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After the incident at the party, Shiv had been out of touch with Karolina for months. The silence between them was finally broken when Shiv found herself attending a Waystar event at a grand hotel, alongside her brothers Roman and Kendall.
As they arrived at the event, the trio made their way to a private office, where their father, Logan, was joined by Marcia and Conor.
Gerry, the family's trusted advisor, explained their purpose: to project a facade of family unity for the attending mid- and high-ranking company employees. All they needed to do was put on a show, engage in some small talk, and maintain appearances.
For Shiv, this event presented the perfect opportunity to reconnect with Karolina discreetly, without arousing suspicions.
She excused herself from the room and began to scan a list, her fingers tracing the names, hoping to find Karolina among the attendees.
Roman sauntered in, playfully teasing Shiv, "Are you on the hunt for your night fuck?" Shiv, undeterred, continued scanning the list, her eyes fixed on her mission.
"I know you're all about dining à la carte, but here, sis?" Roman quipped, raising an eyebrow.
Shiv finally found the name she had been seeking and couldn't hide her satisfaction. She turned to her brother, saying, "Let's grab a drink."
"Oh, you've found your next prey," Roman chimed with a smirk.
As Shiv started walking away, Roman followed, loudly proclaiming, "She's ready to strike!" Shiv simply shook her head, laughing at her brother's antics.
The evening rolled on, filled with lighthearted conversations, drinks, and shared laughter with Roman, Connor, and even Kendall. As the night began to settle in, the crowd started to disperse, marking the end of the event.
Shiv is on a mission; she needs to find Karolina. She approaches a young woman to inquire about the PR department's location, then heads to the bar and orders a burgundy before making her way to the communications department.
In a relatively empty room, Shiv takes a sip of her drink while scanning the area. However, her search for Karolina proves to be unsuccessful.
"Careful with burgundy; it leaves terrible stains on clothes."
Shiv turns to see Karolina with a smile.
"Oh really? Speaking from experience?" Shiv retorts playfully.
Karolina maintains eye contact with her.
"You have no idea," she replies, and Shiv nods in agreement. Karolina smiles at her.
They keep gazing for a couple of seconds until Karolina glances around and realizes that some colleagues are close, so she switches to work mode.
"Hello again, Miss Roy," Karolina greets, professionally extending her hand.
Shiv takes her hand and gives it a slight squeeze. "Well, hello," she responds.
"I'm starving; did you already eat?" Karolina asks as she looks at the buffet.
"Yup, but I'll join you."
"Okay, find an available table. I'll go get some food," she says, stepping away.
Shiv does as Karolina instructs, finding herself surprised by how quickly this woman can change the dynamic between them so easily and how easily she is willing to follow her instructions.
Karolina arrives with a wrap and fries, along with a beer. She sits across from Shiv at an empty table in a dimly lit corner. The place is nearly empty except for a small group that is drinking.
"What are you doing in comms? Seeking some advice?" Karolina asks as she takes a sip of her beer.
"Not at all, I'm doing what they told me, socializing with the employees," Shiv replies. She reaches for one of the fries from Karolina's plate, and Karolina smiles, taking a bite of her food.
"Who would've thought Shiv Roy could follow instructions?" Shiv just smiles and makes a contemplative sound.
Shiv gazes directly into Karolina's eyes.
"Your eyes are blue."
Karolina looks at her strangely. "Yup, just like yours," Karolina says, then she nudges her plate slightly toward Shiv as an offering. Shiv takes another fry.
As Shiv observed Karolina eating in peace, she couldn't help but notice the smaller details of their interaction. She realized that even seemingly insignificant moments, like waiting for Karolina to enjoy her meal, stirred a sense of concern within her. It was apparent that Karolina hadn't taken a bite all day, and the thought weighed on Shiv's mind. She found herself genuinely surprised that she cared about Karolina's well-being, a scary realization.
Once Karolina has finished her meal and Shiv has taken a few sips of her drink, Karolina scans the near-empty establishment, save for a few remaining waitstaff.
"Do you want another drink?" Shiv asks.
"Sure, why not?" Karolina agrees.
They get up and approach the bar, which is also sparsely populated. Shiv orders whiskey for herself and burgundy for Karolina, who smiles upon hearing the drink choice. They settle into an empty corner of the bar.
"How is Phoebe?" Shiv asks.
Karolina runs her hand through her hair to adjust it. "She's fine, I hope so," she replies, looking at her drink.
"Oh no, what happened?" Shiv inquires with a slightly dramatic tone. Karolina rolls her eyes and smiles slightly.
"She's in Europe, and I'm not into long-distance, so..."
"I'm so sorry!" her expression matching the dramatic tone
Karolina raises an eyebrow as she looks at Shiv. "Of course you do."
"I genuinely think you two are, or were, a nice and hot couple," Shiv replies, raising her glass to take another sip.
"Sure... thanks, I guess. We still keep in touch, though," Karolina concludes.
"Of course you do," Shiv responds, her flirtatious smile adding an intriguing dynamic to their conversation.
Karolina has grown weary of the constant stream of questions, especially those centered around Phoebe. She finds herself in a state of uncertainty regarding the status of their relationship . Their interactions seem to traverse the boundaries of a non-relationship, veering into territory marked by excessive closeness. The complexity of it all lies in the undeniable, mutual affection they hold for each other. In light of this, Karolina decides it might be best not to overanalyze the situation and just avoid it, so she turns the tables on Shiv.
"What about you? How is your boyfriend?" Karolina asks, staring directly at Shiv, who immediately averts her gaze and leans back in the chair.
“Oh, him… well, you know…” Shiv babbles.
“No, I don’t,” Karolina answers firmly.
Shiv rolls her eyes and says, “Let's say that we have an arrangement, more like a PR thing. you do know about that.” -She's lying.
Karolina just nods her head. “So technically, I'm free,” Shiv concludes.
Shiv leans forward on the table, looking at Karolina with a gaze full of desire.
"You know what's really interesting?"
"What?" Karolina asks as she leans closer. This isn't typical for Karolina; she's usually very professional, but Shiv always manages to bring out that playful side in her.
"We haven't seen each other in a long time, and now that we're reconnecting, we're in a nice hotel, and both of us are free. I don't know; look at the signals."
"The signals?" Karolina asks, raising an eyebrow, and Shiv nods, keeping her eyes locked on Karolina's.
"Because, on the other hand, we're at a public event of your father's company, who's also my boss." Shiv just smiles.
"Well, it's a matter of perspective,"
Karolina smiles and just bubbles, "Hmm, huh”.
"I think we can make the most of these coincidences, you know, take advantage of the situation... I don't know," Shiv says, gazing intently into Karolina’s eyes.
The two women remain silent, but the silence is far from uncomfortable; it's a familiar and comfortable one. It's as if they are savoring the unspoken connection that lingers between them.
"What did Phoebe say to you that night?" Karolina asks
Shiv raises her eyebrows in surprise. "She was your girlfriend; didn't you ask her?" She looks at Karolina challengingly.
Karolina maintains her gaze, and it's like a staring contest now. Both of them are teasing and testing the waters. At this moment, Karolina feels the power to change the tone of the conversation, so she goes for the playful part, leaving all her work mode behind. The playful energy between them intensifies, and it becomes evident that their reunion has brought about a shift in their dynamic, one that they are both willingly embracing.
"I was busy fucking her."
Shiv laughs, almost spitting out her drink, and bites her lip, still looking at Karolina, who's staring at her with a flirtatious smile. The playful banter between them is palpable.
But before Shiv can respond, a voice in the distance interrupts them:
"Karolina!"
Karolina immediately straightens up in her seat as Gerry approaches the table.
"Thank God you're still here. I'm sorry to interrupt," she says, smiling politely and a bit surprised by the presence of Shiv.
"There's an issue with a press release, do you have a moment?" Shiv smiles kindly at Gerry, while Karolina stands up.
It's surprising how Karolina switches into work mode in an instant. "Yeah, no problem."
Karolina turns to face Shiv. "Nice to see you again, Siobhan."
Shiv smiles at the mention of her name. Their playful exchange has been temporarily interrupted by the demands of the corporate world.
"Likewise, Karolina."
Karolina says goodbye with a dry and professional gesture while Gerry nods farewell to Shiv. As Karolina walks away with Gerry, she realizes she's left her phone on the table.
"Shit! I left my phone, I'll be right back," she tells Gerry, who nods in acknowledgment.
Karolina quickly approaches the table.
"You're back!"
"I forgot my phone," Karolina responds with a very professional tone. Shiv picks up the phone and hands it to Karolina. Their fingers brush, and Shiv feels a tingling sensation down her spine.
When Karolina tugs at the phone a bit, Shiv doesn't let go. With their hands entangled by the cell phone.
"I'll tell you my little secret with Phoebe if we meet later." Shiv says in a lower and seductive tone,
Karolina smiles. "Oh, really?"
She glances to see Gerry further away, talking on the phone, and then looks back at Shiv.
"Room 601 in an hour... Just to talk. "
Shiv smiles, running her tongue over her teeth. Then she releases the phone and says,
"Just to talk.".
Karolina leaves as Shiv watches her walk away. Karolina approaches Gerry.
"I didn't know you knew Shiv."
“It's my job, of course; I know all about Roy Kids,” Karolina replies with a hint of amusement.
Gerry chuckles a little as she rolls her eyes at the dumb answer.
"We met her at a party. You know, a friend of a friend. We were just catching up," she says while looking at her phone.
"You are a surprise, Karolina." says Gerry, looking sideways at Karolina, who chuckles lightly. The two of them walk while discussing a new press release for the event.
In her room, Shiv straightens up a bit and feels anxiety in her stomach, like a first date or something similar. This puzzles her; how is it that in such a short time, this woman has her on the edge of a nervous breakdown.
She puts on a cap and changes her outfit to something more relaxed, quickly gets onto the elevator, and presses the 6th-floor button. Upon arriving, she knocks on the room door.
Karolina opens, "You're early." She peeks out a little to see that there's no one around and moves to make way for Shiv, who enters without saying anything.
"I like the hat, very subtle," says Karolina mockingly. Shiv rolls her eyes and takes off her cap and her jacket.
It's a regular hotel room, way smaller than Shiv's: a large bed, a small desk covered in papers, and a sofa. Karolina points to the sofa for Shiv to settle in. Shiv obeys and sits in one of the corners. Meanwhile, Karolina opens the mini-bar. The tension and anticipation continue to build as the two women share a moment in the privacy of the hotel room.
"Oh great! Trashy wine."
She brings it over along with two glasses.
Karolina pours the wine and sits on the other side of the small sofa. Their seating arrangement is tight, and they end up sitting side by side, with their knees barely touching.
Karolina hands Shiv a glass, and their hands touch again, creating a sensation that makes Shiv blurt out the first thing on her mind.
"You're so pretty," she says, her gaze fixed on Karolina.
Karolina giggles while raising her eyebrows. "Is that your best line?" she responds with a challenging look.
Shiv smiles faintly and takes a sip of the wine. "Oh shit, this is bad," she mutters, realizing her unexpected vulnerability.
Karolina takes a sip too. "It's not that bad," she says, smiling.
"It is," Shiv counters, all while Karolina finds amusement in watching Shiv Roy drink cheap wine.
Karolina continues with a wicked grin, encouraging Shiv to drink more, enjoying the playful banter and the intriguing connection that has sparked between them.
Shiv notices some flowers under the desk. "Do you like flowers?" Karolina is surprised by the question.
"Yes, I guess," Karolina responds, noticing the flowers Shiv is looking at. "Those are from Waystar, but honestly, I'm not a fan."
Shiv looks at her. "Why?"
Karolina shrugs in response. "What am I supposed to do with them?" She points at the flowers.
"Seeing them die is depressing," Karolina concludes.
Shiv responds with a prolonged "hmm hm."
"Have you ever given flowers as a gift?" Shiv asks.
"Only to sick or deceased people... you?" Karolina takes the wine bottle and fills the glasses.
"Same."
"You look like the type of girl who gets a lot of flowers—romantically, I mean," Shiv says, looking at her curiously.
"Yeah... I mean, you know, guys," Karolina takes a sip while seeking Shiv's eyes.
"What about girls?" Shiv asks, gazing at her glass.
"What about them?"
"Do they give you flowers?" Karolina ponders for a moment.
"No, I have never received flowers from a girl, not romantically... You?" Karolina hesitates a bit while answering.
"Well, I've never dated a girl, just, you know," she gestures with her hands to emphasize.
"I see," Karolina responds delicately. Their conversation delves into a realm of personal and intimate revelations, exploring aspects of their lives they may not have openly discussed before.
"I'm not a relationship person," Shiv says, turning to look at Karolina.
"What about you?" Karolina meets her gaze. "It depends on the person, but lately, with work, it's become more complicated to have a stable relationship."
Shiv nods. "What's been your longest relationship?" she asks without overthinking it.
"Mine was two years," Shiv replies before Karolina can respond.
"Six years," Karolina says drily.
"Wow, that's a lot of time."
Karolina simply nods.
"What is this, 20 questions?" Karolina says, turning to Shiv with a slight smile.
"I'm just... I dunno... testing the waters," Shiv admits.
Karolina raises an eyebrow. "Do you need some help with the NDA?"
Shiv smiles and says, "Oh, slow down; that's for like the 3rd date."
Karolina looks at her and says, "Lucky us, this isn't a date."
"Hmm hm."
Karolina breaks eye contact and leans back on the couch. She takes a deep breath and says, "Don't worry about testing the waters, Shiv. I know how to swim."
Both of them fall into a familiar silence, a silence that speaks volumes about the tension in the room. It's as if each of them is thinking about their next move, like a game of chess where every move matters. Both women are fully aware of the potential consequences if they take things further tonight, but it seems they've already made up their minds and are willingly embracing their desires. The unspoken connection between them continues to sizzle, and the possibilities are limitless.
"By the way, you owe me a secret," Karolina says as she adjusts herself to face Shiv.
"If you want to know," Shiv replies, leaning in toward her.
"We should fuck," Shiv whispers, causing goosebumps to rise on Karolina's skin while also making her laugh.
Shiv remains in that position, waiting for a response, but as she doesn't receive one, she starts to pull back. She stops when she hears Karolina softly say, "You are going to be bad for business. I can tell."
Karolina moves her face to be in front of Shiv's, and the two of them gaze at each other for a few seconds, breathing each other's air.
Shiv starts to say, "You..." But before she can continue, Karolina puts her finger on Shiv's lips and whispers, "Shhhhh."
Karolina delicately moves her finger along Shiv's lower lip as Shiv looks at her, their eyes sparkling with intensity. The two of them maintain their connected gaze. Almost in perfect synchronization, they lean in, breaking the silence with a kiss. The electric tension in the room finally finds its release in this intimate moment.
The kiss is slow and tender, a departure from Shiv's usual aggressive style. Everything with Karolina is different, and Shiv maintains the pace, savoring the connection until they both break apart.
They gaze at each other, their breaths heavy. Shiv delicately tugs at the silk scarf adorning Karolina's neck and removes it with care. Then she leans in toward Karolina's neck. Karolina tilts her head to give her space, and Shiv begins to kiss her neck, immersed in her taste and scent.
The moment Shiv's tongue grazes Karolina's neck, a soft moan escapes Karolina, exciting Shiv and prompting her to kiss with more intensity. She then leans back toward Karolina's mouth, kissing her passionately.
Instantly, Karolina's hands explore Shiv's body, from her waist to her hips and legs. The couch isn't the ideal place for this, so Karolina separates from Shiv and stands up. Shiv is somewhat surprised by the action.
But neither of them says anything. They don't need words; their eyes talk—screaming—all the desire between them.
Shiv stands up and gently starts unbuttoning Karolina's blouse. She then tosses the blouse onto the table and begins to kiss her collarbone. Karolina takes Shiv's face to reconnect their lips, and the kiss quickens the pace. Karolina then removes Shiv's shirt, guiding her toward the bed. As the back of Shiv's knees touches the edge of the bed, she starts unbuttoning Karolina's pants, leaving her in her wine-red underwear set.
Shiv observes Karolina as if she were a work of art, from top to bottom. Karolina blushes at feeling so admired.
Then Shiv starts to run her hand over Karolina's skin—the abdomen, the legs. After touching, he feels the need to taste, so he follows the same path with her mouth.
Shiv seems possessed by the desire this woman awakens in her. She doesn't want, nor can she, to stop touching and looking at her.
The two of them find their lips once again. While kissing, Karolina removes Shiv's pants, and she pulls away from the kiss to look at her. As she bites her lower lip, Shiv smiles and pulls her closer, their bodies pressing together. They continue kissing.
Carefully, Shiv turns Karolina towards the bed and gently pushes her, releasing her from her bra as she does. Karolina settles onto the bed. Shiv watches Karolina, who is now almost naked on the bed. Her mysterious allure beckons Shiv, seeing her like this with her messy hair and her delicate face adorned with those eyes inviting her to kiss.
The atmosphere between them is charged with longing and anticipation, the unspoken words echoing loudly as they explore each other's desires.
Exhausted, satisfied, and catching their breath, they are lying on their backs, looking at the ceiling.
Karolina turns to face Shiv, and she greets her with a sweet smile. "Hey."
"Ugg, you're really good," Shiv says, adjusting herself to face Karolina.
"Hmm, mh," says Karolina, looking at her.
"So, what's on your mind?" Shiv inquires as her fingers trail along Karolina's collarbones, her gaze avoiding direct eye contact.
"Maybe a glass of water?" suggests Karolina.
"Do you want me to brag to my father about how amazing you are?" Shiv grins mischievously.
Karolina gently removes Shiv's hand, sits up, and looks into Shiv's eyes directly. "I don't need you discussing my work with anyone. I'm fully aware of my capabilities, and I've worked my ass off to reach the position I'm in. So, no, Shiv, I don't want or need anything from you," Karolina asserts as she moves to get out of bed.
Shiv quickly gets up when she sees Karolina move to get out of bed and settle behind her. "I didn't mean to upset you. It was a stupid joke," her hand soothingly gliding over Karolina's back. She realizes that her comment may have crossed a line, and she wants to make amends.
"The only thing I possibly want from you is another orgasm," Karolina says looking at Shiv.
"Then let's not wait time," she says as she moves Karolina's hair to kiss her nape, which makes Karolina's skin crawl, Shiv settles in beside Karolina and starts to touch her again.
The night is still young, and both of them are unbearably hungry for each other. Their passionate encounter has only intensified their desire, and the possibilities for the rest of the night are endless.
In the early hours of the morning, the phone's alarm begins to ring.
"Ugh, what time is it?" Shiv says, lying on her back.
Karolina is stretching as she wakes up. "It's 5:00 a.m. It's the safest hour for you to return to your room."
"Hm, okay," mutters Shiv, turning to look at Karolina, who has a worried look on her face.
"What is it?" Shiv asks, looking a bit concerned and annoyed for the early hour.
"Do you need the bathroom?" Shiv looks puzzled.
“What?”
"I need to pee," says Karolina gently.
"Then go and pee, Karolina," Shiv responds, chuckling, realizing the source of Karolina's concern. Their lighthearted banter eases the tension of the early morning wake-up call.
Karolina lifts the blanket, leans in, and lightly kisses Shiv on the corner of her mouth. It's a sweet and tender gesture—a subtle goodbye for now.
While Karolina is in the bathroom, Shiv gets up and gathers her clothes. When she reaches for her shirt, she also takes Karolina's silk scarf, smells it, and smiles, tucking it into her pocket as a keepsake of their night.
Karolina emerges from the bathroom and says, "You can use the bathroom now." Shiv approaches the bathroom, watching Karolina as she puts on a t-shirt.
In the bathroom, Shiv notices that Karolina has left a new toothbrush on the sink for her. It's a thoughtful touch that warms Shiv's heart.
When Shiv comes out, Karolina is already back in bed, checking her computer. "Okay…" Shiv says softly, and Karolina closes the laptop and joins Shiv at the door. Their connection may have been passionate and intense, but there's a sense of tenderness and understanding between them as they prepare to part ways for now.
She takes Shiv's cap, "Don't forget your hat."
Shiv takes the cap and playfully places it on Karolina's head. "It suits you better," Shiv remarks.
Shiv wraps her arms around Karolina's hips, and Karolina places her arms around Shiv's neck. They seal their encounter with a kiss, a sweet farewell that lingers with a promise. They pull apart, and Shiv says confidently, "See you soon."
"We'll see," Karolina replies.
"I was affirming, not asking," Shiv adds with a grin. Karolina only smiles and opens the door.
"Bye, Shiv," Karolina playfully whispers.
"Bye, Karolina." Their playful banter and affectionate parting words hang in the air as Shiv steps out of the room, leaving the possibility of future encounters wide open.
On Monday of the following week, Karolina is leaving a meeting while talking on her way to her office with Gerry. When she arrives, her assistant hands her an envelope and points to the office, smiling. Inside, there's a huge arrangement of flowers.
Gerry smiles and, with a raised eyebrow, teases Karolina. "Who died?"
She laughs. "Shut up..."
Both of them laugh as Karolina walks to her office. She stops and turns. "Luch?"
Gerry nods, smiling, and continues on her way.
Karolina sits down in front of the flowers and opens the envelope. Inside is a card with a picture of a sick kitten that says "Get Well Soon," signed with an -S and a phone number.