{BOOK TWO}...Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Kim Taehyung, Jeon Jungkook has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.
But desire for Taehyung...
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Jungkook P.O.V.
Next to SP's is a small Italian bistro called Bee's. It reminds me of the place in Portland - a few tables and booths, the decor very crisp and modern with a large black and white photograph of a turn-of-the-century fiesta serving as a mural.
Taehyung and I are seated in a booth, poring over the menu and sipping a delicious light Frascati. When I glance up from the menu, having made my choice, Taehyung is gazing at me speculatively.
"What?" I ask.
"You look lovely, Jungkook. The outdoors agrees with you."
I flush. "I feel rather wind-burned to tell the truth. But I had a lovely afternoon. A perfect afternoon. Thank you."
He smiles, his eyes warm. "My pleasure," he murmurs.
"Can I ask you something?" I decide on a fact-finding mission.
"Anything, Jungkook. You know that." He cocks his head to one side, looking delicious.
"You don't seem to have many friends. Why is that?"
He shrugs and frowns. "I told you, I don't really have time. I have business associates - though that's very different from friendships, I suppose. I have my family and that's it. Apart from Elena."
I ignore the mention of the bitch-troll. "No male friends your own age that you can go out with and let off steam?"
"You know how I like to let off steam, Jungkook." Taehyung's mouth twists. "And I've been working, building up the business." He looks puzzled. "That's all I do - except sail and fly occasionally."
"Not even in college?"
"Not really."
"Just Elena, then?"
He nods, his expression wary.
"Must be lonely."
His lips curl in a small wistful smile. "What would you like to eat?" he asks, changing the subject again.
"I'm going for the risotto."
"Good choice." Taehyung summons the waiter, putting an end to that conversation.
After we've placed our order, I shift uncomfortably in my seat, staring at my knotted fingers. If he's in a talking mood, I need to take advantage.
I have to talk to him about his expectations, about his, um... needs.
"Jungkook, what's wrong? Tell me."
I glance up into his concerned face.
"Tell me," he says more forcefully, and his concern evolves into what? Fear? Anger?
I take a deep breath. "I'm just worried that this isn't enough for you. You know, to let off steam."
His jaw tenses and his eyes harden. "Have I given you any indication that this isn't enough?"
