TO MAKE YOU MINE – CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 5

I’m going mad! She mentally slaps herself while correcting the order slips again. It was the third time that week that she had mixed client’s orders.

Gain was so consumed by her nerves, particularly at night, thinking he would come and try to claim his conjugal rights. And since their bitter encounter two weeks ago, she barely had a decent sleep.

Kwon was hardly seen around the house. He arrives very late in the evening and will be gone early the next morning. She doesn’t know whether to be thankful that he is a busy man or not. There was a part of her that wanted the sex done and over with. The other wished he would just stay as far away from her as possible.

Gain went home that day frustrated and annoyed at her self. Her lack of focus caused one customer dissatisfied and almost canceled her orders. Without the big discount, they would have lost the account.

She entered the masters bedroom carelessly only to have her breath constrict in her throat at the sight of Kwon emerging from the en suite. Freshly bathed, only a towel knotted at his hips.

“You’re home. I cooked Paella for dinner. Let me re-heat it first and then we can eat together.” He said, acknowledging her presence.

Like someone under a shock, all she did is watch and admire him. Watch his lean hips and thighs exude strength as he walk across the room. Admire his toned arms and chest muscles as they flex as he pull out clothes from the closet.

Kwon loosened the towel and that made her snap out of it. She quickly averted her eyes from him and pretends to look at her wristwatch.

“It’s still early for dinner.”

“I’m starving.” He said amusingly.

“I’ll be down in a few.”

Gain took slow steps towards the edge of the mattress. She then sank down onto it and remove her shoes, her nerves all too aware of Kwon’s actions a couple of meters behind her.

“Alright. Don’t take too long.” And he left the room.

Is tonight THE night?

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

 “Are we going to eat in silence, or can we at least attempt to communicate?”

“Fire away” She said dryly.

“How was your day?”

“Fine.”

“And the flower business?”

“Fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” He openly studied her face and notice the dark circles under her eyes. “You are not getting enough sleep. What’s bothering you?”

YOU bother me! Gain wanted to shout at his face. “Nothing.”

Gain want to finish dinner as fast as possible, to get away from this man as far as she could. She reached for the bottled juice to refill her glass at the exact moment Kwon made a grab for it. The accidental brush of his fingers against her own lit fire inside her.

She retrieved her hand immediately.

“Relax. I’m not going to trash all this –” he pointed at all the glass wares, crystals and serving dishes. “- to one side and ravish you on the table.”

Gain’s eyes grew big at the blunt statement. Involuntarily, her thoughts went to the image of him sweeping the table’s contents to the floor, grabbing her hard then crushing her beneath his weight …

What’s happening to me?! “Are you finished eating?” Gain can’t even recognize the sound of her own voice.

He nodded in response and without further words she rose to her feet and began gathering the plates. She can feel his eyes follow her movements.

“Anyway, we are to attend an art exhibit tomorrow afternoon. I have arranged for my driver to fetch you in the office. And we will be spending the weekend at Golden Sunset Resort …”

She stopped clearing the table and look at him in askance.

“What?” He asks.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Don’t make me guess. Again, what?”

“WE? I have work.”

“You don’t need to work.” He said flatly.

“I WANT to work. I LOVE my work at the flower shop. Besides, don’t you think you have to consult me first before you make plans? What if I have made arrangements prior to yours?”

“I told your secretary to clear all your schedules for tomorrow afternoon and the weekend. I called her today and she said you are free.”

“WHAT? You went behind my back?”

“What’s wrong with knowing your schedules? You are now my wife.”

“That’s not the point.”

“What is?” Kwon asks innocently.

Gain knew deep inside it is useless to explain to him. Experiencing first hand how hardheaded and stubborn he is, and whenever he made up his mind there’s noting she could do to change it. Defeated, she resume cleaning and then carried them to the kitchen. Leaving a smiling Kwon at the dining table.

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

“I never imagined you for a cotton-shirt-sleepwear kind of woman.”

Gain turned and saw Kwon framed the doorway. She send him a questioning look, her hands automatically went around her body.

“We will occupy the same bed from now on.” Kwon said, understanding what the glare is for.

“You are going to force me into sleeping with you?”

“We had a deal. I’ve done my side of the bargain so I expect you would do yours. After all we’re both adults. For you to conform is the only way for the arrangement to work.”

“Ah I see. Conform is the new word for SOLD and PAID FOR. My apologies.” She said sarcastically, earning a cold stare from Kwon. “If you wanted a meek and submissive wife, you should have married someone else. Come to think of it, I’m sure there are a number of females lining up at your feet willing to do exactly what you want them to do and yet –”

“Instead I chose you.” She saw him move into the room.

“And that’s supposed to make me happy and all proud?”

“You know the specifics of our arrangements.”

Kwon leaned over the bed and hauled up the bed covers. He straightened the pillows before he removed his shirt and climbed in under the sheets.

Gain tore her gaze away from him, she pick up a stray pillow and made the decision to sleep elsewhere.

“Don’t even think about it.”

“Watch me.” And she continued to head for the door.

“On your feet or slung over my shoulders.” Kwon warned. “Either way, you’ll end up sleeping here. On this bed. Beside me.”

“Evil.” She whispered.

“I’ve been called much worse.”

“Why am I not surprised?” She responded with nothing but mockery.

“Get into bed, Gain.”

She reluctantly slid beside him. Cementing her defiance, she turned her back towards him and hugged the edge of the mattress. He snapped off the light and plunged the room into total darkness. Her whole body tensed as she lay down there, waiting for the moment he’d reach for her.

Except minutes dragged by and all she could hear is his slow breathing.

He’s sleeping.

With that thought, and tiredness winning over her, Gain went to sleep.

It was in the early pre-dawn hours when she felt male hands caressing her thighs

“Let’s get rid of this, hmmm?” he drawled huskily.

And the T-shirt was tugged over her head. Her protest rose and died in her throat as Kwon gathered her close and started brushing his lips against the curve of her shoulders.

“Please.” There was a catch in her voice as she lifted a hand to push him off her. Only to have it freeze in air as his lips reached the sensitive spot just beneath her earlobe.

He shifted her head and his lips sought for hers.  He used his teeth to nip the fullness of her lower lip, traced it afterwards with the edge of his tongue before slipping in to tangle with her own in a slow kiss.

So the man knows how to kiss. He had the skill to render her mindless and he’s using it to his advantage.

He moved to her breasts and she silenced her cry as his lips teased one sensitive peak, his thumb and forefinger played with the other.

His hands start to stroke the curvature of her back, the swell of her buttocks, and the length of her thighs. His fingers lingered at the indentation of her navel, then his mouth followed and made circling suckles over her quivering stomach, and traveled further down.

He wouldn’t …

Gain tried to stop him but he still succeeded. He simply held her flailing hands together and put her legs locked under his weight as he bestowed the most intimate kiss of all.

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

 Gain, you are wrong. It’s NOT TONIGHT, it’s EARLY DAWN hehehe

Announcement: Expect the updates to take a little longer after this. You see, am going to focus on my newly found job and it will mean no more long hours in front of PC, less tweeting, less chatting, no more late night blogging .. 

So, here’s to hoping for time and for the inspiration to kick in so this story will be completed. Y(^_^)V

TO MAKE YOU MINE – CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 4

“I hope the house’s lay-out is to your liking.” A deep voice drawls from behind and she turned slowly towards it.

Kwon look sexy and dangerous as he stand at the doorway, with his jacket hung over one shoulder whilst his one hand loosens his tie.

God, he’s beautiful!

The breadth of his shoulder has always been impressive and was emphasized more by the crisp white shirt he is wearing today.

His impish look from 10 years ago has turned into ferociously chiseled handsome features. His eyes had lost its twinkle but it seems to turn a shade darker as it stares right back at her.

And his mouth …

She could still feel the touch of his lips when he captured hers in an open mouth kiss right after the pastor’s ‘You may kiss the bride’. The effects of which has caused her balance to shake momentarily.

Doe he know what he is doing to her?

Yes, of course he does. Gain convinced when a slow smile curved his mouth.

“Dinner is almost ready.” Kwon announced without leaving his spot. From a distance, he watched her.

She had changed.

Yes, she did. She no longer had that shoulder-length hair. Instead, she is sporting a short haircut that has able to transform her from an innocent young lady into an alluring woman.

The milky complexion, the slender body, the full bosom, the shapely legs. He felt the sudden surge of strong emotion inside him as his gaze continues to rake her curves.

Noticing the sexual tension builds up, she did an instant decision. A shower – to help smoothen her rioting nerves.

“I’ll just be a few minutes.” And in swift movements she has left the masters bedroom and entered the adjoining en suite which houses a luxurious large bathroom.

Seconds later she had removed her make-up and discarded all of her clothing. Then she stepped inside the glass cubicle. She was adjusting the water dial to her desired temperature when suddenly Kwon enters. A loud gasp came out of her lips.

“What are you doing here?” She panics as how to hide her nudity.

“Uhm to shower? Last time I check that is what people do in places like this.”

Gain looked at him blankly for seconds, then realization hit her.

“Am I not even entitled to a little privacy?”

“Get used to it.”

“No! I am NOT DOING this.” Gain twisted away from him and steps out. Kwon followed.

“Yes.” He said emphatically. “You will.” He swept an arm under her knees and carried her back into the cubicle.

“Put me down!!”

Hard fingers closed over her wrist as she attempts to claw his face. “I AM NOT sharing a shower with you!”

But Kwon has turned a deaf ear, picked up the soap and starts to lather her skin.

In desperation she landed fists to his shoulders, chest, ribcage, and struck anywhere she thinks she could hurt him. But had no effect on him.

“Stop.” Kwon warned. “Do you think you will win?”

The rhetorical question held a silent derision and so without much thought Gain use the one thing she knew Kwon wouldn’t expect she’d do – she lowered her mouth to his neck and bit him hard.

“You want to play, huh?” Kwon hissed in anger.

He harshly hauled her up against him and wrapped her legs around his waist. A scream of pain escapes her lips when Kwon rendered a love bite to the base of her throat and another right above her right breast.

He lifted his head and for seemingly long seconds he stares right at her face, his eyes dark as the devil. Then he took her mouth in a savage kiss with a deliberate and sole intention to punish.

Gain had no idea how long the kiss lasted. It could have been only minutes but her mouth’s left swollen and numb. And she swore she could taste blood from them.

Is this the man she’s faced to live with everyday? The man she’d engage her body with in the most intimate of all physical acts??

Was it too high a price to pay for the bankruptcy avoided, debts wiped and Jin-sang’s freedom?

As the harsh truth – she sold herself – ate at her equilibrium, tears began to well in her eyes.

For heaven’s sake, don’t cry. Gain silently begged.

Kwon lifted a hand to wipe the tears rolling down her cheeks but Gain whisked him off. “Don’t touch me. I hate you!”

It was never his intention to hurt her, and it angers him that he did. His jaw clenched tight at the marks in her arms and the bruise on her lips. He felt like a complete jerk.

Kwon snagged a towel nearby and knotted it around his hips, and left. Leaving Gain bruised, both physically and emotionally.

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

Will there be room for happiness when the marriage is based in all the wrong reasons?

TO MAKE YOU MINE – CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 3

“You are joking, of course.” He can’t be serious. It is outrageous!

“Do you see me laughing?” Kwon responded, his serious expression unchanging.

“Are you insane?!!” Gain said a little too loud for the two of them. It attracted the attention of the patrons dining close to them. She toned down her voice and continued. “You don’t possibly think I would agree to marrying you and becoming a surrogate mother to your kid?! And for what, in exchange of my family’s prized possessions??”

“Well, that’s the deal.” Kwon did an indolent shrug of his broad shoulders. “Different set of words but I think you get the point.”

Kwon slid a hand into his jacket’s pocket and withdrew a folded paper.

“I have put everything in writing, my demands and the benefits you will have as my wife.” He put the piece of document on the table and pushed it closer to her. “You should take this with you. Read it carefully, and then tell me if there is anything you want to add. And I will see if it’s workable.”

“Can I add a clause there that allows me to burn you alive?”

“Hahaha! You wouldn’t want that.”

Gain wanted to hit him in the face.

“I’m pretty sure you will get to enjoy all the privileges of becoming my wife. Living in my home, my company on elite social functions, a considerable sum of allowance.” Kwon paused a beat and look her straight in the eyes. “And sharing my bed.”

Gain forced herself to remain calm.

“I don’t mean to trampled your EGO. But really, I don’t see having SEX with you a bonus.”

“Well, that’s an opinion from someone who has no experience of me as her lover.” Kwon leaned forward, squaring his hands on the table, his face too close for comfort. “Be careful, Yeobo. YOU might just eat your words.”

Kwon lounged back to his seat with arrogant confidence reeking off his body.

“You have two days to decide.”

It was unbelievable she hasn’t slap him yet.

“You are impossible…  You are crazy!”

“I just know what I want.”

Gain saw her wineglass and for a moment she thought of pouring all of its contents to his head. To erase that annoying I-know-you-will-concede look on his face.

“I have a feeling that if I as much as stay a minute longer, I will get wet.” Kwon rose to his feet. “So I will take my leave first.”

He pulled out his leather wallet and takes out a few notes whilst summoning the waiter.

‘Don’t forget, Gain. 48 hours. That’s all I am giving you to come up to a decision.”

And Kwon turned to his back, walks away and then he completely disappeared from Gain’s line of vision.

As hard as she tries to convince herself that the past hour was nothing but a nightmare, the legal-sized document in front of her screams reality, and it seemed to taunt her with each passing second it stays atop the table.

Gain stretched her hand to catch the paper with the intention to destroy it. But the ringing of her mobile stopped her from doing so.

“Noona?” a dejected Jin-sang said at the other end. “Help me…”

“Jin-sang?” The trouble in her younger and only sibling’s voice disturbs her senses. “What’s wrong, Jin-sang, are you in trouble?”

“I’m sorry, noona.” He mumbled softly, sounding completely remorseful. “I have been arrested.”

“WHAT?!?

“I’ve been accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into the country. But I swear to our father’s name, noona, I have no idea how those bags of marijuana got into my luggage. Believe me I have never touched any stuff of that kind. But the police authorities apparently suspects me of running a drug syndicate.”

“This is a hideous practical joke you are playing, Jin-sang. And it’s not funny. Cut it out. Where are you, really?”

“How I wish I were! But I really am in one hell of a trouble. Help me, please, noona. Please do something to get me out of prison.”

Gain’s heart lurched in pain for her brother’s misery. Worried for his safety, she voiced out a reckless promise.

“Leave everything to me, Jin-sang. I will get you out of there first hour tomorrow.”

“But how, noona? With the amount of drugs they found with my things, we will need a large sum of money to bail me out.”

“Don’t worry, Jin-sang. I know someone who can help us.”

“I’m sorry, noona.”

“Hang in there, my brother.”

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

It’s crazy how fate plays with them.

Money drove them apart and it looks like it’s still money that will bring them together again.

Sigh. Money. Money.  Why are you even created?

TO MAKE YOU MINE – CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

This evening’s meeting could dictate, decide the future of the ranch. And with that in mind, her nerves were in shreds the whole day, her stomach in a tight knot.

The nominated venue was situated in the busiest city and with the Yuletide season drawing near, it was almost impossible to get a vacant space to park.

By the time she entered the restaurant, she’s fifteen minutes late. A commonly forgivable delay if only she is meeting an old friend and not with the potential buyer, perhaps the last one to express interest to her ailing property.

Not the way to impress your possible savior, Gain.

A representative from a certain ‘Know Builders’ phoned yesterday and talked about a proposal to save Mountain Star, specific details of which the CEO/Owner wished to discuss with her personally and face-to-face.

“What harm is there in checking it out?” Those words from her friend and advisor Kris were still ringing in her ears. “Listen, meet the man, my dear. Hear out what he has to say about the ranch, and be more open-minded about his plans. If he seems genuine enough, try to compromise. Frankly, this could be your last chance. I don’t see anyone else taking it on. You’ve seen the place, it’s in shambles.”

All these years that she merrily co-owns Green House, a flower shop in the city, her father had managed to keep from her the real status of their estates. The glaring truth about the ancestral house being mortgaged to the extreme and its contents – valued paintings and antique furnitures being sold, items of jewelry pawned here and there, their workers being let go one by one … The extent of debt they’re in is fainting.

Gain gave her name to the maître d’ and the latter led her towards the table reserved to them for the night. Walking, she imagines a middle-aged, bald and overweight businessman to be the company’s owner.

“So, we meet again.”

The familiar voice coming from the familiar figure in front of her made her brown eyes widened in disbelief, ever wider when she confirmed who it was.

Kwon smiled coldly while Gain remained standing in front of him.

“You seem … confused.” Insolence is evident to his voice.

Don’t faint, Gain. Not now. Not in front of him. Gain said to herself.

“I wasn’t expecting …” She casts one glance back over her shoulder and then back to his face. She cleared her throat. “I had no idea …”

“That you would be coming face to face with me? Nah. You wouldn’t have.”

Kwon took a sip of his drink and motioned her to sit.

“Oh please sit down.” He ordered when she continued hovering by her chair. “We have a lot to talk about.”

Gain cautiously slid into the chair. Meanwhile, Kwon beckons the drinks steward across and ordered a glass of wine for her.

“Who would have ever imagined that one day I would sit here with you, in this fashionable and expensive restaurant,” his eyes dark & cold as he stare at her. “To finally able to offer you a drink. In fact, as many as you would like … Is it not amazing?”

“What do you want, Kwon?”

“I thought my assistant made it clear what I wanted …” He studied her face closely, seeing the pride and courage despite of her situation. “Why not enjoy some food and conversation before we discuss business?”

“Are you EVEN interested in buying, Kwon?”

The waiter delivered their food. Kwon starts to knife the meat on his plate, casually ignoring her question.

“Tonight was a mistake.” Gain got to her feet and scooped up her handbag. “I’m going.”

She turned to go but Kwon caught her wrist in a firm hold. “Sit down.”

“Let me go.”

“You are not going anywhere. Sit down.”

“Why? So you could laugh over my family’s misfortunes? So you could humiliate me and watch me squirm?”

Red flooded her cheeks, and her eyes held a glint of anger. “No way I’d let that happen.”

Kwon applied pressure to his grip and saw her eyes widen in pain. “Sit down.”

After a several tensed seconds of battling wills, hers versus his, Gain sank back into her seat. She wouldn’t like to submit to him but there was something in his gaze that tells her she wouldn’t win against him.

“What is IN it for you?” She said while soothing her wrist.

“Impatient, aren’t you? Let me tell you first what you could have.” Kwon paused to pick up his glass and took a sip of his drink. “The ancestral house restored to its former glory, all furnitures and artworks included. Jewelries, cars and the ranch, all debts cleared.”

“To what purpose are you doing this?”

“Isn’t it ironic how a poor boy servant like me has the power now to rescue the daughter of the master who threw me out?”

“This is about revenge.” Gain stated a matter-of-factly.

“A whim, maybe?”

“C’mon, Kwon. You are insulting my intelligence. You are not the type of person who indulge in whims.”

“Am I? Then let us just say that I am the kind of man who is prepared to do anything to achieve his objective.” His gaze pierced her, a cold shiver run down her spine. “And it became easier since everything has its price… Don’t you agree?”

“Money isn’t everything.”

Kwon gave a loud bark of laughter, uncaring even when annoyed diners darted eyes to their direction.

“Sorry about that. It’s just funny that I’m hearing this kind of lecture from you. From someone to whom money, as I remember correctly, was very important.”

“Tell me. What is it that you really want?” Gain still asks eventhough she’s convinced this is going to be manipulation at its worst.

He held the stemmed glass and swirl it, watched the contents as it mix together. For several seconds he stayed that way before he turned his eyes to her, his gaze unwavering and his lips curving into a smile that completely lacks humor.

“A CHILD of my own. A CHILD in wedlock; A CHILD that’s a descendant of the high and mighty Son Jae-Hwa.”

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

… a question of wants …

SHE wants to save her family’s legacy; HE wants to have a kid with her

How do you find the offer? Very tempting, isn’t it? 😉

TO MAKE YOU MINE – CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1

* YEAR 2001 *

“What are you doing here?”

Jae-hwa didn’t bother to hide his disinterest the moment he saw him standing at the doorframe.

“Can I have a word with you, Sir?”

“What, right now?” Irritated, the older man checks his wristwatch. “It’s late. Can’t it wait tomorrow?”

“It’s important, Sir.” He responded.

Jae-hwa did an impatient click of tongue as he reluctantly opens the door for him.

“If you have come to borrow money, then I suggest you start heading back because the answer is a big NO. I’m not in the habit of aiding financial assistance to temporary hires.”

He could have just left. Knocking on this house and being made to feel like a beggar and a distasteful presence to be endured is just hard to stomach.

For her, remember? For her, you would go through this.

“I’m not here to ask for money, Sir.” He answered as he tries to keep his tone polite. “I came to talk about your daughter.”

Jae-hwa’s mouth tightened at the mention of his daughter. “Very well then.” He turned and began walking towards the living room. “But make this brief. I have things to do early in the morning.”

He followed behind the unwelcoming fellow. His teeth clamped together as he summons up all self-control not to respond with something he would surely regret.

The older man sat in one of the padded armchairs.

“Now tell me. What is it about my daughter that you want to discuss at this ungodly hour?”

“I have come to ask for her hand in marriage, Sir.”

He watched Jae-hwa’s face transform from astounded to blank and figured he might as well continue. “I love your daughter and although I know that I have not much to offer her at the moment, I assure you –”

Jae-hwa broke his silence with a roar of laughter, his head flung back.

“Have you gone completely insane, boy?” He wipes a few tears of mirth from his eyes. “My daughter is still a child. And you’re what, nineteen? Twenty?? Only a child as well. There’s no way I will give my blessing to any marriage between you two.”

“Listen, Sir –”

“No. YOU listen to me, boy. And YOU listen very carefully. I have no doubt you will make something of yourself, you work hard, and I admire you for that. But she’s my only daughter.”

“But –”

“YOU are not what I have in mind for a son-in-law. My daughter deserves someone better than you.”

Discussion ended. He could see it in the way Jae-hwa turns his back from him. Dismissing him. Silently. Coldly.

He has turned on his heel and is ready to walk out of the room when the older man spoke again.

“You are to find somewhere else to earn your living. You are no longer welcome to my ranch. And YOU are to leave my daughter alone.”

“Very well.” He tightened his jaw and continued walking towards the front door. He let himself out of Jae-hwa’s residence.

Although the meeting didn’t turn out the way he wanted, he feels a little less heavy. He had chosen to talk to him only because he preferred getting married with her parent’s consent. But he was rejected. Okay. Fine. The older man had never approved of his involvement to his daughter from the beginning.

Jae-hwa turned him down. But she would not.

Or so he thought …

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

* PRESENT DAY *

It’s still 6am and he is already sitting in the back of his limousine, busy scouring the newspapers. And while his chauffeur covers the 35-minute drive to his office, he’s squinting in concentration as he scans the updates on companies, their status and their fortunes.

It’s yet to be a typical day for him at work when something caught his eyes. It’s a report about a ranch that is on the verge of bankruptcy pleading for a buyer to rescue them. The article had him narrowing his eyes even more as he re-read slowly what’s written, word per word, the name and the details of its misfortune.

He put down the newspaper and relaxed back into the seat, his hands clasped behind his head. He could have not felt more satisfied, delighted with the news about the ranch’s downfall. He looked out through the heavy tinted windows of the car. And for the first time in ten years he allowed himself to trip down memory lane.

To the first mismanaged company he bought and turned profitable. To his hardships to finish his university degree; To his slaving days at Jae-hwa’s ranch doing odd jobs to make ends meet; To her.

Gain.

His face clenched as he felt the sickening rush of rage that had always accompanied these particular memories of her, of the only woman who brought him to his knees.

He leaned forward and search for his phone. Dialing a familiar set of digits, a devilish smirk tugged at his lips.

“Hello. Sung-joo? Kwon here. See me once you reached the office. I have instructions for you about a ranch I’m interested in buying.”

~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~ o ~ O ~

Well, well, well. Can a diabolical scheme lead to a happy ending? 😀

It feels good to be back!