The day before the industry product expo in Monte Carlo, I follow Sofia into the hotel convention center and find it a hive of activity. Across the room, the teams from the manufacturing and robotics divisions are hard at work.
"What're you doing? That doesn't go there!" Robin shouts angrily.
"Keep it up, everyone. We're making good progress..." Lee Know praises.
Lee Know's prototype is actually pretty impressive.
"Looks like it's going to be close quarters this morning."
"Forget them. I need you to focus. We don't have much time to finalize the details before we meet Antonie Bisset this afternoon. And I don't need to remind you how important it is for our division to impress an investor with pockets as deep as Antonie's."
Sofia shows me to my booth area.
"Everything you need should be here, but make a list for the tech guys if something comes up. I have to make sure our prototyping machine will still arrive at noon."
Before I can respond, she clips away without a backward glance.
"So much for teamwork. Guess I'd better get started..."
I dive right into the work. I have last week's presentation as a foundation, so I just have to fine-tune the rest.
"When I'm talking to the investors tomorrow... I should highlight the projects potential uses."
I make sure to put the information about medical machines at the top, then list the other applications for the plastic alternative underneath.
"Investors will want to see this isn't a one-trick pony."
By the time Sofia returns, I feel good about my progress.
"Well? Are you ready?"
"You're the one who's been MIA. I wasn't sitting here twiddling my thumbs."
"Good, because I don't pay you to...twiddle."
She examine the booth from top to bottom, then nods.
"Very well. You can take a break, since there's nothing else to do until the machine arrives. I'll meet you in the lobby at one o'clock sharp."
I don't need to be told twice. I pack up my things and head toward the exit... I'm walking past Robin's booth when I hear a loud crash.
"Be careful with that! I swear, if one more thing goes wrong today, I'm gonna–"
He catches sight of me and cuts off.
"Can I help you?"
I glance over his shoulder to where the manufacturing booth is in complete disarray.
"Do you want some help? My presentation is finalized, so I'd be happy to–"
"I don't need your help."
I think back to the conversation I had with Theresa and Julian... If Robin's putting the entire company at risk because of his shortcuts, maybe you should step in.
"Is it an issue with your prototype? Maybe you were rushing your team to finish and–"
"I said, we don't need you."
"Fine. Be that way... Good luck tomorrow. It looks like you're gonna need it."
My mind is still on my confrontation with Robin as I make my way through the lobby to the elevators...and I almost crash right into Lee Know!
"Whoa there. You okay?"
"Whoops, sorry. I was just...distracted."
"Uh oh. You want to talk about it?"
"It's Robin. He's being a jerk again."
"Do you need me to kick his ass?"
"It's fine. I wish I could just shake him off, but we used to be friends."
"Yeah, I know. We'll get used to the new normal eventually..."
Lee Know shakes his head as if to clear it. The elevator arrives with a ding, and he gestures for me to get on first. As soon as the doors shut, I take advantage of being alone with Lee Know... I give Lee Know a push, and his back hits the elevator wall with a soft thud. I press my body up against his, reveling in his warmth.
"(Y/N)..."
"What floor are you on?"
"Twenty-second."
"Good. That means we have a nice, long ride ahead of us."
I capture his mouth with mine. His lips part in surprise and I nip at his tongue. I grab Lee Know by the front waistband of his slacks. With a strong tug, I pull his hips flush against mine. He responds by blazing a trail of kisses up my neck...then across my jawline to my ear...
"Mmm... I like where this is going."
"Then you'll like it even more when I...take the robotics division down tomorrow."
Lee Know chuckles, still keeping his body pressed to mine.
"So that's how you want to play this?"
"Depends if you're up for the challenge."
"...Consider it a bet. If my division gets the win tomorrow, you have to get on your knees and do exactly what I tell you to do."
"And when the environmental lab wins...you'll be the one on your knees."
Lee Know's eyes darken at the suggestion.
"I can't think of a better way to go."
"You're only saying that because you have no idea how hard I plan to make you beg."
My breath hitches as Lee Know seals the deal with a kiss. It's just a light press of his lips on mine, but the warm rasp of his breath promises much more to come... Finally, the elevator arrives at Lee Know's floor. He smiles at me as he steps out into the hall.
"I'd invite you in to practice your graveling, but I've got an investment meeting over lunch and an appointment with the twins in a few minutes."
"Lucky you. What kind of appointment?"
"We've got a video chat scheduled to play Dominion Royale together..."
I recognize the name of the twins' favorite online video game.
"They destroy me every time, but I'm starting to get the hang of it."
"That sounds fun. Besides, it'll be good for you to practice losing before the expo."
"Oh yeah? Why don't you join us? The boys would love to see you, and then we can both get some practice in."
"You're on!"
Lee Know leads me to his room.
"Damn, this is quite the view. Must be nice to be the boss."
"It has its perks."
He drops a quick kiss on my lips before setting up the video call. After a few rings, Mason and Mickey pop up on the screen.
"Hi, Dad! Is that (Y/N) with you?" Mason smiles.
"Is she gonna play Dominion Royale with us?" Mickey asks.
"Of course! And I hope you're ready to go down! My fingers are flexed and ready." I smile.
I wiggle my fingers at them, and they laugh. Lee Know starts to set up the game.
"Are you two keeping Jordan on his toes?"
Jordan comes into frame, waving at us both.
"Shouldn't you be asking if they're behaving?"
"We've been good, promise!"
"They tried to order twelve pizzas last night..."
"Mickey wanted to order twenty! We cut back!" Mason blurts.
"And swapped out my shampoo for syrup..."
"I hypothesized it'd give your hair a lustrous glow!" Mickey explains.
"I said it'd just be sticky!" Mason giggles.
"You know, once you run that experiment on one nanny, you don't have to do it again."
"Don't worry, everyone here is doing a-okay now."
Jordan gives Lee Know and I a little salute.
"I'm gonna get breakfast started for these two. Enjoy your chat."
No sooner has Jordan disappeared from the screen then the game finally loads. Lee Know boots up Dominion Royale. Against the backdrop of a mythical kingdom, I start by choosing my character the Evil Sorceress.
"Hope you like getting struck by lightning and being encased in ice."
"We'll see about that! My Mighty Minotaur eats witches for breakfast."
"And my Clever Rogue will just outrun and outthink her."
"I suppose it's my job as the Silver Knight to vanquish evil..."
"Get ready!" Mickey shouts.
The round starts and we're loaded onto a map that starts inside a magical medieval castle.
"Go!" Mason exclaims.
"Wait, how do you run?" I ask.
"It's the right stick, and then 'A' to sprint." Lee Know informs me.
"And you better use it, 'cause here I come!" Mickey laughs evilly.
Mickey's giant mythical beast smashes his hammer toward me!
"Graaaaaah!!"
At the last possible second, I manage to dodge out of the way!
"A-ha!"
"Nice one, (Y/N)!" Mason praises.
"I'm not done with you yet!" Mickey maniacally laughs.
"Alright, boys, let's give (Y/N) a chance to catch her breath, okay? She's never played before."
"Hey, I think I'm gettin' the hang of things– Oops, nope, I just died."
"Just try to collect as many upgrades as you can! Like this health potion!"
Mason's rogue tosses me a bottle, and I just manage to catch it.
"Thanks!"
The four of us explore the castle while collecting potions and upgrades. After a few minutes of jumping, running, and punching air, I start to get a feel for the controls.
"I think I've got the hang of it. Prepare to taste my lightning!"
I follow the others outside the castle gates...just to see the boys turn and face off against Lee Know and I!
"Sorry, (Y/N), but if you're ready to fight now..."
"Then we can't let you go a step further!"
Lee Know looks at me.
"You up for this?" he asks with a smile.
"Bring it on!"
The boys rush at my head first! I step forward into the minotaur's path!"
"Grraah!" Mickey roars.
I have the advantage when it comes to magic. I just have to stay light on my feet.
I roll to the left, then shoot a lightning bolt at Mickey's unprotected side!
"Ahhhh!" I roar back.
The minotaur is quickly swallowed up by a plume of icy fire, spreading out from the point of impact.
"Noooo!"
"When did you two get so good at this?" Mason asks in surprise.
I look over and see Lee Know has Mason at the end of his sword.
"Never underestimate the power of beginner's luck."
"That means Dad and (Y/N) have to fight now."
"It does? I mean, it does!"
"Don't worry, (Y/N). You can take him!"
I square off against the Silver Knight... I stay poised and ready, but let Lee Know makes the first move.
"En garde!"
I quickly parry, then redirect my momentum into a counterattack!
"Not so fast!"
The two of us are surprisingly evenly matched...
"Go Dad!" Mickey cheers.
"Go (Y/N)!" Mason cheers.
I'd better do something extra if I want to get the upper hand.
Back in the real world, out of view of the video chat, I slide my hand up Lee Know's leg...
All's fair in love and Dominion Royale.
"(Y/N), what're you doing?"
"Just making things a little more exciting..."
My fingers dance even higher, making it very hard for Lee Know to concentrate... And back in the game, my avatar has managed to disarm Lee Know's Silver Knight, pressing his own sword to his throat.
"What the–?"
"Victory is mine!'
"That was awesome!" Mickey shouts.
"(Y/N), you have to show us how you did that!" Mason tells me.
"Uh, I'm pretty sure I just got lucky!"
The four of us play a few more rounds of the game before Lee Know takes me back to the loading screen.
"That's all the murder and mayhem we have time for, you two. (Y/N) and I need to get back to work."
"That's okay. We're going pumpkin picking soon anyway!" Mason tells us with a big grin.
"Steffi and Javi are meeting us there. Mickey informs us.
"Sounds like even more fun than Dominion Royale."
Lee Know shuts the video game down, replacing the game interface with the twins' real-life faces.
"Be good and pick out the biggest pumpkin you can find for me. You two can help me carve it when I get back."
"We will!"
"Love you, bye!"
The twins sign off, chatting happily with one another as they go.
"Thanks for joining me. I know they had more fun than if they had to play with just stuffy old Dad."
"Thanks for inviting me. I didn't realize how much I missed them until I saw their faces..."
Lee Know scoots closer and wraps an arm around my shoulder. I lean into his embrace, indulging for a moment...then pull back.
"I hate to Dominate and run, but Sofia will kill me if I'm not ready on time, and I still need to get to that investment meeting."
Lee Know leans in to kiss me, his lips lingering against mine as he whispers...
"Don't remind me. How am I supposed to concentrate on financial forecasts when I can still taste you? "
"You can't. It's all part of my master plan to throw you off your game and win this little bet of ours."
Lee Know laughs as he helps me to my feet and walks me to the door.
"One thing's for sure... If I do lose, it'll be the most fun I ever had doing it."
A few hours later, Sofia and I join the rest of the Lee-Russo executives at the Circuit de Monaco racecourse.
"It's really empty around here... Aren't there supposed to be stands and stuff for spectators?"
"The course isn't officially open this time of year. It's the off-season."
"But Antonie Bisset is a huge racing fan, so anytime he's in a city with a track, he pulls some strings so he can get private access, even if it means closing down regular streets."
"Damn. If I had that kind of money, I'd pull strings with the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.'
"Think of all the cool behind-the-scenes science you could learn."
"No thanks."
Just then, the squeal of tires on asphalt interrupts me. I smell the burning rubber a few seconds before a sleek, yellow sports car comes screeching into view. The Lee-Russo executives crowd around the car as it slides to a halt. The door flings open and an older man in a perfectly tailored suit steps out.
"Hello, everyone!"
"Mr. Bisset, pleasure to see you again." Lee Know smiles.
"Yes, it's an honor! And is this the car you bought at the auction last year?" Robin asks.
"I thought I recognized it. What are your thoughts on the best gear ratio for this model?" Fiona questions.
The others close in to talk shop or shake Antoine's hand. Only Sofia holds herself back.
With all her talk of making an impression, you'd think she'd be the first to greet him... She must have a plan.
Not wanting to just stand there, I busy myself by admiring the car Antoine arrived in. Sofia soon joins me.
"Smart, going for the car instead of the man. Subtly let him see that you admire what he admires."
"I was just taking a closer look."
"Sure..."
I just shrug, continuing to walk around the car and looking at it with interest before rejoining the group. Antoine Bisset is obviously a man who's used to being the center of attention. With a laugh, he holds up his hands and addresses the group.
"I'm glad you could all join me here. Cars and racing are my two greatest passions. Next to making money, of course.'
"But of course."
"Which is why I wanted to meet here before the expo. There's no better way to get a feel for the road...or for the people driving the future of innovation."
With a nods, Antoine starts moving toward a line of cars that have been parked off to one side, starting with the one he rode in on.
"It has an impressive chassis...and torsion springs?"
Most of the group joins in, but when I don't say anything, Antoine's gaze falls on me. He quirks an eyebrow expectantly.
"And you? What do you think of the car?"
I consider what Sofia told me earlier, about not being obvious about liking what Antoine likes.
"I think it has great aerodynamics. What's its top speed? 120?"
"200, actually."
"Oh wow, really?"
"Great contribution to the conversation."
Antoine chats about the car for a bit more before he moves to the next car in the lineup. This one looks like it just drove off the set of a classic movie.
"This girl is one of my pet projects."
"Beautiful. It reminds me of a car my grandfather used to own." Lee Know says.
"I'd like to have her modernized, but I'm not sure where to start. Any ideas?"
"There are some really great companies out there putting electric engines into vintage vehicles." I say.
"I bet it's expensive..."
"Commercially, it's around $10,000 per car, but the benefits last for years. And it sends a good message to consumers about the future of the industry."
"$10,000 is really a bargain then!"
Last, Antoine stands in front of a classic muscle car, distinctly American-made.
"This was the first car I bought on my own. It took every penny of my savings, but I had to have it. My first ex-wife left me three days later. I own dozens of vehicles now, but this one will always hold a special place in my heart. I should probably pare down my collection, but it's hard to say goodbye. What's a man to do?"
"Buy a bigger garage?"
Antoine chuckles at Robin's joke, but I realize I might be able to make an impression if I offer a real solution.
"IF you love cars so much, shouldn't you make sure they fit into a sustainable future? I mean, if we run out of gas, you won't be able to drive anymore. You have the means and the interest to make a real change in the industry."
"I like the way you think."
"So do I. That's why I wanted her for the environmental division at Lee-Russo Industries."
Antoine approaches me and Sofia, and the two of them exchange friendly air kisses.
"Hello, Antoine. So good to see you again." Sofia smiles.
Antoine smiles at her, then turns to me.
"I don't believe I've had the pleasure of making your acquaintance, Miss..."
"(YLN). (YF/LN). I've been looking forward to meeting you, Mr. Bisset."
"It's not often I get to meet someone who feels the way I do about the future of the automotive industry, (Y/N). Can I call you (Y/N)?"
"You're really that interested in the environment?"
"Absolutely. Several of the vehicles in my personal collection have been outfitted with hydrogen engines and other forward-thinking ecological improvements."
"That sounds right up my alley. I'm glad to hear that someone in your position is making real efforts at change."
"And I'm glad to find someone here in Monaco who shares my beliefs. In fact, we're working on an initiative to make the Grand Prix more sustainable. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it sometime."
"Name the time and place, and I'm there."
"If you love the environment even half as much as I love cars, then I'm looking forward to it.'
Antoine eyes me up and down. I'm not sure what he's looking for until he reaches into his pocket and pulls out a keyring.
"I admit, I'm intrigued by your passion, (Y/N). Passion is one of the few things in this world that money can't buy. I have a lot of passion too, you know. Obviously, most of that passion is for cars. Which is why..."
Antonie tosses me the keys.
"Catch! ...I want to give you the chance to find out why they're so important to me."
Antonie raises his voice so the rest of the group can hear.
"Actually, I'm giving everyone free rein on my cars for the afternoon. Consider it a perk of the job."
"This is too much..."
"No, it's not. I can see where you're coming from on the environment, but I want you to see where I'm coming from on cars. The track is open for the next hour, and the streets of Monte Carlo never close. Just promise you'll bring them back in one piece."
"Oh, that sweet little red car is all mine..."
One by one, the other executives zoom off until it's only Lee Know and I left...
"Min-ho! Why didn't you speak up? I'm running out of vehicles!"
"Oh, that's okay. I can wait–"
"Nonsense! Why don't you go with (Y/N)? I'm sure she'd appreciate having an experienced driver as a passenger."
I catch Lee Know's eye, trying to hide how excited the idea is making me. He steps closer to me, dropping his voice so only I can hear.
"Will you take me for a joyride, (Y/N)? I promise to make it worth your while..."
Lee Know discreetly runs his fingers down my arm, the husky timbre in his voice making me shiver.
"Well, if Mr. Bisset insists, then I suppose I don't mind letting Lee Know tag along. But I'm driving."
"Lead the way."
A few minutes later, Lee Know and I are zooming through the streets of Monte Carlo...
"I had no idea you were such a speed demon."
"I'm not, normally. But... Even I can't resist an engine purring beneath me."
I stroke the smooth leather interior and smirk.
"Don't you agree?"
"Very much so."
Lee Know settles back in his seat, looking relaxed.
"So, where are we headed?" he asks.
"Let's drive along the coastline. I don't want to miss a moment of the beachfront."
"Then take the road south."
I press the accelerator as I turn onto the highway. The sun is high in the sky, which extends brilliant and blue in every direction.
"Stunning... I still can't believe Antoine Bisset just let us drive his car."
"He's certainly a man with many...eccentricities. Although if I'd known how easily you would win him over this afternoon, I might've taken more precautions."
"Regretting our little bet?"
"Let's just say, I'm starting to wonder what other tricks you're hiding up your sleeves."
"It's not what's in my sleeves that you should worry about."
Lee Know takes a sharp breath...and not because I took a turn too fast.
"Oh? And what, exactly, should I worry about?"
"Well, when I win the bet–"
"If you win..."
"–When I win, I'm gonna have so much fun making you pay. Once I have you on your knees, you'll have no choice but to do what I say."
"And what will you make me do?"
"I'll have to feel it out in the moment. But one thing's for sure... I won't let you up against until I'm very satisfied you've learned your lesson."
"You sound awfully sure of yourself, but the robotics division might still give you a run for your money."
"Tell that to Antonie."
"There are other investors besides Antoine."
Lee Know curls his hand around the back of my neck. It's a light possessive gesture that sends a shiver down my spine.
"Lee Know..."
Instead of letting go, he allows his fingers to trail along the side of my throat...
"Keep your eyes on the road, (Y/N)."
He slips his fingers lower. With agonizing slowness, he traces the swell of my breasts...then lower... I gasp as he cups my curves. He leans in so his lips tease the shell of my ear...
"Not so sure of yourself now, are you? "
"I don't think this is what Antoine had in mind when he talked about his passion."
"I'm done talking about Antoine."
Lee Know teases the edge of my bra. I moan and arch my back as he brushes against one of my nipples, then rolls it between his fingers. I let my foot off the gas. He knows exactly how hard to tug to cause my whole body to curl up in tight anticipation. Just then, a truck whizzes by in the opposite direction, a little too close for comfort.
"Whoa."
"You okay?"
I nod as I bring the car back to a normal speed.
"Just a little startled. I'm good."
Lee Know puts a comforting hand on my knee...then inches it higher up my inner thigh.
"Lee Know...if you're not careful, I'm gonna crash this car."
He strokes my center. Even through my clothes, it makes me gasp.
"Then I'll be very, very careful."
He increases the pressure, and I buck my hips into his touch, desperate for more friction... Finally, I can't take it anymore. I pull the car over to the side of the road and turn to face Lee Know.
"Enough teasing. I need you now." I tell him.
I grab Lee Know by the front of his shirt and drag him in for a hard, punishing kiss. He matches my ferocity almost immediately. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, taking and giving equal measure. I try to undress, but I bump my elbow into the gear shift.
"Oh!"
"There's not very much room inside this tiny sports car, is there?"
"Then let's take it to the hood. We'll have more space outside, come on."
I get out of the car, stripping off my clothes as I go, and hop onto the hood. Lee Know follows me, settling between my legs as I make room for him.
"There, that's better."
He tugs me around the waist so I have no choice but to slide into him. The sweet pressure of his hips grinding against my own causes me to moan.
"Yes, this was an excellent idea."
He captures my lips again, and I feel breathless as the adrenaline continues to pump through my veins.
"You like when I kiss you, don't you?"
"Yes, Lee Know. I love it."
Lee Know runs a hand up my side and traces my curves. I gasp as Lee Know flicks a thumb over the tight peaks of my nipples.
"You like it when I touch you like this, don't you?"
Every movement of my body against his sends a spark of longing through my core.
"Yes...but I like it more when you touch me here."
I grab his hand and bring it to my center. He takes the hint, rocking the heel of his hand against me.
"I love when you take what you want from me."
He slips a finger inside me, then another.
"Yes, Lee Know..."
"Tell me how you want me, and I'm all yours."
"I want you just like this, with you on top."
Lee Know nods, guiding my legs open even wider. He leans over me, and I can feel the hard length of him against my thigh.
"Like this?"
I buck my hips up, desperate to feel more of him.
"Yes..."
He puts his hands on my hips to hold them steady and lines himself up with my entrance. Just as he starts to slide home, he leans down to take one of my nipples in his mouth.
"Lee Know!"
He pushes all the way into me as his tongue lavishes me. The overwhelming onslaught of sensations makes me unable to do anything but gasp... He pulls back just far enough to whisper against my breast...
"God, you feel amazing, (Y/N)."
Lee Know kisses a path to my other breast and begins nipping at it as he slowly pulls his hips back, only to slam home again in one sure stroke. He does this over and over again, picking up speed with each thrust.
"Yes...yes...yes! "
I wrap my arms and legs around him, desperately clawing at his back as I try to find purchase. The pleasure spikes through me every time he drives home. The cool breeze against my hot skin reminds me that I'm stretched out along the hood of the car, on display for anyone who happens to pass by...
"(Y/N), I'm right there..."
"Me too..."
He speeds up, and it's all I can do to follow him over the edge as the pleasure crashes through me.
"...Lee Know!"
Lee Know's grip on my hips tighten. He pumps into me once, twice more, then shouts my name.
"...(Y/N)!"
After I finally manage to catch my breath...
"I hope Antoine doesn't notice what we did to his car."
Lee Know leans down to kiss me, long and deep.
"You know, I can't bring myself to care. But we should probably get the car back before he suspects we ran away with it."
"Now there's an idea."
Lee Know chuckles as the two of us slip back into our clothes and start the drive back, this time with Lee Know behind the wheel.
The next morning, Lee Know and I 'accidentally' meet up in the hotel lobby and make our way to the event center side by side.
"Good morning! It's a beautiful day to win a bet, wouldn't you say?"
"I couldn't agree more. Especially when the stakes are so high."
"May the best team win."
I hold my hand out to Lee Know, and he shakes it, holding it just a little too long.
"As much as I'm looking forward to winning our bet...losing wouldn't be so bad, either."
Inside the convention center, Lee Know and I part ways. No matter what happens, it promises to be an interesting day...
"What the–?!"
I stop dead in my tracks as I approach my booth. Instead of finding everything in order and waiting for me, my prototypes lies in tatters on the floor.
"My prototypes! They're ruined!"
...We've been sabotaged...!