Lines We Cross

Chapter 14

Elizabeth stood at the edge of the ballroom, the soft strains of the string quartet mixing with the low murmur of conversation. The room was filled with polished surfaces, crystal chandeliers, and guests who moved as if choreographed, gliding effortlessly between champagne flutes and whispered exchanges. She had been to her share of high-society events over the years, but there was something about the Sterling party that felt different—more refined, more exclusive, and more charged.

Her gaze found YN almost immediately. Even amidst the glittering sea of gowns and tuxedos, YN stood out, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that hugged her form with an effortless elegance. She was composed, charismatic, and seemed to know exactly where to be and when to be there, engaging in conversation with a kind of grace that belied her age. At only twenty-one, she handled herself with the composure of someone much older, making it easy to forget she was still a student, technically.

Elizabeth watched YN shake hands with an older gentleman, probably one of her father's associates, and offer a polite laugh at something he said. Her calm expression, the easy confidence—it all came across so naturally. But Elizabeth noticed the small things, the flicker of tension in YN's eyes or the way she sometimes glanced toward exits or quiet corners, like she was looking for an escape. YN was performing, and she was doing it well. But Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder what it would take to strip away that facade, to see the real YN beneath.

As Elizabeth took a step forward, she was intercepted by a familiar voice.

"Well, if it isn't Professor Olsen," the woman from the date said with a playful smile as she sidled up beside Elizabeth. Her dark dress accentuated her figure, and her hair fell in loose waves over one shoulder. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Elizabeth kept her smile polite but distant. "Well the Sterlings did extend an invitation to most of the faculty," she replied, her gaze flickering back toward YN, who was now engaged in another conversation across the room.

The woman followed Elizabeth's line of sight and let out a light chuckle. "Your student seems to be quite popular tonight," she said, her voice lowering slightly. "She's very... captivating."

"She is," Elizabeth agreed, keeping her tone neutral even as a faint unease stirred in her chest. The woman's comment felt like it carried a hidden meaning, a suggestion that Elizabeth didn't care to explore. She took a half-step back, creating a bit of distance. "If you'll excuse me," she said with a polite nod. "I need to check on something."

As Elizabeth moved away, she saw YN standing near a small group, laughing at something someone had said. But what drew her attention was the woman now standing close to YN—Claire. She recognized her immediately from the stories YN had told her about their high school days. Claire's blonde hair gleamed under the chandelier lights, and there was a familiarity in the way she touched YN's arm that made Elizabeth's stomach tighten.

Elizabeth edged closer, blending in with the flow of guests, but keeping her eyes on YN and Claire. She could hear snippets of their conversation.

"It's been too long," Claire was saying, her voice warm and familiar as she leaned in closer to YN. "We need to catch up properly." Her hand lingered on YN's arm a beat too long, her touch too intimate for Elizabeth's liking.

YN offered a polite smile, though her expression seemed to tighten slightly. "Yeah, maybe," she replied, not quite committing.

Elizabeth was close enough now to see Claire whisper something in YN's ear. Whatever she said made YN's eyes widen slightly before she forced a casual laugh. The sight of Claire standing so close, acting like she had some claim on YN, set Elizabeth's nerves on edge. She felt an almost primal urge to intervene, to pull YN away and mark her territory, but she couldn't afford to make a scene. Not here.

Instead, Elizabeth took a deep breath and approached them with a composed expression. "YN," she called, her tone light and unbothered. "I was hoping you could help me with something."

YN glanced over, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before she masked it with a charming smile. "Of course, Professor," she replied, smoothly extracting herself from the conversation with Claire. "Excuse me," she added to her ex with a polite nod.

Elizabeth didn't wait for Claire's response, leading YN toward the grand staircase that led to the quieter, more secluded part of the estate. "What's this about?" YN asked, a teasing lilt in her voice. "Are you rescuing me, or is this about the woman from earlier?"

"Maybe both," Elizabeth murmured as they reached the top of the stairs. She glanced down the hall, ensuring it was empty before steering YN toward a restroom at the far end. It was a private space, elegantly decorated like the rest of the estate but more dimly lit, with a marble countertop and ornate mirror. She closed the door behind them, the soft click echoing in the quiet.

YN leaned back against the counter, her arms crossed over her chest, a playful glint in her eyes. "So," she began, "what's the real reason you dragged me up here? Couldn't bear to see me talking to Claire?"

Elizabeth's jaw clenched as she took a step closer, her eyes locking onto YN's. "She was whispering in your ear," she said, her voice low, edged with frustration. "And she had her hands all over you."

YN's smirk deepened, her gaze steady and unflinching. "You're jealous," she observed, a hint of amusement in her tone. "I didn't think that was your style, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flashing in them. "I don't like sharing," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Especially not with someone who thinks they still have a claim on you."

YN's smile faltered for a moment, her expression softening as she reached out to brush a strand of hair from Elizabeth's face. "You know it's you I'm here with," she murmured, her fingers trailing down to Elizabeth's shoulder.

"Then show me," Elizabeth breathed, her restraint finally snapping. She closed the distance between them in an instant, pressing her lips against YN's in a kiss that was all-consuming and desperate. YN responded immediately, her hands sliding up to Elizabeth's neck as she pulled her closer, deepening the kiss with a fervor that made Elizabeth's pulse race.

Elizabeth's hands roamed down YN's back, pulling her flush against her body as the kiss grew more heated, more urgent. She let her hands trail lower, fingers finding the waistband of YN's belt and lingering there, a silent promise of what she wanted. She felt YN's breath hitch against her mouth, a moment of hesitation.

When Elizabeth pulled back, her eyes were dark and intense as she searched YN's face. "I don't care," she whispered, her voice rough with desire. "I don't care about the consequences. I want you, and I want you now."

YN's eyes widened slightly, her pulse racing at the raw need in Elizabeth's voice. "Elizabeth..." she started, her voice trailing off as if she wasn't quite sure how to respond.

"I want to take you back to my hotel," Elizabeth continued, her hand still resting near YN's belt, her touch firm and possessive. "Right now."

The words hung in the air, heavy with meaning, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, locked in a private battle of want and restraint. YN's breathing was ragged, her gaze searching Elizabeth's as if trying to gauge just how serious she was.

Finally, YN swallowed hard and nodded, her lips curving into a small, reckless smile. "Then what are we waiting for?" she whispered, her fingers curling into the fabric of Elizabeth's dress.

Elizabeth's response was a low moan of approval as she kissed YN again, this time slower but no less intense, savoring the moment as her hands slid back up to cup YN's face.

"Let's get out of here," she murmured against YN's lips, her heart pounding with anticipation.

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