My lover is my boss (LingOrm)

23 - Don't go

Orm's pov

"Baby, do you want to go out tomorrow?" Ling's voice was soft yet held that familiar edge of excitement. I looked up at her, a pang of guilt instantly sinking into my chest as I remembered the plans I'd made with Bright for the same day. My mind flashed to that conversation, his voice carrying a tinge of nervousness when he asked if I'd spend some time with him, just the two of us. It felt like such a small favor to ask, and I agreed without really thinking about the consequences.

"I, uh... I already have plans tomorrow," I said, hoping my tone was casual enough not to invite questions.

Ling tilted her head, a shadow passing over her features. "Oh, really? Hanging out with your friend, are we?"

"Yeah," I replied quickly, averting my gaze.

She gave a small, half-hearted laugh that didn't reach her eyes. "Well, then, have fun. I'll just... find someone else to hang out with." She started to turn away, but something in her voice made me instinctively reach out, feeling that prick of worry rising. I caught her by the hand and gave it a gentle tug, urging her to face me.

"What friend?" I asked, my voice soft yet demanding, trying to mask the jealousy that had begun to creep into my thoughts.

"The friend you saw on the trip to Hong Kong," she replied coolly, but her gaze lingered on my face with a sharpness that cut deep. "Maybe I'll just go out with him instead."

The thought of her with someone else, of someone else laughing with her, touching her, and occupying her thoughts... It stung in a way I hadn't anticipated. A flash of jealousy flared up, quick and possessive. "Oh, dear," I muttered with a tense smile, "you aren't going anywhere."

She raised her eyebrows, that spark of defiance I knew so well dancing in her eyes. "You don't have that power over me," she replied, voice laced with challenge. "I can do as I please."

"Then go ahead," I shot back, my tone icy as I stood up. "But don't be surprised if I break up with you afterward."

My words seemed to land like a strike, and for a second, I regretted them. But before I could dwell on it, Ling reached out, grabbing my arm and pulling me toward her. I stumbled, falling awkwardly into her lap as she held me firmly, her fingers pressing possessively into my hips.

"Don't be ridiculous," she said, her voice softer but still laced with that intensity. "Do you even want to go out tomorrow, really?"

I hesitated, watching the way her eyes searched mine, looking for something beneath the surface. She knew me too well. "Maybe I do. But you have to tell me who you're going out with first," she said, arching a brow.

In a half-hearted attempt to distract her, I leaned in and kissed her, hoping the warmth of my lips would be enough to make her drop the question. She kissed me back, but even as our lips met, I could feel her reluctance, the unyielding curiosity that refused to be silenced. She pulled away, her eyes narrowing.

"Just Becky," I muttered against her mouth, hoping it would be enough.

"Liar." Her voice was laced with accusation, a mix of disbelief and growing frustration. "Who are you really going out with?"

My stomach tightened. I swallowed hard, and the words seemed to slip out before I could control them. "Why am I a liar?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "I told you, I'm going out with Becky."

Ling's eyes flashed with amusement and disbelief, but it was her smirk that sent chills down my spine. "Orm, Rebecca's going on a date with my sister."

Shit.

I took a deep breath, feeling the walls close in. There was no escaping this one. "Alright, fine. But you have to promise not to freak out."

She crossed her arms, watching me expectantly. "Let's hear it, then."

"I'm... I'm going out with Bright."

A dark look crossed her face, and without warning, her hands moved to my lower back, gripping tightly. Her fingers pressed against my skin, a bit too firm, and I winced as she squeezed.

"It hurts," I said, squirming slightly, and she let go with a smug, unapologetic look.

"It was supposed to hurt. You're going out with him," she said, her voice steely, but I could see the flicker of something else in her eyes—hurt, maybe even betrayal.

I sighed, reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry. But he told me it was just a friendly hangout. Nothing more."

"Oh, so if I were to... take you to bed right now, that would just be a 'friendly' activity?" she asked, her sarcasm dripping like venom, and my cheeks flared with a sudden warmth.

"No! It's not like that with him." I ran a hand through my hair, feeling flustered. "It's just... he's kind of messed up, and I feel like I should be there for him, you know? Like, he just needs a friend."

Ling rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Right, a 'friend'." She made air quotes with her fingers, then crossed her arms defiantly. "So, what? He needs you to 'help' him with his issues? And how exactly do you plan on 'helping' him, Orm?"

I opened my mouth to argue, but she reached out, her fingers grazing my thigh in a way that sent shivers through me. Her possessiveness, that touch—it made my pulse quicken. Her fingers lingered, and I could feel the tension radiating from her, mixed with a bit of jealousy that was both endearing and infuriating.

"Just go," she said with a sigh, finally easing the pressure, "but be honest with him. Tell him you're not interested, and that you're not giving him hope where there is none. He deserves to know, and so do I."

I nodded, looking down at my hands. "Alright, I'll tell him. But please, stop saying it like it's something more than it is. I don't want you to worry."

Ling relaxed a bit, her shoulders dropping as she gave me a half-smile. "Fine. But if you want to go, just remember—" She trailed off, her expression softening, and a flicker of something mischievous danced in her eyes. "I still get to be a little possessive."

I let out a soft laugh, feeling the warmth of her fingers still lingering on my skin. "Fine, but... later. I should probably go to the bathroom first."

She smirked, letting me go with a playful pat. "Don't take too long, baby."

As I made my way to the bathroom, I couldn't help but feel the strange mix of emotions bubbling beneath the surface. Her jealousy, her possessiveness... it was so intense, but there was something thrilling about it too, something that made my heart race. When I got to the bathroom, I sighed, catching my reflection in the mirror. There was a faint redness where she had squeezed, marking me as hers. I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks flush again.

I adjusted myself, trying to calm the erratic beat of my heart. But the warmth of her touch and her words lingered, mingling with the familiar ache of guilt. Ling had her walls, her vulnerabilities, and knowing I could stir up that kind of reaction from her stirred something within me. I ran my hands over my clothes, taking a steadying breath, and then opened the door, finding her waiting right outside.

She looked up, her expression softening when she saw me. "Hey... I actually need to go," she said, her voice tinged with regret. "My sister called, and there's something I need to help her with."

I nodded, feeling a strange pang of disappointment. "Are you sure? I thought we'd... you know, spend the evening together."

Ling gave me a reassuring smile and reached for my hand, her thumb brushing over my knuckles. "I'm sure. But listen, tomorrow? Don't forget what I said. Go, hang out with Bright if you have to, but know where you stand. And... I'm trusting you, okay?"

"I promise," I murmured, squeezing her hand in return. "And... don't go anywhere with that 'friend' from Hong Kong. I mean it."

She laughed, leaning in for a quick kiss, her lips brushing softly against mine. "Perfect. Bye, baby," she whispered against my lips, and with a final look, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, feeling the lingering warmth of her kiss and the weight of her trust.

As she disappeared down the hall, I couldn't shake the feeling of her touch, her words, the fierce possessiveness in her gaze.