JAEMIN'S POV
I settle back in one of the conference room at my office, phone in hand.
It's not every day I get to send a scandalous picture to a new client...
My eyes are fixed on the screen as typing dots pop up, then disappear. Then up again...and disappear
(Y/N)'s probably feeling hot and bothered. With any luck, she's squirming in her seat right now.
I can imagine the exact expression she's wearing, that alluring combination of embarrassment and insatiable curiosity... I knew it was a bad idea to tease (Y/N) during our first meeting together, but I couldn't resist...
I blame the handcuffs. The moment those things came out of her purse, all bets were off, conflict of interest be damned.
A cough sounds from the other side of the conference room. I glance up to find Park Jay's team of lawyers starting expectantly at me.
"Well, Na? Do those conditions satisfy you?" Jay's male lawyer asks.
I hate these preliminary meetings. Until the paperwork is filed, this is all just posturing.
"You already know the answer to that. How many times do we have to do this before you realize I'm not going to let you ride roughshod over my client?"
"You don't get to make all the rules, you know." the female lawyer states.
"Neither do you. Try again."
One of the other partners at my firm chuckles from her seat beside me.
"You heard the man. So, let's start over..."
I fight a groan as they start droning on all over again, but there's no escaping it. This meeting is all part of the game... Unable to resist, I return my attention to my phone.
JAEMIN:
"Well? Do I need to spank the answer out of you? A riding crop isn't the only way to get results..."
(Y/N):
"I can't talk! I'm at work."
JAEMIN:
"Who said I wanted to TALK?"
(Y/N):
:What else did you have in mind? 😘👐⛓️ or maybe… 🍆
She's willing to play. Excellent...
"...Of course, the precedent set by the litigation of the Excelsior case is in our client's favor." the male lawyer states.
"Not that we wish to inform proceedings at this juncture— Mr. Na, are you even listening?" the female lawyer asks.
I wave away their concerns, barely glancing up from my phone.
"When you say something that requires my full attention, rest assured that you'll have it."
JAEMIN:
"Step outside for some air."
(Y/N):
"I can't just leave my desk!"
JAEMIN:
"I wasn't asking."
(Y/N):
"Ok...now what?"
JAEMIN:
"Now answer my question. I repeat...have you done as I asked? When I issue a command, I expect it to be followed."
(Y/N):
"Yes, I finished your list."
JAEMIN:
"Why?"
(Y/N):
"Cause you told me to?"
JAEMIN:
"Not good enough."
(Y/N):
"Cause you're in charge?"
JAEMIN:
"Getting warmer."
I'm pulled from my phone by the lawyers. Trust them to say something relevant just when things with (Y/N) are getting interesting.
"And as for the initial paperwork, Mr. Na, we feel you should—
"No."
"But it's common practice to—"
"No."
"Na, things will go much faster if—"
I heave a weary sigh. Idiots. I'm surrounded by idiots. It'll be a piece of cake to take Park Jay for all he's worth...
"I already gave you the dates for the net worth and retainer agreements. We all know I don't have to tell you anything else until discovery.
From the low muttering taking place on the other side of the room, I know I've scored a hit.
If I have to take much more of this, I'm going to lose my mind...
The phone sits silent and expectant in my hand. I know (Y/N) is waiting for my next instructions.
I could always spice things up and tell (Y/N) exactly how I'd use that riding crop on her...
An illicit thrill runs through me as my fingers poise over my phone's keyboard. The screen provides me just enough coverage, just enough distance, that it's far too easy to let my imagination take over...
JAEMIN:
"Your first lesson in submission is going well."
(Y/N):
"Is that what this is?"
JAEMIN:
"You tell me. Consent, remember?"
(Y/N):
"Yes."
JAEMIN:
"Yes, what?"
(Y/N):
"Yes my lesson is going well."
JAEMIN:
"Have you ever seen a riding crop before?"
(Y/N):
"Uh, they use them on Downtown Abbey sometimes?"
JAEMIN:
"It's not horses I like to whip. I only whip bad girls. Always remember that, (Y/N). When you make me angry, you get punished. Hard."
(Y/N):
"Understood."
JAEMIN:
"My poor, sweet innocent. You have no idea what I'm capable of... Have you been thinking of me this past week?"
(Y/N):
"Yes."
JAEMIN:
"Good, because I've been thinking of you."
(Y/N):
"You have?"
JAEMIN:
"I've been picturing all the ways I want to use the riding crop on you. Do you want to hear some of them?"
(Y/N):
"Jaemin..."
JAEMIN:
"I need a yes or no."
I huff impatiently as I wait for a response.
What's taking her so long? It's a simple question...
(Y/N):
"Yes."
JAEMIN:
"First...I'd bring you to my playroom."
(Y/N):
"Playroom?"
JAEMIN:
"It's where I keep my toys. My handcuffs. My whips. My chains. Within those walls, no one could hear you scream my name."
(Y/N):
"What happens next? What're we doing in that room of yours?"
JAEMIN:
"I am not doing anything. YOU are the one getting on your knees in front of me. Are you on your knees, (Y/N)?"
(Y/N):
"...Yes."
JAEMIN:
"Do you see the riding crop in my hand?"
(Y/N):
"Oh God. I don't think I can take much more of this."
JAEMIN:
"Yes, you can. You'll take it because I'm telling you to. Remember...it's your punishment for misbehaving."
(Y/N):
"Punishment? Why?"
JAEMIN:
"Because you ask to many questions."
(Y/N):
"I do not!"
JAEMIN:
"When I tell you to get on your knees, you do it. When I bring out the riding crop, you beg."
(Y/N):
"And if I promise to do whatever you ask...?"
JAEMIN:
"It's too late. I'm already touching the crop to your skin. You can feel the soft, supple leather trailing over your bare body... Then...I lower it to graze your nipples. Your breasts ache for it. For me. I can see your nipples growing tight, desperate for my strike. But don't worry. I don't whip you."
(Y/N):
"You don't? Did I...displease you?"
JAEMIN:
"You've been very good and very patient. But I don't want to whip you there. I'm going to spank you. I'm going to show you what being naughty REALLY means."
(Y/N):
"...Oh."
JAEMIN:
"You get on all fours. You display that tight, sweet ass to me. That's when I crack the leather against your bared flesh. Hard. Again. Harder.
I shift in my seat. There's no denying my phone conversation is starting to heat up...and so am I.
If telling (Y/N) what I'd like to do to her is getting me this riled up, I can only imagine what it would be like to really have her on all fours... Well, since I'm already going to hell...
JAEMIN:
"In my version of this fantasy, you beg me to keep going. You whimper and plead, but I don't give in. What about real-life (Y/N)? Do you like the way it feels to be at my mercy?"
(Y/N):
"One things for sure. Downton Abbey will never be the same after this."
JAEMIN:
"Does that mean you like it?"
(Y/N):
"I don't NOT like it..."
JAEMIN:
"That's not the same."
(Y/N):
"It's all I got for today. It's a lot to process. And did you forget the part where It's my first day at work??? I don't know how I'm supposed to get anything done after this..."
JAEMIN:
"You're not. But I'm working too. I'm with Jay's lawyers as we speak."
(Y/N):
"Seriously? Right now????"
JAEMIN:
"Which means I should have an update for you tonight. So if you want to win this thing, you'd better stop distracting me."
(Y/N):
"You texted me!"
JAEMIN:
"Ah, but you texted back..."
I smile as I tuck the phone away before (Y/N) can say anything more.
Enough playing. There'll be plenty of time for that later...
It takes all of my willpower to direct my attention back to the lawyers, but if there's one thing I pride myself on, it's control.
"It goes without saying, but we'll be filing an order to have all mutual accounts frozen indefinitely." the male lawyer informs.
"And our appraisers will make a valuation of the home and its contents." the female lawyer adds.
"Your appraisers will be working alongside mine, or I'll have the whole lot of you brought up in front of the disciplinary board."
Both lawyers open their mouths to refute this, but I've had enough.
"You can sit here making baseless claims in an attempt to increase your billable hours all you want, but don't expect me to stick around to listen."
"But we're not—"
"Your client is the one at fault, so we'll proceed with this divorce settlement on my terms."
I have the satisfaction of seeing the entire table grow uncomfortably silent.
"Tell your client that he can expect to be served by the end of the week. I have nothing more to say to any of you."
Pushing back from the table, I leave the room without a backward glance. As I'm finishing up at work that afternoon, I buzz my assistant. She pops her head into my office almost immediately."
"Call Ms. Park and set up a business dinner for tonight. I'd like to update her in person about today's meeting." I ask my assistant.
"Certainly. Is this a special occasion?"
"If you must know... A new client is always a special occasion. You know I pride myself on impeccable client relations."
My assistant pulls out her tablet and starts scrolling through it.
"Do you want me to make a reservation at the usual place? I can get your regular table, or maybe... I know you wanted to try that new place overlooking Lake Michigan. If you really want to impress Ms. Park, a five-star meal is just the thing."
I've been dying to try Duskhaven ever since it first opened...and not just because it's only accessible via helicopter. The restaurant caters to clients who are looking for a little extra privacy in their dining experience.
A night of decadent food, exquisite surroundings, and the right company might be just the thing. Especially since I can't get the 'right company', or her deliciously naïve curiosity, out of my mind.
I give my receptionist a quick nod.
"Fine. Do it."
She doesn't wait for me to change my mind s she dials the restaurant.
"Yes, hello? I'd like a private table for two, eight o'clock sharp. I don't care what it costs, just make it happen..."
I just hope (Y/N) can handle it.
As the sun starts to set, my head of security and I wait at the private helipad for (Y/N) to arrive.
"I've done a full sweep, so you should be good to go until your return flight." my head of security informs me.
"Thanks, Anderson. I appreciate it."
Instead of walking away, Anderson looks me over with a knowing grin.
"Pulling out all the stops for this new client of yours, huh?"
"Since when do I pay you to have an opinion?"
"You don't. But you also don't pay me enough not to have one, so..."
Laughing, I watch as Anderson goes through his routine sweep of the building's exterior. Sometimes it seems extreme to take a bodyguard everywhere I go, but I've learned the hard way that it's better to be safe than sorry.
"One of these days, you should take me out for a fancy dinner. Lord knows I've earned one, putting up with you all these years."
"You know you love me. Admit it. Your life is a lot more exciting now that you have me to follow around."
"Can't argue with that."
Since Anderson knows all about my...preferences, this discretion is appreciated. Finding a bodyguard I trust wasn't easy.
(Y/N) arrives, accompanied by the driver I sent for her. With a wink that's going to earn him a stern talking-to, Anderson steps aside to watch over the takeoff.
"What's this? I thought we were going for a business dinner."
I take a moment to drink her in. The way her dress hugs her curves suggests to me that business wasn't the first thing on her mind when I invited her to dinner.
"We are. I thought we'd mix business with pleasure."
I offer her a hand, and she allows me to help her to her seat.
"Besides, I thought we already discussed this."
"We did?"
I lower my voice to a dangerous purr.
"Of course we did. With me, pleasure is always guaranteed."
Once (Y/N) is settled into her seat, I climb in next to her and signal for the pilot to take off. The cabin is so small that I can feel the pressure of (Y/N)'s leg against mine. She's warm, soft, and trembling...
"Nervous?"
"A little. I've never flown in a helicopter before."
"I seem to be introducing you to a lot of things you've never done before..."
"I'm not as innocent as you think, you know. I've seen things. Done things."
I can't keep the smirk from my face.
"Occasionally keeping the lights on during sex doesn't count."
As we fly out over the water, a gust of wind causes the helicopter to jolt. (Y/N) gasps and clutches at the arms of her chair. I click my headset over to a private channel so the pilot can't hear and drop my voice to a low croon.
"Have I told you how much I like that color of lipstick you're wearing? "
"What? No..."
"I keep picturing how it'll look smeared all over your face."
"Jaemin! You can't say that."
"On the contrary, I can say—and do—whatever I want. Haven't you figured that out by now? No one tells me what to do... Not my family, not my friends, and definitely not a woman like you."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
I lean close, a smile playing on my lips. If this woman had any idea what I'm capable of, what I want to do to her...
"When I tell you to jump, you jump. When I tell you to kneel, you kneel. And when I tell you to part those lips to let me in, you do it."
A soft, strangled sound escapes from low in (Y/N)'s throat. The helicopter reaches a smooth, steady pace, so I lean back in my seat. (Y/N) glances around at the glittering sunset and gasps.
"You said all that to distract me, didn't you?"
"That doesn't make it any less true. If there's one thing you should know about me, it's that I always say what I mean. Don't make the mistake of doubting me."
(Y/N)'s only response is to take her lower lip between her teeth. And God, do I wish that were my teeth around her soft flesh, claiming her.
"We should be there soon. I hope you're hungry... I know I am."
Duskhaven is everything the rumors have promised and then some. I'm greeted by name as soon as we step inside.
"Ah, Mr. Na. So pleased to have you with us this evening. I will be taking care of you. Please follow me..."
I press a hand gently against (Y/N)'s lower back and guide her toward the private table...
"This place is amazing. How did you find it?"
"If there's anything within a hundred-miles radius worth having, I know about it. Anything...or anyone."
I splay my hand more firmly across (Y/N)'s lower back, marking her as my own.
"I hope you find everything to your satisfaction. The head chef developed tonight's menu especially with you in mind." the host informs.
The host bows before leaving. I pull out (Y/N)'s chair before settling into my own seat. Her wide eyes are all I need to know this restaurant was the right choice.
"I don't even know how to order at a place like this..."
"Then it's a good thing I'm here to help. What're you in the mood for? What's the one thing you can't wait to feel on your tongue?"
(Y/N) toys with the stem of her empty wine glass, unable to meet my eyes.
"Why do I get the feeling you aren't talking about food?"
"Tsk, tsk, Ms. Park. What would your mother say?"
"I'm not the one who sends people random pictures of riding crops!"
"What makes you think that photo was chosen at random?"
(Y/N) is unable to answer as the waiter approaches with a bottle of my favorite white win. He pours us both a glass."
"Have you had a chance to look over Chef's special menu?" the host asks.
I lift my brow at (Y/N).
"Well? Has your tongue decided what it most desires?"
She takes a long sip of wine to steady her nerves. With a defiant glare that sets my pulse racing, she manages to gain control of herself.
"Something light. After that helicopter ride, I don't think I can handle much more than that."
I give the waiter a curt nod.
"We'll both have the sea scallops. She'll have the artichoke hearts as a starter, and I'll try the prawns."
"Excellent choice."
The air feels heavy with meaning as the waiter makes his leave.
"A private table, a personal menu...if I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying to seduce me."
As much as I'd love to follow up on this interesting line of conversation, this is technically a business dinner.
"I'm a man who values discretion, that's all. You'll be happy to know that the meeting with your ex's lawyers today went well."
A wicked grin flashes across my face.
"Even with someone...distracting me, I managed to get the upper hand."
(Y/N) is so flustered that she almost spills her wine. I slip my fingers over hers to steady them.
"You started it! What was I supposed to do?"
"You know the answer to that. The game only works if both parties are willing to play. The question is...how willing are you?"
(Y/N) carefully avoids the question...and my eyes. Her fingers grow restless under mine.
"I think you'd better tell me about this morning's meeting."
"It's clear Jay's case is weak, and his lawyers know it. With you being separated since the betrayal, this divorce should be a slam dunk."
"You really enjoy this, don't you?"
"Winning? Of course I do. That's what makes me so good at my job."
As she shakes her head, her hair catches the candlelight and holds it.
"It's more than that. You almost...transform when you start starting litigation."
"That's because your enemies are my enemies. The moment you signed on the dotted line, we became allies. Partners."
"You make it sound almost like a marriage. I thought you didn't believe in the institution."
The playful way (Y/N) baits me make me grow hot and tight all over. If she was my submissive, a conversation like this would be grounds for punishment...
"I don't. But I do believe in getting you exactly what you deserve."
The waiter arrives with our starters. The rich, delicious aroma of the food fills my senses. As the plates are set before me, I notice an amuse-bouche I didn't order.
"Compliments of the Chef. Chef thought you might enjoy a little taste of what she's whipping up for next month."
"That's really nice of her. Give her our thanks."
As the waiter leaves, I turn to (Y/N).
"Try it."
"Don't you want some?"
"I'd rather watch you. Eat is slowly, (Y/N). Savor it."
(Y/N)'s hand falters as she picks up the small spoon.
"Like this?"
I nod and lean back, watching as (Y/N) lifts the spoon to her mouth and slides it between her lips. With a low motion, she closes her eyes and allows the flavors to spill over her tongue.
"You should try some of your prawns, at least. Everything is so delicious."
Pushing my plate aside, I shake my head. I'm not sure I trust myself to unleash any of my appetites right now...
"Business first. My next step is to get the petition together based on the information you were so...obliging to put together for me."
(Y/N) fumbles with her cutlery.
"Since there are no kids, it's just a matter of serving him and negotiating the division of assets. I plan to take that bastard for everything he's worth. Including his fancy sports car."
"That would be amazing. He loves that stupid car. More than he ever loved me, that's for sure."
"I had no idea you could be so deliciously petty...I like it."
"I don't know how I'll ever be able to thank you enough for all this."
"It's just a business dinner..."
She shakes her head resolutely.
"I don't mean tonight. Ever since I walked in on Jay, I've felt...lost."
Her eyes meet mine, shining with earnest sincerity. It's not a look I get very often, and I'm not sure I like the way it makes me feel.
"Walking into your office is the first time in a long time I've felt even remotely in control of my life."
Before I can respond, the waiter arrives with our main courses. I've never been so grateful for an interruption.
How's that for irony? The moment (Y/N) walked into that office is when I started to feel like I have no control at all...
After the waiter leaves, (Y/N) tucks into her meal. She notices me barely touching my food and lifts an inquisitive brow.
"Aren't you hungry?"
"...Not for food."
I wait for her to react, but she doesn't fall for the bait...this time.
"Maybe you should tell me more about what to expect from the divorce proceedings. What if Jay fights up on it? What if we end up in court?"
"If that happens, then I'll have a bigger audience for when I humiliate him."
"Is it wrong of me to hope for a packed courtroom?"
"Well, well. It appears you have a dark side, (Y/N)."
"I usually don't. There must be something about you that draws it out... No matter what happens with the case, I'm just glad to have you on my side. I bet you're terrifying in court."
"Oh, I don't need a courtroom. I can be terrifying anywhere..."
The waiter interrupts again, the time to offer a decadent chocolate dessert served on the private balcony...
"There's more? I couldn't possibly eat another bite..."
"Chef insists. One taste of this, and your life will never be the same." the host smiles.
"Lead the way." I insist.
Any thoughts (Y/N) had of abstaining are gone as she sees the plate being offered.
"Well, maybe just a little..."
As soon as the waiter leaves, I pull the plate toward me, tucking it close to my chest so she can't reach.
"Aren't you going to share?" she asks.
I scoop a bite onto my fork and gesture for her to lean in.
"Open up."
"What?"
"I've had to sit across from you this whole damn evening, watching you put things in that gorgeous mouth. Now it's my turn."
"You think my mouth is gorgeous?"
"I think you're going to open up and let me in, or you'll regret it."
With an obedience that sets my whole body alight, (Y/N) parts her lips and leans closer. It would be so easy to take that mouth with my own, to show her what pleasure really means...but I lift a scoop of chocolate instead.
"Good girl. Do you like it?"
She closes her lips on the fork and moans. I watch her lips slide off the metal, watch her tongue slip tenderly across her mouth to catch the last bit of chocolate off... it's all I can do to keep my composure.
"It's delicious..."
This dessert isn't the only thing worth having...
As soon as the dessert plate is empty, I whisk (Y/N) out of the restaurant and back into the helicopter.
If I don't get her home soon, I'm going to do something that'll scare her off for good...
Chivalry and a strange reluctance to end the evening compel me to drop (Y/N) back off at her hotel.
"This is really sweet of you, but I can see myself inside..." she smiles.
"I'm walking you to the elevator, (Y/N). Don't argue with me."
"Sorry, it's just...it's embarrassing that I'm still in a hotel, that I let Jay take the condo even though he cheated on me..."
"You don't have to apologize to me. You just have to obey."
I can tell (Y/N) is struggling with herself...half of her wants to meekly submit, while the other half is curious how far I'll go.
"In that case, let me change the subject. I had a really great time tonight. It was...enlightening, to say the least."
She stops in front of the elevator and holds out her hand. Temptation gets the better of me, and I lean in close to whisper...
"(Y/N)...Dream of me. That's an order."
(Y/N) gasps as her eyes fly up to meet mine.
"I mean it. I want you to go to bed thinking about me..."
"And if I don't?"
From the way her whole body curves toward mine, I know she'll be thinking of nothing else.
"You will."
Every muscle in my body strains to pull this woman into my arms, to take her right here and now. I ball my hands into fists at my side, determined to withstand the temptation, when I spot someone out of the corner of my eye.
"What is he doing here?" I growl.
As I straighten up, the figure comes into (Y/N)'s line of sight...and he's not alone.
"I'm telling you, baby, this place has the best steaks in town."
"I hope so, for your sake. You can't afford to disappointment me again."
"Is that...Jay? With his dominatrix?!"