Chapter 5

Karina turned her head and blinked. “Do you need something?” she asked, still half-conscious.

Saka pulled her waist again.

He easily lifted her body and placed her on his lap.

Karina tried to struggle, but Saka held her too tightly.

After a long pause, Saka simply stared at Karina.

Slowly, his fingers reached up to brush a few messy strands of her hair. “Why did you tie your hair up? Trying to show off your neck, huh?”

Impatiently, Saka pulled the hair tie, causing her shoulder-length hair to fall loosely.

Her hair fell beautifully, but many strands came off as he yanked it.

“My hair...,” Karina muttered.

Saka didn’t ignore her words. He immediately pulled her close and claimed the lips that had long tempted him.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but Karina surrendered. Her lips parted unconsciously, allowing Saka to deepen the kiss.

His fingers gently stroked her cheek. Then, he stood up, carried Karina in his arms, and walked quickly.

He stopped when they reached a room.

Saka sat Karina on a table and kissed her again.

This time, more intensely.

Karina could taste the mix of mint and nicotine, and feel Saka’s fingers caressing her back gently.

“Sir...” she called weakly.

She couldn’t resist the heat building between them. Saka left multiple marks on her neck.

“Sir, stop.” Karina opened her eyes. She was starting to realize what they were doing was wrong. Saka had a wife. He was no longer a single man who could be with any woman—especially not a woman like her.

Saka paused briefly, then suddenly hugged Karina tightly.

He seemed possessed, kissing her neck repeatedly.

“Sir,” Karina called again.

“I know.” Saka lifted her and laid her on the bed.

“I need to go. Not just me—you too.” Karina tried to get up, but Saka quickly pulled her back.

Thud!

Karina’s body fell on top of his.

“Stay here.” Saka hugged her like a body pillow.

“But—”

“Planning to argue?” Saka growled softly and gave her waist a slight squeeze, annoyed by her resistance.

Karina fell silent. She didn’t dare fight anymore. Eventually, sleep took over.

They fell asleep without doing anything more. But Saka held her tightly all night.

~~

“Shit!” Saka groaned as he woke up earlier than her.

The first thing he saw was Karina’s innocent face so close to his.

Saka tried to recall what had happened last night.

He remembered kissing Karina and carrying her to a private room in the club.

He shook his head slowly.

Karina’s peaceful face tempted him to kiss her again—but he held back.

Quickly, he got out of bed and went to clean himself in the bathroom.

Karina began to wake up too. She looked around. She hadn’t been completely drunk last night. She remembered being with Saka.

Hearing the water running in the bathroom, she turned her head.

“I have to leave before he gets out.” She hurriedly lifted the blanket, but unfortunately, fell instead.

Thud!

“Ow,” Karina winced, landing on her butt.

“What are you doing?” Saka asked, stepping out of the bathroom.

As usual, shamelessly, Saka flaunted his perfect body in front of her—wearing only a bathrobe.

“N-Nothing,” Karina looked away. She stood and walked toward the door.

“Nothing happened last night,” Saka said flatly. “Go clean up in another room. I’ll be waiting downstairs in ten minutes.”

Karina sighed and nodded, immediately leaving the room.

Ten minutes felt like no time at all. She had to hurry, or she’d get scolded by her boss.

~~

After a long flight from Hong Kong back to Indonesia, Karina finally arrived at her apartment.

Her whole body felt sore. She had tried to keep up with Saka’s tight schedule, even though things had been awkward since that incident.

She pulled her suitcase behind her. Just like every other night, her apartment was dark.

Karina searched for the light switch and turned it on.

“Why is this place so clean?” she murmured, stepping into her bedroom.

“My room is so tidy?”

She let out a deep breath, wondering what had happened. Then, she noticed a letter on her nightstand.

[Sorry, Mom left to work in Saudi Arabia.]

“What?” Karina tried calling her mother’s number—but it was no longer active.

“Please answer, Mom,” she whispered, desperation creeping in.

Soon after, a message arrived.

[You are Rita’s daughter. She owes me 300 million. She ran away and didn’t pay. As her daughter, you must pay her debt.]

[From the most ruthless loan shark in the world, Tanto.]

Karina collapsed. What now? 300 million? How could she possibly come up with that much money?

She let out a shaky breath and rubbed her face harshly.

Lowering her head, she cried alone in silence.

“I always thought I was strong. That I could handle everything on my own.” Karina clutched her chest, which felt unbearably tight. “But I’m scared. I’m scared. Dad...” she looked up. “If only you were here. I miss you, Dad.”

~~

DING DONG DING!

Karina opened her eyes to find the sun already high in the sky. Who would visit this early?

She tried to ignore it, but the bell rang again. Annoyed, she got up from bed.

She opened the door—only to be shocked by three big men standing before her. “Can I help you?”

“Pay your debt.” A man stepped forward, pushing past the large men, eyes fixed on Karina.

He suddenly smirked.

Karina’s anger rose. “I don’t owe you anything. My mother does. I have nothing to do with her debt. You should find her, not me.”

The man—known as the most ruthless loan shark—laughed. “Your mother ran off with my money! That damn woman disappeared after borrowing a huge amount. That stupid gambler ran away, and now you’re telling me to collect it from her?”

“If you knew she was a foolish gambler, why did you lend her money? You trapped her on purpose. You kept increasing the interest whenever she couldn’t pay.” Karina glared at Tanto. “I know your dirty tricks. I know you’re extorting people!”

Tanto’s eyes widened in rage. He couldn’t stand Karina’s accusations. “Shut your mouth. Just pay your mother’s debt.”

Two big men grabbed Karina by her arms. “Let me go!”

“Poor girls like you always talk too much.” Tanto grabbed her chin. “Give me money—or your body.”

He looked her up and down, his eyes filled with lust. “You can be my fifth wife. Your mother’s debt will be cleared, and you’ll live an easy life as my wife.”