Page 51

? ? ?

I let out a deep sigh, blinking my heavy eyes open.

Everything around me was drenched in this orange-hued warmth—the sun rising and birds distantly chirping.

I wasn't in the busy part of the city—there was no loud traffic or sirens.

I was tucked away in the confines of her house, draped in ruffled sheets and a heavy comforter.

My eyes zoned in on her arms around me, her hands clasped together as if to keep me here in this very position.

The white t-shirt I wore was bunched around my waist, my legs tangled with the softness of hers.

I tilted my head back, flinching when I noticed her blue eyes already on me.

"Monroe," I mumbled, nudging her away with one hand while I rubbed under my tired eyes.

"Yes?" she asked, amusement clear in her tone as her arms tightened around me, refusing to let me go.

"You're being weird again," I sighed, hiding my face in her chest as my only way of hiding from her stare.

Monroe chuckled softly, "Good morning to you too, Liberty," she murmured.

"We talked about you watching me while I sleep," I pointed out, pressing my cheek to her chest as I admired how the morning sun made her room glow.

"I recall a discussion," she said, her voice soft between us, "Not an agreement."

I sighed dramatically, "Well, we should come to an agreement," I mumbled, suddenly furrowing my brows as I openly glanced around the room.

It's Wednesday.

The sun has risen.

And Monroe is still in bed?

"Don't you have work?" I suddenly asked, glancing over to meet her blue eyes.

"My first patient isn't until ten," Monroe clarified, reaching up to gently caress her fingertips against my face, "I can stay the evening to handle the necessary files."

I remained silent for a moment, processing that she didn't go in early as usual.

She... put off her work for me?

At least until the evening, which will still cut into our time together.

But this still felt significant to me.

"You put off work for me, Ro Ro?" I asked teasingly, tilting my head further back to eye her face.

Monroe hummed, "I wanted to make you breakfast," she said, her blue eyes trailing my face so openly.

I raised a brow, "Why don't I get to make you anything?" I purposely asked, forcing a defensiveness in my tone.

"Do you want to make me something, Liberty?" Monroe murmured, her soft lips twitching up.

"I do," I said with an excessive amount of sass.

It only amused Monroe further.

"Tell me what you plan to make," she said, putting me on the spot.

I normally eat cereal or toaster waffles for breakfast.

Oh, or those microwave french toast sticks—they're so fucking good.

"Well, I can make eggs," I suddenly said, furrowing my brows in thought, "Cheesy eggs, nothing fancy," I clarified, hoping she didn't hold me to high expectations.

"Sounds delicious, darling," Monroe murmured with a growing smile.

"Oh—and bacon," I offered, meeting her stare again.

"I have turkey bacon," she said, making my eyes immediately narrow.

Of course, that's what she has.

"Right... turkey bacon," I mumbled, giving her a side eye.

"I'm sensing some judgment here," Monroe determined as her eyes trailed my face.

The more her smile grew, the hotter my face burned.

"Full judgment," I decided to joke with her.

She raised a brow in response, "Oh really?" she asked, and I couldn't help but squeal when she squeezed my side, where she knew I was ticklish.

"I'll kick you," I threatened with a laugh, nudging her away.

"Then I'll pin you down and make you take it," Monroe said, tickling me even more as I squirmed under her.

My entire body burned from her straightforward words, laughing as I tried to push her away.

But her other arm around my waist kept me firmly in place.

"Okay-okay, I take it back," I quickly breathed out, wrapping my arms around her to attack her with a hug to stop the tickling, "I would never judge you, mommy," I softly whispered in her ear.

"I know, darling," Monroe murmured, her arms tightening around me.

I relaxed against her, remaining silent for a moment.

There was this genuine moment of calmness around us.

"You have fruit too, right?" I suddenly asked her.

"Plenty of it," she didn't hesitate to say.

I smiled, pulling back from her, "I'm really excited to make something for you," I admitted.

Monroe's lips twitched up, diverting my focus down, "I'm very excited too, darling," she whispered, "I'm sure it'll be perfect."

My smile grew at her genuine belief in me, "It's going to be so perfect," I said, lying up from the bed.

Monroe laid up as well, sliding out of bed with me so we could head downstairs.

The morning sun spilled in more softly through the kitchen windows, making the counters glisten.

I didn't need a single light on, walking to the sink and washing my hands first.

Monroe stood behind me, her hands on my waist as she watched me.

Then I felt it.

Her hands subtly bunching up the shirt I wore, guiding the material up.

I drew in a deep breath when I felt the softness of her lips on my neck, rinsing the soap off my hands.

She guided my shirt all the way up, past my waist and chest, to expose me entirely.

I still had on my cheetah bra and black underwear from last night.

I briefly dried my hands with paper towels since Monroe never keeps a dish towel.

I couldn't imagine her using one anyway.

"Arms up," she softly whispered in my ear, sending shivers down my spine.

I lifted my arms before I could think it through, allowing her to guide the shirt over my head fully.

The cool air nipped at my skin as I stood exposed in front of her, wearing my lacy cheetah print bra and smooth black underwear.

Monroe walked away from me, rounding the counter as she folded the shirt.

I stood frozen for a moment, watching as she sat down at the island across from me, like this was entirely normal.

Her blue eyes openly trailed my body, not bothering to hide her stare.

Then suddenly—

Her eyes shifted up, locking with mine.

"This is how I want you to cook for me, darling," Monroe said, easily making my face grow warm.

I nodded wordlessly, "Of course," I whispered, backing away from the counter to walk toward the fridge.

I felt her stare burning into my back as I grabbed the turkey bacon and a clear container she kept her eggs in.

Once I set the items on the counter, I walked back to the fridge and grabbed the different containers of fruit.

Monroe kept her fruit washed and stored in glass containers, so that was one less thing I had to handle.

I made her a fruit bowl first, adding pineapple, watermelon, and blueberries.

"Your appetizer," I smiled as I walked toward her with the bowl of fruit.

"Lovely," Monroe whispered, glancing away from my bare body to eye the bowl of fresh fruit I prepared.

"Oh, and a fork," I whispered to myself, realizing she definitely doesn't use her hands to eat.

I carefully set the bowl in front of her, walking over to open one of the dark drawers and grabbing a fork for her.

"Thank you, my sweet girl," she said as I handed her the fork.

I nodded happily, "Of course," I said with a growing smile, walking over to the glass containers so I could put the fruit back up.

I definitely didn't want to leave a mess behind for her.

I also made an effort to remember where she had the containers and how they were stacked.

Next, I grabbed a pan and set it on the large gas stove, spraying it with the nonstick avocado oil.

I could feel the heavy weight of her stare on me as I cracked the eggs into the pan, scrambling them with cheddar cheese.

Weirdly enough, I grew accustomed to her stare on me, watching me as I cooked half-naked for her.

I was also happy she was eating the fruit I prepared for her, looking entirely content as she sat at the kitchen island.

It didn't take long to scramble the eggs, and then I added two pieces of turkey bacon to the pan.

I let the turkey bacon cook separately, ensuring it got crispy for her.

I quickly realized I should've cooked the turkey back first since it takes longer...

But I'm not exactly a professional in the kitchen.

And honestly, I was really proud of the plated food.

The eggs looked good, especially with the cheese melted on top, and the turkey bacon was crispy at the edges.

"This looks perfect, Liberty," Monroe said as I set the plate in front of her, taking the empty bowl for her.

"You really think so?" I asked her, walking over to the sink, and setting the bowl in it.

"Yes, darling," she didn't hesitate to assure me as I grabbed the plate I made for myself, along with silverware and napkins for us, "Thank you."

I smiled as I set my plate down with the napkins and silverware, "Of course, Ro Ro," I said as she handed me the folded t-shirt to put on.

My stare remained on Monroe as I pulled the white t-shirt back on, watching as she took her first bite of the eggs.

I took in her expression, how she chewed, and how soft her lips looked.

The slow smile that grew on her lips was the biggest sign that she liked it.

I think?

"Do you like it?" I asked, sliding into the chair next to her.

"Very much," Monroe said, glancing over to meet my stare, "Ten out of ten," she rated it before I could ask her to.

It made my smile grow, feeling so happy that she approved.

I knew it was an easy breakfast to her, but this is more effort than I usually put into my meals.

It definitely set my day into place.

I swear even after I separated from Monroe later that morning, I was still walking on fucking sunshine and rainbows.

Which is very abnormal.

Usually, I'm just content, not overflowing with this weird happiness.

I was actually excited for class and, of course, to see Zion.

Monroe even texted me about stopping by during her break if I wanted, which I obviously said yes to.

I'll just have to pretend that I need to speak to her over some patient emergency, but that's fine.

Anything to see her before the evening.

I swear I could barely contain my excitement during my lecture.

I tried my best to focus and take notes, but Monroe was a constant presence in my head.

I think Zion even noticed a little but didn't say anything.

I mean, the huge fucking smile on my face and my giddy mood easily gave it away.

"Saraiiiii," I singsonged as Zion and I walked out of the lecture hall.

Sarai stood leaning against the wall, waiting for us with her usual smile.

"Libsssss," she mocked my tone, smiling wider as she met me halfway for a brief hug.

"You look magical today," I complimented her, pulling back from the hug as Zion briefly kissed her cheek.

"Magical?" Sarai laughed, tilting her head, "I mean, thanks, I'll take it for sure."

"She was like this the entire lecture," Zion subtly whispered to her.

"Can't one be a happy person?" I purposely asked as we began walking down the wide hallway toward the exit with Zion in the middle and us on either side of him.

It was very diva of him to be in the middle—almost like a high school movie with one of those cliques.

"One can be a happy person," Sarai agreed, making me nod a few times, "They can also be an even happier person than they normally are because of something—or someone."

I jokingly rolled my eyes, even if she was spot on.

Zion was too, even if he didn't say it.

I knew he was thinking it.

I kind of wish I could tell them, but it's not a relationship, and it would be a breach of contract.

I know better than to mention anything regarding Monroe.

"There's no one," I said as we walked out past the heavy glass doors, the warm sun contrasting the chilly air gathered around us.

"Right... no one," Zion said, giving me one of his knowing looks, which made me roll my eyes in response.

"Well, if there was someone, we would love to meet them, you know," Sarai murmured, glancing over at me with a smile, "In all my years of knowing you, Libs, you're never interested in anyone."

"Never," Zion chuckled, causing me to playfully nudge his side, "It's a big deal, and you know we have to scope out the mystery person."

"I even prepared questions for a time like this," Sarai said, reaching for her phone in her pocket as we continued down the sidewalk, "I wrote them in my notes app so we could be prepared."

Zion nodded, "The questions I added will snuff out anyone bad for you," he said, leaning over to peek at his girlfriend's phone.

Meanwhile, all I could do was smile, processing that they actually did something like this for me.

They care about who I end up with.

They want to make sure I'm with a good person.

And Monroe is good—she's incredible.

I really wish they could meet her.

"Oh, and we also have a list of double date spots if they pass our questionnaire," Sarai murmured, tapping on her phone as we approached the parking lot, "My favorite idea is the amusement park—we would have so much fun."

A laugh immediately echoed from my mouth, making me tightly purse my lips together when their stare diverted to me.

I swear, the idea of Monroe at an amusement park would have to be the most hilarious thing ever.

I think I would have to bring Lysol and Clorox wipes for all the rides, otherwise, she probably wouldn't ride them.

I don't think she would ride them in general, it's so not her thing.

"I also have down a drive-in movie—like the vintage movies," Sarai said, glancing away from her phone to meet my stare.

I smiled at the idea, knowing Monroe would definitely like something like that.

We could take Zion's Jeep Trackhawk and lay down the backseat row.

I could already picture us lying down blankets in the trunk, maybe Monroe fixing them to ensure they were spread out evenly.

She would probably bring us healthier snacks while Zion and Sarai would have the unhealthy stuff.

And somehow, I would end up sneaking the unhealthy snacks from Sarai.

Monroe would catch me as usual, so I would convince her to try them.

The movie would probably be far from our focus.

Especially as I fed Monroe the unhealthy candy and watched her—

"Libs?"

I blinked a few times, snapping away from my thoughts.

That's when I realized we were in the parking lot—and I had officially zoned out.

"Sorry, what were you guys talking about?" I suddenly whispered, glancing over to Zion and Sarai.

"Are we doing lunch?" Zion asked as he unlocked his Jeep.

I shook my head, "No-I uh," I paused, realizing I couldn't tell them I'm going to see Monroe, "I want to hit the gym, but I'll text you guys."

Sarai smiled, "Right, the gym," she said, clearly not believing a word I just said.

"Have fun," Zion murmured with a growing smile.

I only shook my head as I walked toward my car, "I will, " I said, not even bothering to debate their assumptions.

Not with this sudden realization at the front of my head.

Monroe will never meet my friends.

And I'll never meet hers.

I'll never meet her family or learn what her life was like growing up.

Maybe I do want that eventually.

Even if her family is as insane as I assume, I wanted to be a part of every aspect of her life.

Maybe I want to go to New York.

Or Upstate New York, as Monroe said.

Maybe I want to walk through the house she grew up in or look at childhood pictures of her.

Or possibly go out in public together without putting on a front.

I quickly shook my head as I started my car, determining I was thinking too hard about this.

Today's a good day.

An amazing day.

I need to let these thoughts go—so what, she can't meet my friends?

Maybe it's nice that we can be in our own little world anyway—everything else is kept separate.

I nodded a few times to myself as I reversed out of my parking spot, determining that I like the world Monroe and I have.

We're isolated.

It's just us, and that's nice.

I decided to turn on music for the car ride, refusing to let my overthinking get the best of me.

Instead, I decided to vibe to R&B music, sipping on my water as I drove to the familiar office.

There wasn't free parking, given it was midday, but that was expected honestly.

By the time I parked and made it inside, I was actually a few minutes early.

The elevators weren't even that packed either, so I knew I would end up waiting for Monroe to finish her current session.

"Oh, good afternoon, Liberty," Sienna said as soon as I got off the elevator, briefly glancing down at her computer.

"I don't have an appointment," I quickly said before she had a chance to check the system, "Is it okay if I wait for Dr. Leclair to be available?"

Sienna nodded, her dark eyes trailing my face, "Yes, is this an emergency?" she asked, now clicking her mouse.

"Yeah," I said, watching as she typed on her computer.

"Okay, you can take a seat. I'll make sure Dr. Leclair is informed," Sienna said, earning a nod from me as I turned away from the front desk.

My stare immediately shifted toward Dr. Kincaid, noticing her presence emerge from the long hallway.

She wore a blue and white pinstriped button-down shirt with dress pants and white stilettos, wearing her dark hair down.

"Liberty," Dr. Kincaid smiled.

I forced my own smile, "Hi," I whispered as she approached me.

I haven't seen her since the university event.

The one I had to avoid her at after Monroe edged me in the back of the car.

She's definitely not going to be happy that we're speaking now, but I also don't want to be rude.

Fuck.

"How are you?" she asked, softening her voice with me.

"Good," I determined, pursing my lips into a smile, "How are you?"

"Great," she said, her dark eyes trailing my face, "Thank you for asking."

I unconsciously glanced past her, hearing distant soft footsteps grow closer.

They were precise against the floor, while the other footsteps were more chaotic and displaced.

It felt like my breathing stalled the moment her presence emerged from the hallway with her patient.

Just like this morning, Monroe wore a crisp black pantsuit, her matching leather loafers shining under the dim lights.

Her hair was down in soft waves, her bangs framing her sharp face perfectly.

Her blue eyes were locked on me.

Or us.

She openly glanced between me and Dr. Kincaid, who had turned around as well.

"I'll see you next week, Isla," Monroe suddenly focused back on her patient.

She looked like she was in her mid-twenties, her blonde hair tucked away from her face as she wore a frilly white top and jeans.

"Have a nice week, Dr. Leclair," the woman named Isla said, giving her a polite smile.

"You as well, Isla," Monroe said as the blonde woman ventured over to the elevators.

Then Monroe's blue eyes shifted over, locking on me.

"Hey, doc," I said with my usual smile, stepping past Dr. Kincaid.

"Liberty," Monroe addressed me, briefly glancing over to Dr. Kincaid, "Are you taking your break?"

Dr. Kincaid shook her head, "No, just decided to stretch my legs before my next patient," she clarified, glancing over to me, "I'm glad you're doing good, Liberty."

I forced a smile, feeling my entire face burn up from Dr. Kincaid's direct words.

I could easily feel Monroe's stare zoned in on me.

"Thanks, uh, you too," I whispered, quickly walking past Monroe toward the hallway.

I felt Monroe's presence follow behind me, not saying another word to Dr. Kincaid.

At this point, I kind of wanted to know why Monroe doesn't like her.

I mean, she willingly works with her.

She could easily have her removed for numerous reasons.

This is technically her practice, and Monroe also specializes in removing people.

Also, her ties to the government.

How is Dr. Kincaid even in the same state as her?

Genuinely.

Because Monroe seems to severely dislike her.

"So why don't you like Dr. Kincaid again?" I asked once she closed the door, allowing me to walk over to her desk, "And don't say because of me," I purposely added, knowing that was her previous answer.

But clearly, there's something more here.

"We're cordial, Liberty," Monroe said, approaching her desk that I leaned against.

"A very forced cordial," I pointed out as she stopped in front of me, "I want to know why."

Monroe rolled her lips into a pursed line, "You're very demanding today, darling," she said, eyeing my face in amusement.

I pulled away when she leaned down, attempting to kiss me.

"I want to know why," I spoke more firmly, refusing to let her distract me from this topic.

Monroe remained silent, her blue eyes sinking so deeply into mine.

She was eerily still, deep in her thoughts.

I could tell she was trying to decide what she wanted to say.

Or how much.

"She mirrors me," Monroe suddenly said, running her arms past my waist to hold me closer.

"Mirrors you?" I emphasized, unsure what that even meant.

"It's a form of copying, but more subtle. She's not directly mimicking me, but reflecting pieces of me back," she briefly explained, making my brows furrow deeper, "She mirrored my style first. The brands I wear and how I style them."

"Okay," I said, wanting to hear more.

"Then it was my car. I used to have a Mercedes until she got the exact model in a different color," Monroe said, and I swear I couldn't prevent my inner thoughts from showing on my face.

That's... really weird.

And concerning.

"Then she tried to get interviewed by the same magazines and papers as me," she continued when I remained silent, pulling me closer to her body, "I tried to be understanding. Flattery at its finest, as you know."

I didn't know.

If someone mirrored me I would be irritated as fuck.

"I couldn't be understanding after she pursued my previous arrangement," Monroe clarified, making my brows immediately shoot up, "Everything with Maricel was broken off, but she mentioned Dr. Kincaid had flirted with her at a bar."

I blinked a few times, "Wow, um," I breathed out, unsure how to react to all of this.

"To clarify, I cared less about the aspect of Maricel, and more about Dr. Kincaid," she said before I had a chance to even think of it in that way, "She was always very friendly with Maricel whenever she came into the office, but it made sense after she made a move on her."

I remained silent, glancing away from Monroe as I let her words register.

Dr. Kincaid might've flirted with me at the event.

You're the charm, so hurry back.

I remembered her words exactly, and now I deeply consider whether it was flirting.

It feels weird if it was.

Especially since she tries to mirror Monroe.

"The moment I told her to drop that nickname, Liberty," Monroe spoke through the silence, her blue eyes locked on mine with precision, "I knew she had her mind made up."

Her words sank deep inside me, making weird goosebumps crawl up my spine.

Monroe looked serious as ever.

And I knew she was being honest.

She never feels the need to lie about anything.

If it were something else, she would just say that.

"I'm okay though... right?" I unconsciously asked.

There was this weird, anxious pit in my stomach—now seeing Dr. Kincaid in a different light.

"Of course you're okay, Liberty," Monroe didn't hesitate to say, "You have nothing to worry about."

I blinked a few times, "Why haven't you... uh removed her?" I hesitantly asked.

I'm honestly surprised Dr. Kincaid is still here.

Not in Seattle.

I mean, on this earth.

"She has connections," Monroe briefly explained, leaning her face down closer to mine, "It's the sole reason she got hired here. Her family called in a favor."

I guess with wealthy people, favors stretch further?

Because I would've said fuck a favor.

But I understand Monroe's world is different.

It's more intricate—one wrong step and that's it.

I smiled slightly when Monroe suddenly tugged me closer by my waist, leaning down to press her lips against mine.

I ran my arms around her neck, kissing her back as I arched into her body.

"Be honest," I whispered against her lips, "Was I your first kiss, Ro Ro?"

I felt her lips twitch up against mine, "No," she said a little too bluntly for my liking.

I pulled away from her with a narrowed look, "Oh, so you've kissed other people?" I asked, suddenly realizing she only specified Maricel was who she hadn't kissed.

She always words things a specific way, I swear.

"No, not like that, Liberty. I was always focused on my career, even during university," Monroe clarified, closing the space between our faces again, "There was only one other woman. My first arrangement."

I furrowed my brows, somehow feeling like that was worse?

I mean, it's not bad.

Her first arrangement was years ago.

But it symbolizes something.

It makes her special.

She was already her longest arrangement.

Two years.

She spent two years with her.

What if I can't last that long?

"Liberty," Monroe whispered, snapping me out of my thoughts.

I quickly shook my head, "Sorry," I said, leaning up to briefly peck her lips, "I actually just remembered I have lunch with Zion and Sarai," I quickly lied.

Monroe didn't react.

But I could tell by her eyes openly trailing my face that she knew I was lying.

Yet she nodded anyway, almost going along with my lie.

Probably for my comfort.

Insecurity is something I need to work on.

I... can't expect her to make me feel confident in myself.

"I'll see you this evening at six," Monroe said, which was our usual routine by now.

"Cool," I whispered, walking past her and letting her arms fall from my waist.

I exited her office, briefly glancing back to see her standing where I left her, with her back to me.

I felt bad for abruptly leaving her like that, but it's hard to hear about her first arrangement.

It feels like it was deeper with her—and I was already struggling earlier with the never's.

We'll never have this, or we'll never be able to do that.

I didn't want to pile onto that.

Just as I told Zion and Sarai, I headed to the gym, deciding that would be a good way to blow off some steam.

I also wanted to send them a picture and prove their assumptions wrong.

Even if they were correct.

My ego just couldn't let them be right, obviously.

After the gym, I got changed into smooth black leggings and a matching zip-up jacket, pulling my curls into a messy bun.

I only did skincare, no makeup or anything.

Then I focused on handling my online schoolwork for the next half hour of free time.

Even after how earlier went with Monroe, I still looked forward to seeing her.

It's like my body craved her.

My mind worshipped her.

And my soul clung to hers.

It was beyond my control, almost like I had to follow along with it all.

Now I wanted to make up for what happened earlier.

She invited me to spend her break with her, and I left after she honestly answered my question.

I officially felt bad.

So I decided to bring my surprise from the farmers' market.

Pears and Brie.

The fruit was perfectly ripe, and I think the brie looked good?

I'm not sure how it was supposed to look, but I hoped it would make her evening better.

I made it to her house right at six o'clock, hoping that being on time would please her.

The front door was left unlocked for me as usual.

I slid off my shoes and left them by the front door, venturing down the hallway toward the kitchen.

I assumed that's where Monroe would be.

But she wasn't?

I furrowed my brows, hesitantly setting the bag of pears and the brie wheel down on the counter.

I openly took in the space, making sure she wasn't on the back patio.

I also glanced at the living room when I walked down the hallway again, ensuring she wasn't in there either.

Even if it was rare, I've never stepped foot in there, much less Monroe.

I headed upstairs, walking down the familiar hallway toward her bedroom.

The open door immediately confirmed that this was where she was.

I walked past the doorway, glancing around her empty bedroom, "Monroe?" I called out.

It was silent for a moment.

Then I heard heels click precisely against the floor.

Monroe never wears shoes in the house unless it's slippers.

Yet here she was—

In her usual shiny stilettos, wearing a silky black robe.

I soaked in the sight of her smooth, long legs and her figure hugged by the silky material, drawing in a slow deep breath.

She looked so attractive, but she always looks attractive.

This was different.

This was true femininity.

And Monroe did more than pull it off.

I considered whether she invented femininity in general.

"I uh," I blinked a few times, closing my eyes for a moment as I tried to find my sanity, "I brought a surprise for you," I finally said, opening my eyes again.

This time I met her stare, almost twitching not to look at her body again.

Fuck, I need to get a grip.

"I have a surprise for you as well, Liberty," she said, her voice so soft as she took a few steps, closing the space between us.

I drew in a deep breath when she reached up to gently cup my cheek in her hand, her blue eyes not wavering once from mine.

The smell of her surrounded me—making me deeply inhale as I tried my best not to glance down at her chest.

"What's—" I quickly cleared my throat, "What's the surprise?"

Monroe's soft lips twitched up, "Get undressed, darling," she whispered, lowering her hand from my cheek to smoothly unzip the black jacket I wore.

My body was exposed to her immediately, making every inch of me grow warm.

"I'm sorry for earlier," I said as she guided my jacket off.

I hope she isn't secretly planning to edge me.

"There's nothing to be sorry about, Liberty," she assured me, reaching behind me to unhook my bra next.

"I shouldn't have left like that," I admitted as she undid my bra with ease, guiding the straps down my arms.

"Darling," Monroe softly whispered as she dropped my bra aside, her blue eyes sinking so deeply into mine, "I get you."

I nodded a few times in a row, "You do—you get me," I breathed out, reaching for the waistband of my leggings.

I leaned down to slide them off with my underwear, slipping my socks off as well.

Then I let Monroe guide me over to the bed, wondering how we got here so quickly.

And how do I already feel so turned on?

I can feel the wetness that the mere sight of her caused.

That's how much power she holds.

I furrowed my brows when she sat on the bed, mostly because she normally has me lie down.

"Straddle me," Monroe calmly instructed, staring up at me patiently.

I didn't hesitate to lift my leg up, placing it on one side of her lap.

Monroe grabbed my waist once I lifted my other leg, successfully straddling her lap.

"Good girl," she praised me, making my face grow warm.

Her eyes weren't locked with mine anymore.

Instead, she eyed my chest.

I reached for her shoulders when she leaned in, pressing her soft lips to one of my hardened nipples.

Then she ran her tongue over my peak, making me shift against her with a soft whimper.

"Ro," I unconsciously breathed out, gripping her shoulders tighter.

She only hummed as she slowly circled her tongue around my nipple, reaching her other hand up to cup my breast, and tease my other nipple with her thumb.

My breathing grew frantic, furrowing my brows as a pressure slowly built at my core.

I unconsciously arched into her, "More," I breathed out, shifting against her, "Please."

Monroe tugged me down by my waist against her thigh, "Show me how desperate you are, darling," she softly whispered against my chest.

I didn't hesitate to start grinding myself against her bare thigh, feeling the wetness of myself spread across her soft skin.

The feeling alone made me moan.

"There you go, Liberty," she praised me, guiding my hips with each grind.

I panted for air when she flicked her tongue against my nipple, grinding even deeper against her leg.

"More-more," I whined desperately, arching deeper to grind my clit against her, "Please."

Monroe pinched my nipple in response, making a whine burn in my throat.

But her actions also made the pulse worse at my core.

"Please, mommy," I breathed out.

"There's my Liberty," Monroe murmured against my chest, dipping her hand between my thighs.

I leaned away from her thigh to give her more access, tilting my heavy head back with a deep

moan when she began circling my clit.

"Yes-yes," I nodded rapidly as she pulled away from my chest, wrapping her other hand around my throat.

She gripped my neck, tilting my head down to level my stare with hers.

"Arch deeper, darling," she said, her blue eyes not glancing away from mine once.

I immediately curved my back in more, and right at that moment—

She slid two fingers past my folds.

I sucked in a series of deep breaths, moaning so deeply as I held her stare.

"Good girl, Liberty," she praised, keeping a slow, deep pace.

I moaned even deeper at her words, my brows furrowed as she continued thrusting into me.

I unconsciously dug my nails into her shoulders when she curled deeply into my spot.

Everything burned around me as she repeatedly curled and uncurled against my spot, making my legs tremble on either side of her.

I could feel myself quickly approaching my peak.

And I knew she could too.

I began grinding against her fingers, hitting my spot deeper and deeper with each grind until—

"M-Monroe," I moaned out, my hips jerking as she held me in place by my neck.

I panted rapidly as my core pulsed around her fingers, my walls tightening so deeply around her.

Monroe soaked in my expression, watching as my entire body tensed so much that it made me tremble.

Until finally—

I relaxed, my chest rising and falling with each breath I took.

"My perfect girl," Monroe praised, gently sliding out of me.

I let out a deep breath, blinking a few times as I soaked in the aftermath of my orgasm.

I always feel lighter, and the soft tingles at my core is so relieving.

"Liberty, darling," Monroe said, subtly trailing her wet fingers up my stomach and making me shiver.

"Yes?" I whispered, holding her precise stare.

It was silent between us for a moment, only the sound of my heavy breaths.

Monroe's lips twitched up as she held my stare, a subtle smile on her lips.

"Can I use your beautiful face?" she asked me so softly.

It felt like I physically froze.

The only thing I could feel was my heart pumping harshly in my chest.

I considered whether I hallucinated her request.

But no.

She... she wants to use my face.

I swear she can have it—she can have me, any part of me.

Anything to please her.

"Yes-yes, of course, mommy," I quickly whispered before the offer could possibly be withdrawn, "I'll make you really proud."

"You'll make me proud, my sweet girl?" Monroe asked me, her voice so soft that it made shivers roll down my spine.

Her stare didn't help.

The way she was looking at me looked predatory.

"Yes, I'll make you really proud—you can use me for as long as you want," I offered, making Monroe's lips tilt up further.

Approval.

She approves.

"You're a very good girl, Liberty," she murmured, her eyes trailing my face as I drew in a wavered breath, "Get on your knees and sit pretty for me."

I nodded almost three times in a row, sliding myself off her lap.

My legs felt a little loose, but it didn't matter.

I was kneeling before her within seconds, tucking any stray baby hairs away from my face.

I sat with my legs folded under me, keeping my posture tall and a smile on my lips for her.

"My pretty girl," Monroe softly whispered, subtly spreading her legs for me.

It made something twitch inside of me, processing that this was really happening.

That I would get a chance to pleasure her.

Even if she's the one in control, she's using my face.

But fuck is it an honor that she even wants to use me.

I swear, I'll savor every second of this.