After a major revelation about Jordan and Robin, Lee Know and I quickly head up to his office, away from prying eyes and ears.
"What do you mean, they're working together?"
"What Robin said just now in the hallway... He was referencing something I said to Jordan the night we fought. And I've only ever said it to him."
"Which means Jordan must've repeated it to Robin."
"Exactly. I think Jordan's behind everything. It's all been part of the long con. He's been using the nanny job to get close to us."
"To what end? Why would Jordan want to take us down?"
"I don't know. But if he's working with Robin, we can't trust him. Didn't you say Robin told you to come straight to me after our fight? It's almost like he wanted you to walk in on me and Jordan."
"So Robin sent Jordan to...seduce you?"
I think back to Jordan's confession. It had seemed sincere at the time, but now I'm not so sure...
"Maybe Robin took advantage of Jordan's feelings, maybe he convinced Jordan to trick us both. One thing's for sure...we need to keep an eye on Jordan until we figure out what they're both up to."
Lee Know takes a deep breath, uncurling his clenched fists.
"You're right. We may have our suspicions about him, but I'd like to find out his intentions before firing him. For now, we'll just have to keep our friends close and our enemies closer."
That afternoon, I do my best to focus at work, despite my concerns over Robin and Jordan. I'm finishing a list of chemicals to reorder when Evan approaches...
"(Y/N), in my office. Now."
I've been able to avoid him since our confrontation, but it looks like my luck just ran out.
I follow Evan to his office. He starts talking as soon as I close the door.
"You'll be interested to know I got the report from HR regarding your relationship with Lee Min-ho..."
They finished their report already?
"And I want to apologize for what I said before the holiday break."
"You want to apologize? That's unexpected of you."
"Yes, well, I realize now I shouldn't have accused you the way I did. From HR's investigation, it's clear Sofia was the one responsible for recruiting you."
He shows me the report, and I scan the bolded sentences. The only mark against me is that Lee Know and I didn't disclose our relationship immediately.
"I'm sorry too. I didn't react very professionally."
"We'll both do better next time. But for now...you can get back to work."
Aditya is waiting for me when I return to my station.
"So? How'd it go with Evan?"
"As good as can be expected, I suppose."
"And with Lee Min-ho?"
I flush as I realize that going public means going all the way public. Even to my coworkers.
"Aditya...I'm sorry I misled you. I basically lied to your face the other day, and that was a terrible thing for a friend to do."
"That's true...but I get it. You really love him."
"I'm a little bummed you didn't feel like you could confide in me, but if you're happy, then I'm happy for you. Now, let's get back to changing the world one piece of plastic at a time."
Now that everything's out in the open, the rest of my workday flies by. I'm relieved to step into an empty elevator as I head home, but before the doors are fully closed, I'm joined by...
"Well, well. You and Min-ho have certainly been the talk of the town since your little TV interview aired."
"Sofia... I thought you called in sick. I didn't expect to see you today."
"And I didn't expect you to take months to go to the press. I never would've let someone else dictate my life like that."
"They why didn't you say something earlier?"
"And lose my best way of blackmailing you? You should know me better than that by now."
"Too bad I don't care what you think anymore. I have bigger problems to deal with than you."
"That's the spirit."
"It wasn't a compliment."
The elevator lurches to a stop as I reach the lobby. Sofia brushes past me...only to walk into a crowd of paparazzi!
"Sofia! Have you heard the news about Lee Min-ho's new love?"
"How do you feel about being replaced by someone younger?"
"Did you know anything about the relationship when you hired (YF/LN) to work for you?"
After the initial shock wears off, Sofia slaps on a beaming smile. She's so smooth that I almost don't even see the transformation happening.
"I'm so glad you asked about (Y/N) working here. Since she started, our department has seen a tenfold increase in projected revenue over the next fiscal year."
"Yes, but what about–" a reporter begins to ask.
"Our margin of error? The environmental lab has always functioned as a self-sustaining enterprise. I'd love to tell you more about it..."
I shake my head as Sofia puts the reporters neatly in their place. There's no way they'll get anything about Lee Know and I out of her now.
I never thought I'd say this, but thank God for Sofia. Now I can slip out.
I sneak out of the back of the building, then make my way down the street. Just when I think I've lost the paparazzi...there they are again waiting.
They're following me! I've gotta hide!
It doesn't look like they've spotted me yet, so I try to stick close to the buildings to blend in. Finally, I find an open storefront. I duck inside...and stop short at what I find.
"Welcome to Satin Dreams. What brings you in today? Something soft, something hard...?"
"uh...I'm not sure. What do you recommend?"
If I'm gonna have to hide from the paparazzi, something fun might as well come of it.
"I was thinking it might be fun to surprise my boyfriend tonight..."
"Oh, I love that! And I bet he will too."
She leads me to a display full of strappy, sexy lingerie. I browse for a few minutes before I choose an outfit.
"Lee Know won't be able to resist me in this..."
Might as well surprise Lee Know with something...novel tonight.
As I head toward the register, I notice a rack with several different BDSM toys...
"Oh, that's a great toy for beginners. If you want, I can throw it in at a discount..."
"Really?"
"Absolutely. Your boyfriend won't know what hit him."
She eyes the display and laughs.
"Well, he'll know exactly what hit him, but you know what I mean."
"In that case...thanks."
Once I have my new outfit and toy, I head home. My whole body tingles as I start planning my big surprise.
That evening, the lights are low, candles flicker on every surface, and my new lingerie fits tightly in all the right places... Lee Know just texted that he's almost here, and I told him to let himself in.
"I should get myself into position before he arrives."
I settle myself on the chair in the corner of my room. I spread my legs wide and arch my back to push my breasts forward. As the leather stretches to accommodate me, I can feel the liquid heat starting to pool in my belly.
"Oh God... I hope Lee Know hurries up."
Just a couple minutes later, I hear Lee Know enter my apartment...
"Hello? "
"In here!"
As Lee Know enters the room, his voice trails off and his jaw drops. I lift one finger and beckon him to come closer.
"I've been waiting for you all night... Mr. Lee."
Lee Know's throat works up and down as he drinks in the sight of me.
"Is this all for me?"
"Of course it is. Everything you see is yours for the taking..."
Lee Know strides across the room toward me. Without a moment's hesitation, he cups a hand behind my neck to drag my lips to his.
"I don't know what's gotten into you, but you look..."
"Hot?"
" 'Hot' doesn't even begin to cover it."
With a groan, Lee Know takes ruthless advantage of my position, driving his tongue deep into my mouth until I'm breathless. Finally, he steps back and allows his eyes to roam over every part of my body. His gaze lingers on every curve... I moan and reach for him, but Lee Know shakes his head.
"Don't move, (Y/N). You have no idea what that position is doing to me..."
I watch as Lee Know begins to take off his clothes. He takes his time removing one article at a time, pausing to fold it and set it aside. By the time he's fully naked, I'm practically dripping with need.
"I need you, please. Touch me."
Lee Know maintains his distance, running his hands along his own body as he watches me.
"Was that an order? Did you want to be in charge tonight? Or would you rather be submissive?"
My mouth goes dry as I realize what Lee Know is offering. Tonight is my night...to enjoy or control.
"I want to be the sub."
I lower my gaze to the floor, trying to look as demure as possible.
"Please...sir."
Lee Know's mouth curves in a wicked smiles as he realizes what I'm offering.
"Do you want me to...punish you?"
I nod with a soft, whimper. This is a game I'm more than happy to play.
"Yes, sir. If it pleases you, it pleases me."
"It pleases me very much. From now on, you're mine to command... And if it gets to be too much, what do you want our safe word to be?"
"What about Kitty?"
Lee Know nods his approval, then starts circling me, appraising me... There's so much liquid fire in his gaze that I start squirming almost immediately.
"What is it, (Y/N)? Would you like to speak?"
"I bought something extra...if you want to play."
"Show me."
I quickly grab my new toy, then get back into position.
He lets out an approving growl.
"Have you been imagining me using this on you? You may answer."
"All afternoon, sir."
He picks up the riding crop and runs it enticingly through his fingers. The slide of the leather over his skin has me growing weak with desire.
"Then it sounds like you've been a bad girl."
Lee Know whips the riding crop against his hand. My whole body quakes in response.
"No, I've been so good..."
"Then show me how good you can be."
I slide my hands up to my breasts and cup them. The soft flesh and tight leather are a luscious combination, especially once I find my nipples and start to slowly circle them.
"See? I'm a good girl..."
The riding crop falls to Lee Know's side as he watches me play with myself.
"Lower. Touch yourself between your legs."
I take my time running my hands over the curves of my body and the taut lines of my ass. I rotate my hips slowly and start to slip my fingers between my thighs.
"Faster."
I refuse to be hurried. With a sigh of pleasure, I begin tracing the line where my panties meet my dripping core. Lee Know watches hungrily, but that doesn't stop him from shaking his head.
"I said faster, (Y/N). Now you're going to have to be punished."
I can't resist a whimper as Lee Know grabs me around the waist and pulls me toward him. He sits on the edge of the bed, pulling me across his lap.
"Lee Know!"
Lee Know urges my ass up toward him, his arms bracing the rest of my body in place. I wriggle against him, but he has no intention of letting me go...
"Three strokes, (Y/N). That's your punishment. I'm gonna make this ass pay for your disobedience."
He runs a hand down my back, whispering...
"Don't forget... Kitty."
But I shake my head. I don't need my safe word right now. My body shivers with sharp, quivering desire.
"Please, sir. Punish me."
The first lash of the riding crop takes me by surprise. The pain is sharp but tinged on the edges with an enticing heat.
"Count."
"One..."
The second lash hits closest to the spot between my legs.
"Mmmm...two!"
I thrust up at Lee Know, begging him to take me again...harder this time.
"One more, and then I'm gonna kiss it and make it all better."
With a whimper, I all but beg Lee Know to do it again. He does, the leather whipping lightly at the hot, wet center of me. I buck and cry out, but Lee Know's tongue is there before I fully realize the pain.
"Three! "
Lee Know's kiss is so deep and so sweet that I have no choice but to let go, shuddering against his mouth.
"...Lee Know!"
After I catch my breath, Lee Know glowers at me. The game isn't over yet.
"I didn't give you permission to cum. Must I punish you again?"
"Yes, sir...punish me with your body."
Lee Know considers my offer...then nods.
"Very well. I'll punish you with this..."
He strokes himself, and I have no doubt what his intention is.
"Get on all fours."
I reposition myself on the bed, ass in the air, back to Lee Know. He crawls over me, and I can feel the length of his chest along my back. His hard arousal slides between my legs, bumping my pleasure point.
"Oooh..."
"If you come without permission again, there will be hell to pay."
"Yes, sir–"
I haven't even finished my sentence when he slides home, pushing into me until he's all the way to the hilt. He grabs my hips and pulls out slowly...then plunges into me again. And again. And again.
"Lee Know...yes! Yes..."
"What did you call me?"
"I mean, sir!"
Lee Know moves at a punishing pace, and it's all I can do to keep up. I look back over my shoulder and let out a low moan at what I see. Lee Know is bracing himself against my hips, his face the vision of pleasure as he pounds into me from behind. I'm quickly approaching the edge, and I know I won't last much longer.
I can't cum before him...
I try to take a deep breath, trying to focus on his pleasure...but it's all too much. The sensations overwhelm me, and I plunge into the sea of ecstasy...just as Lee Know shouts my name.
"...(Y/N)!"
Lee Know and I are both breathing heavily, my chests rising and falling with spent passion.
"Well, that was...unexpected."
Lee Know reaches out to untwist the strap of my lingerie.
"I saw it in a shop today and couldn't resist. You like it?"
"Are you kidding? I loved it. Almost as much as I love you..."
Lee Know captures my lips in a tender kiss, and I fall into his embrace. After the exquisite tortures we just shared, it feels good to drift off in his arms...
At the end of the week, Lee Know and I are still trying to find evidence to expose Robin and Jordan. In the meantime, we both alternate leaving work early to join Carter and Jordan on their school pick-ups to keep a closer eye on Jordan...
"Yes! (Y/N)'s here to take us somewhere fun!" Mickey cheers.
"If by 'somewhere fun', you mean home, then yes, I am."
"That's the opposite of fun." Mickey pouts.
"You mean the...the...antonym! We learned a new vocab word today." Mason states.
Jordan walks toward my group, a look of annoyance on his face.
"(Y/N)...you've come to take the boys home...again."
"I'm here because I can't get enough of my favorite twins. They're the antonym of boring."
"And Jordan looks like the antonym of happy!"
Jordan leans in and lowers his voice so only I can hear.
"This is getting real old, real fast."
"Mason, wait! You forgot your notebook."
Liliana runs up to hand Mason a red binder with doodles all over it, and Lana's not far behind her.
"Back on school pick-up duty so soon, (Y/N)? You'd think Min-ho would've stopped asking you to do such...menial labor."
"Min-ho and I are taking care of the boys together. You know how important it is to be partners in a relationship. That's why you and...oh, what's your husband's name again?"
"It's Landon, and you know it."
"Right, how could I forget? He's such a big part of Liliana's life."
Before Lana can respond, Will and Marisol spot me through the crowd and wave as they approach.
"I saw the news, (Y/N). That's some coup, landing Lee Min-ho." Marisol smiles.
"I always thought there was a spark of something between the two of you." Will chuckles.
"Thanks. We're doing our best to keep things real, but it's hard with all the press and–"
"I hate to interrupt, but we should probably head out. Carter's holding up the pick-up lane." Jordan suggests.
"Right, guess that's my cue. We'll catch up later."
I give the group a little wave before joining Jordan and the boys in the car.
"Sorry about that, Carter."
"No problem, Ms. (YLN). If I can't handle a little post-school traffic, what good am I?"
The boys start debating something that happened at school that day, and Jordan takes the opportunity to get my attention.
"Are you gonna tell me what's up? You've been acting weird all week. Min-ho has too."
"I don't know what you're talking about. Nothing's going on. Min-ho and I are just trying to make sure the boys don't feel like we're leaving them out, now that our relationship is public."
"If you say so..."
Carter drops us off in front of the penthouse. I'm about to lead the boys inside when I spot a familiar face waiting at the corner...
"Uh, Jordan, you can get the boys settled with their homework without me. I'll be right up."
"You mean do my job? Sure, no problem."
As soon as the others are gone, you approach Naya.
"What're you doing here?"
"I'm here to give Min-ho this, but since I ran into you first..."
"Tabloid cover... Is that Robin? Robin did a tell-all interview...about us?"
"Every last detail. A friend of mine from Popular sent the preview to me. It's hitting the stands on Monday morning."
"Naya...what should we do? I know we're not your clients anymore, but I assume you wouldn't have come to us with this unless you had advice."
"You're right. And my advice is to get ahead of this before it hits the stands. You'd be doing me a favor. You might not be my client, but you would be helping someone who is...Robin."
"He's your client? I think you need to start at the beginning.'
"After our contract ended, Robin came to me. I thought he wanted me to clean up his bad boy image, but he was just after dirt on the two of you. After the third time he tried to bait me into revealing your secrets, I confronted him. He said he'd get what he wanted another way."
Another way...like using Jordan.
"This article is the result. It's a whining rant that makes Robin seem entitled, bitter, and willing to sell out his family. Not a good look for anyone involved. I tried to stop it, but the issue's already gone to press. Perhaps someone with the Lee name will have better luck..."
"Understood. I'll make sure Min-ho gets this, and we'll figure out what to do together."
"I'm sure you will."
Naya turns to leave, then pauses.
"Oh, I caught your interview on TV the other day. It's not the route I would've suggested, but it was...sweet. And I do hope things work out for you."
That night, I catch Lee Know up on everything I've learned. He skims the article, getting angrier with every line.
"There must be something we can do. Naya seemed to think that you'd have a better chance of stopping it. Or maybe your father..."
"Maybe, but he'd have to be convinced it's the right thing to do for the good of the company, not just you and me."
"We could come out with our own tell-all at the same time? Try to beat Robin to the punch?"
The two of us brainstorm ideas for what feels like hours... Suddenly, Lee Know tosses the article aside and pulls me into his arms.
"I hate that Robin has the power to hurt you like this."
"Lee Know...I'll be okay, as long as we have each other."
I snuggle deeper in his embrace.
"There's nothing more we can do about this tonight. We should try to relax and recoup, and come back tomorrow when we're refreshed."
"A few hours of escape sounds amazing. Did you have something in mind?"
"We haven't had a proper date in a while... What would you say to you, me, and the entire movie theater to ourselves so we can relax properly?"
"I say...that sounds like heaven. Let's do it."
A few calls and half an hour later, Lee Know leads me inside the lobby of an empty movie theater. The fresh scent of popcorn fills the air.
"I can't believe we have the whole place to ourselves for the night...or that you don't have a home theater in that fancy penthouse of yours."
"I've thought about it, but I think the boys would never leave the room."
"It'd be impossible to resist all those action movies. Speaking of, what're we seeing tonight?"
"Whatever you want. One of the perks of renting the entire place out."
"Let's watch an old classic. I want to be transported to a different time..."
"I'll let them know."
"I thought we had the whole place to ourselves?"
"We will. There's one projectionist who'll start the movie, then make themselves scarce."
I nod as Lee Know tells the worker. I wander over to the concession stand...
"You want something? Snacks are part of the package deal."
"In that case...let's get popcorn. The biggest tub they have, please."
"With extra butter."
We grab our snacks and head inside the theater. I pick my favorite seat out of the whole theater, and the lights dim as soon as we're settled. On-screen, the credits fade to reveal the stunning movie star looking forlornly out of her window...
"She looks so glamorous..."
Lee Know wraps an arm around my shoulder and starts nuzzling the side of my neck. I put my hand on his thigh...
"Mr. Lee, are you trying to distract me from our movie?"
I sigh as Lee Know begins pressing kisses up my jawline, his lips featherlight...
"Ohh... I thought we were gonna have a quiet night."
"Don't worry, I plan to be very quiet."
My eyes flutter closed as Lee Know kisses his way to the spot behind my ear...
"Don't let me stop you..."
I cup the back of Lee Know's head, urging him to renew his kisses. I settle deeper in my seat and arch my neck so he can reach more of me. His tongue curls deliciously as it moves down my neck and toward the slope of my shoulder.
"Oooohhh..."
Lee Know bites down playfully on my clavicle before sucking long and hard.
"I love marking you as mine..."
My whole body sparks as Lee Know presses his kisses lower and lower. With one careful finger, he pushes my top down to bare my shoulder and the swell of my breast.
"I want to mark you here..."
He presses a soft kiss on the curve of my breast. I arch into him, encouraging him to suck harder and deeper.
"And here..."
Nudging my bra down, he exposes the taut peak of my nipple. He clamps down hard, and I cry out, gripping desperately at the back of his head. A loud sound from the screen draws my attention. The movie is getting to the good part...but so is Lee Know. The movie fades into the background as I grab Lee Know by the front of his shirt and pull him close. Growling with approval, Lee Know captures my mouth with his. He grips the back of my head as he plunders the depths of my mouth. My shirt slips the rest of the way down my shoulders, leaving me bared.
"God Lee Know... I feel like you could make me cum just like this..."
"Not that I don't love a challenge, but there's no way I can resist touching you right now."
Lee Know's hand slips between my legs, and I buck against him. He teases my button once, twice, then slips two fingers inside me.
"Yes..."
His movements are limited by my position, and the exquisite torture is almost too much...until Lee Know takes my nipple into his mouth once again.
"Ride my hand, (Y/N). Finish for me."
I thrust against the palm of his hand. The pressure is intense, but not nearly as intense as the tug of Lee Know's teeth on my nipple.
"That feels so good..."
Lee Know's fingers slide in and out, pushing deeper inside me. His mouth is relentless as it sweeps over my breasts and up my neckline, his tongue delving deep wherever it lands. As the movie's climax comes to a roaring finish, so do I. My core clamps down on his fingers as the waves of release crash over me.
"...Lee Know!"
After I've had a chance to catch my breath, Lee Know pulls back and gently nuzzles my neck again.
"Did I do a good job of making you relax?"
"I feel completely refreshed."
The theater lights come up, revealing the mess of our snacks and make-out session. I do my best to clean things up, but the ushers are sure to know what you were up to. And for once, I don't care. If the whole world is gonna find out about the real history of Lee Know and I, there's no use hiding things now...
The next afternoon, I'm feeling reinvigorated after my date with Lee Know, and ready to figure out how to fix Robin's article.
"So I was going over his answers again, and it seems to me–"
all of a sudden, there's a knock on the door as it cracks open.
"Do you have a second? I think we need to talk."
"Sure, Jordan. Come on in." Lee Know waves him in.
"I knew things would probably be a little awkward after...you know, what happened. But even the twins have noticed that something's up."
Lee Know and I share a glance. We weren't planning to confront Jordan directly, but with Robin's article about to come out, we can't afford to wait around anymore.
"To be honest... We aren't sure we trust you anymore. Not now that we know you and Robin have been working together."
"What makes you think I have anything to do with Robin?"
"You told him what I said about Lee Know after our big fight, stuff I only ever said to you."
"You've been feeding him information. Don't try to deny it."
"...It's not what you think. I thought it'd be a good way to make some extra money, that's all. I never meant to hurt anyone."
"So you admit you've been faking it this whole time?"
"No! Being the boys' nanny, hanging out with your family, that was all real. I just...also told Robin details about what was going on. But the twins were never in danger! Robin and I both agreed to leave them out of it."
"That's not good enough." Lee Know states.
"The tell-all article that comes out tomorrow is gonna do plenty of damage to the boys."
"I don't know what article you're talking about, but come on. It's not like you two never did anything risky. I heard about you getting caught in the robotics lab when (Y/N) was still your nanny. That'd be just as damaging to the twins as anything I did."
"You're fired, immediately. I don't want to see you anywhere near my family again."
Jordan looks from Lee Know to me, then back. He sighs when he realizes he has no allies.
"Tell Mason and Mickey I said goodbye."
"I will, for their sakes. Those boys don't deserve any more hurt."
With one last unreadable look, Jordan leaves. I turn to Lee Know and let out a long breath.
"I can't believe that just happened..." I look to Lee Know.
"It was only a matter of time. I can't have someone I don't trust around the boys full-time."
"...Do you think Robin really told him about us in the robotics lab? That's so embarrassing!"
"Given what Robin said in his magazine interview, I wouldn't put it past him."
"Yeah, you're right. I'm sure he–wait, that's it!"
I grab the article and skim it one more time to be sure...
"Lee Know, I figured it out! I know exactly how to take Robin down."