With All That I Am: Bound To You

Naevis

"Stop, Jimin."

"I don't like this, Minjeong." Karina said for the eighth time in an hour.

Winter eyed her over possessive wife who looked amazing in a black pantsuit and black heels. She looked very dark and Winter couldn't have been more turned on. Karina freaked out when she saw what Winter was wearing, a criss cross black halter dress with a row of diamonds low on her back, and matching stilettos with hers. Winter rather enjoyed her wife's stupefied look when she was fully glammed up, and she can safely say the ginger hair had been Karina's favorite after her natural hair, of course.

Karina made love to her twice and begged her wife to change into another dress, but she held firm. She had to repair both her makeup and hair while Karina changed.

She'd been moody ever since Winter had lunch with Yuqi, Minnie, and Miyeoon, but Karina didn't object when Miyeon asked if Winter would be interested in volunteering at a local dog shelter. Winter told Yizhuo about it and she decided to come as well. Winter understood Karina's need for control, but she wouldn't let it dictate her life. Winter needed something to keep her occupied. Being able to help others through the Yu Foundation seemed like a win-win.

"I don't want you out of my sight," Karina said.

"I know," Winter said.

"Mark and the others will be there as well."

Winter didn't complain because she knew her wife's concern for her safety wasn't unfounded. She had been kidnapped and attacked by a killer who'd carved her up like a turkey on Thanksgiving. Karina wouldn't allow it to happen again. This event was giving Karina's parents' killer an opening if he wanted to finish the job. Winter almost backed out, but stubbornness forced her to attend. She couldn't hide forever and this was good publicity for Yu businesses and Karina's image. There were more pros than cons so, despite Karina's bitching, they got on the flight, and here they were.

Winter reached over and took Karina's hand. "It's going to be fine." She says, convincing both of them.

Karina didn't answer, but she squeezed her hand. Mark opened the door for the both of them and helped the both of them out of the car. Minnie prepped her for the press coverage, but Winter hadn't anticipated the size of the crowd or the noise. Reporters called out their names and begged for pictures. Minnie appeared out of nowhere and told them where to stand and be photographed.

Winter attended many of these in her younger days, but she and Karina had both changed since then. Her anxiety skyrocketed and her palms were damp with sweat. She instantly regretted coming and felt exposed and uncomfortable.

"I love you," Karina whispered in her ear, "with all that I am."

Distracted, Winter looked up as the click of the cameras echoed around them. "W-What?"

"I love you," Karina tells her again, as if her staff, the press and a ridiculous amount of people begging to explore a new Yu nightclub didn't surround them.

"I love you too." Winter tells her.

Karina raised her wife's hand to her lips and kissed Winter's palm. The paparazzi went nuts and Winter was nearly blinded by camera flashes.

"My parents would have been proud of you for forcing me to come out for this." Karina said, finally relaxing to let a small smile grace her lips.

Winter smiled up at her, "They loved these events."

The older woman grunted. "So did your parents. That's why we were always forced to go to these things."

Winter placed her hand on Karina's cheek and smiled for the cameras so they could move on. "We're different people now. We don't have to attend every opening, but we should go every now and then."