Session 𝓢eventy-One

Session 71:
"The City"

⨳ ⨳ ⨳

"Thanks for the ride, doc," I murmured as I slid down from her back.

Monroe's lips twitched up when I winked at her. "You're welcome," she said, leaning down to briefly kiss my lips, "Ms. Fierro."

I hummed as she pulled away, "Now what to have for breakfast..." I trailed off, walking with her into the cold estate, "I'm craving something really specific."

"I see," Monroe murmured, eyeing my face as we walked down the hallway, "Give me a hint."

My lips spread into a smile, "Give?" I emphasized, tilting my head at her.

Monroe raised a brow, "Oh?" she said, her blue eyes holding mine, "We don't give things now?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, "I think you should work for it a little harder, Ro Ro," I subtly said, my smile growing when she narrowed her eyes at me.

"We're working harder for things now?" she asked me, and I immediately knew by her tone that she was making note of this current conversation.

It'll be used against me down the line.

"Just this one thing," I purposely emphasized.

Monroe only hummed in response, "One thing," she echoed my words back to me, clearly taking a mental note of all this.

Oh god.

She's definitely going to twist this one back on me.

"Monroe."

I glanced over immediately at the voice, stiffening the moment I laid eyes on Clarisse Leclair.

She wore a powdery blue blouse with white slacks and brown leather Chanel flats.

Her blonde hair was tucked into a twisted bun, emphasizing her face, covered in very light makeup.

It's barely even seven—why is she even up?

I guess the devil really doesn't sleep.

The goal was to keep Monroe away as much as fucking possible, but here we are I guess.

"Breakfast is prepared in the main dining room," Clarisse said when Monroe remained quiet, stopping with me in front of her mother

Clarisse's blue eyes noticeably eyed our outfits, a disapproval behind her eyes, even if a reaction didn't quite show on her face.

"Great," was all Monroe said, a passiveness behind her tone.

She looked visibly stiff from her mother's unwanted presence.

"There's no time for you to clean up properly," Clarisse murmured softly, her words laced with passiveness. "I won't keep my husband waiting."

I tried my best not to visibly react to her targeted words.

Or how she still referred to Monroe's father as her husband, but it genuinely makes me so mad.

Still, that's the least of my problems.

We can't share breakfast with them.

That means more exposure that Monroe definitely doesn't need.

We're having such a good morning, and now fucking Cruella de Vil wants to ruin it all.

Not on my watch.

I sucked in a shaky breath, stumbling back on my feet as I grabbed Monroe's arm.

"Liberty," Monroe said, immediately gripping my waist.

I squeezed my eyes tightly shut, "Sorry, I-just, feel a little light-headed," I whispered, gripping her arm tighter. "The room feels like it's spinning."

"We must have done too much," I heard Monroe say, pulling me flushed against the side of her body. "I apologize," she whispered softly to me.

I quickly shook my head, keeping my eyes closed, "No-no, it's not your fault," I assured her, hating that she actually believed me right now and blamed herself.

I'm a little too good at this.

"Doctor Lawrence can handle this," I heard Clarisse's annoying voice as Monroe leaned down beside me.

But only to hook her arm around the back of my legs, lifting me into her arms bridal style.

I inaudibly gasped, reaching out for her as I kept my eyes squeezed closed.

"No doctor," I said, given this was complete bullshit, "I just need to lay down for a moment," I sighed, resting my head against Monroe's shoulder.

"Food and water too," I heard Monroe add, feeling her walk with me in her arms.

"Yes... as long as you stay with me," I purposely said, my voice rising a little in volume so her mother could hear.

I fucking hate Clarisse.

The only way to win here is to manipulate her back.

"Of course, darling," Monroe said as I relaxed in her arms, wanting to smile to myself.

"You're required in the office by nine, Monroe," Clarisse just had to fucking say, not caring about the state I'm currently in.

I know I'm faking it, but she doesn't. 

I'm not even surprised that she wants to throw a doctor at the problem and move on with her day. 

"I'm not required anywhere if Liberty isn't feeling well," Monroe emphasized as she continued walking further away with me, "I'll let you know if we need the doctor."

I let out a deep sigh at the silence that followed Monroe's words, only hearing the sound of her soft steps.

I kept my eyes closed and remained silent the entire way back to our room, wanting to stick to my plan until we were in private.

But as soon as I heard the door shut, I opened my eyes, staring at Monroe's perfect side profile.

"So back to what you're working hard for," I casually murmured, tapping her shoulder to let
me down.

Monroe met my stare with furrowed brows, her eyes trailing my face for a moment.

I could tell she was processing my words, and how perfectly normal I sounded again.

"You were faking it," she observed, glancing down at my lips when I smiled.

"Do you think I did well?" I murmured innocently.

Monroe narrowed her eyes at me, "I was worried, Liberty," she emphasized as she let me down, allowing my feet to hit the marble floor one at a time. "I thought something was wrong."

"I know, I'm sorry," I whispered, reaching for her waist, "I just did not want to have breakfast with them."

Monroe remained silent for a moment, her expression neutral and unreadable.

I think she's mad at me. 

"Now we can do our own breakfast, baby," I pointed out, my smile growing as I pressed my lower body to hers. "Isn't that so much better than being around Cruella de Vil and her husband," I mocked Clarisse's words.

Monroe's serious expression quickly faded, a beautiful chuckle falling from her lips as she grabbed my waist.

"Jesus, you're impossible to be mad at," Monroe said, making my smile grow wider.

"I know," I murmured cockily as Monroe gently grabbed my face, leaning down to kiss my lips.

Hopefully, she'll feel the same way about the Sarai situation. 

"Tell me next time before pulling something like this," she clarified, briefly kissing my lips again.

"But then it might be too obvious," I said with a fake frown.

Monroe gave me a blank look, pulling away from my lips, "I was fully prepared to call in the doctor and a few nurses, Liberty."

I pursed my lips, eyeing her serious expression.

"Okay-okay, I'll tell you next time," I sighed, giving in to her demands, "I didn't mean to worry you."

"I know, darling," Monroe didn't hesitate to say, gently tucking some of my stray hairs out of my face, "And Cruella de Vil?" 

A soft giggle fell from my lips, throwing my head back as I laughed harder.

"Don't forget her husband," I emphasized, another laugh escaping from my lips.

Monroe chuckled softly in response, "We surely can't forget him."

I laughed a few more times, leaning into Monroe and burying my face in her chest to muffle my laughs.

"She's totally evil," I breathed out, hugging her tighter to me, "You deserved to grow up with so much better."

"I don't know," Monroe said, caressing the back of my head, "I'm a pretty good fit here."

I furrowed my brows, pulling away from her chest immediately to meet her stare.

"You're not them," I softly whispered, reaching up to cup her face in my hands.

Monroe only remained silent, her blue eyes openly holding my stare.

Yet she said nothing.

She was only silent and expressionless.

It was like I had said nothing at all.

"You're not them, Monroe," I repeated again, emphasizing my words more seriously.

Silence.

That's all I was met with for a few more moments, nothing behind her blue eyes.

Then Monroe finally sighed, glancing away from me.

"And if I prove you wrong?"

I drew in a deep breath at her genuine question, how soft her voice was with me.

She couldn't even meet my stare again.

She just stared past me, almost in shame, waiting for me to answer her question.

"The I'll still—" I quickly paused, rethinking my words, "I'll still... get you."

Her focus shifted, meeting my stare with so much behind those beautiful blue eyes of hers.

"You'll get me, Liberty?" she asked me in a soft whisper, her eyes trailing my face for so much more.

I nodded immediately, "I'll always get you," I assured her, leaning up on my tip-toes to kiss her soft lips, "Always, Ro."

She hummed softly, holding my stare as she rested her nose against mine.

Monroe wanted to say something else.

I could see it in her eyes.

She's just calculating her next words, processing this moment unfolding between us.

I remained quiet for her, patiently awaiting her next words as I stared so deeply into her eyes. 

She'll always have all the time with me.

"I don't want to be like them."

I pursed my lips into a frown, "I know, baby," I immediately said, pulling her into me for a hug. "I know, okay?"

"Yes," was all she said, nuzzling her face into the crook of my neck.

I hugged her even tighter against me, rubbing my hands up her covered back.

"You're so perfect to me," I whispered, "More perfect than your organized fridge, baby."

Monroe smiled against my neck, "That's very perfect."

"Exactly," I said, happy that she understood my comparison, "Now we should shower and lie in bed naked all day."

"Sounds perfect," Monroe said, sighing softly against my neck, "But I have to go into the office, darling."

I groaned dramatically, "But I just got us out of it," I pointed out, knowing I could technically feel bad all day.

"If I don't go today, then it'll be pushed to tomorrow," Monroe clarified, "Perhaps after today we can leave."

I sighed deeply, "Yeah," I mumbled, "I just hate your parents and I hate them around you."

Monroe gently squeezed my waist, "My sweet protective girl," she murmured, briefly kissing my neck, "I can handle it from here. I assure you."

"Maybe I can go into the office with you?" I suggested, pulling back from her slightly to meet her stare, "You won't even know I'm there, I promise."

Monroe smiled, openly staring down at me for a moment.

She looked so... adoring.

So much so that it made my heart swell with this weird warmth.

"You aren't going into the office. That's already been decided," she said, making my lips part in offense, "You'll go into the city instead, darling. Eat some good food and do plenty of shopping."

I pursed my lips together, trying to hate her offer, but it was genuinely so thoughtful of her.

"I just want to be with you," I whispered honestly.

Monroe's smile grew, "I want to be with you as well, darling," she said, her tone as genuine as mine, "How about we do dinner in the city once I'm finished."

I shook my head, "We can't... my mother still doesn't know," I sighed, nearly wanting to throw a fit at the mere idea of us being apart today.

I just want to be with my Ro Ro.

But of course, my mother had to be governor, and Monroe is just as known, especially here. 

One picture and it could be all over the internet. 

"We'll figure something else out then," Monroe assured me, tracing her hand up my back. "How do you feel about telling your mother, Liberty?" she suddenly asked.

I pursed my lips into the best smile I could, "Good," I said, the word awkward and forced.

Monroe sensed the lie I told immediately, remaining silent as she waited for me to tell the truth.

"Okay, I don't think she'll approve, but-but it's not a big deal, and I'll tell her soon," I rushed out, glancing away from Monroe with millions of thoughts.

Like when or how I'll tell her. 

What her reaction would consist of. 

If she'll try to take control of the situation somehow. 

I'm a grown adult, yet somehow she finds a way to control me. 

"We approve. That's all that matters here, Liberty," she said, gently grabbing my chin to align my stare back with hers, "Only we matter."

I nodded hesitantly, "Only us," I whispered, even if the idea of telling my mother still made my stomach sink.

I genuinely don't know how I'm going to do it yet, but that's a later problem, I guess.

"Let's get ready, darling," Monroe softly said, gently grabbing one of my hands to guide me over to the closet.

"No, you run the shower," I suddenly determined, "I'll pick out our outfits."

I felt Monroe's stare shift to me, "Oh, will you?" she asked, making a smile grow on my lips.

"Yep, that's officially my duty," I murmured, letting go of her hand to walk into the closet.

Monroe swiftly tugged me back by my waist, gripping my lower body against hers.  

I chuckled softly when she pressed numerous kisses to my cheek, trailing them down to my neck.

"Ro," I breathed out with a smile, trying to lean away from her, "It tickles."

Monroe only hummed, pressing another fleeting kiss to my neck, "I like making you squirm," she softly murmured as I nudged her away.

"Shower," I ordered as sternly as I could, motioning her away.

Monroe only eyed me for a moment, her blue eyes openly falling down my body.

It made me grow warm, even as she backed away from me to head toward the bathroom.

I watched her walk away, appreciating how tight her leggings were.

Then I blinked a few times, desperately trying to focus on the current task at hand.

I picked out Monroe's outfit first, settling on a white blouse with a pinstripe knee-length skirt.

I also grabbed her black stockings and her usual black stilettos.

Then I picked out my outfit, settling on a soft green satin skirt and a corset top.

The skirt was longer and had this floral pattern in the satin material, so it felt cute, and it was Monroe's favorite color.

Sort of since the green was lighter, but it was close enough.

I joined Monroe in the steaming shower once our clothes were picked out.

We exfoliated and washed our bodies, carefully using our face wash without getting our hair wet.

That at least made it easier to get ready once we were out of the shower.

All I had to do was brush my hair, embracing the loose waves from my day-old blowout.

Monroe's hair looked incredible as usual—she pulled her hair into a ponytail at the back of her head, leaving her bangs out.

For makeup, I settled on mascara and lip gloss today, while Monroe did more light makeup.

Then we put on our shoes and jewelry, applying our separate fragrances.

I had Monroe spray me a little with her scent so I could smell it all day.

I think I genuinely have separation anxiety at this point.

But we're also in a new city, and I hate the idea of her being around her father all day.

It was all I thought about once we parted ways.

Monroe already had a team of security waiting by a line of SUVs for me, ensuring I left the estate before her.

I think she was trying to avoid me running into her father after how this morning went with Clarisse.

She even specified that the driver stop somewhere specific for breakfast, instead of having me eat at the estate.

It was a cute bagel shop in the city, and it looked really nice.

They had different flavors of cream cheese and freshly made bagels.

I made sure to take a picture of my food and send it to Monroe, wanting her to somehow be a part of my day.

Even as I shopped in the city, I kept updating her and sending her pictures.

The group of security following me around was a little awkward, especially since people stared, but I made it work.

Plus, it was nice when I ate lunch alone because I still had a team of people surrounding me.

The pizza was as good as I remembered it—although I hadn't been to New York since my freshman year in high school for one of my mother's events.

This was definitely a nicer experience than that, especially since I didn't have to walk as much.

It probably would've been faster to walk to certain places, but I didn't mind sitting in traffic on my phone.

It gave me a moment to myself.

Sometimes my social battery gets drained just by being around people, especially when they're constantly looking at me.

I honestly couldn't wait to go back to that hell of an estate and hide away in that bedroom until Monroe got back.

I shopped for us both at numerous different stores—I couldn't wait to show Monroe.

Maybe we could do a fashion show tonight.

There's a decent amount of stuff.

I bet it still didn't put the smallest dent in her bank account.

It didn't help that I was taken to a very expensive restaurant as our last stop of the day.

The driver mentioned the restaurant was on the highest level, so I could eat dinner before we headed back into the city.

I wanted to eat dinner with Monroe at the estate, but it's also almost seven, and I'm starving.

Even though it was insane, I decided on two dinners, so I could share one with Monroe later, too.

Aside from not being by Monroe's side in the city, I genuinely enjoyed my day here.

There's this energy here—I'm not sure what it is, but I feel rejuvenated.

I feel like a new person.

New York was a happy dose of medicine that Monroe's parents couldn't fabricate themselves.

This city is vibrant in the most freeing way.

It was exactly what I needed after how this trip started off.

I definitely wouldn't mind coming back to New York with Monroe again.

I sighed as I eyed my phone, standing in the elevator surrounded by security.

Monroe hadn't answered in—

I swiped left on her last text to me, eyeing the time she sent it.

An hour ago.

I pursed my lips, wondering if something bad happened in the depths of the Levane office.

It probably did—Monroe barely mentioned anything about her day over text.

She always diverted back to me and what I was doing at that moment.

I hope she's okay.

I suddenly glanced up when the elevator dinged, causing the team of people in front of me to step off, while the others followed behind me.

Monroe genuinely didn't skimp on my security detail.

I felt like my mother, and everyone seemed to think I was "a somebody" just by having security.

I furrowed my brows as soon as the people around me dispersed, giving me a full view of the restaurant.

It was really nice, don't get me wrong.

But it was entirely empty.

Not a single soul was in sight.

That's abnormal for New York, right?

Shouldn't there be at least one person?

I stalled the moment she stepped into view, contemplating whether I was hallucinating.

But then she walked closer, her stilettos clicking against the floor, anchoring me to this moment.

It's real.

She's here.

And she looks just as good as this morning.

Or better, now that her sleeves were pushed up to her elbows, entirely finished with her work day.

"Ro," I whispered, an annoying smile growing on my lips.

"Hi, darling," she murmured like this was all entirely normal for us.

I immediately rushed forward when she held her arms out for me, throwing myself into her arms.

"You... rented out this restaurant?" I said as she wrapped her arms around my waist, hugging me so tightly to her warm body.

"You didn't want to be seen," she murmured softly, pressing a kiss to the top of my head, "Problem solved."

I hummed happily, my cheek pressed against her chest, "Thank you so much," I whispered, "I was going to have two dinners just to eat with you."

Monroe chuckled softly, "My god, are you adorable," she murmured, gently squeezing my waist.

I pulled back from her chest, meeting her stare, "I'm so happy you're here—that we're here," I admitted.

"I'm happy we're here too, darling," she said, gently cupping my face, "The staff here has signed NDA's so you have nothing to worry about."

I smiled wider, "We can be us... in public," I whispered, briefly glancing around the empty restaurant, "Sort of."

"I rented the entire evening out for us, so we can take our time," Monroe said as she guided us toward the table near the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The city looked incredible from up here.

"How much did this all cost, baby?" I curiously asked as I slid into the rounded booth.

"That's a number you don't need to worry your beautiful head about," Monroe said as she slid into the long booth beside me, motioning the team of security away.

Finally, I get a moment.

"Well, thank you again for this," I said, briefly kissing her cheek.

"Of course, Liberty," Monroe murmured, turning her head to softly kiss my lips.

"I also think one or two security guards would've been fine today," I added as Monroe picked up one of the glossy menus.

She rested her other hand on my thigh underneath the table.

"I disagree," she said as she read over the menu, "We'll leave it at that."

I shook my head at her with a growing smile, eyeing her beautiful side profile.

God, I'm so lucky.

"How was the office today? I want to hear all about your day," I said, leaning into her side. "Did you eat enough? And water—did you drink water? Also, your father didn't do anything right? Because I'll—"

"Darling," Monroe gently cut me short, glancing away from the menu to meet my stare.

There was the softest smile on her lips, and the familiar adoring look I just witnessed on her face earlier this morning.

It made everything glow around me.

"I had lunch, and I drank plenty of water," she assured me, softly squeezing my thigh. "You sound an awful lot like me. It's adorable."

I let out a content sigh when she leaned in to briefly kiss my cheek, "I think you're rubbing off on me," I softly murmured, "I think I would be capable of killing your parents with my bare hands if it means you're okay."

Monroe tilted her head, her blue eyes sinking so deeply into mine.

There was a darkness that shifted behind them, her hand suddenly feeling heavier on my thigh.

The air felt so tense between us that it felt hard to breathe. 

"I would kill them first," Monroe suddenly said, her voice almost devoid of any sense of emotion.

It made goosebumps race down my spine.

"Your only responsibility is being my beautiful girl, nothing else, Liberty," she clarified, her stare not wavering from mine.

I didn't know what to say in response. 

Yes, I was serious, but Monroe was somehow even more serious.

In a more terrifying way.

Her calmness never helped matters.

"We have an event to attend tomorrow," Monroe suddenly spoke again, rolling her shoulders back as she glanced over to the menu again, like the previous topic was nonexistent.

Like we weren't openly plotting her parents' deaths.

"Event?" I emphasized, wondering what that pertained to.

"Let's leave those details for later," Monroe said, glancing over to me. "Tell me about your day in the city. Did you have fun, darling?"

I nodded, deciding we should focus on lighter topics during dinner.

This is a special moment that no one gets to ruin, not even her parents.

"I had so much fun," I admitted, wrapping my arms around hers, "I just missed you the entire day," I added, glancing out of the windows at the beautiful view of different buildings.

It felt like we were living in some different reality for a moment.

Just one fleeting moment that we get to spend in this restaurant together, tucked away from the rest of the world.

It made me wonder what our life would look like here—without the worries that Seattle held.

A life where Monroe had work, and I was off doing my own thing in the city.

Maybe working?

Eventually, it would be like that.

I graduate soon, and once I find a way to tell my mother, everything will fall into place.

This reality would be our life, and we could have it in Seattle.

I think even being in New York makes this all feel so much different, but in the best way possible.

I like us here.

That hellish estate and Monroe's parents clouded over it all, but being in the city today cleared everything up.

Hopefully, we can get more days in the city together, even if it means renting out places for privacy.

We can be us in New York.

And who knows, maybe this event will be a good experience. 

So long as her parents leave us be.