JENNIE

Lisa parked her car outside my old apartment. Just before I shut the car door to go upstairs and knock on Taehyung's door, Lisa stopped me. "Make it quick," she ordered, her giddiness over Miami long gone. "Or I'll come up."

"Don't you dare," I warned her. "We had a deal. Rosé and I can handle getting my things. You stay here."

She only grunted.

Rosé and I climbed the stairs of the complex, and I held my breath as I knocked. After an unusually long time, Taehyung opened the door and peered out. He looked at Rosé and then back at me. "What's she doing here?"

"Rosé's here to help," I said. "Don't take this out on her."

"It's fine, Jen," Rosé said, irritation threading her tone. "Let's just get your stuff."

Taehyung had stacked large and small boxes in the kitchen. I peeked into one. My razor and a tub of exfoliating sugar scrub had been thrown on a pile of my work attire. "Really, Taehyung?"

He shrugged and flopped into a dining room chair. "Just trying to help."

Rosé and I lifted one box together and carried it downstairs, where Lisa took it from us.

"So far so good," Rosé told her.

The next two were lighter so we each took one. On our next trip, before I could walk out of the kitchen, Taehyung asked, "Jen, can we talk alone a minute?"

Rosé returned the glare he directed at her. "No," she answered for me.

"It's okay," I told her. "Go ahead."

"But . . ." She jerked her head in the direction of the front door. "We're not supposed to."

"I won't be long," I said.

She left reluctantly. I set down the box again and walked over to take the chair next to his. "How are you?" I asked.

"All right," he said. "Taking things day by day. You?"

"The same," I lied. I was far better than all right, but he didn't need to know that.

He dropped his gaze to the floor. "Is she treating you well?"

"Yes."

"Good. I should've said this sooner, but I'm sorry she and I got into it." Taehyung cleared his throat and glanced at my arm, even though clothing covered the fading bruises. "And I'm sorry if I . . . you know, hurt you."

I nodded. "I know you didn't mean it."

"I did. I wanted to hurt you the way you hurt me," he said and scrubbed a hand through his hair. "I can't, though . . . I never could. Hurt you or get to you in any way."

It was my turn to look at the ground. After the Herculean feat it'd taken Lisa to break through to me, I didn't blame Taehyung. "It's okay," I said about the bruises. "It wasn't too bad."

His shoulders began to quake, and he wiped his eyes. "I still don't get what I should've done differently."

"Taehyung," I said affectionately. "Don't torture yourself. I'm to blame, too. There's a lot we both could've done differently. I know it hurts to hear it, but believe me, this is for the best."

He nodded and lifted his head. "I wish I'd seen it coming, though."

I resisted from hugging him for comfort, knowing that would only make things worse for all of us. "That's my fault, and I'm sorry."

"I'm really angry with you, Jen, and I can't help it." His voice firmed as his tears vanished. "You know I love you, you know I'm a nice guy, but I feel like I've taken a lot of shit."

"I know," I said softly, touching my earlobe.

"So don't expect me to lie back and let you walk all over me. If you want to proceed with this divorce, I'm going to treat you like I would anyone else in court. Especially if she's going to stick her nose in it. And I'm a good lawyer, I think you know that."

Loud banging on the front door startled me. "Shit. Hang on," I told Taehyung.

"Tell Rosé to give us a minute," he said.

It wasn't Rosé, but I kept that to myself as I crossed the apartment. I opened the door a sliver and stepped out, but stuck my foot in the door to keep it from automatically locking. "Everything's good," I said to Lisa. "We're just talking."

She unclenched her jaw. "Fine, but I'm waiting here."

"Thank you," I said and returned to the kitchen. "Go ahead," I told Taehyung. "What were you saying?"

I stood by the last few boxes, waiting for him to speak. My eyes went to the nearest one, and my jaw dropped when I saw our wedding album. "Taehyung?" I asked, holding it up.

"I don't want it."

"But . . . you should keep it. I have the originals on my computer." He shook his head, and I frowned. I didn't want to say it, but it would mean more to Taehyung during this time than it would me. I set it on the counter next to him. "Keep it," I insisted.

"Are you purposely trying to piss me off?" he asked. "First, you give me back your ring, and now this?"

"I made that album especially for you," I said. "And I'm sorry about the ring. You're right—it was insensitive of me, but I know it's a family heirloom."

"So I'm supposed to give it to someone else?" he asked.

"I don't know," I admitted.

He stood, picked up the album, and threw it in the trash. "Happy?" he asked. "Leave."

I glanced over at the remaining boxes. I still had more stuff to take down. But more importantly, I was concerned about Taehyung. "I really think we should talk," I said. "Whatever's going on in your head, let's get it all out there."

"I can't. Just go." He turned away and pressed his palms into his eyes. "Every time you look at me, it's with pity," he added. "Please."

I walked over and put my hand on his shoulder. "Taehyung," I said softly.

"I said go." He picked up a box, wrenched open the door, and threw it into the hallway.

As he turned for the next one, Lisa caught the door before it closed. "Is that really fucking necessary?" she asked from the doorway.

I hurried over and pushed Lisa out into the hallway. "Don't," I warned.

She crossed her arms over her chest and kept her eyes fixed behind me. "He's going to ruin your stuff."

Taehyung dropped another box by my feet, then stuck a wedge under the door to keep it open. "Can't go anywhere without your bodyguard?" he asked me, going back for more boxes.

"Say another thing, and I'll shatter your jaw, too," Lisa said.

"Try me." Taehyung slid a box across the floor, and it tumbled out into the hall. "You're lucky I don't press charges for my nose."

Lisa's arm twitched as she stepped forward, right in front of me. "Do that," she said over my head. "See what happens."

I straightened my shoulders and placed a hand on her forearm. "Don't," I said. "I'm asking you to walk away."

"Yeah, walk away, you noble asshole," Taehyung said. "Is it noble to swipe another man's wife from under his nose? To buy his future home?"

"I don't expect you to understand," Lisa said. "Unlike you, I'd go to any lengths for her."

Taehyung scoffed. "How sweet. I'll be sure to remind you of that in three months when you've dumped her on the side of the road."

Lisa lunged forward, almost knocking me out of the way, and gripped Taehyung by his t-shirt. She slammed him up against the wall and pinned him there. "I warned you once. If I have to shut you the fuck up, I will."

Taehyung's eyes dropped to Lisa's hands and then jumped back up. I expected to see anger in them, but there was only defeat. I knew Lisa saw it, too, because she released Taehyung immediately and stepped back.

"Look, man," Lisa said, "fighting won't get us anywhere. Just watch your mouth, and don't ever put your hands on her again."

Taehyung kicked one last box out and disappeared into the apartment, letting the door slam behind him. I stared after him, trying to decide if I should go in and comfort him.

Lisa cursed to herself and rubbed her forehead before looking at me. "Don't," he said. "You'll just make it harder for him."

She was right. Even seeing our wedding pictures was too hard for Taehyung. My being here wasn't helping.

"Is that everything?" Lisa asked.

"I think there were a couple more boxes," I said, "but let's just leave it."

"You sure?" she asked. "I can go back in and get them."

"I'm sure," I said and picked up a lighter box as Lisa hoisted a heavier one. We walked in silence to where Rosé leaned against the car, her ankles crossed in front of her. "I don't see any blood on your knuckles," she said to Lisa. "I guess that's a good sign."

"It didn't get that far, thankfully," I said.

"Thankfully for him," Lisa muttered.

Rosé rolled her eyes. "Taehyung's a real peach these days."

"I'm sorry he took it out on you," I said, hugging her. "It means so much that you came today."

"It means a lot that you asked," she said softly, smiling. As Lisa jogged up the staircase to grab the last of my things, she added, "But can we go? I'm over this place."

I laughed. "Sure."

I insisted on treating her to dinner, so once the car had been loaded up, Lisa drove us to a restaurant for pizza and drinks. After finishing off my frozen margarita, I slammed my empty glass on the table and Rosé giggled.

Lisa eyed us suspiciously, but she was in good spirits, despite being the designated driver.

Rosé started off on something about work, but I could see that Lisa wasn't listening. She watched me instead. Earlier, with the city of Chicago at her back, she'd had her way with me on her desk. I'd gotten myself some businessman Lisa, and all it did was fuel the ache. The more I got, the more I wanted. I eased my foot out of my shoe and ran it along the inside of her leg, glancing over at Rosé so as not to arouse suspicion.

When she stopped talking to order another drink, I pulled out my phone.

Me: I have a confession to make…I never bought underwear today

Lisa shifted to retrieve her phone from her back pocket. Her eyes widened as she read, then her fingers darted over the screen.

Lisa: I don't believe you.

I arched an eyebrow at her. Her gaze turned heated, immediately warming my body. Visions from earlier flashed through my mind. I was feeling just as aroused as I was then, despite having been blessed with two orgasms already. I exhaled audibly.

"Jen?" Rosé asked. "Are you listening?"

"Yes," I said, my voice creaky.

"Right," she said, getting up. "I'm going to the bathroom."

Lisa's hooded eyes scrolled down my body with agonizing slowness, then flicked back up to my face. She scooted her chair closer to mine, wet her lips, and rested her hand on my knee under the red-and-white checked tablecloth. I glanced around the restaurant as her palm rubbed back and forth over my skin. A dull hum overtook my body the instant her hand inched up my skirt. I inhaled a ragged breath, trying to keep it together, while her face gave nothing away. Except her eyes, fiery with need that mirrored my own desire.

Now at the top of my thighs, her fingers slipped between them, finding me slick. "You're soaked," she said, nonchalance threading her tone.

I inhaled deeply as he felt me. "For you."

Her jaw tightened as she coated her fingers with my wetness but didn't penetrate. She leaned in and murmured, "If you're still this wet, my job's not done for the day. I'll finish you off tonight with a hard fuck."

My breath caught as my face flushed. "Harder than this afternoon?"

"So hard you can't walk tomorrow." She withdrew before she'd even entered and wiped her fingers down the inside of my thigh. Her head tilted, and she kissed me seconds before I heard Rosé's voice.

"Look at you two," she said. "So cute. Can't keep your hands off each other."

I laughed into Lisa's mouth, and she gave me a quick peck before returning to her position across the table.

"Mingyu e-mailed back," Lisa said. "He says Miami's a go. Have you heard from Jaehyun?"

"Yep." Rosé nodded. "He's in."

When the waiter dropped off the check, I snatched it immediately. "This is my treat."

"I've got it," Lisa said, holding out her hand.

Lisa and Rosé were doing me a favor, plus Lisa hadn't let me pay for anything since we'd started dating. This was going to be my treat, even if I had to force it on her.

I grabbed my purse and ran away before Lisa knew what was happening. I paid the waiter in cash and returned slowly to the table, smoothing my hands over my skirt as Lisa sat rigid in her chair.

"Um, thanks?" Rosé said.

"No problem," I responded, unsuccessfully avoiding Lisa's glare. "But I'm expecting one of you to put out."

--

Bent at the hip, my hands wrapped around my ankles, I'd assumed the position Lisa wanted me in minutes ago. After enlisting a couple bellhops to carry up my boxes, she'd left to return the rental car. On her way home, she'd texted me how she wanted to find me, and it was like this—my ass in the air, hands at my ankles, and wearing lingerie she hadn't seen me in yet. I nearly dripped with anticipation, and by the time I heard keys in the foyer, I was dangerously close to biting off my bottom lip.

Now, I looked anxiously through my legs at the bedroom door. I was positioned at the foot of the bed, but I doubted we'd even make it there. I heard her dress shoes on the floors as she made her way to the bedroom. She entered but disappeared right into the closet. "You waiting, baby?" she called.

"Yes," I said impatiently.

"I'm coming."

"Lisa." I groaned. "I can't wait any longer."

I heard her chuckle. "So touch yourself."

"No," I said through a squeal. "I want you to touch me."

Upside-down, I watched her exit the closet and take her sweet time while I about burst with desire. She walked over in bare feet, still in her suit pants. "I want to touch you, too," she said, but she said it low and hoarse, and in a way that sounded like she'd been waiting to say it all day.

She removed her watch, set it on the nightstand, and came toward me. "Did you buy this earlier?" she asked of the tea-rose-pink satin bustier trimmed in black lace I'd paired with a matching lace thong.

"Yes."

She came right up behind me so I could feel her heat on the backs of my legs. "You told me you didn't buy underwear today."

"I lied," I said through a smile.

She gasped. "You lied? What did I tell you about that?" As soon as the question left her mouth, her open palm landed on my ass cheek.

I groaned. "Honesty policy."

"If I were a more patient man, I'd tie you to this bed as punishment."

"You would?" I asked hopefully, but also nervous at the prospect of being at another person's complete mercy.

"Instead, you hold on to your ankles like your life depends on it," she said and slid my thong over my ass so it fell to my ankles. When I started to step out of it, she said, "Wait."

She used her foot to nudge my legs apart as far as the underwear would allow. "All day I've been picturing you sprawled out on my desk, letting me have whatever I want."

"I want you to have it all," I said.

"All?" he asked.

"Everything. Take what you want."

She took my ass cheek in one hand and massaged it, spreading me open as I heard her zipper. From between my legs, I watched her pants fall. My breathing sped, my grip tightening, my vision blurring because she wasn't even inside me and I could feel her already.

Her fingers skimmed over my wet slit. "You have such a sweet ass," she said. "Have I ever told you that?"

I whimpered softly and froze when I felt pressure on my anus. "Lisa," I breathed, a soft objection.

Her finger, wet with my own juices, continued a tenuous circle over me. The pressure subsided, and I felt equally relieved and disappointed.

Tension returned when I heard her spit in her hand. She was back between my cheeks suddenly, teasing me with soft, measured circles. With her finger pressed against my anus, she pushed her cock into me, and I inhaled sharply.

"Made for me, baby," she grated out.

"Do it," I dared her on an exhale.

She folded over my back, sliding so deep that I thought I might rip apart at the seams. "You want it?"

"Yes. Do it." I wanted her to dominate me in every way, but I also knew I had no idea what I was asking for. "One finger."

"I'll get lube."

"No," I bit out, dizzy with need for her. "Just do it now."

She straightened up, and her finger immediately began to ring my asshole, which quivered at the new sensation. Her other hand held my hips in place as her cock pulsed into me, gently at first and then faster.

"Hold on to the bed," she instructed, so I let go of my ankles to brace myself against the frame.

Her plunges remained deep but steady as she slipped the tip of her finger inside. It was wet, but not slick, so it throbbed slightly. But I wanted to do it for her, so I fisted my hands and said, "More."

She grunted, and her finger went deeper. My face flushed. I exhaled loudly. She held it there for a moment and then pushed all the way in, both painful and sweet. She kept it there as her thrusting increased and suddenly, she was pounding against me inhumanly hard like she'd promised. I pushed off the bed to meet her, her one finger all the way up my ass, and her other hand pulling my hips into each thrust.

Without warning or slowing down, she pushed a second finger in, and I suppressed a cry. My eyes watered as my insides molded around her. I was full, overwhelmingly full, and tempted to push her hand away, but I bit down on my lip instead and let the bite of pain ripple into waves of pleasure.

I closed my eyes and focused on her animal growls and on the feeling of her perfect cock driving in and out. My underwear seared against my ankles, chafing as I tried to spread my legs further to ease the sting.

"Oh, God," I moaned to myself, lost in another world, feeling her as deep as I could get her.

"Fuck," she bit out, crushing my hip with her hand as she drove into me. "You're wrapped so goddamn tight around me." I yelped when she twisted her fingers in me, and she stilled instantly.

"Don't stop," I begged and found my bottom lip with my teeth again.

She picked up her pace quickly, shoving me into the bed with each thrust. "That's it, baby. Come hard with two fingers in your ass."

A cry tore from my throat as I exploded with a forceful and sudden orgasm. It was so powerful that my insides cramped and then released and it was over before I knew it. She withdrew from me completely, so I sank down to the floor, still clutching the lip of the bed. Breaking into a cold sweat, I set my forehead against the frame. My heart pounded everywhere—in my ears, against my ribcage, between my legs. I had no idea if Lisa had even come.

"Hey," she said softly, crouching down next to me. "Are you all right?"

I nodded against the bed but didn't respond. She placed her hand over mine and removed it from the bed. She took my chin so I was forced to look at her. "Are you?" she asked earnestly.

I nodded again, and after a moment, she kissed me.

"Jesus," she said, drawing back and touching her lip. "You're bleeding." She pulled at my lower lip to inspect it. "You broke the skin. Were you in pain?"

I dropped my gaze to the floor. "I don't know. Kind of?" I said. "But it felt amazing, too. I think that's the hardest I've come yet."

"Damn it, Jennie, why didn't you tell me?" she asked as if she hadn't heard the last part.

My chest heaved as I searched her face. Was she mad? Why was she cursing at me?

"I have to know if I'm hurting you, or else how can I trust you when we're having sex?" she asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I said it felt good, Lisa. I came really hard."

She sat all the way on the floor, her back against the bedframe. "Shit. Are you in pain now?"

"Not at all." I shook my head, still riding the bliss of my seriously intense orgasm. "Did you finish?"

She just stared at me, so I looked down and found my answer. She was hard, swollen, and glistening with my juices. I turned around, and with my back to her, I climbed astride her lap.

"Jennie," she protested. "You don't have to—" She stopped as I took her in my hand. My pussy greedily devoured her in one plunge.

I sat motionless, savoring the sensation of her thick, pulsing cock stretching me. I didn't think I could come again, my body was wrecked, but she felt so fucking good. Her hands parted my hair and pushed it over my shoulders, so it hung around my face. She kissed my spine softly and began to undo each hook of the pink corset. Once it hung open, she slid her hands underneath. "I don't want to hurt you," she said, running her hands over my skin. She reached around and grasped my breasts while moaning against my back. "I love you."

Goose bumps ignited over me as her lips brushed my shoulder. Her arms clutched my back to her front, rocking me slowly onto her. I turned my head so she kissed my cheek and the corner of my lips. "I love you, too," I rasped.

She loosened her grip on me, and I lifted to turn around and face her. She held herself as I leisurely sank onto her again.

With my hands in her hair, I said, "That's better."

She put one hand on my face and smoothed the other over my hairline before kissing me slowly. Urgency flowed from her to me, and our hips began their own dance. She touched me, circling her fingers over my clit.

"I can't," I protested. "This time is for you."

"You can," she said, moving her fingers faster.

"Lisa," I whimpered.

"God, I fucking love being inside of you. I own you like this," she said quietly. "When I'm buried in you this way, you have nowhere to go, no way to escape. You're finally mine."

She kissed me heatedly during the slow, rippling orgasm that her fingers and her erotic words sparked. It started between my thighs as if her hand there had ignited the fire now blazing through my veins. I gasped, but she held me still, forcing me to breathe into her as I threatened to float away.

We continued rocking into each other. Her hand moved into my hair, and she pulled it when she came. It felt like a promise of forever, her fisting my hair and coming, holding me so close to her with an arm around my back the whole time and for moments after.

Her face fell into my neck, and her shoulders swelled with deep breaths. "Are you okay, really?" she asked.

"It was intense," I whispered. "Good intense. But I don't think I want to try anal anytime soon."

Her arms relaxed around me, but she remained serious. "You have to tell me if it's too much. Promise?"

I nodded.

In bed, she lay on her back, and I draped one arm across her chest.

"I like you in lingerie," she whispered into my hair.

"Thanks," I murmured, tightening my embrace on her. I ran my foot along her leg, wondering how I'd always despised cuddling. "Did you get everything done at work today?"

"Not really. It's never-ending."

"You work so hard."

"For you, I'm trying to find ways to cut back," she said.

"It's okay. I like that you're passionate."

"I want to see you that way, too," she responded.

I smiled against her chest. "I see you have a new receptionist."

"New receptionist and new problems."

"How come?"

"The old receptionist, Clare, is threatening a wrongful termination lawsuit. She claims Arnaud came on to her several times, and she turned her down, so that's why we fired her."

I lifted my head to look at her. "But that's not why. I was there."

"I know. She called to let me know she's going to hire a lawyer to sue for sexual harassment."

I started to balk when I realized who I was talking to. Lisa's reputation hadn't materialized out of thin air. There was a very real possibility she'd slept with her. "Did you—"

"Never," she said. "I never touched her. I'm not that fucking stupid, and neither is Arnaud."

I believed her, but Arnaud? My creep radar went haywire in her presence. "You don't think there's any chance he tried?"

"Arnaud and I have done business together for a long time," Lisa said. "We would never have gotten this far without being honest with one another. He knows I wouldn't allow that shit in my office. Too risky." Her chest rose and fell with a sigh. "I did ask, though, just to be certain. He says he kept things entirely professional."

"Huh."

"What are you thinking?" she asked.

Lisa's work was her life, and Arnaud was a member of her team. But Arnaud was a pig, I could tell. Still, I proceeded cautiously. "Don't disregard her just yet. Maybe she'll drop it if you guys take it seriously and apologize."

"Apologize for what?" she asked. "She's pissed off that I fired her, and she's trying to get back at us. I don't like to indulge that kind of behavior."

I glanced up at her. "If that were true, why wouldn't she accuse you of sexual harassment instead of Arnaud?" I asked.

She rubbed her eyebrow. "Good point."

"Do you really want to go through the hassle of a lawsuit?" I asked. "One that would likely end in a huge settlement and a mark on your company's reputation?"

"No."

"So acknowledge that it's possible she's telling the truth. And, honey, I'm sorry, but . . . the way you fired her wasn't very nice."

She grunted and looked up at the ceiling. I ran a finger over each of her eyebrows and then over her lips, still amazed that I was lying in her bed and that I was allowed to just enjoy her. She caught my hand in her and kissed my knuckles.

"I don't want to talk about them while I'm in bed with you," she decided.

I resettled my head on her chest. "What do you want to talk about then?"

"I'll probably regret bringing this up, but was it too bad at the clothing store today?"

"No," I said honestly. "I decided I'd better get used to running into women you've slept with."

Her chest rose as she laughed. "I'm sorry. If I'd known all along I'd end up here, I would've remained a virgin."

I pinched her arm. "Liar. So long as I'm the one who gets to keep you, we're good."

"Works for me." She sat up, and I rolled back onto a pillow. "Where's the shopping bag?"

"By the closet."

She got out of bed, and I wiggled excitedly under the comforter as I remembered my present. She returned with the box and sat cross-legged on the mattress.

"What is it?"

"I'm not going to tell you," she said, rolling her eyes. "But it's not a ring. Not yet. Just open it."

Too giddy to get even more giddy at the thought of her proposing, I propped myself up against the headboard and unwrapped the box carefully. In my palm sat a small, black velvet box that creaked when I opened it. I gasped at a pair of big, shiny diamond studs. "I can't accept these."

She scooted closer, removed one of the diamond earrings from the box, and tucked a piece of my hair behind my ear to slide it in. "Perfect," she commented.

"Lisa, I—"

"I have an ulterior motive," she interrupted, moving to the other ear. "I thought maybe if I put something pretty in your earlobes, you'd stop nervously pulling on them all the time."

I smiled widely and launched forward, crushing her lips to mine. "Thank you."

"I must say, diamonds suit you. There'll be more where those came from." I opened my mouth to protest, but she cut me off. "Don't argue, just tell me you love them," she whispered.

"Oh." I sighed. "I love them, and I love you."

She rolled me onto the bed and settled on top of me. We remained that way, kissing and whispering softly to each other, until we could no longer keep our eyes open.