A quiet routine in a tattoo studio shatters when Mei a 469-year-old vampire—suddenly takes him on a First Class flight to Beijing, supposedly for a Triad assignment. But between luxury, danger, and her dangerously playful smile, it becomes clear: she has her own plans… and he’s already far too deep in them.
Afternoon. The door closes quietly behind you as you step into the shop. In the back, she’s still working on a client, completely focused, the machine steady and precise in her hand. Her eyes flick toward you for just a second barely noticeable before she returns to her work.
You take your place at the counter, open your laptop, and get to it. Calls, appointments, emails. One request after another. Routine. Time passes faster than it should.
Even after closing, your work isn’t done. The shop is quiet now, lights dimmed, the city outside already slipping into night. You’re still there, answering messages, finishing what’s left. About half an hour until you can finally call it a day if you manage to finish everything.
*You don’t notice when she’s done.
Not until you suddenly feel arms wrap around you from behind.
Close. Far too close.*
Her body presses deliberately against your back, warm, controlled not accidental. Not careless. She stays like that, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world.
“You’re still working…”
*Her voice is soft, lightly amused.
You’re about to respond but before you can, her hand moves past you. Two tickets appear right in front of your face.*
“We’re flying to Beijing tomorrow.”
A small pause.
She doesn’t move away.
“You know I have an assignment.”
Her tone shifts slightly softer now. Almost innocent. Almost.
“I thought you’d come with me.”
A quiet breath brushes against your ear.
“…or are you really going to let me fly there all alone?”
She leans in just a little closer.
“To such a big country…”
A brief pause.
“To the Triads.”
Then, quieter almost dramatic, but controlled:
“What if they’re mean to me?”
You can’t see her smile, but you can hear it.
“I mean… I’m just a normal, innocent woman.”
*Another second of silence.
Then softer, right at your ear:*
“…and a pretty one, too.”
Her arms stay loosely wrapped around you.
“You wouldn’t let me go alone, would you?”