A few days after Lee Know's announcement, Jenny and I are doing some last-minute shopping for my trip to Italy!
"Let's see, I've already packed my sunglasses, deodorant, plenty of socks--"
"Sounds like an old lady's suitcase. Where's the lingerie in this place?"
"That'd just be money down the drain at this point... We're going on a business trip to meet up with his fiancee and stay at the Russo's villa. Not to mention the fact I've been avoiding Lee Know since our big fight."
"You're avoiding him? Why?"
" 'Cause I have no idea what to say! Last time I tried to confront him, it didn't exactly go well..."
I think back on that night in Lee Know's office, my face flushing at the though of him smirking at me from between my legs.
"Pssh. Details."
"Look, Jenny...I need your advice! Everything's such a mess! I don't know what to do..."
"Aw, sweetie."
Jenny wraps her arms around me.
"It sounds like you need to talk to Lee Know, no shenanigans. Have a real, honest conversation about what's going on, and what your future looks like."
"Really? You don't think I should like, hide in his bed naked or something?"
"I mean, I definitely do think you should do that...just make sure you talk to him after."
I chuckle as I lean into my friend's embrace, feeling a little better.
"But you still owe it to yourself to look amazing on that nine-hour flight."
Jenny pulls me into one of my favorite stores. It only takes her a few minutes to find a complete outfit for me to try on.
"Imagine yourself relaxing in Tuscany with a glass of wine in one hand while a gorgeous man feeds you grapes."
"Is that what happens when you wear a trendy outfit in Italy?"
"Wear this and find out."
"Hand it over."
I emerge from the dressing room in a short white, skin tight, off the shoulder dress and spin around so Jenny can get a full effect.
"Lee Know can eat his heart out...or not. In this dress, I don't even care."
"Hell yeah, you don't! 'Wild and Free' is a good look on you. Feeling better about your trip?"
"Definitely. I guess I just needed some retail therapy."
"Happy to be of service. You know I'm gonna require like, a daily update on what's going on over there, right?"
"Wouldn't expect anything less."
I spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out with Jenny, trying not to think too hard about the journey I'm about to take. The next day, I lead the boys onto the Lee's private jet, meticulously avoiding Lee Know's gaze.
"Dibs on top bunk!" Mason yells
"No fair!" Mickey yells back.
The boys run through the main seating area, disappearing behind a door into the back of the plane.
"There are bedrooms on this thing?"
"Yes, ma'am. We're equipped with every amenity you could possibly imagine." The flight attendant replies.
"Really? Even a full-body massage?"
"Indeed, we have a mini spa as well. Here's a pamphlet that lists all of our treatments if you're interested."
"...I was kidding, but good to know." I giggle with a wide smile.
"Thank you, Ellie. That will be all for now." Lee Know tells the attendant.
"Very good. I'll go check on the boys. Push the call button if you need me."
Lee Know catches my eye as Ellie disappears into the back. He offers me a small smile.
"You look wonderful today. New outfit?"
"You know what they say...new country, new me."
"I hope everything about you hasn't changed...although I do like the new look."
I search his eyes, not sure what I'm looking for...and even less sure if I've found it.
"Thank you."
I slip into a seat across the aisle from Lee Know, still trying to adjust to traveling in such luxury. Soon, the plane takes off, and I settle in for the nine-hour flight. I flip open a magazine from the airport kiosk.
"What has you so absorbed over there?"
"Oh, nothing. Just some mindless reading."
"I'm not sure there is such a thing."
I turn to look at Lee Know, really look at him, for the first time in days.
"Lee Know, how are you planning to pass the time on this flight?"
"I'll probably do some reading of my own, but I also have some work to attend to. And I'd love for us to have that conversation you've been avoiding the past couple days..."
"I, uh...don't know what you're talking about!"
I purposefully turn away, lifting my magazine to block him out. I flip to the next page and see a full-page spread of me at the charity gala, standing near Lee Know!"
"Oh my God! Lee Know, have you see this?"
"I told you that you were a big hit that night. Even the press thinks so."
"I can't believe I made the tabloids...it's a good thing they didn't let cameras inside the gala. That could have been embarrassing..."
"Would it have been so bad? I'm not embarrassed about anything that happened that night."
"...You aren't?"
"Absolutely not. I may regret how some things were handled after the fact...but nothing that happened that night. Or the night after, for that matter."
"Lee Know..."
Lee Know moves across the aisle next to me. He touches my hand, and my heart aches at the familiar spark I feel. I know that the two of us still need to talk. I need to figure this out before we reach Italy... My eyes roam his face, taking in his intense gaze, then settling on his wicked lips.
"...(Y/N)?"
My mind flashes with all the things I could do to him...and all the things he could do to me. My body throbs between my legs, aching with need. I reach for him, and his eyes darken with desire... I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him close...
"I want you."
"If this is a trick to distract me from our talk--"
"It's not. I just need you inside me."
Lee Know bites out a curse before he captures my mouth with his, coaxing it open as the two of us settle back into our seats. He grabs a nearby blanket and spreads it over our laps, then slides his hands under it, stroking my inner thigh as his lips brush against my throat. Lee Know's fingers find my center and rub in a tight circle through my clothes. My eyes go unfocused as all my attention hones on the throb between my legs... Unable to stand his teasing, I move to straddle Lee Know's lap, trapping his hand between my legs.
"That's better..."
"So much for our security blanket."
"Do you mind?"
"Definitely not. The view is better like this."
Lee Know leans forward to pepper your chest with fiery kisses. I curse the thin layer of fabric that separates his lips from my skin.
"I just want you to be comfortable."
I wrap my arms around his neck and grind against his fingers, making me quiver at my core.
"Oh, I am."
My hand reaches down to caress him through his pants, already stiff and ready for me.
"Is all this for me?"
"Only you."
I unzip his pants and slide my fingers into his boxers. The rough fabric of his clothes rub against me as I pump my hand up and down. Lee Know thrusts his hips up into my touch and moans...loudly.
"(Y/N)..."
"Mmm, I love that sound. But you'd better keep it down..."
Lee Know's eyes darken at my teasing.
"Is that a challenge?"
His fingers dip inside me, and I bite my lip as my hips writhe into his touch.
"Yes..."
"I bet I can make you come first..."
Lee Know's breath is hot and heavy in my ear, and I shiver as his fingers never break pace as they work me over. But I'm determined to bring him to climax in sync with me. I remove my hand from his pants so I can lick my palm.
"(Y/N)..."
Then reach for Lee Know again, pumping my hand even faster than before as he rocks into my touch.
"Oh God..."
Lee Know closes his eyes, breathing deeply. I redouble my efforts, desperately to see him lose control. But I'm so focused on his pleasure that I'm momentarily distracted from my own...until Lee Know adds another finger as his thumb continues to circle me. His other hand finds my breast under my clothes, teasing my nipple through my bra.
"Lee Know..."
"I won't cum until you do..."
I move faster against him, pushing him toward the edge even as his touch pulls me impossibly deeper and higher.
"That's it, (Y/N). Cum for me."
His words shoot straight to my core. My toes curl and my mouth falls open. I know I'm going to. I rock my body and throw my head back, unable to stop myself.
"...Lee Know, yes! "
Lee Know's eyes roll back as he lets go at the same time.
"...(Y/N)! "
I shudder together, trembling with release. Eventually, I gather the strength to lift my head and look Lee Know in the eyes.
"Call it a tie?"
Lee Know chuckles, kissing me lightly.
"Fair enough. But watch yourself, or I might demand a rematch."
After another moment, I shift to sit next to Lee Know again. The two of us take a moment to adjust ourselves. I gulp in a deep breath.
"So...about that talk."
Lee Know freezes for just a moment, almost imperceptibly, then he nods. I take that as my cue to continue.
"What're we going to do?"
"I don't know. I shouldn't have put you in such a terrible position..."
Lee Know rubs the back of his neck.
" 'Terrible position'? Meaning..."
My heart aches, but I force myself to say the words, fighting to keep my expression neutral.
"You're still going to marry Sofia. Even after we..."
"Yes. I... I have to."
Lee Know sighs as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders...but the sound just exasperates me even more.
"You don't have to do anything. You could leave Sofia and be with me. I know I'm not some fancy business mogul who comes with a billion dowry, but I'm good for you. We're good for each other. I'm the right choice."
"(Y/N)...I can't."
His voice cracks as he whispers my name, like his heart is breaking. Like he's not the one crushing me.
"Why not? "
"...Because of the boys."
"The boys? What do they have to do with this?"
"Everything. I don't know what you've heard about me and Sofia, but the arrangement was our parents' idea. A way to merge our families and companies."
"Because it's the 19th century again?"
"Something like that. But I've known Sofia forever, and I already married for love once... At the time, the engagement seemed like the right move."
"A way to secure a legacy for Mason and Mickey."
"Exactly. After everything they've been through with their mom and previous nannies, I felt like they needed a stable, motherly presence in their lives. My dad is officially stepping down as CEO after the merger, and I'll take over for him, as long as everything goes as expected. It was the perfect plan. But then..."
"Then you met me."
Lee Know nods. I feel my heart sink even further.
"If I don't marry Sofia, I lose everything. It'd be an easy decision if I only had myself to think about. But if Robin takes over the company, Mason and Mickey would lose everything too. And Lee Enterprises...it's their birthright."
"Lee Know...I get it. I can't ask you to do something that would hurt Mason and Mickey...I think we should...sneak around. I get that you can't leave Sofia...so I'm not asking you to."
"(Y/N), you deserve better than--"
"I don't want better. I want you. Can you give me that?"
Lee Know gives me a long look, his expression unreadable.
"Yes, I can give you that. We'll have to be careful, but if you're willing...I'm too selfish to say 'no'. "
"We'll just...go with the flow, do what feels good."
I motion for Lee Know to move closer, then snuggle against his shoulder. For the first time since the gala, I feel like I can finally relax. As I drift off the sleep, I hear Lee Know whisper...
"I wish I could give you more."
Hours later, we finally land in Italy and make the drive to Sofia's family villa with Lee Know and the kids. Even though it feels like six in the morning to me, the noon sun is dazzling.
"I'm so tired, I can barely see straight."
"(Y/N), you can take a nap while me and Mason go to the beach!"
"Nice try, Mickey, but there are other adults who can watch you while (Y/N) rests."
"Can't blame a kid for trying..."
"Dad, will you take us to the beach?" Mason asks.
"At some point, definitely. But we should check in with our hosts before we make any plans--"
"Is that my boo-bear I hear? "
Sofia emerges from the house and greets us all with the same airy side-kiss against each cheek.
"You're finally here! Welcome to our humble abode."
My stomach churns at the sight of Sofia, a stark reminder that Lee Know is engaged...and I've chosen to ignore that fact. I've got to stay strong. I've made my decision...and Lee Know is worth it. I look back at him, and he smiles at me as he leans in to whsiper.
"Don't worry, we'll get you that nap soon."
"Are you going to join me? "
His eyes darken...
"Next time."
"(Y/N), that dress is divine. I was worried that...never mind, you'll fit right in."
"...Thanks."
"Come in, come in. It won't do for the neighbors to see us standing outside all day."
"But Aunt Sofia, there aren't any other houses around..."
Sofia waves him off as she ushers the group of us through the house and to the back patio.
"I'll just give you a quick tour so you don't get lost--"
"Can we start with the pool?" Mickey asks with excitement.
Before Sofia can respond, the boys take off running.
"Mickey! Wait for me!"
The boys race to the side of the pool and throw open their suitcases, looking for their swim trunks. Soon, all their previously-packed clothes are scattered on the ground.
"(Y/N), aren't you going to do something about this?"
"Actually, as their future stepmom, maybe you should."
Sofia huffs and looks at Mickey and Mason. I lean over and whisper to Lee Know...
"This oughta be good..."
"I'm almost afraid to look."
"You two, stop it right now and clean up this mess!"
"No thanks!" Mason says.
"Target acquired, Admiral Mason!"
Mickey triumphantly holds a super soaker up in the air.
"How did they sneak that into their luggage?" I ask in shock.
Mickey quickly fills the water gun, the starts spraying his brother.
"Boys! Enough!" Sofia yells in panic.
Mason and Mickey both turn to look at Sofia...taking the water stream with them and splashing Sofia in the face!
"Sorry!" Mickey shouts
I fight the urge to laugh but I know I have to step in.
"Alright, I think that's enough. Boys, clean up your clothes right now."
"Yes, (Y/N)..."
"I really didn't mean to spray you, Aunt Sofia. I was aiming for Mason.
"...I accept your apology."
I turn to Lee Know as the boys hurriedly throw their clothes back into their suitcases.
"Maybe we should let them blow off some steam after being cooped up in the plane for so long."
"Good thinking. Let's take this tour away from the pool..."
Sofia leads us to the back patio with a gorgeous overlook of the surrounding hills.
"Wow. I could get used to this."
"It's a stunning view." Lee Know says while looking at me.
"And it's the perfect place to play hide-and-seek!"
"Not it!" Mason yells while tagging his brother.
The boys start to run toward the rows of vines, but Sofia swiftly blocks their path.
"The vineyard is not for recreation. It's a Russo subsidiary."
"What does that mean?" Mickey asks confused.
"It means little boys shouldn't play hide-and-seek in it."
It's the perfect way for the boys to burn off some of their energy and Sofia is being a stick in the mud about it. They should enjoy their vacation. Maybe if Lee Know can convince Sofia to let all us play a few games than maybe I could steal a few moments alone with him. I lean over to Lee Know to whisper that he should say something...but he steps forward before I can.
"Sofia, be reasonable. The boys won't hurt the vines, and they could use the chance to run around a bit."
"But these varietals take years to grow to fruition. One misstep and--"
"Please, Aunt Sofia!" Mason begs.
"We promise we won't touch any grapes!" Mickey puts on puppy dog eyes as Mason joins him.
"And if anything does happen, I'll make sure your father knows it was my fault."
"But nothing will. Lee Know and I will make sure of it."
Sofia looks at each of us in turn before realizing she's vastly outnumbered.
"Very well. On one condition..."
"What?" Mason asks.
"...I'm not 'it' either!"
"You're gonna play too? Not it!"
I smile as I dance backward from the group, putting space between me and whoever ends up being 'it'.
"Not it!" Lee Know shouts.
We all look at Mickey.
"Whatever, I'm the fastest anyway."
"This planter will be home base. You can't get tagged while you're touching it."
"Yeah, yeah. But first...you all have to hide!"
Mickey closes his eyes and starts counting as everyone scatters to find a hiding spot. I slip between two vine branches just as Mickey shouts...
"Ready or not, here I come! "
I can hear his footsteps barreling down the path. I hold my breath just as he comes into view. But as I hold my breath, I feel a tickle in my nose, and a sneeze threatening to come out! I stifle the sneeze, and wait until Mickey disappears down another aisle before peeking my head out to see if he's gone.
"That was close!"
I slip along the rows of vines, quietly making my way back to home base until...
"(Y/N)!"
"Too slow!"
I make a break for home base and spot Lee Know already standing there.
"Come on, (Y/N)! I've got you!" Lee Know shouts with laughter.
"Not if I get you first!"
As Mickey stretches out his hand to tag me, Lee Know reaches for me, yanking me powerfully into his arms.
"Safe!"
"...For now. I'll get you next time!"
"We'll see about that."
"Sofia and Mason are still out there... Unless you want them to win."
"Never!"
Mickey rushes off, leaving me and Lee Know alone. Lee Know's arms are still wrapped around me, and I'm not sure if he even realizes.
"Don't you wish we were alone? "
Lee Know looks down, almost startled as he realizes his hands are still on me.
"Yes. Definitely. Then I'd be able to..."
He trails off, his gaze focused on my lips.
"You'd be able to...what? "
"I probably shouldn't say..."
"If you don't tell me, then my imagination will run wild."
"Funny, that's exactly what's happening to me right now."
I clear my throat.
"Thanks for saving me."
"Any time. I--"
Suddenly, a triumphant shout from Mickey interrupts the two of us. I turn to see him walking Sofia toward the patio, while Mason jobs behind them.
"I got Aunt Sofia!"
"She was talking on her phone! I saw the whole thing."
"Nice one, Mickey." I cheer.
"I had to take the call! They didn't know I was in the middle of a game."
"Sounds like he got you fair and square, Sofia." Lee Know says.
"Which means you're it."
"Very well."
Sofia closes her eyes and starts counting loudly. The rest of us head back out into the vineyard to hide. The boys turn down one path, giggling quietly together as they duck under some vines. Lee Know turns down a path in the opposite direction. He spots me looking at him and winks. Behind me, I can hear Sofia's countdown coming in a close. I follow Lee Know down a row of vines. With a mischievous little flutter in my heart, I slip into the space between two trellises with him.
"Come here often?" I giggle with a cheesy pick up line.
"I will, if you'll be here."
I hear Sofia's voice ring out over the vineyard, close but still quite a ways away.
"Hellooo? I hear giggling! "
"Sounds like she's going after the boys."
"To be fair, they're probably less well hidden." Lee Know tells me.
"Yeah, but if they stay low to the ground, she might let them slide...just so she doesn't have to get dirty."
"Who knew being short was such an advantage in this game?"
The two of us chuckle, and I let myself savor our closeness, if only for a moment...
"Lee Know..."
He looks at me, drawing nearer. I lean in and brush my lips against Lee Know's softly, sweetly, just enough to leave my heart hammering in my chest.
"(Y/N)..."
I gasp softly as he grips my hips and pulls me closer, coaxing my mouth open with his tongue and kissing me thoroughly. After a moment, he lets me go, and it's all I can do to catch my breath.
"Sorry. I always seem to lose myself around you."
"That's probably because--"
"Gotcha!"
I leap into the air as I feel Sofia's hand come down on my shoulder. I whirl around to find her grinning at me.
"How'd you sneak up on us so quietly?
And just how much did you see?
Sofia holds up her high heels.
"I took off my shoes for a silent approach."
"Clever. Looks like we underestimated you." Lee Know stays with a surprised grin.
"Too bad (Y/N) was closer. I was aiming to catch you, Min-ho."
"Rules are rules. I'd better head back to home base to count."
We keep playing hide-and-seek into the early afternoon, until the jet lag finally catches up to me. I'm shown to my room, and I fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Hours later, after accidently taking a much longer nap intended, I wake up and shuffle into the kitchen.
"I just made a fresh pot of coffee. You want some?"
"Sofia! You scared me!"
"(Y/N), if you're going to stay at my villa, you should get used to seeing me in it."
"Sorry, I'm just out of it from the jet lag. I'd love a cup of coffee. The biggest you've got."
"Coming right up."
Sofia turns away to pull the mugs out of the cupboard when I hear a buzzing sound on the counter. I don't try to snoop, but as I glance down to pick up the phone, the text massages jump out at me...
D.T.F.:
-So...last night was fun.
-Too bad we had to cut it short.
-Damn fiancés.
Oh my God...Sofia's cheating on Lee Know?!