Page 46

Monroe and I slowly began to settle into a calmer dynamic.

Everything had finally died down—there wasn't a Kaia situation or my mother in my ear.

My bruise healed within a week luckily, a full seven days when I took it lighter.

Sexually, nothing happened between me and Monroe, but it wasn't purposeful.

Or maybe it was on her end.

Especially after everything that had just happened—the issues with my mother, finding out about Monroe's ties to the government, the lie about Kaia uncovered, my sub drop, and the situation with Kaia.

It was a lot back-to-back honestly.

It felt nice to finally settle into a consistent routine, especially with Monroe.

Most nights I would stay at her place, waking up to breakfast she prepared for me before she left.

The evenings were what we truly spent together.

Whether it was dinner, or her handling work while I focused on school.

I also had my therapy sessions, where we worked more on hypnotherapy than anything.

It felt more natural than sitting across from her and talking about stuff she probably already knew about.

With hypnotherapy, I could just relax, and let my subconscious take over for me.

Sienna's overall presence didn't seem to bother me as much, and Dr. Kincaid—

Well, Monroe seemed displeased if I even said hello to her.

Aside from therapy, school was going well and I was hanging out with Zion and Sarai more during the day.

Kaia tried texting me again—asking if my social media accounts were working since her accounts were taken down.

I didn't answer her texts and she didn't text again, finally getting the hint that I was no longer available to her.

It was a good consistent week.

Then—

My period came the next week and my life felt complicated again.

I spent less time at Monroe's mostly because I preferred being alone.

And I didn't sleep over—I couldn't imagine if I stained her sheets on accident or something.

She's too controlled for something like that.

So I blamed my absence on being busy with school and having a lot more assignments to handle.

Monroe's work seemed a little busier at the moment too, so I took full advantage of her diverted focus.

I think she got assigned another case from the government, but of course, we didn't openly discuss that.

All that mattered was that I made it through shark week without any embarrassing moments.

And then everything felt good again.

We had officially hit a little over a month of being in an arrangement.

Therapy didn't even feel weird anymore.

It was like some alternate universe where she was doc—and I was nothing but her patient.

The only thing I was dreading was a certain day that revolved around one thing.

Love.

An emotion that Monroe and I would never make it to, much less feel at this very moment.

Valentine's Day was like a nagging presence in my head, unsure if I should still get her a gift or something.

I still wanted to show appreciation, and I don't think she would mind a gift.

I just didn't want to cross any lines.

I had never really done the Valentine's Day thing before—maybe with friends, yes, but not with someone I'm involved with.

I wasn't sure what to do.

I didn't want to skip on a gift and end up regretting it.

I let out a deep sigh, determining that I wouldn't focus on that right now.

Tonight is the gala that Sarai has been stressing about for the last two weeks.

Monroe is unsurprisingly a big donor for the university so she's coming as well.

But she has yet to get back from the office.

And I'm ready early for once—wearing the long black dress Monroe had specifically bought for me.

The dress clung to my waist, flowing down to my ankles.

I paired it with Dolce Gabbana cheetah print stilettos, wearing my hair in effortless waves.

Or not effortless since it took me hours to blow out my curly hair.

But it looked effortless.

My makeup tonight was more of a matte look, wearing soft pink blush on my cheekbones with highlighter and bronzer.

My foundation base looked fucking flawless, and my lip combo pulled the entire look together.

"That dress is very lucky to be on you, darling."

I unconsciously glanced past my reflection in the mirror, meeting her dark blue eyes pinned on me.

Her silky hair was down in waves, framing her face as she wore her usual white button-down and dress pants.

"Ro Ro," I said with a smile, my face burning from her directed stare.

Monroe leaned against the door frame, her arms crossed over her chest, "Turn around for me," she softly murmured.

I set my lipgloss down on the sink, turning my head first to meet her stare.

Then I turned to face her entirely.

"Incredible, Liberty."

My face burned hotter, desperately trying to remain unaffected by her words.

"Thank you," I softly whispered, doing a small twirl for her, "It's a cute dress right?"

"You're very cute darling," Monroe corrected me, leaning away from the door frame, "That's the only reason that dress works."

I shook my head with a smile, "Yeah, okay," I whispered as she approached me, her words annoyingly making me feel shy.

"My beautiful girl," she murmured as she reached for my waist, making my entire body grow warm at this fucking point.

It's the way she says things, how she looks at me when she says them.

It makes my stomach spin like I'm on a fucking rollercoaster.

Monroe's rollercoaster.

I instinctively tilted my head back when she leaned down—

And pressed the softest kiss to my lips.

A hum burned in my throat, smoothing my hands up her arms to lightly grip the collar of her shirt.

"You need to get ready," I reminded her as she pressed another brief kiss to my lips.

"I'm aware," she said, leaning past my lips to my neck.

Her nose grazed my soft skin, sending shivers down my spine.

She suddenly inhaled deeply, openly smelling me.

"Monroe," I whispered, feeling a different heat cloud around me.

I could feel it at my core, suddenly pressing my thighs together.

After the week break we took, and then last week I was on my period—we haven't had sex in two fucking weeks.

I'm starting to go insane.

I think I'm ovulating too because I feel needier than usual, I don't know.

Warmth shot down my spine when her grip tightened at my waist, drawing in another deep breath.

"You need to get ready," I repeated again, leaning away from her.

"I would prefer to stare at you for a little longer," Monroe said as she pulled back from my neck, "Can you manage that darling?"

I clenched my jaw, a subtle heat oozing in my lower stomach, "Sure," I said, my voice barely audible, "I'll help give you a head start," I determined, reaching for the buttons of her shirt.

My actions made my heart tick faster in my chest, waiting for her to decline my offer to undo her shirt.

But Monroe only remained silent, openly eyeing my body outlined in the black material.

I hesitantly fiddled with the first button of her shirt, working to undo it for her.

I waited for her to pull away.

Or maybe do it herself.

But she only eyed my entire fucking existence, not bothering to care about anything else at the moment.

So I undid a second button.

Then another, tracing my fingertips along her soft velvet skin that I slowly began exposing more of.

My breath was practically hitched in my throat, undoing the rest of her shirt completely.

I was impatient by the time I reached the last button, pressing the material apart to eye her exposed body.

Her skin was smooth, the dim lights outlining the subtle muscles of her toned stomach.

She wore a lacy black balconette bra, emphasizing the smooth curves of her chest.

My mouth physically watered—or maybe I was drooling?

I want to drool all over her.

In very specific places.

"Thank you, darling," Monroe said as I unconsciously guided her shirt down her arms to take it off entirely.

I hummed wordlessly as I continued eyeing her exposed skin, "I can help with your pants too," I offered, glancing up to meet her stare.

Monroe's lips twitched up as she eyed my face, "You would like that very much, wouldn't you, Liberty?" she softly whispered, her words almost degrading.

But all I could do was nod.

"I can get on my knees to take them off, mommy," I said, leaning closer to her exposed body.

I wanted to feel her against me.

"We can't be late," Monroe said, reaching up to gently play with my hair, "I'm receiving an award, Liberty."

"I can be a better award," I didn't hesitate to say, running my hands up her exposed stomach, "You can do anything you want to my face," I innocently whispered.

"My god, Liberty," she said, visibly drawing in a deep breath as her perfect chest rose.

"I'll make you really proud," I said, fluttering my lashes at her with the hope of getting my way.

"I know you will, my sweet girl," Monroe said, staring so deeply into my dark eyes.

Until her phone began lightly buzzing in her pocket.

Fuck me.

My shoulders sunk when she annoyingly reached for her phone, checking the caller ID.

"It's the committee darling," she murmured, glancing up from her phone to meet my stare, "I need to take this."

I sighed dramatically, "Fine, whatever," I mumbled, walking past her as I purposely brushed her shoulder.

"Liberty," she said, grabbing my wrist before I could fully pass by her.

"Take your important call, Monroe," I said spitefully as I tugged my wrist out of her hold, walking out of the bathroom entirely and firmly shutting the door behind me.

Honestly, I understood the call was important—it was definitely about tonight and she needed to take it.

I'm just frustrated now, and really on edge.

I was so close to getting exactly what I wanted.

But apparently, the universe has it out for me.

I sighed roughly, reaching for my phone so I could pass the time on TikTok.

Even if I unconsciously listened to the soft murmur of her voice in the bathroom.

A part of me waited.

Maybe she would come out of the bathroom and give me what I wanted.

But then I heard the shower turn on minutes later.

Defeat struck me as I scrolled more on TikTok, trying to push my frustration away.

But the more I pressed my thighs together, the worse it got.

Luckily, Sarai called me to discuss more of the gala and when I would be there, distracting me a little from what just happened.

Zion was also hilariously running late, apparently shaving and touching up his fade.

Classic Zion, I swear.

I had managed to stay on the phone with them for close to forty-five minutes, laughing and conversing as Sarai hilariously rushed him.

Once they were ready to leave and ended the call, I focused back on TikTok, patiently waiting for Monroe to be finished.

The moment that bathroom door opened, I glanced away from my phone, ready to lay eyes on her again.

I drew in a deep breath, eyeing the black Versace dress she wore.

It came down to her ankles, emphasizing all of her curves in the best fucking way.

Her sharp black stilettos shimmered under the dim lights, wearing her hair down as it previously was.

I could tell she touched up the waves in her hair, wearing more prominent makeup.

Her blue eyes popped so perfectly, wearing lipstick that I already wanted to mess up for the point of it.

She wore her typical silver jewelry, specifically a banded ring around her middle finger and one around her thumb.

Her shiny delicate necklace and bracelet also shined perfectly against her skin.

I liked that we matched in black.

I also liked that it was purposeful—Monroe never does anything without intention.

"Do we have to go?"

My words were unconscious, standing from the bed as I eyed her body.

"We do, darling," Monroe said, amused by my serious question.

"What if you just get the award and leave?" I asked as I approached her, my heels clicking against the floor.

Monroe's lips twitched up, "There are pictures and certain people I need to speak to," she clarified, running her arms around my waist.

I dramatically sighed, determining that it would be a long night.

I know there isn't a way to skip this, Monroe is very particular about her career.

"Behave for me tonight," Monroe said, smoothing her hand up my back, "Good girls get rewarded."

I hummed blankly, "Okay," I mumbled, now dreading this event.

At least I'll have Zion and Sarai to keep me company.

As for Monroe, we'll likely be on opposite sides of the room.

She even took the initiative to have us ride in separate cars.

Chauffeured cars, which reminded me so much of my mother.

All I ever used to ride in was a stupid SUV to press events.

But I guess the ride tonight wasn't that bad.

The venue wasn't that far away, and I occupied myself on my phone.

I did feel a little intimidated when I stepped out of the hidden confines of the SUV, eyeing the historic building.

There were so many groups of people walking inside.

I'm not used to walking into events like this alone.

Normally, it's Kaia by my side—or I'm with Zion and Sarai.

But I'll see them in there.

It just feels a little awkward for me.

I followed the flow of the crowd, not fully aware of where I was supposed to be going.

Then I stepped into the banquet hall, soft classical music playing from a live quartet.

Everyone was dressed to the nines just as I was, servers walking around with platters of champagne and fancy hor d'oeuvres.

Monroe had already been approached by two women dressed in polished gowns.

They both had the nerve to side-hug her—as if handshakes weren't a common practice.

Monroe didn't have to lift her arms to reciprocate each side hug, but she did.

Maybe I sound insane, but they could've shook hands.

And if I did it, I knew it would be a huge fucking issue.

"Libs!"

I immediately glanced over, noticing Sarai approaching me with a wide smile as Zion quickly caught up behind her.

Sarai was in a soft coral gown, her hair parted in a precise side part with one side tucked elegantly behind her ear.

Zion wore a classic black tux, his hairline just as sharp as I expected after how long it took him earlier.

"Hi guys," I smiled, opening my arms for a hug from Sarai.

And then Zion after.

"This place looks so good," I said as Zion and I pulled away.

"Oh, what? This? It was nothing," Sarai said, bringing her champagne flute to her lips, "I totally didn't lose sleep for the last month trying to help plan it."

"We," Zion added with a blank look, "We lost sleep."

I chuckled softly, "I swear you guys are the funniest couple I know," I said, my smile growing wider.

"We're the only couple you know," Zion deadpanned.

"Okay, sassy male apocalypse," Sarai laughed, grabbing his hand to hold in hers.

I only laughed again over the soft chatter and classical music playing.

"I don't know, I kind of like it when Ziona makes an appearance," I joked, making Sarai laugh too.

Meanwhile, Zion gave us a narrowed look, clearly hating the name we gave his sassy alter ego.

But Ziona is so bomb, I don't know why he hates it so much.

"We agreed to retire that name," Zion pointed out, shaking his head as he took a long sip of his champagne.

"It's only retired if you're not sassy, Ziona," I countered, laughing again when Zion continued to stare at me blankly.

It was probably the most hilarious thing ever.

It also distracted me from Monroe and the women she was currently still talking to.

Although, I couldn't help but occasionally glance over in her direction—pretending to scan the room as Zion went into a rant about retiring Ziona for good.

I didn't like how close the brunette woman was to her.

The other one with dark hair had a decent amount of space, so that didn't bother me as much.

But it was genuinely hard to focus on my conversation with Sarai and Zion, occasionally scanning the room just to see what Monroe was up to.

There was a man and another woman standing with them all a few moments later, and somehow the brunette managed to inch closer to Monroe.

"Liberty?"

I suddenly glanced over, along with Zion and Sarai—

To Dr. Kincaid.

She wore an emerald gown that clung to her slim figure, her dark hair precisely straightened and her face covered in neutral makeup.

It wasn't that odd to see her here—doctors, business owners, lawyers, and various other professionals were here.

The university seemed to invite a lot of different backgrounds.

Most of them also donated to the school.

"Oh hi," I smiled politely, wondering if I would finally regain Monroe's attention again now that Dr. Kincaid was here, "How are you?" I asked.

And before my inner thoughts could talk me out of it—

I lifted my arm, purposely initiating a side hug.

"I'm doing good," Dr. Kincaid said, wrapping her hand around my mid-back for a brief side hug, "How are you? This is the perfect networking event."

I smiled slightly as we pulled away from the brief hug, "I'm honestly just here to have fun with my friends," I said, motioning to Zion and Sarai, "Oh, I should probably introduce you guys."

"Dr. Leclair right?" Sarai asked, holding her hand out.

And I swear I wanted to actually facepalm myself at the accidental mixup.

I probably should've clarified better.

I thought Sarai remembered Monroe from the last event, but that was weeks ago and she barely laid eyes on her up close.

"Oh no," Dr. Kincaid softly laughed, reaching up to briefly shake Sarai's hand, "I'm Dr. Kincaid," she formally introduced herself, making Sarai smile awkwardly.

"I'm sorry," Sarai whispered, glancing at me with a look I knew meant she was embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it," Dr. Kincaid assured her, "We work together, so it happens," she added, glancing over to Zion.

He immediately reached his hand out, "Zion," he smiled respectfully at her, "Nice to meet you."

Dr. Kincaid smiled effortlessly as she briefly shook his hand, "It's nice to meet both of you" she said, lowering her hand by her side.

"How about Zi and I go mingle for a second?" Sarai politely offered, glancing back over to me, "If you guys wanted to catch up?"

"You don't have to leave—the last thing I want to do is intrude," Dr. Kincaid quickly said before I could say anything myself.

It was honestly a good idea for them to stay here with us.

Given I can feel a certain stare burning into the side of my face.

But Monroe is also giving side hugs and standing way too close to other women.

Why can't I have a nice conversation with Dr. Kincaid?

"We were only talking about Zion's alter ego—you're not intruding on anything, trust," Sarai said, making my lips part with an awkward laugh.

I can't believe she's about to tell Dr. Kincaid about Ziona.

But I will say, the blank look on Zion's face is killing me.

Fuck.

"Oh alter ego? Tell me more," Dr. Kincaid said, somehow blending right into our conversation.

And Sarai didn't hesitate to spill everything to her while Zion hilariously remained silent.

The conversation grew echoey around me, subtly glancing over in Monroe's direction.

This time I met her stare directly—

And she didn't look happy.

Well, she looked neutral, but I've learned to read her eyes.

Or how her jawline looks visibly tense.

She was saying nothing, but I swear I could feel a shift.

Especially when I subtly leaned closer to Dr. Kincaid just like that brunette woman had done to her.

Monroe immediately glanced away from me, zoning back in on her own conversation.

Which forced me to zone in on mine.

But that felt boring.

"I'm going to use the restroom really fast," I suddenly said, my attention focused back on them.

"Cool, I have a list of questions to ask Dr. Kincaid," Sarai said.

"Bring it on," Dr. Kincaid didn't hesitate to say.

"Good because I have some questions too," Zion suddenly added in agreement with Sarai, "Specifically, about alter egos," he just had to say.

"Yeah, good luck," I told Dr. Kincaid, smiling as I patted her shoulder.

"You're the charm, so hurry back," Dr. Kincaid leaned closer to say, her voice lowered between us as Zion and Sarai began debating their hilarious questions.

Meanwhile, I could only stare at Dr. Kincaid, wondering if she was flirting with me.

Is she?

For her sake, I hope not.

Or she'll magically be replaced by another therapist and shipped across the country.

"I'll... try," I hesitantly said, unsure how to maneuver this conversation.

I think she was genuinely trying to be nice.

I backed away from them when Sarai began asking Dr. Kincaid psychological facts she heard on TikTok, walking past the different groups of people lightly conversing over the soft classical music.

I didn't look once in Monroe's direction.

It was almost like a knowing.

I know she's watching me right now.

And I know she'll follow.

Especially after talking to Dr. Kincaid.

My heart pounded heavily in my ears as I slipped out of the event, a stiff silence surrounding me.

My heels clicked with each step, walking down the hallway I had come down earlier.

I didn't really know my way around so I was just following the route I knew.

Maybe I could text Monroe where I went?

Or wait for her to text me?

My location is shared with her, but it's not that fucking precise.

I suddenly turned my head, hearing sharp heels clicking distantly.

I could make out her familiar presence in my peripheral vision immediately, feeling nervous knots tied in my stomach.

She followed me.

I pursed my lips together when a smile threatened to spread on my lips, continuing to walk down the empty hallway.

Monroe remained at a distance, following my lead as I ventured past the tall double doors.

The chilly night air breezed around me, halting my steps with full hesitation.

I didn't know where to go now.

But Monroe kept walking, silently brushing past me as she descended the stairs.

I suddenly started walking again, my heels clicking against the pavement as hers did.

The wind rushed around us, making me fold my arms over my chest as I followed her at a distance.

It felt like she had suddenly snatched all the control in one swoop.

She has the upper hand now.

I furrowed my brows when we approached the SUV parked at the side of the large building.

The driver was leaning against the car, smoking a cigarette—

At least until he noticed Monroe's presence.

"Ms. Leclair," he immediately said, but before he could put his cigarette out, she held her hand up, motioning him to stop.

His brows furrowed, looking just as confused as me—especially when Monroe suddenly opened the backseat door.

"Liberty," Monroe said, not bothering to look at me as she motioned her head inside.

My heart rate picked up from her words, walking closer to her as my heels clicked quickly against the pavement.

I briefly met her dark blue eyes as I stepped onto the ledge—sliding into the backseat.

The door was shut immediately, Monroe's focus pinned on the poor confused driver.

Her words were muffled, purposely lowered between them as the driver kept nodding in acknowledgment.

Until suddenly—

He walked away.

I drew in a deep breath when the back door suddenly opened again.

And Monroe slid into the leather seat beside me.

I watched as she calmly closed the door, guiding her hair behind her shoulders.

"Monroe," I whispered when she slid down to the floorboard onto her knees.

She didn't say anything.

Instead, she focused on calmly guiding the material of my dress up—her touch soft against my smooth legs.

I was so confused, especially since I just openly hugged Dr. Kincaid and conversed with her in a very friendly way.

There was no doubt in my mind that it pissed Monroe off.

Yet here she is—on her knees, pulling my dress up.

I inaudibly gasped when she tugged me closer to the edge of the seat by my thighs, my covered core entirely exposed to her.

Heat burned down my body, struggling to control my breathing as I wordlessly stared down at her between my legs.

I gripped the leather seat beneath me when she pressed my legs wider apart, reaching for my smooth black underwear.

My lips parted when she slid them to the side, exposing me to the cold air entirely.

Her stare suddenly flickered up to meet mine, a tension burning behind her dark blue eyes.

It made me hold my breath, holding her stare as she lowered down to my core.

I hummed breathlessly the moment she pressed her mouth to my clit, arching entirely into her warm mouth.

Monroe gripped my thigh, her short nude nails digging into my skin.

She used her other hand to expose my core more, her fingers holding my slicked folds apart as she smoothed her soft tongue over my clit.

I moaned when she began flicking her tongue against me, staring down at her as I held her darkened blue eyes.

It was unspoken, but I knew not to glance away.

She wants me to stare at her.

"Oh my god," I breathed out, feeling her subtly spit against my core—her warm saliva dripping down my core.

She flicked her tongue faster, making me arch even deeper into her.

My clit was entirely exposed to her soft mouth as she held my folds open, sucking and licking my exposed bud.

"Monroe," I whined out, feeling her tongue seamlessly slide past my wet entrance.

She hummed against me, sending perfect vibrations through my core as she held my heavy eyes.

I gasped for air when she began thrusting her tongue into me, rolling my clit between her fingers.

She used her other hand to grab mine, guiding my touch to the back of her neck.

I immediately gripped her for support, my legs trembling as my moans echoed in the heavy air around us.

Everything was so warm around me.

My body burned just for her.

My breaths grew heavier, moaning out her name over and over again as she quickly sent me up to my peak.

My grip was tight on the back of her neck, grinding into her mouth as I chased my release.

Until finally, my eyes rolled closed, and—

"No-no," I cried out when she pulled away, making my core ache painfully, "Monroe," I whined, gasping for air as I tried to come down from my unfinished orgasm.

"Don't speak to her again, Liberty," Monroe said as I opened my eyes to meet her stare, "Don't even look in her direction," she added, calmly wiping the edges of her mouth with her thumb.

I rapidly shook my head, "Please don't edge me," I forced out, staring down at her with nothing but desperation.

"Behave the rest of the night and I'll relieve you," Monroe clarified, reaching up to adjust my underwear for me.

"Relieve me right now—please, I didn't even do anything wrong," I pointed out.

Monroe guided my dress down anyway, making my frustration grow worse.

My core is physically pulsating.

"You're lucky I didn't spank you for what you just pulled, Liberty," Monroe said, her tone lowered calmly between us, "Initiating a hug with her was unnecessary."

"You hugged those other women," I pointed out, firmly closing my legs as I stared down at her.

"They're associates," Monroe corrected me, her blue eyes burning into mine.

"Associates or not, that brunette kept inching closer to you, Monroe," I emphasized, narrowing my eyes at her.

Monroe's glistened lips twitched up, "And yet here I am," she murmured, openly eyeing my face for a moment, "On my knees, buried between your thighs. Who really won here, Liberty? Because I assure you it wasn't her."

I remained silent, undoubtedly affected by her words.

Especially with the state she just left me in.

I was not even a second away from fully coming undone.

That edging genuinely fucking hurt.

"If you're displeased, use your beautiful mouth and say something. Text me your concerns even," Monroe continued when I remained silent, her tone entirely serious with me, "You don't cozy up with my colleague, Liberty. Someone you're very aware I dislike around you."

I blinked a few times, hating that she proved a decent point.

I guess I could've tried to say something.

"I'm sorry," I suddenly whispered, pursing my lips as I unconsciously glanced away from her.

"I always encourage you to communicate," Monroe said, staring up at me as I avoided her stare, "If you were unhappy, I would've fixed it immediately."

I sighed deeply, "I know," I said, my voice soft between us.

I should've just fucking texted her or something.

She didn't even do anything wrong, but I could've still communicated that.

Now I'm left on this edge for god knows how long.

"Wait five minutes to get out of the car," Monroe instructed, rising from her knees to sit beside me, "We'll finish this later."

I nodded reluctantly, "Okay," I sighed, pressing my thighs tighter together to help relieve the ache between my legs.

But it only made my clit throb even worse.

Warmth spread down my body when Monroe leaned over to briefly kiss my lips.

"Behave," she murmured, pulling back slightly to meet my dark eyes.

"I will," I whispered, determining I wouldn't play any more games with her.

"Good girl," Monroe praised me, kissing my lips one more time before she pulled away entirely.

I watched her open the door—sliding out of the backseat and stepping down from the SUV.

She gently closed the door behind her, leaving me in deep silence as I replayed everything that just happened.

I feel so on edge.

And really wet.

Every move I make sends an ache through my fucking core.

The rest of this event is going to be hell.