And because I'm so groggy from the night before, relieved that he's back, and emotionally fatigued by our early-morning encounter, I do exactly as I'm told. As I drift off I'm curious though grateful, given the nasty taste in my mouth, to know why he hasn't deployed his usual coping mechanism and leapt on me to have his wicked way.
"There's some orange juice for you here," Jungkook says, and my eyes flutter open again. I have had the most restful two hours of sleep I can remember, and I wake refreshed, my head no longer throbbing. The orange juice is a welcome sight - as is my husband. He's in his sweats. And I'm momentarily zapped back to the Heathman Hotel and the first time I ever woke up with him. His gray tank top is damp with his sweat. Either he's been working out in the basement gym or he's been for a run, but he shouldn't look this good after a workout.
"I'm going to take a shower," he murmurs and disappears to the bathroom. I frown. He's still distant. He's either distracted by all that's happened, or still mad, or . . . what? I sit up and reach for the orange juice, drinking it down too quickly. It's delicious, ice cold, and it makes my mouth a much better place. I clamber out of bed, anxious to close the distance - real and metaphysical - between my husband and me. I glance quickly at the alarm. It's eight o'clock. I strip off Jungkook's Tshirt and follow him into the bathroom. He's in the shower, washing his hair, and I don't hesitate. I slip in behind him and he stiffens the moment I wrap my arms around him - my front to his wet, muscular back. I ignore his reaction, holding him tightly, and press my cheek flat against him, closing my eyes. After a moment, he shifts so we are both under the cascade of hot water and carries on washing his hair. I let the water wash over me as I cradle the man I love. I think of all the times he's fucked me and all the times he's made love to me in here. I frown. He's never been this quiet. Turning my head, I start to trail kisses across his back. His body stiffens again.
"Lisa," he warns.
"Hmm."
My hands travel slowly down over his taut stomach to his belly. He places both his hands on mine and brings them to an abrupt halt. He shakes his head.
"Don't," he warns.
Oh. I release him, immediately. He's saying no? My mind goes into free fall - has this ever happened before? My subconscious shakes her head, her lips pursed. She glares at me over her half-moon glasses, wearing her you've-really-fucked-up-this-time look. I feel like I've been slapped, hard. Rejected. And a lifetime of insecurity spawns the ugly thought he doesn't want me anymore. I gasp as the pain sears through me. Jungkook turns, and I'm relieved to see he's not completely oblivious to my charms. Grasping my chin, he tilts my head back, and I find myself gazing into his wary, beautiful eyes.
"I'm still fucking mad at you," he says, his voice quiet and serious. Shit! Leaning down, he rests his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. I reach up and caress his face.
"Don't be mad at me, please. I think you're overreacting," I whisper.
He straightens, blanching. My hand falls free to my side.
"Overreacting?" he snarls. "Some fucking lunatic gets into my apartment to kidnap my wife, and you think I'm overreacting!" The restrained menace in his voice is frightening, and his eyes blaze as he stares at me like I'm the fucking lunatic.
"No . . . um, that's not what I was referring to. I thought this was about me staying out."
He closes his eyes once more as if in pain and shakes his head.
"Jungkook, I wasn't here." I try to appease and reassure him.
"I know," he whispers opening his eyes. "And all because you can't follow a simple, fucking request." His tone is bitter and it's my turn to blanch. "I don't want to discuss this now, in the shower. I am still fucking mad at you, Lalisa. You're making me question my judgment." He turns and promptly leaves the shower, grabbing a towel on the way and stalking out of the bathroom, leaving me bereft and chilled under the hot water.
Crap. Crap. Crap.
Then the significance of what he's just said dawns on me. Kidnap?
Fuck. Jack wanted to kidnap me? I recall the duct tape and not wanting to think too deeply about why Jack had that. Does Jungkook have more information? Hurriedly I wash myself, then shampoo and rinse my hair. I want to know. I need to know. I am not going to let him keep me in the dark about this.
Jungkook's not in the bedroom when I come out. Jeez, he dresses quickly. I do the same, throwing on my favorite plum dress and black sandals, and I'm conscious that I've chosen this outfit because Jungkook likes it. I vigorously towel-dry my hair, then braid it and wind it into a bun. Fitting diamond studs into my ears, I dash to the bathroom to apply a little mascara. Glancing at myself in the mirror - I'm pale. Jeez, I'm always pale - I take a deep steadying breath. I need to face the consequences of my rash decision to actually enjoy myself with my friend. I sigh, knowing that Jungkook won't see it that way. Jungkook is nowhere to be seen in the great room. Mrs. Jones is busying herself in the kitchen.
"Good morning, Lisa," she says sweetly.
"Morning," I smile broadly at her. I am Lisa again!
"Tea?"
"Please."
"Anything to eat?"
"Please. I'd like an omelet this morning."
"With mushrooms and spinach?"
"And cheese."
"Coming up."
"Where's Jungkook?"
"Mr. Jeon's in his study."
"Has he had breakfast?" I glance at the two places set on the breakfast bar.
"No, ma'am."
"Thanks."
Jungkook is on the phone, dressed in a white shirt with no tie, looking like every part the relaxed CEO. How deceptive appearances can be. Perhaps he's not going into the office after all. He glances up when I appear in the doorway but shakes his head at me, indicating that I am not welcome. Shit . . . I turn and wander dejectedly back to the breakfast bar. Taylor appears, snappily dressed in a somber suit, looking like he's had eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
"Morning, Taylor," I murmur, trying to gauge his mood and see if he'll offer me any visual cues about what has been going on.
"Good morning, Mrs. Jeon," he replies, and I hear the sympathy in those four words. I smile compassionately back at him, knowing he had to endure an angry, frustrated Jungkook returning to Seattle way ahead of schedule.
"How was the flight?" I dare to ask.
"Long, Mrs. Jeon." His brevity speaks volumes. "May I ask how you are?" he adds, his tone softening.
"I'm good."
He nods. "If you'll excuse me." He heads toward Jungkook's study. Hmm. Taylor's allowed in, but not me.
"Here you go." Mrs. Jones places my breakfast in front of me. My appetite has vanished, but I eat anyway, not wishing to offend her. By the time I've finished what I can of my breakfast, Jungkook has still not emerged from his study. Is he avoiding me?
"Thanks, Mrs. Jones," I murmur, sliding off the bar stool and making my way to the bathroom to clean my teeth. As I brush them, I'm reminded of Jungkook's sulk over the wedding vows. He holed up in his study then, too. Is that what this is? Him sulking? I shudder as I recall his subsequent nightmare. Will that happen again? We really need to talk. I need to know about Jack, and about the increased security for the Jeons - all the details that have been kept from me, but not from Rose. Obviously Jimin talks to her.
I glance at my watch. It's eight fifty - I'm late for work. I finish brushing my teeth, apply a little lip gloss, grab my lightweight black jacket and head back to the great room. I am relieved to see Jungkook there, eating his breakfast.
"You're going?" he says when he sees me.
"To work? Yes, of course." Bravely, I walk toward him and rest my hands on the edge of the breakfast bar. He gazes at me blankly.
"Jungkook, we've hardly been back a week. I have to go to work."
"But - " He stops, and rakes his hand through his hair. Mrs. Jones walks quietly out of the room. Discreet, Gail, discreet.
***