I blink as Sofia walks into the laboratory as though she owns it.
I guess she kinda does...
"We've been working really hard on those new specs you asked for, Ms. Russo."
"Yes, you already mentioned that."
"And productivity has doubled from what it was last spring."
"I read your report. What I'd really like to know is how your new recruit is doing... (Y/N), follow me to my office please."
"Sofia. What're you doing here? Is this some kind of joke? And isn't this Evan's office?"
"It's mine now. And you have to admit, it is pretty funny. You should've seen your face when I walked in."
"I imagine it's almost as good as your face covered in whipped cream."
I see a flash of anger in Sofia's eyes, but she quickly covers it.
"I admit, you did catch me by surprise during our brunch. But I've got plenty of more important things to focus on, like using you for the next phase of my plan."
"The next phase?"
"Of course. You didn't think you got this job on your own, did you?"
"Well...yeah."
"If it makes you feel any better, Evan had no idea. You got the job on your own in that sense, just as I knew you would."
"So you wanted me to work here to have leverage over me? You think I'll feel like I owe you or something?"
"Not at all...but if you do feel some sort of loyalty to this division, all the better. It's cute you think you're at the center of all this, but you're only a means to an end."
"I'm not your pawn. You can't just use me like this."
"I already have. I entered this competition late, so I need to level the playing field somehow. I did try to warn you, remember? You have to admit it's a good plan. Lee Know will spend all his energy trying to keep you his dirty little secret, and you–"
"–Won't let you get away with this."
"And how exactly do you plan on stopping me? By quitting? That ruins your career far more than it affects mine."
I clench my fists, knowing that she has a point. Sofia smirks, as if my silence is acceptance.
"Now, if we're going to bring this division to the top of Lee-Russo, we need to think bigger. Which is why I want you to lead a new project."
"You want me to lead a project? What's the catch? Let me guess, I have to break up with Lee Know?"
"Ha! You know, I never realized how funny you are."
Sofia reaches into her briefcase and pulls out a thick, well-used folder.
"Biodegradable materials? It looks like this has been researched pretty thoroughly already..."
Sofia reaches into her briefcase again. Thai time, the file she holds out to me is crisp and new.
"This might help. It's our findings from Russo Industries."
Even at a glance, I can tell this is exactly the kind of project I've always wanted to work on.
"This project is the whole point of the merger between Lee and Russo. Sharing resources to make new discoveries and help the world. And if it helps me win control over the company, all the better."
"...Fine. I'm in. But that doesn't mean we're friends or anything."
"Of course it doesn't. I'm your boss. I'll let Evan know the plan. Oh, and I'll need to see results in two weeks."
"That's hardly any time!"
"There's a big product expo in Monte Carlo then. The investors expect to be wowed, as do I."
I look down at the files in front of me and take a deep steadying breath.
"Then I'd better get to work."
The next two weeks blur by. I settle into a routine with my coworkers.
"Morning, (Y/N)."
Aditya offers me a to-go cup with my favorite morning drink, and I trade him for the bagel bag in my other hand.
"Now, what's this 'big idea' you messaged about last night?"
"Well, I was looking over the biodegradable research from Russo again..."
I also manage to sneak a few fleeting moments with Lee Know.
"Good morning, (Y/N). I see you're in early yet again."
"What can I say? I just can't get enough of everything Lee."
Finally, the morning of my big presentation to Sofia arrives.
"Where are you on the prototype? It'll be done by end of day, yes?"
I gesture to where the prototype machine is churring away.
"We're right on schedule. There's still a little tinkering to do, but... Don't worry... It'll blow Sofia away."
"You seem very confident."
"We've been working hard to get this right. Have a little faith in us, Evan."
Evan gives me a nod and then heads back to his office. I turn to the rest of my team.
"Alright, let's go over everything that still needs to get done..."
A few hours later, I'm just about to call Aditya over from the other side of the lab to check my results when I get an unexpected visitor to my work station.
"I hate to interrupt someone as important and busy as you, but I'm gonna do it anyway."
"Jordan! What are you doing here? Are the twins okay?"
"Oh, they're perfectly fine. Actually, I'm here on behalf of two young gentlemen who'd love to invite you out to lunch since they had a half-day of school today."
"Is that so?"
"Well, to be completely honest, they came to surprise their dad, but he has a meeting. Min-ho suggested we invite you instead."
Jordan leans close, dropping his voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"Between you and me, the boys seemed even more excited by that prospect. They've missed you over the last couple of weeks."
"I've missed them too. And I do have a little time before my next test results will come in... Let's do it. Just give me a few minutes to make sure everything is in order."
"Perfect! I'll meet you out front."
I wave goodbye to Jordan, then turn back to my station...but not before I notice Aditya watching me from across the lab. Ten minutes later, I slide into the town car to find the twins waiting for me with a huge picnic basket settled between them.
"(Y/N), we missed you!" Mason shouts.
"Jordan, I can't believe you pulled it off!"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy. Carter, can you take us to the park please?"
"Right away. It's good to see you again, Ms. (YLN)."
"You too, Carter. I feel like I haven't seen a human without a lab coat in weeks!"
"We were wearing aprons earlier! That's kinda like a lab coat." Mason states
"I feel like I should warn you...the twins did the cooking. I hope you like peanut butter and potato chip sandwiches." Jordan chuckles.
"PB and potato chip? That's my favorite combo! A little salty, a little sweet, and a whole lot of deliciousness."
"Exactly! Liliana taught me how to make them. She calls them 'Crunch 'N' Munch'." Mason tells me.
"Ugh, girls..." Mickey rolls his eyes.
"Hey, did you forget who you're talking to?" I giggle.
"Oops, sorry!"
Carter pulls up outside the park, and the four of us get out. Mason reaches into the basket and hands Carter one of the wrapped sandwiches.
"Here you go." Mason says handing Carter one.
"We made you one too!" Mickey smiles.
"Thanks, boys. That was very thoughtful. I'll be back to pick you all up in forty-five minutes?"
"See you soon, Carter."
The boys bound off ahead, carrying the basket between them. Jordan and I follow after. Soon, we're settled on the blanket with the picnic laid out before us.
"We packed lemonade and cookies and carrot sticks!" Mickey states.
"Plus the PB and potato chips!" Mason smiles
"Jordan said we had to include at least one vegetable."
"I heard carrots make you see in the dark. Is it true, (Y/N)?"
"I ate a whole bag once, and all that happened was my tongue turned orange."
The twins turn to me expectantly, waiting to hear my answer.
"The truth is we won't know until we eat all the carrots! This is a job for the scientific method! What's your hypothesis?" I smile.
"Carrots make you see in the dark!" Mason tells me.
"I'm gonna go X-ray vision!"
"Then let's write it down and start eating carrots!"
The boys start fighting over the sticks, and Jordan flashes me a smile over their heads. I dig into my peanut butter and potato chip sandwich, which proves to be tastier than I was expecting.
So how's everything at school?"
"Mickey got in trouble for writing a bad word on his history test."
"They shouldn't call it a 'poop deck' if they don't want people to say it!"
"As you can see, it's been an exciting couple of weeks. What about you? What's your favorite part of your new job?"
"Well, the centrifuge is pretty neat. It's the thing that spins samples so fast that it separates out different fluids."
"As fast as a rollercoaster?"
"Faster."
"And you get to use a microscope?"
"Every day."
"What's your team working on now? Your station was almost overflowing with cool stuff earlier."
"My current project is going to change the world. But then again, hopefully every project in the environmental division changes the world. We're working on biodegradables right now."
"What does 'biodegradable' mean?"
"It means it will eventually dissolve and go into the ground to become plant food."
"Gross."
"I had a friend who was really into biodegradables in college. Are you working on new compostable materials?"
"Uh, not exactly, but I don't wanna bore you all with the details. Actually, what I really want to hear about is what you two have planned for Halloween. Are your costumes all picked out?"
"I'm gonna be a pirate, and Mason is gonna be my first mate!"
"Nuh-uh! I haven't picked my costume yet. Some of the kids in my class want us to go as superheroes."
"You mean Liliana wants you to go as superheroes, even though we always match."
"I think a pirate superhero is just what we need right now. Who else is gonna save the work from sea monsters?"
"Yeah! Maybe we can both be captains, Mickey!"
"Fine. But I get the eyepatch!"
"I'll play you for it. Jordan, did you pack the soccer ball?"
"Of course. Just make sure you stay where I can see you."
The boys scurry off to kick the soccer ball around nearby, their little fight already forgotten.
"Sounds like Mickey is still struggling with Mason and Liliana's friendship."
"A little. They've both had a lot of adjusting to do this year."
"Growing up is hard. He's lucky to have you to help."
"That's really nice of you to say, (Y/N)."
"Well, it was really nice of you to help plan this whole outing, so I guess we're even."
The twins motion to us two to join them.
"Shall we?"
Jordan offers me a hand up off the blanket. I take it, allowing him to help me to my feet. I let go of his hand and lead the way toward the boys.
"What're you waiting for, slowpoke?"
The four of us spend the rest of my lunch break kicking the soccer ball around. By the time Carter picks us up, the boys are ready to talk his ear off about the outing.
"I can juggle a soccer ball three times, Carter!" Mason says.
"I can do four!" Mickey brags.
"Very impressive. Back in my youth, I got as high as fifteen juggles."
"Really?"
"I was young once too, you know." Carter laughs.
"You were? "
Jordan and I share an amused look as the boys keep chattering. Jordan leans in while they're still distracted.
"It was interesting seeing you at work in the lab today. You look at home there."
Thanks, I love it. Some days, it feels like I've been there for years. I felt that way about being the twins' nanny too. When a job is right, you just know it.
Jordan casts me a sidelong look.
"Or when a person is right?"
I'm not sure whether he's talking about himself or Lee Know, so I just smile and nod.
"Anyways, thanks again for making this lunch happen. I needed the break."
"It was our pleasure, right boys?"
"Right!"
On our way back from lunch, I spot a familiar silhouette heading into the elevator. I haven't had a chance to really talk to Lee Know in weeks, so I quicken my step to join him just as the doors start to close. Unfortunately, there are four other people already inside.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Lee."
Lee Know and I share a secret smile as he greets the group. I make sure to squeeze myself into the back of the elevator so that Lee Know and I are a hair's width apart.
"Maybe we should've waited for a less crowded elevator..."
"I'm not complaining."
"Ah, this is my stop."
Lee Know's fingers graze against mine as he leaves. I shiver at the stolen touch. As soon as the elevator starts moving again, two of the other employees start whispering to each other.
"I still can't believe he broke up with Sofia Russo."
"Are you kidding? She's terrifying. Last week, I accidentally bumped into her and I thought she was gonna stab me with her stiletto."
I've seen them around... I think they're from manufacturing, Robin's department.
"Besides, I heard through the grapevine that Lee is dating someone new."
I perk up at this, but try to remain casual... I casually pull out my phone to disguise my eavesdropping.
"Min-ho has a new fling already? Who?"
"No idea. But apparently, he's super into this mystery girl. Buys her flowers, chocolates, the works."
"How romantic..."
I can't help but feel thrilled at knowing I'm the cause of all the gossip...
And no one has any idea who I am.
As the elevator reaches the manufacturing floor, their conversation shifts back to work.
"Ugh, I can't believe Flores is making us do this."
"You mean since, 'It's only a fraction of a decimal point. No one will notice'! Yeah, well maybe if he'd ever worked a day in his life, he'd know how much that fraction matters..."
What's Robin up to now?
I finally make my way back to the environmental lab. I find Aditya recording some findings onto a chart.
"Hey (Y/N), I was just going over our presentation again. I think we should adjust the timing of when we reveal the prototype."
"Aditya, you wouldn't happen to know anyone from the manufacturing division, would you?"
"Sure, I hung out with some of them at last year's holiday party. They're pretty cool. We talked about that new gene-editing thing."
Maybe Aditya can introduce me. It wouldn't hurt to get some inside info on what Robin is really up to... And find out more about those rumors about Lee Know's personal life.
"Hey, would you be willing to introduce me to some of them? They seem cool, and we've got plenty of time to tweak the presentation later."
"Sure thing."
Aditya and I head for the manufacturing floor. The two employees from the elevator are in the hallway hanging up fall decorations.
"A little to the left...no, no, too far!"
"If it's up, then it's fine. No one's judging us for it."
"Don't be so sure of that." Aditya smirks.
"Aditya! Good to see you, man."
"I was just showing (Y/N) here the worst department in the building. She's new, so she needs to know what floors to avoid."
"Ha ha. It's nice to meet you, (Y/N). I'm Theresa, and my partner-in-crime here is Julian."
"It's nice to meet you too. This seems like a five division. The head of your department must be a chill boss, letting you hang up decorations and stuff."
"Uh, I guess." Julian shrugs.
Aditya gives me an odd look, so I try a different tactic.
"Here, let us help you put some of those streamers up. To be perfectly honest, it's nice to have a little break from the lab. We've been going nonstop for a couple weeks now."
"I feel that. Is Russo riding you as much as Flores is riding us?" Theresa asks.
"Oh, yeah... We're all under the same pressure right now. Guess they want to make a good showing for the end of the year..."
"It seems like there's more at stake than that." Julian points out.
"Yeah, and Flores just showed up one day to take over? Totally bizarre." Theresa adds.
"And I heard Min-ho is heading up robotics now too."
"Sounds like what happened to us, right (Y/N)?" Aditya turns to me.
"Totally. Russo just waltzes in and starts barking orders."
So they don't exactly know about the competition, but they sense something is up...
The four of us finish putting up the last of the decorations and stand back to admire them.
"Maybe all this has something do with the merger? Or Mr. Russo dying? There's so much drama going on at the C-level."
"And how do you know that?" Theresa asks with a suspicious look on her face.
"Come to think of it. I did see the new Lee nanny going into your lab earlier..." Julian adds.
"You saw Jordan?"
"So you know him. Is that your source?"
Uh oh, I can't have them linking me to Lee Know. I need to turn this around and get them to open up...
"Jordan is just feeding me info. We're old friends, so when he found out I got this job, he wanted me to have some background."
"What did he tell you?"
"Oh, you know, sometimes he overhears things..."
"You're getting more and more interesting, (Y/N). Jordan must know some juicy stuff if he lives with the son of the CEO. Spill!" Theresa smiles.
I lower my voice conspiratorially, and they all lean in to hear.
"I heard that Robin came to talk to Lee Know about Sofia...but Lee Know didn't hear him out."
"Because Sofia cheated with Robin?" Theresa asks.
"How do you know that?" Aditya asks Theresa.
"(Y/N) isn't the only one with sources... I overheard Flores and Russo talking about it in his office a while back."
"According to Jordan, that conversation seemed like it had more to do with the company."
"If they're trying to work together, they're failing pretty miserably."
"It could be the opposite. Maybe they're trying to outdo each other." Julian suggests.
"That would explain why Flores has us cutting corners all over the place to make the division look more productive and profitable."
"I've never rounded up so many decimal points in my life!"
"Isn't that dangerous?"
"Nothing will make it through QA, but it'll be months before it kicks back to us."
"Which means we'll have to do the work all over again. Sure, we save money now, but what's going to happen next quarter? Or next year?"
It won't matter if Robin is CEO by then!
"That's terrible. It sounds like Flores must be stopped."
"I've tried warning him that he's taking it too far, but he won't listen to me."
"Why would he? You've just been working in this division for over a decade."
We all nod in commiseration.
"But enough about that. Has Jordan told you anything about Min-ho's new girlfriend?" Theresa looks to me with a smile from ear to ear.
"Oh! Uh, he hasn't said anything..."
"I heard she's young. And hot. And making much more of an impression then Addison ever did..."
"Who's Addison?" Aditya asks.
"Oh right, that must've been before your time. Lee Min-ho's wife. She died tragically maybe five years ago." Julian answers him.
"How sad... He must've really loved her. At least, if you believe the tabloids."
"The press only tells part of the story. Apparently, they used to fight. A lot." Julian adds.
"That doesn't mean they weren't in love."
"True. All I know is if Min-ho were my husband, I'd have put that passion to better use." Theresa smiles.
"Every marriage has troubles. It's not our place to judge them." Aditya states
"You're right. Min-ho wasn't the same for a long time after Addison died... Although rumor has it that started to change a few months back, around the time his engagement to Russo was announced." Julian says.
"You can't think she's the reason why Min-ho finally started to recover. My money's on his new girlfriend. It must be true love." Theresa sighs lovingly.
They got that part right, at least.
"It's getting late. We should probably head back to the lab before Evan wonders where we are."
"It was great to meet you, Theresa and Julian."
"Stop by any time. We love the excuse to chat!"
Aditya is deep in thought as we make our way back to the lab.
"I can't believe Flores is cutting corners like that."
"I can. Let's just keep this to ourselves for now, okay? I don't want anyone to get in trouble for telling us."
"Good call. We've got our own work to worry about anyway..."
A couple hours later, me and the rest of my team stand at one end of the conference room, ready to present.
"Alright, I'm ready to be amazed." Sofia states.
I nod to Charles, who pulls up my slides on the screen.
"I'll cut to the chase. After analyzing the previous work done by Lee Enterprises and Russo Industries, we realized developing another biodegradable plastic would be a waste. So instead, we came up with a brand new industrial-grade plastic alternative."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning all of the plastic parts that are currently used to make MRI, X-Ray, and other medical machines could be replaced with this instead. For example... Here is a prototype CT scan." Aditya answers Sofia.
Aditya hands Sofia and Evan identical scans. They both take a moment to examine them.
"These were made with your prototype?"
"One of them is. Can you tell which one?"
She and Evan exchange pieces, looking them over closely.
"I honestly can't." Evan says.
"As you can imagine, this has huge implications on the carbon footprint of every hospital in the world. And this is just the beginning. We can–"
Sofia holds up her hand to cut me off. My team and I exchange worried looks as she reviews our prototypes again, then skims through the presentation documents. Finally, she sits back in her chair...and smiles.
"I knew I chose the right woman for the job. I'll need to see how quickly we can bring your research to scale, but I like what I'm hearing."
My team murmurs happily beside me. This is a huge win...but I can't help but feel apprehensive at Sofia's praise.
"This is just what I need to make my mark here. You should be proud of yourself, (Y/N)."
"I'm glad you're thinking of yourself, and not the planet."
"I'm not just thinking of myself. The entire division benefits, not to mention the company when we start raking in the investment money."
"That's not why I did this..."
"Of course not. But it is why I did it."
Sofia stands from her chair and all eyes turn her way.
"Evan, make sure you're prepped on all their research for the product expo in Monte Carlo next week."
"Yes, ma'am."
Sofia breezes out of the room, followed closely by Evan. My coworkers let out loud cheers now that the bosses are gone, and Aditya pulls me into a quick hug.
"I think we've all earned a relaxing weekend after this." Aditya says with a pat on the shoulder and a smile.
"You can say that again."
Later that night, I'm relaxing at home with a warm cup of tea and a romance novel. The particularly steamy scene between a duke and the heroine is interrupted by the ping of a text message. I smile when I see it's from Lee Know.
Lee Know:
-Hello Beautiful. Finally got the boys to bed.
Me:
-Did you give 'em a kiss from me?
Lee Know:
-Always. They loved having lunch with you today.
Me:
-Me too. You missed out on their latest culinary masterpiece. PB and potato chip sandwich.
Lee Know:
-Sounds...salty. I heard you nailed your presentation today. Congrats! I'm so proud of you.
Me:
-Really?
Lee Know:
-Why wouldn't I be?
Me:
-It's just it makes beating Sofia harder for you.
Lee Know:
-It was always going to be hard. But I'd rather win by beating the best.
Me:
-Speaking of comp...I met some people from manufacturing today and they told me Robin's cutting MAJOR corners to make the div look 100.
Lee Know:
-That didn't take long for him to resort to cheating.
Me:
-They don't think the 'mistakes' will fully get approved. But none of it'll be reviewed until AFTER the comp.
Lee Know:
-That'd be disastrous, for the whole company. Thanks for telling me. I don't want to talk about work all night. But I did want to celebrate you kicking ass.
Me:
-What'd you have in mind?
Lee Know:
-Since I'm watching the boys and can't be there in person, I tried to get you the next best thing. Go check your front door.
I leave my phone on the couch and head to the front door. I find the gift sitting in the hallway. When I open the box, it's a bottle of red wine and assorted chocolates.
"Aw, this is sweet of him."
I bring it all inside, then text Lee Know back.
Me:
-Thanks. This is amazing!
Lee Know:
-It's a poor consolation for not being able to congratulate you in person. But I hope you enjoy. You deserve it.
Me:
-I miss you so much. I've been SO busy and now you're gonna be in Monte Carlo for a week.
Lee Know:
-I feel the same way. I couldn't stop thinking about you tonight.
Me:
-Yeah?
Lee Know:
-Especially while I was in the shower...
Me:
-Pics or it didn't happen.
A moment later, my phone beeps with a steamy photo from Lee Know.
"Oh my God..."
I'm about to respond to Lee Know's gifts when an idea occurs to me...
Maybe I can show him just how much I appreciate his thoughtfulness in a video call.
My phone buzzes with a couple more texts from Lee Know as I carry my basket of goodies into my bedroom. I get settled, then call him.
"Okay, new rule...the next time one of us sends a sexy photo, the other has to respond immediately. You had me worried there for a minute."
"Sorry, sorry, I was just...getting comfortable."
I prop my phone up, making sure Lee Know can see every inch of you.
"I can see that..."
"Your turn."
Lee Know takes a moment to set his phone on the foot of his bed before settling in.
"Comfortable?"
"I'd be more comfortable with you in my arms, but it's a start."
"Oh? And what would you do if I were there?"
Even over the phone, I can hear the purr of command in his voice. My body tightens in anticipation.
"To start? Strip you until you're completely naked."
I run my hands over my clothes, slowly, deliberately, letting the fabric slide up or pool down to expose slivers of my bare skin to the camera.
"Like this?"
"I wish I was there with you right now. I wish I was the one touching you..."
"What am I supposed to do without someone to touch me? Without someone to taste me..."
I slip my finger into my mouth, then trail it down my neck toward my breasts. I don't stop until I'm teasing my hardening nipples under my bra...
"Ohhh..."
"Let me see."
I remove the rest of my clothes, then reposition myself so Lee Know has the perfect view. My hands return to my breasts, tweaking both nipples this time.
"It's driving me crazy not to be there with you."
"I wish you were here too. Touching me, stroking me, licking me..."
Lee Know lets out a low curse as he reaches for his clothes. A moment later, he's as bare as me, spread out on his bed. His hand disappears inside his briefs as he takes his length in his hand, stroking slowly.
"Tell me more."
I catch sight of the champagne and strawberries and lick my lips hungrily.
"So impatient... First, I want to indulge."
I choose the biggest strawberry and hold it to my lips. I swirl my tongue around the edge before taking a bite. Strawberry juice coats my fingers. I start to lick my thumb when a better idea occurs to me...
"This strawberry is delicious, but not nearly as delicious as you."
I finish the fruit in my hand, then reach for the dipping chocolate. I swirl some on my finger. Glancing over to make sure Lee Know is watching my every move, I start to spread the chocolate in slow, sensual circles over my nipple.
"Oh! It's colder than I thought..."
"If I were there, I'd warm you up. I'd take that nipple between my lips and lick every inch of you clean."
"Mmm..."
My breath hitches as I visualize Lee Know's mouth on me. I close my eyes and let my imagination take over. My fingers become his tongue, trailing over every inch of my body as a thrill runs through me.
"Yesss..."
"Are you picturing me, (Y/N)?"
"Yes. Only you can make me feel like this, Lee Know. I need you! "
"Maybe we should slow down a bit. You have another gift to enjoy."
Lee Know's own hand stills as he nods toward the bottle of champagne next to me.
"Good idea."
I take the bottle and pop the cork. The sparkling wine fizzes as I take a swig right from the bottle.
"Mmm, delicious."
I go to take another sip when an idea occurs to me... I tip the bottle so it starts to cascade down my chest, over my breasts. The cool liquid makes me shiver, adding another thrill to my excitement. I'm making a complete mess, but given how Lee Know's eyes darken as he watches, I don't give a damn.
"(Y/N), you're killing me... I want to lap that champagne off your soft, luscious body."
I smirk as his grip on his sheets tightens. His body is the epitome of restraint, of control.
"Show me. I want to see you touch yourself."
His movements are deft and sure, and he tips his head back as the speed increases.
"I'm picturing you in this bed with me right now."
My fingers find my center as I encourage Lee Know to describe his fantasy...
"Tell me more."
"You're spread out on the comforter as I kneel over you."
Lee Know sifts so he's on his knees, his legs open as if straddling me.
"You're squirming underneath me, begging me to touch you, but I refuse. Just to torture you."
I moan as I picture myself trapped between Lee Know's thighs, wholly at his mercy... I slip another finger inside myself.
"Then what do you do?"
"Exactly what I'm doing right now. Touching myself in long, hard strokes while you watch."
Lee Know's hips start to thrust as his movements become more frantic. I can see the strain on his gorgeous face, even through the phone.
"(Y/N), I'm close..."
"Not–Oh!–yet..."
I roll over to grab my toy. When I turn back, Lee Know lets out a low growl when he sees what I have in my hand.
"I didn't say you could play."
I turn on the vibrator and trail it along my chest, arching into its tremors.
"You'll have to punish me later."
"Tempting, but I'd rather command you now. She me what you can do with it."
I nudge the toy between my legs. The low thrum of it sends a wave of delight through me.
"Open your legs wide. Let me see."
I do as Lee Know asks. The sudden vibrating pressure is almost too much, but Lee Know refuses to let me relent.
"Not yet. Take it all in."
I moan as I follow Lee Know's orders. My whole body thrums with delight and anticipation.
"Look at me."
I lift my gaze to meet his, and even though we're miles apart, the electricity between us is as strong as if he were right there with me.
"I can't take much more of this."
Lee Know groans and begins to work his hand against himself at an almost frantic pace.
"Are you imagining me?"
"Yes... You're here with me, hot and naked, your hands all over my body. You throw my legs over your shoulder so you can thrust even deeper inside of me. You're touching me. You're taking me."
"That's right. You're mind, and you always will be."
Neither one of us can resist the deep, pulsing pull of release any longer. With a shout of ecstasy, I crest against my hand.
"...Lee Know!"
Wave after wave of pulsing pleasure lifts me up before crashing back down again... When I finally catch my breath, I turn off my vibrator. I look at my phone to see Lee Know equally satisfied through the screen.
"Wow, that was..."
"Amazing. Still not as good as the real thing, but..."
"A close second."
I shift up to grab my phone when I accidentally knock some of the strawberries over.
"Whoops. Guess I'd better clean up before I fall asleep in this mess."
"Sorry you have to take care of that yourself. I wish..."
I wait to hear what Lee Know wishes, but he only signs and shakes his head.
"It doesn't matter what I wish. I have you, and that's enough for now."
"Goodnight, Lee Know."
"Sweet dreams, (Y/N). I'll talk to you in the morning."
I end the call feeling satisfied but still wishing all this sneaking around was over.
"Just a little bit longer, (Y/N). This will all be worth it in the end."
After a quick shower and change of sheets, I drift off to sleep, dreaming of Lee Know and all the non-clandestine evenings I have ahead of me...
"The next night, I'm getting ready for bed when I'm interrupted by a brisk knock at the door. I open it to find..."
"Sofia?! Please tell me this is some sort of nightmare."
"Unfortunately for both of us, you're very much awake. Now, get your bags packed and do something about those wrinkly pajamas. The plane leaves in an hour."
"What plane?"
"The plane for Monte Carlo, obviously. There's been a change of plans, and you're coming with me."