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"Monroe," I breathed out, furrowing my brows as I stirred from my sleep.

Her caress against my face was soft, patient even.

Gently pulling me from my deep sleep.

"I have breakfast darling."

Her voice was lowered—an echo in my heavy head as I tore from my sleep.

My heavy eyes fluttered open, and there she was.

Her silky brown hair cascaded past her shoulder, her bangs framing her sharp face covered in light makeup.

She wore a white blouse that clung to her waist with chestnut brown dress pants.

"Ro Ro," I whispered with a smile, reaching my arms up to wrap around her neck.

Monroe hummed softly, leaning down closer to me, "Good morning darling," she said, her voice softened between us as I hugged her against my body.

"Good morning," I repeated, slowly unraveling my arms from her neck so she could pull away.

Monroe grabbed the tray from the nightstand, waiting for me to sit up from the bed before she carefully laid it on my lap.

There were scrambled eggs, fruit, a slice of toast with jam, and bacon.

Each food was concerningly neat as usual, separated so they didn't touch.

"Thank you," I said, reaching for the fork to begin eating some of the fruit.

"You're welcome," Monroe replied, sitting on the bed beside me as her attention remained pinned on my face.

"Do you have work?" I asked as I glanced over to the windows, wondering what time it was.

The sun was up, but the sunrise lingered, which meant it was still really early.

I can't wait to go back to sleep.

"My first patient isn't until nine," Monroe said as I glanced back over to meet her stare, "I'm sitting with you for a little while before I leave."

I smiled slightly, knowing exactly why she insisted on doing this.

My sub drop yesterday.

"I'm fine you know?" I jokingly said, reaching for the piece of toast.

"Let's test that theory," Monroe determined, not budging on her plans to sit here with me.

I shook my head, "If you want," I murmured, smiling as I took a bite of my toast.

"What do you have planned for today?" she suddenly asked, reaching for the glass of water on the nightstand.

"Uhhh," I breathed out, thinking for a moment as she held the glass of water to my lips.

There's nothing to really do for school.

I went over the notes yesterday, and I'm caught up assignment-wise.

"Maybe I'll do lunch with Zion and Sarai," I suddenly suggested, taking a long sip of water from the glass she held to my lips.

"That sounds good," Monroe murmured, watching as I swallowed the sip of water I took.

Then I realized another thing on my list.

"I should also talk to Kaia," I said, awkwardly pursing my lips as Monroe set the water back on the nightstand.

"Let's wait on that," she said, immediately making my brows furrow.

"Why?" I asked, eyeing her face for a moment.

I hope she didn't do anything.

Like already taking matters into her own hands?

I haven't checked on Kaia these last couple of days—I'm not even sure she texted me.

"Yesterday morning was traumatic for you, Liberty," she briefly clarified, tilting her head slightly as she analyzed my face, "You should be resting, not worrying about the situation with Kaia."

I pursed my lips, determining that my brain had jumped to the worst scenario.

But I know what Monroe is capable of.

"I just want to handle it already," I admitted, picking up the toast for another bite.

"Let's plan for tomorrow," Monroe said, not giving me an option to really say no.

But I wanted to get it over with.

I wanted to talk to Kaia and get this off my chest.

"Okay," I said even if I wasn't sure what I wanted to do yet.

If I feel up to it then I'll just rip the band-aid off and tell Monroe tomorrow.

"Here," I said, holding the piece of toast to her soft lips.

Monroe didn't move.

She didn't part her lips.

She just stared at me for a moment.

Blank and unmeasurable.

Then she leaned in, taking a bite of the toast that crunched beneath her perfect teeth.

I openly watched her lips as she chewed, lowering the toast down wordlessly.

But before I could set it on the plate, Monroe grabbed my hand—her fingers soft and smooth against my skin.

I parted my lips for her before she even lifted the toast to my mouth, making her lips twitch up in approval.

"Good girl," she softly whispered when I leaned in to take a bite of the toast.

My face grew hot as I chewed, holding her precise stare.

I had to fight the shivers that ran down my spine, or the urge to press my thighs together.

"You're still on edge, Liberty?" Monroe asked me, lowering my hand in hers to set the toast down.

I remained silent, knowing exactly what she was referring to.

How she edged me two nights ago and I still have yet to be relieved.

It was at the back of my mind until now.

"Yeah," I reluctantly answered, reaching for the fork to eat more fruit.

I tried to pretend like she wasn't affecting me.

Like her words meant nothing.

But my face felt like it was on fucking fire.

Especially as she watched me so openly.

"Do you want me to push you over that edge darling?" Monroe calmly asked as I focused on eating my fruit.

"Do you have time?" I decided to say, my stare flickering up from the plate to meet her eyes pinpointed on me.

"Five minutes is plenty," she determined, making my eyes unconsciously narrow at her, "But I have a preference for taking my time. Perhaps I'll relieve you this evening."

I felt my jaw grow tight, "So you just teased me," I pointed out, knowing for a fact that I was already wet for her right now.

And she knows this.

"I don't want to be relieved this evening," I suddenly said before she could speak, "Go find someone else to tease," I added spitefully.

Monroe didn't react like I wanted, her expression remaining irritatingly neutral.

She only reached up—gently cupping my face in her palm as I unconsciously leaned into her.

Her fingers were soft, caressing my skin with intention as she openly held my stare.

"I don't want to tease anyone else," she softly whispered, caressing her fingers across my jawline.

I remained silent as I stared into her eyes, hating how easily her words made my irritation fade.

"You're annoying," I sighed dramatically, glancing away from her entirely as I focused on my food again.

Monroe chuckled, the sound beautifully soft in her throat, "You're very nice this morning, Liberty," she said, tucking a few of my messy curls behind my ear.

"I know," I purposely said, flashing her a fake smile.

Monroe shook her head in amusement, lowering her hand away from my face as she picked up the toast to feed me another bite again.

Eventually, I just relaxed and let her feed me the rest of the prepared meal.

Then she picked out clothes for me to wear later since I planned to go back to sleep.

She also applied ointment to the welts covering my body.

Although, they were basically gone now.

Monroe had to leave for work after, tucking me in and ensuring I was comfortable before she left.

I slept for three more hours, waking up to text Zion and Sarai about lunch.

Apparently, Zion was already making something for lunch so they told me to come on over.

I showered at Monroe's place, pulling on the outfit she picked out for me.

It was an oversized sweatshirt and leggings that I previously packed.

The perfect outfit for this rainy weather honestly.

I pulled my curly hair up into a quick bun and slid my Nikes on, leaving her house with my duffel bag hanging on my arm.

As she previously mentioned, her front door had a smart lock, so she would handle locking it from her phone.

All I had to do was text her and let her know I left.

But I feel like she has cameras somewhere in her house so she probably knows that.

She honestly seems too controlled not to have cameras.

There's no way she would let me stay there alone otherwise.

"Ugh, why does it feel like it's been so long?" Sarai joked as I walked into their apartment.

"It's been more than two days—that's long enough," I said with a growing smile, sliding my shoes off and walking toward the kitchen.

Zion was hilariously wearing an apron and covered in flour.

"Oh wow," I laughed, eyeing his appearance, "We need a picture of this," I determined as I stopped by Sarai at the kitchen island, pulling her into a side hug.

"Already took pictures, a video, and a TikTok," Sarai happily informed me as she pulled back from our shared hug to show me.

Meanwhile, Zion had a blank stare on his face.

"You said you wouldn't post it," he pointed out as Sarai started showing me the pictures and videos she gathered.

"I'm not babe," Sarai assured him with an amused smile, meanwhile, I was cracking up over the TikTok she made of him.

He looks so serious, I cannot.

The pictures were even funnier—and the video with the sound on.

Sarai's wheezing laughter was peak comedy I swear.

I couldn't stop laughing even minutes later, still chuckling to myself as I thought about the pictures and videos.

But Zion made us stop laughing if we wanted to try the homemade garlic bread pizza.

And when it comes to food, I'll do anything honestly.

Well...

Not anything.

But I'll do a lot.

And the garlic bread pizza was so worth doing a lot over.

I made sure that Zion even wrapped some leftovers in aluminum foil so I could eat the pizza later.

Then I headed home and texted Monroe that I planned to hit the gym next.

She prefers it when I keep her updated, so I always text her my plans throughout the day.

But there was one detail I purposely left out today.

Kaia.

She texted while I was at Sarai and Zions.

It was her tenth text in the last two days, which I had yet to answer.

I felt bad, especially since I wouldn't be able to answer her texts from here on out.

To me, the only option was to invite her over and communicate as soon as possible.

Yesterday's sub drop was at the back of my head anyway.

I also had the energy to clean up my apartment—even if it wasn't that messy for once.

After that, I decided to do a little bit of research...

To impress Monroe tonight.

I wasn't sure what she was into, but maybe we could discuss it tonight.

My new knowledge might even surprise her.

I learned about bondage, which she had already tied me up in before.

I also recognized edge play and forced orgasms.

Even the more intense topics like knife play.

CNC, consensual non-consent, was also a new term that I learned.

One that I realized she briefly referred to the first night we stayed in that hotel.

I joked about her getting off on forcing me to have sex with her, and she mentioned it being consensual beforehand.

Maybe that is her thing?

I thought about my research as I showered and did a wash day to refresh my curls.

I had time to air-dry them while I waited for Kaia since she didn't get out of class until four.

So I was a little confused when knocks sounded at my door.

That was the time.

Kaia definitely wasn't already here with how long the drive is from campus with traffic.

And I wasn't expecting company.

It made me consider the idea that Monroe was at my door.

Then I would be fucked.

But it turned out to be one of the apartment staff, holding two flower arrangements.

Red roses.

A smile immediately grew on my lips as I answered the door, knowing Monroe was behind this.

Luckily, the woman was kind enough to carry the large arrangements in and set them on my counter for me.

It was probably the biggest flower arrangement I had ever received.

And there were two, both wrapped in a clear plastic that I had to carefully remove.

The usual card awaited me, one that I picked up to read immediately.

Dinner at 6. Pack for the night.

-Ro Ro

I smiled to myself, reading over the nickname she now willingly used.

It was so cute.

All of it was cute—the roses, the card, the gesture she always made.

I grabbed my phone to text her immediately, wanting to thank her and let her know I received the roses.

I let out a deep content sigh as I glanced back to the crisp red roses, smiling like a literal idiot as I waited for her to text back.

I didn't even bother closing out of the message app, especially when she began typing immediately.

Then two texts buzzed through.

My smile slowly faded as I read her texts, determining that I had two choices here.

Lie.

Or be honest.

It wouldn't technically be considered a lie until now.

But now that Monroe specifically asked about my plans before dinner, saying no would be a direct lie.

It was something we had discussed—and I endured a punishment for it.

I knew I needed to be honest.

It was almost like a pit in my stomach, screaming that the last thing I should do right now was lie.

I let out a deep sigh, reluctantly typing on my phone screen.

Knots grew in my stomach as I finished typing the message, and hesitantly pressed send.

The typing bubbles appeared immediately—and for a longer time than usual.

It made my anxiety grow, wondering what she was about to say right now.

I pursed my lips as I read her text, trying to think of how I would respond.

But my phone started buzzing before I could even begin typing.

Her caller ID was displayed on the bright screen—

She's calling me.

I let out a nervous sigh, hesitantly sliding my thumb across the screen to answer the call.

"Hey," I awkwardly spoke first, pressing the phone to my ear.

"Liberty," I heard her smooth voice, it was more serious than usual, "I told you tomorrow."

I briefly pursed my lips, "I know, but she's been texting me and I wanted to rip the band-aid off," I tried my best to explain.

"Call it off," Monroe said, her voice firmer with me.

"But she's already on the way," I pointed out, glancing to the clock that read—

She's probably almost here now.

"Liberty," I heard her sigh, making more knots tie in my lower stomach.

"I'm sorry," I said before I could think it through, "Are you mad at me?" I suddenly asked, now overthinking what I had done.

Maybe I shouldn't have.

It could've waited another day.

"I'm not mad at you darling," Monroe didn't hesitate to assure me, making my body slowly relax, "I'm concerned about you. I expressed that you should wait after what happened yesterday, and you completely disregarded it."

I nodded a few times, "Yes, I know. I just really want to get it over with," I whispered, hoping she understood where I was coming from.

"I hear you, sweetheart," she said, her voice softened on the other end of the line, "I'm only concerned about your mental capacity for something like this."

Her words made me feel more nervous, now wondering if I did have the mental capacity for this.

What if I break down again?

"What's done is done now," Monroe suddenly determined, mostly to herself, "I know you're strong, and I know you can handle this darling. I'll be waiting for you when it's over."

I let out a deep sigh, "Okay, but now I'm more nervous. What if you're right? What if I don't have the capacity for this?" I quickly asked, my words coming out more rushed than I anticipated.

"Liberty, darling, breathe," Monroe's soft reassuring voice echoed from my phone.

I let out another deep breath, nodding a few times to myself.

"We both know you can handle this. You're my strong girl remember?" she asked me.

I nodded again, growing warm from her words, "Yeah," I whispered, smiling slightly as I let out another deep breath.

Until I heard a few quick knocks on my door.

"She's here," I whispered, quickly grabbing the card from the flowers on the counter.

It's too late to hide the flowers themselves, but I can stash the card.

The last thing Kaia needed to see was who they were from, even if it was just a nickname.

But I guess she already has an inkling that I'm seeing someone so whatever I'm not hiding the roses.

"Call me after darling," Monroe said as I quickly put the card in a random drawer before closing it.

"Okay, I will," I said, briefly hanging up the phone as I walked over to the door.

My heart raced in my chest as I reached for the cold door knob, pulling the door open—

And coming face-to-face with Kaia.

She already had a smile on her lips, wearing low-rise sweatpants and a long-sleeve shirt.

Her wavy caramel hair cascaded past her shoulders, framing her face covered in her usual makeup.

"Libby," she spoke first, immediately pulling me into a hug so big that it made me stumble slightly.

It took me a few seconds to process her actions, hesitantly reaching up to hug her back.

"Hi, Ki," I unconsciously said as we pulled away slightly, "Come in."

Kaia's smile widened as she walked past me into my apartment.

"I was so happy when you texted—it feels like we haven't hung out in forever," she said as I gently closed my front door.

"Yeah," I awkwardly whispered, turning around to face her as I walked further into my apartment.

And unsurprisingly, she was already eyeing the arrangements of red roses.

"I knew you were seeing someone," Kaia immediately said, glancing over to me with furrowed brows, "Did you really have to lie about it?"

I blinked a few times, "It's not anything serious, so yeah," I awkwardly said, not wanting to even admit to seeing someone in the first place.

It's not her business anymore and it's not like I can legally discuss it anyway.

"But we tell each other everything," Kaia pointed out as I awkwardly leaned against the back of the couch, "I guess this is why you've been so distant," she mumbled.

"I've also been busy," I said, even if the entire basis of not seeing her had been Monroe.

"Well, can we figure something out? I don't even care if you're seeing anyone, Libby. I really miss you," Kaia said, walking closer to me, "Everything with my dad is a lot honestly and I've really needed someone to lean on."

I pursed my lips, feeling bad about the whole situation with her dad.

It made me rethink everything for a moment, knowing she needed some type of support right now.

But I knew what I had to do.

Even if it might hurt.

This is for the best.

Kaia isn't always the best friend to me, and we can't be friends after having sex numerous times.

Monroe finding out helped me come to terms with that.

"Look, Ki," I suddenly started, feeling my nerves triple as I held her stare.

I felt like I could throw up honestly.

"I don't think we should..." I trailed off, drawing in a deep nervous breath, "We shouldn't be friends anymore."

Kaia's face immediately dropped at my words, taking a few steps closer to me.

"What? Why?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly, "I listened to what you said—I don't let my hands roam and I don't change in front of you."

I shook my head, "It's not that—"

"It's totally serious with this girl isn't it?" Kaia asked, her brown eyes growing glossy, "I-I don't understand why you're choosing her over me. I've known you so much longer Libby, please."

I drew in a deep breath at her words—and the sight of her tears, watching her slowly unravel before me.

It made me feel overwhelmed, unsure how to navigate this with her.

"Is this because of your mother? I swear I thought I was looking out for you," Kaia rushed out, quickly wiping her tears away even if more spilled from her eyes.

"My mother?" I asked with furrowed brows, wondering what she was talking about.

Kaia blinked a few times, glancing down to the floor, "Oh," she sniffled, wiping more of her tears, "You don't know," she whispered almost to herself.

"Know what?" I asked, feeling my face burn at even the slightest idea of Kaia and my mother speaking.

It felt like my two worlds were colliding, and not in a good way.

"She uh asked me about your life—she wanted to know more about you in exchange for dropping my charges," Kaia briefly explained, making my lips immediately part, "I thought she wanted to be a better mother—I thought I was helping you out, but then it turned out to be a publicity stunt, and I'm so sorry, Libby."

I remained silent, void of any reaction as I processed this.

The idea that she helped my mother get exactly what she wanted.

And then proceeded to stand in front of me when I told her about the publicity stunt, and not say a single word about her part in it.

Lying doesn't feel good on the receiving end.

Maybe this is fucking karma.

"Libby," Kaia forced out, glancing up from the floor to finally meet my stare, "I'm so—"

"Fuck you, Kaia," I harshly cut her short, leaning away from the back of the couch to stand fully, "You helped my mother? Seriously?"

Kaia rapidly shook her head, "No I was trying to help you—and then I also got the charges dropped, so you didn't have to anymore," she tried to explain, taking a step closer to me.

I scoffed, "I went out on a limb to get those fucking charges dropped, Kaia—you-you don't even get it," I rushed out, tears burning in my eyes at the realization of all this.

I asked Monroe to handle something for a girl I used to sleep with.

A friend.

Or I thought she was a friend.

But now she's been compromised by my mother.

This is all so fucked up.

I should've never asked Monroe to do something like that for me.

"I'll never trust you again," I gritted through my heavy tears, staring at her in disgust.

"Trust me? You're the one who lied about the girl you're with," Kaia pointed out, sniffling as she wiped more of her tears away.

"For the hundredth fucking time, Kaia—I'm not seeing anyone. It's not serious," I snapped in irritation, blinking fast to keep my tears from falling.

"Okay then prove it," Kaia said, taking a large step to close the small gap between us—

And kiss me.

Or attempt to kiss me.

I jerked back before her lips could even graze mine, shoving her away with both hands.

Her expression twisted with knowing, "I knew it," Kaia said, right before she shoved me back.

Harder.

Much fucking harder.

The force of it caught me off guard.

I stumbled back, my balance slipping before I had time to process what just happened.

The couch hit the backs of my knees.

My arms flailed.

I tried to twist, to catch myself—

But the floor slammed into me, my temple taking the first hit as a loud thump echoed through the air.

Pain bursted through my skull, knocking the air out of me.

"Oh my fuck, Libby," her voice echoed as she rushed toward me.

Tears blurred my vision as I clutched my head, a shaky cry forcing its way out despite me trying to hold it in.

My head throbbed so bad I thought I might throw up.

"Get the fuck out," I forced out, scrambling away from her when she reached for me.

Kaia froze with wide eyes.

And then—like she had any fucking right—she started crying.

Like I wasn't the one who just fell over the couch, headfirst into the floor.

"Libby, I'm so—"

"I don't have to prove shit to you, ever," I cut her short, my voice hoarse as I rubbed my aching temple.

"I know-I know, please, Libby, I'm so sorry," she rambled as more tears fell from her eyes, "You pushed me first that's why."

I scoffed at her words, shocked that she was justifying what she just did.

Suddenly I could see the victimizing.

"You tried to kiss me without my permission Kaia," I pointed out blankly, "I didn't even push you that hard but you..." I trailed off when another wave of pain shot through my head.

I couldn't think properly.

All I could focus on was how much my head fucking hurts.

"Get out—seriously, get the fuck out," I said, not bothering to look at her again as I sat on the floor.

Kaia didn't move.

She silently stood there for a moment, tears streaming down her face as if waiting for me to take it back.

But I didn't.

I only stumbled to my feet, deciding I needed Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

I didn't say a single word to Kaia as I walked off to my bathroom, rummaging through the different drawers until I found something.

There was plenty of Tylenol after the bottle Monroe left here—and then also the bottle she bought for me the first night she touched me.

All I could do was think of her as I took the pills, making me more distressed.

What the fuck am I going to tell her?

And how will she react?

I let out a deep sigh as I closed the bathroom drawer, walking past my bedroom into the living room.

Kaia was gone—which made me feel a little better.

Or a little worse.

It had all gone so fucking south and I hated it.

I didn't want it to be like this.

I let out a deep sigh, grabbing my phone on the kitchen island to briefly text Monroe that I was about to leave soon.

I know she said to call, but texting was faster, and I didn't want to talk right now.

I needed to get my shit together first.

I walked over to my bedroom as I texted her, planning to pack my overnight bag next.

I was ready to go otherwise—wearing a pair of blank leggings and a cute vintage Dior long-sleeve shirt.

My curls were dry and my face was bare.

My overnight bag also wasn't that hard to pack.

I barely unpacked the bag I brought home from her house today, so there were still a lot of necessities and outfits in there.

I was actually early for once, zipping up my bag and leaving with forty-five minutes to spare.

But I still had to drive over to her house and there's always some kind of traffic at this time.

I let out a soft huff as I picked up my bag and walked out of my room, answering Monroe's text to tell her I was leaving now.

I paused, catching sight of my reflection in the full-body mirror.

Specifically, the bruise on my head.

My stomach dropped.

The swelling had already started, a deep blueish-purple blooming across my temple and standing out against my tanned skin.

It looked so much worse under the harsh light.

Fuck.

My bag hit the floor as I rushed to the bathroom, leaning in close to the large mirror.

The bruising was so ugly and uneven.

I tilted my head slightly, tracing the outline with my fingertips before wincing at the sharp sting.

"Monroe is going to kill her," I whispered to myself, yanking open the bathroom drawer and digging for my best concealer and foundation.

This is something I might have to lie about.

At least if I don't want this escalating further.

I worked quickly, layering the concealer first, blending with careful featherlight taps.

But even the lightest pressure sent fresh jolts of pain radiating through my skull.

I winced, biting the inside of my cheek as I applied the foundation next.

After minutes of holding my breath and continuously applying more product—

I had done it.

I successfully covered the bruise.

I stepped back, tilting my head left, then right to ensure it looked good.

The bruise was still there beneath the layers, but it was hidden enough.

I quickly packed all the products I used in my duffle bag, contemplating sleeping with the foundation and concealer on.

Or I would have to come home.

It was something I decided to figure out later, rushing out of my apartment toward the elevators.

I was really fucking late now that I had to cover that stupid bruise.

I just pray that I can keep it hidden from her.