Johan x North: Ctrl + V My Heart

by Soursodatea

Summary:

An AU which North is a hacker and he accidentally hacks the wrong person.

North

 

My fingers fly across the keyboard. Lines of neon-green code cascade down my terminal.  I lean back, a massive smirk spreading across my face as the final firewall crumbles.

 

"Too easy.”I mutter. "Idiot. Seriously, if you are going to be a notorious scumbag, at least invest in a security system that does not seem it was built by a toddler.”

 

I bypass the decryption protocol to the file directory in three keystrokes. Instead of copying them, I type in a command line to delete and purge. Months of proprietary data and financial records begin vanishing.

 

“Have fun spending the next few months trying to piece your records back together.”I snort, watching the progress bar hit 100%.

 

But I am not done. I dig deeper hoping to find more. I tunnel in to discover hidden offshore accounts.

 

My eyes widen. Almost five million. I know it is not enough to completely bankrupt a known billionaire like Johan, but it is definitely going to leave a small dent in his empire.

 

With a few more taps, I route the funds through seven different ghost servers, breaking the money into bite-sized pieces and raining them down upon random animal shelters.

 

“He can consider it a tax for being a terrible human being.” I mumble.

 

Satisfied, I run my cleanup scripts, wiping my digital footprints, tearing down the secure VPN tunnels before slamming my laptop shut.

 

The sharp clack echoes slightly in the quiet, dusty corner of the university library. I shove the laptop into my beat-up backpack, sling it over my shoulder, and blend into the crowd of students.

 

I head out of the library and the crisp air hits my face. With a smile on my face, I walk down the street toward my shift at the cafe outside of the university.

 

That man, Johan, won't know what hit him. It serves him for right thinking he can harass my friend and get away with it. I can’t tell Phoon I got his back.

 

=

 

“You… what?” Phoon blinks at me, completely freezing mid-motion from cleaning the coffee machine while I arrange a fresh batch of muffins on the display rack.

 

The cafe is fairly quiet now. The post-lunch rush has not hit yet, when students flood in looking for a place to chat, gossip, or stress-study over iced lattes.

 

“I hacked into the system of the guy who harassed you at the club a few days ago.”I say, keeping my voice low but failing to hide the proud smile stretching across my face. “Johan, right? That billionaire and supposedly criminal leader.”

 

The color drains from Phoon's face so fast I think he might faint. “North… it was not Johan.”

 

My hands freeze on the metal tongs. “What? But you said his name…”

 

“I wanted to tell you guys today. It all came back to me properly last night.”Phoon stammers, his eyes wide with rising panic. “I was completely out of it because Ter and Dao kept ordering shots, remember? The guy who actually harassed me… He only stopped when someone else called him, and then said Johan is waiting. So when I told you guys later, only Johan’s name came out…”

 

I stare at one of my best friends in pure shock. The pieces of that night flash through my mind. We had all gone out drinking. I had gone to the restroom with Dao, Ter was living his best life on the dance floor, and Phoon had been left alone at the table for ten minutes.

 

When we got back, he was visibly shaken and incredibly drunk, slurring about some guy who tried to touch him even though he kept saying no. In his drunken distress, he had slurred out the name Johan. And me? In my own buzzed state, fueled by fierce loyalty and my notoriously hot temper, I had latched onto that name like a dog.

 

That was why I put today’s plan in place. After doing a search on Johan last night, I had completely ignored the fact that the billionaire was ridiculously handsome in a dark, brooding way, looking more like a runway model than a CEO in his business article photographs. Yes, I am gay and not blind.

 

But I had forced myself to focus purely on the part he had harassed my friend, deleting any appreciation for his jawline and toned frame from my brain.

 

“Ah damn it.”

 

Phoon swallows hard, looking intensely guilty. His voice drops to a terrified whisper. “I am so sorry, North. Thank you for wanting to protect me, though.”

 

I take a deep, stabilising breath, trying to force my brain back into logic mode. “It is fine. Honestly, looking at the records and the millions hidden away today, Johan is a terrible person anyway. Plus, that creep must have known Johan, so I am getting revenge for you either way.” I shrug, trying to sound casual.

 

“But what if… North, I heard Johan is genuinely dangerous. The rumors say he literally owns this city. He has the government and the police in his pocket.” Phoon’s voice cracks, his tone thick with terror.

 

“Come on. Trust my skills. I have never been caught before.”I say, letting a bit of my usual arrogance shield my sudden anxiety. “Remember our freshman year? I hacked into the university database just to get Ter that passing grade.”

 

Now, as a disclaimer, that was a one-time thing born out of sheer desperation. I don’t make a habit of altering academic records for my friends.

 

But Ter had been deathly ill, totally groggy during the final exam, and crying to us afterward because it was a required module. I merely gave him a C- instead of a D so he would not lose his scholarship.

 

Phoon still looks sick with worry, but he gives a slow, reluctant nod. “Okay. But North… as much as I love you for protecting us, you really have to tone down that temper of yours.”

 

==

 

Over the next few days, my life went on as completely normal. Classes, rushing to submit assignments at the last minute, gaming or drinking with my friends, and working my shifts at the cafe

 

I really thought it was all fine. I genuinely believed I had pulled off the perfect digital heist and gotten away with it smoothly. After all, I have never had a reason to doubt my skills.

 

But from the time I was young, my parents always lectured me never to get too cocky. And obviously, it is a lesson I tend to forget from time to time.

 

My reality check happens tonight. By the time my shift finally ends at the cafe, my feet are screaming at me.

 

It was a brutal shift, made worse by the fact that Phoon is sick. I did not have my best friend there to suffer with me, and instead, I spent the last five hours coaching a clueless new part-timer who took three times as long to brew a simple iced latte.

 

When I finally get off the bus on my street, I instantly freeze, raising a brow at the line of impossibly expensive black luxury cars parked along the curb. Standing around them are several tall men dressed in identical, sharp black suits.

 

A strange, uneasy prickle ripples down my spine, but I try to shrug it away. Probably just some rich dude visiting the area, I tell myself. But as I walk past, I can feel their heavy gazes locked entirely on me.

 

I shake my head, gripping my backpack straps tighter, and decide to quicken my steps.

 

I take the stairs to my one-bedroom apartment two at a time, pulling my keys from my pocket.

 

I used to live in the university dorms with Ter as my roommate. That was how we became best friends, despite being in completely different faculties. Through the chaotic haze of freshman orientation, the two of us met Dao and Phoon, who were also roommates. Eventually, the four of us became inseparable and joined the visual arts club together. Mostly because Dao is the club secretary and recruited us with soft pouting.

 

By our second year, Ter moved out to get an apartment with Hill, his childhood sweetheart and boyfriend who graduated med school.

 

Left without a roommate, I decided I wanted my own personal space too. I found this tiny apartment and managed to afford it using my part-time wages. Between my scholarship and the generous allowance my parents send me each semester, I scrape by comfortably enough.

 

I have already promised my parents I will pay them back every cent of that allowance once I graduate.  If I survive long enough to graduate, that is.

 

I jam the key into my deadbolt, but it does not turn. In fact, the door just shifts inward. It is already completely unlocked.

 

My heart takes a sudden dive into my stomach. Cold dread floods through me. I always lock my door. Without exception.

 

Slowly and silently, I push the door open. My hand grips my heavy backpack, stuffed to the brim with thick textbooks, lifting it slightly to use as a makeshift weapon.

 

The apartment is dim, save for the amber glow of the city streetlights filtering through my window blinds.

 

I freeze solid at the sight before me.

Sitting entirely too comfortably in my favorite thrifted armchair is a man.

 

He is wearing a flawlessly tailored black suit that undoubtedly costs more than my entire tuition. He looks ridiculously out of place in my cramped, messy apartment. Well, frankly, he should not be in my apartment in the first place!

 

His long legs are elegantly crossed, and balanced perfectly on his knee is my laptop. And it is wide open.

 

My gaze lands squarely on his face, and my breath hitches. Fuck. I would recognise that face anywhere from the dozens of business articles I ran through previously.

 

It is Johan.

 

And god damn it, he is somehow even more handsome in real life. The photographs did not do justice to the sharp jawline or the intensity in his eyes… Okay, North… focus!

 

"You know, for someone who can bypass my organisation’s firewall in minutes..." Johan starts, his voice a smooth, deep baritone that sends an involuntary shiver straight down my spine. He does not even look up at me, his fingers tapping lazily against my trackpad. "Your door lock was embarrassingly easy to pick."

 

My breath traps in my throat, but I refuse to let this man see me sweat. I put on my bravest front as I hug my heavy backpack tightly against my chest like a shield.

 

“If you came here looking for your five million dollars, bad news.” I manage to retort, my voice dripping with sass. "It is currently being used to feed stray cats and dogs.“

 

Johan finally raises his eyes from the screen, locking his icy gaze onto mine. Up close, he does not look like a criminal leader. He looks more like a high-fashion runway model.

 

He slams my laptop shut abruptly, the sharp clack echoing through the small room, making me flinch. He sets it down on the cluttered coffee table before slowly standing up.

 

He is infuriatingly tall. As he towers over me, I find my feet moving on instinct, backing up toward the exit. If I run right now… no, who am I kidding? Those men on the street are definitely his. I am completely cornered.

 

And Johan obviously could tell what is on my mind.

 

“If you are thinking about running, I would suggest you not waste your time. Or mine.”Johan drawls, his voice smooth and entirely unbothered.

 

He closes the distance between us in two long  strides. I let out a sharp gasp as he reaches right past my head, slamming the apartment door shut with a heavy thud, effectively trapping me against the wood.

 

He slides his hands casually into his pockets, leaning down slightly to look into my eyes, pinning me with a cool stare.

 

"I don't care about the money.”Johan says, his voice dropping and sounding lethal. "Five million is pocket change to me."

 

Must be nice. I think bitterly, but keep my mouth shut.

 

“What I do care about…” He continues, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Is why a bratty university student decided to target me out of nowhere?”

 

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly feeling as dry as sandpaper. “Fine. I thought you were the creep who harassed my friend at a club a few nights ago. So I retaliated.”

 

Johan quirks a single eyebrow. “Hm. You really have guts, don't you?” He tilts his head, a mocking, amused glint in his eyes. “For your information, little hacker, I don’t need to harass anyone. I snap my fingers and men or women willingly climb into my bed.”

 

Ah, screw this arrogant bastard. I roll my eyes, resisting the urge to scoff in his face.

 

“Also..”Johan continues, his tone turning dangerously sharp. “The data and financial records you wiped out happened to be the exact evidence I needed against one of my executives who has been embezzling from me. His name is Sing. And he was the one who harassed your friend that night.”

 

A cold sweat breaks out across the back of my neck. My heart stops.

 

”I was going to use those files to confront him.”Johan says quietly, leaning in a fraction closer. "But now that the records are completely gone, he used the opportunity to escape the city. It is all your fault.”

 

I swallow the lump of pure terror in my throat. I am trying desperately to keep my confident mask from cracking, though my voice squeaks just a little when I speak. "Well... what do you want me to do about it then?”

 

Johan straightens up, granting me a tiny amount of breathing room. “You are going to find Sing for me. You are going to retrieve every single record you deleted, and then you are going to completely rebuild and enhance my security system. As for the five million, I will let it go on the account that I was actually impressed you managed to crack my system. You got a lot of my IT staff fired this week, so you will be doing their job.”

 

Johan’s lips curl up into a  smug smirk.   Consider this another new part-time gig for you. If you perform well, I might even decide to pay you.”

 

I stare up at his devastatingly handsome, arrogant face. Despite the absolute terror pounding in my chest, my stupid, hot-headed temper wins the battle against my common sense. “And what if I say no?“

 

Johan’s lips curl into a slow smirk that is entirely dangerous to my health. “You have lovely parents, don’t you? And those best friends you love so much…”

 

“Don’t you dare touch them!”

 

Protectiveness overshadows my fear. I react entirely on instinct, lunging forward to violently grip the lapels of his expensive jacket. My heavy backpack slips from my hand, crashing heavily at our feet with a loud thud.

 

Johan does not even flinch. He does not even blink. Instead, before I can even process his movement, his hands shoot out, wrapping firmly around my wrists.

 

With an effortless, firm grip, he tugs my hands away from his chest and pulls me sharply toward him, eliminating every inch of space between us.

 

My head spins, entirely dizzy from the overwhelming scent of his expensive cologne and the dark, mesmerising depth of his eyes staring directly into mine.

 

“Then do what you need to do to keep them safe, little hacker.” Johan whispers, his breath warm against my face.

 

He releases his grip on my wrists, stepping back and raising one long finger up. “You have exactly one week to give me my first update.”

 

==

 

I stifle a yawn blinking away the bleariness as my fingers continue typing on my laptop. Every few minutes, I reflexively glance up toward the glass doors to check if anyone has entered the cafe, but thankfully, it is quiet.

 

“Add this here.. okay.. done.” I press enter with a satisfied smile and let the code run. This new programme should retrieve the data I deleted, but it would take time. I stretch and watch the progress bar load. I have been working on this programme since last night.

 

“North, you okay?” Phoon asks as he returns from the kitchen with a new batch of scones. He gives me a concerned look.

 

“Yeah. Don’t worry.” I assure him.

 

Two days have passed since I sat my friends down and confessed the entire nightmare.

 

I told them about Johan breaking into my apartment, sitting in my thrifted chair, and the demands he laid out. Of course, I conveniently omitted the part where he subtly threatened to destroy the lives of everyone I loved if I failed.

 

Unsurprisingly, all of them had lost their minds the second they found out. Phoon had immediately dissolved into a puddle of guilt, repeatedly stammering that it was all his fault, no matter how many times I grabbed his shoulders and insisted it was not.

 

Dao and Ter were sick with worry, though Ter could not resist a familiar lecture, reminding me that this was the consequence of my hot headedness.

 

“What are you going to do?” Dao asked quietly.

 

“Nothing I can do but work on the demands.” I had said.

 

Eventually, my friends agreed that would be the only way out. They told me to quickly get it done and get away from a man like Johan.

 

No one could help me. If Johan found me so easily, it really means he is as dangerous and capable as the rumours are. The police would definitely be useless too. I am sure he has spies inside.

 

Fortunately, out of the three tasks he assigned me, two were a walk in the park.  Retrieving the record is easy since I was the one who erased them but it would just take time. Enhancing his security system is another piece of cake. Like I said, it was built by a toddler.

 

But finding that person he wants me to… I groan inwardly. It would not be that easy. Apparently, Sing really went off the grid. If I do find the guy, I need to ask him for tips on how to evade Johan. Clearly the guy has the skills to.

 

“Do you want an iced latte?” Phoon offers. I know it is his way of supporting and making up to me. Working at this cafe, the owner is pretty chill and allows us to make our own drinks when there it is quiet.

 

“Yeah, that will be great. Thanks Phoon.” I smile at him. He moves to the espresso machine.

 

At that moment, a customer walks in. He is wearing our university’s uniform. I quickly slide my laptop slightly to the side, leaving the screen cracked open just enough for the data recovery program to keep running in the background.

 

“Welcome!” I greet warmly, stepping up to the cash register.

 

As he approaches, I take him in. He is tall, with broad shoulders and a genuinely handsome face. He is not devastatingly or dangerously handsome like Johan, there is no lethal, dark aura radiating off him, but he has a bright, approachable charm that is highly appealing. I can’t help but think… my type.

 

“Hey.”He says, offering a friendly grin before glancing at the menu. “Can I get an iced americano and a… uh… scone?”

 

“Sure thing.”I reply, keying the order into the system. “Can I get a name for the order?”

 

“Poom.”

 

Phoon gives me a thumbs up, indicating he already heard the order and is reaching for a cup to writ Poom’s name.

 

“Do you want to have your scone warmed up?”

 

“Yes, please.” Poom’s smile softens, turning entirely warm. I don’t know why, but the eye contact makes a sudden, ridiculous flutter erupt right in the center of my chest. “Thanks… North.”He adds, his eyes dropping briefly to read the nametag pinned to my apron.

 

I collect his payment before pivoting to pop the scone into the little toaster oven. The second my back is turned to the counter, Phoon slides over and nudges me. “He is your type.” He whispers.

 

I feel an immediate, hot flush creep up my cheeks, but I don’t deny it. I sneak a quick glance back over my shoulder. Poom is scrolling through his phone, but as if sensing my gaze, he looks up. Our eyes lock, and his lips curl into another effortless smile. I find myself smiling right back before quickly turning around to face the oven.

 

Phoon gives me a teasing smirk. “Here. His drink. Maybe you want to write your LINE ID on it.”

 

“...Won’t that a little too forward?” I hiss under my breath, suddenly feeling incredibly self-conscious. “I have never actually initiated things before. Usually, the other guy takes the lead.”

 

“What do you have to lose? If he is not interested, he will just toss the cup away.” Phoon shrugs.

 

That logic is actually pretty sound. Feeling a sudden burst of adrenaline, I grab the marker and quickly scrawl my LINE ID beneath his name on the cup. Phoon giggles under his breath, swiftly bagging the warm scone and handing it over to me.

 

I walk back to Poom and hand him his order. “Here you go.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

The fresh black ink scrawled across the side immediately catches his eye. He pauses, his head tilting slightly as he reads it, and a slow, incredibly pleased curve forms on his lips.

 

“Mm…” His eyes lift, meeting mine with a playful intensity. “I will definitely add you. And hey… maybe we can go get a meal together tomorrow? If you are free?”

 

I find myself nodding a little too quickly, trying and failing to suppress the eager grin breaking across my face. “Yeah. That sounds really good.”

 

I have a deadline with Johan but I still have a few days. I refuse to put my personal life on hold for the criminal overlord anyway.

 

“Which faculty are you in?” Poom asks, leaning against the counter, clearly trying to linger for a little.

 

“Information systems.”I answer.

 

Poom chuckles. “Explains the laptop. I am over in environmental science. I have got a lecture starting in thirty minutes, so I will text you later tonight, okay?”

 

“Alright. Have a good class.”

 

Before Poom turns to walk out the door, he stops, giving me one last, thoroughly melting look. “You are really cute, North.”

 

He laughs softly as my entire face, ears included, turns a bright, visible shade of pink.

 

I stand frozen, watching him walk out into the sunlight until the cafe door swings shut.

 

Phoon slides back over, pressing a cold iced latte into my hands. “See? At least your week is finally looking up.”

 

“Yeah, if you don’t count the criminal CEO who broke into my apartment… It is pretty great.”

 

==

 

I clutch the worn strap of my backpack tightly, my heart hammering against my ribs as I follow the men in black up the sweeping staircase of the massive, two-story mansion.

 

I had just finished my last lecture for the day and was leaving the building when a sleek black sedan cut stopped directly in front of me.

 

Two intimidating men in dark suits stepped out, completely blocking my path. They did not yell or flash any weapons. They simply looked down at me and said, “Boss Johan wants his update.”

 

While a jolt of terror had shot through me, a cynical part of my brain had expected this. It has been exactly one week since Johan invaded my apartment and handed down his requests.

 

The entire car ride here had been suffocatingly silent. To keep myself from spiraling, I had frantically fired off texts to our group chat, since Phoon, Ter, and Dao were waiting for me.

 

They immediately panicked, blowing up the chat with a flurry of caps-lock warnings, but I forced my thumbs to type out a calm lie: It is fine. I was supposed to update him after all. I will let you guys know what happens.

 

It assures them a little, thankfully, as their texts become calmer. Eventually, I am forced to put my phone away as the sedan swerves onto the quiet outskirts of the city, pulling up a long, gated driveway to this sprawling estate. It does not take much to put the pieces together. This is Johan’s stronghold.

 

At the massive front doors, a housekeeper, a gentle-looking woman about my Ma’s age, greets us with a polite, practiced bow. “Please remove your shoes and change into the slippers.” She says softly, gesturing toward a row of lined up plush grey house slippers.

 

The terrifying men in suits do exactly as they are told without a single flicker of expression, and I quickly follow suit, kicking off my battered sneakers.

 

When we are done, the housekeeper offers a small, polite smile. “Young Master is in the sitting room. Please follow me.”

 

As we walk through the expensively decorated halls, I find myself admiring the surroundings despite the knots tightening in my stomach. The man is wealthy, obnoxiously so. A sharp pang of envy hits me as I look at the paintings lining the walls, every single one of them undoubtedly worth thousands of dollars.

 

It is a lifestyle a scholarship student like me would never experience in three lifetimes.

 

Strangely, though, I notice the place feels warmer and more lived-in than I expected, despite the expensive decoration. It actually looks and feels like a home.

 

The hallway opens up into a vast sitting room flanked by floor-to-ceiling glass windows. I spot him immediately.

 

Johan is sitting effortlessly in a leather armchair. He is dressed in all black, though his attire is far more casual than the tailored suit he wore to my apartment. A black polo shirt that tightly hugs his broad shoulders, paired with dark, casual slacks.

 

The relaxed clothing makes him look younger and more like a real person, especially with the warm, amber light of the setting sun cascading over his sharp features.

 

Beside him, a man in a professional suit stands at attention. Johan’s eyes are glued to a tablet, and he doesn’t even bother to look up as the housekeeper announces our arrival and we enter.

 

He just continues tapping the screen calmly.

 

“Leave us.”Johan commands softly, his baritone voice slicing through the quiet room. “Including you, Gin. I will give you the signed reports later.”

 

“Got it, Boss.” Gin nods. As he turns to walk past me, he catches my eye and actually offers a tiny smile. I find myself blinking in surprise, subtly returning it.

 

The housekeeper and the men bow their heads slightly, backing out of the room.

 

Then, there is absolute silence. Just me and Johan. But he still does not speak, nor does he look at me.

 

Feeling a bitter sting of rejection and frustrated that he summoned me here like I am puppy, my stubborn sass completely overrides my survival instinct as I open my mouth.

 

“Nice place.”I drawl, crossing my arms. “Honestly, I am a little disappointed. I thought a guy like you would be living in one of those dark, gloomy penthouses like the villains in dramas.”

 

A slow, amused smirk curls the corner of Johan’s lips, though his eyes remain fixed on his tablet. “I do own a penthouse but it is not gloomy. Also, I just prefer living here. I took over the estate when my parents decided they wanted to travel the world and settle down in France.”

 

I blink. I had not expected him to volunteer personal information so easily.

 

“You have parents?” I blurt out before I can stop myself. “I don’t know… I just assumed you became a ruthless criminal overlord because you had a deeply troubled childhood or something.”

 

That finally gets him. Johan snaps his tablet off and raises his head, locking his piercing, ice-silver gaze directly onto mine.

 

“Sorry to disappoint your dramatic theories, little hacker. I have very loving parents.” He says, a mocking glint in his eyes. “And I simply inherited the family business. Shouldn't you have uncovered that during your research on me? Before you recklessly hacked into my system and gave my money away?”

 

I vaguely recall reading a snippet about his family on one article. But if I am being honest, I had been completely distracted by how unfairly attractive the photo used was. Plus, my real goal had been revenge for Phoon. But there is absolutely no way I am admitting that to his face.

 

“You are really not important enough for me to waste my brain capacity memorising your biography.”I shoot back, tilting my chin up.

 

I brace myself for his anger, but to my surprise, his smirk only widens.  He tilts his head, inspecting me. “Is that so? Then let us get down to business. Do you have an update for me?” Johan asks. “I assume it is an extensive one, considering you apparently had plenty of free time to go on a romantic little date this week. Despite my incredibly tight deadline.”

 

I stiffen. “Wait… were you tracking me? You had me followed?”

 

Of course this absolute psycho had someone watching my every move. My mind flashes to my date with Poom a few nights ago. I had actually managed to forget about Johan for a few hours because Poom was so sweet, attentive, and entirely normal.

 

At the end of the night, my stomach had been full of butterflies, and I had even let him press a soft, lingering kiss to my cheek when he dropped me off. We had agreed to a second date this coming weekend.

 

And Johan knows. He knows everything.

Johan watches the realisation hit me, his smirk fading into a cool, calculated expression as he sets his tablet down on the glass coffee table. “I could hardly risk you trying to do something incredibly stupid.”

 

I glare at him, my eyes blazing with absolute fury. “I got two out of three of your requests completed. And what I do in my personal life is none of your damn business.”I snap, my voice trembling with rage.

 

Johan lets out a soft, mocking sigh, putting on a fake look of deep contemplation. “Only two out of three? Let me guess… you have not located Sing yet. Which happens to be most important one.”

 

My grip on my backpack strap tightens so hard my knuckles turn white. “I just need more time. He is good at hiding.”

 

Johan stands up. Slowly and deliberately. He walks toward me, casually sliding his hands into his slacks pockets. He does not stop until he is standing directly in my personal space, towering over me. The intoxicating, dangerous scent of his expensive cologne swirls around me, making my head spin.

 

When he speaks, his voice drops into a soft, terrifyingly quiet whisper that sends a shiver straight down my spine. “You seem to comfortably forget that the lives of your sweet parents and your little friends are currently hanging by a thread. You are severely underestimating what I am capable of, North.”

 

My eyes widen, horror piercing through my anger. “I told you that you can't touch them!“ I scowl, desperately trying to stand my ground.

 

Johan’s dangerous smirk returns. “Then perhaps you need to focus a little harder. You clearly have far too many distractions in your life right now.”

 

“What is that supposed to mean?” I ask warily, taking a half-step back.

 

“I am going to give you exactly two more weeks to locate Sing.”Johan says smoothly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “And you will not be leaving this estate until you do.”

 

“Wait… what?! You are trapping me here?!” Panic explodes in my chest. “I can't just disappear! My friends will notice immediately! I have classes, I have exams…”

 

Johan cuts me off with a casual wave of his hand. “Your sudden absence at the university can be easily solved with a generous donation. So don’t worry. As for your friends, you are more than welcome to text them and tell them exactly where you are. It is not as though they possess the capability to come here and help you anyway.” He adds, his voice thick with unbothered arrogance. “And as for that little weekend date of yours… well. Postpone it.”

 

“You can’t do this!” I exclaim, my voice echoing off the high ceilings. “This is literal kidnapping!”

 

“You will have a comfortable bedroom and access to anything you need. So I prefer to look at it as you being an exclusive, live-in guest in my home.”Johan counters smoothly. He steps a fraction closer, his eyes turning darker, a terrifying edge bleeding into his smile. “I think I am being rather hospitable, little hacker. Don’t push your luck, or I will be forced to lock you up in my basement for real.”

 

An involuntary shudder runs through me. I take another sharp step back, my instincts screaming at me that he is not bluffing. He would absolutely do it.

 

“Aunty Inn, the housekeeper, will show you to your room.”Johan says, turning his back to me as if the conversation is entirely over. He picks his tablet up from the table and walks past me pausing just before the exit. “The faster you find Sing, the faster you get to leave my house. Get to work.”

 

With that, he leaves me standing alone, completely paralysed by shock.

 

==

 

“This is your room.” Aunty Inn tells me. Her voice is warm.

 

Earlier, after Johan left me in shock, Aunty Inn reappeared minutes later, gave me a sympathetic smile and managed to coax me in following her. She led me upstairs to the second flood and down the corridor to a bedroom.

 

I clutch my backpack tightly as I look around warily. The room… ridiculous. It is three times the size of my apartment. It has a king sized bed in the middle, a line of full-height wardrobes against the wall and an ensuite bathroom. I steal a quick glance at the open door and spot a large clawfoot tub behind a panel of frosted glass.

 

Okay… It really seems to be good to be true for my situation. I don’t feel like a captive at all even though I am. Despited the armed guards stationed below.

 

“Here.” Aunty Inn walks over to the wardrobe and opens it. “There are some clothes here you can change into. We will have a selection of your size ready by the end of the week.”

 

I stare at the sweaters, shorts, sweatpants and even new boxers still in their packages in the wardrobe. “Then these…”

 

Aunty Inn smiles. “They belong to the Young Master. He told me to move them over earlier.”

 

Ah damn it. He had this planned all along. How thoughtful, I thought bitterly.

 

“They might be a little big for you.” Aunty Inn adds. “But they are comfortable.”

 

Seeing how kindly she is speaking to me, I can’t help but give her a smile too. Anyway, since I am stuck her, I might as well have a friendly face I can rely on.

 

“Thank you, Aunty Inn.”I say politely, adjusting the weight of my bag. “I think… I can manage on my own from here.”

 

She catches the hint immediately, reading my need to be alone. I am clearly vibrating with anxious energy, desperate to check in on my friends before they form a rescue squad and get themselves killed.

 

“Of course.” She nods understandingly. “Are you hungry, dear? I am certain you have not had any dinner yet.”

 

I wanted to say I have no appetite. I shake my head. “I am okay for now.”

 

Aunty Inn nods, accepting my answer without pressing further. “If you need anything, including food, just press zero on the phone by the bed. It will reach me or a staff directly.”

 

I glance at the phone. “Okay. I will.”

 

She gives me one last lingering smile. Before she exits she says quietly, “Don't be too afraid of him. Young Master can look terrifying but he has a difficult job. He actually has a very good heart. He takes care of the people around him."

 

I bite my tongue to keep from snorting out loud. A good heart? Sure. The guy who had me tracked, invaded my privacy, and is holding me hostage by threatening my loved ones is secretly a saint. I can only nod. She bows her head and leaves, closing the door behind her.

 

“Ah fuck…” I mutter and set my bag down, mindful my laptop is inside. I still can’t believe the situation I am in and now I need to call my friends.

 

Exhaling a long, shaky breath, I pull out my phone. I brace myself for the meltdown I an about to trigger as I call Ter.

 

==

 

Twenty minutes later, I hang up feeling more drained. As expected, my friends reactions were explosive and predictable. Ter panicked, Dao asking if we should involve the police, which I immediately shut down, and Phoon cried out of guilt. I had to assure them repeatedly I am fine and that Johan just wants to find this Sing guy desperately.

 

“He won’t hurt me.”I kept insisting, forcing my voice to sound casual, confident, and entirely unbothered. To prove my point, I flipped the camera around to show the room I am being held “hostage” in and they were stunned. Eventually, they calmed down and got me to promise I would give daily updates. Dao said he would find someone from my faculty to take notes for me while Phoon would tell the cafe owner I was sick.

 

We say our hurried goodbyes, and I disconnect the call. The moment the screen goes black, a wave of exhaustion crashes over me and I immediately collapse backward onto the massive bed.

 

I know I should probably take a shower, but my eyelids feel like lead. Within minutes, I am drifting off to sleep, my subconscious already plagued by the lingering scent of an expensive cologne and a piercing, dark gaze.

 

==

 

I groan aloud as the sunlight hits my eyes and forces me awake. For a split second, I stretch out, expecting the familiar, slightly lumpy mattress of my own bed.

 

Then, reality hits me. The sheets beneath me are entirely too soft. The room is too quiet.

 

Startled, I snap my eyes open and bolt upright, my gaze darting around the unfamiliar luxurious bedroom. It takes my sleep-fogged brain a few moments to piece together the chaos of yesterday.

 

“Right…” I mutter, letting my head fall back against the mattress again as a heavy weight settles in my chest. “I was taken hostage.”

 

I let out a long, slow exhale, forcing my mind to accept that this absurd situation is my actual reality now. Panic won’t get me out of here. If I want to slide back into my normal life, I just need to locate the asshole Johan is hunting for.

 

But first… I desperately need to do something about how I look and smell.

 

I push myself up against the headboard and grab my phone that is beside me to check the time. It is 8AM. I really slept through the entire night, completely wiped out thanks to exhaustion.

 

I quickly fire off a few texts to our group chat to assure Ter, Phoon, and Dao that I am still alive and breathing. Next, I type out a reply to a text from my parents, who are just checking in on me like usual.

 

Finally, my thumb hovers over Poom’s chat. I bite my lip, a pang of guilt hitting me as I reluctantly type out a fake excuse to postpone our upcoming weekend date.

 

North: I need to go visit my parents. I am sorry. Can we meet when I am back?

 

Poom’s reply flashes across the screen almost instantly, meaning he’s already awake. I recall now that he usually has early morning lectures.

 

Poom: Don’t worry. I understand. Family comes first. I will see you when you are back okay? Let’s go watch that movie you want.

 

A small, genuine smile tugs at the corner of my lips. He really is so sweet and understanding.

“Why can’t Johan be more like that…”

 

The thought slips out of my mouth before I can stop it, and I instantly stiffen, my smile vanishing.

 

Wait, why the hell do I care if Johan is sweet or not? The guy is a ruthless criminal leader, my captor, and essentially my temporary boss. He is not a normal guy I am trying to be friends with. I aggressively shake my head to clear the thought, send Poom a heart gif, and toss my phone onto the bed.

 

Padding over to the massive wardrobe, I pull out a folded set of clothes. I stare at the dark fabric with deep reluctance, every fiber of my being resisting the idea of wearing clothes that belong to the man who is holding me against my will. But looking down at my rumpled, sweaty university uniform from yesterday…

 

“Just for now.”I mutter to myself.

 

I head into the bathroom, unwrap a brand-new toothbrush to scrub my teeth before stripping and hopping into the shower. I completely ignore the giant clawfoot tub. I don’t have the luxury of time to pamper myself but I can’t help but stare in awe at the rows of ridiculously expensive designer soaps lining the shelf. Seriously, every single corner of this place screams obscene wealth.

 

Once I am dry, I pull on the oversized clothes. The moment the soft fabric settles against my skin, my nose catches a very faint, lingering scent of Johan’s cologne, a crisp blend of cedar. Something strange and entirely unwelcome prickles in my stomach.

 

Shoving the feeling deep down, I tune into a much louder problem. My stomach is letting out an angry rumble. I have not eaten a single thing in almost twelve hours.

 

I pocket my phone and step out into the hallway. The corridor is entirely empty. I look left, then right, completely bewildered. This house is so massive… where the hell am I supposed to go to find food?

 

I start walking down the hall, trying my best to retrace the steps Aunty Inn brought me along last night to find the main staircase.

 

I make a confident turn around a corner, only to come face-to-face with yet another identical corridor. I groan internally. I am hopelessly lost.

 

“North.”

 

I jump at the gentle, soft voice calling my name from behind. Spinning around, I see Aunty Inn standing there, balancing a laundry basket against her hip. She must have just stepped out from one of the rooms.

 

“Oh sorry!” I quickly blurt out, rubbing the back of my neck as my face flushes with embarrassment. “I was… I got hungry, and I was trying to find the kitchen…”

 

Aunty Inn gives me a warm, reassuring smile and shakes her head. “It is all right, dear. Next time, just press the zero button on your room phone and I can bring whatever you like, or come direct you. This house is far too large, and it is very easy to get lost.” She pauses, her eyes glancing down the specific hallway I had been about to enter. “This particular corridor leads directly to the Young Master’s room. You should try to avoid coming down this way. He is a private person.”

 

Message received loud and clear. Avoid the devil’s den at all costs.

 

“Got it.”I say firmly. I have absolutely zero interest in poking around his personal space anyway. My only goal is to give him what he wants get the hell back to my life, my friends, and my tiny, perfect apartment.

 

“Come on.” Aunty Inn says cheerfully, adjusting her basket. “I will bring you down to the dining room and get some proper food into you.”

 

==

 

Aunty Inn leads me downstairs and straight into a breathtaking dining room.

 

A long, polished mahogany table sits beneath a glittering crystal chandelier. It is flanked by massive, floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a meticulously maintained courtyard filled with flowers.

 

"Please, have a seat.”Aunty Inn says warmly, pulling out one of the heavy-looking leather chairs for me. "The Young Master usually dines here, or sometimes in the sitting room like yesterday. I will be right back with your food."

 

The moment she disappears into the adjoining kitchen, I slump into the plush cushion. My stomach lets out another rumble as the rich scent of fresh coffee and delicious cooking drifts through the air, making my mouth water. I can hear the faint murmur of Aunty Inn’s voice speaking to someone in the back. Must be other household staff.

 

A few minutes later, the kitchen door swings open and Aunty Inn returns, effortlessly balancing a massive tray in one hand. She sets down a plate of fluffy scrambled eggs, thick-cut crispy bacon, artisanal toast with melted butter, a tall glass of fresh orange juice, and a steaming mug of hot coffee. It literally looks like a breakfast spread from a five-star resort.

 

“Here we are. I was not entirely sure if you preferred juice or coffee, so I brought both.”She says.

 

"Thank you so much, Aunty Inn.” I say, my eyes practically sparkling at the sight. I don't even wait for her to leave the room before I dig in, shoving a massive forkful of eggs into my mouth. It tastes absolutely incredible. Better than the burnt ones I make.

 

"You are very welcome. Eat up.”She says, watching me with a fond, almost maternal expression that makes me feel a little less like a prisoner.

 

I swallow hard, taking a quick sip of the juice before asking the question that has been hovering in my mind.

 

“Where is Johan, anyway?" I ask, trying my absolute best to keep my voice sounding casual and unbothered while I poke my fork into a piece of toast. "Is he out doing... criminal things already?"

 

Before Aunty Inn can even open her mouth to answer, a deep voice cuts through the room from the entrance.

 

"I prefer to do criminal things after I have had my morning coffee, little hacker.”

 

I freeze mid-bite. I slowly, reluctantly turn my head toward the entrance of the dining room, and my jaw nearly drops right onto my plate.

 

Johan is standing there, leaning casually against the doorframe. He is completely drenched in sweat, clearly fresh from a workout. His dark hair messy and damp is clinging slightly to his forehead.

 

But that is not the issue. The real issue is… he is wearing nothing but a pair of low-slung, dark grey sweatpants. No shirt. Absolutely no shirt.

Holy hell.

 

My eyes entirely betray me, tracking down his chest before my brain can even register the word inappropriate.

 

He is frustratingly, unfairly toned. His abs are perfectly defined, glistening with a light sheen of sweat. He even has that ridiculous, deep V-line  that disappears dangerously low into the waistband of his sweatpants.

 

A dark tattoo curls up his left forearm, making him look wild, dangerous, and honestly… utterly captivating. I hate to admit it, but I have never seen a guy this hot in my life. Not even close. Not even Poom.

 

Then, because my eyes apparently do not listen to my brain, I look just a fraction lower. My breath hitches when I realise I can distinctly see the prominent outline of his…

 

Fuck. A sudden, violent wave of heat rushes straight from my chest to my face. I can feel my cheeks and ears burning a bright, furious pink.

 

I quickly avert my gaze, snapping my eyes back to my plate, but it’s already too late. Johan caught me staring instantly.

 

“Young Master. I will get you your coffee.” I barely hear Aunty Inn say, her voice carrying a knowing undertone before she discreetly disappears into the kitchen.

 

I steal another quick, defensive glance at Johan, only to find a deeply amused smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He runs a slow hand through his damp hair and steps fully into the dining room, walking with the lazy, predatory grace of a lion approaching its prey.

 

"Like what you see?" Johan’s voice drops into a low, teasing purr as he stops right beside my chair. He leans his hip against the edge of the dining table, entirely invading my personal space.

 

He bends down slightly, bringing himself close enough that his dark eyes lock onto mine, glittering with mischief.

 

I can smell the distinct scent of that stupid, expensive cedar cologne. This time mixed with the clean, masculine smell of his sweat. And the worst thing about it? It does not smell bad at all. It smells intoxicating.

 

“I will need to remind you, North. You are here to fix your mistake. Not to check me out."

 

My brain completely short-circuits for a second under the intensity of his gaze and the radiating warmth of his bare skin. But my stubborn pride slams in, aggressively overriding my panic. My signature sass kicks in just in time to salvage whatever dignity I have left.

 

I deliberately lower my fork, look him up and down with a highly critical, judgmental squint, and let out a loud, dramatic sigh.

 

"Honestly? I have seen better.”I shrug, tilting my chin up. "Your obliques are a little asymmetrical, and your left shoulder muscle looks stiff. You should probably fire your personal trainer along with your entire IT department."

 

Johan’s smirk does not fade at all. If anything, it only widens, a look of genuine amusement flashing across his handsome features.

 

He lets out a low chuckle that vibrates deep in his chest as he straightens back up to his full, towering height. I find myself tensing up in my seat. It is a sound that does entirely dangerous, chaotic things to my heart rate.

 

“Okay. I will take that suggestion into consideration.” He moves a step away just as Aunty Inn returns from the kitchen. Completely unfazed by the tension radiating in the room, she calmly hands Johan a steaming mug of black coffee.

 

"Thank you, Aunty Inn.”Johan says smoothly, taking a slow sip of the hot liquid without once breaking eye contact with me. "Enjoy your breakfast, little hacker. I am off to do criminal things. I expect a progress update when I return home tonight.”

 

Then, he pauses, his eyes scanning the oversized black t-shirt and sweats I am wearing. “By the way… you look good in my clothes.”

 

With a final, mocking wink that makes me want to throw my fork right at his head, he turns on his heel and strolls out of the room, taking his coffee with him.

 

Beside the table, Aunty Inn looks like she is putting some effort into holding back a smile. “Enjoy your breakfast, North.”She says softly.

 

“After this, if you prefer to work in the sitting room or the study, I can show you the way. It would be much more conducive.”

 

I thank her quietly, my face still warm, and she leaves me alone. I aggressively shove a piece of crispy bacon into my mouth, chewing fiercely as if it personally offended me.

 

Screw him, I glare at the empty doorway. Screw his abs, screw his clothes, and screw this entire stupid mansion.

 

==

 

I spend the entire day curled up in a plush armchair in the sitting room, my fingers flying across the keyboard until they genuinely ache. Finally, satisfied with the intricate lines of code staring back at me, I tap the enter key with a definitive click. “There.”

 

I lean back, a small, triumphant smile playing on my lips as I watch the specialised program execute flawlessly. It is an incredibly aggressive tracking algorithm designed to capture any digital footprint Sing might leave behind. The second he books a flight, uses a credit card, or even sends someone a message, I will be notified in an instant.

 

I let out a massive yawn, twisting my torso to stretch my stiff back muscles before reaching for the glass of water on the side table. Aunty Inn had been a total lifesaver today, quietly floating into the room at regular intervals to supply me with a steady stream of delicious snacks, meals, and drinks so I did not have to break my focus.

 

Right at that exact moment, Johan steps into the sitting room, dressed in his usual crisp, impeccably tailored all-black suit.

 

As he walks toward me, he reaches up and casually loosens his tie, undoing the top button of his dress shirt. I find my eyes involuntarily locking onto the movement as I slowly place the glass back down. It is incredibly frustrating. How does this man manage to look so effortlessly good doing absolutely anything?

 

He stops a few feet away, his dark eyes landing squarely on me. "Update, little hacker.” He commands smoothly.

 

I glare at him, deeply annoyed by the persistent nickname. “Your missing guy is an absolute cockroach.”I snap back as I rub my tired, burning eyes. "But I have officially deployed a customised tracking algorithm. If he so much as logs into an online video game or buys a train ticket, even under a ghost alias, I will have his coordinates. Happy?”

 

Instead of answering right away, Johan simply smirks. He steps into my personal space, leaning down dangerously close to my face to inspect the scrolling data on my laptop screen. Once again, the intoxicating, clean scent of his cedar cologne washes over me, making a strange, unwelcome prickle erupt in my stomach.

 

“I will be happy when he is standing directly in front of me.” Johan says softly, his breath brushing against my hair before he straightens back up to his full height. I let out a sharp, defensive huff, annoyed by how easily he throws me off balance.

 

Johan shoves his hands casually into his trousers pockets, looking down at me with a thoughtful glint in his eyes. “Oh, one more thing. You need to train the new head of my security department and men on the framework you just built. He will be arranging calls with you over the next few days.”

 

I stare up at him in absolute, utter disbelief. “Are you serious right now? I already completely rebuilt and enhanced your entire security system for you. Now I am expected to play teacher and train your enforcers too?”

 

Johan quirks a single, dark eyebrow, entirely amused by my outrage. “It is not as though your schedule is packed while you are staying here, waiting for Sing to be tracked.” He shrugs his broad shoulders casually. “Don’t look at me like that. I am a fair businessman, North. I will pay you for the extra work.”

 

Before I can even formulate a sassy retort to reject his offer, he turns on his heel and calmly strolls out of the room.

 

I sink deeper into the armchair, aggressively glaring at the empty doorway. “Stupid, exploitative criminal…” I mutter under my breath.

 

==

 

Over the next few days, a bizarre routine establishes itself. Every morning, without fail, I fire off a quick text to my friends to prove I have not been sold on the black market before heading down to breakfast. And every single day, Johan arrives fresh from his workout, entirely shirtless and radiating a level of smugness that should be illegal.

 

Seriously. Does he, as a billionaire not own a single proper workout shirt? Is there a global shortage of activewear that I missed?

 

We trade sharp barbs over coffee. Me criticising his ego while he teases me about my wandering gaze.

 

Johan leaves the house for the day and I get some peace. I spend my afternoons tucked away in the sitting room, meticulously checking my tracking program for any trace of Sing, or enduring excruciating conference calls with Johan’s new head of security and his team of terrifying enforcers. Teaching stone-faced men who look like they eat raw glass for breakfast how to navigate an advanced digital framework is not how I envisioned my year of university to go. I start to wonder if I could include this in my portfolio.

 

Every evening, it ends with Johan leaning over my shoulder in the sitting room, his expensive cologne making my brain glitch while he demands updates on the hunt for Sing.

 

Then, comes the weekend. Johan is in his room and I am checking the programme again when my phone buzzes. It is Poom calling.

 

My breath hitches as I answer. “Hey Poom.”

 

“North.” I stiffen at Poom’s cold tone. He is usually sweet and warm. “Be honest with me. You are not at your parents right?”

 

I completely freeze, my mind racing as panic hits me full force. “What… what do you mean?” I stammer, trying desperately to act dumb. I have to. There is no universe where I can explain the truth.

 

Poom lets out a harsh exhale. “You have not been texting me. I thought maybe you have been busy. I was at the cafe today. Your friends were there too. I overheard them talking. I only caught pieces but enough to know you are living with another guy.”

 

Before I can say anything, Poom adds, “I thought maybe on our next day we would be progressing to the next level… ah fuck it.”He gives a dark chuckle. “Turns out you had back-ups. I am done.”

 

“Poom, please, just let me…”

 

The line goes completely dead. He hung up on me.

 

I stare blankly at the screen of my phone, the aggressive hum of the disconnected line echoing in my ears. He hung up. My shot at a sweet, handsome guy who would have been good for me…

 

A wave of pure fury violently replaces the shock in my chest.

 

"It is his fault!”I hiss as I jump up. My hands shaking so hard as I toss my phone angrily at the armchair, not caring that it bounces and lands on the carpet.

 

I don't think. I don't weigh the consequences of wanting to yell a man who controls the city and its criminal dealings. A man who can probably shoot me dead.

 

My legendary quick and hot temper takes the wheel, completely blinding my rationality.

 

I storm out of the sitting room, and march up the stairs. I stomp down the forbidden corridor completely ignoring Aunty Inn’s warning from my first morning here. I reach the double doors of Johan's room just as they click open.

 

Johan steps out into the hallway, and I freeze for a fraction of a second. It seems he was just finishing getting dressed up. He is casually fastening the buttons of a crisp, white button-down shirt, but the top few are still undone, giving a teasing peek of his sculpted chest.

 

He quirks a eyebrow at me, entirely unfazed by the clear anger on my face. "Lose your way to the kitchen again, little hacker?"

 

“Where the hell are you going?” I find myself demanding, my voice trembling with rage.

 

“None of your business, but…” He smooths down the front of his shirt, a look of effortless arrogance on his handsome face. “I have a date. I am a grown man, North. I have physical needs to fulfill regularly.”

 

I blink, stunned. Fuck… I actually cannot believe this. I just got dumped, and the very guy who put me in this mess is casually heading out to get laid.

 

“You ruined my life!" I snap, marching right into his personal space until I have to crane my neck back just to glare into his dark eyes.

 

Johan does not flinch or step back an inch. He simply adjusts his cuffs, his expression perfectly calm, cool, and detached. "You are going to have to be more specific, North. I ruin a lot of lives before dinner."

 

"Poom just dumped me!" I yell, my voice cracking with anger. "He knows I am staying here! He thinks I am living with another guy! You can’t just go out and get laid when you completely screwed over my chances of doing the exact same thing!”

 

Johan stops fixing his shirt. His hands drop slowly to his sides, and a sharp, sudden glint of amusement begins to dance in his eyes. He tilts his head, taking a deliberate step forward until the intoxicating heat of his body and the heavy scent of his cedar cologne completely surround me.

 

When Johan speaks this time, his tone drops into a smooth drawl. "So… you admit you were only dating that environmental science kid just to get laid?"

 

My face instantly burns. I stumble back a half-step, completely thrown off balance by his conclusion.

 

"I… that’s… I am 21 years old!" I sputter, my voice rising defensively as I stomp my foot against the floor, entirely past the point of caring that I look like a petulant child throwing a tantrum. "I am a guy too! Of course I have needs! So it is completely unfair that you get to go out and have sex while I am stuck here!”

 

Johan watches my meltdown, his gaze tracking the furious flush creeping down my neck. A slow, deeply predatory smirk spreads across his lips. He slides his hands into his trouser pockets, leaning down until his lips are practically brushing the shell of my ear.

 

"Well… if that is the real issue…”Johan purrs. His breath sends an immediate, violent shiver straight down my spine. “Why don't I make it fair?"

 

I blink, my brain completely short-circuiting. "What?"

 

"Until you finish what you owe me and find Sing, you are stuck under my roof.”Johan murmurs, pulling one hand from his pocket to slowly, deliberately trail a warm knuckle down the side of my neck. Again, another shiver hits me.

 

“So, let me help you satisfy those needs, little hacker. You will satisfy mine too. It is fair, no?”

 

I stare at him, my jaw dropping in shock. Is he… saying he will have sex with me? I find myself sputtering. “You… you are completely out of your mind! You are crazy!"

 

"Am I?" Johan whispers.

 

Before I can even snap another retort, Johan closes the remaining distance between us. His hand shoots out. His long fingers wrap themselves firmly around the back of my neck, tilting my face up and tugging me forward that it closes whatever distance we had between us.

 

Then he crashes his lips fiercely down onto mine.

 

The kiss is sudden, dominant, and blindingly hot. My eyes widen in complete shock. My hands automatically flies up to clench against the fabric of his shirt as my world tilts on its axis.

 

The shock of his lips on mine holds me frozen for a single, breathless second. Johan’s mouth is firm and unyielding over mine, tasting of fresh mint and something else that is uniquely him.

 

He tilts his head, deepening the pressure, his tongue sliding smoothly between my lips to tease mine and swallow down my startled gasp.

Every rational bone in my body screams at me to fight back. I should knee him in the groin or punch him until he bleeds. But my body completely betrays me. The heat radiating off his chest is addictive, melting away the tight knots of rage and replacing them with a dizzying wave of arousal.

 

And let's be entirely honest here. I am a 21 year old, healthy male. I am fiercely pent up. And I am currently pinned against a wall by a man who looks like a literal god. Opportunities to hook up with a devastatingly handsome billionaire do not exactly happen twice in a poor, normal university student's lifetime.

 

With a shuddering moan, I give up the fight.

My hands stop pushing against his chest and instead slide upward, my fingers tangling desperately into the soft, dark hair at the nape of his neck. I arch my back, pulling him closer as I begin to kiss him right back, matching his rhythm with a fierce, reckless hunger of my own. I suck on his tongue boldly, which makes Johan let out a low, satisfied growl that vibrates deeply against my ribs.

 

The sound sends a sharp spike straight down my spine. Breaking the kiss for just a fraction of a second to catch his breath, he hooks his hands securely under my thighs, effortlessly lifting me off the floor. I instinctively wrap my legs around his waist, clinging to him as he carries me straight through the double doors and into his bedroom.

 

He tosses me onto a massive, king-sized bed with ease. Before I can even look around or scramble backward, Johan follows me down, his muscled frame pinning me flat into the soft sheets.

 

My gaze is locked on his. He is looking down at me like… he wants to eat me alive. His hands slide beneath the hem of the oversized t-shirt of his that I am wearing. His palms feel searingly hot against the bare skin of my waist. He pushes the fabric up, his thumbs rubbing firm circles against my hips before he pulls roughly at the waistband of my shorts.

 

His lips meet mine fiercely again, distracting me with a bruising kiss as he tugs at my clothes. Within moments, he manages to get both of us completely naked. My breath hitches when he pulls back, and I take a helpless moment to admire him. He is perfectly toned everywhere and… huge. I have never been with a guy this… well-endowed.

 

Johan smirks as he catches exactly where I am staring. “Don’t worry, little hacker. I will make sure I fit.”

 

He reaches over to the bedside drawer and pulls out a bottle of lube. He squeezes a generous amount over his fingers before leaning down to kiss me again. I feel his slick fingers move down, pressing against my entrance.

 

I moan uncontrollably into his mouth as a long finger slides in, stretching me open. One finger becomes two, and eventually three. I am completely shaking underneath him as Johan moves his lips down to my neck, sucking and leaving dark marks shamelessly.

 

“Enough….”I gasp out against his skin. “Inside me now.”

 

I shiver as his fingers finally withdraw. Johan’s gaze is scorching as he grabs my thighs, positioning himself between my legs. Even with my brain completely fried by lust, my survival instinct kicks in. I place my hands firmly against his broad shoulders, staring up at him through my half-lidded gaze.

 

"Hey. Wait…” I breathe out, my voice raspy. “Use protection.“

 

Johan pauses, hovering inches above me, a smirk playing on his lips. His dark eyes gleam with a predatory hunger. "I am clean, North. I always use protection. You just distracted me.”

 

I blink, my mind short-circuiting. He… I am the first person he almost forgot to use a condom with? Before I can think further, Johan adds, “But I admire your caution."

 

He reaches blindly into the drawer again, never once breaking eye contact, and pulls out a square foil packet. I watch, completely transfixed, as he rips it open with his teeth.

Fuck. He looks so hot doing that.

 

My heart hammers against my ribs as I watch him roll the rubber down his impressive length.

 

"Hurry up.” I breathe impatiently, hooking my arms tightly around his neck to pull him back down and crush our lips together again.

 

What follows is, without a single doubt, the most mind-melting, intensely addictive experience of my life. When he slides completely inside me, a sharp, ragged gasp tears from my throat.

 

Johan freezes, his muscles tense he waits for me to adjust, his eyes fixed on mine with an unexpected fierce and possessive intensity that makes my stomach flip. The size and heat of him stretch me open until I can barely remember my own name.

 

"Look at me.” He commands, his voice dropping into a rough whisper.

 

I blink past the heavy haze of pleasure, locking my gaze onto his, and the exact moment I do, he begins to move. He drives into me with deep, agonisingly deliberate strokes.

 

His pace is demanding and relentless as he hits the spot accurately each time, utterly destroying whatever sanity I have left. I lose all control, my fingers digging into his shoulders, my knees locking tightly around his hips to pull him even deeper.

 

Johan is really good at every damn thing he does. He even fucks like a sex god. And his stamina is unreal. The friction of our skin, the slick sound of our bodies connecting, and the frantic rhythm of his pace pushes me right to the edge.

 

But right before I can come, Johan suddenly pulls out. I cry out frantically at the sudden loss, reaching for him. Before I can complain, I squeak in shock as he flips me over abruptly onto my stomach, making me press my chest down into the pillows while he hitches my hips up. He grips my waist tightly with both hands before slamming back in from behind.

 

“Ah… Johan…!”

 

“Good.” He growls into my ear, his pace turning fast and punishing. “You know exactly who is inside you. Only me.”

 

Why the hell does he sound so possessive? The weight of his body feels heavy and dominant as he presses his front against my back. He thrusts in and out, accurately bottoming out and again hitting that exact spot inside me each time, making me see actual stars.

 

It does not take long. The overwhelming friction and the intensity of his hold push me right over. This time, I fall over the edge. I scream out his name, completely undone as I come all over the sheets below me.

 

“Ah… fuck… North…!”

 

Johan groans loudly as my muscles involuntarily clench tightly around him. He tightens his iron grip on my waist, burying his face into the nape of my neck as he hits his own release. I can feel him pulsing deep inside me as he fills the condom to the limit.

 

We are both breathing heavily, the silence of the room filled only with our ragged gasps as we calm down from the high.

 

My muscles feel like absolute jelly. Completely spent and trembling, I collapse flat onto the bed as I feel Johan carefully pull out of me.

 

“Amazing…” I mumble, entirely too dazed to filter my honest thoughts. It is the first time in my life I have been fucked until I am completely exhausted.

 

I hear a soft, amused chuckle from above me, but I am too spent to give a sassy retort. My eyelids feel heavier by the second until they finally shut.

 

I hear vague movement, the distant sound of running water, and eventually, the feeling of someone gently flipping me over. A warm, damp sensation brushes over my sticky body. My brain registers that he is actually cleaning me up.

 

“We will change the sheets later, I guess.” His deep voice murmurs.

 

I am too tired to even open my eyes. I let sleep take over completely.

 

Because I am dead to the world, I don't hear the way Johan’s chest rumbles with a soft chuckle as he climbs back into bed and pulls my back securely against his chest, tucking me into his arms. Or the quiet, unusually gentle way he murmurs against my messy hair, “Adorable."

 

==

 

I let out a loud moan as I sink down slowly on bis length. Johan grips my waist tightly with a grunt and intense gaze. When I get used to his staggering size, I slowly set the rhythm, riding him as he sits in the center of his massive bed.

 

The friction is intense. A low ache builds deep inside my core with every single downward tilt of my hips. My chest is heaving. Both our skins are slick with sweat despite the cool air-conditioning in the dim room.

 

This has been a new addition to our routine the past few days. Sex.

 

Since that first night we slept together, things had shifted. I had woken up the next morning to Johan hugging me tightly against his chest.

 

Feeling flustered and incredibly awkward, I was ready to throw a barrage of defensive retorts at him, but all he did was press a brief kiss to the top of my head. He told me to go have breakfast while he went for his workout. Apparently, it is a  morning routine he refused to miss.

 

After showering in his equally massive bathroom, I had put on the fresh clothes he left out for me on the bed and headed to the dining room. Aunty Inn had greeted me with a knowing smile. Of course she knew I had slept with her boss. But she was far too professional to tease me, simply serving me an incredible breakfast as usual. When Johan joined me, shirtless again, we somehow just bantered like we always did. Nothing had changed.

 

Except, when he got home that evening, we had dinner together, and afterward, he casually tugged on my hand with a surprisingly straightforward question, “Do you want to do it again?” He had not even smirked when he asked it. I could not seem to find the word 'no' in my vocabulary.

 

And that is  how every single night, without fail, I ended up right back in Johan's bed.

 

As the days blur together, I find myself getting weirdly and dangerously comfortable in this mansion. Aunty Inn keeps feeding me delicious meals, and I actually start to look forward to my daily bantering matches with Johan.

 

I make sure to text my friends every day to assure them I am doing perfectly fine. However, I completely leave out the part where I am l sleeping with the billionaire criminal overlord holding me captive. My friends would absolutely go insane, so I decide to keep it my own little secret. Especially since my two weeks are almost up.

 

Well… provided I can actually find Sing. I have been getting deeply frustrated. My tracking program is running flawlessly, yet Sing is nowhere to be found. It is like the guy has completely vanished off the face of the earth. Strangely, though, Johan has not asked me for a single progress update. He just comes home each night, and this intense new routine of ours kicks right in.

 

“Feeling good?” Johan asks, staring up at me with a sexy, half-lidded gaze while a smirk hooks at the corner of his lips. His large hands firmly guide my hips up and down, dictating the pace.

 

Even while completely unraveled by pleasure, my stubborn pride refuses to back down. I lean forward, bracing my trembling hands against his broad, bare shoulders, looking down at him with as much defiance as I can muster.

 

"Don't get... any ideas…”I gasp out, my voice raspy and breathless as I push down against him, swallowing a sharp moan. “You are just my... ah..!” I tremble violently as he suddenly jerks his hips up, going deep inside me. “… You are just an… expensive… live-in stress ball. This means... absolutely nothing.”

 

Johan does not argue. Instead, his smirk only grows wider.

 

One of his hands shoots up to wrap firmly around the nape of my neck, pulling me down. He silences my sassy mouth by crushing his lips fiercely against mine, drowning out my breathy protests in a deep, bruising kiss that completely short-circuits my brain.

 

When he finally pulls back just an inch, his dark eyes gleam with amusement. “Happy to be your stress ball, little hacker.”

 

==

 

I am left with two days. Two days to my two weeks deadline and I still can’t find that damn idiot.

 

I stare anxiously at my laptop, wondering what Johan will actually do to me if I fail. For a split second, a wild thought crosses my mind, and I contemplate if I can pay him off in... another way. He does seem to enjoy our nights together.

 

“Argh!” I let out a frustrated groan, burying my face in my hands at my own ridiculous thoughts. How could I even think about selling myself like that? Though, to be completely fair, the sex has been entirely to my benefit too.

 

“North.”

 

I jump, startled by Aunty Inn’s sudden appearance at the entrance of the sitting room. I quickly control my expression, pushing my laptop screen down slightly. “Yeah, Aunty Inn?”

 

“The Young Master will be back home late tonight.” She says smoothly. I don’t actually have Johan’s personal number, so he usually passes all his messages to me through her. “He has asked you to eat dinner first, and…” She gives me a tiny, knowing smile. “He said you should shower and sleep in his room if you are tired.”

 

I feel a wave of heat which turns my cheeks bright warm. Since I started sleeping with Johan, in every sense of the word, I have not actually returned to the original guest room he put me in.

 

I have also just been exclusively wearing his clothes. The idea of getting clothes that actually fit me has somehow completely slipped my mind, and I have not even bothered to ask for any.

 

“Okay.”I nod, trying to sound as casual as possible.

 

“Do you want your dinner brought here, or will you eat in the dining room?” Aunty Inn asks kindly.

 

“I will head to the dining room in a bit. Thank you.” I say quickly, not wanting to trouble her to carry a heavy tray all the way here.

 

She nods with a warm smile before turning to walk away, leaving me to my thoughts.

 

I let out a long, heavy exhale and glance back down at my laptop screen. I guess I will just let the program run for the rest of the night. If I still can’t find Sing by tomorrow, I will just have to be completely honest with Johan and face the consequences.

 

“Let’s just hope he decides to forgive me.”I mutter to the empty room.

 

==

 

After dinner, I thank Aunty Inn before walking back to Johan’s room. But my thoughts keeps thinking back to Sing and being unable to locate him. I decide to head back to the sitting room to grab my laptop, feeling determined to improve my tracking program.

 

Distracted, I don’t realise I make a wrong turn and end up in a hallway leading to a flight of stairs I never realised before. The stairs lead downwards… This guy really has a basement? I remember his threat about locking me up.

 

I stare at the stairs and curiosity gets the better of me as I begin to descend it. When I reach the bottom, the motion sensor lights turn on automatically. I see two chairs and a table next to a metal door. It seems like chairs for guards but there is no one here right now.

 

I stare at the down. My need to find out wins over and I push the door open. It is not locked.

 

I open the door wider to the dark room, and another set of sensor lights turn on. I step in only to freeze. The breath is instantly knocked right out of my lungs at the sight before me.

 

Tied securely to a wooden chair with chains in the middle of the room is a bruised, bloody, and looking utterly pathetic, is a man.

 

He lifts his head weakly, his bloodshot eyes widening when he sees me.

 

"Please..." He croaks with a very hoarse voice. "Help me. Get me out of here…”

 

I take a slow, trembling step closer, my heart pounding violently . "Who... Who are you?"

 

"Sing.” The man gasps, coughing weakly as a speck of blood hits the floor. "I am Sing... I work for Johan. Please… You have to help me..."

 

The room feels like it is spinning. Sing. This is Sing.

 

Johan had him. He had him the entire time. The search he had me do… the threats that came with it was a lie. A big fucking lie.

 

"Discovering my family secrets, little hacker?"

 

I whirl around, my blood boiling.

 

Johan is standing at the door, his hands casually in his pockets, looking entirely too calm in his black suit as he watches me. He does not even spare a glance to the man he has tied up in his basement.

 

"You bastard!" I roar.

 

Before he can even react, I charge forward, channeling every single ounce of my rage, and throw a hard, solid punch straight at his jaw. Johan does not even dodge or stop me.

 

The impact cracks loudly through the quiet room. Johan's head snaps sharply to the side.

 

He pauses, rubbing his jaw with his knuckles, a slow, dangerous tilt of his head. I expect him to immediately hit me back. Instead, his lips slowly curl into that usual amused smirk of his. "Cute. You have got a decent right hook. But that is the only punch you are getting.”

 

Then, he suddenly steps forward and grabs my wrist to pull and drag me out of the way room, letting the metal door shut behind us.

 

"Let me go! You lied to me! You had him the whole time!" I scream, kicking and thrashing. Johan’s grip is strong as he hauls me up the stairs.

 

At the top, there is a pair of guards dresses in black standing at attention. Their faces  are pale as Johan stops, forcing me to stop with him. I am trying to pull my hand away but he has a firm grip on me even as he speaks coldly.

 

"You two screwed up. Badly. Report to Gin for your punishment accordingly.”

 

I stiffen. The two massive guards look genuinely terrified, their faces draining of all color as they bow stiffly. "Yes, Boss. Understood."

 

“Let me go!” I try to kick Johan.

 

"That's enough.”Johan grunts. Realising I am entirely too much to handle while walking, he shifts his grip, effortlessly lifting me up and carrying over his broad shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

 

"Put me down! I hate you! You are an arrogant, lying psycho!" I shriek, pounding my fists aggressively against his muscular back as he carries down the hallway and up the staircase.

 

Johan does not say a single word. He kicks open the doors to his master bedroom, marches straight over to the king-sized bed, and dumps me unceremoniously onto the plush mattress.

 

Johan

 

The throbbing ache in my jaw is both an irritating endearing reminder that my little hacker has a temper.

 

I stand at the foot of my bed, watching North bounce off the mattress, his face flushed a furious red. He glares up at me like he wants to tear me apart.

 

I trace my thumb over my jawline where his knuckle connected and he watches the movement with pride.

 

There will most likely be a bruise. He really has a decent right hook. Anyone who touches me has never survived. But now as I look at  him, instead of anger, I feel amusement.

 

I never wanted him to found out about my deceit this way. I thought I had more time to win him over first.

 

Flashback to one month ago

 

“Boss… please… calm down… ah! Fuck!”

 

I glance up from my screen, entirely unbothered, as one of my men delivers a swift kick straight to Sing’s stomach. The force of the blow sends the man on his knees.

 

“Calm down?” Gin, my assistant, is the one who echoes my exact thoughts out loud, his tone full of disbelief. “You embezzled nearly five million dollars from this company. From him.” Gin tilts his head toward me.

 

I look back down and return to tapping on my phone, casually typing out a reply to a text from my mother, who just sent me a picture of a sunset from their new home in France.

 

“I… I made a mistake…” Sing gasps out in a ragged breath, clutching his ribs. “I am sorry… please…”

 

“The money is not the issue.”I say calmly, my voice low and smooth. I don't even look up from my phone as I finish typing.

 

The moment the words leave my mouth, everyone in the room stiffens. The air turns suffocating.

 

“It is the betrayal.” I continue, finally locking my phone and sliding it into my pocket. “No one betrays me and gets away with it easily.”

 

It is a core lesson my father instilled in me the day I took over the family empire. Never show mercy to a rat.

 

I lift my gaze, locking eyes dead onto Sing’s bloodshot, terrified ones. The weight of my stare makes him stop breathing entirely.

 

“I am going to make you wish I chose to kill you right away instead. Lock him up in the basement.”

 

==

 

“Boss.”

 

I look up from my tablet at Gin’s urgent tone. He strides into my office with his own device clutched tightly against his chest, his expression grim.

 

“Our system was hacked this morning.” He reports.

 

I slowly raise a single brow, setting my tablet down on my desk. “Who?”

 

Who would be daring enough, or foolish enough, to target me? I don’t think I have any enemies who are that stupid.

 

Gin stops right before my desk, shifting his weight as he throws me a hesitant look. “Um… that is the thing, Boss. It was a student.”

 

I blink, for once unsure if I am hearing him correctly. “A student?” I repeat.

 

Gin lets out an exhale and places his tablet down flat before me. I lean forward, my gaze dropping to the screen.

 

Staring back at me is the profile of a university student guy. In the photo, he has the widest, most radiant smile I have ever seen in my life.

 

The grin is so incredibly big that it causes his cheeks to puff up like two round apples.

 

“North…” I read his name aloud, tracing the letters on the screen while Gin begins to provide a verbal rundown.

 

“He is an Information Systems major. Honestly, the kid seems brilliant.”Gin explains, running a hand through his hair. “He got in our system easily, deleted six months' worth of encrypted transaction history, and wired a sum money to various animal shelters.”

 

I scroll back up to the top of the page, my eyes locking back onto that ridiculous, bright smile.

 

My irritation instantly dissolves, replaced by a spike of genuine intrigue.

 

“How much?” I ask smoothly.

 

“Almost five million.”Gin sighs. “Actually, it was the hidden offshore account Sing embezzled the funds to. The team was in the middle of reclaiming it.”Gin shakes his head. “He has no ties to our world. I have no idea why he chose us.”

 

“Mm.” I tap my index finger lightly against my desk, a slow, dangerous curl taking shape at the corner of my lips. “The kid’s got serious guts.”I murmur.

 

He targeted me. He executed a stunt that countless of people would not even dare to dream of doing.

 

“How long did he take to pull it off?” I ask quietly, leaning back in my leather chair.

 

“Just a few minutes.”Gin admits. I can hear a beat of reluctant admiration in his voice. “The tech team was completely stunned. They actually thought they had built an impenetrable system.”

 

“Apparently not.”I mutter coldly. “You know they all need to be fired immediately, right?”

 

“Of course. Please don’t insult my capabilities, Boss. I handed them their severance packages the exact moment they finished explaining how they let a university kid rob us blind.”Gin replies, throwing me a mildly incredulous look.

 

“Good job.” I ignore the rest of the report, my attention entirely consumed by the photo on the screen. I tilt my head slightly, gaze locked on that boyish smile.

 

“Smart.”I conclude softly, my thumb brushing over screen. “And…cute.”

 

Gin’s eyes widen slightly, a look of pure dread flashing across his face. “Oh, no… absolutely not. I recognise that look, Boss. Please tell me you are not actually interested in him.”

 

My smirk only widens as I look up to meet my right-hand man's gaze. “No one has caught my eye in a very long time. My little hacker…”

 

“If you came here looking for your five million dollars, I have bad news. It is currently being used to feed stray cats and dogs.”

 

I discover within seconds of meeting my little hacker that he is incredibly sassy. And possesses a quick temper.

 

Breaking into North’s shoebox apartment was a complete piece of cake. My men had the lock picked and the perimeter secured within minutes. It was highly ironic, really. The ease with which we breached his physical space mirrored exactly how effortlessly he had done for my digital walls.

 

Once inside, I instructed my men to leave me alone while I waited for him to return. They were visibly reluctant to leave me alone but I dismissed them with a wave of my hand. Really, what could a university student possibly do to me? Especially when I was armed and trained to kill.

 

While I waited, I took the opportunity to slowly look around his cramped living space. It smelled faintly of laundry detergent. Eventually, I found my attention locked entirely on a cluster of photos stuck to his refrigerator door.

 

One picture showed him with three other guys, all of them smiling widely as they squeezed into a joyful group hug. Having memorised his profile, I knew they are his closest friends.

 

Then, my eyes drifted to another photo of just North and a large, scruffy dog. He was hugging the animal tightly, his signature apple cheeks pressed affectionately against the thick brown fur. Gin's file had mentioned it was a dog belonging to his neighbor that he walked for free.

 

Staring at the pure warmth radiating from his expression, I found myself instinctively pulling out my phone. I snapped a clear picture of the photo, saving that bright smile directly into my gallery.

 

When North finally returned and walked through the door, I could tell he was utterly terrified. But instead of crying or begging, he braced his shoulders and acted brave.

 

He really is so damn adorable.

 

When he boldly admitted the exact reason why he had targeted me, to protect a friend, it showed me how fiercely, although recklessly, loyal he is to the people he cares about. In my world, loyalty is rare. Seeing it exist so purely in him was a trait I found deeply endearing. It simply made my interest in him skyrocket.

 

It grew so much that when he actually stepped into my space, gripping the lapels of my suit jacket to warn me never to touch his loved ones, I was not even angry. Anyone else would have lost their hands for touching me like that.

 

But with North, I just watched his chest heave. I had made that threat about his friends mostly as a joke to see how he would react.

 

In fact, as I grab his wrists to feel his smooth skin and leaned down close to him, looking straight into those wide defiant eyes, a sudden dark urge hit me full force.

 

I almost wanted to capture those soft, flushed cheeks in my hands and fiercely crush my lips against his to see if he tasted as sweet as he looked.

 

But I needed to see more of him first. I wanted to witness exactly what his brilliant mind was capable of under pressure.

 

So, I laid out my terms, giving him three tasks. Two of them were entirely genuine, my entire IT department did get fired because of his stunt, after all. But the third task, finding Sing, was a lie.

 

I knew the last one would give me the perfect reason to keep him bound to me for much longer. Because my little hacker had absolutely no idea that Sing was already tied to a wooden chair in my basement and praying for his death.

 

==

 

“I have an update on your…uh…” Gin coughs. “…Eye candy.”

 

I look up reading the financial report sent to shoot Gin a warning look. It only makes him smile sheepishly, entirely unaffected by my glare.

 

“He still has two days left.” I state smoothly, leaning back in my chair. I had given North a one-week deadline before I planned to summon him back to me.

 

“Well, the kid really is brilliant.”Gin chuckles, shaking his head in begrudging admiration. “It seems it only took him less than forty-eight hours to completely retrieve the records he deleted and completely rewrite our encryption. The new security framework seems flawless. Our IT director has officially admitted defeat. You should honestly consider hiring him full-time once he graduates.”

 

A slow, deliberate smile tugs at my lips. “If I am successful in getting him, Gin, he won't be an employee. He will be the CEO’s husband.”

 

Gin rolls his eyes. “Okay, boss, I get it. Anyway, it seems he is still stubbornly trying to track down Sing. Which, as we both know, is completely impossible considering Sing is currently tied to a chair in your basement being forced to eat stale bread. Must you really do this to the kid?”

 

"Mm hmm. I want to drag this out a little longer. It keeps things interesting.”I murmur, tapping a pen against my chin. “So it is good that he is occupied with a ghost hunt.”

 

"Right. Well, it did not keep him occupied enough today.”Gin remarks, his tone shifting into something distinctly teasing as he pulls out his phone. “He went on a date.”

 

I freeze. The pen in my hand stops moving completely as Gin continues breezily. “With another university kid. I think he's an environmental science major.”

 

Gin turns his phone around and slides the screen across my desk. I look down and instantly, my blood boils as I grip my pen tighter.

 

It is a surveillance photo of North being kissed by another guy on the cheek. And the worst part? North is not pulling away. He is actually blushing with soft, shy smile playing on his lips.

 

My jaw clenches automatically. A sudden, violent wave of jealousy slams into my chest so hard it catches me completely off guard. Those apple cheeks are mine. They should only ever be mine to touch and kiss. I have never felt possessive over a single soul in my entire life. Until now.

 

“Can we kill the kid?” I ask, my voice dropping.

 

“No.”Gin answers right away, not even blinking at the casual death threat. “We don’t touch innocents, Boss. It was the code you personally set. But…” Gin taps his chin, his dark eyes glinting with mischief. “…I could get someone to hack the university registrar and make him fail all his upcoming exams. Or maybe leak a fake scandal to his faculty. That would keep him way too busy to have time to date North. Would that work?”

 

“No. That is not enough, and it is not a guarantee.”I snap, dropping my pen. I look back at the photo of North, the possessive urge roaring through my veins. “I want North locked up. By my side. In my house. Until I have him entirely.”

 

Gin stops smiling. He stares at me, his jaw dropping slightly as he takes in the dead serious expression on my face. “What?”

 

Present

 

 

"You lied to me! You had him the whole time!” North’s voice cracks with rage.

 

He tries to scramble backward on the mattress, but I move faster. I lunge forward, my heavy frame easily overtaking his as I pin his wrists securely above his head against the plush pillow. I settle my weight directly between his thighs, trapping his lower body completely beneath mine.

 

"Let me go, you psycho!” He shrieks, thrashing wildly beneath me. "Get off me!"

 

"Calm down, North.”I command steadily.

 

"I won't calm down! You used me! You threatened my friends, you made me build that stupid program, you made me sleep with you…”

 

"I did not make you do anything in this bed, little hacker.”I interrupt smoothly, leaning down until my nose brushes against his cheek. "You wanted me just as much as I wanted you.”

 

North sputters, his face turning an even brighter shade of pink. "That… that was before I knew you were an insane and manipulative liar! Why would you do all this?!“

 

I lock my dark eyes onto his wide, furious ones. My amusement fades, replaced by a sudden, heavy intensity as I stare down at him.

 

"Because you caught my eye.”I admit bluntly, my grip tightening just enough to hold him perfectly still. “The moment I knew you hacked me and saw your photo… I wanted you. So I lied to keep you beside me.”

 

North stares up at me in absolute, bewildered shock. He looks at me like I have grown a second head.

 

"Are you... are you really insane?!” He screams, his voice echoing off the high ceiling of my bedroom. "You couldn't just... I don't know, woo me like a normal person?!”

 

I tilt my head, a smirk spreading across my lips.

 

"Where is the fun in that?” I purr, leaning closer until my lips are hovering a mere millimeter away from his mouth. "Besides... you can't look me in the eye and tell me you aren't attracted to me. You can't tell me your body hasn't been begging for mine every single night we have spent in this bed.”

 

North’s expression sours, his chest heaving as he glares at me. "I... You just should not have lied to me! I would have been interested in you either way! You are obviously out of my league.” As he blurts that out, a cute, furious flush of red stains his cheeks, spreading all the way to the tips of his ears.

 

My lips curl up. He is so incredibly adorable. “Okay. Then you hacking into my system and punching me, can we call it even?”

 

North glowers at me, his eyes narrowing. “I don’t know. How am I supposed to forgive someone who threatened my loved ones so easily?”

 

I let out a soft exhale. “I was never going to carry those threats out, North. Not when I have actual feelings for you. In fact, I have had my men secretly protecting your friends and family from the shadow since the very first day you came here.”

 

North’s sharp expression softens considerably. “You… you really have feelings for me? It is not just… the sex?”

 

I release one of his wrist to tap on his flushed cheek lightly, my fingers surprisingly gentle. “The sex is amazing and I always believe two people should have physical compatibility too. But yes, I have feelings for you. And believe it or not, it is a first for me.” I am genuinely surprised at myself for confessing something so raw, but looking at him, I can't bring myself to care.

 

North seems momentarily speechless as he processes my words. I take the opportunity to press my body down against his a little more, trapping him completely in my space. “So, are you still mad? Or can I finally kiss you? Because I honestly missed you the entire day.”

 

North swallows hard, his gaze darting to my lips before locking back onto my eyes. “Two things first… stop locking Sing in your basement.”

 

I purse my lips wryly, a dark thought crossing my mind. Fine. I will just have Gin move him to one of the empty warehouses tomorrow. North does not need to know that. “Done. What is the other thing?”

 

“I want to go back to my regular life by tomorrow.”North says quietly.

 

“You don’t like living here with me?” I ask, my brow twitching slightly.

 

“No… it is just… I miss my friends.”

 

I tilt my head, a sudden solution forming in my mind. “That is even easier.”

 

I straighten up slightly, pulling my phone from my pocket with my free hand and speed-dialing Gin. North watches me in utter confusion as the line rings.

 

“Gin. Get North’s friends to my estate as soon as possible.”

 

“Uh… Boss? But it is almost 9pm?” Gin’s voice sounds completely lost over the speaker.

 

“I don’t care. And make sure you invite them nicely or I am docking your pay.”I simply hang up the phone and toss it carelessly onto the nightstand.

 

“There.” I say, looking back down at my bewildered adorable hacker. “I will let you go back to classes next week. As for your friends, I will let them visit or stay here anytime they want. But you, North… you are moving in with me permanently.”

 

North’s eyes widen in absolute shock. “What… mmph…”

 

Not being able to hold back for a single second longer, I lean down and kiss him deeply. This time, North doesn't resist at all, his lips parting beneath mine as he melts completely into my kiss.

 

The kiss is different this time. It is not fueled by the fierce heat of our usual arguments. It is slow and deep with a strange, possessive warmth that makes my chest ache. I want him to be only mine.

 

I release his wrists, my large hands sliding down to cup his jaw, my thumbs brushing over those soft, burning apple cheeks as I suck on his sweet tongue.

 

North lets out a soft, defeated whimper against my mouth. His hands, free from my grip, don't push me away. Instead, his fingers hesitantly curl into the fabric of my suit jacket, clenching tight as he arches his back slightly, deepening the contact on his own.  I shift my weight deliberately, pressing the hard length of my erection right against his through our clothes. A heavy friction builds instantly between our lower halves, and a rough grunt escapes me as I feel just how hard and needy he already is for me.

 

When I finally pull back, just enough for both of us to breathe, his eyes are lidded and dazed, his lips parted and glistening. He looks thoroughly kissed, and the sight sends a wave of satisfaction straight to my gut.

 

"Move in?" North breathes out, his voice a raspy, adorable squeak as his brain finally catches up to my ultimatum. "Johan, you can't just decree that I will move in with you! I have my apartment… the lease… And getting to classes, my part time job…”

 

"I will buy over your lease tomorrow morning.”I murmur, leaning down to press a warm kiss right against the purple bruise on his collarbone, making him shiver beneath me. "A personal driver will take you to and from campus daily. And as for your part-time job, you are done working." I trail my lips up to the sensitive skin beneath his ear, my voice dropping to a dark growl. "Especially at a place where other guys think they have the right to hit on you."

 

I remember that idiotic environmental science kid and my grip on him tightens instinctively.

 

"You are completely overbearing.” He grumbles, though his hands have migrated from my jacket to wind loosely around my neck, his fingers playing with the hair at my nape. "I have not even said I like you yet.”

 

"And yet you are not running for the door.”I point out, a slow smirk spreading across my face. “Just be honest with yourself, North. You have gotten used to being here and having everything taken care of for you.”

 

Before he can launch into a defensive retort, I slide my hand down his chest, tracking the line of his stomach. “Besides, you are brilliant. I want to secure your skills before any rival or tech firm even realises you exist. The best way to keep a genius safe is to make him my partner. In every sense of the word.”

 

North’s face flushes a spectacular shade of crimson, but a dangerous, playful spark glints in his eyes. He shifts his hips slightly and deliberately beneath mine, grinding his clothed erection directly against my own length, making me narrow my gaze as a jolt of heat shoots straight to my spine.

 

“A partner?” North challenges breathlessly. “Are you not afraid? What if I decide to sell your company’s highest-level secrets to the highest bidder? Or corrupt your entire mainframe just because I am annoyed with you?”

 

My hand slides further down, bypassing his waistband to palm his aching erection through his underwear. He lets out a sharp, breathless moan, his hips twitching helplessly into my touch.

 

“Then I guess I will just have to find very creative ways to convince you to remain loyal to me.”I whisper darkly against his lips, my fingers squeezing him until he is writhing beneath me. “Just as I will be fiercely loyal to you, baby.”

 

North curses softly, completely undone, his defensive walls shattering to pieces. “You… damn it, Johan. Why can’t I ever say no to you!”

 

Before the final word can leave his mouth, he pulls down sharply on my neck, slamming his lips against mine with a forceful, reckless hunger. I groan into his mouth, matching his fierce rhythm as I pin him into the sheets, knowing I have won my little hacker over completely. Even if I did not play by the right rules.

 

==

 

“Let me get this straight.” Ter crosses his arms, glaring at me with an intensity that could melt steel. Beside him, Dao looks equally peeved, while Phoon is still completely distracted, looking around the massive guest suite in absolute awe.

 

“While we were losing sleep, worrying about you daily and wondering if Johan was going to skin you alive…” Ter pauses, dramatically gesturing toward my current state. “You were having mind-blowing sex with him instead?”

 

I swallow hard, the guilt washing over me in waves as my face burns. “…I did not say mind-blowing but… yes.”

 

Gin had indeed worked his magic, dragging my friends away from their regular lives and delivering them to the estate in under thirty minutes.

 

Apparently, they had been scared out of their minds. They were all hanging out at the cafe finishing up assignments. Ter had been actively frantically texting his boyfriend, Hill, ready to have him rescue us at any time. I had no idea what a doctor could do but apparently Hill was ready.

 

In fact, the moment my friends arrived downstairs, they had been shouting my name so loudly I could hear them all the way from the master bedroom.

 

Meanwhile, Johan had been thrusting deep inside me completely shamelessly, pinning me to the sheets. When I had tried to panic, he just kissed me thoroughly and assured me Aunty Inn would tend to them. He kept whispering in my ear, “Just a little more.”

 

By the time I finally made it out to the sitting room to greet them, my friends took one look at my disheveled appearance, the marks on my collarbone, the fact I am in Johan’s clothes and instantly pieced it all together.

 

First, they threw their arms around me because they genuinely missed me. Then, the reality set in. Ter smacked the back of my head, Dao glared at me like I was an idiot, and Phoon punched my arm for good measure.

 

They had briefly met Johan too, and to say they were thoroughly intimidated would be an understatement. I was honestly a little pissed off by how perfectly put-together Johan looked, minus his suit jacket, even though we had literally just crawled out of bed together.

 

Johan had merely looked at my friends, a smirk on his lips. “You don’t have to worry. I would never hurt North's loved ones. After all, he is my boyfriend.”

 

I had gaped like a fish at the title he so casually threw around, but with my throat still raw and my brain short-circuiting, I could not even muster up a sassy retort. My friends' jaws had collectively dropped.

 

Before leaving us to talk, Johan had smoothly informed them that they were welcome to stay the night to catch up. “But he will be sleeping in our bed when you all are done.” He had added seamlessly, giving my waist a possessive squeeze. “Excuse me. I promised North I would handle a lingering issue in the basement.”

 

And that was how we ended up here, huddled in the luxury guest room after I finally confessed the entire story from start to finish.

 

Ter had just finished a phone call to Hill, assuring him that everything was under control and that he would not be returning to their apartment tonight. Hill was not pleased but I heard Ter coaxing the doctor with the sweetest voice that gave me goosebumps.

 

“Look, we are just upset that you kept it from us.”Dao starts, breaking the silence as he leans against the plush armchair. “But… well… looking at the way he was holding you, it seems Johan really likes you. Even if his methods are a little…”

 

“Questionable.”Phoon concludes, finally  bringing his attention back to us after checking out the ensuite bathroom. He turns his gaze to me, his expression softening. “But North, do you actually like him? Or are you just trapped?”

 

I unconsciously rub my arm, looking down at the expensive carpet before nodding honestly. “I do. I mean… His borderline insanity and the whole criminal overlord thing aside, he been remarkably good to me. He takes care of me. I think… I think we can actually make this work. We just need to get to know each other more.”

 

Ter steps forward, the glare finally melting from his eyes as a proud, teasing smirk replaces it. He nudges my shoulder. “Well, if you are happy and he won’t hurt you, we are supportive too. Plus, not everyone has the power to catch the eye of a devastatingly handsome billionaire. Honestly, you two are kind of compatible. Maybe you actually need someone like him in your life.”

 

“Yeah.”Dao remarks, a small grin spreading across his face. “Someone significantly stronger and terrifying enough to finally control your bratty temper.”

 

Phoon and Ter instantly burst out laughing, while I just cross my arms and pout.

 

I fully expect my friends to continue relentless grilling, to double down on the teasing and demand every single scandalous detail of my secret luxury life. But right at that moment, a soft, polite knock echoes through the room, and the door swings open.

 

It is Aunty Inn, balancing a massive silver tray effortlessly. “I thought your guests might like some refreshments and pastries after their long night.”She says, offering them all a warm, maternal smile. She sets the tray down on the study desk in the room.

 

Of course, my friends, who are absolute gluttons the second free food is involved, instantly abandon their interrogation. They ignore me, entirely, and swoop in on the tray like a pack of starved wolves.

 

"Oh my god, are these authentic French macarons?” Ter gasps, already shoving a raspberry one into his mouth. “Thank you!”

 

"This juice is freshly squeezed, what the hell.” Dao mutters, reaching for a glass.

 

“Ah I want to try the chocolate mousse…” Phoon says.

 

Aunty Inn beams, looking thoroughly pleased by their lack of manners, and gives me a small, knowing nod before slipping back out of the room.

 

As I stand there watching my best friends happily stuffing their faces with imported sweets, completely unbothered by the fact that we are in a literal cartel stronghold, a quiet realisation hits me.

 

My life as a normal, everyday university student is officially over. I am dating a billionaire criminal.

 

And the strangest, most terrifying part of it all? Johan was right.

 

Somehow, despite the lies, the drama, and the absolute chaos of how we started… I am not running for the door.

 

 

Epilogue

 

North

 

If you had told me six months ago that I would have a billionaire CEO slash criminal overlord boyfriend, who would be sitting in the cramped dining room of my parents’ house, happily eating my mom’s home cooking with a genuinely pleased smile, I would have laughed in your face and told you to check yourself into a mental hospital.

 

But right now, it is my literal reality.

 

Our relationship has been smoother than ever lately, and aside from our usual, everyday banter, I finally decided it was time for Johan to meet my parents. Surprisingly, he was the one who had been pushing for it the most. So, we made the trip today. Johan had insisted on buying an absurd amount of gifts, and he was so completely charming and polite the moment he crossed the threshold that my parents immediately fell in love with him. Given how devastatingly handsome he is, my mother was practically smitten within five minutes.

 

Now, Johan is not just eating my mom’s cooking for dinner like a regular guest, he is actively leaning over the table, deeply invested in a conversation with my father about football. I sis not even know he played! Or that he even watched sports, considering his usual hobbies include breaking financial markets and managing his syndicate assets.

 

To be clear, my parents have absolutely no idea about the criminal side of his life. They just think Johan is a phenomenally successful, regular businessman. Honestly, Johan keeps that dark part of his life strictly separated from me to protect me. The only things I handle for him since my graduation are the firewalls and digital security for his legal corporations.

 

After dinner, we politely declined my parents’ enthusiastic request to stay the night. Aside from the fact that I know Johan doesn't sleep comfortably in strange places, there are currently about ten heavily armed bodyguards waiting for us discreetly in black SUVs down the street.

 

“You will come visit again soon, right?” My mom asks, pulling both of us into a warm, fierce group hug at the front door.

 

“Definitely, Mom.”Johan assures her smoothly.  She had insisted he called her that. One of his large hands is firmly holding a massive bag of leftover food she had insistently packed for us.

 

My father steps up, clapping Johan firmly on the back. “Take care of him, son. And watch out for that temper of his.”

 

“Dad!” I pout, my apple cheeks instantly flaring up.

 

Johan catches my eye, a familiar smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Don’t worry, sir. I will make sure he stays out of trouble.”

 

“You are the only trouble in my life.”I mutter under my breath, which only succeeds in making all three of them chuckle.

 

I hug and kiss my parents one last time before reluctantly walking out to the car with Johan. As the sleek sedan pulls away from the curb, I let out a long, heavy exhale, leaning my head against the leather headrest. Johan notices immediately. He reaches across the center console, wrapping his large, warm hand around mine to gently rub his thumb over my knuckles.

“Miss them already?” He asks, his voice low and incredibly soft.

 

“Mm… yeah. A little.”

 

“I can buy the property next to the estate and move them closer to us by next week.”Johan offers entirely casually, as if he is suggesting buying a new pair of shoes.

 

I can’t help but smile, squeezing his hand. “This was their marital home, Johan. They love it here. It is okay. Let’s just make time to visit them more often.”

 

Johan nods, his eyes locking onto mine with a look of deep, unwavering devotion. He has been looking at me that way more recently. I feel absolutely loved. “We will. We will have to visit even more frequently once we get married.”

 

My brain short-circuits. I stiffen in my seat, my jaw dropping completely as I stare at him. “What?!”

 

Johan doesn't even blink. He just keeps driving, the smirk returning to his face as he casually kisses the back of my hand, leaving me in a state of absolute, flustered panic.

 

==

 

Special part

 

Johan

 

“Say… hah… say it again, baby… please.”

 

The word tastes completely foreign on my tongue. I am almost pleading, and a man in my position never, ever begs.

 

But as I thrust into North deeply, burying myself inside his tight, scorching heat over and over again, all my pride completely evaporates.

 

I am holding him in a crushing embrace, his legs hooked tightly around my waist, keeping him anchored to me as I dictate the punishing pace.

 

His internal walls squeeze around me in frantic, pulsing waves, and his beautiful face is completely unraveled, looking like he is right on the verge of passing out from the pleasure of it.

 

“I do… I will marry you… Ah! Johan, slower! Please!”

 

“Can’t…” The word rips from my throat, raw and breathless. I don't pull out of him, nor do I have any intention of slowing down the frantic, driving rhythm of my hips. Instead, I shift my weight, leaning up just enough to capture his trembling hand.

 

I lift his fingers, my eyes locking onto the stunning, flawless diamond ring cutting into the dim light of our bedroom. It was a custom piece, absurdly expensive, and the only thing in the world worthy of the man I love.

 

“You are going to marry me…” I breathe out against his damp, flushed neck, my teeth lightly grazing his pulse point before I hammer back into him, bottoming out completely. “You are going to be entirely mine. Legally. Permanently. I have never been so fucking excited in my life.”

 

“Insane…” North gasps out, his head tossing back into the pillows as my relentless pace shatters his train of thought.

 

His fingers claw into the muscles of my back, pulling me down for a bruising, desperate kiss. “I love you… my psycho.”

 

A satisfied smile breaks across my face against his lips, my movements growing heavier, deeper, and completely consuming as we both push toward the edge.

 

“I love you too… my little hacker.”