can't leave you hanging like that, so here you go. enjoy this chapter ;)
-----------------
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnszsoowNFJ
Her touch was soft—so delicate that it felt almost nonexistent as she traced my inner thigh.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5n8uhJ0Vn
I unconsciously shifted under her, wanting her touch firmer and higher.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWoAXKG4sD
Much higher.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhDzzvmhPd
But all it did was make her halt against me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKzVe7sSbP
"You don't move, River." I heard her voice right by my ear, making me purse my lips tightly together, "Not until I say so."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzeRd5f1lK
I nodded quickly, keeping my eyes closed as I tried to find some sort of patience.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPdgLOX7xO
"You speak when spoken to" Dr. Luccino reminded me, trailing further down my thigh and away from where I wanted her, as if a repercussion to my actions.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN0zECDIbC
"Okay.." I said, but my voice was breathless, entirely softened between us, "I won't move."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC1vxMojsO
I heard Dr. Luccino hum, "Good, River." she murmured, her fingers roaming up my thigh again.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOl2zLerkdu
I let out a breathless sigh, trying my best to relax under her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWmGsseHbt
But her touch was soft and unpredictable—how she would graze her fingers down and back up.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAbxpxmNB8
Or caress the smoothness of her short nails against my skin.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRAxhnHCAq
It made me grow more tense, trying not to shift underneath her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOvzLScKHR
"Tell me why you deserve this, River."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl2Sjb8Ha6
Her warm breath tickled my ear, making my lower stomach burn for more.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbL7d5STwH
I wanted so much more of her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlG8Q3n66O
"Because..." I trailed off, a frustrated whimper vibrating in my throat when she subtly dug her nails into my soft inner thigh, "I've had patience."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzEpfNoy5o
I heard her hum in amusement, "I assume anyone can have that" she had the nerve to say, caressing her fingers over the skin she had previously dug her nails into.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoBhjqK2nH
I thought harder, listening to the rain pattering and our combined soft breaths.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvuKrua8Y9
"Because I... listened?" I said, my words in the form of a question.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkmqXGXobB
"Listened." she repeated the word back to me in emphasis.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFY0SnBkyq
"Ye–yes, I've been good... and listened" I said, my last words forceful and breathless.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKg1o715Bl
I prayed that was enough—that it would earn me what I wanted from her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7smwn2C9Sg
"But will you continue to listen, River?" she suddenly asked me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHQpPl0MJT
I nodded before she could fully get the words out.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrFOMMnOuN
"Yes.." I immediately said, still remaining entirely still.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IqKHTB1o8
I felt her firmly push my thigh further away from the other, humming in acknowledgment at my words.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY2oDzOkN5
"Listen to my voice. Focus on it" she said, my eyes still closed as her hand roamed up closer to where I needed her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9R8TRQkK2
Only she halted right at my core, her fingers barely grazing the material of my underwear.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmFlwr0BFI
"Okay.." I whispered, remaining still for her as her fingers traced under the edges of my underwear.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMJoVNHBb2
I drew in a deep breath when she pressed her hand against my core, pressing the wet material against me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tAYqMtbEi
Then she leaned in closer, her scent wrapped around me entirely as she whispered—"Relax, River."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljf4eYZnlw
I let out the deep breath I previously drew in, nodding a few times as I unconsciously relaxed against the soft seat underneath me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jp2LMe6mC
"Good girl.." she calmly murmured, her warm breath fanning across my skin.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSKqKzDzYW
A hum burned in my throat, nearly moaning at the two words of praise.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwU7EwENWWM
I let out a deep breath when her fingers slid beneath my underwear, her fingers softly trailing over my clit.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9G0mIvk3y
I tried my best to be still and not squirm—especially when her fingers traced quick circles around my clit.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOpRJUYKWT
It was uncontrollable.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4Mjys7TWU
My sudden moans—or how my hips shifted under her touch even if I knew I was supposed to be still.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8wGBoXdSD
I gasped, my body jerking as soon as she pinched my clit.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskNG2AZjqm
"I said don't move, River." I heard her voice echo around me, her words firm and scolding.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxtKEo0DTS
I nodded rapidly with furrowed brows, "Ye–yes, okay.." I forced out, squeezing my closed eyes as my clit ached painfully.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡid7IPoaI3l
But it quickly spread into pleasure yet again when she smoothed her fingers against me, caressing my most sensitive spot.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GKXJ4z6rX
This time I really remained still, squeezing my legs as she tested me with the quick pace again.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s5TrP4mB4
Deep drawn-out moans slipped from my lips, whimpering when the muscles in my legs cramped up from tightening them so much.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMgAflzvlN
But I remained still, choked moans falling from my lips as my eyes burned with tears.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5l8sUY6bJd
I felt frustrated by her teasing pace that sped up and slowed down against me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkYbhnHAfnY
And all I could do was sit there, my legs trembling to stay open for her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8sL1vwTLT
"You're doing good, River.." I heard the smoothness of her voice in my ear, "This is how you earn more."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUDgOxgvNz
I shakily gasped, gripping the seat underneath me when she seamlessly slid two fingers past my folds.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBHUItosAF
I could physically feel the slickness I provided for her fingers, hearing my wetness as she slid out.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3T2WBlfNf
And right back in.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOEHj6SMJI
A whine burned in my throat, my legs tightening unbearably as I tried to be still for her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9eAPmJ0d5F
It made the warm tears slip from my closed eyes, feeling overwhelmed by the pleasure and pain flowing through me all at once.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVGFozEW7l
Especially when she spread her fingers apart inside of me—making me gasp for air as my chest rapidly rose and fell.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2VXu4oG2Y
"Nine.." I forced her name out unconsciously, feeling my legs shake uncontrollably.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwi2YWzRIBc
I had never uttered her first name aloud before, much less thought to.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjONGYmaAni
But right now it was all I could say, hoping she would go easier.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Lq1z1Z7dc
"Show me you can take what you asked for, River." was all she said, if anything sliding deeper inside of me and spreading her fingers wider apart.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWpAEtYBEh
My tears grew more uncontrollable, my moans desperate and my legs shaking as I quickly shot up toward my peak.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sbhMRQodC
"I-I really... can't be still" I forced out, my words incoherent and breathless.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs6RtBA0V9
But she understood them, quickening her pace almost purposefully.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcJjM3nlA2
"You move, this stops." she clarified, her soft voice serious in my ear, "I'll edge you, River." she added, her words nothing but a threat.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jm01LNaKP
I whined almost pathetically, wondering who I even was right now.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMhQEv6kuU
I've never cried during sex, especially not in this way.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXZzZWT4bM
If anything, Im the one usually in control.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡns4SCYxcN9
It was beyond anything I had experienced, trying my best to breathe through it all, but it was like she wanted to push me further.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVg7X1RXRGB
Whether it was speeding up or sliding deeper inside me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJlFVvGZSU
"You're almost there" I heard her voice echo around me as the rain fell harder against the car.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoQPu6Fz0v
My moans were unrecognizable, almost whining for her when my body shook uncontrollably.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg4Cwddlx9x
That's when I tightened around her fingers entirely, squeezing my eyes shut as I tightened every single muscle in my body.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNM90rqQsnt
"Fall into it—relax, River" her soft voice guided me as my moans grew louder.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVrplCjeHb
I physically trembled to make my muscles relax a little better, tightening even more around her fingers that kept sliding in and out of me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzj44kns8g
"There you go, River.." I heard her encourage me, curling her fingers deeper and making me whine desperately, "You're listening well for me."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcseJkMzBE
I panted through my nose, my orgasm growing more intense as she continued her pace.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEUwcxpvIo
"Please-please-plea-please.." I whispered, my words rushed and sticking together as I begged for her to let me move.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxm9bT4eZge
She didn't.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgnAJGVY4y
But her motions did slow down, soothing me back down as her fingers slid out of me to gently caress my slicked core.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiwuCMunBCU
My breaths still came out short and rushed, desperately trying to calm myself down.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVku9mITNkj
But my legs physically hurt.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIU7KSJ4cip
My body hurts actually.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0hCaofY1d
Even my arms feel tight.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJiaAE0w6P
"Shhhh.." I heard her softly in my ear when I began sniffling, more tears slipping from my closed eyes as I un-tensed my tight muscles.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34RkUbAuyS
It hurts so fucking bad.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNZzRK6YSN
But it was hard to focus on the pain with the satisfying tingles shooting through my core at the same time.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItnW7jKMhS
I was so overwhelmed—I couldn't figure out if it hurt or felt good.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLawg1cHmhW
Both is what I settled on.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCbKJLPZmK
"Open your eyes" I heard her suddenly say.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9a8MsmiweM
I didn't hesitate to listen to her, opening my eyes heavy with tears as I sniffled again.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNj3Dwg7Jk
The last thing I should be doing is crying in front of her after she just fucked me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rCK0SmAOX
I'm proving her right—that I wasn't ready for this.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0MAcCjJxz
"You were a very good girl, River." she calmly said, her eyes holding mine, "You did very good for me."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvOW1Vy5wo
Her face was so close to mine.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAN9EqNFJs
I nodded a few times as she brought her other hand up to my cheek, brushing the back of it against my damp skin and carefully wiping away my tears.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhhvApiD85
"Everything hurts." I whispered as she pulled her other hand away from my core.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVEdh9MxDH
And reached over to the dash.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQufYlG271i
"I'll fix that." she said, grabbing a pack of wet wipes from the dash.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡum7EHQNwK9
I nodded a few times, watching as she opened the wet wipes and grabbed one.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4uQZyHz3w
Then her hand was back between my legs, carefully using the wet wipe to clean up the mess she made of me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbjR5NjXur
I unconsciously tensed at the contact of the cold wipe, trying to relax as she carefully traced it up and down my folds before moving to my inner thighs.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmpBoSLk3O
They were also damp as well.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3m7UPE9ajo
Fuck.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5tIOLpXa9
"What do we say?" she asked me, adjusting my skirt back down for me before pulling away to grab another wet wipe.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpclkitdZH
"Thank you?" I said, the two words coming out as a question.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzDQU3Y7Gt
"For what, River?" she carefully asked me, calmly wiping her left hand clean as her stare remained on me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl0wSn18gI
"For…. cleaning me up" I said with furrowed brows, wondering if that's what she wanted to hear.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEyULRLJ4p
"What else?" she asked me, dissatisfied with my previous answer.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGfgeiX0Ka
I blinked a few times, "Uh for fu..." I trailed off when she raised a brow, feeling my face burn up, "For touching me," I quickly corrected myself.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AxvbRNMLA
"Say it correctly, River." she said, putting the wet wipes back in the dash and closing it.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVabMgfdD1d
"Thank you for touching me and cleaning me up" I said in a full sentence just as she requested.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4B7aSg5bAY
"You're welcome" she murmured, her brown eyes trailing my face for a moment.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYhfZ3minL2
Until she glanced away, facing forward as she buckled her seatbelt.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMPoDbUH5z
"I'll stop for ibuprofen" she suddenly determined, addressing how fucking sore I currently feel.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGNHTz5yG8
I can't even move without it hurting.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8iU646m9A
The irony.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrwvQvkec8
"It's fine, I have some at home" I assured her, now buckling my seatbelt as well.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5adVn3bSs
"I'm responsible for your current circumstances, so I'll handle it" she calmly explained, disregarding my previous words as she put the car in reverse,
I pursed my lips together, nodding once rather than arguing her statement.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAupxRHdAM
I wouldn't mind spending a little more time with her anyway.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEErGYW45w
"Do you need anything else?" she asked me, driving out of the parking lot and back down the road we came.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Q8v9Ix1pm
I shook my head.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJ5cY5sNFf
Until an idea suddenly popped into my head.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn0tkfCYlc
"Maybe... a lollipop would be nice" I whispered, staring at her with a slow smile growing on my lips.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGT8YOUXkW
Her attention briefly flickered to me, her lips twitching up slightly at my request.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdjT4JvDui
"Okay, River." she said, focusing her attention back on the road, "You listen, you get rewarded."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNz1ZShCz7G
I happily hummed, liking this little system she had.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqHeMbZk5O
Even if it left my body painfully fucking sore.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbf4lc7DmFr
"Speaking of rewards..." I trailed off, my smile growing wider, "Today marks a week of not drinking. Pay up."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GhKBBpdde
She nodded once, "Three questions, River" she said, her stare focused forward as she continued down the winding road, "Ask me anything you want."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYesZF2unmj
I blinked a few times, "Wait really?" I asked with a growing smile, surprised by the reward she chose.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZSb0XYymd
She always refused to share anything personal about herself.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnicr4vGPNY
"Yes" she calmly said, flicking on her signal as we approached the stop sign, "You earned it."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rTuIB1ejq
I felt my face burn up at her praise, nodding a few times.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAUQOxhdKE
"I did" I whispered, my smile widening as I glanced out of the window that rain droplets slid down, "Okay wait, but it has to be good—I don't want to waste my questions" I added, knowing this is a big deal.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLgaRVLPt7
Anything I want to know?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdMRh12qJ2
That's so much.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSdML9kTTU
"Take your time" I heard her say as I focused on the soft rain coming down, thinking deeply about what I wanted to ask.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AbD2ZoE7U
Work?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRrywaO1EC
Her family maybe?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtEjq9k7zh
Friends?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiQVWt5TP6
Everything about her felt unknown to me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHnXDCZifA
"Okay" I suddenly whispered, letting out a deep breath, "What is your family like?" I decided to ask, wondering how she grew up or what led her to be a therapist.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg19lduqbeD
"A broad question. Smart girl" she observed, her words making my face burn up, "I don't have siblings. My parents are married and stable, but work always comes first."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Vopb0hmMP
I nodded as I absorbed her words.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjnNvo3k49
It sounded like the dynamic of my mother almost, except when my dad was still alive it was different.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRdlC9ascI
We were happier.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuu7McQKuG7
"Keep going" I said, knowing she could say much more.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jizdA93tz
She rolled her lips into a pursed line, "My family is wealthy—some would say old money wealthy" she continued, making my brows unconsciously raise.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8dP5BrWTV
"Some would say" I emphasized her words, my smile growing amused, "That just means they're old money wealthy then" I pointed out, knowing that's essentially what her words meant.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl5YVUsXXn
"They are" she said, her stare still focused forward.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nRxEdcW9h
I narrowed my eyes at her, "You have to include their careers technically" I pressed, growing more curious.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTL7SCuVEF7
"Big Pharma" she calmly stated, making my brows raise.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdCqMXuRcC
Old money wealthy is probably an understatement then.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdWisyX99t
Big Pharma is about providing medicines, vaccines, and treatments to the public–things the world will always need.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RiTFTGxWs
It also means her parents are probably not the best people.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHckTZPBsp
Big Pharma exploits weaknesses—it preys on people's health.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkW7Of3ReKl
"Where did you grow up?" I curiously asked, not even caring that it was my second question.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsyi03gmTr
"Upstate New York" she answered, her stare still focused ahead while I openly stared at her side profile.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeyRnTwQaT
I sighed stressfully, trying to decide if I wanted to ask more about her life growing up.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ04k6fBDkx
Or maybe her friends?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkYeuQIyRR
Also, any exes or perhaps patients—but that idea felt too invasive for my liking.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcMJmGjjMJ
Especially after I told her this could be a one-time thing.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyDgTjQQkE
I'm not looking for anything serious.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGOU0eK3FK
But I still wanted to know.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr6cd6XCDGx
"Third question, River." she spoke when I remained silent in thought.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfxIafjwGR
I nodded a few times, "Okay..." I trailed off, deciding the ex topic was definitely too much, "Dr. Kincaid" I suddenly said her name, picking that topic instead, "What's up with her? You two were at dinner tonight."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pTdTCiGe2
She nodded, "A work-related dinner. It's set bi-weekly," she explained as we slowly halted at the red light, shifting her focus to me, "We're purely acquaintances. I don't feel the need to befriend my colleagues."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCvPTLcM3v
I raised a brow, "But you clearly don't like her," I pointed out, holding her stare.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXyNaYxyT7
Until I glanced down, noticing the edges of her lips twitch up into an amused smile.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZyDlTQt9o
"For numerous reasons, River." she said, shaking her head as she focused back on the road when the light turned green, "You're undoubtedly one of those reasons."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡary8nlRGTC
I blinked a few times at her blunt words, feeling something circle deeply in my stomach at her honesty.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVd7SqnndZS
"What did you tell her?" I curiously asked, wondering how that conversation went.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXW9qc25rW
"That's a fourth question" she corrected me, making a dramatic sigh fall from my lips.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkRBf02SnW
"No fair" I mumbled childishly, slumping back in my seat as I stared forward.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoU2CzhsEZc
"You should be more thankful, River." she said, flicking on her signal as she turned down another road, "I've been very generous tonight."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PgFsxChqD
I lazily raised my brows but didn't say anything in response.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3p7lFDgya
Maybe if I'm silent and pout hard enough, she'll let me ask a few more questions.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnvDM1Z6hA
I want to know so much more.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJCBT84eHz
"River." I heard her speak again, briefly glancing over to me, "I've been very generous tonight, haven't I?" she specifically asked me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7TjKzA6Ya
I forced a hum at her targeted question, still deciding not to say anything.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZff2lGcpqy
Even if I knew this wasn't the route I should take to get my way.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYICqU5ttWm
"You speak when spoken to" she emphasized, flicking on her signal and pulling into the CVS parking lot, "I won't remind you again, River."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNA8VJtFIj
I clenched my jaw but nodded stiffly anyway.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvXLOwhL0r
"Yeah" I said, staring ahead as she put the car in park and shifted her focus to me, "You were generous."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDplcxG2vD
She nodded once at my words, "Very generous" she calmly added, unbuckling her seatbelt, "Now, stay here" she told me, opening her door.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnYAJ1dfB8
"Okay" I said, staring forward as she gently closed the door and locked the car using the key fob she brought.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BO5tY4pkq
I silently watched her as she walked into the CVS, now noticing another thing about her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxzBGV8Ar1
The way she walks, her posture, even how she carries herself.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUr0kjWP0x
I suddenly saw the old money behind it.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNZJpJS5NW
I wondered if she took etiquette lessons or attended those rich people galas my mother always forced me to go to when I was younger.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oCye8LWxd
I also wondered why she's here now, why Dr. Luccino chose Seattle.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmbDoWwZhFw
Or should I say Nine?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtYWflDRH5
Can I even call her that now?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTokktyONY
I sighed deeply, sinking down in my seat with numerous thoughts rampant in my head as I waited for her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAphXcwgFzu
It barely took her five minutes to emerge from the CVS with a small bag in hand, unlocking the car as she approached.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfrl6LM7sF
I glanced over when she opened the car door, sliding into the seat beside me and firmly closing the door.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBciryrxtU
The first thing she did was reach into the bag, grabbing the Voss water and ibuprofen that she smoothly unwrapped before twisting the cap off.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGvVgqsW3V
"Open" she instructed me, pouring two of the pills into her hand.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6r3krMf6z
I didn't hesitate to lean over the console with parted lips, holding her stare as she slid them into my mouth.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJEVoYmEfh
Then she reached for the water, untwisting the cap before bringing it to my parted lips as well.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW4c1iMRMq
I swallowed the water and pills as she tilted the water bottle up for a longer sip.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbYzQwIgjm
It forced me to swallow again for her, drinking more of the water even if I had already taken the pills.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8Vg5G064L
"Very good" she murmured, lowering the water bottle from my lips.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjg31li3Aj
My face grew warm from her subtle praise, glancing down when she gently set the water bottle in my lap.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8AGbLdKrZ
"Yours" she stated, letting go of the water bottle to reach in the bag again, "And your reward."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hDyvCQzGt
I smiled when she revealed the cherry BlowPop, "Thank you very much" I said happily, watching as she opened the lollipop for me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDkIlizP8L
"You earned it, River" she repeated, her gaze shifting to mine as she brought the lollipop to my lips.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzUpJeOWQQt
I opened my mouth immediately, letting her slide the candy past my lips as I sucked down.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05q1t8KBGC
She hummed in approval, her stare focused purely on my lips for a moment—watching as I sucked harder on the lollipop.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5v9z8UvNE
It made my face burn up, trying to pretend like her directed stare didn't affect me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHWyq5pQh0
She suddenly glanced up, her stare locking with mine, "Now, are you ready to go home?" she calmly asked, earning a few nods from me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJk5KfLmyH
"Yes please" I said, resting back against my seat as I sucked more on the sweet lollipop.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnSFZ6sdk2
She nodded in acknowledgment, putting the car in reverse and backing out of the parking spot.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOYA8sFqca
Then we were on the way to my apartment, which was still a good fifteen minutes away.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1x1s1nFOq
I was happy by the lengthened drive, focused contently on my lollipop as I stared forward.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBpRw4esUA
I'm so happy I didn't take that Uber.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsyZUMrYO4
This was totally worth it even if it was a one-time thing.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsaukL6Er1W
Somehow I still wanted more from her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCY6H6wGAG
But I knew the prospects of that were highly unlikely, so I decided to be thankful for what I had gotten.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCOaH7SO4K
Even if I was slightly disappointed when we pulled into the familiar parking garage of my apartment building.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ59VPEVj9J
"Thanks for the ride, doc" I said as I unbuckled my seatbelt, shifting back into our normal dynamic.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ6IxoeWEf
"You're welcome, River." she calmly replied, watching as I carefully opened my door and slid out of the car.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iSja263ig
My legs were still very sore, but I tried to push through it in front of her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT3O7tXR8V
I grabbed my jacket, the Voss water, and also the CVS bag with the discarded lollipop stick in it, rising up from the car to my full height.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA7cbYPHIz
"Have a good night" I told her, standing hesitantly as I fought the soreness in my inner hips.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieQAjTjCUD
Fuck.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIMB5OBfWX
"Take care, River" she murmured softly as I carefully turned around, trying my best to walk normally to the nearby elevator.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreyJL5eJvD
Her car didn't move an inch—not until I stepped on the elevator and clicked my floor.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRE1VfaMi8
Once those shiny doors shut, a grin lit up on my face, replaying everything that just happened in that car.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMa2iCwfHL
It all felt so worth it—regardless of the begging I did or the work I put in.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGN668b0J3r
None of it mattered, now that I had gotten my way.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ380c6wWhij
I didn't know where this would leave us given we didn't discuss it.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKOoFdDLtJ
Maybe she wanted to leave it be for tonight?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lezEabDPT
Will she still refer me?
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZlz3lGPWT
I really don't want her to anymore—and not because of what just happened.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1P7OYdddn0
I simply don't want to open up to anyone else.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlpPjoUFZT
I don't want to start over with a new therapist.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjUlhWCLq0
I just wanted her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWinhTGYxh
Even if it means forgetting this night as I sit on that couch in front of her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxzM9HWIaf
I let out a content sigh as the elevator dinged open, walking down the familiar hallway with the stupidest grin on my face.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGD3SKuMMJ
But it slowly faded.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNJkecuUhU
Or quickly, given it was wiped off my face as soon as I noticed her presence at my door.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBGdwMRW6m
She sat on the ground, her knees pulled up to her chest, and her face buried between them.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQc2xRqeWD
"Kai?" I suddenly spoke, furrowing my brows.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bZqDZKvJQ
Kai immediately glanced up with puffy eyes, tear-stained cheeks, and eyeliner smudged under her eyes.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsmaNRc11x
Concern immediately struck me at the sight of her.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYtnKpRfaR
"What happened?" I asked, rushing over to her at my door.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTKs0mWpXU
Kai broke down immediately, sobbing as she reached out for me.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDqtKSD88Y
"My-my dad... he —where were you, Rivvy?" she cried hoarsely, her arms trembling as I leaned down to hug her, "I-I tried to call you—I waited for so long. I needed you."
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RKOn1WQNm
I frowned, realizing my phone had been in my coat pocket the entire time.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxLrMsmaOU
"I'm sorry, Kai" I whispered, hugging her tighter, "I wasn't near my phone and... and I, you know," I stumbled over my words, unable to think of a good lie for where I was at.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQuZL8rowQ
I can't say the gym because I'm in my clothes from earlier.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoIQtN2PAw
Zion and Sid would vouch for me, but they'd also wonder why.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwbE8080Za
I had nothing to come up with.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hRq6r4q24
"Let's just go inside" I suddenly said, deciding to divert away from the topic of my absence.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GWmNQC9Fz
Kai nodded immediately, crying even harder as I stood to my feet and tried to help her up.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4yXozMf1If
The high I was previously riding had vanished.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoi55sjA6Mw
It was stripped away into nothing as I focused on helping my best friend inside, wondering what had made her so upset.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGBDayDv5w
Her dad is already a trigger for her—I can only imagine what happened while she was there.
15Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVne0XtJ0M
Somehow, my night had taken another unexpected turn.
ns216.73.216.176da2
