I'm in Robin's office, trying to clean up my spilled drink...when Lee Know walks in on us with Robin's hands all over me.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."
"Lee Know! It's not what it looks like!"
"And what, pray tell, does it look like?"
"Relax, Lee Know. We were just trying to clean a stain. (Y/N) spilled on herself, see?" Robin points to my soiled shirt, which I'm not sure is helping. A strange hardness gleams in Lee Know's eye as he looks at his brother...but finally, he clears his throat and turns to me.
"So...how's party planning been going?"
"We're actually all done. It wasn't easy. Sofia had some very...specific instructions."
"Ah, yes. I'm familiar with Sofia's lists. She's..."
"Obnoxiously high maintenance?"
"As her boyfriend, I think I'd better plead the fifth."
"How diplomatic of you. If Dad does end up disowning you, you've always got a future in politics." Robins joking laughs.
"And now I'm certain I've left you alone with Robin enough for one day. I hope he hasn't spilled all our family secrets already."
I think back on all those personal questions I asked him and feel a pang of guilt.
"Don't worry, (Y/N) still doesn't know about the band we were in..."
"Oh wow, would you look at the time? I actually came by to offer (Y/N) a ride home. Unless..." His eyes dart over to Robin, and I see a flash of something I can't quite put my finger on. "...You still have some unfinished business here?"
Is Lee Know...jealous? Maybe I can use this to get closer to him... There's only one way to find out.
"Well, (Y/N)? Are you coming?"
"We're done here. I'd love a ride home." I put my drink back on the tray and gather my things to go. Maybe it's my imagination, but I think I catch a weird look between Lee Know and Robin.
"We'll see you later, Robin. Try not to work too hard."
Maybe I should try something.
I turn to Robin and smile. "Yeah, catch you later cutie." I throw Robin a playful wink.
"How's the old adage go? I hate to see you go...but I love to watch you leave." Robin grins.
"Aren't you suppose to be on the clock right now?"
"You know I'm salaried."
Lee Know glares and moves into the hallway. Robin reaches out and takes my arm, drawing me back.
"What are you doing? "
"What am I doing? What are you doing? I've never seen him so wound up over my flirting before. It's my new favorite thing."
"...(Y/N)? "
"Coming!"
Robin's words still echo in my mind as I follow Lee Know outside to meet Carter. I slide into the backseat of the town car with Lee Know close behind.
"Hello there, Ms. (YLN). I trust your engagement party brainstorming was productive?"
"Surprisingly yes, despite working with Robin."
"I do see the conundrum there. Would you like some music, Mr. Lee?"
"Yes, something soft, please."
Ambient music quietly fills the car as Carter rolls up the tinted partition to give us privacy. Lee Know turns to me, his gaze darkened.
"Now that we're alone, you can tell me how your day with Robin really went. I hope he didn't bother you too much. Was he that flirty with you all day?"
"Honestly? Robin behaved himself. I think he just likes to see you squirm."
"Was I squirming?"
"You tell me."
Lee Know stares at me thoughtfully, considering his answer. "Maybe a little bit..." Lee Know casually puts his hand on my knee, and my lips part with surprise. There's a possessive glint in his eyes I've never seen before. "Let me know if Robin ever does anything that crosses the line. Or anyone else, for that matter... Myself included."
"You'll be the first to know. I've got your number on speed dial. As for whether or not you cross the line..."
I pause, debating for a moment whether I'm about to do the crossing...then push on.
"There are a few things you could do to me, that I'd object to."
Lee Know's grip tightens on my leg, just a little, and a thrill runs through me.
"(Y/N)...you shouldn't say things like that."
"Why not? It's true."
Lee Know catches my gaze, the dark intensity in my eyes making my stomach clench in anticipation.
"Because it makes me want to do all sorts of things to you. Things I definitely shouldn't want to do."
I lay my hand over Lee Know's and gently guide it up my leg. I shiver as his fingers brush my inner thigh, tracing delicate circles across my skin.
"Lee Know..."
"Tell me to stop."
His fingers slide further up, leaving a teasing trail of fiery touches.
"I don't want you to."
"(Y/N)..."
My eyes flutter closed as I moan, willing him to keep touching me...begging him to apply more pressure...
"Please, don't stop..."
"God, I want to taste you..."
Lee Know's fingers finally reach the apex between my thighs, lightly brushing against the fabric of my panties.
"I want to make you say my name."
His fingers slip beneath the remaining fabric, and I gasp.
"...Lee Know."
Suddenly, I realize the music has stopped, and the car is parked.
"We're home!"
Lee Know quickly disentangles himself from me. The partition rolls down just as the two of us settle on opposite sides of the backseat.
"We've arrived. I'll let you out here and then park the car. Unless you need something else?"
"No, that will be all."
"Thank you, Carter."
Lee Know steps out of the car, then reaches back to help me out behind him. I take his hand, feeling the spark ignite between us.
"Shall we?"
I nod, trying to shake it off and act like nothing happened, but I just can't... Before I know it, the day of the engagement party has finally arrived. With the afternoon off, I meet up with Jenny to shop for the perfect look.
"Okay, I know you've been holding out on me. Spill! Where did it happen? How long did it last? Is he as good as he looks?"
"I feel my cheeks flood with heat as I try to shush her, frantically look around to make sure no one heard.
"Jenny! Nothing like that has happened."
"Yet! Don't you stand there and lie to me. I took two trains and a taxi to get here."
With a sigh, I lower my voice and fill Jenny in on everything...the close calls, the jealousy, the engagement.
"I'm going to have him no matter what."
"I like your spunk! Do you have a plan? Posing naked in his bed always works."
"Jenny..."
"Hold that thought!"
Jenny races through the racks and picks up a gorgeous gown.
"(Y/N)! This is the one. The one the prophecy foretold. You've got to try it on!"
I look at the beautiful lace and the flattering high-low silhouette that shows just enough leg.
"Hand it over."
I quickly go to the dressing room, slip the dress on and go back to show Jenny.
"Well, what do you think?"
"You look fab. Lee Know won't be able to peel his eyes off of you."
"...Perfect." The two of us grin as we head to the register to pay for my dress.
That evening, I arrive at the hotel for the engagement party in style. The Paparazzi start snapping my picture as soon as I emerge from the limo with the twins.
"Whoa. I guess this party really is a big deal."
"Is that why we had to dress up? Again? " Mickey asks annoyed.
"At least there'll be cake, right? Right, (Y/N)? " Mason quickly asks in a panic.
One of the paparazzi waves at me, trying to get my attention.
"And who is this newest member of the Lee household? Tell us about yourself, honey."
"Uh... I'm (YF/LN), the new nanny."
"Did Sofia Russo approve this development?"
"I'm pretty sure Lee Know doesn't need permission to hire someone to look after his kids."
"Ooo, do I sense some tension there? Is Sofia nice to you? Is she happy with Mr. Lee? Do they fight?"
"Come on, kids. Let's get inside."
"Yes, please!"
I enter the party with the twins, and my eyes fall on Lee Know immediately. He stands on the other side of the room, receiving congratulations from visitors with Sofia. My heart thumps in my chest at the sight.
"Dad!" Mickey yells.
"Hey, boy."
"Congratulations on your big night."
Lee Know's gaze darkens as his eyes slowly lift to mine, taking me in from head to toe.
"(Y/N), you look stunning."
"Thank you."
"Hmm. You do clean up surprisingly well. Thanks for bringing the boys to this event, (Y/N). I know all this glamour and excitement probably isn't your scene." Sofia says interrupting Lee Know and I.
"I think I can manage one party."
"That's the spirit."
A waiter swings past the kids, lowering a tray of sliders for them to sample.
"Are those burgers?" Mickey asks wide eyed and happy.
"Best. Party. Ever!" Mason cheers.
The twins happily stuff their faces as Lee Know leans over and whispers. "This was your doing, wasn't it? "
"I'll never tell."
Sofia comes stomping up to us with an annoyed look on her face. "I can't believe Robin put those abominations on the menu. Would a little class be too much to ask?"
"Speak of the devil..."
Robin approaches our group, arms wide.
"I guess we shouldn't be surprised that you're fashionably late."
"Damn, (Y/N). You lookin' to get laid tonight?"
"Really, Robin? Must you be so uncivilized?" Sofia asks.
"I've always been a maverick. So drinks, anyone? Just me? Be right back."
"Good to see you too, Robin." Lee Know says sarcastically as Robin is already out of ear shot.
Mason tugs on my elbow. "Uncle Robin left before I could ask for a water."
"I'm thirsty too!" Mickey adds.
"I'll go tell him. Two waters, coming up."
Robin watches you approach the bar on the far side of the dance floor.
"Couldn't resist following me, huh?"
"That, and the boys asked me to grab them something to drink." I grab two water bottles from the bartender. As I turn back, Robin lifts his hand and tenderly strokes my cheek. "What're you doing?"
"Seeing if I can turn Lee Min-ho fifty shades of red. Just look at him." I subtly glance over my shoulder... Sure enough, Lee Know is watching intensely, his jaw tight and his eyes hard. "Fun, isn't it? I bet we could make him positively explode if we kiss..."
I look back at Lee Know, trying to gauge his reaction, when I realize... "Oh my God, where are the twins?" At some point during the drink distraction, the boys managed to slip away into the crowd. I frantically scan the room for any sign of them.
This can't be good...
"...Dare I ask?"
"We want to see how much icing flies onto Sofia when she cuts into our prank Balloon Cake!"
I try to maintain my stern expression as I picture it.
Okay, I gotta admit, that'd be hilarious. But I am their nanny, and I should be a good role model...
"...I'm in. Tell me what to do."
Mickey and Mason grin at each other, then turn back to me. "We've already blown up the balloons. We just need you to help us make the cake look realistic. Then we'll hide the real cake and swap'em out." Mason says with and evil smile.
"I'm only doing this because Sofia needs a little wake-up call. And this prank will be just the thing."
Within a matter of minutes, the three of us have made something that resembles an engagement cake. I make the swap.
"All that's left is to watch and wait."
I leave the fake cake in the kitchen and return to the party trying to act as casual as possible as I rejoin the others.
"Lee Know, Sofia...the crowd is starting to get restless. Maybe you should cut the cake or something?"
"Wonderful idea, Robin!" I say with excitement.
"Uh...sure?"
Lee Know gives me an odd look as Robin herds him and Sofia to the center of the room. One of the catering staff wheels out my prank cake.
"Oh my! This cake sure is...different."
"But I bet it taste great."
"I know I'd sure like to try it." Mickey says eagerly waiting for Sofia to cut into the cake.
"Cake! Cake! Cake!" Mason chanting.
"If it'll keep you quiet..."
The boys and I share a smile as Sofia picks up the knife and leans close to the cake... I hold my breath as Sofia slices into the cake...and icing explodes all over her!
"What the hell?! Who did this?"
"Sofia! You poor thing... Let me help you clean up--"
"Unless you know how to get buttercream out of Chanel, back off. And why are you still taking pictures? Do you think I want this part of the night documented?"
Sofia stalks past the party photographer, who sneaks in one last picture. Lee Know turns to the twins.
"Boys. I think it's time for Carter to take you home..."
"Yes!" Mickey cheers.
"And we'll discuss this tomorrow."
"No..." Mason groans.
"I'll go grab our coats."
"You can stay, if you want, (Y/N). Carter can keep an eye on them, and not everyone's night should be cut short."
"Okay. If you're sure..."
Soon, the twins are ushered out by Carter, elated to return home and already forgetting their looming punishment. Sofia is still missing as the band strikes up the first song of the evening. Lee Know turns to me and extends a hand, eyes unreadable.
"May I have this dance, (Y/N)?"
"Um, of course..."
With my heart pounding in my throat, I take his hand and let him lead me to the dance floor. He holds me close, and I can almost forget that this is his engagement party with another woman...almost. I lean back a little so I can look at his face.
"This isn't so bad..."
"Did you think dancing with me would be?"
"Not like that! It's just...we haven't been this close since, uh...since..."
Since his hands were on me in the back of the town car... Since he came up to my room to apologize, and I heard him moan as I rubbed him down... Since we found ourselves tangled in each other's arms in the kitchen that night, weeks ago.
"(Y/N)...maybe we should find different dance partners."
"But the song hasn't even changed yet."
"It's not about the song. You know what it's about."
He presses his lips to my ear, lowering his voice to a husky whisper.
"You know how hard it is for me to resist you..."
"Then stop resisting. It's just a dance. We don't even have to talk."
Lee Know meets my eyes, his own stormy and intense. I wish I could tell what he was thinking. He swallows.
"I know that I shouldn't, but...my hands feel glued to you. And no matter how close I am..." Lee Know spins me out, holding on to my hand. "...I want to get closer." He spins me back a little too hard, and my body presses flush against his.
"Can't get much closer than this." Lee Know leans in to whisper in my ear. "That is where you're very, very wrong."
Lee Know shifts his hands down to my hips and guides me back so my arms are around his neck. Even though there are only inches between us, the extra space feels like a chasm. I cast around for something to talk about that doesn't sound like foreplay...or a breakup.
"It's such a beautiful party, Lee Know. I hope you're having a good time."
"Probably not as much as I should be, all things considered."
"Oh? Let's fix that."
I trace my hands along Lee Know's shoulders, down his sides to his waist. I close the distance and press my hips to his.
"This seems...unwise."
"That's what makes it fun."
My teasing smile seems to loosen Lee Know up a little, and he sways with me.
"(Y/N), I know we should probably talk."
"But this isn't the place. It's okay, Lee Know. Just dance with me. Are you ready?"
"For what?"
I smirk as I spin around in his arms until my back is against his chest...and our hips are still pressed together. His fingers clutch my waist desperately as I sway my hips back and forth against him. I relish the feeling of my body against his, hungry to be closer, Lee Know's lips find my ear.
"You're driving me crazy, (Y/N). I'm starting to wonder if that was your plan all along..."
"I definitely don't have my life together enough for any sort of plan."
I turn back around in his arms to face him, yet his hands remain glued to my waist.
"I'm just going with the flow, doing whatever feels good."
Lee Know groans quietly, his eyes fluttering closed for a moment. When he opens them, there's a now-familiar intensity staring back.
"There's something I need to ask you. I know I shouldn't...but I have to know."
"What?"
"You and Robin...you're not...are you?"
"Me and Robin?"
"I see the way he looks at you... He's never settled down with one woman in his life. You could do so much better."
"I could do better? Did you have someone in mind?"
His eyes sear into me as our bodies move together, forgetting the other partygoers completely.
"Someone like you, perhaps?"
"(Y/N), you must know..."
Suddenly, someone taps on my shoulder. I spin around. "(Y/N), we need to talk. Now." Without waiting for a response, Robin wraps an arm around my waist and sweeps me away from Lee Know.
What did I do this time?