Page 45

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I left my phone in the car for hours.

I didn't bother to grab it after lunch, and instead, walked with Zion and Sarai downtown as we browsed different shops.

The local shops were super cute, and Zion and Sarai made shopping really fun.

We all ended up with shopping bags on our arms by the time we were done, especially at the last shop.

There were a lot of custom pieces—Zion even picked up a vintage graphic t-shirt.

I may or may not have purposely shopped a little more aggressively with the credit card Monroe had given me.

But she irritated me, and I wanted her to know I was out shopping and doing things—just not answering her.

Shopping helped me blow off some much-needed steam, and I also got to rant about the Kaia situation to Zion and Sarai.

I just needed a little while before talking about it, or else I would cry again.

They both supported my decision to cut Kaia off, which wasn't surprising.

Sarai wanted to genuinely fight Kaia after hearing how she pushed me.

Zion also disliked that Kaia showed up to talk when I specified that she leave.

There were a lot of red flags that they pointed out honestly, and it made me see everything a little differently.

Kaia shouldn't have showed up the very next day, especially without warning.

She should've left when I asked.

There also shouldn't have been excuses for anything.

Not even involving her dad or how she was raised.

And... I should've stood my ground better.

It's just hard with Kaia because I love her so much, and she's always been there for me.

She'll always continue to be here for me.

And I don't have a lot of people like that.

I have Zion and Sarai, but it's different with them.

I mean, they're amazing and so supportive, but they're also a couple.

With Kaia, it's just us against the world.

I let out a deep sigh as I approached my car, realizing I would have to face reality after hours of ignoring Monroe.

I don't even want to see what my notifications look like right now.

Nerves tied in my stomach as I opened the backseat door, carefully putting the different shopping bags in the seat before closing the door.

Then I opened the driver's side door and slid into the leather seat, closing my door as I started the car.

I sat there for a moment.

The silence was painful as I stared forward, refusing to look at my phone in the passenger seat.

I reached over before I could talk myself out of it, grabbing my phone from the seat beside me.

I practically held my breath as I pressed the side button with my thumb, illuminating the lock screen.

But it wasn't what I expected?

One missed call.

And one text message.

That's it?

Maybe this isn't so bad.

I quickly unlocked my phone, navigating to my messages to read what she sent.

I rolled my eyes at the message, somehow growing irritated all over again with her.

That was the time.

I could be on time if I left now, but maybe I wanted to be late.

Or maybe I don't want to go at all.

I tapped her contact above our messages, going to the info screen that showed my location shared with her.

My thoughts screamed at me not to.

But my body had a different idea.

The angry side of my brain was controlling my actions right now.

And all I had in mind was un-sharing my location.

My stomach dropped as soon as I pressed the confirm button, suddenly realizing what I had done.

Now I was rationalizing.

Especially when it showed in our messages that I stopped sharing my location.

I mean, that's what I wanted.

Or I thought I wanted.

No-no, this is what I want.

She pissed me off—she won't listen to me about Kaia.

I glanced down when my phone buzzed—

With a text from her.

She already noticed?

Of course, she fucking noticed.

I clenched my jaw, typing on the screen before I could think it through.

I drew in a deep breath, watching the texts deliver through.

A lot of thoughts were going through my mind.

I honestly contemplated if I had gone insane.

I don't plan to end things with her, so that means this will come with consequences.

I glanced down when my phone buzzed again.

"Fuck," I whispered, genuinely trying to remember my reasons for being mad.

Because right now, all I can think about is giving in.

The consequences don't even feel worth it.

I know she already has something in mind.

I shook my head to myself, determining that I needed to stay focused.

I told her not to make any more moves against Kaia.

I quickly typed on my phone with one question in mind, immediately sending my text.

I watched the typing bubbles appear.

Then, her response.

I scoffed to myself, knowing exactly what she was doing.

I typed my response quickly, given it was only one word.

The typing bubbles immediately appeared, making my stomach twist against my own wishes.

Especially when the typing bubbles remained for numerous seconds.

I rolled my eyes, typing on my phone again.

The last text was petty—so petty that it made me smile.

I'm winning this for sure.

I glanced down when my phone buzzed again.

I clenched my jaw, my face burning up from her text.

I could feel the degradation through the fucking phone.

My phone buzzed again.

Another text.

I pursed my lips together, staring at the screen as I contemplated my next choices.

It felt like this had escalated really fucking quickly.

She's going to find me.

Or whoever she sends will.

I'll likely be forced back to her house.

It doesn't sound worth it.

Not for the punishment I know she's already planning for this.

Crying is one thing, but screaming...

That's not a route I want to take with her.

And I know she's not referring to it as a pleasured scream.

It's likely a painful one.

I let out a deep sigh, locking my phone and dropping it in my lap.

I put my car in drive before I could think it through, pulling away from the curb and merging into traffic.

Nerves burned in my lower stomach, heading to one specific neighborhood.

Pioneer Square.

I didn't bother texting Monroe that I was giving in and coming over.

My ego wasn't willing to send a message like that.

But somehow that always changes when I'm standing in front of her.

Then my ego is gone.

But I seriously need to stay focused this time.

I ended up giving myself a full fucking pep talk on the way to her house, trying to boost myself as much as I could.

But once I pulled past the familiar gate and parked in her driveway—I was back to being nervous.

Especially as I got out of my car, approaching the tall front door.

Fuck, I need to get it together.

Like right fucking now.

I let out a long deep breath as I walked up the short staircase, verging closer and closer to the black front door.

She didn't open the door for me this time.

Instead, it was unlocked.

She was waiting inside for me.

I can't tell if that's worse?

I hesitantly walked into the warm house, inhaling the familiar floral scent as I slid my shoes off and set them neatly by the door.

Then I walked down the hallway—at the slowest pace possible.

Monroe stood at the kitchen island, the dining room table surprisingly bare for once with no prepared meal.

The only thing on the kitchen island was a bottle of vodka.

Beluga, it was called?

It made my brows furrow.

Not the name, but the fact that she set out a bottle of alcohol.

And Monroe looked calm, unsettlingly calm.

She wore her work clothes still—the fuchsia blouse and black dress pants, except now she had on dark Prada slippers rather than heels.

"You're drinking," I decided to speak first, my smile fake as I approached her.

"This is for you," Monroe said, her blue eyes not wavering from me as I stopped a distance away from her at the kitchen island.

"Aw you shouldn't have," I said, forcing my fake smile to grow wider as I eyed her face.

Monroe calmly shrugged, "You enjoyed going against my word today. I figured why not push the limit more," she just had to say.

Of course, there was a workaround to this.

"Good point," I decided to say, and suddenly, I could see it behind her eyes.

She's already lost her calm.

Long before I got here.

"I didn't get you anything today—hope you don't mind," I murmured sarcastically, leaning against the counter.

Monroe rolled her lips into a smile.

A genuine smile?

But given our current conversation, it unsettled me.

"Perhaps you were spot on earlier. You are very spoiled, darling," she softly whispered, eyeing my face as her smile remained prominent, "Or you simply act spoiled. You act like a brat."

I felt my face burn up from her degrading words, "And you act like a control freak," I shot back defensively.

"I'm aware of this. I warned you numerous times, darling," Monroe said, her words unnaturally soft with me, "But are you aware of how you act?"

I shrugged, "Yeah, and it doesn't bother me," I pointed out nonchalantly, not wanting to give her the reaction she wanted.

"Say it then," Monroe determined, her blue eyes burning into mine as her smile vanished.

It caught me entirely off guard.

How she was neutral again, staring at me as she awaited my next words.

"I'm a brat," I said, keeping my fake smile wide as I held her precise stare, "The biggest brat ever."

Monroe hummed, her eyes trailing my face for a moment.

Then—

She took a step forward.

And another.

Walking calmly over to me.

I refused to move and take a step back.

That would satisfy her.

So I stood my ground instead.

Except when she reached for me—then I leaned away, the cold counter pressed to my lower back.

"No," I said, holding her dark blue eyes, "Not until you tell me if you made another call about Kaia."

Monroe remained silent, calmly staring at me for a moment.

My heart pounded heavily in my ears, anticipating what she would say.

What her next actions would be.

She just stood there, still as stone, while her eyes slowly dragged over my face.

Her stare trailed over my lips, darting down to the exposed skin of my collarbone.

"I asked you a question," I spoke again, growing impatient by this tense silence.

"You're asking for honesty, Liberty," Monroe finally spoke, her darkened stare meeting mine, "But you haven't earned it."

I pursed my lips tightly together, "You want me to earn it, Monroe?" I said, feeling my ears burn at the edges, "You want me on my knees? Maybe crawl to you again?"

"I want you to behave, Liberty," Monroe corrected me, stepping forward and closing the space between us entirely, "How deeply do I have to break you to ensure that?"

I pressed my hands to her stomach when she grabbed my neck, her smooth hand firm around my skin.

"I didn't make the call, Liberty," she spoke again, her words sending relief through me even as I held her darkened stare, "But I can assure you, this is the last chance I'm awarding her."

"So you want me to lie again if anything else occurs?" I purposely said, pressing my hands firmer against her stomach.

Monroe's jaw visibly tensed, "You think I require your honesty?" she leaned closer to whisper, our faces barely inches apart, "I know everything, darling."

I blinked a few times as I stared so deeply into her eyes, my stomach hollowing from her serious words alone.

"I know where you shopped, what you ordered for lunch. I always have eyes on you," she spoke again as she leaned down closer to me, her nose barely grazing mine, "You only think you're lying to me because I allow it."

I shook my head in disbelief, eyeing her face as I genuinely tried to process her words.

She's always had eyes on me.

And I've never even noticed.

"You scare me, Monroe," I whispered honestly, hoping to get some kind of reaction out of her.

Anything, really.

But still, she remained unbothered by my words.

"Good," she determined, her blue eyes sinking so deeply into mine, "You finally understand who you're dealing with."

I didn't have time to respond—

Not when she pressed her lips to mine.

I inaudibly gasped against her lips when she applied firmer pressure to my neck, digging my short nails into her covered stomach.

Everything burned around me, unconsciously sliding my arms around her waist to pull her closer.

It was odd.

My fear was also rooted in attraction.

She's so fucking attractive, and somehow that outweighs everything.

Maybe I should be more scared of myself.

Her teeth grazed my bottom lip like a warning, my whimper echoing into her mouth.

The kiss was punishing, deliberate almost.

She wasn't searching for softness, but demanding submission.

And I gave in.

I tilted my head back further, chasing the heat of her mouth, letting her tongue drag across mine.

My nails dug into her back when she bit down on my bottom lip, a harsh whine vibrating in my throat.

Monroe hummed against my lips, gently sucking down and smoothing her tongue over the spot she bit.

Then she trailed kisses past my mouth, verging down to my neck that she unwrapped her hand from.

A moan vibrated in my chest as her lips sucked down on my tender skin, subtly slipping her hands underneath my sweatshirt.

She only pulled away for a second, tugging my sweatshirt over my head as I instinctively lifted my arms up.

I was left in my black bra, goosebumps prickling my skin as she threw my sweatshirt aside.

Then her lips were pressed to my neck again.

I curved deeper into her as she sucked down harder on my skin, trailing her fingers under my bra.

"Monroe," I breathlessly moaned, roughly untucking her blouse to feel her soft skin underneath my fingers.

Monroe only hummed in response, trailing her lips lower down my neck and sucking down again as I squirmed underneath her.

I could suddenly feel the ache between my thighs, a wetness gathering in my underwear.

I tilted my head back further, giving her more access.

Moans and whimpers spilled from my lips as her fingertips teased my nipples, making the heat gathered at my center ache worse.

But it only encouraged Monroe, applying more pressure to my nipples as she sucked down harder.

I grew needier and needier for her, arching so deeply that my body trembled.

I considered if she planned to edge me out of spite for my behavior today.

Especially when she pulled away, leaving me breathless with flushed cheeks.

"Please don't edge me," I whispered through my deep breaths.

The last time she touched me, I had been edged until I hit insanity.

I can't do it again.

Monroe openly eyed my face for a moment, leaving me on the worst edge of anticipation.

But then she trailed her hands down from my chest, her touch soft and featherlight.

Until she firmly gripped my waist—

And flipped me around.

I was bent over the kitchen island before I could process it, my bare stomach pressed to the cold marble.

It made goosebumps race down my skin, resting my cheek against the cold counter.

"I don't want to edge you, darling," she finally spoke, pulling away from me as I remained in place, "Nor punish you."

I turned my head against the counter, watching her venture over to the shiny fridge and open the freezer.

"You've had a rough couple of days," Monroe continued before I could say anything else, reaching into the freezer.

"I have," I immediately whispered, hoping we could just move past all of this.

"But this behavior of yours today," she murmured, making my stomach sink.

"We came to a mutual agreement," I pointed out, drawing in an unconscious breath when I noticed the clear glass dildo in her hand.

It had been in the freezer?

"After you hung up on me, didn't answer for hours, and un-shared your location," Monroe calmly pointed out, walking over to me with the dildo in her hand.

I had nothing to say.

Fuck.

"So you're going to take this until I'm satisfied," she continued, stopping directly behind me, "I don't care if your legs are shaking or you're dripping down your thighs, Liberty. You're going to be still and take it."

I drew in a deep breath when I felt her delicate touch slip under the waistband of my sweatpants.

She pulled them down with ease—along with my seamless tan thong, leaving me entirely exposed to her.

"Have I made myself clear?" Monroe spoke again when I remained tensely silent.

I nodded, "Ye-yes," I gasped, jerking forward when she pressed the cold dildo tip against my warm entrance.

I drew in a series of breaths as she pressed the glass toy past my slicked entrance, burying it in my warmth.

I shivered underneath her, pressing my palms harder against the cold counter as I tried to adjust to the size of the dildo.

Or how fucking cold it was.

It made me whimper, squeezing my eyes shut as she slid deeper and deeper.

I could feel every inch of it, almost hyper-aware of the coldness.

"Monroe," I whispered, drawing in deep breaths and letting them out.

"Shhhh" her soft voice echoed in my ears, "Behave for me."

I pursed my lips tightly together, a moan vibrating in my throat as she withdrew the toy.

Only to thrust it back into me.

I breathlessly moaned, feeling every move the toy made inside of me.

The coldness was so overstimulating, yet I found myself slowly adapting.

More specifically, I grew wetter from it.

"Oh my god," I whined when she thrusted the dildo directly against my spot.

More wetness burned at my core, making strings of moans escape my lips as I easily tightened around the cold invasive toy.

"You sound very pretty, Liberty," Monroe said, making me moan even deeper.

Especially when she gripped my hips, and sped up her pace.

My moans grew louder and louder, pressing myself harder against the counter—as if it would relieve the tension growing inside of me.

It began to feel so fucking good, especially as I chased my climax.

My moans and heavy breaths clouded the air around us, trembling as I drew closer and closer to my peak.

"My beautiful desperate girl," Monroe's voice echoed around me as I finally came undone, scrunching my eyes closed as I gripped the counter for stability.

My legs were trembling, my inner thighs damp with wetness.

But Monroe didn't stop.

She wasn't satisfied.

My moans turned to whimpers—trying my best to take what she was giving me.

But my legs were fucking trembling.

My body rocked against the counter with each thrust, hearing Monroe's soft voice echo around me with praise.

My second orgasm wasn't hard to reach, especially as she continued stroking the toy against my spot that she knew so well.

I was dripping down my legs, my moans weaker and my legs beginning to burn as they trembled more.

The dildo slowly defrosted inside of me by the time I hit my third orgasm, burying my face in my arms when she continued her thrusts.

Except these were quicker.

They were shorter.

The different pace threw my body for a loop, shooting up to my peak for the fourth time in a row.

I felt overstimulated and so fucking tired—my legs were aching so badly that I wondered how I would lean off this counter when this was over.

Monroe was so fucking insatiable.

I had to mentally prepare for my fifth orgasm, refusing to cry or tap out.

I really wanted to satisfy her.

I wanted to take everything she needed me to.

"Liberty."

Her soft voice echoed in my ears as I tried to breathe through my fifth orgasm.

It's not even pleasurable anymore—I'm too overstimulated.

I drew in deep breaths when I felt her slide the dildo out of me entirely, burying my face deeper in my arms as I tried to find reality again.

Everything felt blurred around me, I barely even registered the soft tissue against my inner thighs.

Monroe had wiped up and down my legs, cleaning me entirely before pulling my underwear and sweatpants back up.

Then her soft touch drew up my bare back toward my shoulders.

I forced my eyes open when she guided me to lean away from the counter.

My legs were weak—stumbling back with a grunt.

Monroe immediately grabbed my waist, her firm grip steadying me.

"Are you satisfied mommy?" I forced out, my voice in a weak whisper as I turned my head, meeting her stare.

"More than satisfied, my sweet girl," she murmured, leaning down to delicately kiss my cheek, "You did perfectly for me," she added, pressing a soft kiss to my neck.

"Promise?" I whispered, drawing in a deep breath to help steady my breathing.

"I promise, Liberty," Monroe immediately said, her blue eyes not once wavering from mine, "Let me carry you upstairs. You can have dinner in bed."

I immediately nodded, trying my best to turn around and face her as I held my arms out.

Monroe carefully lifted one of my legs around her torso—and then another, lifting me into her arms.

I sighed deeply as I wrapped my arms around her neck, resting my cheek against her shoulder.

My heavy eyes fell closed as she carried me out of the kitchen and down the hallway, feeling beyond exhausted.

I was honestly ready to go to sleep the moment she laid me in her bed.

She even helped me take my sweatpants and underwear off, along with my bra, dressing me in one of her white t-shirts.

She also kept underwear for me here.

Not any that I left—she actually bought me some and kept them in her closet.

They were regular cotton underwear and they felt... really comfortable.

Especially as I got settled in her bed, nuzzling into the soft pillow as she headed downstairs.

I swear it was so hard to fight my sleep, which was concerning because it was only seven o'clock.

Monroe had genuinely fucked me to sleep.

I couldn't even find the energy to be excited about the Dino nuggets and tater tots she made me for dinner.

All I did was silently eat them, trying my best to hurry up so I could lay back down.

I barely cleared my plate, setting the tray over on the nightstand with a deep sigh.

"Darling," Monroe spoke through the silence as I got comfortable in the bed.

I forced a hum, not bothering to say anything as I closed my eyes.

"How do you feel?" she asked, and I could suddenly feel her presence slide closer to me, "You haven't spoken since we were downstairs."

"I'm tired," I mumbled as she slid her arms around my waist, pulling me in even closer, "But good."

Monroe ran her hand under the t-shirt I wore, softly caressing my skin.

"Promise?" she suddenly said, immediately making my eyes flutter open.

It was the way she said it, how concerned she sounded.

I couldn't tell if she was concerned about me or losing control over me.

"Promise," I whispered with furrowed brows, staring so deeply into her blue eyes.

It was silent for a moment as I sorted through my thoughts.

Monroe didn't say anything either, almost like she could tell I wanted to say something more.

"Do you um..." I trailed off, unconsciously glancing away from her stare.

The words felt stuck in my throat, scared of what her reaction would be.

Or her response.

I don't want to mess this up.

"Do you care about me?" I quickly said before I could talk myself out of it.

"Liberty?" Monroe said, her brows immediately furrowing.

She looked taken aback.

I shook my head, "I know that's not the arrangement, never mind," I whispered, shutting the topic down before I had to face her rejection.

"No, not never mind," Monroe said, her tone growing serious with me, "Of course, I care about you."

I blinked a few times, "Really?" I asked, immediately meeting her stare.

"Really, Liberty," Monroe said, her brows furrowing deeper, "I care about you. I get you."

It felt like I could suddenly breathe again, wordlessly staring into her eyes.

"And... I get you," I whispered, naturally leaning closer to her.

Monroe reached up to gently cup my cheek, staring so deeply into my dark eyes.

"My sweet girl," she murmured, caressing her fingers against my cheekbone, "Tell me what's going on in your beautiful mind."

My face burned up from her words, feeling my heart physically beat faster.

"I uh, you just said you didn't care... if I hated you," I awkwardly said, holding her dark blue eyes, "Controlling the Kaia thing mattered more to you than me."

Monroe furrowed her brows, "The outcome, Liberty. That's what mattered to me," she clarified, gently grazing her fingertips along my jawline, "I didn't care if you hated me nor being the villain, if it meant you were far away from Kaia."

I drew in a deep breath, glancing away from her as I tried to process this explanation.

"She's unpredictable, as I said," Monroe continued, her stare burning into my face, "Not just for me, but for you as well. Kaia..." she suddenly trailed off, immediately making me glance back to her.

Oddly enough, Monroe looked hesitant.

Displaced by the thought of what she was trying to say.

"She hurt you."

The three words were lowered, darkened by her suddenly cold tone.

She was looking right at me.

But it didn't feel like she was here with me.

Something was running rampant in her head.

"She hurt you," Monroe repeated again, blinking a few times.

She looked lost within herself, genuinely thrown off by what she had said.

But then it's like something flipped inside her, snapping back to our reality as she leaned down to me.

"I don't like that she hurt you."

Her words were muffled as she buried her face in the crook of my neck, holding me so close to her body.

Her words... her actions, made something sink so deeply inside of me.

"That's what I'm trying to control," she admitted as I unconsciously ran my arms around her torso to hold her so tight, "I can't let it happen again, Liberty."

I let out a deep sigh, "It won't," I assured her, resting my cheek against her shoulder.

"I know," she didn't hesitate to say, "I won't allow it."

I nuzzled closer to her with a deep sigh, tangling my legs with hers as we settled in the hug.

The silence was calm around us, almost lighter now that we had emptied our minds.

Suddenly, I held a different perspective.

Monroe prioritized controlling the situation, but there was so much more behind it.

She's only trying to protect me.

And I know caring about someone isn't the same as having feelings, but it's still nice to know there was some emotion here.

I could be okay with that.

She told me from the start that this wouldn't be a relationship—it was never something she hid from me.

Monroe has always been upfront about everything.

I just need to keep reminding myself of the reality of this and I'll be okay.

We can just care about each other, it doesn't need to be complicated.

Monroe was always someone meant to be an experience, not an outcome.