I furrowed my brows, blinking my heavy eyes open to the dim hotel room.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5QfC6BJMX
Only it was dark now with one of the lamps on.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lDGuWQYa5
I'm not sure what time it was or how Nine was still up.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVjQ29s9rH
There was paperwork spread over her lap, her hair tied up in a high bun with her bangs framing her face.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqi55g478h4
She had on those familiar aviator glasses that I had seen her wear days ago.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfJXnV8PVC
Instead of her work clothes from earlier, she wore silky black pajama pants and a matching sleek tank top.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgRJ9NnWqh
I froze when she suddenly glanced over to me, probably feeling the weight of my staring.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRy1J1VR5p
For once, I didn't bother to look away.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNVHOYY1wo
I felt too tired to pretend I wasn't staring at her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo6LDRptDYO
"Did I wake you?" she asked me, setting the paper down with the others as her attention settled on me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3BlL5t55U
I shook my head, "No" I whispered, wincing when I attempted to move my stiff legs, "What time is it?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDp7vbIDVS
Nine tapped her phone by her leg, illuminating the screen, "Almost three" she murmured as if this were a normal occurrence for her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDpNV47Gj4
"You don't sleep?" I asked her, furrowing my brows at the idea of that.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbTgpXFPpN
It makes sense why she answered my call so quickly the night I drank.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwgGZwmVOo
She was probably already awake working.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0gwg0P71E
"Depends on the workload" she calmly determined, now gathering the papers in a neat stack, "What woke you up?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj9BorlREa
I lazily shrugged my shoulders, "I just... woke up, I don't know," I whispered, running my hands over my face with a deep sigh.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IvJA9SOAT
"Are you hungry or thirsty?" Nine asked as she slid the papers into the leather book she pulled out earlier, "Do you need to use the bathroom?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFoUIZgfKX
I pursed my lips, suddenly feeling the urge to pee.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBtvDn1oPC
Really fucking badly too.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgshY3SpVF
"Yeah—the bathroom," I forced out, laying up from the bed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1upzpa1tvB
A groan fell from my lips when I attempted to move my legs again, feeling the worst soreness weighing them down.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwC3S0R48H
"I'll help you, River" Nine said, smoothly sliding out of bed to walk over to me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYiW0WFemT
I shook my head as I watched her approach me, "I'm not letting you touch me anymore," I whispered, wincing as she gently guided my legs to hang off the bed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxyiNW2WSk
My words were definitely an empty threat, but right now with this amount of pain, it felt like I might just stay true to it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMesgb6YEMa
"Then I won't touch you" Nine calmly said, guiding my tense legs to wrap around her torso.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpikO15e8Aj
I narrowed my eyes at her, "You weren't supposed to agree" I mumbled as she slid her soft hands under my thighs—
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7QgQWjYaD
And lifted me up entirely into her arms.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHWCG4qBDE
"I should force you to have sex with me?" Nine asked as I instinctively wrapped my arms around her neck.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUilq8d4AMX
"I don't know" I said as she walked toward the bathroom, "But you would probably get off on that."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3P5lX0JK8M
"If it was consensual beforehand, sure, River" she emphasized, walking into the bathroom and toward the toilet.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx43mkI2IJk
I pursed my lips, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at the seriousness our conversation had taken.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ExjVcJMu6
Nine carefully lowered me down on the toilet, letting go of my thighs and pulling away as I dropped my arms from around her neck.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGpx8UV3hO
I lifted the white shirt I wore, adjusting on the seat as she turned away from me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDzgm3bKK8
Peeing in front of her felt like nothing given everything I had already done at this point.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ktEYEZuR1
I've also peed in front of Kai and random girls in club bathrooms.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdUW6Mkswh
This was truly nothing to me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJpwch9GuL
And it didn't seem to faze Nine as she stood waiting with her back to me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3xD06f06V
Until I wiped and flushed the toilet, attempting to stand on my own.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8a3GvgoVZ
"River" she scolded me when I stumbled, grabbing my waist to help steady me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2xvQexedg
"I just wanted to do it on my own" I mumbled as she helped me walk over to the sink and wash my hands.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqo46EcGyNc
"I know, but I'm here to help you" Nine calmly reminded me, turning on the sink as I reached over to put some soap in my hands.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgbgVMeaAT
"You're the one who did this" I countered back, lathering the soap in my hand.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHptpiYOzH
I felt her hand firmly squeeze my waist, sending shivers down my spine, "You misbehaved and begged for it. You did this to yourself," she corrected me, her brown eyes meeting mine through the mirror.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkukBm3EiG
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, determining it was too late and too fucking early to deal with another punishment.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOFO7Czm2D
So I just silently washed my hands, letting her dry them for me before walking me back to bed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmSaJlIBzK
She helped me get comfortable, adjusting my pillows and even tucking the covers around me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UOy0D1c4v
I felt entirely content again, especially as she slid in next to me—just as close as she was hours ago, softly caressing her hand against my cheek.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCSNG9nz0Z
My eyes immediately fell closed, letting out a deep sigh as I relaxed under her touch.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VYsBOobA2
It was easy to fall back asleep, especially with her soft and attentive caress.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42DYOqdWpd
---
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTre0DhmFN0
"River."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtpLLjndD7
I furrowed my brows at her familiar voice, feeling the softness of her touch against my forehead.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6URZw0jJuW
I forced a hum, keeping my eyes closed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0bsvRM4ws
"River" she said again, her voice lowered and echoing around me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseIFw6kjUT
I furrowed my brows deeper, humming tiredly as her caress trailed down to my cheek.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIUBFSMSRW
"River" she repeated a third time, making me blink my heavy eyes open in confusion.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5XZ7kkGkW
Nine stood over me—her hair down instead of in the bun she previously had it in.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY7v26xqou
Then I noticed the black blouse she wore with matching dress pants.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5s7a9ODbo
There wasn't a single wrinkle in her clothes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRSQ6fdC8p
When did she get ready?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVWOGuLSag
"I'm going into the office" she told me, grazing her fingers against my jawline as her eyes trailed my face.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eF70E1JTV
I pursed my lips into a frown, "No" I forced out, reaching my arms out for her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMPva1oVfs
"I know" she whispered softly as I ran my hands up her covered arms, and she let me, "My first patient is at eight."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIWJ3r4XYW
My frown grew deeper at the idea of her actually leaving.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ95sNDHVK
I also felt tired so that didn't help.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6I39Bn3Ob
"I don't want you to go" I forced out, dragging my hands back down her arms.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwir71NysF
"I'll see you at five princess" she reminded me, making me shake my head in response.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3lQZnxGq5
"That's so many hours away" I pointed out with a deep sigh.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujkzgKkBGM
"We'll have dinner as well" she added, tracing her fingers against the edge of my chin, "The evening will be here before you know it."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3phzPV6jK
I rolled my eyes with a dramatic sigh, "Whatever," I whispered reluctantly.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzvAmwwm1s
Nine hummed in response, "I know you're half asleep so I'll ignore the attitude for your sake" she calmly determined, retracting her touch away from me to grab my wrists and lower my hands from her body, "Text me when you wake up," she told me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoFRU2D8Da
"Okay" I mumbled, turning on my side away from her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGKYflc4C5
Mostly because her words just irritated me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3sBZizmG1
"Act accordingly when you wake up, River" Nine warned me, and that's when I felt the soft caress of her hand up my back, "Sleep well."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6floaSRzT
I only hummed as she pulled her hand away from my back, hearing her heels click distantly toward the end of the bed where I assumed she picked up her duffle bag before leaving entirely.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnBBRnZTpv
A deep sigh fell from my lips as I heard the hotel door open before softly falling shut, causing me to nuzzle deeper under the pillows and fall back asleep.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgQ4G5OMwP
By the time I woke up again, it was a little past ten, the hotel room seeping in darkness from the blackout blinds.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ0mOKeEqq
I laid there for a moment, recalling last night, especially with my legs which still felt painfully sore.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDw3KYUwAMk
I didn't bother to move fully as I reached for my phone, unlocking it to go through the different notifications.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaMeOB1YPO
Zion and Sid had texted about breakfast, but at this point, it was already past ten and it would take me a little while to get out of bed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoK16Glpw3I
Then I would have to head back to my place and get ready, so I just declined the offer, asking them if breakfast tomorrow would work better.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCS7SDXmlHv
Kai also texted me last night, responding to my last-minute cancellation of our plans.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOWm6C4CIv
She also wanted to see me today.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mKJzjuF9I
I just genuinely don't think I'll be up for anything until the afternoon—I kind of want to lay here for a while and maybe stretch.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLD1jlvHOW3
I texted her about going shopping at three before navigating over to a specific contact.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCj6g6kEfym
DOC.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Bo6br9PkS
She wanted me to text her when I was awake, so I went ahead and typed up a quick text.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ou6AUOURf
I didn't know what to say, so I just kept my text basic.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdLI9JSLSA
Me: i'm awake
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP3iQAyHLg
I watched the text deliver through just as Kai responded, causing me to click on her newest text.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2zLWHa2uS
Kai: three works perfectly for me :)
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFCGaCb3tU
I hearted her message, texting her to specify we should meet there rather than carpool.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCg9t3dUNhI
Then I could leave from shopping to my therapy appointment.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxHz00Ce5h
I reached for the water bottle on the nightstand, noticing it was a completely new and unopened one.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG56ROJOEDe
There was also a bottle of Tylenol.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ5juHo2dw
Nine must have set it there before she left.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZatwLwYAu2
I shook my head when a smile grew on my lips, twisting the cap off of the water bottle to take a sip.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hcEDMUI2w
I also took two Tylenol pills to help with the aftermath of last night.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkjBmLC0RU
I glanced down when my phone lit up with a new notification-or a call.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkQK2VxTkr
Nine is calling me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbPTFUapOz
I blinked a few times, lowering the water bottle as I reached for my phone.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3uY2utQum
I swiped my finger across the screen, answering the call and putting it on speaker.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3uMJtqlN6
"Good morning" I spoke first, taking another sip of water.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bBZxQIW94
"Is it a good morning?" I heard her familiar smooth voice, "Are you feeling better now?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdwYRJeB8w
I rolled my eyes, knowing she was referring to the attitude I caught with her hours prior.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQb32mz3b6
"I feel so much better" I decided to say, my voice overly cheery, "Is that what you wanted to hear?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMNceyud4m
"I would rather see it than hear it, but you're aware of that" Nine clarified, easily picking up on my forced cheery tone.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BpYqJ015g
"Right" I mumbled, taking another sip of water.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAmKetV3za
"Have you eaten?" she calmly asked me as I swallowed the sip of water I took.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YhTDCFS5Y
"Not yet" I said, screwing the lid back onto the water bottle.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI83eKtgXG
"I'll call the front desk and have something sent up" Nine determined, easily making a warmth spread across my body.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmAvMFbWjU
It was the way she made decisions for me-how she took the initiative to order breakfast for me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4kKve5SAa
"I'll also handle your Uber" she spoke again when I remained silent, "What time are you planning to leave?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbtpjD0cly
I pursed my lips, "Probably around one to go shopping" I told her, subtly leaving out the details about Kai joining me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyDzvNKHKh
I'm not sure how she would react if she knew I made new plans with her today.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk3YLV3hxq
Knowing Nine she would make other plans for me in place of the ones I just made.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmISwGCx087
"Is that all?" Nine asked me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qw5FaOcqh
"Yeah, just shopping and then therapy," I said with a deep sigh, grabbing my phone as I laid back in the bed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpa1aqmLuB
"You're going shopping alone?" she just had to ask, making me purse my lips in thought.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9eBR5hugt
Because now if I say yes then it's a technical lie.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvVZhhB8ns
One she could possibly find out about.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYXMiMp5mk
"No" I suddenly whispered, shaking my head to myself at the fact that I couldn't go through with the stupid fucking lie.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ADDDEEwNU
But last night proved that the last thing I needed to be on was her bad side.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhUWSS0OXu
I'm still not telling her about the hookups with Kai— that's an entirely different matter.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0s0XQgZmC
One Nine will not put up with.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKzTdiy3WU
I just won't hook up with Kai again.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8VOBx5gql
"Who are you going with, River?" she asked me, but by her tone, I already knew she was aware of who.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1iG0NRYyh
And the fact that I had subtly beaten around the bush.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudtAYEgpbt
"Just Kai" I murmured, trying to sound casual about it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUVpgCra3o
"And why didn't you say that to begin with?" Nine said, her voice still as calm as ever on the other end of the line.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH24kN9jXaf
"Because.." I started, staring up at the tall ceiling, "You don't like her" I said, chewing the inside of my cheek.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5VYSvdmjA
"I assume I wouldn't like anyone who interrupts my dinner with a colleague and openly puts her arm around your waist" she stated, reiterating the time Kai walked over to her table when I specifically told her not to, "Do you see the issue here, River?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zHyd9sojy
I let out a deep sigh, "Not really, Kai's just... touchy" I murmured, even if I knew the real reason why she was so touchy.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHZRCT2RdV
Kai's touched much more intimate places of me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkiZvxwyMJ
"Not anymore" Nine determined, her voice more serious with me, "Her hands don't roam on you from here on out."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fhoIeiER0
I smacked my lips together, "Okay" I said, trying to think of the best way I would tell Kai to keep her hands to herself.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOxzxNTAH2
At least without telling her why.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKTElijm2D
"Good girl" she calmly said, making a warmth burn around me, "I'll see you at five."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOW8ehPDbO
"Okay" I said, lowering the phone from my ear as we ended the call.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BiqL7nqrM
Then I was left in silence again, deciding to go back to sleep for another hour or so.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZo8rkk7Ju
Or until the room service Nine ordered arrived.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd7H5QaXi2
The sharp knocks at the door easily woke me up, causing me to slide out of bed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr95EhxPUf1
A grunt fell from my lips as I stumbled on my legs, reaching for the nightstand to give me some kind of support.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExh9Q2c7vS
Each step toward that door made the soreness at my inner thighs burn worse, tugging down on the door handle and poking my head through the open door.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7YlUjK2nS
I only had on Nine's t-shirt so stepping out fully didn't feel like the best idea.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJeks5f5iQ
"Room service" the woman smiled as she stood behind the cart.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2YmKspBtU
"Thank you" I said, awkwardly reaching around the door to tug the cart inside.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcHWuDgXsF
Which was really fucking hard with the current strength of my legs and then also trying to shield myself.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIcw6u8gAG
But I did it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOSO4xopEg
The woman probably thought I was insane but I didn't care.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsfNeUmFaj
I was just excited to eat, pushing the cart over to the bed and uncovering the different foods.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6CU5PW6eV
Nine had ordered me a more healthy array of dishes.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwXtPFnvkG
Like eggs, fruit, wheat toast with jams, and oatmeal.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQ22VMWa6e
No pancakes or waffles-or even french toast.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLqPc4N59u
But I made it work, determining it was probably better that I eat a cleaner breakfast.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWQFKNEX6i
I would feel better for the day.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbD0WuRIKz
Once I finished eating, I got comfortable in bed again, deciding to scroll on TikTok for a little while.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGQypTzWm5
I really only had an hour of downtime to myself before it was time to get up.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQmoct6yUl
At least as best as I could.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtZ3wRlKrqS
My legs still hurt but the Tylenol had definitely eased a lot of the pain.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vH8B8Y5Lp
I didn't put in much effort to leave the hotel since I planned to get ready at my place.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMotRwFFOv
I just brushed my teeth and pulled on the comfy clothes I packed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB0d2iXIYV
I also re-did the bun in my hair since it looked a little crazy after sleeping.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwXfDjpddJ
Then I exited the hotel room with my duffle bag, walking stiffly toward the elevator.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd8ay43H42
By the time I made it downstairs, my Uber was already waiting for me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStVxsDz6XV
I texted Nine to let her know I was in the Uber and headed back to my place since she specified that I keep her updated.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMk9ilrCKoV
Once I made it back to my apartment, I unpacked my duffel bag and then picked out my outfit.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WNHk7n6GT
I settled on a black long-sleeve corset top with matching leather pants and short kitten heels.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zXLgge734
I went the dressier route since I had dinner with Nine after therapy.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaZqCOfwg5
So I put a little extra effort into my makeup, deciding to wear my hair in a bun with curls framing my face.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG2UtscmYz
I grabbed my cheetah print Saint Laurent bag before leaving my apartment, determining it matched perfectly with my black outfit.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLu5Jc8E4w
Then I headed over to The Bravern, which is a more high-end shopping mall with all the luxury stores.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11BxiWU4Wy
Kai was unsurprisingly not there when I pulled in— and after checking my phone, I realized she was running ten minutes late so I headed inside alone.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRed9zLMvn
First I went to Neiman Marcus, texting Kai to meet me where the fragrances were.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7tIqJzEez
I wanted to browse more of the fragrance oils, especially since Nine seemed to like it on me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQSihCqZFX
"Ten minutes is a record" I joked as Kai walked over to me at the fragrance section.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznd7Lc8wwl
"It is, isn't it?" she said, pulling me into a brief hug.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYsNwGCrBj
I quickly pulled away before her hands could roam low on my waist, pretending to smell one of the fragrance oils I was holding.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkfBuRcR4LT
"Sorry, I was just in the middle of this" I quickly lied when Kai furrowed her brows at my abrupt actions.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBHKSaM57g
"Yeah, of course," she said, glancing over to the oils, "You're switching over from perfume?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDSpqp10St
I nodded a few times, "The oils seem to have more longevity," I determined, setting the two that I liked aside.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBU7TZ2vdnp
The Baccarat was my favorite so far.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0CIs3uEXp
"True" Kai murmured, glancing back over to me, "So how have you been? I've missed you" she said, playfully grabbing my waist.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEPRa7NKU1
I subtly pulled away from her touch yet again, blinking awkwardly, "Good, I've missed you also" I murmured, glancing over to Kai whose brows seemed to be furrowed yet again.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRYDCcw0vd
"Is something going on?" she suddenly asked, tilting her head at me, "Did I do something again?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvTTPz0wciV
I quickly shook my head, "No, not at all, Kai" I quickly assured her, gently setting down the glass bottles in my hands, "I just don't think you should touch me... like that. Friends don't do that."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLwYC9bPv0
Kai blinked a few times, "What do you mean like that? Haven't we always touched each other?" she asked in confusion.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU2fxvWS8VE
I awkwardly pursed my lips, "Like in an inappropriate way. I just... don't really like it" I tried my best to explain, using the one excuse that would work.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6BGJYOIVX
That I simply don't like it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2KUV5Qkre
But Kai didn't buy it, furrowing her brows deeper as she glanced over to the fragrance oils.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6F9ASGgQi
"You're seeing someone, aren't you?" she suddenly asked, grabbing one of the glass bottles, "You're buying perfume oil and now you're saying I can't touch you—the other night you even turned around when I was changing."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1pOyPSY7t
I quickly glanced around at the people shopping around us, hating how loud Kai's voice just grew.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvmQQo8E4Y
Even if no one looked over, I knew for a fact they were listening.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHNbt9hT10p
I probably would be too if I was them.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3XnVaTRDc
I'm just nosy like that.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqSkijR4MD
"I'm not seeing anyone, Kai" I said, lowering my tone as I glanced back over to her, "I just want boundaries as friends. That's all."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwpBTw7gk6
Kai frowned, "I totally did something, didn't I?" she whispered, growing more upset by this than I had originally expected.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVfZWTGN4v
Maybe I should've told her in private... I just didn't expect this reaction.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1b9iXnYE9
"I promise you didn't do anything" I assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "Otherwise we wouldn't be hanging out, right?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyX7PZE8ba
Kai nodded silently, but even I could tell she was upset by the suddenness of all this.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTifPdHs2PS
"I love you so much" I whispered, pulling her in for a side hug, "I promise we're good, okay?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2U7616wUVb
Kai nodded again, "Yeah, I love you too" she whispered, hugging me back as she pressed her hand awkwardly to my upper back.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfTxqClkWwE
I let out a relieved sigh, giving her a brief squeeze in the hug before pulling back.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVxSHROuR95
Then I focused back on the fragrance oils, letting Kai smell them to help me pick out the one I wanted.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMx3xg0oDl2
But I could tell Kai was still upset even if she tried to hide it with a small smile.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdI7Ds845u
I wanted to say something, but I wasn't sure what I could technically say to her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1R1O2GW2K
I knew it couldn't be the truth.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZIlCL7VUew
And I didn't want to try and soothe her with more lies.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJsmaTNpKx
So I just left it alone, shopping with her as I pretended not to notice how down she seemed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2AlGXtDiI
We still had fun though, especially as we worked our way through the different shops.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiLr1AaBKV
I mainly got new clothes and purses.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2K0HX4ghy1
Also, the Baccarat fragrance oil that Kai helped pick out.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mLkj09Tun
I made sure to put it on right before my therapy appointment, wanting to see if Nine would notice it on me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3nCJ1YloL
I still felt really bad about how everything went with Kai, but she seemed happier by the end of shopping.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SABkutJp5
Putting down a boundary was probably a good thing given her reaction.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEV75yjbdM
I mean, we're just friends so we should act just like that.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCMSXDgbqR
"Good evening, River" Sienna greeted me as I exited the elevator into the familiar dim lobby.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3p2QexP3D
"Sienna" I said with a forced smile, approaching the front desk, "I'm here for my appointment with..." I trailed off, catching myself before I said her first name.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UMgRbzPNe
"Dr. Luccino, yes, she's already waiting," Sienna assured me with her usual smile.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzO0YH4knS
I pursed my lips into a tight smile, nodding once as I tried not to be bothered by Sienna's overall presence.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pILrBKZ8Z
I already have what she wants.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvixYUQ5dTs
Or who she wants.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2wucrZahq
She can be as delusional as she fucking wants.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f9SapLMYP
"Hey, River" Dr. Kincaid said as she walked out into the lobby.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalIBIEx9zg
Great.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukBfF7aXmP
Is the universe trying to fuck with me today?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhrF6h8xv9
"Hey" I briefly said, flashing her a smile as I walked past her toward the hallway.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnl5Y3VwZ8Q
Luckily, Dr. Kincaid didn't appear confused by my shortness.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUyG89UCLV
She probably just thinks I'm in a rush.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFw9B2f5U75
A smile twitched up on my lips as I approached her open office door, drawing in a deep breath and letting it out to soothe my sudden nerves.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sBGnerWmm
I don't even know why I'm nervous right now.
"Hey doc" I murmured as I entered her office, noticing she was seated at her desk.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJdOEHA9IQ
"River" she addressed me, her brown eyes locked on me as I gently closed the door to walk over to her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6wru0C2Sg
"How's it going?" I asked her with my usual smile, watching as she stood from her chair to her tall height.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfniudc2Eeo
It was almost impossible not to smile even wider, taking in the outfit I saw her in this morning.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCbcu2QCss
I laid eyes on her before anyone in this office got to— specifically, Sienna.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ221awkMA2O
"Good, River, how has your day been?" she asked, opening her desk drawer and grabbing a paper.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZfgEK1NUV
"Good" I said, unsure what else I should say.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA0cPveiJ9
If I should mention Kai.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4Hpznpzj5
Our dynamic is supposed to be different in the office right?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYwJhqkzLn
"Before we get started," Nine said, walking over toward me with the paper in her hand, "Dr. Rashad faxed over your information on file."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuS3Kl2XvL
I nodded a few times even if my face burned up at the recollection of that appointment yesterday.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDgT7FXfCa
"You're pretty close with her" I stated more in observation, gently grabbing the paper from her extended grasp.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVBRNuWUIp
And it wasn't about jealousy whatsoever, I just wanted to know more.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJiuFmdnpW
Like if I coincidentally met one of her friends.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48pIto3yHf
"She's a good connection," Nine stated as she watched me fold the paper in half.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCxUj6B5l2i
I raised a brow, "A good connection?" I asked curiously, glancing up to meet her stare, "For what?"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B2IPcpOXY
Nine rolled her lips into a pursed line, "She's a doctor, River" she emphasized, holding my stare entirely, "I assume she's a good connection for numerous reasons."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIm8NxWQQ3
I furrowed my brows, recalling how she called her Nine. Just Nine.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErObI71BPw
She would have to be a pretty close connection to call her that right?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6oqMmV4dD6
And she's a gynecologist only—what could she really provide as a good connection?
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpweW1dlEX
Other than instances like me when—
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDKhfMcwRE
I tightened my grip on the paper in my hand at the sudden thought, determining my brain was just trying to fuck with me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34ajtIzfEx
Or maybe Nine was.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDMkfb2V6d
"You didn't take anyone else to her right?" I suddenly asked, not bothering to fight myself to hold the question back.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg978HsEj1F
Nine didn't react.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEuhSDDfoT
Her expression remained neutral, staring at me for a long moment of silence.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7RuaX6qOF
Too long if you asked me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0mk6GrXul
My lips parted with a scoff, taking a large step back from her before she had a chance to deny my assumptions.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdRHtQGLAC
Her silence already confirmed them anyway.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbGpQ1tIJP4
"River" Nine said, her voice lowered between us as she took a step toward me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxbLKL5FAr
I took one right back from her, feeling my disgust grow as I processed this.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7wdJ8IofV
"They all sat in that chair before me" I pointed out, shaking my head as I squeezed the paper tighter in my hand.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVEaNWI3Zj
Nine briefly glanced down at the crumpled paper in my hand, acknowledging the irritation and disgust she, herself, had drawn from me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo27UCLM9bc
"I understand this is upsetting, River—"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8eMygLL8l
"Upsetting? I'm fucking disgusted, Nine" I firmly cut her short, making her raise a brow at me.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNXjDqCLd4F
I knew it was because of the language I used with her, but I didn't care.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xeyBzk6ui
I can't believe she took me to the same doctor who examined all her past arrangements.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4njrb97p3E
I should've known-I should've noticed.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrskCe10jS
Especially with how well Dr. Rashad knew Nine.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNicCfeFed
Fuck.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxaSeV3DmV
"You're misinterpreting this" Nine said, her composure somehow still intact while I had to physically control my breathing, "Sit down and we'll discuss it."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJdVSGW04h
I rolled my eyes at her words—her demanding fucking words.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuiQkAEQyD
"I'm good" I mumbled dryly, taking another step back from her.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDtsZcxWuM
"River, we have a session," Nine calmly told me, not bothering to take another invasive step toward me, "I won't ask you to take a seat again."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVC57ZaUdf
I shrugged, "You don't have to" I sarcastically said, "I'm leaving."
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt39u4aunD2
That's when I noticed it.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0hStWkNW7
The subtle edges of her jawline flexed, revealing her true irritation.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZddIG731N
Good.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtwUa8taYE
"If you walk out of this office, River—"
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0ISw1vSmz
She cut herself short as soon as I reached for the door handle.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocl73opCV5
And before I could process it, I had already opened it—walking out of her office as my thoughts screamed at me not to.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgmlkCWep5
A part of me knew I would regret it in the long run.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd4tNOzmIJ
But she would regret it harder.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GiJl1Tgl1
She's the one who brought me there after all of them.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz97oegtaV6
It was a thought that made me nauseous, walking down the hallway toward the elevators as I said a brief goodbye to Sienna and Reagan.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrILVYgjTzH
I stepped onto one of the elevators when it dinged open, clicking the lobby button so I could get the fuck out of here.
12Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYzNqq6eyh
So much for continuing our usual office dynamic.
ns216.73.216.224da2
然後按「加至主畫面」