I stare at Evan, his accusation still ringing through my mind.
"You won't even deny it? That's as good as proof that you've been sleeping your way to the–"
"Excuse me? I've proven myself a hundred times over since I started here. And you're the one who hired me in the first place."
"Then how do you explain Sofia putting you in charge of a project on your first day? Or that you went to Monte Carlo instead of me?"
"How dare you?! You should stop now before you say something you regret. Don't make me go to HR."
"Go ahead. It'll save me a trip."
I clench my fists, fury surging through me.
"My private life is my business and so far, you've offered no proof of your allegations other than your own assumptions. I'm not going to stand here and let you degrade me like this. I'm taking the rest of the day off. I'll see you after the holiday."
I turn on my heel and leave before Evan can say another word. Still fuming, I march straight into the elevator...and almost bump directly into Lee Know!
"Whoa there...(Y/N)? What's wrong?"
Lee Know pulls me into a hug, and the warm, solid strength of his arms around me is almost too much. It'd be so easy to let Lee Know shoulder all my problems...
"I hate that I'm letting this affect me so much. I'm an adult, I can't just break down at the first sign of trouble."
"Trouble? What happened?"
"It's Evan. He just...he's a hard boss."
As much as I want to tell him...I can't bring myself to say the words.
Lee Know can't fight all my work battles for me. Then evan would respect me even less than he already does.
"He didn't like something I've been working on. And boy, did he let me know it."
I know Lee Know is just joking, and I force myself to joke back.
"That's sweet of you. Can you promote me to CMO while you're at it?"
"Only if you let me attend to your battle wounds. It looks like you've had a hard day. I can come over tonight and help you relax..."
"That'd be perfect. Meet at my place at 8:00?"
"I'll be there."
That night, Lee Know comes over right on time.
"Thanks for being here for me."
"Trust me, it's my pleasure. Now, I believe I promised to help you relax..."
He guides me to the couch, then reaches for my feet, placing them in his lap. His fingers slide up my calf, massaging gently before moving back down again.
"Ooooohh, that feels amazing."
"Just sit back, (Y/N). I've got you.'
His fingers start working deftly over the arches of my foot. He finds my pressure points and rubs his thumb into my flesh.
"Too hard?"
"No, it's perfect. You're perfect."
"I wouldn't go that far, but I aim to please. Should I keep going?"
Lee Know's hands ride higher on my thighs, playing with the fabric of my clothes. I know what he's asking, and as if on command, I'm suddenly desperate for him.
"Absolutely..."
Lee Know carefully removes my clothes, his fingers brushing against my bare skin. I sink lower on the couch, allowing my legs to fall open. Lee Know takes his time, starting with my feet, then working past my ankle and up my calf.
"Feeling better yet?"
"I'm going to need more. Like a lot more."
"That, I can do."
His touch becomes impossibly gentle as he massages my inner thighs. I hold my breath in anticipation... He finally reaches my center, tracing my slit before circling my button.
"Oh..."
"Do you like when I touch you here?"
He increases the pressure, and a thrill of pleasure dances through my veins. After a moment, he stops.
"(Y/N)? Tell me."
"Yes! Don't stop."
He continues, and I realize I have to play his little game to get what I want. Lee Know slips a finger inside, and my hips buck up to meet his touch.
"What about here?"
"Mmm...yes, definitely there."
He adds another finger, pumping into me at much too slow a pace.
"Would you like me to kiss you here?"
His thumb finds my button again, pressing into it every time his fingers are buried inside. The visual image of his face between my legs, his tongue replacing his fingers...it causes the pleasure coiling in my core to jump.
"I want to kiss you everywhere I've touched you. I want to take my time devouring your gorgeous body until you come all over my tongue."
He leans over me, his blazing eyes finding mine as his fingers stop moving inside me.
"Will you let me worship you, (Y/N)?"
"...Yes."
Lee Know smirks as he settles back between my thighs. He lifts one of my legs and guides it over his shoulder, urging my hips closer to the edge of the couch. I gasp as he makes good on his promise, kissing along the trail his fingers just blazed. He starts at the beginning, back at my ankle, but the anticipation is almost enough to send me over the edge.
"Please, Lee Know... I need you..."
He finally reaches my core. I buck my hips, begging him to kiss deeper, but he's determined to maintain the featherlight touchees that drove me crazy before. I slide my other leg onto Lee Know's free shoulder. My hands find the back of his head, urging him closer. He's trapped between my thighs, with nowhere to go but deeper inside me.
"So impatient..."
But he doesn't torture me any longer. I cry out with delight as Lee Know licks me long and hard, lapping hungrily at my core. I can feel my need building, my back arching against the couch.
"So gorgeous. I love watching you lose control."
Lee Know's hands grab my ass as I move against his mouth, his urging driving me to the edge.
"That's it, (Y/N). Let me taste you..."
"Yes, Lee Know, yes! "
All at once, I can't hold back anymore. The ecstasy crashes into me, over me, through me, and all I can do is anchor myself to Lee Know so I don't get completely swept away... A few minutes later, I'm finally able to catch my breath again.
"That was incredible..."
"You're incredible."
Lee Know pulls me into his arms, and we settle back against the couch together. He runs his fingers along my arm in a comforting gesture.
"Feeling better now?"
"A thousand times better."
I glance at the clock and let out a soft sigh.
"But it's getting late. I'm guessing you have to get back soon?"
Lee Know nods.
"As much as I wish I could stay the night, I have to get back to the boys."
"I figured."
"Hey..."
He reaches out to cup my cheek, and I lean into his touch.
"Soon, (Y/N). We'll be together soon."
I nod. I'm disappointed that he can't stay, but I'm comforted by just knowing he was willing to drop everything to come over when I needed him.
"Before you go... Please kiss me."
"As if you have to ask..."
Lee Know pulls me into his lap. Falling into him is always like coming home. His lips find mine and claim them. I cling to him, breathless, as his tongue dances with mine and makes me forget everything but him...
"Lee Know..."
It's several minutes before the two of us can extricate ourselves from each other.
"Goodnight, (Y/N). I'll leave you for now, but next time..."
I shiver with delight as Lee Know's voice lowers to a soft, rumbling purr.
"Next time, I'm not leaving your side until we're both exhausted."
A few days later, I'm still thinking about Evan's accusation while driving up to the Lee's family cabin for Thanksgiving weekend.
I'm not gonna let that asshole ruin my vacation.
I finally arrive at the cabin, and the twins come running to greet me.
"(Y/N)! Finally!" Mason smiles.
"We thought you'd be here ages ago!" Mickey exaggerates.
The boys throw their arms around me, and I almost fall back into the snow. I'm so distracted by them, I don't notice Robin standing a few feet away.
"Looks like fun. What do I have to do to get in on it?"
"Robin... You missed your chance. I think the time for playing is long gone, don't you?"
"It doesn't have to be that way."
I lower my voice so the boys don't hear.
"Are you kidding? After what you did in Monte Carlo? "
"After what I did? What about you humiliating me in front of the whole company? "
"What's wrong, (Y/N)?" Mickey asks with worry.
"Are you mad at Uncle Robin?" Mason questions.
"Just grown-up stuff, boys. Don't worry about it." Robin smiles at them.
"Yeah, I think I'm just a little cranky from the drive. Why don't you show me inside?"
" 'Kay!"
The boys each grab a hand and lead me into the house. To my surprise, Robin grabs my bag and follows me.
"Oh (Y/N), we didn't hear you pull up." Mason Sr. smiles.
"It's good to see you, dear. Min-ho will be down in a moment." Vivian hugs me.
As if on cue, I hear footsteps on the stairs. I look up as Lee Know enters the room.
"You made it."
"It was a close call. I was accosted by two rambunctious kids in the driveway."
"That's us!" Mickey blurts with a laughter.
"(Y/N), you're just in time. We're about to take our family holiday card picture!" Mason informs me.
"That's why we have to wear these stupid sweaters." Mickey says tugging at his sweater.
"You should take the pictures with us!" Mason suggests.
"Oh, that's sweet, but I'm not dressed for a nice picture..."
"Actually, I brought an outfit for you, just in case."
"Yeah, you're part of our family, so you should be part of our family card!" Mason tells me.
I give the boys and Lee Know a quick smile before heading upstairs to change into the outfit Lee Know picked out for me.
I return back downstairs after changing.
"What do you think? Am I holiday-card ready?"
"Yeah!"
"You look really pretty, (Y/N)!"
The boys tells me with big smiles.
"You just need one last finishing touch..."
Lee Know offers me a beautiful pair of diamond earrings.
"They're perfect."
"Come on. We're setting up outside."
The boys lead Know and I to a snowy area behind the cabin that's been set up like a winter wonderland.
"Wow... I didn't realize you go all out for your holiday cards.'
"It's tradition!"
"And fun!"
The boys tell me.
"It may be fun, but no snowball fights until after we get the picture, okay?"
Mickey drops the pile of snow he was already forming into a ball.
"Okay!"
"So how are we doing this?"
Lee Know gestures to a tripod that's already set up.
"We'll set the camera to take pictures every ten seconds and then start modeling."
"Make sure it catches my good side!" Mickey states as he strikes a smolder.
"You don't even know what the means." Mason tells him with a confused look.
"Every side is your good side, Mickey, so you've got nothing to worry about." I smile.
I herd the boys to the picture spot while Lee Know sets up the camera.
"Let's take a goofy picture. Tongues out, everyone!"
The four of us line up and do our best to be as silly as possible.
"My tongue hurts!"
"Just go cross-eyed, like this!" Mickey tells Mason while demonstrating
Flash! The camera goes off.
"What's next?"
I point up above me, where a sprig of mistletoe hangs on the tree.
"An excellent idea." Lee Know smiles.
"No one wants to see old people kissing!" Mickey says sticking out his tongue.
"They aren't that old." Mason tells Mickey.
"Would you rather give your brother a kiss on the cheek?"
"Ew! Gross."
"Then I guess I'll just have to kiss your dad instead."
"What a sacrifice." Lee Know chuckles.
I wrap my arms around Lee Know's neck and pull him in for the kiss. My lips touch Lee Know's just as the camera goes off.
"Happy holidays."
Instead of letting go right away, I deepen the kiss, quickly sweeping my tongue inside his mouth for a stolen moment.
"See? Yuck." Mickey says contorting his face.
"You're right. I'd better kiss you instead..."
I reach for Mickey, but he runs for cover behind Mason.
"Save me!"
"You can kiss my cheek if you want, (Y/N). I don't mind."
"I have a better idea. Why don't we put (Y/N) in the middle, and you can each kiss one of her cheeks?"
The boys agree to the plan, and I smile at how sweet they both are as the camera goes off.
"Can we do one with just me and Mickey now?" Mason asks.
I nod and direct them toward the center.
"Let's take some with just you two." I smile.
The boys rush into place and start posing back-to-back.
"You know, in another lifetime, you could've been a children's photographer."
"It's nice to have a fallback plan if things at the lab don't work out."
"There's still time for a few more. Let's get all four of us again."
I join the group for the final clicks of the camera. This time, Lee Know raps an arm around all of us.
"This feels right, doesn't it, boys?"
"Just right!"
I'm feeling a little misty-eyed as the flash goes off, but my smile is a genuine one. Before I can get too emotional, Vivian appears at the back door and calls out to us.
"When you boys are done, I could use a hand finishing up these pies." Vivian calls out.
"Coming!" they both yell.
They're off and running a moment later. Lee Know wastes no time slipping an arm around my waist.
"I finally have you all to myself. Should we take a look at our handiwork?"
"Let's look at the pictures curled up on the couch. I don't wanna let that crackling fire go to waste."
Lee Know leads me back inside in front of the fireplace. I snuggle up next to him as he starts scrolling through the photos.
"I knew this one would be my favorite."
He taps the camera as it stops on the picture of the two of us kissing.
"What about the twins?"
"Oh, they're cute, no doubt about it. But you're the one who takes my breath away."
I turn my head and look deeply into Lee Know's eyes, drawn in like I always am... There's something about this man that I've never been able to resist.
And now that he's mine, I don't have to.
I lean in and capture his lips with mine. The kiss starts soft, sweet, innocent...but then Lee Know's hand comes up to cup my cheeks as his tongue begs for entry into my mouth. I gasp, letting him in as he pulls my body into his, as if he's trying to meld our two bodies into one.
"(Y/N), I–"
"I hope I'm not interrupting."
I pull back to see Robin standing a few feet away, looking none too pleased.
"Can we help you?"
"Dinner's ready."
I nod and start to untangle from Lee Know's embrace. The camera tumbles to the ground as we move.
"Let me see."
Robin grabs the camera and starts scrolling through the photos with a smirk I don't trust.
"I don't think the mistress is allowed to be on the real holiday card. Better luck next year, (Y/N)."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I furrow my brows.
"You don't know what you're talking about Robin." Lee Know growls.
Robin looks as though he wants to say more, but he just shrugs and heads toward the kitchen. Lee Know turns to me.
"Don't listen to him. He's just trying to get under your skin."
"Robin is not gonna win that easily. He can say whatever mean things he wants. As long as you don't feel the same way..."
"You know I don't. You're just as much a part of this family as the rest of us."
"And the holiday card thing?"
Lee Know starts to look uncomfortable.
"Let's not think about that right now. Everyone is probably wondering where we are."
Lee Know leads me to the dining room with a reassuring smile, but it's too late. Robin's words keep echoing in my mind.
I'm just the mistress...and what if I'll always be just the mistress?
An extravagant traditional Thanksgiving meal is spread out before us, turkey with all the fixings.
"I hope you two are hungry. There's enough food here to feed a small army." Vivian smiles.
"We're starving. Thank you, mom." Lee Know returns a smile.
"Grandma says I can eat this whole drumstick." Mickey says.
"And I get the other one. Twins!" Mason cheers.
"I have to finish carving first. Do you prefer dark meat or light, (Y/N)?" Mason Sr. asks.
"Hm? Oh, anything's fine."
The twins are in good spirits, but the tension between Lee Know, Robin, and I is palpable. I push at the food on my plate, no longer hungry. Halfway through the meal, Robin sighs and leans in to whisper...
"Look (Y/N), about what I said before–"
"Can we not do this right now? " Lee Know whispers to Robin.
"I'm trying to apologize. I didn't mean what I said. It was just supposed to be a joke. You get that, right (Y/N)? "
"It wasn't a very funny one." I tell him.
"If it's any consolation, I was trying to make Lee Know feel bad, not you."
"And I'm just collateral damage to you now? "
"Haven't you learned anything about this family yet? Hurting others to get ahead is our MO."
"I'm so full, I'm gonna explode." Mason sighs as he sits back in his chair.
"I'm not. I could eat a whole 'nother turkey leg!" Mickey exclaims.
"Then I guess I'm building a snowman in the back all by myself?" Mason Sr. chuckles as he gets up from the table.
"I'll grab the scarf and hat!"
"I'll get a carrot!"
The boys jump from the table and head outside to play. Vivian reaches for the turkey platter, but I stop her before she can pick it up.
"Please, let me clear the table and get the dishes started. You spent all day cooking. It's the least I can do." I offer Vivian.
"Thank you, dear."
"I can help–" Robin begins to offer but Lee Know cuts him off.
"–The boys with the snowman. I'll help (Y/N) in the kitchen."
As soon as we're alone together, Lee Know reaches for my waist, but I move out of his reach.
"Wait. We need to talk about Robin"
"He's always making trouble for us."
"He's just pointing out the truth. We still can't be together in public, with or without Robin. It feels like we're not actually together. Have things really changed since Italy? Since we supposedly put Sofia behind us? I may have a different title now, but I'm still just the nanny you have to sneak around to see."
"I thought we agreed it was best to wait... I don't understand where this is coming from."
"It started in Monte Carlo."
"I thought you enjoyed Monte Carlo.
"Why? Because we could sneak around a little bit less than normal? All it did was highlight how far we still have to go."
I take a deep breath, trying not to let my months of frustration get the best of me.
"It's not going to matter soon anyway...Evan knows."
"What do you mean, he knows?"
"Last Friday, he accused me of sleeping with you to get my job at the lab. Obviously, I denied it, but he can still go to HR or the press. Which is why you need to make a choice, Lee Know. Because I'm done. I can't do this anymore. The hiding and waiting and hoping."
"(Y/N)..."
"We're either one-hundred percent together, or we're not together at all. The choice is yours."
I hold my breath as I wait for Lee Know to respond... One second passes, then another. The longer I stand there, the more the blood drains from my body. I have my answer.
"I see... That's all the response I need. I guess I have my answer."
"Wait, no, I–"
I push past him and head to the front door. My heart is breaking into a thousand pieces, but there's no one here to help me pick them up again. He catches up to me just as I step outside, but it's too late.
"You're leaving? Just like that?"
"Yes, Lee Know, I'm leaving. We're officially on a break."
"I don't want to be on a break. We can figure this out if we just talk to each other–"
"That was us talking, Min-ho. And you didn't say the right thing. Actually, you said nothing. You had your chance, and you blew it."
He calls my name again and again, but this time, I don't look back... I arrive home after a painfully long drive. My head is a whirl of emotions, and my heart isn't doing much better.
"I can't believe Lee Know let me walk away. There's only one thing left to do at a time like this..."
I'm picking out a break-up movie to watch when a knock sounds at my door. Even though I try to stop it, my heart leaps.
"Lee Know?"
I pull open the door, prepared to give him a piece of my mind. Only it isn't Lee Know at all...
"Jordan?"
"I'm so sorry, (Y/N). I came as soon as I heard. Oh wow, you look... Sorry, that's not why I'm here. You just look so beautiful..."
"Why are you here? It only just happened..."
"He wanted me to be aware, in case the twins needed me... But right now, I feel like you're the one who needs me."
"Thanks... But I'm not ready to talk about it. I just want to lose myself in a movie right now."
"Well, I'm a really good movie-watcher."
Honestly, the last thing I want is to be alone, so I step aside to let him in.
"What about your family? Aren't you supposed to be spending Thanksgiving with them?"
"They don't arrive until tomorrow. Right now, you need me."
I flop down on my bed, too tired to do otherwise. Jordan stops in the kitchen, then joins me a few moments later holding up two break-up staples.
"So, what first?"
Definitely the ice cream.
He hands it over, and I waste no time taking a chilly bite.
"Better?"
"A little. But it doesn't exactly make up for the realization that I'm not enough for the love of my life."
I sigh and lean back against the pillows. Jordan is right next to me, and I find his warm presence comforting.
"I just... I don't think I'll ever be enough for him..."
"Hey, hey, don't cry. You're amazing just the way you are."
He slips his hand in mine. Something about his touch feels deeper than just friendship.
"I know it's not my place, but I've always felt you deserve better than Min-ho. If you were mine, (Y/N)..."
He sighs and breaks off with a shake of his head.
"Let's just say I could think of better things to do with you than hide from the world."
I'm not entirely sure what to make of his words, his confession...but then he intertwines his finger with mine.
"Jordan, what are you doing? We can't do this. Not while Lee Know and I..."
I trail off, confused. Technically, Lee Know and I are on a break...
"I won't push you, (Y/N). I just want you to know that I'm here for you, whatever you need."
I give him a long look, considering my options...
"I'm sorry, I can't do this."
I pull back, my whole body pulsing with adrenaline. Jordan follows my lead, also jumping up from the bed.
"It's fine, no need to apologize! I shouldn't have, you know..."
"I didn't mean to lead you on or anything. But even though he hurt me... I still love Lee Know. Is that pathetic?"
"No, I get it. He's a hard guy to compete with."
"I think this was all a big mistake."
"Then I'm glad we stopped when we did."
"You're not upset that I don't feel the same way about you?"
"It was always a long shot, (Y/N). I'm just glad I know for sure."
Jordan clears his throat, rubbing the back of his neck.
"But if you want the advice of a friend, maybe I'm not the one you should be talking to right now."
I realize Jordan's right. If I've learned anything from tonight, it's that no one will ever make me feel the way Lee Know does...
"I'll take that as my cue to go."
"Thanks for being here for me, though. I appreciate it."
Jordan offers me a little salute as he grabs his winter jacket. I scoop up my purse, ready to set out to talk to Lee Know, but when I open the door...
"Lee Know?!"