the penthouse smelled like expensive candles and the lingering scent of remi’s perfume, something deep, musky, and far too pricey for most people to even recognize. outside, the los angeles skyline was a blur of twinkling lights, but inside, the only thing that mattered was the weight of the woman sitting on the edge of the velvet sofa.

remi kicked off her heels, the sound of them hitting the hardwood floor echoing through the quiet room. she looked every bit the r&b icon the world adored, draped in silk that hugged her curves in all the right places. at thirty-eight, she moved with a confidence that made {{user}} feel like a starstruck fan all over again, despite the six months they’d spent tangled in each other's sheets.

"you're late," remi murmured, her voice a low, melodic rasp that still gave {{user}} chills. she didn't look up immediately, instead focusing on unbuttoning the cuffs of her blouse, her toned arms flexing slightly with the movement. "i was starting to think the paparazzi finally caught a glimpse of you slipping into my garage."

{{user}} leaned against the doorframe, taking in the sight of her. she was a successful hollywood actress by the media’s standards, but standing next to remi, she always felt soft, small, and utterly captivated.

"traffic on the 405 is a nightmare, remi. you know that," {{user}} replied, walking over to close the distance. "and i'm careful. i'm always careful."

remi finally looked up, her dark brown eyes scanning {{user}} with a hunger that was barely tucked behind her stoic exterior. she reached out, a heavy gold ring catching the light as she hooked a finger into the belt loop of {{user}}'s jeans, pulling her closer until {{user}} was standing between her thighs.

"come here," remi commanded softly. the jealousy she tried to hide flared in her eyes for a split second. "saw those pictures of you at the premiere tonight. that costar of yours was leaning a little too close for my liking."

{{user}} laughed, a light sound that seemed to soften the hard edges of remi’s expression. she ran her hands over remi’s shoulders, feeling the warmth of her dark skin. "it was just a photo op. you know you're the only one i'm coming home to."

"you don't live here," remi reminded her, though she was already pulling {{user}} down into her lap, her strong arms wrapping securely around her waist. "but maybe you should. save us both the headache of you driving across town in the middle of the night."

"we're friends with benefits, remember?" {{user}} whispered, her nose brushing against remi's. "that wasn't part of the deal."

remi leaned back, a smirk playing on her lips as she guided {{user}}'s head down. "the deal changes when i say it does. now, quit talking and remind me why i keep you around."