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gohyuck · 4 years

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pairing: ceo!lee donghyuck (haechan) x cfo!reader

genre: slight angst, fluff, smut (that’s a first for this acc o.o)

word count: 3.6k

warnings: explicit heterosexual sex (slight dom!hyuck)... like, really, over 50% of this is just sex lol. not a warning but hyuck is implied to be bisexual in this, it’s hinted at once or twice

a/n: sm knew what they were doing, making the 127s play office in full business attire. also, i still think we should eat the rich. just saying. this is not meant to glorify billionaires. i just think hyuck is hot. also! cfo = chief finance officer.

part of a series?: yes, 37.5% viewer ratings, my hyuck bday celebration

🎵 often - the weeknd

☀️ push and pull

“i already emailed you this month’s finance report and talked to the men from kim corp. - i think they’ll end up being major investors. my balance forecasts are done, and,” you pause in your report, your gaze meeting donghyuck’s across his desk before you continue speaking, one corner of your lip quirking up slightly. “and you have a hickey that’s a little too high for your collar to cover.”

“i - what?” the ceo of lee technologies, ltd. hisses out the last word, his brow furrowing as he processes what you’ve just said. you put a finger up, silently telling him to give you a moment, before you pull your purse off of the floor and onto your lap. it takes you less than a minute of rummaging to find what you’re looking for: a compact mirror. donghyuck all but snatched it out of your hand, and you see him visibly redden once he realizes that you aren’t pulling his leg.

“shit, (name), i have meetings all day today,” he groans, slumping backwards into his far-too-expensive office chair. donghyuck shuts your mirror and tosses it haphazardly onto your desk before running both his hands down his face in incredulity and embarrassment. his neck is bared as he does this, allowing you to survey the mark further: it’s a deep red and clear as day, likely having been brought into existence the night before. you wonder briefly who it’s from - the pretty secretary who always bats his eyes at the ceo, the diligent but meek girl who can’t keep her eyes off of donghyuck and works in hr on floor 14, the red-lipped and cat-eyed ceo of the company that operates out of the top floors of the highrise next to you? you doubt you’ll ever know. as your heart twinges slightly, you realize that you don’t want to know.

donghyuck groans again, although it dissolves into a petulant whine this time. a chuckle falls from your lips without you wanting to let one out, and your boss glares at you because of this.

“don’t look at me like that,” you scoff, turning your attention back to your bag for a moment. hyuck watches as you triumphantly pull a band-aid from one of the smaller pockets. “here! it’s small enough to be covered by this.”

donghyuck narrows his eyes.

“is it professional for a company’s ceo to walk around with a highlighter yellow tweety bird band-aid on his neck?” he asks, quirking one eyebrow as he does. still, he leans forward, placing his forearms on his desk and clasping his hands together as he does.

“is it professional for a company’s ceo to walk around with evidence that he’s getting laid on his neck?” you throw back, and donghyuck stares at you for a moment before sighing, slumping his shoulders, and reaching his hand out. you drop the band-aid into your outstretched palm.

“it’ll be fine, hyuck,” you tell your boss and longtime friend as he picks your compact up again, using the mirror to place the band-aid properly. “it might even humanize you a little bit.”

“humanize me?” donghyuck asks, though the small lilt to his voice tells you that he’s just fishing for compliments. he knows what you mean. still, you have time today, so you humor him.

“your reputation is all ‘young god’, ‘untouchable billionaire’, ‘genius entrepreneur’, ‘national playboy’,” you point out, watching as donghyuck’s smirk grows, making him look a little bit like an overexcited frat boy. his expression directly contrasts his crisp gray tom ford suit and franck muller watch. “tweety bird might make you more... approachable.”

the young ceo thinks about your words for a moment before flipping his wrist towards himself to read the time. it’s 10:27 - he needs to get down to the main conference room. you stand as donghyuck does, letting him walk past you before you follow. the band-aid is even brighter underneath lights, you note, and you can’t help but smile to yourself at this. donghyuck places his hand on the door handle, though, right before he opens it, he turns back to you.

“you forgot sex icon.”

“what?” your eyes widen for a moment before you force your brows down, scowling at donghyuck’s statement.

“when you were naming off things that make me larger-than-life, you forgot to say sex icon.” he grins, his tone as matter-of-fact as its ever been.

“who says?” you throw back, determined not to let your friend’s ego inflate so easily. he grins before leaning towards you, closer and closer until his mouth is right against your ear. you do your best not to let your breath hitch at the proximity.

“cosmopolitan. they interviewed me for the cover last month, remember? came in the mail today. i’ll give you a signed copy of you want. courtesy of your favorite sex icon.” he tells you, and you swear his lips brush your earlobe before he pulls back, mirth dancing in his eyes. before you can say anything, donghyuck pulls his office door open, stepping aside as he does.

“after you.”

♕ ♕ ♕

the lee donghyuck that exists within his private office and the lee donghyuck that exists outside of it are two entirely different people. his posture is still easy, still open, still exceedingly confident, but the moment he steps out of his office his back straightens up, one hand going to adjust his tie and the other slipping into one of his dress pants’ pockets. he goes from hyuck to haechan, meaning fullsun, the name given to him by the media at some gala or the other a couple years ago. hyuck is your friend from college, a brilliant programmer and free entertainment for those close to him. haechan is a charismatic but cold leader, his eyes calculating as he surveys the empire he’s only just begun building.

he walks out after you, but immediately commands everyone’s gaze. donghyuck’s office is in the corner of the 18th floor - the highest floor of the skyscraper. all of the offices on this floor belong to executives - hell, your office is right next to his, your one wall with floor-to-ceiling windows adorned entirely with a row of potted plants both small and huge - but there’s always plenty of other people milling around on the floor: possible investors, lost interns, secretaries, and employees with questions. today is no exception: several pairs of eyes are directed to the ceo as you stroll out, him in tow.

nobody says anything about the obvious band-aid on haechan’s neck.

“i’ll see you after work,” donghyuck mutters discreetly into your ear, and you nod as imperceptibly as possible before giving your friend a parting smile.

as you head back to your office, haechan’s secretary joins him in step, tablet in hand, to read him off his schedule. as you close your door behind you, ready to bask in the sunlight that’s filtering in, you can’t help but scrutinize the secretary’s slightly rosier-than-usual cheeks, nor the way haechan had straightened his shoulders while speaking to the other man.

if you were one for betting, you’d put down money on the fact that you’ve probably just found the culprit responsible for donghyuck’s bright yellow band-aid. you shake your head sadly as you set your things down on your desk.

the poor boy’s going to get his heartbroken soon.

after all, if there’s one thing donghyuck and haechan have in common, it’s this: commitment is not in the cards. you know this better than anyone.

♕ ♕ ♕

“hyuck, i-”

“shut the fuck up.” donghyuck hisses into your ear, tugging harshly at the front of your shirt as he backs you into the closed door of his office. the material rips away easily, buttons skittering onto his floor as he shoves his warm mouth against yours. your hands go up to snake around his shoulders immediately, playing with the hair at the nape of his neck as he draws whimpers from your lips. once you part for air, you watch as he studies you for a moment. his tongue darts out, wetting his lower lip, and his eyes are beautifully hooded.

you’re already gasping for air. you’re already drowning in him.

“this blouse was from saks, you asshole,” you manage to get out, though you sound more like a petulant child than the indignant business executive you are. he chuckles almost mockingly, simply raising an eyebrow at this before he starts shrugging his suitjacket off, placing it across the back of the chair in front of his desk.

“it’s your fault for wearing a $300 shirt to work,” he throws at you, no bite in his voice. you can’t help but roll your eyes as you push yourself off the door, making to follow him as he settles down into his office chair.

“you’re one to talk - your suit is, what, $4,000 at least? don’t get me started on the fact that you’re wearing a 5-digit watch.” you make your way so you’re standing directly in front of him, shirt torn open to expose your bra and part of your stomach and the top of your skirt hugging your waistline perfectly. donghyuck sticks his tongue into his cheek before leaning forward and tugging you onto his lap with ease, smirking as your skirt flies up momentarily.

“touché.”

his hands cup your ass, fingertips pressing into your skin as he forces them up past your safety shorts. you rise up slightly so you’re situated above hyuck, cupping his face as you look into his eyes. he grins up at you.

“this,” he squeezes your left asscheek fondly before meeting your eyes with his own mischievous gaze. “this is why i instituted a casual dress policy.”

“one hell of a policy, considering the ceo himself doesn’t adhere to it.”

“i don’t need to, baby,” your heart flutters at the term of endearment, and you will it to stop immediately. “after all, i’m the boss, remember?”

“you’re a pig.” you throw back, and he only chuckles before attaching his lips to the skin above your collarbone. donghyuck laves his tongue over the fresh bruises as he dots your clavicle with them, forcing you closer to him by forcefully pushing your hips down towards his. as his lips move southward, brushing over your open chest and spilling kisses onto the tops of your bra-clad breasts, you can’t help but keen loudly and grind down on him of your body’s own accord.

“someone’s hasty to get marked up,” your friend points out, not waiting for a response as he reaches into the large hole in your shirt - a lee donghyuck creation - and around your back, popping your bra open. your mind is too hazy to respond at first, in part due to the way he slips your bra straps down your arms, chasing them with wet, open-mouthed kisses across your shoulders before pulling the article of clothing off of you entirely. you can’t help but buck slightly against him as your breasts meet the cool air, and he takes this opportunity to wrap his sinful lips against one of your nipples, one of his hands coming up to run his thumb over the other one.

“you’re - ha - you’re one to talk. mark? really?”

“he’s a good secretary,” donghyuck pulls his mouth off of you momentarily to speak, eyes sparkling as if he knows he’s teasing you, and you can’t help but flick your own eyes upward in annoyance. suddenly, you feel the need to have his dick in you immediately, as if it’ll fill the growing hole in your heart. you adjust yourself, and donghyuck watches, his arms wrapping around your waist to keep you steady, as you pull your safety shorts off.

he immediately drops a hand to your leg, tracing a finger up the expanse of your inner thigh as his other hand reaches up to grab your chin, gently forcing you to face him so your eyes meet. your mouth goes dry just as he slips two fingers into your wet heat, and you can’t help yourself as you rut forwards, grinding on his hand. the whine you let out has donghyuck’s eyes becoming even more hooded, almost naturally smoky, and you can’t help but gasp at the sight.

“he’s a good secretary,” donghyuck says again, and you realize he hadn’t finished his thought earlier. you hate that he’s speaking about another person when his fingers are knuckle deep inside your sopping heat, but it’s donghyuck - your hyuck, who’d held your hair back when you puked at frat parties and who let you crash on his dorm room floor whenever it was too late to walk to your own place - and you can’t say anything about it. “but if you wanted me to yourself, you could’ve just said so.”

your heart stops, but not before he has the audacity to wink at you.

“we need to fuck,” you choke out, finding it hard to breathe even though his hands are nowhere near your throat. “now.”

the desperation in your voice, the way your pert nipples are right in his face, and the way you’re humping his hand like a bitch in heat all have donghyuck groaning and rolling his head back on his shoulders. he flicks his chin towards the top drawer of his desk right behind you, and you use one hand to brace yourself against his shoulder as you lean back to pull the drawer open. this unwittingly forces hyuck’s fingers to angle deeper inside you, hitting the bundle of nerves in the back of your cunt exactly in a way that has you moaning his name long and low. your grip slips off of the drawer handle without you meaning to, and you scramble, patting your hand haphazardly around in the drawer before you come across a condom. you pull it out, slamming the drawer shut triumphantly before turning back to hyuck. he pulls his fingers out of you before you come, much to your chagrin, but you realize that you’ll be coming around his cock in no time.

“my blouse was actually about $600,” you say, your eyes meeting his as you tear open the wrapper. he lets out a chuckle before raising his fingers - covered in filmy strings of your arousal - to his mouth and wrapping his tongue around them like it’s the easier thing in the world. you feel yourself clench. he wraps one arm around you before shifting slightly, and you realize he’s unzipping his own pants.

“i’ll buy you another one.” is all donghyuck says before pulling out his thick length, and you swallow on impulse as his bulbous tip, oozing precum, comes into your view. you want it - need it, you decide as you recall his earlier statement about having him for yourself - and you need it now. you hand him the condom, and he rolls it on with a small grunt before both of his hands fly to your ass. just as you’re about to sit down properly on his cock, fill your voids the way they’re meant to be completed. donghyuck stops you with his hands on your hips.

you look down at him, and your eyes meet his for what feels like the millionth time tonight.

“are you sure?” he asks, and you fall deeper in love with him even though he’s doing the minimum. you’re sure, you realize, and you nod before remembering that he has to hear you say it.

“yes, i’m sure.” your voice is uncharacteristically quiet, but donghyuck says nothing of it. he grips your thighs, spreading them as much as he can without pushing you off the chair - he’s grateful it has no handles - before pressing his tip to your entrance. you press both of your hands into your shoulders as you sink yourself onto his throbbing dick, your teeth sinking into your lower lip as you do. it takes you a moment to adjust - usually the foreplay is much longer - but once you’re ready, you start bouncing on donghyuck’s cock, setting the pace for yourself.

it doesn’t take long for you to get to the brink of orgasm - riding hyuck has always placed the head of his dick directly against the place inside you that makes you see white behind your eyes. for his part, he shoves you down onto himself when you start tiring out, tugging on a nipple in between his teeth or running his tongue down against your skin or slapping your ass and causing you to buck against him as he sees fit.

you’ve been friends with benefits for almost a year, now, and the sex only gets better.

you’ve been friends with benefits for almost a year, now, and everyday, every damn day, you curse your heart more and more. you curse your feelings when donghyuck whines as he nears his high, too, and you curse yourself for spending your ability to love deeply on the one person who won’t take it as he finally takes over, anchoring you against his body while his hips snap up into yours. he’s chasing your orgasm just as much as he’s chasing his, and when donghyuck pulls you down to smash his lips against yours, forcing you to taste the red wine he’d had with dinner on his tongue, while circling your clit with one finger like a madman, you can’t help but let go completely, clenching and spasming and shaking around his length and in his arms. this is all it takes to push him over the edge, too - he spills into the condom with a beautiful, keening whine against your shoulder.

it’s only when donghyuck looks up at you after catching his breath and his face falls that you realize you’re crying.

“(name) - sweetheart, what’s wrong? did i hurt you?”

his recognition of your state has the dam breaking, and you shake your head frantically to soothe him as your tears start falling more heavily. he wraps his arms around you immediately, pulling you into his chest as he does. donghyuck waits patiently for you to speak.

“i - i can’t do this anymore,” you start off, and you feel his arms tense around you. before he can interject or argue, you forge ahead. “i cant! i can’t fuck you and stay your friend - just your friend. i can’t sleep with you knowing that you’re the only one for me when you’re out there hunting down anyone that looks at you, i just - i can’t. i can’t...” you trail off, breaking down into sobs again while burrowing your face into his shirt. it’s expensive, you know it is, and now it’s ruined with your tearstains. you try not to think about it.

donghyuck is silent for one, two, three beats. for a long moment, all you can hear are the sounds of your own bawling, your own quiet sniffling and hiccuping. his hand runs a soothing trek down your back.

finally, he speaks.

“i haven’t fucked anyone else in 6 months.”

that is the one thing you’d never expected him to say.

“but... mark? the hickey?”

“that’s all it was,” he says, forcing you back slightly to be able to look at you as he speaks. hyuck raises a hand, wiping your stray tears away gently with his thumb before continuing. “for 6 months, i’ve kissed people and made out with them, but only half-heartedly. every time it’s gotten close to getting heated, i’ve had to stop. do you know why?”

you shake your head, sniffling as you do. his heart cracks at how forlorn you look, how innocent and confused you seem. he’s suddenly well-aware of the fact that he’s still sheathed inside your dripping pussy.

“because every time i was with someone - anyone - else, all i could think of was you. you’re the only one for me, baby. i think you always have been. i didn’t say anything because i didn’t think you’d want me.”

“not want you?” your voice is strong enough to sound properly incredulous now. “you know me better than anyone else. you’ve been there for me when i’ve needed you, and you’ve asked me to be there for you when you’ve needed me. we built all of this together. you’re everything, hyuck. you’re my everything.”

he lowers his head almost bashfully, and you know that he’s processing what you’re saying. donghyuck’s never been good at registering compliments - it’s a side-effect of always moving, always pushing forward - but you can tell that he’s savoring your words. it makes him even more endearing in your eyes. eventually, he looks up at you again, soft smile gracing his features.

“are we good?” he asks, and you can feel your heart sewing itself together again at the genuine honesty in his eyes. he really does love you back. you nod, before leaning in to capture his lips against yours in a chaste kiss.

“we’re good.”

bonus:

“this is great, and i’m going to ravish you when we get home, but right now i really, really need to get this condom off and you probably really need to piss,” donghyuck says, lifting his hips to force you off of him. you swing your legs over to stand, leaning against his desk for support as you watch him tie the condom up and toss it into the bin underneath his desk.

“when we get home?” you ask, raising an eyebrow. donghyuck stuffs his cock back into his boxers and makes sure his slacks are on properly before standing up to situate himself in front of you. he takes both of your hands in his.

“you think i’m letting you spend a night alone when you said i’m the only one for you? not fucking likely. now hit up the bathroom and then let’s go,” he says, fishing his car keys out of his pocket. “i brought the bugatti today.”

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sablelab · 5 years

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Covert Operations - Chapter 68

DISCLAIMER: This is a modern AU crossover story with Outlander and La Femme Nikita. LFN and its characters do not belong to me nor do those from Outlander.

SYNOPSIS: As they are jogging in the park, Karen asks very probing questions eliciting information from Claire. When Karen takes a fall, she rests while Claire explores some market stalls and witnesses some things that are puzzling and also tragic.

*For reading my story, for hitting the like heart, for taking the time to write a comment and for reblogging my story over the past week then THANK YOU so much. I really do appreciate it immensely.

Previous chapters can be found … https://sablelab.tumblr.com/covertoperations

CHAPTER 68

Claire Beauchamp could have quite easily had a good lie in daydreaming about what a wonderful lover James Fraser was, but seeing that he’d already left the apartment, and had asked her to meet him specifically in the park, she decided that it was best to keep her normal jogging routine with her neighbour. It was already prearranged between the two women anyway, for just as Karen Yee was leaving last night, she’d asked if Claire still wanted to go jogging in the morning.

She remembered that her friend had cast a quick glance towards were Jamie was sitting, then back at her. Karen had a questioning look on her face especially knowing that she had company. No doubt this was an attempt to ascertain if her male companion might be staying the night. If so, then Karen was giving her an out to cancel their weekly jogging session together if something better came up ... that something or someone being her male friend ... James Fraser.

It was highly probable that Jamie too had made plans to rendezvous where the two friends always jogged to have a chance meeting with her neighbour again. More than likely, it was because of these ulterior motives that he suggested to meet him in the park of all places. Jamie was skeptical of her relationship with Karen, and another chance meeting with her would give him more information with which to ascertain her true motives. It would also allow her to see if Jamie’s concerns were warranted.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lost in thought and locking the door behind her, Claire stepped out of her apartment ready to go jogging with her neighbour Karen Yee. Dressed in her exercise sportswear of sweatpants and crop top, she stopped to adjust her Fitbit on her wrist. With her hair pulled back in a pony tail, she looked refreshed and vibrant after her invigorating shower despite the little aches in her body. She’d also consumed a hearty breakfast which had curbed the stomach rumbles and alleviated her ravenous appetite. Claire had decided to tell Karen to make sure it was a leisurely jog and not too strenuous given that she had a full stomach, but she’d been ravenous this morning particularly as they had not had any dinner last night.

Walking to the apartment opposite hers, Claire was just about to knock on her jogging partner’s door, when Karen, dressed in similar running gear, poked her head out of her apartment at the same time. She looked up at her friendly neighbour with a smile on her face.

“Good morning.” “Karen.”

She gave Claire the once over and with tongue in cheek stated, “So Beauchamp ... I guess we are still going jogging.”

“Yep ... That’s why I’m dressed for jogging with my personal trainer,” Claire replied equally as ironical emphasizing the personal trainer remark and doing some quick little jogs up and down on the spot.

Karen laughed. “Well ... It’s a lovely day to get in some aerobic exercise, and what better place than the park.”

“Can we do a slow jog though ... I had a rather ...”

“Heavy night?” Karen interrupted with inflection in her words and a raised eyebrow.

Claire looked at her friend with a perplexed look on her face then quickly replied realising what she was insinuating. “No! ... A hearty breakfast.”

“Oh? ... So? ... No dinner?” Karen stated with a wry grin and double meaning behind her words.

“Something like that ...” Claire replied while a rosy blush suddenly warmed her cheeks at the look Karen was giving her.

“Oh ... Do tell Claire...”

“Nothing to tell.”

“If you say so ...” Then after a short pause and another pointed look at Claire, Karen asked, “Are you ready to go?” “Sure ... You?” “Yeah ... Come on. Let’s go before it gets too busy,” Karen answered as she tossed her morning paper in her doorway and shut the door behind her. Linking arms with Claire, the two women then headed towards the elevator. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

On entering Victoria Park, Claire and Karen passed by the imposing statue of Queen Victoria, after whom the park was named at the main entrance on Causeway Road. This place was an oasis of calm, peace, tranquillity and space amidst the hustle and bustle, and teeming non-stop moving metropolis of Hong Kong. The park offered a welcome respite to its citizens to appreciate nature, relax and enjoy the environs and what they offered. As the two women jogged along the jogging track and through the park, they passed by groups of people near a large fountain practising the slow motion peaceful, unified movements and choreography of Tai Chi. They jogged up and down on the spot for a short while as they marvelled at the many elderly Chinese men and women partaking in the martial arts discipline before continuing their run.

As they ran side by side down a tree lined area, they talked. “So Claire ... did you enjoy yourself at The Triangle the other night?” “Yeah ... It was wonderful. I had a great time.” “What did you think of my guy Andy?” “He was very nice. Cute too.” “Hmm ... I think so ...” Giving Claire a side grin Karen added, “He stayed last night and went for a run earlier ... we might bump into him while we’re out jogging.” “Better keep our eyes peeled then.” Claire replied glancing around her but she failed to see anyone who resembled Karen’s male friend Andrew Ma.

“Hey! What about that Jamie guy? Is he your boyfriend?” Karen asked in a nonchalant way so as not to appear to be too intrusive, but merely somewhat inquisitive. “No ... he’s just a friend that’s all.” “You two looked so good together. Are you sure that’s all he is? ... It seemed a lot more to me.” Karen asked pressing for more information than Claire was willing to give and knowing that she was holding something back from her.

Claire laughed replying, “No, like I said before, nothing to tell.”

“Is he staying in Hong Kong for long?”

“No, he’s gone to Shanghai.”

“Oh.” Karen sounded a little disappointed by this answer, but forged ahead with another question. “So, where did you two meet?” Suddenly Karen’s questions were becoming more probing and Claire remembered Jamie’s warning about her neighbour and friend. She gave her a telling look, “You’re very inquisitive today all of a sudden Karen. Why so many questions?”

“Sorry, I’m just being a nosy neighbour. Jamie seemed like a great guy. I just want you to be as happy as me.”

“Thanks Karen ... but I am happy or I will be when I get a job.” Thinking that she may have overstepped the mark a little and not wanting Claire to become overly suspicious of her questioning, Karen changed the subject. “So how about Andy getting us tickets for Saturday night?” “That was unbelievable that he was able to do so. He’s fantastic.”

“I think so.”

“I can’t wait to finally meet Jonathon Randall. What’s he like?” “I’ve met him once or twice. He’s always been nice to me. I think he’ll like you.” “Oh? Why’s that?” Claire queried looking at Karen as they jogged along. “Remember, Andy said that he likes his women tall and brunette ... and hello Claire ... that’s you!” Karen laughed hoping that Claire was appeased by her answer. “You don’t say ... Well maybe I’ll go as a redhead instead.” “Oh Claire you’re such a riot.” “Yeah ... don’t I know it?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jogging through the park the two friends soon came upon some craft markets set up along the lake. Vendors had their produce and merchandise including all kinds of bric-a-brac, lanterns, authentic Chinese items and masses of flowers laid out on tables in the sunshine. The market was bustling with energy, and couples and families were milling around looking over or purchasing the products on display as they strolled through the park in the beautiful sunny weather.

“Oh, look Karen! Let’s go check it out.” “Sure ... Why not.” But as they jogged over towards the flea market Karen fell and twisted her ankle. “Ow!” she cried out, as she lay on the ground clutching at her foot and rolling in pain. Concerned, Claire crouched down beside her watching her friend with concern. “Hey, are you okay?” “I’m all right ... but I seem to have twisted my ankle.”

“What can I do?”

“Can you help me up? I think I’ll just sit down on the bench over there for a while,” she answered as Claire helped her to her feet. Placing her arm around Claire’s shoulder for support, Karen began to hobble over in the direction of the park bench. Finally they made their way over to the seat beside the path, and she sat down taking the weight off her swollen ankle.

“I’ll stay with you.”

“No ... no ... you go and check out the stalls Claire ... I’ll be fine here.”

“Are you sure?” “Positive ... I’ll be okay if I rest for a while.” “All right ... I won’t be long.” “That’s okay ... I won’t be going anywhere in a hurry. Take your time,” Karen replied placing her injured foot up onto the bench seat and leaning back against the wooden frame.

“Thanks. I’ll be back before you miss me. Rest up that ankle.”

“I will. Have fun.” *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Making her way over to the stalls, Claire started to casually look around the flea market. Hoping that she might find something for her watch and sunglasses collection, she went searching for some bargains. She’d loved the night stalls in Patpong where Jamie had bought her the Franck Muller watch that was so precious to her and this time, she would be happy to find a quirky pair of sunglasses that she liked. However, before she ventured any further along the many stalls, Claire stopped and turned to see if Karen was okay sitting on the park bench. If she walked any further down the hill, she would lose sight of her friend and Claire was still a little worried about her. Waving at her, she noticed that Karen had decided to elevate her foot on the bench which was a good move to relieve the pressure of a sore ankle. However, an injury like this really needed to be bandaged, and if she saw some bandages, Claire decided that she would buy them and bind Karen’s ankle for support when she returned.

Karen Yee saw her friend waving at her and waved back, but soon lost sight of Claire as she mingled in with the crowd. However, once Claire Beauchamp was out of sight, Karen lowered her foot to the ground and taking out her cell phone, quickly dialled a number. With a grimace of frustration, she placed the phone to her ear and waited for the connection. When it came, she tersely asked, “Where the hell are you? She’s at the market.”

“Okay ... I’m in position.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* The flea market reminded Claire of the night markets she’d seen in Thailand except that today there were many original art and craft items for sale. She was having fun checking out all the bargains on display and got caught up in the moment. Walking along the row of stalls, Claire stopped at one that particularly caught her eye where she saw some curios for sale. Examining the ornaments, she decided to ask the price. She began to haggle over the cost and tried to barter with the seller, but since the price for the item was still too high, she declined to buy. She then walked over to another stall selling art work. As she was examining the paintings, Claire happened to casually glance up and saw a familiar face ahead. Stopping in her tracks, she took a double take thinking that her eyes were deceiving her. No! ... It couldn’t be! But ... it was... It was Jamie. He was back. Claire raised her hand to wave at him, but he obviously hadn’t seen her either, so she decided to follow him at a discrete distance to see where he was going. Although it had only been a couple of hours since she had seen him, Jamie looked wonderful and oh, so sexy wearing his dark sunglasses and all dressed in black with his auburn hair glistening in the sunshine. Claire felt a little quiver of awareness in her stomach, she smiled and swallowed the breath she was holding at seeing him this morning. She couldn’t take her eyes from his body and was a little spellbound just admiring this gorgeous specimen of manhood. James Fraser was a commanding figure, but today he looked relaxed and carefree eating pretzels as he too mingled amongst the crowd in the park.

God, he’s a gorgeous looking man. It was strange but wonderful at the same time to see him as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Perhaps he was thinking about last night. She had done nothing else but think of what had happened, and if she hadn’t have said yes to Karen last night on going on their planned jogging session this morning, then she may have spent the day at home daydreaming and waiting for their rendezvous here at the park.

Claire watched Jamie walk away and waited until he was some distance ahead but still in eye sight and then followed him, but she hid behind a tree when he stopped and dumped the finished pretzel bag in a rubbish bin. She watched as he continued to walk around the park before taking a seat on a park bench. Nonchalantly looking around, he surveyed the surrounds as if he was just a casual people observer. However, Claire knew Jamie was always Section alert to any anomalies and she wondered if this was where she would meet him. She checked her watch but it was more than an hour before their rendezvous time. It was not like James Fraser to casually just sit and wait. He was always punctual and if he said 11 o’clock, then he would meet her at that very time.

There were plenty of reasons why he was at the park early, and she wracked her brain with some scenarios that were puzzling.

Jamie had said that he would meet her in the park, but not exactly the location where the meeting would take place. It wasn’t even 11 o’clock yet, so, was it here that he would meet her and was that why he was waiting on the park bench because he was early? Perhaps he was just filling in time until they met up or perhaps his time at Section was cut shorter than he’d expected? Was it really her or someone else connected with Section that he was waiting for? Could it be associated with the phone call this morning? Was that the only explanation?

However, it was soon became apparent to Claire that he was waiting for someone else.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

She was just about to reveal herself and confront Jamie, when she looked up and saw a beautiful Caucasian woman approach him. When she saw Jamie give the woman a warm hug in greeting, Claire felt some jealously at his familiar embrace, and swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat. She watched enthralled but inquisitive as to whom this person was and how Jamie knew her. Having never seen this woman before, curiosity was eating away at her.

Who was she? Who was this woman? How did he know her? Was she one of Jamie’s informants or just a female friend? From her vantage point, Claire could tell by the woman’s body language that it appeared that she was not happy and was upset about something. She seemed a little nervous too and anxiously looked around several times, but Jamie comforted her and placed his arm around her shoulder which seemed to reassure her. Claire meanwhile took the opportunity to move a little further forward when they were distracted and stood behind a large tree trunk where she couldn’t be detected but still see what was happening. She was closer than before and tried to overhear what they were saying, however, the two spoke quietly and exchanged only a few words. Claire tried to hear what they were talking about but it was impossible to make out their conversation. She also tried to lip read what they were saying to each other in an effort to make out some of their exchange. Unfortunately, it too was futile, so Claire had to be content with watching their body language and trying to decipher what was going on. Her curiosity, nonetheless, was getting the better of her and she was intrigued as to what they were saying. Her mind was musing over the possible scenarios that might involve James Fraser and this attractive woman. She wondered what they were talking about, but surely Jamie would inform her later and debrief her as to what he was discussing with the mystery woman. Was this woman an operative that Jamie knew from the past? If so, did he train her? Had she been his material? Was his concern for her purely professional?

Many more questions ate away at her thoughts.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* “Jamie ... It was a mistake to come here.” “Why?” “I think I’m being watched. I may have been compromised.” Surreptitiously his keen eyes glanced around the immediate area and he saw three men talking but they moved off in different directions. In the near distance, two elderly men sat, playing a game of chess at one of the picnic tables. Beyond that, on another bench in the park, a family were watching their child play while a young man on a Moped buzzed by a few feet in front of them. Jamie also noticed a couple holding hands and kissing on a bench nearby but he saw no one who appeared to be tailing the woman. “Are ye sure?” She hesitated for a while before continuing, “No ... it’s just a gut feeling.” “Do ye want me to bring ye back in?” “No ... although you've got to bring me back in soon enough.” “I’ll speak to Operations.” “Thank you.” “Do ye have something hard on Inspector Ng? If not then there's nothing more to discuss.” “Here take this,” she replied handing him a disk. “What's this?” “Take it to Comm. ... Fergus will pull off the specifics. There’s still much more to learn about him.” “Is there anything else?” “No ... I’ve told you all I know. Everything else is on the disk.” “Thank ye.” “Be careful Jamie. He’s dangerous ... and ruthless.” “We will.” ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~ Their meeting was brief. The woman looked around once more before Jamie escorted her back towards her car. Observing from a distance, Claire followed close behind once they had turned their backs to her. Jamie took the woman’s arm and they walked towards the park’s exit where several cars were parked in the car park. When they arrived at the parking bay where her car was located, they turned to face one another. Jamie kissed the woman goodbye on each cheek, then opened her car door and ushered her into the driver’s seat, before closing the door after her. Claire watched the scene taking place and was unable to tear her eyes away from what was happening. Once the woman was in her car, Jamie said goodbye and turned to walk away. Creeping back behind her observation position, Claire watched as he left. The woman settled into her car then turned over the ignition to start the vehicle. Distracted by her thoughts of what Jamie was doing here in Victoria Park and why, Claire was startled when she heard a loud explosion rock the tranquillity of the area. Looking back towards the car park she saw the Caucasian woman’s car burst into flames. People started to scream and came rushing to where the explosion had taken place. Mingling in with the crowd, James Fraser glanced behind him and saw the exploding car too. The detonation was just as unexpected to him as it was to those gathered in the park. He looked around as people came rushing past him to check out what had just happened in the peaceful environs of the park. Jamie, though, moved in the opposite direction casually walking away from the scene as if nothing had happened. Nonetheless, he knew that something serious had just happened that would and could have far reaching ramifications. A shocked look of disbelief crossed Claire’s face at what had just occurred as well. She was more perplexed than before. Why did Jamie talk to the woman? Who was she? Why was she killed? And more importantly ... by whom? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Claire began to jog away from the scene but as she did so a man who was jogging in the other direction bumped into her causing her to lose her balance and nearly fall. “Oh ... I’m so sorry,” he apologised reaching out his hand to steady her. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?” “No ... I’m fine,” she replied righting herself and looking at the handsome man out of the corner of her eye. “Can I buy you a drink and apologise for my clumsiness?” He asked as a way of saying sorry. “Thanks, but that’s not necessary. I’m just about to meet up with my friend.” Claire tried to go around him, but he stepped into her path, blocking her from continuing on her run. “Are you sure I can’t buy you a drink?” He insisted flirting with her. “Positive ... Excuse me but my friend is waiting.” “Can’t blame a guy for trying ...” he replied with a smile, letting her leave voluntarily. “Goodbye ... enjoy your run.” Before jogging off, he watched Claire move away and when she was some distance ahead, he flipped open his cell phone. “She’s on her way back.” “Good ... Meet us at the rendezvous spot.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* to be continued

#jamie and claire #James Fraser #claire beauchamp #Jamieandclairefanfic #jamieandclaireau #outlander fanfic #covert operations

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