Jennie

She held my chin, so I had to look up at her. Upon making eye contact, I immediately jumped back.

"I'm very sorry."

"It's fine," she said. "I have other suits, and no one got hurt." I looked at her uncertainly. Almost fearful. "And I didn't care for this one anyway. The fitting was off, and the fabric always seemed destined to attract the attention of spilled drinks." My eyes were drawn to her smile.

"The fitting is definitely not off," I whispered, and then stared at her with wide, shocked eyes as she raised an eyebrow. Quickly, I glanced down at my feet. I did not just say that.

"Well, I didn't catch your name."

I extended my hand. "Jennie. Jennie Kim."

"Ah, Jennie. That's a very beautiful name." She seemed to size me up and down, and this was where I was expecting her to say her name, but she didn't.

"Walk with me." Before I could object, she grabbed my arm and led me away from the party. "Are you a fan of art, Jennie?" She gestured toward the painting in front of us.

I stopped. It's breathtaking.

"Yes, I agree," she said.

I turned to her, not realizing I had said that out loud. "I don't know much about art, but it's a very beautiful piece."

She placed her hand on the small of my back, guiding me to a corner further down to a smaller painting. "How about this one?"

My breathing hitched at the canvas before me. It was pure eroticism, and yet sensual. Full of passion.

I cleared my throat. "It's pretty."

She grunted. "Pretty? Jennie, pretty is not a word I would use to describe this. A rainy day is pretty. An arrangement of flowers is pretty."

I somehow got backed into the corner of the wall. Breathing heavily, I stared into her eyes. I swallowed hard. "Okay then. What would you call it?"

Her hand trailed down the side of my face to my waist, and I gasped as she pulled me toward her then turned me to face the painting.

"Lust. The way she's giving herself to him. All of her, holding nothing back," she whispered in my ear. "Submitting every whim, every moan, all because he craves her."

My breathing picked up, and I moaned as her hand lightly traced over my nipple. I felt her erection digging into my back and shamelessly ground into it.

Laughter in the distance brought me out of my haze, and I suddenly realized where I was. A work function. I wasn't here to get laid, no matter how tempting. Quickly, I removed myself from her embrace.

I extended my hand, and she glanced at it with a raised eyebrow. "It was nice meeting you, but I should go."

Her eyes glittered. "Great. Let's go."

I held my hand against her chest, noting it was all muscle, and shook my head.

She sighed. "Okay. But I will see you again?"

I shrugged. "I highly doubt that. We don't exactly run in the same circle." I twirled my finger around. "Now, if you'll excuse me, the nearest subway is about six blocks from here."

She stepped in front of me. "Wait, you're not taking the subway this time of night, are you?"

"Yes."

"No, it's too dangerous."

"Oh, it's fine really. I do it all the time."

"Yes, and beautiful ladies like you come up missing all the time. I'll see you home."

"No, it's fine. You stay. I can find my way home." I turned and started toward the door, but I didn't get far before she grabbed my elbow, stopping me in my tracks.

"I wasn't asking you, Jennie. I wouldn't feel comfortable knowing you went home at night on the subway. I also take it the guy you came with isn't coming back for you?"

"V? No, he had to go away on business. You know, I could just take a cab."

"Nonsense, it's no trouble." She guided me toward the door, but not before being stopped by several shouts and whistles from a few guys she knew.

"Way to go, Manoban!"

"Getting the innocent ones, aren't you?" One guy patted her on the back, and she backed me away before stepping toward the men.

"Gentlemen, fuck off. Seriously, I'm just taking her home. I didn't want her going on the subway alone."

She kept her voice low, but I knew this game. I wasn't about to be another pawn. I turned and left.

Asshole. She probably kept count of how many women she took home. Hell, I almost joined their ranks. That was the last thing I needed right now. I had too much going on in my life that I needed to focus on than going home with an overly pretty handsome woman for a quick lay. Although she did have a nice suit, which would probably look amazing on the floor.

I began the walk to the subway. It had gotten chilly and unbelievably windy. I distracted myself by thinking about V. I was happy for him. Really I was, but I was going to miss my friend.

Checking my phone, I discovered it was almost midnight, and I realized I hadn't eaten at the party since I had been so nervous. Well, I managed to get one business card, at least. I'd have to call and check to see if there were any job openings, even if the owner was creepy looking.

"Ms. Kim!" My steps halted and I turned around. Oh, great. Why couldn't she just save me the embarrassment and go away?

"Is there something I can help you with?" I asked.

"Is there something you can help me with? You left. I told you I would take you home, but instead you took it upon yourself to walk alone on a cold night." Her voice was tight as she eyed me over, apparently pissed. "And where the hell is your coat?"

Well, that wasn't a question I was expecting. "Look, I already told you, there's no need, and I'll be fine." I turned to walk away, but she cut right in front of me. She was close. Maybe a little too close. Close enough I could smell that scent again. I tried not to breathe her in.

"Don't ever walk away from me." It was a command. She spoke softly but with stiff authority. I knew at that moment it wasn't something she was challenged on. "I asked you a question. Why aren't you wearing a coat? It's below freezing out, and the thin material your dress is made of will do nothing to keep you warm." She shrugged off her coat and proceeded to put it around me.

I stepped back.

"Ms. Kim, this isn't something for you to argue about. Just put on the damn coat." I froze. She placed the coat around me and guided me in the opposite direction. "My car is this way."

I wanted to protest again, but frankly, I was too tired. Besides, what's the big deal if I just let her take me home?

We approached her vehicle, and I hesitated at the sight of it. What the shit is that? Of course she's driving a car like that. Why can't guys ever be caught driving a normal car? Why something that costs the same as a house? I was trying not to gape too hard, and decided to act unimpressed. Because, yeah, I'm in cars like this all the time.

She opened the passenger door and waited until I was seated before joining me. As we drove, I focused on the soft music coming from the speakers. It was in French. It seemed like a sad song.

"What's this song?"

She glanced at me thoughtfully for a moment before flicking her eyes back to the road. "It's called 'Fondu au Noir.' It means Fade to Black. It's about a romance gone bad."

"It's beautiful." She nodded. I gazed at my surroundings. "I like your car. I don't think I've ever been in a car with red leather."

She smiled. "Thank you. It's a car I appreciate."

We drove the rest of the way in silence. The only sound was coming from the music. Twenty minutes later, we arrived at my place. I was about to get out when she turned toward me.

"Ms. Kim, I want you to assure me that you will never be out late at night by yourself. I know it's something you're probably used to, but it's not safe, do you understand me?" She spoke sternly.

"With all due respect," I said, "I appreciate you worrying about my well-being, but I've been taking care of myself for a very long time. I don't need anyone dictating what I should and shouldn't do. Thank you for the ride." Before she could say anything else, I opened the car door, got out, and bounded up the stairs to my quaint apartment.