Sweet, Sweet Revenge

by Nia Arthurs

  “I’m sorry, man. I tried to get you out as soon as possible. I worked my butt off to change your judgment. Losing everything… that wasn’t a part of the plan.”

  “What about Sun Gi? She got engaged to him right after that.”

  Tyler’s gaze darted to the window.

  “Ah.” Understanding dawned. “She played you, didn’t she? You realized after she’d had no intentions of running away from her parents’ rule, even if you laid out the red carpet for her.”

  His voice heavy with remorse, Tyler cried, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know how to stop myself. I can’t breathe without her, Joon. I love her.” Tears streamed down his best friend’s face. “But I’ll do anything to make it up to you.”

  “Then leave her.”

  Tyler sniffed and looked up, eyes glassy. “What?”

  “Leave Hanna.”

  “But—”

  “Also…” Joon strode to where Tyler was kneeling and stooped.

  His friend looked up, hope in his eyes. “I’ll do it. I’ll let Hanna go. Then… you’ll forgive me?”

  “I’m not here to offer a hand in friendship, Tyler. That ship has sailed.” He reached out and brushed the money into the gift bag. “In exchange for my silence on your little deal with Grayson, I’m taking this money and paying off Sweet Treat’s mortgage.”

  Tyler clutched his hand. “I didn’t mean for it to get this messy, Joon. You have to believe me.”

  “Goodbye, Tyler.” He stood and yanked his arm away. “Let’s not meet again.”

  29

  SKY WAITED on her porch steps for Joon Gi. He’d left at two o’clock that morning. It was now three-thirty. She’d soon have to head to the store and start baking. Between her shop’s rising demand and the new expansion that came with custom orders, she was more swamped than ever.

  “Come on, Joon,” Sky mumbled and glanced at her phone. “At least send me a text.”

  No response.

  Sky chewed on the inside of her cheek. Since finding out about Tyler’s betrayal, Joon had been even broodier than usual. He’d been hell-bent on revenge when he thought Sun Gi was behind everything, but the truth had knocked the wind out of his sails.

  She was worried about him.

  Sky knew Joon Gi had gone after Grayson a few days ago. Earlier today, he’d brusquely informed her that he’d be heading out to meet Tyler.

  No matter how hard she’d tried to squeeze him for details, Joon had remained tight-lipped. She could only wring her hands and worry from afar.

  A few minutes later, Sky saw someone riding toward her. Phillip had stopped by yesterday and she’d commandeered his bike in exchange for the loan she’d given him last month. He’d been all too eager to agree.

  At least it gave Joon some type of mobility.

  He slowed down in front of the gate and wheeled the bike inside. Sky allowed him a few minutes to set the bike against the fence before she threw her arms around him.

  “I was so worried,” she murmured against his shirt.

  Joon Gi slid his palm down her arm before wrapping her up in his embrace. He rested his chin on top of her head and smoothed away a curl. “You know I can handle myself.”

  “That doesn’t stop me from being anxious.” She tipped her chin back. Way back. This man was far too tall. “What happened with Tyler?”

  “I got what I needed.”

  “He confessed?”

  Joon nodded. “We can meet with Hanna soon. See if she was really innocent in all of this.”

  “I’m so done with revenge.” Sky sighed against his chest. “I don’t know how you do it.”

  Joon Gi shifted a little away from her. “About that. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “What?”

  “When I first came to your store, it wasn’t just to get a job. I wanted to keep Hanna’s hands off Sweet Treats just because I knew it would piss her off.”

  Sky laughed.

  Joon glanced up. “You’re… not angry?”

  “Please. I knew that early on.” She pushed his shoulder. “Do you think I’m stupid? I figured you and Hanna knew each other even though you lied about it. After that, it didn’t take much to piece the rest together.”

  “Oh.” Joon shuffled his feet. “I see.”

  “Look, I might be naïve but I don’t run that store because I’m pretty.”

  “Are you sure? Because you’re very pretty.”

  “Ha ha.” She threw her arms around his neck while he settled his on her waist and it felt like the most natural thing. “Is it all going to settle down now? No more revenge? No more secrets?”

  He lowered his head and grazed his lips against hers. It was sweet, gentle. Oh so tender. Sky’s heart stuttered. Died. Then came back to life.

  There was no more running. She was undoubtedly, unequivocally head over heels for this hunky Asian man.

  Screw the world.

  “There’s one more thing.” Joon Gi pulled back, his voice all hoarse and sexy.

  Sky was more interested in kissing, but she summoned enough self-restraint to ask, “What?”

  “The night you came home drunk, we made out,” he said.

  “Made out?”

  He nodded.

  She blinked rapidly and then laughed. “No wonder that kiss felt so familiar.”

  “I wasn’t going to tell you because I thought it was for the best. It didn’t feel right to start a relationship when I had nothing going for me. I guess I still don’t.” He ducked his head self-deprecatingly. “But I don’t have a choice anymore. I want to be with you, Sky. You bring out the best in me and I hope I do the same for you.”

  She squeezed closer to him. “Joon, I don’t need a guy with a lot of money to make me happy. Trust me. I’ve dated that guy. He’s a jerk.”

  “You do know how to pick ‘em.”

  “Hey!” She punched his arm.

  Joon chuckled and ducked his head against the crook of her neck and shoulder. Sky felt his lips pressing soft kisses there and her knees went weak. Every molecule of her body shivered at the touch.

  Gosh, he’s good.

  Before she let Joon’s persistent caress pull her under, Sky pushed him back. “Wait.”

  His eyes half-lidded, he stared at her. “What’s wrong?”

  “The store. I have to bake.”

  “Right now?”

  “Yes.”

  “But we were just getting started.” He kissed her cheek. “You really want to leave?”

  “Uh-uh.” She turned his face away. “Don’t kiss me and don’t give me those eyes!”

  “What eyes?”

  “That!” She pointed to his face. “Oh, you know what? Forget it.”

  Joon Gi laughed and yelled her name as she stalked out of the gate. “Sky? Where are you going?”

  “To the café. If I go inside the house, I already know what will happen. I’m not letting you distract me today.”

  He wore a devilish grin. “What do you think is gonna happen in there that can’t happen in the kitchen?”

  “I’m not hearing you!” She capped her ears and pretended that her belly hadn’t flopped at his flirting.

  Joon Gi’s laughter spurred her on and Sky raced to the store to catch her breath. She stopped and stared at the Health Inspection grade that was stuck to her bakery’s front door.

  A+

  Damn straight.

  She headed inside.

  A few minutes later, she heard Joon walking in.

  He raised his arms. “I’ve come in peace. No flirting or fooling around on the job.”

  “Promise?”

  He stalked toward her, backed her up against the shelf and kissed her long and slow. Sucking softly on her bottom lip before pulling back, he nodded. “Okay, starting now.”

  Sky moaned.

  Joon Gi just grinned mischievously.

  IT WAS A BUSY DAY, as usual. Fifteen minutes before closing, Sky heard the bell jingle.

  “Just a minute!” she y
elled, abandoning her work in the kitchen. She was alone as Joon Gi had stepped out to go to the bank all of a sudden. He promised he’d tell her all about it when he returned.

  “Hi, welcome to Sweet Treats. How can I help… you?” Sky’s voice stalled when she saw Hanna standing on the other side of the counter. “Hey.”

  “Hi.” Hanna pulled her lips in soberly. “Can we talk?”

  Sky moved to the tables in the corner and sat in uncomfortable silence. After a few moments of squirming, she asked, “Did you need something?”

  “I came to apologize.”

  Sky blinked. “To me?”

  “Yes.” Hanna brushed a lock of silky black hair away from her eyes. “Tyler came to see me this afternoon. He told me what he’d done to you, to Sweet Treats and to Joon.” Hanna cast her gaze to the table. “I had no idea. I swear. As much as I wanted this bakery, I wouldn’t do anything illegal to jeopardize my reputation or your livelihood. I hope you believe me.”

  Sky smiled. “I do.”

  Hanna blew out a breath. “If you could convince Joon, that would be great.”

  “Joon?”

  “I heard he’s on a revenge spree. Tyler looked… horrible. I don’t want that energy aimed at me.”

  “Horrible?” Sky leaned over. “Did Joon beat him up?”

  “No. It was deeper than that.” Hanna tilted her head. “As cold and ruthless as he is, there’s something about Joon that makes people want his approval. I knew he never loved me and I knew I’d never prove myself to him so it didn’t affect me. But Tyler… Tyler respected him.”

  “But Tyler loved you more. He chose you, Hanna. And while I appreciate the apology, I think it’s best if we weren’t friends.”

  “Because of Joon?”

  “Because of me. I think you’re amazingly beautiful and strong, but we have different values. In the end, we’d drive each other crazy.”

  “Understood.” Hanna raised her knuckles. “But at least we still have this.”

  Sky chuckled. “Girl power.”

  “Girl power.”

  And the two women bumped fists.

  30

  JOON LEANED against the kitchen door and admired Sky as she kneaded flour dough for the stuffed jacks with the heel of her hand. A tendril of brown hair unfurled from her bun and flopped in front of her forehead. She pulled in her bottom lip, a sign he’d learned meant she was completely focused.

  He pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of her.

  Sky remained oblivious.

  He stepped closer, taking hundreds of shots until Sky looked up and noticed him standing there. Her eyes widened, dazzling with a mixture of surprise and pleasure. Joon’s heart stirred and softened all at the same time.

  To say Sky had changed him was an understatement. When he looked into the mirror, he didn’t recognize the sloppy-grinned, lovesick fool staring back at him.

  Tyler had crossed a line, but he could understand why the man had stabbed him in the back for Hanna. Joon would probably do worse if Sky needed his help.

  “Morning,” she said with a smile.

  He lowered his phone and slanted her a scolding look. “Did you mess with my alarm?”

  “Maybe…” She drew out the word and dropped her gaze.

  “Sky—”

  “You were working on the laptop until late last night. I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”

  “You’ve got too many orders to try and juggle it all by yourself. Even if I’m only good for cutting vegetables, it’s something. You need all the help you can get.”

  She slapped her flour-dusted hands against her apron and flashed her big brown eyes on him. Joon’s heart twisted into knots when he saw the sadness in her gaze.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  He groaned. “Sky, don’t be upset.”

  “I’m not upset.” She stepped back before he could draw her into his arms.

  Joon struggled with the right words, words that wouldn’t pierce Sky’s sensitive spirit. “I’m not trying to scold you. I appreciate the fact that you wanted me to sleep, but I’m still an employee of Sweet Treats. Just because we’re dating now doesn’t mean I can slack off.”

  “Maybe you can separate your feelings from work, but I can’t.” Sky folded her arms over her chest.

  “Who said I could separate my feelings?” Joon’s lips quirked. “I didn’t say that.”

  Sky closed her eyes. “Don’t smile at me. We’re having our first fight here and I can’t lose.”

  “Come here.” He wrapped his fingers around her wrists and tugged her to him.

  Sky resisted. “I’m separating our love life and our professional life. No fooling around on the job. That’s what you promised.”

  Joon was stronger than her and successfully yanked her forward. Sky tumbled into his chest. Joon quickly scooped her up and set her on a clean surface of the counter, caging her in with a hand on either side of her legs.

  Sky curled back but she couldn’t go far thanks to the metal bar where she hung her pots and pans. Joon invaded her personal space, locking his gaze on her, breathing in her air. The dimple in her cheek flashed, thick eyelashes fluttered.

  “I’m busy, Joon.”

  “I have some news.” Joon felt when Sky stiffened. He set his hand on her upper thigh, calming her down. “Good news.”

  She tilted her head. “What is it?”

  “Remember when I went to the bank yesterday?”

  She nodded, her short ponytail bouncing.

  Joon smiled. “To pay back for the damages done to Sweet Treats, Tyler generously decided to cancel your mortgage.”

  Her jaw dropped. “What? You mean…?”

  “You don’t have to worry about that bill anymore.”

  She threw her hands up and let her palms land against his cheeks. “Joon, that’s incredible.” Sky leaned forward to kiss him and then paused. Joon’s lips withered in disappointment. “Wait,” she said. “Why would the bank call you and not me? It’s my mortgage.”

  He froze.

  Busted.

  Sky dropped her hands and leveled him a scolding look. “Joon.”

  “Okay.” He backed off. “So I might have been involved to some degree…”

  “Did you blackmail Tyler to get that money?”

  “Me? I would never—”

  “Joon Gi!” she screeched.

  He straightened. “Tyler may not have come up with that idea on his own and maybe I was a little… aggressive—”

  “Aggressive? Wow. Is that what you call it?”

  “—but he’s not getting punished by the law for what he did to you. He might as well pay for the damages.”

  Joon held his breath, waiting to see if Sky would skin him alive for the morally grey decision.

  At last, she relaxed her tense shoulders. “Alright.”

  “Alright?” Joon took a tentative step back into her orbit.

  “Yes.” She threw her arms around his neck and bobbed her head. He leaned in to kiss her, but Sky pulled away, shrewd eyes narrowing. “I’m warning you, Mr. Kim. If you ever blackmail anyone again—even if it’s justified—I’ll…”

  He leaned close to her. “What?”

  Her gaze landed on his and darkened with desire. “Give me a minute, I’ll think of something.”

  Joon didn’t give her that minute. He brushed his mouth against hers, thrusting his knee into the cupboards between her open legs. Sky’s lips were soft, plump. Kissing her, no—every moment he spent with her was a dream. One he didn’t want to wake up from him.

  The fervor of their embrace intensified and he kept his hand on the back of her hair so the pressure of his kiss didn’t push her head into the metal grids behind them. Sky twined her fingers into his shirt and he swept his free hand around her waist to pull her to him.

  The oven wasn’t even on yet, but things were definitely heating up in the Sweet Treats kitchen.

  Joon Gi pulled back before they both combusted and playfully
nipped at her bottom lip. “You’re killing me, Sky.”

  “Me?” She pecked his face with her lips—his cheeks, his nose, his jaw, her voice muffled. “What did I do?”

  Joon Gi took a breath and wrenched away from her to keep from engaging in something that would sully her kitchen.

  Sky grinned mischievously as if sensing his battle for restraint. She hopped off the counter and sashayed past him, grabbing his phone on the way. As he was currently trying not to jump her, Joon Gi didn’t have time to react.

  Sky went through his gallery. “Why’d you take all these pictures of me?”

  “Uh…” He ran a hand through his hair and painstakingly shifted back to work mode. “It’s for your social media page. Well, not yours. The bakery’s.”

  “The bakery?” Her eyebrows slanted.

  “Nowadays, people spend more time online and on their devices than anywhere else. Your baking skills are top notch and so is the location of the store. What Sweet Treat lacks is visibility. If we get more eyeballs on the ads, we get more customers.”

  “I’ve always wanted to do ads and social media properly, but I’ve never had the money or the time.”

  “It costs nothing to set up a few online profiles. We can set aside ten minutes everyday to add content to the page. Plus, we can sponsor a few local social media influencers to put a plug about the bakery on their site. It’s not as daunting as it seems.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” She grinned, her smile taking his breath away. “I love it.”

  “I’m glad.”

  Sky turned away to get back to her fried jacks. He observed her quietly. Joon had promised not to keep secrets, but there was one thing he’d kept to himself.

  Yesterday, he hadn’t just gone to the bank to deposit Tyler’s money. He’d gone to do an interview for a small business loan. As much as he enjoyed spending time with Sky, Joon didn’t plan on being her employee forever.

  Things were going so well, and he didn’t want to disappoint her with the news. Besides, there was a slim chance he’d get approved.

  For now, he’d focus on making Sweet Treats the most popular bakery in all of Belize City. Social media was the first and most important step. Next he’d work on branding, putting Sweet Treats’ logos all over the napkins, paper bags and coffee cups so they’d do the advertising legwork for him.