used my name.”

niki shrugged again. “your name opens doors. closes them.”

“niki,” you hissed, pressing harder, trying to stop him from collapsing, “you son of a bitch.”

niki’s gaze flicked toward you. “you’ll be fine. not much to worry about now.”

jungwon coughed, wet and shallow. “listen,” he rasped at niki, every word dragging from pain, from life draining fast, “don’t—don’t make this worse.”

niki’s jaw tightened, rain plastering his hair to his forehead. “i’m not working under you anymore,” he said flatly. “not if i need my empire to succeed.”

jungwon’s eyes softened—no anger, no surprise, only… acceptance.

“then go,” he whispered.

niki paused, just for a fraction. then turned and walked off. footsteps swallowed by the rain and the hum of the city below.

you pressed harder against jungwon. blood everywhere. heart hammering. the world narrowing down to him, to the warmth and weight of him slipping from you.

“stay with me,” you hissed. “we’ll fix this. we’ll—”

“listen,” he rasped, forcing you to look at him, every syllable labored. “territory… yours.”

“don’t,” you whispered. tears streaking your face. “don’t say that.”

he coughed, wet and shallow. “you… win… the city… but…”

“but what?”

he tried to lift his hand, brushing against your wrist. the motion weak, almost delicate. “everything else… lost.”

“don’t talk like that,” you snapped. “please. don’t leave me.”

“i…don’t want you… hurt,” he said. every syllable labored. “stay… alive… stronger…”

your hands shook. arms trembling, pressing against him, holding him up, holding him together, praying he wouldn’t let go.

“i don’t care about the city,” you whispered. “i care about you. you.”

his lips curved faintly, a ghost of a smile. “liar,” he rasped.

the sirens were closer now. voices shouting, chaos blooming across the harbor. you could feel it, the tremor of trucks and rain vibrating beneath your knees.

“look at me,” he whispered. barely audible. “don’t… look away…”

and you obeyed.

every second stretched. the cold rain, the blood, the concrete, the city lights—all vanished except him, his eyes, his ragged breath.

you kissed the side of his forehead, pressed your cheek against his, hands trembling over his chest, desperate to stop the inevitable.

“i was never going to shoot you,” you whispered.

his hand twitched. warmth faded. lips parted slightly. and then, barely a whisper, rasping through the blood and rain, “i know.”

he exhaled one last time.

and went still.

the bridge seemed impossibly quiet, as if the world itself had paused to mourn.

you stayed there. kneeling in blood. rain washing over you, but never enough.

sirens screamed closer, a distant reminder of the empire you had won and the life you had lost.

—————

synopsis ∴ two leaders and one city. territory sparks rivalry, desire, and betrayal. nothing ends clean.

genre ∴ dark mafia | romance | rivals → tragedy

warnings ∴ violence · guns · betrayal · tragedy · blood · mentioning of sex

characters ∴ mafia!jungwon x mafia!reader

wc ∴ 661

taglist ~ @won1yoiz

——————

CHAPTER 4 - THURSDAY

Jungwon POV

the rooftop was quiet in a way the city never really was.

wind cutting through concrete. sirens far enough to sound unreal. neon bleeding into the clouds like the sky itself was bruised. jungwon leaned against the ledge, cigarette burning slow between his fingers, ash dropping without him paying attention.

the door creaked open behind him.

“you’re late,” he said, not turning around.

“you don’t own my time,” she snapped back. still, your steps stopped beside him anyway.

his mouth twitched. “but you came.”

“didn’t wanna hear you bitch about it later.”

he turned then. really looked at her. same leather jacket. same sharp eyes. same presence that made things feel more dangerous than they already were.

“relax,” he muttered. “if i wanted you dead, you wouldn’t have made it past the stairs.”

she let out a short laugh. mean. “funny. i was thinking the same thing.”

silence stretched, thick and heavy.

the city split beneath your feet. territory carved clean down the middle. his. hers. a line neither of you respected as much as you pretended to.

“why does land matter so much to you?” you asked, eyes still on the skyline. “you already bleed money.”

jungwon scoffed. “coming from someone who’d torch a block over pride.”

“principle,” she corrected. “principle keeps people loyal.”

“and loyalty gets people killed.”

she turned toward him then, stepping closer. too close. “that fear talking?”

jungwon’s jaw tightened. “that experience.”

a beat passed.

“my father lost territory once,” jungwon said. “said it didn’t define him. lost himself right after.”

she blinked. just once.

“didn’t take you for the sentimental type,” she said.

“i’m not,” he replied quickly. “don’t get comfortable.”

the rooftop door opened again.

“boss,” niki’s voice cut through the air.

jungwon didn’t turn right away. he heard it instead—the slight hitch in his step. barely there. wrong.

“you’re bleeding,” jungwon said.

niki shrugged. “barely.”

“i didn’t ask how bad.”

niki didn’t answer.

jungwon’s phone buzzed.

unknown number.

if you want your twelve thousand back, meet me under harbor bridge. midnight. bring the rival. she’ll want her man alive.

she leaned in without asking, shoulder brushing his.

“cute,” she muttered. “they’re getting bold.”

“they took one of yours,” jungwon said flatly.

her lips curved—not a smile. “anyone dumb enough to touch my people doesn’t plan on living long.”

niki went quiet.

“you’re staying here,” jungwon said.

niki snapped, “what? i’m fine.”

“that’s exactly why you’re staying.”

you watched the exchange carefully, eyes narrowing. filing it away.

“harbor bridge is neutral ground,” she said.

“for now,” jungwon replied. “that message wasn’t about money.”

she scoffed. “it never is. money’s just what men hide behind when they want power.”

jungwon looked at you then. really looked.

“you always talk like you’re not playing the same game.”

she stepped closer again. “difference is, i don’t lie to myself about it.”

the wind kicked up, tugging at her hair. jungwon forced himself not to reach out. ground the cigarette instead, heel crushing it into the concrete.

“your people don’t all want peace,” he said quietly.

she laughed, sharp. “neither do yours. don’t act above betrayal.”

“i’m not,” he said. “i just see it coming.”

her eyes locked. something dangerous passed between you. something neither of you named.

“if things were different—” jungwon started.

“they’re not,” she cut in immediately.

still, neither of you moved.

the city breathed beneath you. somewhere below, someone was limping away from a bad decision—one neither of you understood the full cost of yet.

“midnight,” jungwon said. “don’t fuck this up.”

she turned toward the door. “try not to die before then. it’d be inconvenient.”

as you walked away, jungwon’s gaze slid back to niki.

the uneven stance.

the way his jacket hung heavier on one side.

the faint dark stain near the seam.

nothing accidental.

whatever waited under that bridge—

it wasn’t just a setup.

it was a trap.

———————

Read it Now: https://books2read.com/WhiskeyandRevenge

❤️‍🔥 Dark Mafia

❤️‍🔥 Reverse Harem 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

❤️‍🔥 Friends to Lovers

❤️‍🔥 Slightly Insane & Ruthless FMC

❤️‍🔥 5 Touch-her-and-d!e MMC with gooey centers.

❤️‍🔥 Unaliving (Sometimes in unique ways… ahem… shark feedings)

For a full list of triggers, please visit https://www.najameson.com

BLURB

My name is Layla Grace Romano, heiress to the Romano Syndicate. Six years ago, I had to flee the only life I’d ever known or risk losing it. My father wanted me de@d. But now I’ve been dragged back by the men I never thought I’d see again. Colton, Zach, Tyler, Drew, and Sean. And nothing is as it seems.

As I come to terms with the years I’ve lost with my father, I have to face the traitors working with my ex-fiancé to gain control of my kingdom. Can my overprotective men learn to follow my lead? Can I protect my city from the men exploiting it? I don’t have all the answers, but I think we’ll make it through if I stick to one truth: I’m the queen, and you will bow before me, or I will paint the walls with your bl00d… or feed a hungry shark.

Whiskey and Revenge is book one of an adult dark mafia reverse harem. It is intended for readers over the age of 18. There will be a cliffhanger, but the series will end with a HEA.