I scramble out of her bed frantically searching for my jeans. Jessica emerges from the bathroom wet and glistening from the shower, with just a bathrobe around her waist, and there am I - all bare legs and awkward gawkiness. She's surprised to see me out of bed.

"If you're looking for your jeans, I've sent them to the laundry." Her gaze is a dark obsidian. "They were spattered with your vomit."

"Oh." I flush scarlet. Why oh why does she always catch me on the back foot?

"I sent Jongin out for another pair and some shoes. They're in the bag on the chair."

Clean clothes. What an unexpected bonus.

"Um... I'll have a shower," I mutter. "Thanks." What else can I say? I grab the bag and dart into the bathroom away from the unnerving proximity of Jessica. 

X

In the bathroom, it's all hot and steamy from where she's been showering. I strip off my clothes and quickly clamber into the shower anxious to be under the cleansing stream of water. It cascades over me, and I hold up my face into the welcoming torrent. I want Jessica Jung. I want her badly. Simple fact. For the first time in my life, I want to go to bed with a woman. I want to feel her hands and on me.

She said she likes her women sentient. She's probably not celibate then. But she's not made a pass at me, unlike Yuri or Taeyeon. I don't understand. Does she want me? She wouldn't kiss me last week. Am I repellent to her? And yet, I'm here and she brought me here. I just don't know what her game is? What she's thinking? You've slept in her bed all night, and she's not touched you Fany. You do the math. My subconscious has reared her ugly, snide head. I ignore her.

The water is warm and soothing. Hmm... I could stay under this shower, in her bathroom, forever. I reach for the body-wash and it smells of her. It's a delicious smell. I rub it all over myself, fantasizing that it's her - rubbing this heavenly scented soap into my body, across my s, over my stomach, between my thighs with her long hands. Oh my. My heartbeat picks up again, this feels so... so good.

"Breakfast is here." She knocks on the door, startling me.

"Okay," I stutter as I'm yanked cruelly out of my daydream.

I climb out of the shower and grab two towels. I put my hair in one and wrap it Carmen Miranda style on my head. Hastily, I dry myself, ignoring the pleasurable feel of the towel rubbing against my over-sensitized skin.

I inspect the bag of jeans. Not only has Jongin brought me jeans and new Converse, but a pale pink shirt, socks, and underwear. Oh my. A clean bra and - actually to describe them in such a mundane, utilitarian way does not do them justice. They are an exquisite design of some fancy European lingerie. All pale pink lace and finery. Wow. I am in awe and slightly daunted by this underwear. . What's more, they fit perfectly. But of course they do. I flush to think of the Buzz-Cut man in some lingerie store buying this for me. I wonder what else is in his job description.

I dress quickly. The rest of the clothing is a perfect fit. I brusquely towel-dry my hair and try desperately to bring it under control. But, as usual, it refuses to cooperate, and my only option is to restrain it with a hair tie. I shall search in my purse, when I find it. I take a deep breath. Time to face Ms. Confusing.

X

I'm relieved to find the bedroom empty. I hunt quickly for my purse - but it's not in here. Taking another deep breath, I enter the living area of the suite. It's huge. There's an opulent, plush seating area, all overstuffed couches and soft cushions, an elaborate coffee table with a stack of large glossy books, a study area with a top-of-the-range Mac, an enormous plasma screen TV on the wall, and Jessica is sitting at a dining table on the other side of the room reading a newspaper. It's the size of a tennis court or something, not that I play tennis, though I have watched Yoona a few times. Yoona!

"Crap, Yoona," I croak. Jessica peers up at me.

"She knows you're here and still alive. I texted Krystal," she says with just a trace of humour.

Oh no. I remember her fervent dancing of the night before. All her patented moves used with maximum effect to seduce Jessica's sister no less! What's she going to think about me being here? I've never stayed out before. She's still with Krystal. She's only done this twice before, and both times I've had to endure the hideous pink PJs for a week from the fallout. She's going to think I've had a one-night stand too.

Jessica stares at me imperiously. She's wearing a white linen shirt, collar and cuffs undone.

"Sit," she commands, pointing to a place at the table. I make my way across the room and sit down opposite her as I've been directed. The table is laden with food.

"I didn't know what you liked, so I ordered a selection from the breakfast menu." She gives me a crooked, apologetic smile.

"That's very profligate of you," I murmur, bewildered by the choice, though I am hungry. "Yes, it is." She sounds guilty.

I opt for pancakes, maple syrup, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Jessica tries to hide a smile as she returns to her egg white omelette. The food is delicious.

"Tea?" she asks.

"Yes, please."

She passes me a small teapot of hot water and on the saucer is a Twining's English Breakfast teabag. Jeez, she remembers how I like my tea.

"Your hair's very damp," she scolds.

"I couldn't find the hairdryer," I mutter, embarrassed. Not that I looked.

Jessica's mouth presses into a hard line, but she doesn't say anything.

"Thank you for organizing the clothes."

"It's a pleasure, Tiffany. That colour suits you."

I blush and stare down at my fingers.

"You know, you really should learn to take a compliment." Her tone is castigating.

"I should give you some money for these clothes."

She glares at me as if I have offended her on some level. I hurry on.

"You've already given me the books, which, of course, I can't accept. But these clothes, please let me pay you back." I smile tentatively at her.

"Tiffany, trust me, I can afford it."

"That's not the point. Why should you buy these for me?"

"Because I can," her eyes flash with a wicked gleam.

"Just because you can doesn't mean that you should," I reply quietly as she arches an eyebrow at me, her eyes twinkling, and suddenly I feel that we're talking about something else, but I don't know what it is. Which reminds me...

"Why did you send me the books, Jessica?" My voice is soft. She puts down her cutlery and regards me intently, her hazel eyes burning with some unfathomable emotion.

Holy crap - my mouth dries.

"Well, when you were nearly run over by the cyclist - and I was holding you and you were looking up at me - all kiss me, kiss me, Jessica," she pauses and shrugs slightly, "I felt I owed you an apology and a warning." She runs her hand through her hair. "Tiffany, I'm not a hearts and flowers kind of woman, I don't do romance. My tastes are very singular. You should steer clear from me." She closes her eyes as if in defeat. "There's something about you, though, and I'm finding it impossible to stay away. But I think you've figured that out already."

My appetite vanishes. She can't stay away!

"Then don't," I whisper.

She gasps, her eyes wide.

"You don't know what you're saying."

"Enlighten me, then."

We sit gazing at each other, neither of us touching our food.

"You're not celibate then?" I breathe.

Amusement lights up her hazel eyes.

"No, Tiffany, I'm not celibate." She pauses for this information to sink in, and I flush scarlet. The mouth-to-brain filter is broken again. I can't believe I've just said that out loud. "What are your plans for the next few days?" she asks, her voice low.

"I'm working today, from midday. What is the time?" I panic suddenly.

"It's just after ten, you've plenty of time. What about tomorrow?" She has her elbows on the table, and her chin is resting on her long steepled fingers.

"Yoona and I are going to start packing. We're moving to Seoul next weekend, and I'm working at Melatone all this week."

"You have a place in Seoul already?"

"Yes."

"Where?"

"I can't remember the address. It's in the Cheongdam-dong District."

"Not far from me," her lips twitch up in a half smile. "So what are you going to do for work in Seoul?"

Where is she going with all these questions? The Jessica Jung Inquisition is almost as irritating as the Im Yoona Inquisition.

"I've applied for some internships. I'm waiting to hear."

"Have you applied to my company as I suggested?"

I flush... of course not.

"Um... no."

"And what's wrong with my company?"

"Your company or your Company?" I smirk.

She smiles slightly.

"Are you smirking at me, Miss Hwang?" She her head to one side, and I think she looks amused, but it's hard to tell. I flush and glance down at my unfinished breakfast. I can't look her in the eye when she uses that tone of voice.

"I'd like to bite that lip," she whispers darkly.

Oh my. I am completely unaware that I am chewing my bottom lip. My mouth pops open as I gasp and swallow at the same time. That has to be the iest thing anybody has ever said to me. My heart beat spikes, and I think I'm panting. Jeez, I'm a quivering, moist mess, and she hasn't even touched me. I squirm in my seat and meet her dark glare.

"Why don't you?" I challenge quietly.

"Because I'm not going to touch you Tiffany - not until I have your written consent to do so." Her lips hint at a smile.

What?

"What does that mean?"

"Exactly what I say." She sighs and shakes her head at me, amused, but exasperated too.

"I need to show you, Tiffany. What time do you finish work this evening?"

"About eight."

"Well, we could go to Seoul this evening or next Saturday for dinner at my place, and I'll acquaint you with the facts then. The choice is yours."

"Why can't you tell me now?" I sound petulant.

"Because I'm enjoying my breakfast and your company. Once you're enlightened, you probably won't want to see me again."

Holy . What does that mean? Does she white-slave small children to some God-forsaken part of the planet? Is she part of some underworld crime syndicate? It would explain why she's so rich. Is she deeply religious? Is she frigid? Surely not, she could prove that to me right now. Oh my. I flush scarlet thinking about the possibilities. This is getting me nowhere. I'd like to solve the riddle that is Jessica Jung sooner rather than later. If it means that whatever secret she has is so gross that I don't want to know her any more then, quite frankly, it will be a relief. Don't lie to yourself - my subconscious yells at me - it'll have to be pretty bloody bad to have you running for the hills.

"Tonight."