The next evening, I sneak over to Lee Know's penthouse after the boys are in bed.
"How did your emergency meetings at work go today?"
Lee Know sinks into the couch next to me and reaches for my hand.
"They were...unpleasant, to say the least. Paolo died a couple nights ago. They think it was a heart attack."
"Sofia's dad is dead?! Is that why she finally came home?"
"Yeah. And with Paolo gone, everything is about to change at the office."
"Paolo left everything to Tony, right? Do you think he'll help you beat Robin for the company?"
"Not quite. He already signed everything over to Sofia. It'll be official by the end of the week. And not that Sofia has a stake in Dalton-Russo...she'll be competing against me and Robin in a three-way showdown."
"How do you feel about your chances against her?"
"Adding another person makes the path forward more difficult, but at the end of the day, it doesn't change anything. I just have to be ready for whatever she has planned. I'm more worried about you."
"Me?"
Lee Know takes my hand, his eyes intent as they bore into mine.
"You're already dealing with so much for me..."
"I can handle Sofia. With you by my side, I can tackle anything."
Lee Know starts to respond, but he's cut off by the ding of the penthouse elevator.
"Are you expecting someone?"
Lee Know shakes his head. The two of us make our way toward the hall to see who it is...
"Min-ho. (Y/N)."
"Robin?! What the hell are you doing here? You're not welcome." I growl.
"I'm here to talk to Min-ho."
"I don't feel like talking."
"Come on, you have to see that Sofia's going to steal the company out from under us unless we work together to get her out first."
Lee Know takes a deep breath, then shakes his head.
"I'm sure that's the exact outcome she's hoping for, but that doesn't mean I can suddenly stand to be in the same room as you."
Robin laughs, a note of real amusement in his voice.
"You would rather her steal our family legacy than work with your own brother?"
"Are we still brothers, Robin?"
Whoa. I didn't realize Lee Know was still this pissed at Robin...
Robin visibly deflates, the anger washed away.
"I-I guess that's up to you. But we can at least be allies..."
"Maybe we can, eventually. But right now when I look at you, all I see is the man who betrayed me. I'll let you know if that changes."
Lee Know turns to walk away, but Robin calls out after him.
"It's only a matter of time until you realize I'm right, Min-ho. I just hope it's not too late by then"
Lee Know pauses at Robin's warning, then disappears into his home office. I turn to Robin.
"Robin...he misses you. This thing between you and Lee Know...you can still fix it."
"So can he."
He shakes his head.
"I know I'm not the kinda guy who gets a second chance. I guess it was foolish to think that Sofia being back would change that. See you around, (Y/N)."
I wordlessly watch the elevator doors shut on Robin. I find Lee Know in his office, staring pensively out the window.
"You look like you could use some cheering up."
"I'm not sure there's anything that could improve any mood right now..."
"That sounds like a challenge...and you know I like to get creative."
"I like it too."
I cross the room and put my hands on Lee Know's shoulders, kneading gently. He groans at my touch.
"I might not have solutions to all your problems, but there is one thing I'm pretty good at."
"Yeah? What'd you have in mind?"
I apply more pressure, kneading into Lee Know's stiff muscles.
"Just relax, and let me help you feel good..."
"Ooooohhhh...yeah."
I work through the knots in his shoulders first, using my thumbs to apply just the right amount of pressure. He relaxes under my touch, like putty in my hands.
I don't usually have this much...control over Lee Know. I like it.
"How did you get so good at this?"
"I just let your moans guide me."
"So you like when I'm vocal?"
"Always."
"Oh God... Your hands are like magic, (Y/N)."
"Just think of all the things they can do to you..."
I keep a steady pressure as I move down his neck, gently working out the kinks until his shoulders loosen... Lee Know is much more relaxed now, surrendering to my touch.
"I think it's time to take this to the next level." I grin seductively.
"Mmm? What did you have in mind?"
I reach for the bottom of his shirt and tug it out of his waistband to reveal the flat ridges of his abdomen. His muscles flex as I trail kisses up and down the chiseled planes of his body.
"You know, I don't think I've ever had a massage quite like this before."
I tug on the front of his pants and run a hand between our bodies. He's hot and hard to the touch.
"Good. I like being your first."
I continue to strip Lee KNow of both his clothes and stress, my fingers deft as they slide over his smooth bare skin. Finally, Lee Know is bare before me, gorgeous and unashamed. He pulls me into his arms and reaches for my clothes, but I put a hand on his chest to stop him.
"I think you deserve a show."
I turn my back to him and slowly begin undressing myself, one tantalizing inch at a time...
"...Damn, you're stunning."
"You're one to talk."
I reach for Lee Know's hand. More than anything, right now I want to pleasure him and make him forget all his worries.
"Come on."
I guide him to stand before the windows, positioning him so his hands are on the glass and his legs are spread as he takes in the view.
"What're you–?"
"Just trust me."
I sink to my knees, then crawl between him and the window, my face level with the part of him I want most.
"You really are something out of a fantasy..."
"And I'm about to make that fantasy a reality."
Lee Know curses as his head falls forward to rest on the glass between his hands. His scent swirls around me as I press a kiss to his upper thigh. I tease my tongue in twisting patterns along his skin, taking my time as I get closer to his center. His breathing grows heavy as the evidence of his arousal grows before me. He cups my cheek and forces my gaze up to his.
"Enough teasing." he grins.
"Your wish is my command."
I lean forward to take him deep in my mouth, all the way to the hilt.
"(Y/N)..."
He holds my head in place as I work my tongue along his length. I place my hands on Lee Know's thighs to steady myself as I bob my head up and down, picking up speed.
"You're driving me wild, (Y/N)."
"Good."
I redouble my ministrations, swirling and sucking as he thrusts his hips toward me again and again.
"I can't...hold back...much longer."
"Don't. I want to taste every part of you."
Lee Know cries grow louder as I give him exactly what he's begging for. My hands clutch his hips, no longer holding anything back. I can feel him growing close to release, his whole body tightening with each touch of my tongue.
"I'm almost there..."
"Don't hold back...your only job is to enjoy yourself."
"(Y/N), I–Oh!"
I lean forward and redouble my efforts, my mouth busy and my senses in a whirl. Lee Know's body coils under your touch until...
"Give me what I want, Lee Know. Cum for me."
I take him to the hilt again, and with one last thrust of his hips, Lee Know's release breaks out.
"...(Y/N)!! "
I feel him shuddering against my lips as his cries fill the office. After I've had a chance to catch my breath, Lee Know reaches to pull me into his arms. He presses his forehead against mine, his breathing still a little ragged.
"Thank you, (Y/N). I had no idea I was so...wound up."
"I'm always happy to help you unwind."
"Stay with me tonight?"
I know it's against the rules...but I can't bring myself to leave his arms just yet.
"Of course."
Later that week, Lee Know and I sit across from Naya at her office.
"I'm sure you both know why I've called you in for this meeting... Your meet-cute was a big success! The media ate it up."
"I never had any doubts." Lee Know smiles.
"But, of course, there is one small snag..."
"Sofia." he answers.
"Precisely. Now that she's returned, we're going to need to do some damage control, stat. What was once a back-burner task has now become our number one priority. Which is why I want (Y/N) and Sofia to meet for brunch."
"Brunch for Sofia? Good, I want to confront her head on." I state.
"I like your fighting spirit, but don't forget, this will be a public event. The press will be watching your every move."
"Why (Y/N) and not me? I'm the one to blame here."
"Perhaps, but (Y/N) is the 'other woman'. Despite all the rumors, Sofia still has clout in this town. We can't underestimate her, and we definitely can't ignore her."
"I understand. I'll be on my best behavior."
I reach for Lee Know's hand and smile.
"Whatever it takes."
He squeezes my hand in response.
"Good. Now that that's settled... Min-ho, it's your turn. I've secured you a seat on the board of an upcoming arts and education fundraiser at the Metropolitan Opera."
"Lee Know, you can do so much good with a fundraiser. So many schools can't afford arts programs." I tell him.
"Yeah, it sounds perfect. What do I have to do, Naya?"
She checks her watch.
"Get yourself downtown. They're meeting in half an hour to discuss some of the last-minute details."
"Already?" Lee Know asks.
"And (Y/N), Sofia will be waiting for you at Le Petit Dejeuner."
"Looks like we're both late then."
"Good luck, you two. Make me proud."
I take a cab to an upscale cafe in Manhattan. No sooner have I stepped out onto the sidewalk than–
"There she is!"
"(Y/N)! Over here!"
"How did it feel to see Mr. Lee again? Are you two an item now? What do the kids think?"
Naya wasn't kidding. If the paparazzi are already staked out here, then they'll see everything that goes down during my bunch with Sofia.
I take a deep breath and turn to the press.
"Hello, everyone. I'm just here to meet a friend for brunch. IF you must take pictures, be sure to get my good side, yeah?"
I smile and wink. The cameras flash, loving my flirty attitude as I head inside. I spot Sofia sitting near the window, looking perfectly at ease. She smiles when she spots me.
"(Y/N)."
"Sofia..."
Even on the other side of the windows, I can sense the paparazzi watching my every move. They followed me inside the building. But they can only see you, not hear you
"So good to see you again."
I pull her close for a quick hug.
"I see you've grown up since our last encounter."
"Don't flatter yourself. I'm doing this for Lee Know."
"And the cameras, I'm sure. I took the liberty of ordering us the first round of mimosas. I hope you don't mind..."
"Something tells me you wouldn't care if I did."
But I'm not about to turn down free booze right now.
I take the glass and lift it in a toast.
"Cheers...to turning over a new leaf."
I clink my glass to Sofia's and take a sip.
"Oh? Is that really what we're here to do?"
"But of course."
The waiter takes our orders, then I turn to Sofia.
"I just want to say I'm sorry about your dad."
"That's...kind of you to say. I admit, it hasn't been easy. For all his faults, he was still my father."
Sofia clears her throat and looks me in the eye.
"But I think we've had enough pleasantries. Your people called this morning. What do you want to discuss?"
"Lee Know and I want you to leave us alone. We want your word that you won't do anything to ruin his reputation."
"What makes you think I care about Min-ho's reputation?"
"You...don't?"
"I'm not your average woman scorned, (Y/N). I thought you knew me better by now. Besides, this little story you two invented for the press helps me just as much as it helps you."
"It does?"
"You think I want the whole world knowing Min-ho left me for someone like you? "
"Rude...but on-brand"
"All I'm saying is, no matter how we feel about each other, the situation is the same."
The waiter returns with our food, and we dig in.
"But enough dwelling on the past. It's a new day, with new opportunities to rise to the top."
"Meaning beat out Lee Know and Robin."
"Of course if you happen to get caught in the crossfire, then all the better."
"Wait...what about the twins? Or are they just more collateral damage?"
Sofia shrugs and toys with the stem of her glass.
"They're not my kids. I won't go after them directly, of course, but it's Min-ho's job to protect them."
My stomach turns, and my breakfast doesn't taste as good as it did a moment ago. Yet Sofia still looks as cool and collected as when I walked in.
"There really is no limit to what you would do to win, is there?"
"Of course not. If I have to play nice for the cameras to make sure I have the public's sympathy when I stab you in the back, I won't hesitate. That's what makes me better than you. And Min-ho and Robin, for that matter. It's nothing personal."
It's not personal yet. But I bet I could find a way to provoke Sofia into looking like the bad guy, right in front of the paparazzi.
"You're right, Sofia. None of this is personal. You're a businesswoman, and I can respect that."
"You can?"
I play with the last bits of my breakfast, a fake smile plastered to my face.
"Everything I've done since I've met you, it's all been...ruthlessly efficient. It's a shame your dad never saw that side of you, no matter how much you tried to show him"
"That was a shame. But it's all in the past now. I'm over it."
She might be over that, but I bet she's not over Lee Know.
"You know, the more I get to know you, the more I can see why Lee Know couldn't stand the thought of marrying you."
Sofia rolls her eyes.
"Do you really think that'll get to me, (Y/N)? We both know I never loved him like that. And it's not like it takes much to change Min-ho's mind."
"I don't know, his mind seems pretty set nowadays."
"Is there a point to this? Because unlike you, I have a job to do."
I'm starting to get to her... Just gotta keep pushing.
"I saw Robin last night."
That catches Sofia's attention. Her eyes flash.
"What Robin does is no concern of mine."
"It should concern you. You treated Robin like a pawn in your evil games. You used him to try and manipulate Lee Know."
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"And when that didn't work, you tossed him aside like a piece of garbage. What kind of person does that to someone they supposedly care about?"
Sofia flushes angrily, but she still doesn't rise to the bait. Instead, she motions for the check...
Time to hit her where it really hurts.
"But as messy as your personal life is, Lee Know was right... It's nothing compared to your professional one."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I think we both know your father died thinking you couldn't hack it. He never thought you could be more than a wife and mother, but he was wrong... You couldn't even do that."
Sofia scowls, her hands clenching on the table.
"My father didn't know what the hell he was talking about. He spent his whole life underestimating me."
Sofia pushes herself back from the table, anger practically radiating off of her.
"I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty. I'll do whatever it takes to win, I don't care who gets in the way."
Her voice grows louder and louder until...
The cameras flash in the windows as the paparazzi rush to capture every ugly twist of Sofia's expression.
"Smile! You're on Candid Camera..." I smirk.
It doesn't take her long to figure out what I did.
"...Real classy, (Y/N). I see I'm not the only one who doesn't care about collateral damage. But the difference between you and me is that I'm not afraid to admit it."
"If you think that's the only difference between us, then you're more blind than I thought."
Sofia snatches her purse.
"This isn't over, (Y/N). Not by a long shot."
"Don't let the door hit you on the way out!"
In her rush, Sofia doesn't even notice a young waiter pushing a dessert cart out of the kitchen.
"Ma'am, watch out!" the waiter shouts a warning.
But it's too late! Sofia crashes right into the cart, toppling over in an explosion of whipped cream and custard! The whole restaurant is dead silent, everyone gaping at Sofia as she sits on the floor, covered from head to toe in...gunk. Without missing a beat, I come to Sofia's aid, napkin in hand.
"Oh, dear. You really should watch where you're going. You almost ran over that poor waiter."
"You did that on purpose!"
"I wish, but I don't see how I could've possibly pulled that off. We didn't even order dessert..."
I swipe a finger across a lump of quivering red jelly on her cheek and, with a bright smile, taste it.
"Yum, raspberry. Next time, I'll have what you're having. Or rather, what you're wearing."
"Get away from me!"
Sofia pushes my hand away, but I just smile at her. I gesture toward the paparazzi, who are still snapping pictures nonstop.
"Careful... You wouldn't want them to catch your bad side."
I lean in close, dropping my voice to a dangerous whisper while keeping my fake smile.
"This is what happens when you cross me, Sofia. Think of the gelatinous syrup next time you want to threaten me or Min-ho or the boys. 'Cause next time, I won't be so sweet."
Sofia huffs and gets to her feet. She musters as much dignity as she can and leaves, ignoring the paparazzi as they follow her down the street. I pay the bill, making sure to leave a very generous tip to cover the clean-up.
"Oh, thank you."
"Trust me, the pleasure was all mine."
I step out onto the street, then pull out my phone to give Naya an update.
"(Y/N)? How'd it go?"
"It went better than expected. Let's just say Sofia put on a show for the press...and ended up wearing the dessert cart on the way out."
"Oh my. That is better than expected. Sounds like we won't have anything to worry about on the Sofia front...for now."
"Great. So...what's next?"
"For today? You can relax. You've earned an afternoon off. I'll call you later."
I hang up and smile, thinking about all the ways I can spend the afternoon... When my phone buzzes with a text message.
Lee Know:
*Picture of Kittens*
-Someone wanted to say hi.
Me:
-They're too cute!
Lee Know:
-Care to join me? I'm volunteering at an animal shelter now. Completely surrounded by puppies and kittens. Jordan just dropped off the boys. And I know they'd love to see you.
Lee Know sends me the address, only a short walk away.
After that brunch with Sofia, I deserve some fun with the boys and Lee Know...not to mention the cute animals. I'm mostly going for Lee Know and the boys, but I won't tell the kittens that...
Soon, I arrive at the animal shelter and find the Lees already surrounded by animals.
"It tickles! It tickles!" Mason laughs.
"Uh, Dad?" Mickey hides behind his dad.
"I got you, kiddo."
I smile as Lee Know scoops a few kittens off of Mickey's lap, where they're trying to climb to his shoulders.
"Isn't this a pretty picture? Hey Mickey, there's nothing to be scared of. Those kittens are more afraid of you than you are of them."
"I'm not afraid."
But he edges away from the kitten that's trying to rub against his leg.
"Come on, (Y/N), I wanna show you my favorite!"
"Right behind you."
Mason takes my hand and pulls me further into the animal shelter, where dogs of all breeds are lined up in enclosures. They jump and bark excitedly.
"(Y/N), meet Beatrice."
"Beatrice the beagle? Nice to meet you."
The puppy aroos at me in excitement.
"Don't worry, Bea, you'll warm up to her." Lee Know smiles.
I nudge Lee Know with my elbow, then notice Mickey hanging back, away from the animals. I turn to him.
"Still figuring out your favorite?"
"No... The one on the end keeps barking at me!"
"Arf! Arf!"
"See?"
Poor Mickey doesn't seem very comfortable around the animals.
"Don't worry, Mickey. The little guy is just saying 'hi'. " I reassure him.
"Aroo!"
I hold my hand out to the small dog, allowing him to sniff me. His tail wags rapidly as he begins to lick me.
"See? He's just happy to see me."
"But my fingers are smaller than yours. What if he bites me?"
"You can start slow. Hold out your hand to let him smell you. Once you feel comfortable, you can try to pet him or let him lick you."
"Like this?"
Mickey holds his fist out, and the puppy sniffs it excitedly. After a few moments, Mickey opens his hand, and the puppy licks the back of it. Mickey giggles, but doesn't pull away.
"Gross!"
"What about you, (Y/N)? Who's your fave?" Mason asks.
"We'll, I've always been a dog person. I love how loyal dogs are."
"Me too."
I glance over at Lee Know, who's still holing a kitten in his arms.
"I don't think I have to ask you about your favorite..."
"Oh, I don't play favorites. I love all animals. I actually used to do a lot of volunteering in places like this, but it's been a while."
"What happened?"
"Life. Work... Mostly work. I wish there was more room in my schedule for this kind of thing, but..."
Lee Know checks to make sure the boys are still distracted before lowering his voice.
"I haven't had much free time since becoming a single dad."
"That makes sense but you aren't a single dad anymore."
"Very true. And it's high time I start acting like it. That's why I'm glad I could share this with the boys...and you."
"Mickey, think fast!"
Mason tosses a plush doggie toy toward Mickey, but one of the puppies jumps up to catch it before Mickey can react.
"Hey, that was mine!"
The puppy dodges both boys as they all run around the training ring.
"A little exercise will do them good." Lee Know says with a smile.
"The boys or the dogs?" I playfully joke.
"Both. They'll also keep each other busy for a few minutes..."
"Which gives us the perfect opportunity to find our own dogs to play with! The boys can't have all the fun. Come on!"
Soon, the four of us are running around the training ring, helping the shelter dogs learn to socialize with each other.
"Bea, no! No biting." Mason scolds.
"Sniffing is okay, though!" Mickey laughs.
"Recommended, even." Lee Know ads.
Beatrice sits and looks at the boys listening to them.
"Good girl, Bea. Here's a treat." I offer.
The four of us stay at the shelter for the rest of the afternoon, helping to take care of the various animals. At the end of the day, I catch Lee Know's eyes over the twins' heads.
"I think you have two happy exhausted boys on your hands, Lee Know."
"That's the sign of a good day's work."
"I'm not 'austed..." Mickey says.
I try to hide my smile as he stifles a yawn. His eyelids droop lower, and he leans into my side.
"Of course not, sweetie."
Lee Know picks him up, and I take Mason's hand. The four of us leave the shelter together.
"The next few days pass in a blur... Finally, it's the weekend again. I was looking forward to sleeping in, but I open my front door to find...
"Naya? What're you doing here this early?"
"I've been reevaluating our game plan, and I wanted to give you the good news in person. I think it's time for your next public appearance with Min-ho."
"Really? What changed your mind?"
"You. You've put in a lot of good work over the last few weeks. You're the reason we can accelerate the plan."
"So what does this public appearance look like? Another yacht race?"
"Not quite. This time, you'll meet Min-ho at the opera."