The Escort S2

Part 64: An opening for healing

Taehyung's POV

As we head to the big meeting, I blankly stare out the window as Kookie finishes his banana. We're always talking or touching, but not today. I startle a bit with Kookie's touch to my hand as he slides close to me.

"What's wrong, sweety?" He asks.

"Why would you think something's wrong?" I speak in such a low and flat tone that's even unconvincing to me.

"Wanna try that again?" I turn, meet his eyes and snicker. He knows me too well.

"Sorry baby. I should know better than to put on a front for you." He smiles gently.

"Yes, you should." I blow out an exhaustive heavy breath.

"I guess I'm just waiting for the next shoe to drop with this Triton prick."

"Bae, we have the upper hand here. With Lisa, Tae Juan, and the group on this, his ass is roasted and done. Okay?" God his confidence is so sexy.

"I know you're right. I trust what we're doing, but it's the part about seeing those I love and care about being hurt. What if he comes after JJ or even my parents? That's the hard part." He nods softly in acknowledgement.

"Tae, none of his tactics have worked and he's the one running." I pull my eyebrows together in a question. "He's threatened us all and we have not killed the deal. We continue to go forward. Instead of dwelling on us, I like to think about how our standing strong has impacted him. Trust me, it has not been good. He's played several hands and he's gotten shit." I just shake my head with disbelief of how smart Kookie is. He knows business and people. I'm pretty certain that Triton Teoki has never dealt with an opponent such as the Jeon brothers. Now that's funny.

"Thanks, Kookie. I needed to hear that," I say with lifted spirits and a fight reignited in me.

Kookie and I arrive 30 minutes early for our meeting. Tae Juan and Lisa are setting up when we walk into the conference room. Kookie waves and mumbles a greeting and starts setting up his laptop. I wave at Tae Juan and eagerly go over to greet Lisa. Before I can get to her, Tae Juan greets me from behind.

"Oh, how are you, Mr. Tae? You look lovely today." I turn and smile hearing his cheery morning greeting. "Aren't you smartly dressed. Are those pants new uhm and that shirt?" Before I can speak, Kookie tunes in.

"Settle down, Tae Juan," Kookie says not looking up from his computer.

Lisa looks at Tae Juan and then bites down hard on her bottom lip to hold back a laugh.

"Well, yes these are new, how nice of you to notice, Tae Juan. You certainly have an eye for fashion." I say humoring him. I know he has a bit of a crush on me but he's a good man.

"Well, Mr. Tae, you make quite the fashion statement every time I see you and –"

"Tae Juan, do I need to send you to your office for a time out before the meeting starts?" Again, he doesn't look up from his laptop.

"Oh, sorry boss." I chuckle.

Lisa's looking at Tae Juan with a slight tremble in her jaw as if she'll burst with laughter. He turns and goes back to where he was sitting on the other side of the room and continues his work.

"Good morning, Lisa," I speak, lowering myself into the chair next to her. She wheels her chair close to me.

"What the fuck," she whispers. "That brilliant man just fell apart at the site of your ass in your Gucci pants." It takes a minute as she fakes a cough to cover her laughter.