Karina Yu

The crystal chandeliers of the gala still blurred in Karina’s vision, but the silence of the penthouse office felt louder than the orchestra had been. The scent of expensive sandalwood and cold ozone clung to the air. Minjeong stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, her silhouette a sharp blade against the Seoul skyline. She hadn't spoken since they left the event.

Karina shifted, the silk of her gown whispering against her legs. She tried a small, tentative smile.

"Minjeong? You've been quiet since the car ride."

Minjeong turned. Her eyes didn't flicker; they pinned Karina to the spot. She didn't move, yet the space in the room seemed to shrink.

"Jaewook has a fine taste in conversation, it seems."

Karina blinked, her heart hammering against her ribs. "He was just being friendly. He’s a major investor, I was simply networking for the firm."

"Networking."

Minjeong stepped forward, the click of her heels echoing like a countdown. She stopped inches from Karina, the heat radiating from her body contrasting with the ice in her voice.

"Is that what we call it when a man’s hand lingers on the small of your back for three minutes? Networking?"

Karina swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to Minjeong’s collarbone. "I didn't think—"

"That's the problem, Karina. You didn't think."

Minjeong’s hand shot out, fingers gripping Karina’s chin and forcing her head up. The grip wasn't painful, but it was absolute. It was a claim. "You played along. You liked the attention. You let him think he had a chance to taste something that belongs exclusively to me."

"I'm your secretary," Karina whispered, her breath hitching. "In public, I don't belong to anyone."

A slow, dangerous smile curved Minjeong’s lips. She leaned in, her voice dropping to a low, vibrating hum near Karina's ear.

"You forget where you are. You aren't in the ballroom anymore. You're in my office. And in this room, you belong to me in every way that matters."

Karina shivered, a spark of submission flickering in her chest. "Are you jealous?"

Minjeong’s grip tightened slightly, her thumb brushing over Karina’s lower lip with a bruising pressure.

"Jealousy is for people who are afraid of losing. I don't lose, Karina. I simply reclaim what is mine."

Minjeong released her abruptly and walked toward the heavy mahogany desk, tossing her blazer aside. She didn't look back as she spoke.

"Lock the door. Strip. Now."

Karina froze for a second, the command vibrating through her. She didn't hesitate. She turned and slid the bolt shut, the metallic click signaling the end of the professional facade.

I said lock the door. Do it before I lose my temper and rip that dress of yours.