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Hong Haein wandered around the museum with Secretary Na, gazing at the beautiful costumes from periods long gone to the present day. She loved visiting the museum. Here, she could escape and meander through the ages, leaving stress behind. But tonight, people were everywhere. She had exchanged pleasantries with many acquaintances, some she hadn’t seen in a long time. The men, in particular, were unusually friendly. If their smiles stretched any wider, she thought to herself, they’d split their faces in two.
“I told you not to wear that dress!” Secretary Na hissed in her ear. “I should’ve had Director Baek check the dress before he left for a late trial” she whispered to her friend and boss.
“Hyunwoo doesn’t control what I wear, Secretary Na.” Haein whispered back, returning a tight-lipped smile to another appreciative male hello. “Besides, it’s a beautiful dress, the only difference is the neckline’s lower than what I usually wear. That’s all”
“Fine, have it your way,” Secretary Na huffed, frowning at another man’s glazed stare at Hong Haein. The man gulped and turned away from her menacing glare.
With a wave of her hand, Haein smiled and consulted her program as they approached the next costume. The 1920’s flapper dress glittered with gold, shiny fringe and Haein pointed to it.
“That’s what I would have worn in the 1920’s,” she sighed in appreciation. “It’s gorgeous.”
“I don’t think your husband would appreciate you wearing that,” Secretary Na muttered, the words never reaching Haein’s ears.
---
“I can’t believe people wore this stuff,” Secretary Kim commented as he studied the Civil War-era wedding suit of Andrew Carnegie’s wife. “Gray wool traveling suit. She had to have melted into a puddle within ten minutes if she were in Asia!”
“And who would’ve been turned on by that?” Baek Hyunwoo chuckled, running a hand through his hair. He glanced around at the crowd, a scowl darkening his eyes. “I need to find Haein”
“I’m sure CEO Hong is around here. Secretary Na sent a message while you’re in court that they arrived.”
“It will be an eternity to find her around this many people” he complained, missing the appreciative glances of the young women nearby.
Secretary Kim shrugged and followed Baek Hyunwoo to the next costume. Director Baek groaned as he caught a glimpse of the example of a 1990’s ensemble for men.
“Well, if you ask me…”
Hyunwoo’s voice trailed off. Secretary Kim waited for the rest of the sentence. When it didn’t finish, he turned towards his boss to find him staring across the room, his mouth hanging open. If a truck had driven through the museum and knocked every exhibit over, Baek Hyunwoo couldn’t have looked more stunned. Paralyzed, he didn’t move.
Secretary Kim waved his hand in front of Baek Hyunwoo’s face. “Hello? Director. Are you in there? Hey. Earth to Director Baek.” Baek Hyunwoo’s eyes never blinked and Secretary Kim’s eyebrows lowered. Tall enough not to have to crane his neck to look over heads he searched the crowd. All he saw were lots of men dressed up and trying to look interested, unless they were designers themselves, and lots of beautiful women. Lots of them. Then he lowered his eyes.
“Wow,” Secretary Kim whispered in awe, CEO Hong Haein entering his line of sight.
With his ears ringing, Hyunwoo didn’t hear a word. Shock held him speechless, movement impossible. Oxygen depleted the surrounding area and he sucked for it. His eyes traveled over his petite wife; his brain unable to compute what his eyes beheld. The white dress hugging her every curve, her slender waist and the very very low neckline. Why didn’t she show him the dress before today? She normally models her dresses for him these days.
A curse slipped past his lips and Secretary Kim reeled back, his eyes widening.
Astounded at his boss. “Did you just say…”
“Shut up,” Hyunwoo glowered, though his eyes never left Haein. “Does she know…?” As he wondered, a man came into his peripheral vision, no more than two feet away. The comment he made to his date reached Hyunwoo’s ears. Fingers clenched into fists; Hyunwoo called on the self-control he prided in himself. Exploring the crowd, he studied the other men, catching some of them eyeing his wife as if they’d never seen her before.
“Um, Secretary Na looks like she’s going to bite that guy’s head off,” Secretary Kim pointed out, smothering his amused grin as Hyunwoo’s eyes narrowed on the offending party.
A man stumbled into Hyunwoo, not watching where he was going, his head unable to turn away from his wife. “Oh! Sorry, man, sorry,” the man blinked, shaking his head to clear it.
“S’alright,” Hyunwoo mumbled, his frown deepening by the second. Distracted, not looking at Secretary Kim he added, “See you later.”
“But Director Baek…” Secretary Kim’s voice dissipated into thin air as Hyunwoo never stopped to acknowledge him.
----
Hyunwoo wound his way slowly through the crowd, smiling politely at the females whose smiles dazzled, enticing him to stop. Here and there, he had no choice and did his best to look interested, but with every passing comment reaching his ears his temper inched higher. To make matters worse, his own heartbeat increased its normal tempo, making him nauseous. Every time he looked at his wife’s way his mood deteriorated, his desire to leave growing into a desire to get her away from the slimy, drooling wolves circling her, their circles growing smaller with each pass.
Ten feet away he realized he had no clue what to say to her. What he wanted to say would start World War III. Haein doesn’t like being told what to do, she shows him her dresses but he let her dress how she wants. And the closer he got to her, the more he saw that the vision wasn’t a mirage. Sexy as hell, he admitted to himself, his stomach rolling. He is aware of how sinfully beautiful Haein is, but he hates how men looks at her, especially since after her surgery. Haein’s sense of fashion became bolder, beautiful but bolder.
“Director Baek!” exclaimed an elderly man he recognized from one of the meetings he attended with Haein’s uncle.
Haein’s eyes drifted towards the sound.
Mesmerized, she stared. His recently trimmed hair is slicked back and eyes as bright as always, he smiled at the man chatting to him, unaware of his wife’s bemused stare. Comparisons sifted through her mind, holding him up to the others she had spoken to this evening. Taking in his stance, she ran her eyes over his black jacket and pants, a 3-piece Italian suit she ordered from Europe, noticing the brilliant white shirt she picked for him just that morning before they left the house. She chewed on her bottom lip as she struggled to decide what made him stand out. There were a few other men tonight, wearing more trendy clothing, even a K-pop idol and an actor chatted with her. What made her husband stand out in his Italian suit?
Relaxed in his stance, he continued talking, tilting his head closer to hear his companion. Eyes drifting, Haein searched the room to see what others wore. Haein gnawed at her lip faster. What was it that made him look so sexy where a hunky K-pop idol look bland?
Haein whipped her head around to her husband. That’s it! She congratulated herself, releasing her lip from between her teeth. Her eyes roaming over his face, he’s sporting an evening shadow, and makes him more manly and sexier in her eyes.
“Looks like Mr. Lim’s keeping Director Baek occupied” Secretary Na observed, “I wonder if he’s seen you already?”
“I don’t think so, he would’ve come over by now if he did” Haein replied.
“Oh, he’ll come,” Secretary Na’s smile unnerved Haein. “He’ll see you all decked out and drool over you like the rest.”
Haein rolled her eyes and laughed. “Have I handled every guy that’s prowled around me so far or not?”
Haein watched the scene unable to tear her eyes away. Where is he going? Hyunwoo moved catching Haein’s attention. Just as it appeared he was leaving, his eyes found Haein’s. All the breath in her lungs evaporated as those intense, brown eyes looking right into hers. A burst of heat flared over her skin, flushing her cheeks. Butterflies fluttered in her belly. Pinned to the spot, she waited for him to advance.
But, he didn’t. Staring momentarily at her, half his mouth curved a fraction, one eye closed for a millisecond. Then, he was gone, towed away by Mr. Lim.
“I don’t believe it!” Secretary Na’s mouth gaped in astonishment.
Stunned, Haein followed his retreat, deaf to Secretary Na’s commentary. Out of air she gasped a deep breath, realizing she had been holding it for quite some time. A shudder vibrated through her like the aftershock of an earthquake. Every muscle in her body locked and loosened at the same time, threatening to crumble her to the floor. Inside her head, a top spun emitting a high-pitched drone. For a moment, her eyes blurred as she visualized that brief moment again.
Guys had been winking at her for years, but no one, not in her entire life, had said so much, injected so much into one wink and a slight smirk. Rooted to the spot, she replayed the look on his face, the brief closing of the eye over and over and over. Her throat dried up; she couldn’t find the moisture to swallow. Something strange swept through her until she felt giddy like a girl with her first crush. But I’m not a girl, she reminded herself as her nipples peaked against the soft material of her dress, and he’s not a boy. Hyunwoo has never winked at her like that. Damn my missing memories.
“Oh!” Haein brought her hands up to cover her heated cheeks. Secretary Na peered at her with inquisitive eyes. The last thing Haein wanted was to share what had just happened with anyone else. Clutching it jealously to her, she allowed the strange melting course through her veins. “I am extremely thirsty,” she admitted with a weak smile. “Maybe we’d better go in to where the refreshments are so I can get something to drink.”
Secretary Na agreed and together they moved towards the reception area. Her back straightened; her chin lifted slightly elongating her neck. A new, secretive light gleamed in her brown eyes. Aware of the transformation, she welcomed it with new understanding. Where she was soft, he was hard. Where he was straight, she curved. Where she was tender, he was rough.
Dazed over the instantaneous flare up. She couldn’t even drudge up a desire to deny it. If this was what an addict went through when she got high, Haein could commiserate. She wanted to cling to this strange euphoria and experience it in a continuous loop. They sleep on the same bed, but Haein’s still hesitant to move to the next stage with her husband ex-husband, her mind traitorously corrected. Boyfriend! there, she conceded.
Haein accepted a glass of sparkling water from one of the waiters, denying the urge to seek alcohol for her tumble of nerves. Sipping, she closed her eyes and followed its quenching trail over her tongue, down her throat and into the cavern of her belly, every sensation in her body intensified.
She had heard of people looking across a crowded room and feeling electricity arc between them when their eyes met, but she was too realistic and logical to believe in that kind of thing. And here she stood, out of breath, heart palpitating, palms sweating because of one second out of her entire lifetime. Hot all over, she downed the rest of the water to cool off.
----
Finally, Hyunwoo managed to extricate himself from Mr. Lim and slipped through the crowd looking for Haein. The shock on her face when he had winked at her and the zap that sizzled between them encouraged him to whisk her away. It’s been so long since he’s tasted all of her. Too much time may have elapsed, giving her a chance to recover, but he had to seek her out. A premonition prickled along his spine, ending in a sly curve of his mouth. A few women nearby saw the voracious look and blinked as he strolled by.
“Wow!” one of them gasped. “I want one of those!”
“You’d have to fight me for him, honey,” another drawled.
“He’s got hunter written all over him,” the third smirked.
“Wish he was hunting me!” the second one sighed. “He is hot! What I would love to do to him!”
“You all have to fight Hong Haein for him. Baek Hyunwoo only has eyes for her.” Another commented.
Hyunwoo’s search led him into the reception area. Eyes scanning the crowd, like a bat signal, his eyes honed in on her. A frown creased his forehead as he saw two older men swaggering towards her. Barely remembering his manners, he pushed through the crowd.
If you want me to gouge your eyes out, keep looking at her like that, he warned silently.
By the time he reached her, they were trapping her in conversation, one on each side, eyeing her with suave appreciation, all but salivating. Men of money, they exuded sophistication and wealth, married and on the make for younger, ego driving sex, he deduced, clenching his teeth together. Not tonight. And definitely not his wife.
Hyunwoo stopped in front of Haein as one of them tried to dazzle her with his wit. The hairs on her arm lifted and she knew he was there even though she hadn’t seen him. Turning, she met his unsmiling, steely brown eyes. A lump lodged in her throat squeezing her airway. Up close he’s devastating, her heart beating a mile a minute. Without moving his head his eyes moved to stare at one man then the other. An uncomfortable silence ensued as each man floundered under the younger man’s gaze. Secretary Na, returning with another glass of sparkling water, stepped into the fray with her usual panache.
“Director Baek! You made it!” She greeted, pasting a too bright smile on her face.
He translated the ‘help me’ cry in her eyes and relented his menacing stance, stepping back a bit. A smile that never touched his eyes answered her.
“Sorry,” he apologized to Secretary Na and his wife, the words dropping like stones from his mouth. “I didn’t mean to ignore you both. I got waylaid by Mr. Lim.”
Haein’s eyes met his, a thousand words passing between them. A glance at each of the men, Hyunwoo leaned in, brushing his mouth at the corner of Haein’s lips.
There it is again! Haein caught her breath. Where his mouth touched electricity hummed and with a superhuman effort she stopped herself from moving her head to kiss Hyunwoo full on the lips. Chills run up her spine as he straightened and fixed her with his penetrating stare.
“How are you?” Her attention solely on him.
“Fine,” Haein’s voice squeaked. Mortified, Haein felt a rush of blood return to her cheeks.
Hyunwoo’s eyes swept over her face then nodded to the two older men. “And who are your friends?”
Confused, it took Haein a moment to understand, her mouth opening and closing before sound would come out.
“Oh! I don’t know,” she pinned a bright smile on her face, turning to look at the one on the right and then the left. “They just stopped to ask how I’ve been since I came back to Queens.”
“Ah!” Hyunwoo nodded, his eyes moving from one to the other.
Secretary Na, uncertain what to do in this uncomfortable situation, floundered for words.
“Wait a minute,” he stepped into the breach, a knowing glint in his eye. “Are you Mr. Jung?”
The taller man on the left straightened defensively as Haein rounded on him in surprise.
“Why, uh, yes, yes it is,” he blustered, his eyes refusing to meet Haein’s. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason,” Hyunwoo shrugged as if it was no matter. Except, you’re leering at my wife, he thought to himself. “I just remember seeing you with her earlier and she was talking with some friends of mine when I joined them. Last I saw her, she was searching for you.”
Tight-lipped, the man attempted a casual smile. “Oh! Well, then, I must be off. It was nice to see you again CEO Hong.” And with that the men marched away at a quick pace.
“Oh, thank God!” Secretary Na beamed at him, admiring his style. “I didn’t know baby boomers could move that fast. I’m impressed, Director Beak.”
“Did you know they were hitting on you?” Hyunwoo ignored Secretary Na to question Haein.
“Yes,” she answered, wishing she had another glass of water to hold in front of her for protection from the seismic-sized vibes radiating off of him. “I would’ve gotten rid of them in a moment if you hadn’t, but thank you.”
I sound like a complete idiot, she cringed inwardly, as his eyes swept over her at leisure, starting fires wherever they went.
“Do you know why they were hitting on you?” He pursued, his eyes on the curve of her hip, his tone idle as if they were discussing something as inane as the weather.
Brows forming a frown, Haein stared up at him, trying to follow his line of thinking slightly shaking her head.
Hyunwoo exchanged a glance with Secretary Na who raised her eyebrows in return.
One hand cupping her head, he leaned in again and touched the corner of Haein’s mouth ripping new explosions throughout her body. With a nod to Secretary Na, he turned and strolled away. Dazed, the women watched him walk to the makeshift bar and receive a long-necked bottle of beer. He lifted it to his lips taking a long drink, his eyes on Haein as he swallowed the cold, amber liquid. When he lowered it from his lips, he released her from his gaze and disappeared into the crowd.
Secretary Na waited patiently, arms folded, giving Haein the chance to speak first, but she was too busy scanning the crowd trying to catch another glimpse of him.
Haein barely heard her but spun to face her secretary. “What are you talking about?”
“Men are hitting on you because of your dress!” Secretary Na emphasized each word in hopes they would penetrate Hong Haein’s stubborn denial.
Haein threw her arms up in the air. “There’s nothing wrong with my dress!” she huffed, anger stamping her delicate features. Heaving a deep, frustrated sigh she pinched her lips together and glared at Secretary Na. “Besides…there are women here dressed in a lot less them I am!” Glancing around she nodded towards a woman dressed in all black and big keyhole at the front of her dress barely covering her breasts. “Look at her” Secretary Na rolled her eyes.
Secretary Na laughed at her boss and friend and patted her shoulder in sympathy. “You just don’t get it, do you?” She smiled. “They’ve seen all that a million times before! But, they haven’t seen you like this” She waved her hand at Haein’s dress. “You’re Hong Haein, the next Chairman of Queens Group. You might not remember, but you did wear some amazingly beautiful dresses before, be it black-tie or cocktail dress. But they have never seen you dress this daring before, and with your memory wiped clean, and still technically divorced, men smell blood, fresh meat. These men are jaded and tired of the same old thing. YOU are not the same old thing. You have attracted more looks tonight than I’ve ever seen you get!”
“Really?” Haein blinked in astonishment. “I just wanted to try something different.” Chewing her lip she searched the room again. “Hyunwoo didn’t hit on me.”
Secretary Na tilted her head, her eyes sharp as she heard the faint disappointment in Haein’s voice. “He doesn’t have to,” she pointed out, her voice gentle so as not to startle her friend. “Does he.”
Right then, Hyunwoo reappeared at the bar with his empty bottle, replacing it with a full one. He didn’t have to search. Like lasers his eyes honed in on her with stunning accuracy, trapping her in his gaze. Haein stared back, unable to tear her eyes away. Only when he moved was, she free. Following his movements, she watched him leave through a closed door on the other side of the room. No one seemed to notice him.
“Secretary Na?”
Noticing Haein’s eyes never left the door, Secretary Na allowed herself a small smile. “I’ll cover for you,” she promised. Haein turned her head, not sure what she was going to do. “And I’ll find my own way home.” Indecision clouded Haein’s features briefly, fighting a losing battle.
How she crossed the room and slipped through the door, she never knew, but Secretary Na had blocked her from view and she had left the reception unnoticed. Cut off from the crowd, Haein faced the deafening silence of the stairwell. Cautious eyes peered up, wondering how she would find him. Her heels echoing on the steps and she held the handrail for shaky support. Each step took her away from her safe, normal, regimented life as of late and toward something mysterious and dangerous, the path strewn with risks. Heart in her throat, she climbed to the second floor, eyeing the doorknob as she wavered for one moment. It faded in the remembrance of his mouth at the corner of hers and she opened it stepping into the exciting unknown.
----
An invisible thread joined her to him. Haein lifted one delicate heeled foot then another, each step inching her closer to unexplored territory. A thrill of excitement simmered inside. Firm and resolute, she refused to consult the logical side of her mind. Finding him became a must with each agitated breath pinching her throat.
Haein opened the door with an unsteady hand and stepped onto the second level. Because this part of the museum was closed for the night, dim lights cast eerie shadows onto the walls and over the floor, reminding her that she traipsed into unknown regions. Security cameras were probably everywhere and the thought unnerved her, but she advanced with slow, measured steps. Where Hyunwoo could be she had no clue. He might not even be on this floor, but then again, he might. Many times, had she been in this museum but if anyone asked, she couldn’t say what was around her. It didn’t matter except for the places where he might be standing…waiting for her.
Her chest swelled with the thought. Somewhere in this darkness he hid. Puzzled, a frown pulling at the corners of her mouth, she wondered why he hadn’t spoken to her. Why wasn’t he his usual, pleasant self? His dry wit always made her laugh. Tonight, that Hyunwoo did not appear. Or if he had, he’d left before he had walked up to her.
Where are you, Hyunwoo? Haein chewed on her lip, worrying it until a throbbing signaled she was close to bruising it. Self-conscious, she clamped her lips together and moved through the rooms, anticipation forging a rope of nerves twisting into clumps of tight knots. The memory of the awakening of those nerves from the brush of his lips on the corner of her mouth moved her forward.
She reached the other end of the floor still alone. Standing far enough away from the bank of windows, she gazed out wondering what to do next. If she went on to the third floor and he wasn’t there, what then? Maybe she should just go back and forget it, she’ll see him at home anyway.
The hairs on the back of her neck lifted, a flush of tingles sweeping over her skin as it erupted into goosebumps. Heart racing, Haein held her breath, rooted to the spot. Eyes drifted over her. She could feel their touch as surely as if they were hands and she trembled wanting to turn her head yet afraid to meet the inevitable.
Seconds ticked until Haein couldn’t take it anymore. Slowly, she turned her head. An alcove to her left indicated the reception area of an office. In the dark it was hard to make out all the particulars, but only one particular beckoned. Face shadowed, he sat in silhouette in the middle of a small sofa, one arm stretched along the back. In his other hand he held the long-necked bottle, lifting it to swallow another mouthful. With what light filtered in she watched the muscles in his neck nurse the amber liquid down. Every ounce of bravery in her fled; replaced by a shot of excitement so sharp it snuffed out the light of logic from its mission to reclaim her. He never spoke but he beckoned, reeling her in. Legs threatening to collapse, she obeyed.
Hyunwoo set the empty bottle on the floor and reached out with one hand to pull her down next to him, lifting her legs up and over his, settling her back into the corner of the sofa. He leaned forward, eyes boring into hers daring her to look away. She couldn’t. She didn’t want to. Haein stared back at this new Hyunwoo whom she didn’t know but excited her. Tearing her eyes from his with a stubborn will, they lowered to his lips, the need to feel them filling her with a longing so sweet it threatened to sweep her away.
Hyunwoo didn’t move but watched her, the intent of his actions decided the moment he laid eyes on her tonight. Patient, but with an inner turmoil of his own, he waited for her to look up at him. She didn’t disappoint. Eyes moving up, she peered through her thick lashes, pink lips parted tantalizingly.
His head dipped so slowly she had an instant of memory of him kissing her on the steps of a palace garden somewhere. And here they were, his pace raising her blood pressure into the stratosphere, waiting for him arousing her to an unbearable pitch of excitement. Sparks shot through her core with hot, like liquid arrows. By the time his lips reached hers she was wild for him, wanting nothing more than to lose herself wherever he led. Surrendering, her eyes drifted shut, her senses open and aware.
He kissed her with the same slow tempo, grasping her lips with a leisurely rhythm that threatened to drive her insane. All senses on alert, she focused on his lips on hers, the brushing, molding, sucking her bottom lip then her top. Incapable of denying him, she nudged back, the smell of him filling her, stamping his scent to memory, her olfactory senses processing it and filing it away with a promise to bring it back into sharp relief whenever the scent wafted past her nose.
One hand shaped the back of his head, fingers twining the silky strands. Except for his mouth, Hyunwoo didn’t touch her, keeping one hand on the back of the couch, the other on the cushion beside her. Time was his enemy, reminding him anyone could interrupt them at any moment, but a voice inside urged him to ignore it and take the chance with both hands. Pressing, he captured her lips but as he ended the kiss, he let his tongue trace the tender inside of her bottom lip. She gasped, her lips following his to forbid the complete break. The movement tempted Hyunwoo and opened his mouth over hers, their tongues meeting. A groan trembled from her mouth into his as his tongue caressed and slid over hers, teasing her to respond.
A white-hot heat infused Haein. He deepened the kiss while his hand cupped her cheek as he broke the kiss, tilted his head the other way, and hungrily dove back in for more. Finally! The thought screamed through her head at the first inkling of his touch. It was too much yet not enough. The realization that they could get caught only heightened her excitement. Never had she been this risky and there was a forbidden thrill to it.
Hyunwoo edged his mouth from hers, holding her so she couldn’t follow. The tousled head moved back far enough so he could see her, the feral glint in his brown eyes flipping her stomach.
“That neckline is too low,” he murmured, snatching her breath away. “Did you know that?”
Haein fought for air. “Not really,” she whispered in denial.
Hyunwoo snorted, shaking his head in admonishment. “Men have been looking at you all night like they want to eat you.”
“It’s not that low,” Haein breathed, simultaneously desperate to convince him and thrilled at his dark jealousy.
A long-fingered hand trailed from her cheek, down her neck, and lightly skimmed over a hardened point hiding underneath the white border of her dress before it rested on the curve of her hip. With one finger he traced the silky fabric. Haein gulped; her eyes trapped by his.
“Really?” He murmured; a sardonic smile curving lips fuller from their kissing. “You’re not wearing any bra at all, or even those things you put over your delicious nipples” A thickening lump choked Haein, her heart stuttering under his heavy-lidded gaze. “…and men can see.”
Words failed her. Try as she might, she couldn’t form a word. Her tongue poked out wetting lips that were suddenly void of moisture. Realization flooded her. Mortified, she stared at him, further embarrassed by the fact that she had stubbornly refused to believe anything else.
Thankful for the darkness that hid the stinging flushing of her cheeks she labored to summon some shred of dignity. The arm that rested against the back of the couch slid down to curve around her back. The hand on her hip dipped lower, smoothing over the fabric pulling until the hem’s on her thighs. Silky skin met his fingertips and they traced up the inside of her thigh until they hovered close to the scrap of material covering her heated center.
“And,” he continued, his face filling her view, “no one should be looking at them but me.”
The moment his lips opened hers again, one finger glided over her panties, barely skimming and finding them damp with her desire. As it lightly passed over her blood-engorged button a restless moan shook her. Again, it drew a teasing line along the fabric, forcing her hands to dive beneath his jacket and clutch the vest covering his chest where his heart pounded furiously, belying his calm exterior.
He was as aroused for her as she was for him! Heady with the secret knowledge her hips lifted a fraction, begging more of his touch. His hand moved to the waistband, sliding under it and over a small thatch of curls to find her slick and ready for his invasion. It was his turn to groan and he did it whole-heartedly, pleased at what awaited him. The sound released another gush of wet heat. His finger soaked, he slid it back and forth over the slit, twirling around the raised nub, jerking her hips with every circling motion.
Pushing her further into the corner of the couch he kissed her harder, his finger diving into her, setting up a driving, forceful rhythm. Haein’s hips moved against his hand, seeking more and more of what he gave. Arms flung around his head and tugged him closer, a very deep, extremely male, wicked laugh rumbling in his chest. It only fed the sexual fire burning in her. Whimpering, she twisted under his hand.
Teasing, he withdrew his finger slowly, then plunged two back in, resting his thumb against the pulsing center. Setting a new pace, he used his hand to play, the control over her feeding his ego. The need to replace his hand and thrust into her with his cock assailed him, but he knew it wasn’t going to happen…at least, not on this small couch, where they risk with being caught. So, he clamped down on his wants and focused on her pleasure, the sounds coming from her hardening him to the point he feared he would lose his control. If he rubbed against her…a groan of regret echoed up his throat.
Faster he moved his fingers, fluttering his thumb over the spot at the juncture of her thighs. Greedily, her walls grabbed for his fingers, her whimpers growing in intensity and frequency. An inevitable surge simmered where his fingers touched her, searing her veins with carnal desire. Haein’s hips quickened while Hyunwoo muffled her cries with a deep kiss. Frantic, she reached for something just beyond her reach. Then, it was there, his touch just right, flicking a spark that ignited from deep within her. Her body locked in shock, convulsions grabbing at his fingers as he refused to stop his ministrations. Into the stars she hurtled, screaming into his mouth at the raw sensations ripping through her. On and on it churned until she could fly no higher. Lost to it, she spasmed to completion, floating back to earth while struggling to pull in some air to breathe.
While her heart settled into a more stable beat, she lay in euphoria, her body limp with a pleasant lethargy, her eyelids drooping shut. His scent filled her nostrils again and her eyes opened to meet his stare. Dropping the rest of the way to reality with a thud, she realized with shocking clarity what had just taken place. The sensible side of her peeked out and shrieked its outrage. The new, unfamiliar side gave a decidedly inward smile of pure graceful satisfaction and purred at its new master. A tiny yawn popped out, a testament to the force of the orgasm he had given her.
Hyunwoo withdrew his hand lazily out from her panties, grazing the overly sensitive, throbbing bundle of nerves, wrenching her hips away from the touch. His fingers drenched, the smell of her arousal on them, he pulled them away from her and sat up, using his other hand to smooth her dress back into place before popping his drenched fingers in his mouth, a wicked grin on his lips as he pulled them out with a pop, “You taste just as sweet as ever, Haein” his voice low and deep, damn
For a few minutes he let her rest, the enormity of what they had done lurking at the edge of her brain, just waiting to attack her with the full force of its wrath.
When she recovered, he settled her legs off his lap and stood, using his free hand to help her onto her feet and led her to another set of doors. Down the steps on that side of the floor they silently tread, Haein’s head still too dazed and muddled to fully acknowledge the erotic encounter. Only one thought pressed. She had been filled with a powerful feeling of gidddiness. But, what about Hyunwoo? His heart had skittered all over the place, so she knew he had been turned on. Guilt smacked her. He must be as hard as rock! She thought.
Hyunwoo led her down the steps and to the door leading back to civilization. Briefly, he put his ear to the door, listening for people then cautiously cracked it to check. Luck held on. No one was there and he opened it and motioned for her to go. Confused, she looked up at him as if to ask, what about you?
Don’t worry about me, his eyes assured. Go.
A moment’s hesitation and then she stepped out, the door closing behind her. A heavy breath squeezed Hyunwoo’s chest and he leaned his feverish forehead against the cool metal of the door. Still aroused, his length still protested with lack of attention. A frustrated growl stirred in his throat. He couldn’t go back to the reception like this and he needed to give Haein a head start. Sighing, he eased the door open and stepped out, thankful that his jacket hid the evidence of his frustration. Making his way down the hall he found a men’s room. A few guys were there and he stepped into a stall and bent his head to the closed door, breathing deeply and calming himself until his body’s longing lessened, softening him, but refusing to go away completely, reminding him in the pit of his stomach that it wouldn’t take much from her to flare into a blaze again. It wanted more…he wanted more.
When calmed to enough to his satisfaction, Hyunwoo stepped out of the stall and washed his hands disappointed he had to wash traces of her from his skin. She tastes just like how I remembered he thought. The men who had was blatantly flirting Haein earlier walked in and he threw them a glance meant to remind them he knew they were married. They hurried past him and a furtive smile ghosted his lips at the images bombarding his mind.
----
Back in the reception room, Haein found Secretary Na chatting to some people and quietly positioned herself at her side, not in the mood to talk to anyone but needing Secretary Na to run interference for her. Secretary Na greeted her with a grin and even though the others tried to immediately drag Haein into the conversation, Secretary Na kept pulling the conversation along other lines. In a few minutes, seeing Haein’s lack of response, Secretary Na excused them to go in search of something to drink.
“Are you alright?” Secretary Na studied Haein’s flushed cheeks.
“I’m fine,” Haein managed to answer, her eyes searching the room. At the bar she ordered another sparkling water and squelched the urge to guzzle it down.
“Are you sure…?”
“I said I’m fine,” Haein muttered between gritted teeth as she exchanged a polite smile with another patron. “Let’s just wander around for a bit and then I’m leaving.”
“Ok,” Secretary Na narrowed her eyes trying to figure out just what had gone on between the two of them.
The two women circled the room, exchanging pleasantries and discussing the costumes with others. Often, Haein’s eyes roamed the room watching and waiting. When Hyunwoo appeared, she followed his progress to the bar where he ordered another beer. He turned and found Secretary Kim and they seemingly followed their routine. Now and then Hyunwoo and Haein’s eyes met and lingered, playing a game of chicken, Haein losing each time by looking away first. Each time they found one another; a glow of desire flickered inside her. The wave of drowsiness fell away as an ache for something more began to eat at her. His eyes trapped hers once more and she knew it wasn’t over. There had to be more than this.
Hyunwoo couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Haein seemed to have forgotten how her dress was the reason men are leering and flirting with her. The tilt of her head looked as if she was listening to someone, but her eyes were now on him constantly. He knew she had no clue what the conversations were that drifted around her. Secretary Kim finally nudged him when a Hong acquaintance neared and asked him a question for the second time. Hyunwoo shook himself and apologized. Focusing, he participated in the conversation. When they were alone again, Secretary Kim looked at his boss, bewildered.
“Director Baek? He’s asking about the tenant renewal at Queen’s Mall and you barely answered” Secretary Kim marveled at Hyunwoo who was already turning his attention across the room.
Haein paused at the doorway meeting Hyunwoo’s eyes for long moments. Then, she turned and disappeared. She was leaving. Alone.
“Director Baek, are you okay?” Secretary Kim asked, concerned with his boss’ lack of attention.
“Can you drive my car home?” Hyunwoo asked, giving his secretary the valet ticket, without giving Secretary Kim a glance headed across the room.
Shocked, Secretary Kim gaped after his boss. Secretary Na wandered up beside him.
“I think they want to be alone,” she smirked, watching Hyunwoo leave. Startled, Secretary Kim turned to her.
“OH!” Secretary Kim’s eyes widened in understanding.
Secretary Na laughed “Come on, I’ll buy you a drink then you can take Director Baek’s car home for the night after dropping me home. My ride left with Director Baek”
----
She waited on the steps until he emerged beside her. They walked together to her car and climbed in never exchanging a word. Once the doors closed and the car pulled away from the curb, Haein released a relieved sigh. Hyunwoo sat, fingers of one hand still wrapped around the beer bottle, his eyes staring straight ahead. Haein’s heart pounded heavily in her ribcage, threatening to break through its casing. She waited for him to look at her or speak but minutes went by without him doing either. Tension thickened dominating the space around them. Uncertain, her body stiffened in apprehension. A tentative hand reached towards his arm.
“Don’t touch me,” he growled, his voice low and threatening. As if burnt, she jerked her hand away. His voice softened but still vibrated with a menacing tone. The hand on his knee formed a fist. “If you touch me, I can’t promise you you’ll reach home in one piece, Haein”
The warning hissed along her already sensitized nerves, the power of his words honing in on her core. Images of what could happen inside the car assaulted her mind, making her heart beat faster. The fact that he refused to look at her only sharpened her need. There was a hint of ferocity in his words, as if he was hanging onto his control by a thread. It was hard to swallow, to breathe, to think. Reaching behind her she unpinned her hair from its now messy bun to occupy her hands. Hyunwoo’s head turned, his eyes following her hands every move. Glossy raven strands of hair swung free and he clutched his fingers around the bottle to resist the temptation of burying his hands in it. Hands combing her hair into some sort of order stilled as her eyes met his. From where he sat, he watched her eyes darken and grow heavy. A tingle of arousal shivered through his length reminding him it was still waiting for her. The anticipation sang in his veins.
By the time they reached their house, Hyunwoo’s patience unraveled with the need to sink himself inside her. He knew that at this very moment she was wet and hot and tight and the knowledge taunted him. Every time their eyes met, he saw right into hers, the beautiful orbs unable to withhold their secrets. His chest expanded on a heavy breath in an attempt to alleviate the pressure around his heart.
The car slowed to a stop in the driveway. Before the driver could get out of the car Hyunwoo was on the pavement assisting Haein. She murmured a thank you to the driver and walked ahead of Hyunwoo to the door, her hands fumbling in her little clutch to open the door. Head spinning, she pushed open the door.
One hand dropped the bottle to the floor and pushed the door shut while the other grabbed Haein’s arm and yanked her into him. Before she could say a word, she was wrapped in his arms opening her mouth to meet her tongue. Hands slid his jacket over his shoulders forcing him to release her long enough for her to push it down his arms and onto the floor. He gathered her to him again and her hands fumbled for his buttons, the labored breathing a testament to the frenzy erupting between them. One recalcitrant button skittered across the floor.
Hyunwoo ripped his mouth away and buried his hot face in her neck. Haein panted for air, her hands running into his hair when his mouth caressed the soft skin of her neck. A groan of encouragement tilted her head back to receive more. Large hands ran over her hips squeezing the firm cheeks of her rear. Rewarded with a soft cry he bit her skin before raising his head. The question raging in his eyes never got a chance to leave his lips. Grasping his hand in hers she led him up the stairs to their bedroom.
The room was dark but the open curtains still allowed light from the moon to sift through inside the room, reminiscent of the shadows in the museum. Eager hands reached for his white shirt again slipping the buttons from their buttonholes and pushing the material over his shoulders exposing his chest to her wandering lips. They caressed and nipped their way across as the fabric surrendered to her. Hyunwoo clenched his teeth, a muscle jumping in his jaw as he circled his arms around her to unbutton his cuffs. The feel of her attacking him hardened him even more, the outline of his shaft pressing against her abdomen. Her lips moved in openmouthed kisses over his chest and down his sternum, all the way to the waistband of his pants. The touch of her tongue caused him to grab her and sweep her off her feet. Airborne, she landed in the middle of the bed, Hyunwoo kicking his shoes off and following her, yanking his shirt out of his pants, dropping it to the floor.
Hair in wild disarray, Haein gazed up at the strain on his face. He focused on her neck again, finding the most sensitive places like he’s done a thousand times before. There’s no secret between them. His greedy mouth worked its way lower over her shoulders and along the lines of dress’ neckline. The rasp of his tongue along the skin next to the material covering her breasts made her whimper. Around the edge he licked, his tongue sometimes delving just under the material closing in on her nipples with each pass. Fingers twisted in his hair to guide him closer to one breast. A hand smoothed up over her dress to palm one small mound and a desperate arch bowed her back.
The whimpers got to him. Hyunwoo’s head came up and eyed the front of the dress then bore into Haein’s widening eyes. A frantically whispered ‘no’ barely punctured the air when he grabbed each side of the front of the dress and tore it with a strong wrench. The rip of the delicate fabric echoed in the room as it tore in two to the waist. Astounded Haein’s lips parted only to let out a quivering moan under the overwhelming tug of his mouth engulfing one pebbled nipple. The onslaught of a thousand volts raced through her, squirming her under him. Mercilessly, he sucked the tip, played with it until she arched her back so far, he feared it would crack. He kissed his way lower ripping the dress into two pieces and exposing her tiny panties to his gaze.
Haein sat up as he retreated, pulling the dress from her body. Hyunwoo unbuckled his belt and pushed his pants and underwear down his legs. Seeing him unclothed for the first time again Haein studied his hard cock, the searing fire between her legs roaring out of control. The realization that no one had ever wanted her with such dire need before had her crawling to the side of the bed and sitting with one leg on each side of him. One hand grasped him lightly and grazed up and down the taut length. Unable to tear her eyes away from her ministrations she raptly stared at his cock. A pearly drop of him caught the light and her eye. Before she could think, she bent her head and ran her tongue over the droplet, smearing it over the tip of him.
The groan that split the air shot straight between her legs, the sound almost shattering her before they could go any further. When she trailed her tongue from base to tip, she heard him catch his breath. A smile of female satisfaction curled her mouth, the sense of power over him too tempting. Lips curving over him, she took him in.
The sensation of being engulfed by her rushed through him and threatened to overload all his circuits as his blood all but went to his cock as her lips and tongue teased him. As she withdrew from him, she flicked him a sultry glance. Hyunwoo gently pulled her by the hair as soon as her lips completely left him and he threw her back up the bed covering her with his body. Holding her head still he plundered her mouth while one hand worked between them to find that slickened button. She jerked into his hand and he laughed. Two could play the same game. He left her mouth and in spite of her pleas and her hands grabbing his hair he kissed his way lower, his hands spreading her legs wide open.
At the taste of her he hummed in appreciation. My wife he thought. She gasped, her hips pushing against him. Shuddering, she cried for him to stop at the same time wanting more of his mouth on her. He flicked his tongue over the raised bundle of nerves then along her slit to dip into her honeyed center.
A pleading cry tore from her lips.
“Hyunwoo, please,” her hoarse whisper begged.
He obliged, sliding up her body, his skin gliding along hers. Her legs wrapped around his lower thighs as her hands ran up his back, nails slightly digging on his shoulders. The tip of him pushed into the slick opening until just the tip entered and then he withdrew. Her legs tightened sporadically. He pushed in again, rested a second and withdrew, playing with her like a cat with a mouse before devouring it. Again. Through slitted eyes he watched her, feeling her trying to lift her hips to draw him into her.
“Hyunwoo,” she panted, his name falling breathlessly from her lips. “Please.”
Always watching, he inched a little more of him into her then withdrew very slowly. Haein swallowed hard and tried to concentrate on his face, taut under the exquisite torture he put her in. The next time he slid slowly in she clenched her walls around him. The tightening ricocheted through his shaft his blood pressure shooting higher. He inhaled and concentrated his attention to the feel of sliding completely into her.
Their groans wrapped around one another. Stilling to concentrate, he sunk his teeth into her shoulder while she wrapped her legs around him. Hyunwoo wanted to lie there absorbing the moment to his memory but his body began to move with a mind of its own, the smooth friction too delicious to stop. She’s still as tight as he remembered, always a snug fit. Haein moaned under him and opened her mouth to welcome his tongue. The advance and retreat touched off a whirlwind of alternating heat and chills along her nerve endings, her hips seeking to draw him in with every movement. His scent filled her as it had in the museum and half of her seemed to leave her body to peer down at the picture they made. The image too erotic she began to undulate in voluptuous rolls.
Incoherent words muttered between them every time they grabbed for air, the sounds of lovemaking exchanged back and forth. Hyunwoo rolled over and watched through his lashes as she rode him, his hands squeezing and smoothing over her breasts, then trailing down to stroke the apex of her thighs. Haein tipped over and held herself above him with her arms on each side of his head. A wicked smile goaded her and she bent her head to nip at his lips. Hands grabbed her hips as his sinful laugh quivered up her spine. With a quick move he rolled her back under him and began pushing into her with long, measured strokes.
Inside her, something coiled and unwound then winding until she thought she would spontaneously combust. He answered her plea of faster and hitched his hips, driving into her faster and harder. She undulated under him, clinging to him and crying for release. His body broke away from him and surged harder, faster, recognizing her pleas for him to take her. Up on his forearms he shifted his weight all his attention on their lovemaking, the sounds of their bodies a hypnotic symphony. Beneath him she took everything he gave and the peak of the mountain came into view. The moan of carnal excitement that buzzed into her ear triggered her orgasm. In massive waves of release, she convulsed under him milking him into exploding into her at the same time. Hearing their cries only heightened the climax. Haein squeezed his shaft as her contractions made her see stars behind her eyelids and Hyunwoo’s head reared and fell back as he came in long, hot spurts. For what seemed like forever they froze, locked into one another, all thoughts suspended in the tempest that had begun to spin into mythic proportions hours ago. Grinding into one another, they strained for the stars until the last contraction gave way to collapse.
A blank slate for thought, Hyunwoo fell on top of Haein, his face buried into the side of her neck. He felt her legs loosen, but her arms tightened around him. Tears trickled over her cheek and he kissed them away. Her body shuddered under his and he tried to move away, but she whimpered and clung to him even tighter so he lay still and recovered his equilibrium, still deep inside her.
Stunned in the aftermath, Haein’s mind refused to work, her body still refusing to surrender its control. She floated, her body weak and boneless and she found the weight of him a comfort. Finally, he lifted his head and she saw the glazed, sated gleam in his brown eyes. It had to be a mirror of her own expression. He kissed her, tenderly sweeping his tongue into her mouth then kissing the corner. In spite of her exhaustion, her heart fluttered at the contact.
Hyunwoo rolled off her and carried her limp body with him. Immediately, she snuggled next to him, curling her petite body to the contours of his. In the sanctuary of his arms, Haein drifted to sleep but Hyunwoo stared at the ceiling mulling over what had happened. When Haein shifted, he sat up and worked the covers down then covered them up, spooning her to him. Sleep claimed him before he had a chance to fight.