Hey guys! Okay so a few things first. One… this chapter is the reason this story is rated M instead of my usual T. So, if this bothers you just skip those scenes. And I know, I am making Ji Hoo a tentative rabbit but he will start making progress in this chapter

Also, this will be around eight chapters so don't worry about other characters not appearing yet. They are coming soon! And I don't plan on writing from the perspective of Jan Di or Ji Hoo still struggling with their feelings for each other. Too much time has passed and I for one believe that once Jun Pyo proposed on the beach, Ji Hoo had already let her go. And vice versa. So this story will take place from the perspective of them having settled into a good friendship as Jun Pyo's wife and fellow doctors. Hope you all enjoy!

The storm had trickled down to nothing but soft steadying rain. It was beating lightly on the roof and Lucy smiled quietly to herself.

She had always loved sleeping in the rain but being held by the muscular, handsome, warm body of Yoon Ji Hoo was on a whole other level of enjoyment. She turned slowly so not to disturb him and looked at the man who was resting next to her. Memories from the previous night making her warm as she took inventory of her body. It had been a long sensual night with no words but simply feeling. His touch electrifying every cell in her body and shockingly her touch had also doing the same to him.

Lucy had never really thought of herself as a sexy woman. Cute and spunky yes, but sexy not so much. And only having one serious relationship with a man who had never seemed that excited by her had not exactly convinced her otherwise. However, last night with Ji Hoo and the way he seemed completely enraptured by her wiped out any doubts or concerns.

She stared at him now though slightly worried. Even though his hold was strong, she could see the tight lines around his mouth and eyes as though he was thinking about something in his sleep. Something was bothering him and Lucy knew instinctively it was about her. She inwardly sighed and wondered what happened in a previous relationship to make him so nervous about her.

Not ever wanting to be someone regret or obligation, she decided to leave before last night's memories became tainted with awkwardness. She carefully began to sit up but sensing her movement, Ji Hoo made a noise of protest.

She winced since she hoped to sneak out before he woke up. "Sorry. Go back to sleep."

With a long sigh, he pulled on her waist so she had no choice but to fall back on the mattress. "And where do you think you're going?" He asked without ever opening his eyes.

"Home," Lucy whispered. "I think it might be better if I leave now."

"No." Ji Hoo tightened his grip. "I don't think so."

"Ji Hoo."

He finally opened his eyes at her anxious tone and realized that she must have picked up on his tension. The rushing thoughts in his head about what the hell he was supposed to do now and the overall shock that he had not been able to control himself last night. From the moment she had walked out of the bathroom, his brain had stopped working. Something which had never happened to him before. His whole life, Ji Hoo had been the one in control. Someone had to be in their group.

Gu Jun Pyo and Yi Jeong had been the wild ones. Allowing their tempers or passions to dictate them. Each of them creating destructive ways to fight the pain over their families. Jun Pyo had become a bully and used his massive power to dominate and control everyone around him. Yi Jeong had turned to women, sex, and drinking to get away from his. Both of them only barely being held back from the edge of complete self-destruction by Woo Bin and himself. It wasn't until Geum Jan Di and Chu Ga Eul entered their lives did they finally start to heal.

Woo Bin had struggled to accept his role within the Song family and how to keep those he loved safe while not losing his moral compass. And sometimes the guilt and shame ate away at him, which at times made his protection over them go too far. Thankfully, Park Myeon Gi's love was finally beginning to convince him he truly was the best of them all.

Ji Hoo had always been the balance. He was the voice of reason and the one who made sure they thought everything through before they acted. Except for last night apparently. He had not been able to stop himself from kissing her and then completely caught off guard by the swarm of lust and heat which had overwhelmed him. Add in the the storm, and nothing short of death could have stopped him from taking her to bed.

And though he had no idea what to do next, he didn't like that she was feeling uncomfortable by his hesitation. The last thing he wanted was for her to think he regretted last night because of her.

"Lucy," He sat up and moved her so she was sitting in his lap. "I don't want you to leave. I don't regret anything that happened last night."

She scanned him carefully and something on his face didn't seem to reassure her. "I think you do though."

He stroked the soft skin of her thighs and desperately tried to think of a way of communicating the flurry of thoughts and doubts in his head.

"Maybe a little." Ji Hoo confessed quietly. "But not for the reasons you're thinking. It has nothing to do with you."

"Okay. So what is it then?"

"It's just…" He let out a long breath. "I just need some time to think things through. If you weren't a student and leaving in six months, I wouldn't have any hesitation but…"

"So it's because I may go back to San Francisco? That's what you're worried about?"

He nodded. "I don't know if it's right for us to…" He didn't finish but simply continued to stroke her legs but thankfully she seemed to understand and waited patiently for him to gather himself.

"I have been hurt before," Ji Hoo eventually continued softly. "By falling for someone that I knew from the beginning wouldn't work out. I don't want to experience that again." He raised his head to look at her tenderly. "And I don't want you hurt by anything that happens between us either. Or regret anything."

"I don't regret last night either, Ji Hoo," Lucy told him assuredly. "I wouldn't have let it happen otherwise."

Relieved he wrapped his arms around her waist so she had no choice but to straddle him. "Can you just give me some time? Let me work through this in my head before we make any decisions."

"Slow down a little, you mean?"

He nodded after a moment. "But I don't want you to leave either."

Lucy chewed on her lip. "Answer one question for me first…" She took a shaky breath before meeting his gaze firmly. "How much of this is because you need time to work through your past and not because I am American or someone who was adopted?"

Surprise light up his face before guilt flooded over him. He clenched his jaw angrily before shaking his head. "I really don't like myself right now."

"That's not an answer," Lucy said quietly and he took her chin holding her gaze. "I don't care you were adopted or that you're American. I never should have said what I did. I was mad at my friends for knowing me so well and telling me things I wasn't ready to hear."

Lucy took in his almost violent tone and had no choice but to believe him. The last of doubt which had been creeping along the edges of her mind since his hurtful words yesterday finally fading. And what he was saying did make sense. She was expected to return home soon and did it really make sense to start a relationship with a man who lived in a completely different part of the world than she did?

"Okay," Lucy said with a small smile. "I believe you."

"I didn't mean it." Ji Hoo reiterated his expression still anxious. "I'm sorry."

"I know you are." Lucy leaned forward and placed a light kiss on his lips. "And you're right. Maybe we should slow down. Make sure we are making the right decision before we go any further."

Ji Hoo didn't seem pleased by her agreement though since he only leaned forward and rested his head against her chest. They were quiet for a while and he tightened his hold as he felt her start to move. "No."

"I need to get home," Lucy said with a laugh. "Besides, I don't believe laying in a bed together is really going to help you work through your feelings." He growled something under his breath but still didn't move away.

"Ji Hoo." Lucy ran a hand over his hair. "It's fine. I promise."

He softened a little before finally nodding and looked up bashfully. "I would like you to come with me tomorrow."

"Come with you where?"

"To pick up So Yi Jeong and his family from the airport."

"Ji Hoo—"

"I want you to meet them," He insisted quietly. "Please, Lucy."

"Ji Hoo," Lucy pushed him down and stretched out over him. He smiled at the feel of her body fitting perfectly against his and his hands automatically began to stroke a pattern over her skin in the way he knew made her melt. Having already memorized all her little ticks despite the fact they had only spent one night together.

"Stop that," Lucy smacked his arm. "I can't think."

"Mmm," Ji Hoo smiled and pressed his lips into her throat. "I say we stop thinking for the moment."

She answered by pinching down hard on his side and he let out a laugh. "Ow. Okay, fine. What?"

"Are you sure you want me to go with you tomorrow?" Lucy asked him somberly. "There is no pressure here, Ji Hoo. I know you need space in order to think. I'm fine with us being friends first. You don't have to make up for anything. Last night was wonderful and I don't regret anything. You don't need to ease me out of a relationship so I don't feel used."

He gaped at her. "Is that what you think I am doing?"

"I think you're an honorable man," Lucy answered honestly. "Who is trying to do the right thing."

He flipped her over and she yelped as she suddenly found herself on her back with the large and imposing figure of Yoon Ji Hoo glaring down at her.

"I'm not that good of a person. Trust me." He nudged her legs apart with his knee and Lucy had to firmly remind herself not to react. "Now listen carefully. I want you to stay and go with me tomorrow because you are important to me. I may not be sure in what capacity yet but I am sure that I want you there. And it has nothing to do with just being honorable because I took you to my bed… Understand?"

She nodded and moved his hair out of his eyes. Damn it, she really needed to stop getting mushy over the floppy boyish look on him… Along with the diamond stud in his ear which added a slightly bad boy edge.

"I will come with you."

"Good." He bent his head and his teeth grazed over her collarbone. "Now are you done thinking?"

"I uhh," She squirmed as his hands dipped low. "Maybe we shouldn't—" She gasped as his mouth landed on her sensitive flesh. "Never mind. You win. No more thinking."

He grinned against her, taking her until she was a panting whimpering mess before rising and slipping inside easily. "Have I convinced you to stay yet?"

"No." She wrapped her legs around his waist. "Not yet."

Ji Hoo leaned down and took her mouth, his hips moving slowly. "Give me a few hours."

She laughed and he felt a strange glow that had nothing to do with the desire building up in him. He had never met anyone who made him feel so relaxed and so in-tuned at all the same time. Suddenly regretting he asked her for more time, he kissed her hard while he increased his speed until he feared he was being too rough but not able to care. Needing to almost mark and bruise her like he was claiming the very thing he had just set free.

She arched her neck and feeling out control, he buried his face into her throat, not capable of looking at her. "Please." She whimpered and he groaned. He unclenched her legs from around his waist and spread her wide so he could rise to his knees. The change of position instantly made her clench hard around him with a high-pitch cry.

He laughed and growled all at the same time and unable to withstand it any longer, she met him beat for a beat until he came with a long moan. He collapsed down on her and she clung to him. Their hearts beating frantically against each other.

After a long time of simply breathing heavily, he lifted his head and kissed her gently. "Stay."

Lucy nodded and he relaxed, tucking his head into her shoulder. "Good. Otherwise, I would have to hide your crutches so you couldn't walk."

She laughed loudly at this and wrapped him up in a tight hug. He grinned and feeling happier than he had in awhile, he sank his weight fully down on her and pinned her to the bed.

"I'm hungry. Want to make me some of the amazing waffles you bragged about earlier?"

Lucy rolled her eyes as she blew a wayward curl out of her face. "Sure but since I can only stand on one foot right now, you will have to hold me up."

"I can do that." Ji Hoo agreed with a smile. "I will even keep my hands in their proper place."

She narrowed her eyes with a mischievous twinkle. "No, you won't."

"No, I won't. But I promise not to knock you down and land on you again… Well," He smirked cockily. "Not until we get back to the bedroom at least."

"Ha- Ha." Lucy snorted before attempting to get up but he only shifted more firmly on top of her. "I thought you were hungry."

"I am." Ji Hoo agreed, his lips beginning to nibble once more. "But not for food."

"You're very confusing." Lucy teased even as she ran her hands along his back. "Is this an F4 trait?"

"Yep… Along with the whole kidnapping thing." Ji Hoo told her seriously, his brown eyes twinkling down at her. "You will get used to it."

"What if I don't want too," Lucy giggled as he gave a mock growl and lifted her roughly into his lap. "I will have to convince you then."

"Well, in that case." She whispered with a grin. "Looks like we are having waffles for lunch."

Except once they did finally get up, some of the earlier ease had left and Lucy suddenly didn't know what to do. While she knew Ji Hoo wasn't convinced pursuing a relationship with her was the best idea, he didn't act like he wanted her to leave either.

The curious side of her was dying to ask about what happened with this other woman to make him so shy about being with someone else but ultimately decided it would have to be up to Ji Hoo to tell her when he was ready. After all, it was not like she had been forthcoming on her relationships from back home.

However, she also knew the more she let him touch her, the harder it would be for her to walk away. So, she resolved to stop falling into his arms or allowing him to pull her back to bed until things were clearer. Her heart was already half-way his and Lucy knew it wouldn't take much to push it completely over the edge.

She pulled on the sweats Ji Hoo had set out the night before and achingly walked into the kitchen. Her ankle was not as swollen but still badly bruised. Ji Hoo was pouring orange juice for her and winced as noticed her slow progression. But he also couldn't stop the grin from seeing her in his clothes which were much too large on her.

His pants were so long that he was a tad worried she might trip on them and his shirt dwarfed her completely. She had pulled her blonde hair into a ponytail and her curls were exploding all over her head. Not to mention her fresh-face while her green eyes gleamed out sleepily.

All-in-all she looked so young that Ji Hoo felt slightly guilty for the physical reaction he was currently having but then she smiled warmly at him and he decided that seeing Lucy in her sleepy, morning state was now forbidden for everyone else but him.

"Sit down," He laughed as she tried to hold up the waistband of his sweats. "I will make breakfast."

"Mmm," Lucy collapsed on his stool with a groan. "Coffee. I need coffee."

He placed a mug in front of her and she blearily reached for it. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." Ji Hoo moved to brush her hair out of her eyes but she gently pushed him away, her smile one of reluctance and he felt a string awkwardness. She was asking him not to touch her. Not right now at least. And not because she was mad or because she had regrets but rather out of respect for the time he has asked her for so he could discover how felt.

Feeling a mixture of gratefulness and also regret, he gave her a nod and moved back. She was right. They didn't seem able to think when they were touching. Last night and this morning had already proved that. And as much as he cared for Lucy, he still didn't know if he could let himself go down this road only for it to end with him taking her to the airport with a goodbye kiss.

Ji Hoo cleared his throat with a nod. "I am supposed to meet Woo Bin and Jun Pyo for dinner tonight."

"Okay." Lucy agreed with a yawn. "I will call Lee Soo Jung to come get me."

"I meant for both of us to go."

She gave him an exasperated stare. "Ji Hoo. I do actually have to go home at some point. I have a job and students I am responsible for. I can't stay here…. Not to mention." She let out a long breath before meeting his eyes firmly. "You can't keep confusing me."

He swallowed. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean." Lucy stood up and limped over to take his hand. "You just asked to slow down because you are still not sure about this. Or me."

"It's not you—"

"Yes, it is." Lucy interrupted softly. "Which is fine. But then demanding I go with you to see your friends or wanting to introduce me to your goddaughter is making it hard for me to… Ji Hoo, I can't stay here and not have things blurr between us. Can you honestly say you will be able to think through your worries or doubts when I am right down the hall or sitting here in your clothes?"

He absorbed this before shaking his head slowly. "You're right. Maybe it's best if you go."

Something flashed over her at his quick agreement but she covered it with a smile. Leaning up she gently kissed his cheek. "I will call Lee Soo Jung."

As she walked away, he scrubbed his face. For the first time in his life, he didn't know what to do. He couldn't shake the feeling of fear over falling for her but then at the same time he thought it might already be too late. So, did he really want to let her go and waste the little time he had left with her? His brain was swirling and he felt slightly nauseous. It had seemed so easy this morning lying in the bed with her but now…

He cursed and began to go down the hall after her when he heard her at the door talking on the phone and his heart panicked that she was already leaving. He hurried his stride and grabbed her arm but she turned and held up a finger to give her a minute. She was speaking in English which made him frown. It obviously wasn't her cousin then.

"I'm fine. I just forgot my phone in the house last night while I was at the library."

This made him raise an eyebrow and she narrowed her eyes in warning. "Kim Beom Seok, would you please calm down? I'm twenty-four, not six." A man's voice snapped and Ji Hoo felt a surge of annoyance at the tone.

"Oh, knock it off." Lucy barked with a laugh. "How's Mom?"

Ji Hoo relaxed slightly. It was only her brother. The one who tended to be a little overprotective and was probably just worried when he couldn't reach her last night. Remembering some of their more intimate details Ji Hoo cringed. He would probably be on a plane to kill him if he ever discovered the truth.

"I will call her tomorrow," Lucy promised. "Now, stop worrying about me… All right. Love you too."

She hung up with a sigh. "Sorry. I called Lee Soo Jung and she said my brother was beginning to panic because he couldn't reach me or her last night."

"Where was your cousin?"

"At her boyfriends probably." Lucy made a face and he chuckled. "Do you not like him?"

She only shrugged but he caught the slight flicker of annoyance. "Anyway, she is on her way."

"Oh." They stared at each other, his body itching to hug her but unsure if that was the right thing to do now. Seeing his nerves, her eyes softened and she moved into his arms, burying her face into his chest and he let out a sigh of relief. He held her tightly and tucked his lips to her ear murmuring her name.

She nodded and leaned back to cup his face. "I will see you tomorrow."

"You will come?"

"If you want me too."

He kissed her in response but she only barely returned it before quickly breaking away. "Lee Soo Jung told me to meet her at the café around the block."

"You can't walk—" Ji Hoo started to protest but she only pressed his lips together. "Don't start. I will have to walk at some point."

"Fine." He grumbled before switching back into doctor mode. "But be careful. Don't stand for long periods and if it starts swelling again—"

"I know," Lucy laughed. "I will be good." After a moment of hesitation, she finally smiled and gave him a wave before quietly slipping out the door.

Ji Hoo stood there for a long time unsure why getting exactly what you asked for made him feel like he had just been punched in the stomach.

Woo Bin was pouring a drink for Gu Jun Pyo and Geum Jan Di when Ji Hoo walked into the lounge. His friends scanned him and Jun Pyo's eyes narrowed. Ji Hoo looked like a combination of being more relaxed than he had in years and completely emotionally drained.

Geum Jan Di moved to greet him, her smile fading as she read the stressed expression on her dear friends face. "Ji Hoo Sunbae, are you all right?"

"Of course." Ji Hoo assured her with a kiss to the cheek. "Just a little tired."

"Jun Pyo told me about your friend, Lucy." Jan Di asked him worried. "Is she not doing all right? Did her concussion or ankle—"

"She's fine." Ji Hoo interrupted quickly. "Her cousin picked her up this morning and the swelling went down on her ankle so she was able to walk better."

Jan Di smiled. "That's good. I would like to meet her. She sounds very sweet."

"She is coming to pick up Yi Jeong with us tomorrow." Ji Hoo said as he hung up his coat. "You can meet her then."

"She is coming?" Woo Bin looked surprised. "Why?"

"Because I asked her too." Ji Hoo stated, his gaze daring them to comment further but even Woo Bin and Jun Pyo knew better to push him right now. However, the two exchanged knowing glances. Apparently, their plan worked last night in more ways than one but something dark was still brewing inside Ji Hoo.

"Well, good," Woo Bin said brightly. "I like Lucy."

"Me too." Jun Pyo leveled a long look at Ji Hoo. "And so do you."

"Don't start, Jun Pyo." Ji Hoo said quietly. "Besides, I don't need you telling me what I feel."

"Okay. So what do you feel?"

Pretending not to hear him, Ji Hoo sent them an easy grin. "What's for dinner?"

Jun Pyo pulled his wife into his side as Ji Hoo walked into the kitchen. "What do you think?"

"You're right," she whispered. "He fell for her." Her entire face lighting up in delight. "For the first he truly loves someone."

This surprised Jun Pyo since he was fairly certain Ji Hoo had also loved her. Seeing his expression, Jan Di shook her head. "He loved me and Seo Hyun but not in the way he thought… Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to let her marry the Frenchmen so easily or just step aside when it became obvious you and I were in love. He would have fought."

"He did fight, remember?" Jun Pyo reminded her confused but Jan Di only chuckled. "No, he didn't. Not really. He held on but he didn't fight." She brushed a kiss over her husband's cheek confidently. "He will fight for this one. If another man tries to move in, he won't stand for it."

"How do you know?"

"Because I know Ji Hoo Sunbae." Jan Di nodded. "Trust me on this one, Jun Pyo."

He bent down and kissed her. "If you say so."

"Good. And don't interfere…" Her eyes narrowed as Jun Pyo suddenly became interested in the ceiling pattern. "You've already interfered… Didn't you?"

"Oh look, dinner is done."

"Yah!"

Ji Hoo was only half-listening to the group laugh as they ate. He pulled out his phone but not seeing any new messages he let out a long sigh. He rubbed his eyes and Woo Bin nudged his shoulder. "You're overthinking again."

"Please don't start." Ji Hoo begged. "I have enough on my mind without you trying to help."

"Ji Hoo," Woo Bin sighed. "Take it from someone who loves a woman with a lot of pain in her life… You don't ever get rid of it."

Ji Hoo looked over at him, his expression haunted and Woo Bin struggled to find the right words. "Myeon Gi knows I am not going anywhere. She loves and trusts me. But she still has nightmares. Nightmares about waking up and seeing me drunk on the kitchen floor."

Ji Hoo winced and his friend nodded. "It's why I rarely drink anymore and never around her. The very sight of alcohol makes her anxious. But," Woo Bin smiled. "She doesn't look surprised anymore when she wakes up and sees me sleeping beside her. Myeon Gi tells me now she loves me without fear it won't be returned." He clasped Ji Hoo's shoulder. "Her pain from her father is something I can't change. But at least she doesn't expect me to follow the same pattern anymore."

"What's your point, Woo Bin?" Ji Hoo demanded quietly and his friend shrugged. "Don't blame Lucy for your past. Your pain over whatever went wrong before is not fair to her. If you don't want to be with her because you honestly don't think it's worth it, then fine. But don't turn her away simply because you are afraid."

Woo Bin met his gaze, his jaw set with determination. "You will always be afraid of something, Ji Hoo. That is the risk we take when we love someone."

"She is leaving, Woo Bin." Ji Hoo whispered. "She is not staying."

"Ji Hoo, I am going to ask you one question…" Woo Bin lowered his voice. "Did you love her last night?"

Ji Hoo stiffened before slowly nodding, his expression warning his friend to proceed carefully.

"Okay. Now I want you to imagine you letting her go and someone else deciding they don't mind only having her for a few months and trying to take Lucy to bed."

Ji Hoo's face darkened and the murderous glint in his eyes made Woo Bin inwardly grin but instead he just shook his head and stood up.

"If that's your reaction then it's already too late to play it safe and you might as well face it. No matter what happens when Lucy leaves, it won't change what you already feel for her."

"So basically you're saying it's going to hurt either way." Ji Hoo finished with a sad smile and Woo Bin shook his head. "I'm saying sitting here worrying is not doing anything but giving you a headache. Call your girl. Talk to her. And start dealing with your shit for once." He sent him a meaningful glance. "You can't run forever, Ji Hoo."

Ji Hoo absorbed this before pulling out his phone to call her. His heart beating frantically as he waited for her pick up.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?' Ji Hoo demanded and he could practically hear her confused frown at his lack of a greeting. "I'm at school. I have about fifteen students all panicking."

"Oh." He closed his eyes and he heard her excuse herself softly before lowering her voice. "Ji Hoo, are you all right? You don't sound well."

He shook his head. "I'm fine. I'm just tired and I…. wanted to make sure we were okay."

"Of course," Lucy said unconvincingly. "I already told you we were fine."

"I know. I just…" Ji Hoo trailed off before taking a deep breath. "Will you stay with me tonight?"

"Ji Hoo—"

"I don't mean together." He interrupted softly. "I will sleep in the guest room but I want you there."

"Why?"

"I don't know," he admitted. "I just do."

Lucy didn't respond and he felt a surge of panic. He didn't know why it was so important to him that she stay one more night but it was. Especially since Woo Bin mentioned the idea of someone else trying to take her home.

"We will be picking up Yi Jeong and Ga Eul early tomorrow anyway." Ji Hoo quickly added. "It will be easier if we just leave together in the morning."

"All-right," she agreed reluctantly. "I will need another hour here though."

"That's fine. I will come get you."

"You don't know where I live."

Feeling better by the idea of seeing her soon, Ji Hoo answered without thinking. "I have your address."

"What? How?"

Remembering the file he had currently sitting in his car, Ji Hoo looked over helplessly to Woo Bin who only held up his hands signally he was on his own. "Uh, well…"

"You looked me up, didn't you?" Lucy demanded and he cringed. "Which answer is least likely to get me smacked?"

"You will be smacked either way." She growled. "Why would you investigate me? Did you think I was after your money?"

"No," Ji Hoo broke in firmly. "I looked into your background before anything happened between us. And I only did it because I was worried about you. I wanted to make sure you were safe. You don't have to believe me on anything else but believe me about that."

Her anger dissipated and felt her heart melt a little further. Crap she was in trouble. "Fine. I believe you."

"Lucy," He moved to the balcony for some privacy. "Come home with me tonight. Please."

"I don't know if I can." She sniffled surprised to find herself fighting tears. "This is-- Ji Hoo. I just met you but it's already too much. And I-I… I can't keep falling for you. Not if you don't want me too."

He closed his eyes and clenched the phone. "I will pick you up in an hour."

Lucy was all set to turn him away when he arrived at her door. This was getting too complicated and messy. She didn't mind a love affair or a romantic romp during her time here in Korea but the feelings she was developing for Yoon Ji Hoo was beginning to alarm her.

Plus, the fact he seemed stuck in whatever mud from his past. So, when he knocked she was fully prepared to end things but the moment she opened the door and saw him, her resolve crumbled. Without a word, he yanked her into him and hugged her so firmly that he lifted off her feet.

Unable to help herself, she whimpered and buried her face into his neck. He tightened his grip with a low murmur. "I'm sorry."

Not even realizing how hurt she had been all day by his comments this morning she burst into tears. He clutched the back of her head while she sobbed. "I'm sorry." He repeated in her ear. "I'm so sorry."

She only clung to him and he moved them carefully into the house, his foot kicking the door closed behind him. "Please don't cry, Lucy."

"I-I can't help it." She wailed. "I don't even know why I'm crying."

"Because I am a stupid bastard." Ji Hoo whispered regretfully. "Who keeps saying things he doesn't mean." He drew back and cupped her face. "I shouldn't have said what I said this morning. I don't want you to leave."

"But what about—"

"We will figure it out as we go." Ji Hoo rubbed his thumbs over her damp cheeks, his lips skimming over her skin. "Please. Come back with me."

"If I do…" She hiccupped roughly. "Do you promise to stop trying to push me away?"

He answered by taking her mouth in a deep kiss. His own breathing erratic until she finally sank completely into him. Ji Hoo gave a pained moan of relief at the contact and buried his face into her hair. "Forgive me?"

"I forgive you."

He kissed her temple with a sigh and realizing he was shaking, Lucy slipped her hands under his coat to rub his back. He calmed at the soothing touch and grabbed her hand. "Come on. Let's go home."

Later that evening, Lucy curled under the covers and Ji Hoo gathered her close. Despite his earlier declaration that he would sleep in the other room, neither had been able to let the other go since he picked her up. Too tired and desperately needing the comfort of the other.

"After we pick up Yi Jeong," Ji Hoo told her sleepily as he cuddled next to her. "I need to go to the clinic for a few hours."

"Hmm," Lucy agreed, already half-asleep. "Do you mind if I come back here and study then?"

He simply pressed a kiss to her shoulder before chuckling as his lips only met heavy fabric. "What are you wearing?'

"What? Oh." Lucy laughed. "Your sweatshirt. I'm cold."

He tucked the covers more firmly around them and slipped his hands under the hem of her shirt to stroke the bare skin of her stomach. The warmth of his hand heating her chilled flesh and she smiled. "That feels nice."

Ji Hoo kissed the base of her neck before rolling her to face him. His dark eyes still gleaming fiercely in the darkened room. "Don't leave tomorrow."

"What?"

"Study here. Sleep here." Ji Hoo insisted quietly. "Whatever you want. Just do it here."

Lucy stared at him. "I can't live with you, Ji Hoo."

"Why not?" He demanded. "If you worried about your cousin or brothers, I will handle them."

"That's not what I…" Lucy trailed off and met his nervous but determined glare. And she realized he was serious. He wanted her to stay. Not because he was no longer worried about the moment she would have to leave for home but rather because that was exactly what he was worried about. He wasn't trying to push her away anymore but rather he wanted to make the most out of the limited time they had left.

Overwhelmed by the discovery of how deeply she wanted to be with him. No matter what happened in a few months and her heart flooded with warmth.

"I can handle my brothers. But you will have to deal with my stuffed animal collection."

He scanned her carefully before giving her heart-melting smile. He rolled on top of her and brushed back her hair. "Hi."

"Hi." Lucy smiled and wrapped herself tightly around him. "How was your day?"

"Getting better." Ji Hoo quipped. "Yours?"

"It was okay." She whispered happily. "But my night seems to be improving."

"Glad to hear it." He nuzzled the base of her throat. "Just don't let your boyfriend talk anymore and we should be fine."

"Yeah. Words don't seem to be his strong suit…. He tends to put his foot in his mouth a lot."

He chuckled, the vibration of it against her skin making her arch with a laugh. "But he does give pretty nice apologies."

"Hmm." Ji Hoo raised up to kiss her nose, enjoying the way she crinkled in response before sobering. "No more apologies. I won't hurt you again. I promise."

"Okay," Lucy whispered and tugged him down to her. "Me either."

Ji Hoo stroked his hands over her hips with a frown. "You didn't do anything."

"No. But you've been hurt." Lucy said softly. "I can't change that and it breaks my heart. But I can promise not to be someone who hurts you in the future."

He muttered her name and quickly removed her shirt which made her whine playfully. "Nooo. I'm still cold."

"Not for much longer you won't be." Ji Hoo swore as his lips trailed over her chest. "Also, I know I promised you could sleep tonight but I am taking it back."

Lucy laughed but as he began to bit and lick his way over her, her laugh quickly turned to gasps. "What time do we have to pick up your friend at the airport?"

"Eight." Ji Hoo slid her underwear down her legs with a wolfish grin. "Why?"

"I just wanted to make sure," Lucy began but was distracted as he settled over her. "We had time to—"

"Don't worry," Ji Hoo muttered as he entered her with a quick thrust. "I don't plan on wasting a moment tonight."

He made love to her slowly this time. No longer concerned that this may be their only time together. Feeling free to truly touch her and knowing she officially belonged to him, Ji Hoo took her without any more hesitation. Words he kept bottled up out of fear last night spilling out of his lips with each rolling thrust.

Lucy responded with the same openness she had always given him and he was humbled to realize she had never doubted him. She had never thought he was not a good idea or maybe it was wrong to fall for someone temporary. She had accepted him with her whole heart from the very beginning without hesitation. Something that no-one had ever done before. He watched her come with flush and cry of his name and everything inside him broke. He cursed as he felt his body shudder right behind her, her name falling repeatedly off his lips as he collapsed down, his body trembling from the intensity of it all.

Exhausted he pressed his open mouth over her damp skin. "Lucy."

"I know." She assured him and brought his face up to kiss him softly. "Me too."

"No-one else touches you." He told her firmly, the image Woo Bin planted in his head making him feel violent. "No-one talks about you."

Lucy pressed her lips to his chest. "You have been the only one to touch me, Ji Hoo. I've been here almost four months and no-one has even bought me coffee. Just you."

"Good." He muttered with a soft kiss before gently lifting off her. He began to pull her back into his side but stopped abruptly with a frown when he suddenly remembered something.

"What about Robert with the noodle arms?"

Lucy blinked for a moment before snorting in laughter and rolled to bury her face into the pillow. "Oh my god. How did you—"

"You tend to blurt out random things when drugged and in pain."

"Well that's good to know." She chortled before facing him, her eyes dancing with mirth. "No. Noodle arms never touched me. Not like this anyway."

"He better not. Now I will just break his hand for repeatedly dropping you instead of killing him."

"No need," Lucy told him without thinking. "My brothers beat you to it. He probably still can't hold a pencil."

"Wait…" Suspicion clouded his tone making it sharp. "Why did they do that?"

"Oh, no reason." Lucy tried to squirm away but he quickly pinned her back down. "I know when you're lying, remember? Now tell me."

Officially caught she sighed in defeat. "We dated for a few months but when I eventually realized I would rather kiss a cactus than him, I broke up with him. He got mad."

Ji Hoo's eyes darkened in rage. "How mad?"

"He slapped me."

Ji Hoo stared at her before calmly rolling to get out of bed and grabbed his pants. Alarmed Lucy frantically sat up. "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to kill him. I will be back in a few days." Ji Hoo said seriously but Lucy quickly moved to intercept him. "No. Ji Hoo listen to me. This was almost two years ago."

"So?' He tried to yank away but she sighed in frustration and straddled his lap. "Stop it."

"Lucy," Ji Hoo growled but she only smacked her hand over his mouth. "Listen to me. He slapped me. I kicked his stomach out through his nose and when my brothers found out, they made sure he wouldn't be able to eat anything for two weeks from the damage. Not to mention breaking the hand that he slapped me with. Trust me. He got the message."

Ji Hoo clenched his jaw. "Are you sure they took care of it?"

"I'm positive."

"Fine. But if we ever meet, I make no promises to let him live."

"Deal."

Still grumbling under his breath he tucked her back into bed. "Out of curiosity, what was his last name?"

"No."

"What?"

"You're not going to send his information to Song Woo Bin and sic one of his San Francisco goons on him."

Ji Hoo frowned. "How did you know?"

"I know you too," Lucy whispered with a smile. "And I have a computer and did a little snooping on the F4. Plus anyone with eyes could see that Song Woo Bin is your group's protector. You're not killing him, Ji Hoo."

He nuzzled her neck. "Spoilsport."