I smiled as I walked up the familiar paved pathway. I always loved the front of my sister's house with its gardens planted like a tropical oasis. The curbside appeal felt so welcoming and peaceful. Even though the house was the same, as was the garden, something felt different. Something felt off and I couldn't put my finger on what it was.

I pulled out my keys so I could unlock the front door. My fingers fiddled with the keys until I had the red one isolated. My family and I always had keys to each other's house, both for emergencies and as an 'open door' invitation. I lifted the key to the lock and tried to insert it. However, it wouldn't fit.

I tried again but it was as if this was the wrong key for the lock; it wasn't possible—the red key was the one for this door. Each of the coloured keys affixed to my Mang key chain belonged to a specific house. My home key was the emerald green one. The cobalt blue one was for Aiden and Christof's place. Mum and Dad's house needed the gold key. The hot pink key was for Nana Betty's place she lived in before she went to live in the aged care facility. I didn't know why the pink key was still on my keychain since I had taken it off months ago.

I groaned in frustration as I carefully juggled the box I was carrying to have a free hand, which I rapped on the door three times with my knuckles. After a few seconds, Esther came to the door, opening it while she laughed at something a disembodied voice called out. My sister's smile turned from happy to a curt and polite one. Her eyes, which were the same as mine, looked upon me as if she were standing in front of a stranger.

"Look, I already told your friends yesterday. I'm not interested in joining your church," she said in a polite, yet clipped, voice. "I would appreciate it if you didn't try and convert me."

"Sorry, Bubbles. I didn't realise I had my 'spruiking religion' clothes on today," I laughed. I was confused but decided to go along with her strange role-play since it was something she did from time to time. "Are you going to leave me standing out here or can I give you this cake I made?"

"I'm sorry but do I know you? Are you sure you have the right house?"

"Very funny, Esther. Is this 'play a trick on your twin day' or something? Now please let me in."

I was getting annoyed at my sister. Esther's role-play jokes didn't usually go on for this long. The last time was when we were teenagers. She had covered for Aiden when he was trying to climb back into his room after he snuck out late at night to be with the boy he liked.

"Miss, I think you have the wrong house," Esther replied as if she was trying to get rid of me. "I don't know why my twin sister, Cynthia, would send me a cake since we don't eat sugar. Is there someone I can call for you? A family member, a friend... maybe a doctor?"

"Esther, I'm your sister. It's always Esther and Elenor, not Esther and Cynthia, whomever she is."

Esther scowled and her eyes turned cold. "I've tried being nice, but you are not related to me. I won't tolerate you lying or degrading my actual sister. Please leave or I will have to call the cops." I watched with welling eyes as my sister moved to close the door in my face. "I hope you get help—you seem like a nice lady."

With tears streaming down my cheeks, I placed the box down in front of her door. My shoulders drooped as I walked along the pathway. Why had Esther acted that way? It was like a stranger had inhabited her body. As if the day couldn't get any worse, I tripped on the side of one of the pavers. As I was falling, the distance to the ground felt like it had expanded to where I was perpetually falling.

With a start, I jolted awake. Like in the nightmare I'd been immersed in, my cheeks were wet.

"You're okay, My Love, it was just a dream," Jimin murmured.

His voice was so soothing as he moved to pull me into his chest. I couldn't stop sobbing. The logical side of me knew it was just a bad dream. I had been struggling with loneliness and homesickness since my birthday; it was only reasonable that my subconscious had used that against me. It didn't mean that the dream felt any less real, though. I could still feel the dream version of me thinking she had been forgotten and replaced.

"Do you t-think..." I was so distraught that I couldn't even finish saying what was on my mind. I felt torn; like part of my identity was disappearing the longer I stayed in this universe.

Jimin began humming a tune as he held me tight with one arm while his other hand rubbed my back in soft circles. The way that he comforted me spoke volumes about the depth of his love. None of my exes had been the soft and tender types when I had been in tears. Each one of them was uncomfortable at the sight of welling waterlines so I wasn't ever consoled like the way Jimin did. It was the little things like this that showed me that he loved me. His actions spoke louder than words.

꧁♥💜♥꧂

"Baby, stop stressing. You look good in that," Jimin cooed as he tried to ease my nerves as I went to change my outfit for the fifth time.

The nightmare this morning had done a number on my psyche. The lingering tendrils of feeling like I'd been forgotten and replaced had eroded not only my confidence but self-worth. The clothes I was currently wearing were casual yet well put together. There was only so much the outfit of chocolate brown leggings and a cream-coloured jumper could do. As pretty as the clothes were, I wasn't 100% sold on the look.

Nothing in my expansive wardrobe said what I needed it to say. This was a pivotal day, one where Binna's decisions could alter my life for the better—or worse. If my head couldn't be in the game completely, I needed my clothes to do the talking. Yet, each piece of clothing that I tried on either didn't feel right. They either sat funny, were too dressy/casual or looked like I was trying too hard.

'I mean, is there a standard of attire when considering whether someone should be your illegal surrogate?'

"But wha—"

The puffy, plump lips that landed on my own shut me up. "No buts, Nell. You look stunning—like you always do. If you looked any better, Binna will be waiting on us as I fucked the life out of you."

Jimin had a way of both turning me on like a leaky faucet and calming me down simultaneously. I loved that I affected him the same way he did for me. Pecking his lips in gratitude for calming down my anxiety, I slipped my hand in his and together we headed downstairs to wait on our guest.

I had walked down these stairs too many times to count. But, I couldn't think of another time walking down these plush, carpeted steps that I would remember vividly for the rest of my days. My mind flitted to the childhood game where Esther and I pulled petals off flowers while chanting 'He loves me. He loves me not'. In this case, though, each step I took had my brain chanting 'Is she? Is she not?' I huffed a humourless laugh at my brain's comparison. It drew a squeeze to my hand from the man walking beside me and a question of what I was thinking about. When I relayed my inner comparative monologue to Jimin, he voiced that a similar thought was running through his head.

"Every day, I find something that makes me so thankful it's you who I was assigned to, Jiminie. Sometimes it is your heart. Other times it's the way you hold or kiss me. There's your intelligent mind, and also the fact that you love me for who I am."

Jimin came to a stop on the landing, turning towards me with the most radiant smile gracing his face. "I thank the universe every day for bringing you to me too, Baby. It hasn't been smooth sailing the whole time for us, but that's what makes it interesting." His hand let go of mine, but it didn't mean he stopped touching me. Instead, it moved to cup my face as his other arm wound around my waist and pulled me tight into his toned chest.

Following his lead, I placed my hands on his slender waist. I was enjoying the warmth radiating from his skin when he whispered, "I've always wanted someone who will enjoy the journey of life with me. I've never wanted someone who only enjoys the arrival at the destination. This is just another twist on our road, one that we will conquer together. I will do everything in my power to make sure that you are still with me at the end of this year. Okay, Nell?"

Jimin's words not only touched my heart, but I felt them in my soul. My emotions were building again; I couldn't trust my voice, so I placed my lips upon his in a soft and loving kiss. Each of my hopes, dreams, worries and wishes were transferred from my body to his, connecting us both.

"I trust you, Park Jimin. You're my present, my future and my eternity."

୧‿︵‿๑︵‿୨💜୧‿︵‿୨💜୧‿︵๑‿︵‿୨

Jimin groaned as he pulled away from kissing my neck. "Nell, I swear to God, if you don't stop worrying or replaying today over in your beautiful head, then I'm going to punish you. Yes, I know Binna said no to begin with. You have to keep in mind that she also said that she would think about it. There's nothing we can do right now. You may as well calm down, otherwise I'm taking matters into my own hands."

With a huff, I relaxed into the mattress. I felt my boyfriend smirk against my skin. I knew Jimin was right. The ball was in Binna's court now; however, I hated the fact that there was nothing I could do.

After signing the confidentiality agreement—a standard occurrence for everyone setting foot into one of the Seed Bearer's palaces—Binna and I enjoyed a nice lunch together. Jimin wanted to give us time to bond, so he had gone to practice his martial arts. My new friend and I settled into the lounge, where we learned more about each other. I made sure to keep up the rouse of being abducted by pirates, so there was some creative thinking when questions came up about my captors. Thankfully I was able to incorporate plotlines of popular movies as part of my answers.

Later on, the three of us sat in front of the roaring fire in the library. It was then that Jimin and I brought up the reason for Binna's invitation. As we had decided earlier, Jimin was the one who told the younger female that we needed her help to have a baby. We did not say we knew it was impossible for me to conceive. We said we were concerned that I had not fallen pregnant yet.

As soon as he finished talking, Binna shook her head and said that it was illegal. As much as I wanted to cry, I did understand where she was coming from. There was a lot of risk involved for all three of us. It wasn't until Jimin said that he would pay her well that I saw some hesitation in her eyes. 'Paying her well' was an understatement—the amount would set her up for the rest of her life. It felt like hope entered my body as I breathed in relief when Binna asked if she could think about it overnight.

"Jiminie, what if she says no?" I asked in a whisper. I hoped that uttering the words would stop them festering in my mind.

"That's her choice to make. Same as how you just made your choice, My Love," he replied and pulled away from me. I watched him move towards our wardrobe. When Jimin came back to the bed, he was holding something behind his back. "Since you can't stop voicing your concerns, how about we give your mouth something else to focus on, hmm? On your knees in front of me please."

Shivers ran down my spine and my breath hitched as I quickly followed his command. My quick dash to kneel before him was not made from fear, but rather desire as Dom Jimin made his appearance. His loving aura had been replaced by something darker—hotter. It blew my mind that this side of him hadn't come out until I had arrived here. It looked so natural on him; he was always meant to be a dominant man in bed.

I made quick work of removing Jimin's pyjama bottoms and underwear. Since Binna was staying here overnight, we decided that we should wear something to bed. The sight of his hard, thick cock bouncing in front of my face after it was removed from its confinement made my mouth water. Jimin's hand caressed my cheek as he guided my head to where he wanted. I licked his cock like the delicious meat lollipop it was—my tongue explored from his base to the tip. The hiss that slipped from Jimin's lips was music to my ears, a sign I was doing the right thing.

I would have loved to have taken my time and savoured his taste. But Jimin had a different idea as the hand that was already wound through my hair was joined by its mate to hold my head steady. A few weeks ago, Jimin had found a couple more of my kinks and it seemed he was planning on using them against me tonight.

His thrusts started long and slow as if he was warming both of us up. I relaxed my jaw and allowed him to have free reign to use my mouth how he wanted. I knew he wouldn't push me further than I could handle. Neither would he inadvertently hurt me by forgetting to give me time to breathe. The entire time his dick was sliding in and out of my mouth, Jimin's face was on mine, studying my reactions to make sure I was okay.

It might sound demeaning or degrading to have someone forcibly use your face for their pleasure like this, but to me, it had always been a turn-on. Maybe my submissive nature had something to do with how organised and in control I was in my life back in my universe. Relinquishing control sexually might have been my way of not having to be the strong one in my life. Either way, out of the three men I'd had as doms, Jimin was by far the best—both in bed, and as a person.

The noises flowing from the Seed Bearer I loved so much sounded so sweet as his pace quickened. His higher singing register mingled amongst deeper, more husky growls. The pleasure I was giving him made it sound like I was the only spectator at the most erotic concert. Granted, I was thankful there was no one else there. I know I looked a terrible mess with a mixture of saliva, pre-cum and tears painting my face, neck and chest in wetness.

"So fucking good, Sweetheart. Such a good girl for letting me fuck you like this," he praised. Jimin released a loud moan as I whined from his praise. My thighs clenched to try and alleviate the burgeoning desire that was pooling between my legs. "You look gorgeous with my dick opening your mouth so wide as I shove it down your throat."

I couldn't take Jimin's praise anymore, it was turning me on too much. My hand slipped inside my pyjamas and under my undies to trail fingers through my slick folds. I whimpered with need as the hands that were cradling my head pulled me off his cock by my hair. The feeling of having my hair pulled like this sent shockwaves down to my pussy. Dampness spread across my fingers.

"No, come back. Please. I promise I'll be good," I begged as Jimin moved to crouch in front of me.

Jimin's smirk, the deep sexy huff and a raised eyebrow told me how unimpressed he was at my move to pleasure myself. My dominant boyfriend pulled my hand from beneath my clothing and guided it up to his mouth. I closed my eyes and moaned as the feeling of his warm and wet cavern enveloped my digits. The sensation of his tongue lapping up my essence was heavenly.

"Delicious as always, Baby. That doesn't excuse you from being a bad girl, though. Now, clothes off and then lie on your back with your arms above your head," Jimin ordered as he made his way into our wardrobe again.

There was no way I wanted to be called a bad girl again. I stripped off as fast as a horny teenager before scurrying up onto the bed. My feet were moving faster than my body and I ended up face-planting on the mattress. I was too turned on and in need of restoring my standing into 'good girl' territory that I paid no mind to my mishap. My arms found their way above my head once I was in position with soft pillows behind my head. I licked my lips as the blonde god sauntered back into the room. Jimin looked so fucking sexy, especially when his hard cock bounced with each step. My saliva had made his organ glisten like it was a ripe banana that had been covered with a light mist from the sweetest morning dew.

I felt a soft fabric wrap around my wrists as he bound them to the bedframe. My world plunged into darkness as another silk scarf was placed over my eyes. Arousal leaked out as another one of my senses was taken away. Jimin's lips pressed against my own for a kiss that lasted not nearly long enough for my taste. I heard him chuckle as I tried to catch him but was unable to do so with my body restrained.

"What's your safe word, Baby?" he asked whilst peppering my chest with soft kisses. I had taught him about the concept a few weeks ago. It was something that Jimin had always insisted on using whenever we engaged with something more intense.

"Red."

A delicious shudder ran down my spine when he muttered a low 'good girl' against my nipple. I loved when he called me that, and I wanted to do anything that made him consider me his good girl.

"Jimin, please," I begged, although I wasn't quite sure what it was I was asking for.

"What do you want, Sweetheart?"

"Touch me, please."

I felt his soundless chuckles. The vibrations against my breasts made me moan. "But I am already touching you, Baby," Jimin said with a teasing lilt in his voice. His lips moved from my nipples and kissed their way down towards where I was desperate to feel him. The only thing was, he took his time getting there. It was like the sweetest and most frustrating torture. All I could do was take it. I made sure to convey my impatience and need through pitiful whining and desperate panting.

"Sweetheart, I gave you a warning that this would be your punishment if you didn't relax from your worrying. So, be a good girl and take what I give you. I will make you feel good, but you have to earn that privilege. Okay?"

I nodded rapidly. My tongue slipped out to lick my lips and a part of me was hopeful that the action could quench my burning desire, too. All thoughts flew out of my head as I felt the plump lips I loved kissing descend onto my throbbing clit. Jimin drew a loud moan from me when he sucked my bundle of nerves, the pressure much more than I was expecting.

"Good girl. Keep making those beautiful sounds for me, Sweetheart," he murmured. Tingles ran through my body. They made me feel alive at the sensation of his words against my most sensitive place. "But don't you dare cum until I give you permission, okay?"

At the exact moment I moaned out a weak 'yes', Jimin fed not one but two of his fingers into my needy pussy as his mouth latched back onto my clit. This was what I'd been wanting when I began begging. His fingers thrust in and out at the rapid pace he knew I liked. It was so unfair in a way. The precision of knowing my body so well meant the blonde man had me shaking and eager for release in no time.

Then he stopped.

It was like the punishment I'd been promised. Right as I was teetering on the edge of blissful release, Jimin pulled completely away from my body.

"No, no, no, no." I became a chanting and blubbering mess as my orgasm drifted off into the abyss. Edging was the one kink that I loved—and loathed. I loved being brought to the cusp time and time again, being denied my release was a bitter-sweet ecstasy. I hated my orgasm floating away but the incredible pleasure that I felt when I was finally allowed to cum was like a high no narcotic could ever recreate.

"Shhh, you're okay, my good girl," Jimin cooed as he came up to kiss me. I could taste my juices on his lips and tongue, which—when combined with his natural taste—was delicious. "You look so fucking sexy tied up and shaking like that, Sweetheart. How did I get so lucky to end up with someone so beautiful and perfect?"

Jimin's loving words, along with the fingers that once again began stimulating my needy core, had me panting and moaning. It didn't take long before he was inching me closer and closer again with only his hand this time.

And once again, it all stopped right before the waves of relief could wash over me.

It became a pattern. Jimin would stimulate my body to the brink of orgasm before removing all stimulation. The fourth time he stopped was with his dick impaled deep within me. The both of us were groaning for different reasons—me because I'd been denied again, and him because I was clenching as I tried to find relief on his stationary length.

Five times. All words had disappeared from my vocabulary as I was desperate for relief. By the sixth time that I could feel my orgasm brewing, I was in pain and contemplated using my safe word.

"You can cum. You earned it, My Love."

I don't know what was more satisfying, hearing those magical words or finally being able to enjoy the release I'd been kept away from. Normally when I cum, it's with a loud moan but this time was a primal scream. My entire body shook from the powerful waves that were crashing over me. My high lasted far longer than it had ever before.

I was vaguely aware of Jimin growling as he painted my walls white. That was the double-edged sword of edging—not only had he denied me time and time again from my orgasm, but he'd also done the same to himself. I was so out of it that I didn't realise he had released me from my bindings and had rolled onto his back.

"I'm so fucking thankful for the soundproofing in here," Jimin laughed breathlessly as he held me close and peppered my face with kisses. "We would have had people breaking down the door otherwise from all the sounds you were making. I'd rather not have people think I'm murdering you."

"You just like murdering my pussy," I said between pants as I tried to regulate my breathing. "Thank you, Bubba."

"I should be thanking you for that incredible sex."

"Well, yes thank you for that. I meant for taking my mind off things. And I have to disagree with you... you're the perfect one."