《Master of Lust》 Chapter 1: Rick

Chapter 1: Rick

Chapter - 1 It was a typical afternoon in the small town of Willowbrook. The sun shone dimly in the cloudless sky, casting a warm glow over the quiet streets. The sses had just ended, and students poured out of the building, their chatter filling the air. Among them was Rick, a not-so-popr guy slowly walking out of the college gate. He had a mop of unruly brown hair that seemed to have a mind of its own and a perpetual look of drowsiness in his hazel eyes. Rick adjusted his spectacles andzily walked towards his apartment, all alone. "Hey, Rick!" As Rick walked alone, someone called out to him from behind. "Not now," Rick''s face dropped even more when he heard the voice. It was his worst nightmare. "You were again leaving me behind? How rude," the girl walked up to Rick and smacked his arm yfully. "Don''t y around, Emily," Rick looked annoyed. Emily rke had been his closest friend for as long as he could remember, and secretly, he had carried a crush for her that seemed to grow stronger every day. However, Emily had a crush on some other guy. And this made things unbearable for Rick. "I have my part-time job to be at. I don''t have time right now," saying this, Rick turned around and walked away from Emily. "Hey, wait up! Don''t leave me behind," Despite the cold shoulder, Emily followed behind Rick. "Where is your bike?" Emily asked as she strolled alongside Rick. "It''s in the repairs," Rick said. "So, are we taking the bus?" Emily asked. Both she and Rick lived in the same apartmentplex. "Do you think you can walk five miles?" Rick asked, sarcasm evident in his voice. By this time, the bus had also stopped in front of them. Rick got on the bus and pressed his card twice, paying for his, as well as Emily''s ticket. ''He is such a good friend,'' Emily thought. Rick may act indifferent, but he surely cares about her. Emily slowly walked behind Rick and sat silently beside him. Rick tried to pay not much attention to Emily. It was hard, but he tried to. He turned his attention outside, focusing on the beauty of the journey, and enjoying the gentle breeze on his face. Finally, the moment which Rick dreaded the most arrived. Emily let out an exasperated sigh, tossing her hands up in the air, "I just don''t understand, Rick! I''ve been trying so hard to get Roy''s attention, but it''s like I''m invisible to him. I mean, what''s wrong with me? Am I not beautiful enough? Am I not good?" ''Huhh...'' Rick''s heart sank hearing Emily''s words, his own words echoing silently within him. He had already told Emily how much he cared about her. Expressed his love through his actions for all these years. But Emily never saw him as anything more than a friend. And he could do nothing but hold himself. He did not want to destroy whatever little they had between them. This left him trapped in a cycle of frustration and unrequited longing. Rick slowly turned his face towards Emily. He mustered a sympathetic smile, though his frustration simmered beneath the surface, "Emily, you''re amazing just the way you are. It''s his loss if he can''t see that. Or maybe he''s just not the right person for you." Emily huffed, her frustration palpable. "I know, I know. But it''s so hard to let go. I keep hoping that someday he''ll finally notice me and realize what he''s missing. It''s like I''m stuck in this endless loop of disappointment." Emily nodded, her expression filled with disappointment. "It really is. I thought we had a connection, you know? I tried to have simr interests, and we''ve even had a few great conversations. But it seems like he''s always preupied with something else." Trying to offer some sce, Rick gently said, "It''s possible that he''s just going through his own struggles and isn''t fully aware of your feelings. Sometimes, it takes time for people to realize what they have right in front of them." Emily''s brows furrowed, and she looked at Rick with a mix of confusion and curiosity. "I know what he is struggling with," Emily scoffed. "Isn''t the struggle, Miss Megan?" "Miss Megan," thinking about their entric and enigmatic homeroom teacher. A mischievous smile tugged at the corners of Rick''s lips as he reminisced about her captivating presence. He couldn''t deny the undeniable attraction he felt toward her, and a dreamy look overcame his face. Miss Megan, with her ethereal beauty, had a way of captivating hearts and minds alike. Her lustrous chestnut hair cascaded down her shoulders in gentle waves, framing her delicate face. Her mesmerizing emerald-green eyes sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mystery, drawing others in like moths to a me. Her porcin-like skin possessed a natural glow, entuating her delicate features. A smattering of freckles danced across her nose, adding a touch of whimsy to her wlessplexion. The lightest dusting of rosy blush adorned her cheeks, giving her an ethereal, otherworldly radiance. And her smile... Wow! Well, it was not the most appreciated and ogled part of her body, but it was truly beautiful. What truly stole the breath away of everyone was her nice, perky ass and those giant melons. Only after someone somehow managed to look away from them could he appreciate her smile and beauty. Miss Megan had a grace and elegance that were unmatched. Every movement was fluid and deliberate as if she were a living work of art. The way she carried herself with poise and confidence made it impossible for anyone to tear their gaze away. As Rick''s thoughts drifted to Miss Megan''s enchanting presence, he couldn''t help but feel a physical response to her allure. His mouth watered involuntarily, and he quickly wiped away a droplet of saliva that had escaped his lips, embarrassed by his own visceral reaction. "See, even you are drooling thinking about her," Rick''s actions did not escape Emily''s notice. But she knew it was not Rick''s fault. Even Emily found Miss Megan attractive. "Ahemm... It''s not like that. You don''t lose to Miss Megan in the slightest," Rick said. He said that, but even he knew that he was lying. Emily was beautiful, but even she paled a bit in front of Miss Megan. "I know. You don''t need to lie to me. I know who I am up against," Emily sighed, "You know what? You don''t understand how I feel." "Yeah, I don''t," Rick clicked his tongue and sarcastically shook his head. He has had enough of going with Emily''s whims only to end up a crying pillow for her. And they soon arrived at their stop. Rick got off first, followed by Emily. "Well, I will leave first," Rick told Emily, and started walking towards his apartment. "Wait," But Emily stopped him. "What is it now?" Rick asked, but when he saw Emily, he found her looking down at her feet, fidgeting with her fingers. "C''mon, say it," Rick asserted. He knew to a certain extent what wasing next. Rick always had an idea of what was going through Emily''s head. But he still wanted to hear it from her. "Can you buy me beer?" Emily meekly asked, "I don''t want to be alone right now." * * * * * Here are the choices for the readers. Whichever gets morements is what we will do in the next chapter: 1. Should he buy her beer? 2. Nah... Ignore her Chapter 2: The strange old man

Chapter 2: The strange old man

Chapter - 2 "Why should I?" Rick raised his eyebrow. "Come on, please!" Emily said, her eyes all misty, looking at Rick with that begging gaze. Her heart was breaking. The guy she liked just wouldn''t pay attention to her, no matter what she did. "I don''t want to be alone, or else I''ll keep thinking about him." "Ugh, you''re such a pain," Rick said. Rick wanted to curse, but he held himself back, ''This is thest time, no matter what,'' Rick thought to himself, shaking his head. No matter what, his brain just could not win over his heart. "How much do you want?" Rick finally caved in. "Really? You mean it?" Emily asked cautiously. "Just go," Rick pushed Emily away gently. He just didn''t want to look at Emily''s face for now, "I''ll bring whatever I want to your ce," he said, heading off. Rick wanted some air to clear his thoughts. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Ugh, now I''ll have to get drunk with that drunkard," Rick regretted his decision the moment he turned towards the store. He knew how much Emily loved to drink. He felt a shiver down his spine just thinking about it. The night was already ruined, and the morning was going to be a total disaster. "Hey, can you spare some change for booze?" Rick saw an old homeless man sitting across the street. The man looked worn out and beat up, with clothes that had seen better days. As people passed by, he mustered up the courage to ask for help. "Hey folks, got any spare change for a drink?" he called out, his voice raspy and desperate. But most people just shook their heads or ignored him, walking on without a care. Some even scolded him for asking for money for booze. "Get a job, youzy bum!" one person snapped, giving the man a dirty look. "Yeah, stop wasting your cash on booze!" another yelled, not even ncing his way. Rick checked out the homeless dude, and man, he couldn''t shake off the feeling that they were kinda in the same boat. The old man had no ce to crash, while Rick''s love life was going absolutely nowhere. And now, he had to deal with drinking with Emily and listening to her rant about that jerk, Roy. ''Why does the god have to make these rich guys handsome as well?'' Rick couldn''t wrap his head around this partiality. "Ugh..." Rick sighed, ming Emily for all these extra sighs. Leaving the homeless man behind, he entered the department store. He knew Emily''s booze cravings were real, and even his stash at home had run dry. So, without wasting a moment, he grabbed a whole carton of beer and paid for it. ''Oh, right, I gotta call Gloria and bail on work today,'' Rick reminded himself as he walked out of the store, beers in hand, ''I will do that once I reach home.'' "Hey, what''s your name?" Rick asked softly, crouching down to meet the old man''s eyes. The old man looked up, squinting to get a better look at Rick, "Why do you care? You gonna scold me too, like those miserly bastards?" Rick grinned, hearing the old man''s response, "Nah, man! Why would I? You just want some beer, right? What''s the harm in that?" "That''s right. What''s the big deal about it?" the old man''s eyes lit up at Rick''s words. He then eyed the carton of beer and swallowed hard, "You get all this for me?" "Not the whole thing, man. But yeah, you can have a couple of cans," Rick said, grabbing two cans from the carton. "Here you go, enjoy!" As they chatted, some people passing by started paying attention to their conversation. Some gave judgmental looks, while others just walked away, shaking their heads like they were seeing a train-wreck ¨C a jobless dude taking tips from a homeless guy. But you know there''s always that one nosy person. Thisdy, probably in her 50s, marched right up to them, her face all stern and annoyed. "What on earth do you think you''re doing?" she snapped, oozing disdain. Rick turned to her, kinda surprised by her hostility. "Nothing much, just sharing some beer with this old dude," he replied coolly, "Life''s tough, you know, and I''m just trying to make his day a little better." The woman scoffed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Cheer him? This is not helping! Giving him alcohol only enables his destructive behaviour. He''s a homeless drunk, for crying out loud! You think he''ll just sip it and go on his merry way? NO... He''ll be a pain in the butt for everyone else." Rick frowned, "Come on, cut him some ck. Maybe the dude''s going through some rough stuff." Eye-rolling, the woman didn''t even nce at the old man as she went on with her rant, "He''s just a burden on society, in and simple. If folks like him pulled themselves together and stopped asking for handouts, maybe he''d be worth something." Rick shook his head, "Well, you don''t know his story, so maybe back off a bit?" The woman scoffed, "Oh please, spare me the sob story. There''s no excuse for being a bum." "Listen," Rick tried to calm thedy, "We don''t know his circumstances or what he''s been through. We all face challenges in life. It''s just that he is going through some hard times. Let him enjoy his beer in peace." The woman huffed, unimpressed by Rick''s response. "Don''t give me that nonsense..." But this time, the Old man chimed in before thedy couldplete, "Listen, darlin'', this young man bought me this beer with his money. So unless you want to buy me more or pay this young man for these beers, shut your mouth and take a hike. I don''t want to hear a lecture from a stingy old hag like you." "You..." "Fuck off..." "You will regret it," thedy threatened the old man and ring at Rick, she turned away from Rick and the old man, muttering under her breath as she walked off. "Bitch!" The old man cursed as well, "Well, I won''t take your beer for free." The homeless man turned his attention back towards Rick. He then pulled out an old, rusty metal stick and gave it to Rick. "What is this?" Rick looked confused. "Just an old cane," "Oh, thanks," Rick said, trying not tough. "But really, I don''t need this old thing. You should keep it." The old man chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Nah, take it. Consider it a token of my appreciation for the beer. Besides, you never know when you might need a good ol'' stick." "Why would I need a stick?" Rickughed it off. "You know," The old man with a perverted gaze looked at Rick and smacked his bum, "To stick it up your ass." ". . ." * * * * * Here are the choices for the readers. Whichever gets morements is what we will do in the next chapter: 1. Fuck up the old man. 2. Ignore the poor guy. He is not mentally stable. Chapter 3: Daddy - The stinky old man

Chapter 3: Daddy - The stinky old man

Chapter - 3 Whoa, hold up! Rick was left utterly dumbfounded. He couldn''t believe what he just heard, and his mind went nk for a moment. But then, as the shock wore off, anger started bubbling up inside him. "What the hell, old man? You think you can just say whatever you want?" Rick yelled, his face turning red with frustration. The old man just smirked, looking unfazed by Rick''s outburst. "You got a problem with my words, young man? Maybe you should learn to mind your own business." That was it. Rick had had enough. He just gave this shitty old man beer. To top it off, he defended him against a woman. To go against a woman in this day and age, that too for a foul mouth old man like him. Fuck, Anyone else would be washing Rick''s feet and drinking that water. But this old man? Rick clenched his fists, gripping the old cane tightly, and without thinking, he swung it towards the old man. But just as he raised the cane to hit the old man, Rick stopped. When he looked at the old man, he just could not bring the cane down to beat him up. Despite the ugly smile on his face, the old man was nothing more than a set of bones put together. No matter what he wanted, his arms wouldn''t just move. Rick was too good for this shitty world. And then it happened. Just as his heart changed, the weather changed with him. A mysterious force was brewing in the atmosphere, building with electric anticipation. The air crackled with energy, sending a tingling sensation down his spine. Rick paused, looking up at the sky, his eyes searching for any signs of what was toe. And damn! Out of nowhere, the weather decided to go bonkers. The sky which was all clear, sun shining brightly on them, had turned all dark and moody all of a sudden, like someone just flipped a switch. ck clouds popped up like nobody''s business, and everyone on the street was left thinking, like, "What the heck is going on? What did we miss?" "Hahaha... It is finally here," as the wind went nuts, the old manughed like a maniac. The more he howled, the crazier the wind went. From a full-blown hurricane, blowing everything in its path. It was like Goddess Earth was on a rampage. "What is going on, old man?" Rick could feel that the old man was behind everything shitty going around them, "What did you do?" But before he could get an answer, thunderstruck. BOOM! About a mile in front of Rick, the thunder hit. It was like a bomb went off in the sky. As soon as that bright sh hit, people started freaking out, man. It was like a signal to run for your life! Everyone on the street just went into panic mode. People were sprinting like crazy, zig-zagging through the chaos. It was like a bunch of Olympic runners but with way more fear in their eyes! Nobody knew where to go, but we all knew we had to get the heck away from that lightning show. The ground was shaking under their feet, and it felt like the world was about to crumble! BOOM! And the thunder struck again, but this time, it was closer than the previous one. "Hey, old man, I think it''s time for us to leave," Rick said. He was starting to panic now. The situation was not normal at all. But the old man just kept onughing, as if Rick had just cracked the best joke ever. He had this crazy glint in his eye, and it was starting to freak Rick out a bit. "Come on, dude, I''m dead serious. You can''t just chill here like this," Rick tried again, raising his voice a notch. But it''s like the old man couldn''t even hear him. He just kept cackling away, like he was having the time of his life. Rick was getting pretty ticked off. He didn''t know what the deal was with this old man, but Rick had no intention of sacrificing himself for him. "Alright, die if you want to. I am leaving," Rick said and tried to leave. But suddenly he could not move. It was like his legs were stuck to the ground. "Huh? What now?" Rick tried his hard to lift his leg, but they were like they were glued to the road. "No... No... NO!" This was getting weirder by the second! Rick wanted to get the heck out of there, but his legs had other ns. "Come on, legs, what''s the deal?" Rick muttered to himself, trying to shake them loose. But his legs weren''t having it. No matter how much he pleaded, they won''t budge an inch. And to make things worse, those lightning strikes were getting closer and closer. Panic started to bubble up inside him like a volcano about to blow. "Okay, this is not cool," Rick said, trying not to freak out. "Legs, we really need to move, like right now!" But his legs were like two stubborn mules, refusing to budge an inch. It was like they were having their own little protest against him. As another bright sh of lightning lit up the sky, Rick''s heart pounded in his chest. He didn''t want to be a human lightning rod, that''s for sure! With each thunderous roar, the fear intensified. Rick was starting to feel like a sitting duck in the middle of a lightning storm. "Why me? Why now?" And then, it happened. A brilliant sh of light streaked across the sky, followed by a deafening roar of thunder. In an instant, everything around Rick seemed to freeze, as if time had momentarilye to a standstill. And then, with a force that knocked the wind out of him, a bolt of lightning struck him down. Pain seared through Rick''s body as he was hurled to the ground. His vision blurred, and he struggled to make sense of the chaos around him. Voices and footsteps echoed in the distance, and he could vaguely hear someone shouting for help. Through the haze of pain and confusion, Rick became aware of a sharp burning smell and the taste of metal on his tongue. He tried to move, but his body felt heavy and unresponsive. Fear gripped his heart as he wondered if this was the end. As Rick began to lose his consciousness. And just as he did, the old man smiled at him, showing his broken teeth, "You wanted to know my name, didn''t you?" "For all these years, I have been called so many names," The old man somehow looked profound. A wise man with all the knowledge in the world. "But you can call me ''Daddy''" The old man said, grinning. "Come on. Please say, Daddy." * * * * * Here are the choices for the readers. Whichever gets morements is what we will do in the next chapter: 1. Call the old man Daddy. 2. Show him the middle finger. Chapter 4: Messenger of Death: Amanda Miller

Chapter 4: Messenger of Death: Amanda Miller

Chapter - 4 "Daddy?" Rick mumbled as he fell to the ground. "Yes! Yes! Say it again," happily, the old man came towards Rick and brought his ear close to Rick''s mouth. "Daddy... You... You... Fucking old cunt..." Rick mustered up all the energy he could and cursed. The soft-spoken boy was nowhere to be seen, "I regret showing sympathy to a two-faced chameleon like you." "I curse you, you Asshole. Even in death, you won''t find sce. Rebirth after rebirth, that dick of yours... It will be chopped up... You will live your life as an ugly eunuch, getting fucked by ugly bastards like yourself, warming their bed night after night, every day." "I will haunt you... even when... I am... dead..." Rick finally used up all his energy. He slowly raised his hand and showed the old man his middle finger, "Here... Take this, Dadd..." And Rick finally copsed. "Phew... That was actually fucked up," With shock and surprise all over his face, the old man felt his ears itching. "Oh well... My time has alreadye," the old man mumbled, and all the yfulness on his face vanished. With sad eyes, he looked up at the sky and sighed, ''How long has it been? I can''t even remember clearly,'' the old man thought. ''I have finally found my sessor,'' the old man looked at Rick and smiled. "But a eunuch?" The old man shuddered at the mere thought of it, "He could have at least said a prostitute. That way I could still have some fun," the old man smirked. Soon, the sound of sirens wailed in the distance, growing louder with each passing moment. The old man looked up, and in the distance, he saw fire trucks and ambnces rushing in. "Guess this is farewell, brat. Wish I could see what different you would do. Or will you sumb to this curse as I did," ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Aghhh... Fuck! Why is it hurting so much?" As Rick slowly regained consciousness, he felt a sharp throbbing in his head. It was as if a drum was pounding in his skull, and he winced at the pain. He tried to open his eyes, but the bright light stabbed at his senses, making him wince and shield his eyes with his hand. "Where am I?" Rick mumbled, his voice hoarse and weak. As his eyes adjusted to the intense light, he started to make out his surroundings. But the pain remained. Everything around him was white¡ªblindingly white. It was like he was in the middle of a vast expanse of whiteness, with no distinguishable objects or features in sight. A sense of confusion washed over him. But, suddenly the gates opened, and memories flooded in his mind. How he met the old man. The verbal argument with that gooddy who tried to save him from the evil old pervert. Rick''s swinging the cane at the old pervert in frustration. The weather turning wild. And in the end, Rick getting struck by a bolt of lightning, sending him into unconsciousness. Rick remembered everything. "So I am actually dead?" Rick looked at his hands and smiled wryly, "Guess no miracles for me, huh?" Rick was a bit disappointed, no doubt about it. But more than the disappointment he felt relieved. Relieved from the expectations of his parents, the unrequited love of his, the burden of the society, and more than anything, his growing student loan. Rick was relieved from each and every misery of his life. Rick then looked around. Everything looked white around him. "When will hee?" Rick waited. As far as he knew from going to the temple, he was supposed to meet Yamraj, the god of the afterlife soon. But Yamraj has not shown up yet. What was taking him so long? "Hmm...? Machines?" As he waited for Yamraj, Rick turned his head to look around and saw a few machines attached to him. "What in the freak show is it?" Rick was confused. "Don''t tell me they have a medical test before they take you to judgment," Rick was losing it. He desperately needed someone to answer him, "What if there is some issue? Where will they throw me?" And as if Yamraj actually listened to him, the curtains slid. "Oh, you are finally awake?" Ady dressed in white walked in with a pleasant smile on her face. "We were so worried about you. No one knew if you would make it here or not," thedy said as she checked the machines. "Are you him? Did you bring me here?" Rick could not believe he was talking to the God of Death, face to face. And more so, Yamraj was actually a girl. How fucking unbelievable was that? "Oh no... It''s not me. Actually, it was my boss who brought you here," thedy told Rick. "Auhh..." Rick was disappointed. So it was just a messenger. But to have such a beautiful messenger. Kudos to Yamraj. He is the man. Thedy had Brownish-orange hair, a tall figure and ample breasts. Every time she would bend, despite the risk of looking at the God of death, which he assumed she was earlier, Rick still stole nces at that perky ass. "So you are his messenger?" Rick said. "Well... You are not far off," thedy nodded. "I visit before my boss to make sure everything is normal," thedy continued. "Will your boss visit me? Like actually visit me?" Rick was excited again. "Well, of course," Thedy was taken aback by Rick''s excitement, "After all, your case was special. You were brought here after you were struck by lightning. And that''s rare." ''Guess there are not many deaths by lightning,'' Rick nodded. "By the way, what is your name?" Thedy asked, "We could not find any ID on you. Maybe it got burned by the lightning, along with your clothes. ''They don''t know who I am?'' Rick lost track of what thedy had to say halfway through, ''What a terrible management in Yamraj''s reign.'' How could Yamraj, the almighty God of Death show suchxness? "I am Rick, Rick Smith," still Rick introduced himself. Just to give Yamraj face. "Hi, Rick... I am Amanda... Your nurse while you are here," Thedy introduced herself. "My nurse?" Rick looked bewildered. "Auh... Yes... Your nurse." * * * * * Here are the choices for the readers. Whichever gets morements is what we will do in the next chapter: 1. p yourself. How stupid you are. 2. Pinch Amanda''s ass. Chapter 5: Lust System: Lust-o-Meter

Chapter 5: Lust System: Lust-o-Meter

Chapter - 5 "You are my nurse?" Rick looked confused. "What else do I look like?" The nurse was suddenly amused by Rick''s behaviour. "Whoa, hold up!" Rick''s confusion reached a whole new level when Amanda told him she was just a nurse. He couldn''t believe it! This had to be a dream, right? "So, am I actually dead or not?" Rick had no idea. And in this moment of bafflement, he did what any sensible person would do - he pped himself, hard. "Careful," Amanda, on the other hand, was perplexed by Rick''s behaviour. "Ouch! Okay, that hurts," Rick winced, rubbing his cheek. But to his surprise, he was still there, facing Amanda, who was giving him a perplexed look, "The pain feels real, but what if this all is an illusion by Yamraj?" Rick still could not decide. In a moment of sheer absurdity, Rick''s brain came up with a ridiculous idea. If he was already dead, at most, it would be added to his misbehaviour during the judgement. But if he was not... Rick looked at Amanda, and his lips curled up. And that evil smile scared Amanda. "You... What are you thinking?" Amanda asked. But Rick was hardly thinking. His hand moved with a mixture of hesitance and boldness as if he was expecting her to disappear into thin air the moment he made contact. Instead, his fingers met soft flesh, and Amanda let out a surprised yelp. Rick actually pinched Amanda''s butt. "Rick! What the heck are you doing?" Amanda eximed, her face turning a shade of red. She could not believe he had done that. They have just met. Meanwhile, Rick''s eyes widened in shock. His hand could still feel the softness. He was actually not dead. Slowly, Rick brought his hand close to his face. "Now... Don''t sniff it. I am still here," When Amanda saw it, she cried out in rm. Realizing he was about to cross the line, Rick stopped, "I... I''m sorry! I just thought... I mean, I thought I was dreaming. I thought I was dead. And you were the messenger of death." Amanda shook her head, still flustered by the unexpected gesture. "Well, you''re not dreaming, and that was definitely not cool. Keep your hands to yourself, mister!" Feeling thoroughly embarrassed and regretting his impulsive action, Rick stammered out an apology. "I really am sorry, Amanda. I don''t know what got into me." Amanda sighed, her irritation softening into understanding. "Look, I get that you''re disoriented and all, but that''s no excuse for inappropriate behaviour. Just remember that I''m a nurse, not a character in your dream. I can assure you, this is very much real, and pinching me won''t change that!" Rick nodded, still red-faced and mortified by his idental grab. "Believe me, that''s not how I usually greet nurses!" Amanda couldn''t help butugh now, her initial shock giving way to amusement. "I sure hope not!" "But you are one lucky boy, you know? Lightning strikes can be really dangerous. But it seems like you''ll make a full recovery. Just take it easy for now," Amanda told Rick. She could not believe Rick was hit by lightning. Most likely, he was a few meters away and was hit by some sparks. "I have seen a few people get hit by lightning. But they are not as lucky..." "Ding!" As Rick continued to listen to Amanda, he heard a soft, distinct sound and a digital interface materialized, appearing as a translucent ovey in his vision. [System Initialization in Progress] ''Please remain calm during the initialization process. The system is integrating with the host''s consciousness,'' Rick heard a female voice in his head. "What the...?" Rick was dumbfounded. "What happened? Is it paining somewhere?" Amanda hurriedly asked, checking Rick. "Nothing... I am alright. What were you saying?" Rick hid what was happening to him. He didn''t think she would believe him. He himself was not sure if it was real or if his mind was ying games with him. "Yeah... So there was this one man..." Amanda looked weirdly at Rick before continuing. Initializing... Please wait. A progress bar appeared in front of Rick, and he looked at it in surprise, trying toprehend what was happening. The words seemed to hover in front of him, like a holographic projection only he could see. Initialization sequence 10% ... A progress bar appeared below the text, indicating the ongoing process. The system''s presence felt surreal, like something out of science fiction. Initialization sequence 25% ... Slowly, the bar began to fill. Initialization sequence 50% ... Initialization sequence 75% ... 90% ... 95% ... 96% ... 97% ... 98% ... 99% ... As the percentage increased, Rick''s curiosity grew, and he could hardly keep his emotions under control. He couldn''t help but wonder what this system was all about or was someone pranking him? Initialization sequence 100% ... System initializationplete. Wee, Rick Smith, to the Lust System: Lust-o-Meter Where all your fantasiese true... And system helps losers like you getid. * * * * * Here are the choices for the readers. Whichever gets morements is what we will do in the next chapter: 1. Tell Amanda and ask if they are pranking him. 2. Believe the notification as Gospel truth. Chapter 6: Rachel Williams

Chapter 6: Rachel Williams

Chapter - 6 ''What the hell? How dare you call me a loser?'' Rick thought. Whosoever behind this shit, they shouldn''t have called him that. But before he couldin, the information on the screen changed. [ Name: Amanda Miller Age: 26 years Carnal Calibrator: 15/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''Wait, what''s going on here? What the heck am I even looking at?'' Rick furrowed his brow and waved his hand, trying to make sense of the weird pale blue screen in front of him. But no matter how hard he tried, he was pointlessly waving his hand in the air. The screen was like, "Nuh-uh, You Can''t touch me, bruhh!" (Did they hire John Cena?) "Amanda Miller?" Rick mumbled to himself, but it was loud enough for Amanda, who was checking his vitals, to hear. "Yup, that''s me..." Amanda replied, "But hey... How did you know my full name?" Amanda looked at Rick confused. He was busted. "Your full name?" Rick stammered. "Yeah... Miller is thest name," Amanda nodded, "But how did you know that?" "How... Did I know..." Rick murmured, "Didn''t you say it?" "Did I?" Amanda could not remember. "Yes you did..."Rick hurriedly nodded. "Maybe..." Amanda did not pay much attention and got back to her work. ''What the hell am I supposed to do?'' Not only did he get a weird system, but there was no one to guide and tell him about the system. Rick was at a loss. But then he saw the ''?'' (Question mark) sign beside Carnal Calibrator and Romance Radar. And since he could not touch the disy, Rick concentrated on the ''?'' beside the Carnal Calibrator, and a pop-up opened in front of him. Carnal Calibrator: It is the measurement of the ''Temptation'' between the host and the target. As the temptation increases between the host and the target, so does the sexual tension. When the temptation reaches 100, the target ispletely captivated by the host. After each sessful session, the Carnal Calibrator readjusts itself. **Temptation increases with each quest sessfullypleted or following the choices given by the system. "Ahemm..." Rick had his jaws dropped, ''What is this op thing? I can getid just by filling up a meter?'' Rick''s thoughts wandered. For a virgin like him, who was stuck in a treacherous trap of unrequited love, that was basically a godsend. Rick then turned his attention towards the Romance Radar. Unlike the Carnal Calibrator, which had a value of 15 from the beginning, the Romance Radar was empty. So Rick did the same he did with Carnal Calibrator, and soon another pop-up opened. Romance Radar: It is the measurement of the ''Love'' between the host and the target. As the love increases between the host and the target, so do the chances of the target bing the host''s partner. When the love reaches 10, the target haspletely fallen in love with the host. **Love increases with each quest sessfullypleted or following the choices given by the system. "Fuck!" Rick cursed, trying to wrap his head around it all, ''Am I in some crazy romance novel? Is someone punking me? This can''t be real!'' To have a system that helps him getid and find partners? That only happens in those wild stories he reads online. There''s no way he could be this lucky to actually have something so freaking incredible and overpowered. Just as Rick cursed, the doctor walked into the room. She had a stern expression on her face, and it was evident that she did not appreciate Rick''s choice of words. "Mr. Rick, watch yournguage, please. This is a hospital, not a sailor''s bar," The doctor said frowning. But did Rick care? As if his stars had aligned, the doctor was another beauty and his jaws dropped. The doctor looked like she just walked out of a fashion magazine, exuding confidence with a smile that could charm anyone''s socks off. Her luscious, reddish hair cascaded gracefully around her shoulders, framing a face that was all brains and beauty. Those almond-shaped eyes, framed by longshes, were charming and the small mole right below her left eye almost attracted Rick towards her. Her every move was like pure poetry, wrapped in that form-fitting white coat that entuated all the right curves. A mix of professionalism and charm, she had this maic aura that left you totally spellbound. Amanda who saw Rick act like a fool giggled and with the chart she was holding, she slowly closed his mouth, "The doctor is saying something. Reply to her," Amanda spoke, breaking Rick''s trance. "Ahh, sorry doc. It''s just that... well, you know, it''s kinda overwhelming to know I was struck by the lightning. I still can''t believe it," Rick sheepishly smiled and said. "Yes, I''m aware of the lightning strike. But that''s no excuse for sailor-level swearing," The doctor said rolling her eyes. "Sorry, doc... I''ll keep that in mind. It will be PG from now on." "You better..." Just as the doctor said that the pale blue disy popped up again. [ Name: Rachel Williams Age: 34 years Carnal Calibrator: 00/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] Rick looked at the information in front of him and then towards the doctor who was going through his charts. And Rick could not help but smile wryly. Looks like his first impression of the doctor was indeed not good. She wasn''t even the slightest bit interested in him. Well, as per this screen in front of him with dubious origins that was the case. "Good. Now, let''s get back to business. How are you feeling?" Rachel, Rick''s doctor looked up from the charts and asked Rick. "Well, besides the fact that I thought I was meeting the messenger of death earlier, I''m feeling okay," Rick said and smirked looking at Amanda. Raising her eyebrows, Rachel looked at Rick, "The messenger of death?" Rick nervously chuckled, "Yeah, long story. Turns out she was just a regr beautiful nurse. Thank goodness!" Rachel finally got some idea when she saw Rick and Amanda stealing meaningful nces at one another, "Well, I''m d I could clear that up for you. But let''s focus on the lightning strike, shall we?" "Absolutely... Whatever the doctor says, goes," Rick sat up straight. "No smooth talking Mr Rick," "I wouldn''t dare," "And No flirting either... Not even with the nurses," "You should have thought so before hiring beautiful nurses..." "..." "And beautiful doctors..." "..." "Like yourself..." "Alright it''s decided... I am changing your doctor... Dr Joe!" ***** IMPORTANT Here are the choices for the readers. Whichever gets morements is what we will do: 1. Should the story be fast paced. 2. Nah... Let be on the slower side of development. Chapter 7: The System [1]

Chapter 7: The System [1]

Chapter - 7 "Man, I messed up big time. Emily''s probably getting super pissed off right now. It''s nighttime already, and she has no idea where I am. She''s been looking forward to that beer, and I promised her I''d be back soon. But then that lightning strike happened, and everything went crazy." "I hope she''s not too worried. I should''ve called or texted her, but my phone''s probably fried from that lightning. I can just imagine her waiting for me, tapping her foot impatiently, wondering where the heck I am." "I have to figure out a way to let her know I''m okay. Maybe I can borrow someone else''s phone or use a payphone if those still exist. I can''t leave her hanging like this." "And that old man! It''s all his fault... And what was his deal anyway? Laughing like a maniac and ignoring me when I told him to leave. He was as crazy as this whole situation. Maybe he got fried in the lightening," Rick thought about the old, homeless man. He did ask Amanda about him, but after checking with other nurses and the records, she could not find anyone matching that profile. "I feel bad about how I reacted, trying to hit him with that stick. True, he acted like an asshole. It was just so frustrating... I did so much for him out of goodwill. But that bastard was so ungrateful," Rick gritted his teeth as he remember about the old man. But then he took a deep breath and calmed himself down, "Still, I shouldn''t have raised my hand against him... That''s no excuse for violence. I hope he''s okay, wherever he is," "But right now, my priority is letting Emily know I''m safe. I can''t believe I got myself into this mess. I''ll have to make it up to her big time when I finally get back. I will certainly go broke making up to that drunkard..." "Whatever... I will worry about everything elseter. First, I need to find a way to get in touch with her and let her know I am alright. Then, I can figure out the restter," "Wish I had something... Maybe I could have just teleported back to her..." "Wait a minute... That ding sound in my head... That''s it," Rick muttered to himself, he suddenly remembered about the weird prompt in his head, "Wasn''t that a system? Lust-o-Meter?" Rick scrunched up his face, focusing hard to recall the system, "Ding, ding, ding..." he mimicked, hoping the system would just pop-up. But nothing happened. "How on earth am I suppose to ess it again?" Rick pondered to himself. Rick scratched his head, trying to think of the right words to trigger the system, "Lust-o-Meter system, Open Sesame..." Rick murmured. "Nope, that didn''t work." "Alright, let''s see... ''Abracadabra, system activate!''" "Nope, not a wizard, apparently," He snapped his fingers. "I got it! How about ''Hey there, system buddy''?" But, unsurprisingly, nothing happened. Rick shock his head in defeat. "What the hell am I suppose to say? Why are there no instructions? Even if there are no instructions, make it something easy... Something simple like ''System Open!''" Rickined. But just as he did, the pale blue screen was in front of him again. "System initializing!" "Ha! So it was actually this easy," Rick smiled wryly, thinking he aimlessly threw weird spells to open the system. Not everything has to beplicated. Soon the system loaded, and an array of options presented themselves again, and Rick couldn''t help but grin. "Alright, let''s see what this system is all about." Rick''s eyes scanned the system''s interface, and there it was ¨C his personal information disyed before him. [ Host''s Name: Rick Smith Age: 22 years (Expected: 88 years ; Limit: 125 years) Gender: Male Cultivation Level: Mortal (19%) System Level: 1 Experience (EXP): 1900/10000 Skills: --- Summons: --- Sexual Encounters: --- Harem: --- Quests in Progress: --- ] The system had somehow collected data about him, like a digital reflection of his life. It was both intriguing and slightly unsettling to see his own experiencesid out in this ethereal disy. He couldn''t help but wonder whether the system had be a part of him like actually a part of him. Rick''s gaze shifted to the three additional icons that had appeared on the system''s interface ¨C Shop, Lottery and the inventory. And just by thinking, he opened the first one - Shop The Shop icon featured a colourful image of a storefront, enticingly showcasing a variety of items. As he clicked on it, the screen opened up to reveal an extensive catalogue of intriguing offerings. The Lust-o-Meter Shop appeared to be a marketce where he could buy a lot of things. So much was on disy in front of him. And everything was divided into categories. The categories were diverse - Power/Skill Weapons Cultivation Techniques Summoning Random He was already in the Power/Skill section and their were a lot of skills in front of him, ready to be bought. Rick chose one of them. It was the Ero skill - Loose tongue Loose Tongue - Mortal Ranked When activated during intimate moments, the Loose Tongue skill grants host the ability to effortlessly utter seductive words and expressions that evoke intense desire and arousal in his partner. With this skill, host''s words be a potent aphrodisiac, igniting the mes of passion and deepening the emotional connection between him and his partner. "Ahemm..." Rick cleared his throat, "It''s nice... Very nice..." Rick thought as his eyes looked around to see if he could buy the skill. There, just below the description on the skill, there were two dimly lit button. Temporary - 10,000 Ero Points Permanent - 100,000 Ero Points "Hmmm...?" Rick was confused to see Ero points. He tried to buy the skill temporarily, but nothing happened. He then scanned the screen to see what this Ero Points was all about. And found it on the Upper right corner of the screen. Ero Points: 100 Rick clicked on the ''?'' beside it and a pop-up opened. Ero Points: Points earned through emotional and intimate connections with women. Host can earn Ero Points after sessful sexual encounter, increase in love, andpletion of quests. Ero points then can be used to shop, or spin a lottery. "So that''s how it is..." Rick nodded as he looked at the information. But he only had 100 Ero Points. The Ero points rewarded must be good, otherwise, how long will it take for him to even buy the temporary skill that costs 10,000 Ero points? Since there was nothing more to see, Rick closed the shop. He was pretty sure that he can''t buy anything for a measly 100 Ero points. Rick then turned his attention to the Second option - Lottery. The Lottery icon disyed a yful image of a spinning wheel with various prizes floating around it. Curious, Rick tapped on it to explore further. The Lottery seemed to be a game of chance, where he could use his Ero points for a chance to win exciting rewards. The wheel was divided into colourful segments, each representing a different prize or reward. Better Luck (The grey segment) - 40% Basic (The beige segment) - 30% Standard (The green segment) - 16% Premium (The purple segment) - 8% Epic (The silver segment) - 4% Legendary (The gold segment) - 2% "Oh man, this is gonna be epic!" Rick eximed with excitement, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he stared at the lottery icon in his system. He couldn''t believe his luck; the possibilities were endless! Rick felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty about the Lottery. It was like a digital version of a carnival game, and he wondered what surprises awaited him with each spin, "But the chances are a bit low..." Each spin cost 10,000 Ero points. Which was not muchpared to the shop, but the chances were on the lower side, and Rick would have no idea what he would get. Just then, as soon as Rick finished reading, another pop-up appeared in front of him. This time on its own, Rick did nothing. [ To celebrate the integration of the system with the Host''s soul, the host is awarded three free spins. Enjoy, loser! ] "Three spins?" Rick''s face bloomed with a smile. So much that he chose to ignore the loser remark, "Hell yeah! That''s what I am talking about... Let''s do it baby," Rick closed the prompt and quickly clicked on the wheel. As soon as he did, the wheel started spinning. "Let''s see..." Rick cheered, his fingers crossed as he watched the wheel slow down, teasingly inching closer to the prizes. In no time, the wheel began to slow down... It slowly went from Premium, Epic, Legendary with each segment smaller than the previous and entered thergest segment, ''Better Luck Next Time,'' "C''mon... Not on my first try..." Rick mumbled. And as if the system heard him, the wheel barely managed to cross the unluckiest segment and stopped at Basic. "Hushh..." Rick sighed in relief. The system chimed with delight, and a popup appeared, revealing his reward. "Basic Reward: Clothes." "Clothes?" Rick was not too disappointed, "I needed them... So not bad..." So, without getting disheartened, Rick spun the wheel again. But this time, the luck was not on his side as the prompt said, "Better luck next time" ''No problem... As they say... Three is the charm.'' Rick spun the wheel again, for thest time. "Come on,e on! Give me something good!" Rick nervously eyed the wheel, his fingers crossed again. He didn''t want two duds in a row. And this time, the system chimed and the prompt popped-up, "Standard Reward: Magical fingers (1 - hour duration) "Magical fingers? Interesting." * * * * * [Author''s Note] Do leave Paragraphments/Comments if you find any mistake, or loophole. It will help me keep the quality of the novel stable. You can also leave ament just to appreciate the work, I wouldn''t mind ;) Thank you... Chapter 8: The System [2]

Chapter 8: The System [2]

Chapter - 8 Soon the notifications vanished from Rick''s sight. And now he could see a red dot with 2 written on it on the third and final icon, inventory. The "Inventory" is another enticing feature of the Lust system, serving as a virtual treasure trove where Rick can store and manage the rewards he earns from Sexual encounters, Quests, Shopping from the shop and lottery wins. When he esses the Inventory, it opens up a digital vault, disying his umted items like a gaming interface. Within the Inventory, Rick can organize his rewards into various boxes, making it easy to ess and use them when the time is right. Each item is represented by a vivid and interactive icon, capturing the essence of the reward it holds. Apart from the rewards, Rick can actually store real life objects in the inventory. Right now there were 100 boxes that Rick could see in front of him. That means hundred different items that he can store. "Unbelievable," Rick could not help but mutter. The system was everything he had read in those sci-fi novels and much more. Rick then looked at the two boxes that were already filled. First the clothes. Rick clicked on the clothes icon and ''Whoosh'' suddenly a pair of shirt and pant appeared in his hands. "Smooth," Rick felt the clothes in his hand they were real. It was unbelievable and dreamy. Rick then looked at the Magical finger card. He clicked on the icon but this time, instead of appearing into his hand, a information pop-up appeared in his mind. The "Magical Finger" skill bestows a unique power upon its possessor. When used to touch men, it induces an uncontroble, albeit temporary, bout of loose motion. However, the touch of the finger has an entirely different effect on women. Unlike the men, who found themselves rushing to the bathroom, the touch of the finger on women elicited an entirely different response. It had an almost enchanting effect, sparking a spark of excitement and arousal within them. Filling them with a potent sense of excitement and arousal. The duality of this magical skill adds aical twist to its impact, leading to both humorous and potentially intriguing situations. Rick stumbled upon the description of the "Magical Finger," and he was totally in awe. Like, who would''ve thought such a crazy skill existed? It was like something straight out of a fantasy novel or a wacky video game. He couldn''t help butugh at the idea of touching a guy and causing them to run for the bathroom! That''s some next-level prank material right there. But, of course, he knew better than to mess with people like that. It could get really messy, real fast. And then there was the whole thing with touching women. Like, what?! The finger gave them a whole different kind of reaction. He couldn''t even wrap his head around it. It was like a magical charm or something, turning on the charm in the most unexpected way. Rick had to admit, that the Lust system was full of surprises, and lived up to its name. The Magical Finger was one heck of a curveball. It added a whole new level of intrigue to the whole experience, and he couldn''t wait to see how it yed out in real life. Rick muttered, still trying to catch his breath. His heart was pounding as if it had just run a marathon, and his mind was racing faster than a Form 1 car. "This... this can''t be real, right?" He stared at the clothesid out on the table before him, trying to make sense of it all. The Lust system had gifted him this bizarre power, and he couldn''t wrap his head around it. He pinched himself, not once but twice, just to make sure he wasn''t dreaming. "Ouch! Okay, definitely not dreaming. This is real life, and I''m stuck in some crazy, trippy movie plot." Rick shook his head, trying to clear the confusion clouding his thoughts. "I mean,e on, I''m just a regr guy. Why am I suddenly the chosen one? Why me?" He sighed, trying to make sense of the situation. "Maybe I''m crazy. Yeah, that''s it. I''ve finally lost it. I''ve officially gone off the deep end." But deep down, he knew that wasn''t true. He couldn''t deny the tangible evidence before him¡ªthe clothes, the system. It was all too real. "Ahh... I don''t care..." Rick threw his hands in the air. The day had been full of ups and downs, wanted and unwanted surprises. He picked up the crutches, kept on the edge of his bed, and with their help, got off the bed and soon out of the hospital room. He was in the general ward, where except for him, there were other patients as well. With his crutches in hand, Rick hobbled out of the hospital room, feeling a wave of relief wash over him as he stepped into the corridor. Hospitals always made him feel suffocated, and he couldn''t wait to escape the sterile walls and the constant beeping of machines. "Finally, some fresh air," Rick muttered to himself, his voice echoing softly in the not so empty corridor. He nced around, taking in the sights as he walked. The nurses hurriedly went about their duties, the asional patient being wheeled on a stretcher, and the faint smell of antiseptic filled the air. "Man, hospitals are so weird. It''s like a whole different universe in here," he mumbled, adjusting his grip on the crutches. He made his way down the corridor, each step a little awkward and wobbly. His legs still felt a bit numb. But Rick was determined to get out and breathe in some freedom. As he walked, he engaged in a one-sided conversation with himself, as he often did when he needed to process his thoughts. ''So all in all what I have to do is simple,'' Rick thought as he tried to sum it all up, ''I need to fuck a lot girls, make them fall in love with me andplete some quests... And the system will help me with that... Isn''t that just nice,'' As he strolled along the corridor, he couldn''t help but feel a tinge of excitement, "And the system will reward me too for all this. Can there be anything better than this shit? Nahh..." As he walked further, Rick spotted a familiar smiling face among the nurses. And suddenly Rick had a prompt in front of his eyes. [ 1. Say, Someone is getting lucky tonight (+5 Temptation) 2. Ignore her (+0 Temptation) ] ''You want me to say what?'' Rick was taken aback. He hardly knew Amanda. They had a friendly chat but this does not mean that he can just cross the line and say whatever he wants. Guess the system has not been on the intetely... You can''t just say things now. Who knows who might take offence of what. ''Should I do it?'' Rick was torn between the choices. His mind told him to ignore the prompt. If someone were to record it, he might be an overnight viin over the inte. But in his heart, he wanted to believe the system. The system has already shown that he was worth it. And to be honest, though he was not that ugly, he didn''t have the rizz to woo some girl. If he was getting some girl because of the system, he better do it. In the end, Rick decided to follow up with the system. With a smirk on his face, Rick teased Amanda, "Hey, Amanda... Look at that smile on your face... Guess someone is getting lucky tonight!" And Amanda was genuinely surprised by Rick''s remarks. But she justughed and shook her head, "You''re a real joker, Rick. No one is getting lucky, or anything. You, on the other hand, take it easy, okay? No racing down the hallways!" "Alright, alright, I''ll behave," Rick replied with a grin and moved forward. But his heart was beating like crazy. Rick hurriedly opened up his system and looked at Amanda''s back. [ Name: Amanda Miller Age: 26 years Carnal Calibrator: 20/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] "It actually worked," Rick continued down the corridor, with shock on his face. The temptation actually increased. If he remembered it right, the value was 15 on the Carnal Calibrator. "I won''t be suspicious of you ever again," Rick smiled as he thought of the system. As he reached the end of the corridor, he peered through the windows at the garden outside. "Ah, the great outdoors. I''ve missed you," Rick said, feeling a sense of freedom at the sight of the open space. It has not been more than an hour since he woke up but he was already bored of the hospital. Deciding to take a detour, Rick ventured into the hospital garden. The sky was clear, the stars were shining, and the breeze gently rustled the leaves of the trees. He took a deep breath, savouring the scent of flowers and grass. For a while, he strolled through the garden, soaking in the tranquillity. Right now, he wasn''t even thinking about the system. Most likely this was thest time he was going to be like this. From now on, the system is going to be a big part of his life. His legs have started to be better. He could actually feel them and walk morefortably with the help of clutches. "Ahh... This is so good... I will live like a king from now on... Bye! Bye! To my pathetic self," Rick took a deep breath, and promised to himself. But then suddenly, a faint sound caught his attention. It felt like the sound of someone crying. Rick''s brow furrowed with concern. "Huh, who''s crying out here?" he wondered aloud, following the sound. * * * * * Here are the choices for the readers. Whichever gets morements is what we will do: Who should get lucky first? ;) 1. Amanda, the beautiful nurse? 2. Rachel, the elegant and charismatic doctor? Chapter 9: Strike, when the iron is hot!

Chapter 9: Strike, when the iron is hot!

Chapter - 9 "Alright, Rick, time to y detective," he muttered to himself, feeling a mix of curiosity and concern. He couldn''t ignore the faint sound of someone crying, and he was determined to find out who needed help. But more than that, being a fan of Sherlock, but regrettably not as smart as that guy, it was time for Rick to solve the case and prove himself. Well... It was all bullshit actually... Rick was just curious. Rick followed the trail of sniffles, crutching his way through the hospital garden. There was hardly anyone that could be seen around in the garden. "Where are you?" Rick murmured to himself as he walked forward, "Maybe I should get a cool hat or something," he chuckled, trying to lighten the tension building inside him. As he followed the sound of sniffing, it led him to the corner of the hospital building, where the darkness loomed ominously. "Man, why does it have to be so creepy around here?" Rick muttered to himself as he slowly took steps forward. He did not want to startle anyone. As he turned a corner, the sound became clearer. He noticed a dark figure huddled behind a bush, barely visible in the fading light. His heart raced a little faster, unsure of what he might find. "Hey, you alright?" Rick called out softly. And as he did, Rick gently tapped the person''s shoulder, and they let out a surprised yelp. He couldn''t see their face clearly as they turned away from him, but he could hear the faint rustling sound of someone hastily wiping their tears. And it sounded like it was a woman. "Hey, it''s okay. You don''t have to hide," Rick said gently, trying to put the person at ease. "We all have our moments, you know?" Slowly his eyes began to adjust to darkness around him. He could see that the person in front was wearing some blue clothes. Rick did not try to guess who it was. It was actually hard to do so in the dark with their back towards him. On top of that, he could still feel the tension in the air, and the person''s sniffles were still audible. "Take your time," Rick added, trying to give them space topose themselves. Finally, the person turned slightly towards him, their face still partially obscured, but Rick could see their shoulders shaking with suppressed sobs. Rick actually had some experience in such situations. Since childhood every time Emily had a heartbreak, he was there for her, consoling her like a fool. Thinking about Emily, Rick shook his head. She might still be waiting for that beer he promised her. He reached into his pocket, fishing out a tissue. "Here, you might need this," he offered, holding it out to them. ''Good thing I picked a couple on my way out,'' Rick nodded at his preparedness. The person hesitated for a moment before taking the tissue and using it to wipe their face. Rick could hear their deep breaths, trying to regain control of their emotions. It took the person another half a minute topletely calm themself. "Thank you..." The person said as they finally turned to face Rick. "Wait, Amanda?" Rick''s eyes widened as the person finally turned around, revealing her tear-streaked face. It was indeed Amanda, the cheerful nurse who had checked on him earlier. "What''s going on? Why are you crying?" Rick asked, his concern evident in his voice. Just a few minutes ago he saw her in the corridor, she looked so cheerful. She even joked with him. But now... Amanda didn''t say anything; she simply hung her head low, trying to hide her emotions. Rick felt a pang of worry for her ¨C this was not the Amanda he had encountered earlier. Thinking what might be the reason behind it, he tilted his head. He followed with his gaze, trying to see what it was Amanda was spying on, that had caused her distress. They were in fact at the back of the hospital. There was a dim bulb, trying to light up as much as it could. Under the dim light, Rick saw a man and a woman. The man had embraced the woman and was whispering something in her ear. The woman would asionally giggle, hearing the man. As he watched, the man slowly put his hand inside the girl''s clothes. The girl acted shy, but she did not stop him. As Rick looked closely, the girl was another nurse from the hospital itself. "Oh... I see..." As Rick watched, the man pulled the nurse closer and started kissing her. While his hand worked on her breasts. The nurse couldn''t help but moan. The two of them were lost in their own world. They didn''t even know that their was an audience watching them. Rick and Amanda could easily hear the girls moaning as well. "You are not thinking of watching them all the way, are you?" Amanda softly said, her eyes looking down. Her lips trembling as she fought to keep her emotions in check. Rick could sense the mix of pain and heartbreak in her expression. "No... I will not..." Rick quickly turned his face away from the couple when he heard Amanda. To be honest, he did want to watch a bit. With the system in his hand, there was no telling when he might end up in the situation. Tomorrow... Day after tomorrow... Or maybe even today. But he was a virgin, with no experience at all. So, it wasn''t a bad thing to get some pointers live. But Rick couldn''t say nothing of this out loud. He shook his head and gently pulled Amanda slightly away from the ce. "It''s about that guy, huh?" Rick muttered, understanding the reason behind Amanda''s tears. Amanda nodded silently, "Look, Amanda, I know it hurts," Rick decided tofort Amanda. "And what I am about to say might sound cliche. But you deserve someone who appreciates you," Rick said in the gentlest of tone, "Someone who loves you dearly." She finally spoke, her voice soft and vulnerable. "I never thought he would cheat on me... I thought we had that honesty. I thought he loved me." "And that too with my colleague... We see each other every day." Amanda found it obscure. "I get it. It''s tough when feelings aren''t reciprocated," Rick replied, empathizing with her pain. "But you''re an amazing person, and there''s someone out there who''ll see that." Amanda looked up at him, her eyes still glistening with tears. "You really think so?" "Absolutely," Rick said, offering her a reassuring smile. "You deserve happiness, and you''ll find it, trust me." Rick gently held Amanda''s arm and slowly pulled her into his embrace. Amanda was stiff for a split second but she did not resist. Rick ced her head on his chest and gently stroked her head, trying to calm her down. This was something he would do for Emily as well. And it did wonders. Within a minute, her breathing was normal, her emotions were almost in check. She was still sad, but she was not crying anymore. "I just don''t understand why it had to happen like this," Amanda said, her voice tinged with sadness. Rick leaned closer, cing a hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes, life throws us curveballs. But it''s how we handle them that matters." "Yeah, I guess you''re right," Amanda said, wiping away her tears. "Thanks for being here, Rick. I don''t know what I would''ve done if I hadn''t bumped into you." "With or without me, I know you would have done great..." Rick said as he held Amanda''s face between her palms and looked her straight into her eyes. And just at that moment, with a ding sound, a prompt appeared in front of his eyes. [1. Ask Amanda to apany you to his room. (Temptation +10) 2. Ask Amanda for a coffee. (Temptation +5) 3. Leave Amanda alone. (Temptation -5)] ''What the Hell? At a time like this?'' Rick was slightly taken aback. But he knew the system was not wrong. It is what they call, ''Strike, when the iron is hot!" * * * * * Chapter 10: System, the cupid 10 System, the cupid Chapter - 10 [1. Ask Amanda to apany you to his room. (Temptation +10) 2. Hey, want to have coffee with me? (Temptation +5) 3. I guess you need some alone time. (Temptation -5)] It was the very second choice Rick got from the system.For the first one, he already teased Amanda. and he saw the results as well. So... Should he trust the system? Or not? Rick didn''t think about it much. He no longer believed that it was a prank. He had already seen it do winders just a few minutes back in his room. Without dilly-dallying, he decided to go with the first option. Rick cleared his throat and still looking into Amanda''s eyes, he decided to go with the flow. "Hey, do you want toe to my room?" Rick suggested, "I am kind off tired standing here. We can have a chat over a cup of coffee." "Ehh?" Amanda looked a bit surprised by the sudden invite from Rick. Her body went stiff for a while. Rick could feel the tremble in Amanda''s body, "I am just saying... You know, you can pour your heart out, and I am ready to listen," Rick asked, trying to sound casual despite the hint of nervousness in his voice. Amanda hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting around as if contemting the idea. "I don''t know, Rick. I mean, I don''t want to intrude or anything," she replied, her uncertainty evident, You are already hurt... I don''t want to burden you." "You wouldn''t be intruding at all. I''d love to have somepany, and you''re wee anytime," Rick smiled warmly, "Moreover, I am bored with no one to talk to." She nced at him, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Alright, sure. Coffee sounds nice." ''Yes,'' Rick cheered in his mind and looking at Amanda, opened the system. Since Amanda has agreed to both apanying to his room and the midnight coffee date,Rick wanted to know if he will get rewarded for fulfilling both the choices or not. [ Age: 26 years Carnal Calibrator: 30/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''Ahh...'' Rick looked at the information in front of him, and was a bit disappointed. Looks like despite clearing both the choices, Rick could only get rewarded for one. That was a bummer. Being the master, shouldn''t the system let him bypass a few things? But the good thing is that the system awarded him of the choice with bigger reward. Carnal Calibrator increased by ten points and not five. At least the system was not aplete asshole. While Rick was busy staring into nothingness, Amanda held Rick by his arm, "Let me help you," Amanda offered. And as soon as she did, another prompt appeared in Rick''s mind [ 1. Put your hand over her shoulder (Temptation +15) 2. Tell her you can manage on your own (Temptation -5) ] Rick''s eye shined as he looked at the prompt. The system was such a great tease. It was giving Rick ideas that Rick would never think of on his own. Rick smiled, he pulled out his arm from Amanda''s grip and ced them over her shoulder, "This is much better. It''s hard to move with these crutches. You don''t mind, do you?" "No... It''s alright," Amanda, on the other hand, smiled and did not think much about it. She had done it so many times for the patients. Instead, she put her hand around his waist to give him further support. Rick felt relieved. He was a head taller than Amanda... When he looked down, he could see the crack between her breasts. He had an urge to drop his hand down by ident and touch Amanda''s breasts. But the virgin him was actually afraid to do so. Luckily for him, the system did not throw any weird choice at him as well. ~~~~~ "So? Are you okay now? Do you want to continue where we left? It''s not a bad thing to let it all out," Rick said, as he took the coffee cup from Amanda. Amanda hesitated for a moment, contemting whether to share her feelings with him. "Well, it''s just that... the guy you saw earlier, he''s my boyfriend," she finally admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. Rick raised an eyebrow, "So, was it official, or you guys were just figuring things out? I''m sorry if I intruding." Amanda shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her lips. "No, it''s fine. Since I am ready to talk, let me open the Pandora''s box," Amanda almost giggled. But Rick could see the sadness in thatugh. It was not wholehearted, like the one he saw in the corridor. "But to be honest, it''s not something I have told anyone. No one knows about us," Amanda said with dejection, "Maybe that is why my colleague..." Amanda paused when she thought about the other nurse. "Well, you can talk to me if you want. I''m a pretty good listener," Rick replied, hoping to put her at ease, "More so, when a prettydy like you is involved," Rick smiled. Amanda, when heard Rick did not say anything. She just smiled. She thought Rick was saying it all to make her feel better. She then took a deep breath, her wordsing out more formally now. "Thank you, Rick. It''s just that I saw him with my colleague, and they looked so happy together, and I couldn''t help but feel hurt and jealous." Rick nodded understandingly. "That must''ve been tough. But you know, it''s normal to feel that way sometimes. Rtionships can beplicated." Amanda sighed. "Yes, you''re right. I just wish I could stop feeling this way. I feel betrayed... Like I should... But... But... "I also can''t just stop loving him. I am looking for excuses... He did this maybe because..." Rick ced aforting hand on her shoulder. "It''s okay to feel conflicted. Take your time to process everything." Amanda looked up at him, gratitude evident in her eyes. "Thank you for being so understanding. I just needed someone to talk to." Amanda said, cing her own hand over Rick''s. Ding! And the pale blue skin appeared in front of him again. [ 1. Tell Amanda she can always count on me (Temptation +15) 2. Squeeze her shoulder gently (Temptation +5) 3. Pull your hand (Temptation -5) ] "Amanda..." Without thinking much, Rick was about to go with the first option, but just as he called put her name, Amanda looked at him. It maybe just a coincidence. She was maybe about to say something. But when she looked at him with those misty eyes, the rest of the words got stuck in his throat. To be frank, Rick was just looking to get rid of his virginity with the help of the system. But to take advantage of someone when they are low, suddenly it did not feel right. On one hand, if he followed the system, he was pretty sure he could getid. There was no doubt it in Rick''s mind. But on the other hand, there was a part of Rick that hesitated. epting this prompt would meanmitting to being there for Amanda, not just in this moment, but in the future as well. It would mean taking on the responsibility of being her emotional support. He was afraid that it might turn into a simr situation like he has with Emily. ''But it would be nice if we could develop something more,'' Rick thought. With Emily he was pretty sure nothing could happen. But with Amanda, there was a chance. And if there was a chance, why not take it? Rick finally decided. "Amanda... You can always count on me," Rick said, gently squeezing her shoulder. And maybe it was the intense look in his eyes, or the sudden promation by Rick, Amanda''s face turned red. She could feel her ears turn hot suddenly. She wanted to look away, but his eyes attracted him towards him. Maybe this what she wanted to hear all along. Someone who would want to stay with her. Someone she could count on. But the man she hoped would say it to her was no longer in the picture. Ding! [ 1. Tell Amanda she has a nice ass ( Temptation +25). 2. Look away and say sorry (Temptation -20) 3. Walk away (Temptation -50) ] ''Are you kidding me? We are starting to build something nice here,'' Rick almost freaked out when he read the choices. What was wrong with the system. Just now we were trying to build and emotional connect. And a secondter, you are back to your pervert self. And what''s with the other two excuse for the system to try and make him look like a pervert. 09:57 choices? Why would I even choose them? His eyes widened in surprise, and he couldn''t help but let out a nervousugh. Truth to be told, he was thinking of apologizing to Amanda. Good thing the system popped up at the right time. Still, it was no excuse for the system to try and make him look like a pervert. "Oh, man, this Lust system is really something else," he muttered to himself, feeling a mix of amusement and hesitation. "Hmm, decisions, decisions," he thought, scratching his head. "Do I risk it and go for the points, or do I y it safe and avoid the potential awkwardness?" After a moment of contemtion, Rick decided to trust the system again. If things go south, from the next time, he would just do what he feels like. Just then, Amanda stood up and decided to leave. She had finally got her emotions in check. Rick might just have said those words to support her. She didn''t want to take them out of context and get her hopes high. "Oh, by the way, Amanda, I just wanted to say... um... You have a really nice ass," Rick blurted out awkwardly, immediately regretting his words. Amanda looked taken aback, her cheeks turning a shade of pink, ''What is he saying? Why would he say it like that? Che... Pervert...'' Though she said that, there was clearly a smile on her face. And she wouldn''t know how to exin that. "Um, thanks, I guess?" Amanda replied, clearly unsure how to respond. "No, no, I mean, that''s not what I meant to say!" Rick stammered, feeling the heat rise to his face. "It''s just... this stupid system! Shit the system," Rick murmured to himself. Amanda looked at him quizzically. "Huh? System? What are you talking about?" "Are you alright?" Amanda bent in front of him and ced her hand on his forehead, "You don''t seem to have a fever. Ding! [ Quest: Kiss Amanda, Time Duration: 5 Minutes. Rewards: +15 Temptation, Ero points: 1000, EXP: 500 ] [ Name: Amanda Miller Age: 26 years Carnal Calibrator: 85/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] * * * * * Chapter 11: Rick and Amanda [1]

Chapter 11: Rick and Amanda [1]

Chapter - 11 "Are you feeling alright?" Doesn''t look like you have a fever," Amanda ced her hand on Rick''s forehead as she tried to feel the temperature of his body. As Amanda''s hand gently touched Rick''s forehead to check his temperature, she couldn''t help but feel a rush of emotions coursing through her. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized just how close their faces were to each other. The warmth of his skin against her fingertips sent shivers down her spine, and a soft blush crept up her cheeks. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Amanda''s gaze locked with Rick''s. She could see the surprise in his eyes, mirroring the same mixture of emotions she felt. It was as if an invisible force had drawn them together, and they were suspended in a moment of intimacy that neither of them had expected. Feeling the rush of embarrassment, Amanda quickly pulled her hand away, her cheeks burning with shame, she couldn''t help but rey the moment in her mind. She scolded herself inwardly for allowing her feelings to betray her. After all, she was just supposed to be checking his temperature, nothing more. As sheposed herself, Amanda tried to leave. But to her surprise, Rick held her hand. "You know Amanda, you just can''t keep on thinking about that asshole and sulk," Rick said, pulling Amanda towards her, closing the distance between them. "You did nothing wrong. It was that blind bastard who could not see your value," "Yeah... But..." "Shhh... Don''t say a word," Rick ced his finger on Amanda''s soft lips and stopped her from speaking, "You don''t have to defend it... He is not worth it." "But what''s worth is that you let him have the taste of his own medicine," Rick said with a smirk. "What do you mean? How?" "There is always a way," Rick gently ced his hand on Amanda''s cheeks, and with the softest touch, he slowly slid his hand through her nape. As their eyes meet, there was a spark in the air - one can practically feel the anticipation building. Looking straight into her eyes, Rick leaned in. No words were spoken and nted the most tender kiss on Amanda''s lips. "Nmu!"At first, Amanda''s eyes widen in astonishment. She wanted to pull back, but as the warmth of his lips lingered against hers, her surprise melted away into sheer delight. You can almost see the corners of her mouth curling into a small smile. As the kiss deepened, Amanda can''t help but surrender to the sensation. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to get lost in the moment. Time seemed to stand still as their lips move together in perfect harmony, a gentle dance that speaks volumes. The touch of their lips is soft and gentle like feathers gently grazing against each other. It''s as if each kiss is a whisper, expressing a wordless affection that words can never truly capture. There wass an undeniable electric connection between them, a maic pull that drew them closer, making their hearts beat faster. Amanda''s senses be hyper-aware. She could feel every little nuance of the kiss - the soft pressure of Rick''s lips against hers, the warmth that spread through her body, and the gentle grazing of his fingers against her cheek. It''s an immersive experience, one filled with tenderness and a deepening sense of intimacy. As the kiss deepened, Rick''s hand slid down Amanda''s back, making her heart race with anticipation. He touched her waist with a gentle yet possessive grip, pulling her closer to him. Amanda''s breath hitched, and she let out a soft sigh of pleasure. Their bodies moved together in perfect harmony, their passion igniting like a wildfire. Rick''s hand traced a trail of heat along Amanda''s skin, leaving her longing for more. She responded with a soft moan, urging him on. But when they finally got out of breath, Rick pulled back. Rick couldn''t believe what was happening, ''It worked! The system works!'' He could feel her body leaning on his and she even started to kiss him in return. Ding! [ Quest: Kiss Amanda, Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Temptation: +15 Ero Points: +1000 EXP: +500 ] As soon as the two of them broke the kiss, Rick saw a prompt in front of his eyes. He hadpleted the quest. And there were a bunch of rewards that he got. He wanted to check them, but before he could do that, the system sounded again and another prompt appeared in front of him. Ding! [Target Information. Name- Amanda Miller Age - 26 Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 (Extremely Horny) Romance Radar - 00/10 Body Count - 0 Sexual Preferences - Loves gentle sex. Whispering in her ears. Has daddy issues. Loves Kissing. Kinks - Wants to try Anal. Feelings - She wants you to make her forget about her boyfriend who was cheating on her. ] ''Hmmm...'' Rick did not know what else to say. The information in front of him made him dizzy. There was nothing that was hidden from him. Earlier all that system showed him was her name, age and some other information about how much she was attracted to him sexually and romantically. Buy as soon as hepleted a few choices and quests, in front of him was everything. It was like a Pandora''s box was opened. ''Daddy Issues...?'' When Rick read through the information, many jaw-dropping things came to light, ''Wants to try Anal?'' As Rick read further, he looked at the information in front of him and then towards Amanda. Who was so shy that she wasn''t even looking at him. ''This can''t be true,'' Rick couldn''t help but doubt. But he knew that there was no mistaking it. If the system said so, it is so. No ifs and buts. ''And this..." Rick looked at Amanda''s body count and frowned, ''Didn''t she have a boyfriend? Did they had nothing between them? That looks odd.'' But these things were not important right now. The Carnal Calibrator had finally reached the max value. Didn''t that mean there was a chance for him right here, right now to lose his virginity? One push and he will get it. It''s a pity though that the Romance Radar was still empty. But not for long, he believed so. Rick organised his thoughts and took a deep breath. "Well, well, well, someone seems to be enjoying themselves," Rick looked at Amanda who was now hugging him and hiding her face in Rick''s chest. "Shut up, who said I enjoyed it? Bah... No one enjoyed it," Amanda blushed when she heard Rick. God knows what got into her that she kissed Rick, a total stranger she met only yesterday. "Oh, believe me, I did. And I know you did too... No need to be so shy. But look at your face, it''s just so much fun to see you all flustered and shy," Rick leaned in closer and whispered in Amanda''s ears. Sending a shiver down Amanda''s body. "Stop it! You''re such a flirt," Amanda yfully hit Rick''s shoulder, her face red with shyness. "Guilty as charged. But you loved it, don''t you?" Rick threw his arms and said. "Hmph..." Amanda rolled her eyes and scorned. She was still holding a Rick, "Maybe, a little..." Amanda said, her voice like that of a mosquito. "Only a little? I think I can do better than that," Rick said grinning. He leaned in and kissed her again, more softly this time, sending a wave of butterflies through Amanda''s stomach. She couldn''t help but melt into the kiss, her shyness slowly fading away. Soon enough both of their tongues intertwined as they engaged in a passionate kiss once again. Amanda moved her hands and ced them over his cheeks, raising the intensity of the kiss, it was like she was scared that the moment they separated someone would snatch Rick. She was much more proactive this time. She was taking the lead. This made Rick even more shocked, however soon enough he came to his senses and enjoyed the passionate moment between them. His hand slowly moved over her dress, grabbing her supple waist. Caressing her navel he moved towards her boobs. By now Amanda''s skin turned very sensitive. Despite the dress between them, when Amanda noticed his hands moving toward her chest, her body trembled. If not for her mouth intertwined with his, she would have let out a moan. Her eyes widened as she felt his hand suddenly slipping under her dress, trying to fondle her boobs. "Uhh..." Amanda pushed him back as both of them left each other''s embrace. Rick looked at her flustered expression, "Did it hurt?" He asked with a nervous expression, ''Don''t tell me I have to wait longer.'' Amanda looked at him, her facepletely red as sweat dripped down her chin. "Not here..." She shyly looked away from him. "Not here? Why?" Rick understood what she was saying and was relieved. But he decided to tease her. Rick raised his eyebrow, "What is wrong here?" Amanda looks a bit hesitant and tilting her head, she gestured something. Rick looked at her and understood. He smiled, "Wouldn''t it be more exciting?" "You pervert!" Amanda blushed and turned away to leave. She opened the curtains and moved towards the ss door of the ward. Rick looked at her blushing face and then at her swaying back moving towards door. Looking at her supple ass, his boner which was already hard turned even harder. He just wanted to grab her ass and stick his meat inside her. ''Didn''t she want to do anal?'' As Rick watched Amanda''s ass sway, he smirked. However, Rick controlled his desires, he wanted to take it slow. He didn''t want to make it a one time thing and get done with it. Amanda was worth more than that. Rick had to thank her boyfriend who cheated on her. Good thing he did that, now he get to taste a world ss beauty. Rick licked his lips as he thought more and more about Amanda, and having sex with her. Ding! At that exact moment, the system chimed again. It was a quest. [ Quest: Have Sex with Amanda. Time Duration: 3 Days Quest Reward: Love: +1 Ero Points: +20000 EXP: +5000 ] ''Are you kidding me? Another quest?'' Rick was just so happy. He looked at the quest and could not stop grinning. It was just so easy to earn points. The rewards were just so good that he could even shop something, or maybe use the lottery after he was done. ''3 days? I will do it now," Rick looked smugly at the system. "Are youing, or not?" Amanda stopped at the door, and bashfully looked back at Rick. It was her first time, but even she was looking forward to it. "Oh... Baby... I am dying to cum in you," As if he had suddenly found energy, he did not need the support of the clutches anymore. Rick walked towards Amanda grinning lecherously. After the two of them left, the room fell into silence. "God dammit," * * * * * How do you like the chapter? 1. Good (Here, take my power stones) 2. Bad Chapter 12: Rick and Amanda [2]

Chapter 12: Rick and Amanda [2]

Chapter - 12 Rick and Amanda walked into the room, and the air charged with a mix of excitement and anticipation. It was actually the doctor''s office. Whose? Rick did not notice. But it was empty and only that mattered to him. As they closed the door behind them, Rick couldn''t resist the urge to pull Amanda into his embrace, his hands gently resting on her waist. Their eyes locked, and a yful smile spread across Rick''s face. "Well, well, well, look who we have here," Rick teased, his tone flirty and mischievous. Amanda chuckled, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "What are you up to, Rick?" "Oh, ying innocent. You don''t know what I am up to?" Rick replied, his voice low and suggestive. "Don''t tell me you have changed your mind..." Amanda raised an eyebrow, her yful demeanour matching Rick''s. "Changed my mind? What do you think I had in my mind?" Rick leaned in, his lips grazing her ear as he whispered, "I thought we could have a little fun, you know, just you and me. You and me, and our alone time." Amanda''s heart skipped a beat, and she felt a rush of excitement course through her veins. "Hmm, sounds intriguing. But you''ll have to convince me." Rick shed her a charming grin, his hands gently moving over his waist, "Oh, I''m up for the challenge. But can you handle the storm?" Rick provoked Amanda. And he seeded. With a sudden surge of boldness, Amanda ced her hands on Rick''s chest and pushed him backwards until his back met the wall. She leaned in, their faces inches apart, and a yful glint danced in her eyes. "Well, let''s see what you''ve got," she teased, her voice low and seductive. Rick chuckled, enjoying the yful banter. "Oh, you won''t be disappointed." And with that, their lips met in a passionate kiss. The room seemed to fade away as they lost themselves in the moment, their bodies pressed close together, the warmth of their embrace filling the space between them. Their kiss was tender yet fiery, a perfect blend of sweetness and desire. Time seemed to slow down as they explored each other''s lips, savouring the intimacy of the moment. Rick''s hands roamed up and down Amanda''s back, drawing her even closer, while Amanda''s fingers tangled in Rick''s hair, pulling him in deeper. They started off gently, but now they wanted to devour each other. As they finally pulled away, both were left breathless and flushed, their eyes locked in a heated gaze. "Mmm..." Amanda moaned, her heart still pounding and knees felt weak, ''Never knew I could get like this after a kiss.'' Rick smirked, his voice husky. "I told you, you wouldn''t be disappointed." Amanda when heard Rick gloat, she turned her eyes away and scoffed, "This is nothing." Ding! [ Quest: Make Amanda give you a blowjob Time Duration: 10 Minutes. Rewards: Ero points: 2000, EXP: 3500 ] Another quest appeared in front of Rick. It was a dream quest, but Rick hardly had any time to be joyful. He was already hard down there. He couldn''t wait any longer. He gave the quest a quick read and closed the prompt. "Amanda," Rick held Amanda''s hand in his and softly whispered. He then slid her hand down and made her touch his rock hard bulge in his trousers. "Eehh..." When Amanda felt the bulge over his trousers, she blushed and tried to pull her hand away, but Rick did not let her. "I want you to calm it down," Rick whispered. "Ummm..." Amanda knew what he meant. She bit her lower lip and looked down at his bulging part, "I have never done it before," Amanda told Rick. "Everything has its first," Rick smirked. Rick said as he pushed Amanda down. Now Amanda was on her knees with her face inches away from Rick''s bulge. She looked at his bulging trouser and gulped. She did not know what to do know. Rick finally made it easy for her. In one fell swoop, he pulled down his trouser. And just as the trousers were down, his cock sprung into action. Before Amanda could react, his cock hit her across her cheek. It was not hard, but it was sudden. Amanda was surprised by it. To avoid it, she leaned back and fell on her ass. But her eyes never left the huge cock that suddenly showed in front of her. She tried to look away, but no matter what, she continued staring at the cock. "Don''t just stare," Rick grabbed Amanda by her arm, and helped her sit again. After Rick urged her, Amanda raised her hand, and with her soft hands, grabbed Rick''s shaft. Meanwhile, Rick ced his hand on Amanda''s head, and pulled her face closer to his cock. Now his dick was rubbing against her face. Amanda let go of his cock and her hands started kneading his thighs; her fingers were inches from his balls. Rick let out a gasp when Amanda''s nails brushed up against his balls. Once she was in a good position, Amanda reached up into hisp, grabbed Rick''s cock again and started to jack him off. Her soft hands slowly moved up and down, sending shiver Rick''s body. While Amanda''s one hand caressed Rick''s cock, she spent some time kissing his thighs. She started kissing near his knees and slowly moved up, getting closer and closer to his balls. As she did that, Amanda made sure he could hear the kissing noises. She loudly smacked her lips to affect his sense of hearing with erotic sounds. As soon as Amanda reached Rick''s balls, she put one of his balls into her mouth. And Rick could not help but let out a loud moan. Amanda swished it around inside her mouth, then she switched to the other one. Amanda continued to suck on his balls one after the other. Finally, Amanda managed to put both his balls into her mouth at once. She tenderly licked his balls while warming them up with her hot mouth. Amanda used her tongue to move them all around; her lips werepletely enveloping Rick''s entire sack, up to the root of his cock. While she licked his balls, Amanda''s one hand stroked Rick''s thigh, while her other hand continued to y with his cock. Under such sensation, Rick finally started to breathe hard. "Oh, Amanda!" Rick didn''t seem capable of saying much else. After licking his balls for some time, Amanda removed his balls from her mouth. She then turned her attention towards Rick''s rock hard cock. To be honest, she was still afraid when she looked at his huge cock. She was having second thoughts. She had never done this before, but somehow, she could not bring herself to reject him. In fact though her mind told her to just stop, her body moved on its own. And before she knew it, she was already on her knees, sucking on his balls. As if she was mesmerised by Rick''s dick, Amanda''s lips parted and as she moved closer, she kissed the tip of his cock. Amanda then opened her mouth, and licked his shaft with the tip of her tongue. She drenched hisp with her saliva. Starting at the root, Amanda worked her way up to the sensitive underside of his cock, right under the head. She gave that area some licks, and then teased him a bit with some long slow licks up and down the shaft. When Amanda knew Rick really needed some more direct stimtion, she finally put her lips around the whole head of his cock and started to gently suck him off. Fondling his balls with her hand, she slowly lowered her mouth over his entire organ, getting it deep inside her mouth. Rick began to buck his hips up and down, matching Amanda''s motion. Rick put his hand on the back of Amanda''s head and pushed his cock deeper and deeper. Amanda stroked the root of his cock with her hands and swallowed his shaft again. Swirling her tongue wildly around the underside of the head of his cock, Amanda drove him mad with desire. Rick was sweating; Amanda could feel it on his thighs, brushing against her face. He kept groaning and moaning with pleasure as Amanda became more firm with her sucking. Soon, Amanda drooled and slobbered all over hisp, trying to make the blowjob as wet and messy as possible. "Mmm... Oh... Mmppphh... UM!" Amanda moaned. It was hard to really say anything verbal with her mouth filled up. She swished his cock inside her cheeks, getting it as deep into her throat as possible while breathing through her nose. Amanda was buried into hisp; his cockpletely inside her mouth, his thighs pressed up against her cheeks, her nose in hisp. The sounds of wet sucking and slurping filled the office as Amanda''s lips slid up and down the length of his cock. In fact, Amanda realized that she was enjoying it far more than she should be. "Oh... Amanda... I''m gonnae soon, I can tell. I can''t hold it much longer..." Rick finally said, his grip tightening. Amanda didn''t answer him verbally. When she heard Rick, she wanted to pull out, but Rick grabbed her hair and pushed his cock deeper. He started moving his hips faster. He wanted her to suck him harder. Rick''s pace and intensity grew with every thrust he made. He was now fucking her mouth. Amanda could do nothing. She made loud slurping and sucking sounds with her mouth. Rick''s cock was rock hard and throbbing; It was getting bigger and bigger in her mouth and Amanda could feel it shaking. "Holy Fuck! OHHHHH!" Rick moaned, the contractions began, and his erection flexed. Then the explosion came. Maybe it was because this was his first blowjob, or maybe it was because he had a lot of cum built up, but the intensity and amount ofe was difficult to handle. Rick bobbed her head up and down and forced Amanda to quickly swallow it up, not wanting to lose a drop. Rick grabbed her hair tightly; the orgasm was really intense and he needed something to grip onto. Spurt after spurt of hot cum shot down Amanda''s throat. Because Rick wouldn''t let her pull away, Amanda had to gulp most of it down quickly, but some of it filled her cheeks. Rick''s cum mixed with her saliva. As she licked the tip of his shaft, valiantly swallowing it all down. Amanda struggled to breathe. Finally after Rick made Amanda drink everyst drop of his cum, he pulled out his cock from her mouth. And finally, Amanda could breathe. Rick, with his back against the wall slid and sat down on the floor. Despite the air condition in the room, both of them were sweating profusely. After taking a couple of deep breathes, Rick turned towards Amanda, his eyes full of confusion. "Didn''t you say you have never done it before?" Rick looked at Amanda with her brows raised.What she said, and what she did, did not match. After letting out all the cum, he looked exhausted. But more than that, he was confused. When Amanda saw him stare at her with those intense eyes, she blushed and looked away. ''I have never done it anyone, and that''s the truth,'' Amanda thought, ''But even I watch things..." * * * * * [A/N: Read my other story, ''The Devil''s Harem,'' (204 chapters). You will have to search it on google, or Webnovel] Chapter 13: Rick and Amanda [3]

Chapter 13: Rick and Amanda [3]

Chapter - 13 "I wanna see them, huh?" Rick looked away from Amanda''s face and said, staring at her big white cleavage which were beneath that shirt of hers. Though, Amanda knew that it was going to happen sooner orter, she was still bashful. Even though Rick asked her to remove her shirt, she did not move. "Let me do it then," Rick decided to take the matter into his own hand. He pulled Amanda towards himself. Rick pulled up her shirt in one move, and tossed it aside. Now Amanda was sitting in front of him, covering her chest with her hands, not even looking at Rick. She was wearing a white,ce bra with some patterns on it. The bra tried to hide her boobs, but her melons were so big that Rick could swear they wanted to be free from that prison. "Can I touch them?" Rick whispered in Amanda''s ears. He knew Amanda was feeling his touch over her skin. She wouldn''t stop him. But he had to ask. From what the system told him, Amanda had a soft spot for whispers. They turn her on. And above that, she wanted to experience gentle sex. Gentle sex was not just doing it slow. It was more about building the trust, emotional connect between them. Rick had to show that he cared about Amanda, and her feelings as well. Rick''s eyes were already staring at Amanda''s breasts greedily, and his cock was rock hard again. And Amanda saw it as well. But despite that, he asked for her permission, this touched her. In fact, she was d that Rick asked her. This showed that he cared about what she wanted. She had a say in all this. Though it might not be necessary. They had already crossed the line and there was no stopping it. But still... Slowly, Amanda pulled down her hands, and her boobs were in front of Rick. She didn''t say anything. She just let him admire her rack for awhile, savoring the attention and the sensation of his intense gaze on her boobs. Rick got her nipples all hard, and erect just by staring at them. Even inside her bra, her tits were the most incredible thing Rick had ever seen. He slowly, but hesitatingly reached out towards them. "You can do it. It''s okay," Amanda finally spoke, giving permission to Rick. This gave Rick the final push. He ced his one hand on her waist, and his left hand on her left breast, and took a big squeeze of it. Amanda moaned and arched her back in pleasure. Rick leaned forward. He ced his faced between her breasts and started giving Amanda Wet kisses all over. He started from her breasts and moved up to her neck and then her ears. He left no ce unexplored. Rick was in no rush. He took his time. His kisses were gentle but the effects lingered even after he had moved. Amanda quivered every time Rick''s lips touched her skin. Her hands slid behind his nape and grabbed his hairs. As he moved, Amanda pulled him even further into herself. Carefully, Rick reached around behind her and undid the sp of her bra. He slid the straps off her shoulders and fully exposed Amanda''s breasts. Rick immediately felt light-headed, as all the blood in his body seemed to rush straight to his cock. He''d never been so hard in his life. "What do you think?" Amanda shyly asked. But Rick couldn''t even speak. It''s as if he didn''t even hear her. "I''ll take that as a good sign," she said with augh. Rick grabbed Amanda by her legs and pulled her even closer. He made Amanday on her back on the floor as Rick over her, squeezing and sucking her tits. Herrge nipples were fully erect and covered in his saliva. Rick moved back and forth between them, sucking each one as his hands kneaded her breasts. Rick was aroused like a wild beast now. Rick continued to suck on Amanda''s breasts like a baby for about five minutes before he finally let her go and took a deep breath. "That was... That was something else," Though Rick let go of her breasts, his gaze continued to linger on those big white boobs of Amanda, ''How did she remain a virgin with these racks?'' Rick found it hard to believe. "You... You... You bad boy," Amanda looked at Rick and tried to sound angry. But the more she frowned, the cuter she looked. At first she let Rick have his way with her boobs. In fact, she felt ticklish in the beginning. But after a minute, she could not help but moan. Her body shivered every time Rick licked her nipples or kissed her boobs. In no more than a couple of minutes, she was already wet down below. That was embarrassing. "Are you finally done?" Amanda asked. Everything was too much for a first timer like her. Her body was already on the verge of breaking. It didn''t look like she could take it any longer. "What are you saying?" But Rick looked at Amanda with a smirk, "We are only starting." He looked into Amanda''s beautiful eyes and took a deep breath. In a sh he shot his hands up her skirt, grabbing at the first hint of material. Before Amanda had time to react, he was on his knees and yanked hercy, white panties down to her knees. "Rick!" Amanda cried out in surprise. But Rick ignored her protest. He got on his knees on the floor and pushed Amanda''s legs apart as she struggled. He knew she wasn''t going to suddenly ept whatever he was about to do, so he had to act fast. He tugged her panties off the rest of the way while holding her legs in ce. "What are you doing?!" Amanda demanded, trying in vain to force her legs shut. Pushing her skirt up, Rick got his first close-up view of Amanda''s pussy. The soft pink skin was just begging to be touched. She was neatly shaved on the sides, and on the top as well. Rick could have stared at it all day, but he tore himself away and quickly beganpping at her slit. Despite her cries of protest, Amanda stopped trying to keep her legs closed. Half in shock, half knowing how desperately she needed it, Amanday frozen in ce and allowed Rick, a stranger to freely probe her pussy. Rick smiled as he realized that she was letting him do it. He had never gone down on girls before so he wasn''t that experienced, but his basics were clear. All he needed was a chance to test them out in the field. Rick licked Amanda from bottom to top, starting just above her asshole and ending at her clit. He licked her fast with only the tip, then went slower and more deliberate with the entire width of his tongue. "Ric... Rick! Oh my god!" Amanda moaned. She shuddered with pleasure. She tried to get back up, but and fell back on her back in seconds. When he was done ying around her pussy,Rick slipped his tongue inside Amanda''s pussy, twisting and twirling it around. Amanda groaned and grabbed at Rick''s hair, almost trying to force his head farther between her legs. Rick licked up the soft folds of her pussy lips and then stopped, looking up at Amanda. "Oh, Rick, don''t stop!" Amanda moaned in pleasure. When Rick heard Amanda,he grinned and dove back in for more. He spread her pussy lips apart with his fingers and drove his tongue inside her as deep as he could get it. Amanda shuddered again and raised her knees up, giving Rick even more ess to her glistening slit. Hepped at her hole like a drinking puppy, tasting the juices that were practically spilling out of her. Rick then moved to her clit and began softly batting it back and forth with his tongue. Amanda let out a deep moan and started squeezing her own breasts feeling the pleasure. Rick continued licking for a while and then inserted two fingers inside her. He fucked her with his fingers, feeling the hot wetness of her pussy as it gripped back at him. Making his final move, Rick put his lips around Amanda''s swollen clit and began lightly sucking it as he drove his fingers in and out of her. Amanda squealed with pleasure and cried out as Rick sucked her. "Ohhhh my god! Oh, Rick!" He stopped briefly and watched as Amanda''s puckered hole throbbed and twitched in enjoyment. Finally, Rick plunged two fingers back into her pussy. She humped her hips backwards as if she was getting fucked, and Rick had to fight to stay in position. But he hung with her and worked Amanda''s holes as Amanda finally felt her release on it''s way. "Ohhhh, shit! Ohh, I am gonna cum. Rick! I am gonna cum... Ohhhhhhhhh!!!" Rick stayed with her as Amanda reached her orgasm, shaking and moaning wildly while she bucked on the floor. Rick could feel her pussy spasm around his fingers as he pumped them in and out. After a few moments, Amanda stopped moving and Rick fell back onto his butt on the floor. Panting like a dog in heat, Amanda rolled over and copsed onto her back. * * * * * [A/N: Search my other book on Webnovel or Google: " The Devil''s Harem ". There are already 200+ chapters.] Chapter 14: Rick and Amanda [4]

Chapter 14: Rick and Amanda [4]

Chapter - 14 Amanday on the floor motionless after an intense orgasm. Rick took this opportunity and slowly crawled over Amanda. With his arms supporting his weight, his face of inches away from Amanda''s as he looked at her with tender eyes. "You are beautiful," Rick whispered. Hearing Rick''spliment, Amanda blushed and she gently punched Rick''s shoulder, "Sweet tongue. Do you think... Ummm..." But before Amanda couldplete her words, Rick leaned and kissed Amanda''s lips. It was a light peck and after kissing her, he moved back soon. "Umm... What do you think you are... Ummm..." With her eyes wide open, Amanda looked surprised, but before she could ask what his intentions were, Rick leaned closer, and kissed Amanda again. This time it was a long passionate kiss. "Ooh, that feels so good," Amanda moaned. "Is that so?" Rick raised his eyebrow, "Can I... Can we do it now?" Rick asked hesitantly. "Huhh... There is no turning back," Amanda sighed, "I never thought my first time would be in such a situation... And with a man I had not even known for just a few hours." "Tell me about it. I got knocked down by lightening, woke up in a hospital, my head is still buzzing and before I knew it, I am lying naked with a beauty in my arms," Rick smiled, "If someone would have told me this is how my day is going to end, I would have punched him in the face and kicked his ass for making fun of a virgin." "It is what it is," Amanda smiled when she heard Rick. She reached down to take off her skirt, "But I don''t regret it," Amanda said as she looked at Rick, straight into his eyes. "Me neither," Rick smiled and held Amanda''s hands, stopping her, "I like the way it looks on you. I prefer you keep them on." Amanda smiled and opened her legs as Rick pushed her skirt up. She scooted her hips towards Rick, making sure he had plenty of ess to her pussy. "I am putting it in," Rick ced his cock over Amanda''s swollen, pink pussy and said. He was trying to make sure Amanda was ready for it. And it was a good thing he did. Though Amanda said that she was ready, her body was trembling. She was genuinely afraid. After all, it was her first time. Rick smiled looking at her and slowly rubbed his cock around Amanda''s wet pussy. He did not enter inside her, but continued to tease her instead. Rick rubbed his cock around Amanda''s swollen, pink opening. His eyes were filled with excitement. He was going to do it. He was going to fuck her. He was finally going to lose his virginity. "Here we go." Rick carefully pushed his cock farther up Amanda''s pussy. Not much, just the tip of his cock. And it was just so incredibly tight. It was like a hand gripping his cock and squeezing it hard. As he pushed his cock deeper inside her pussy, even Rick felt slight pain in his penis. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before. Meanwhile, Amanda grunted as she felt him going deeper. "Oh, shit! Unnnngggggggh." It hurt... It hurt her so much. Amanda felt her pussy was tearing apart. little by little. There was a sh of pain as her hymen was torn awaypletely, but then that was reced by the new feeling of being very full as his cock slidpletely into Amanda''s vagina. Her eyes moistened, but Amanda bit her lip, trying hard not to let out a cry. Rick pushed the head of his cock through the soft, pink folds of her pussy. He paused once his cock was fully inside Amanda. Amanda let out a contented groan as her pussy spread open. She was tighter than Rick had anticipated. Inch by inch he continued sliding himself inside her, filling Amanda with his thick cock. "Ohhh, Rick! Oh, shit!" Amanda finally let out a moan. After pushing his dick deep inside Amanda, he slid his cock out of her until just the head was left inside, then shoved it back in as he began a steady pace of fucking. "Oh! Oh! Oh, yeah!" After a few minutes, the pain was gone and Amanda moaned, "Fuck me, Rick! Fuck me!" She was enjoying the new sensation. Rick''s eyes were fixed on Amanda''s breasts as they bounced in rhythm to his strokes. Therge globes bounced up, down, and off the sides of each other, with her eraser-like nipples making little circles in the air all the while. He had never seen anything quite so amazing. Likewise, Amanda''s eyes ran up and down Rick''s body. What a stud he was. She had never seen a guy naked so up close. Let alone a guy with such a chiseled body. He had obviously been working out. His muscles were flexing and shining with sweat as he worked. "Holy shit, Amanda. I can''t believe I''m fucking you!" "Me neither, Rick. It feels so... so good," Amanda sat up on her elbows and watched as Rick''s cock plowed in and out of her pussy. She had always liked visual stimtion, and knowing that the cock she was watching belonged to aplete stranger made Amanda even hotter. Rick sped up the speed of his strokes, fucking Amanda faster and faster. Amanda groaned and grabbed his shoulders. "Yeah, just like that," she encouraged. "Fuck me right there! Oh, yes!" But suddenly Rick stopped, and Amanda looked at him confused. "Why? What happened?" Amanda asked. She was starting to feel so good. Why Would he stop now? Is he ying with her? "I want you to do something for me?" Rick suddenly thought of something and smirked. "What? What is your perverted mind thinking?" Amanda looked at the smirk on his face and she knew he wasn''t thinking something good. "Call me daddy," Rick said. Just as Amanda heard Rick, her pussy tightened. "What? What did you say?" "I said, call me daddy," Rick repeated himself. "You want me to call you daddy? Seriously?" Amanda looked at Rick withplicated eyes, "You know I won''t." "If you don''t, I am pulling it out," Rick seriously said, "We can all forget about everything that happened today and go on our separate ways," as Rick said that, he pulled put his cock only leaving the tip inside Amanda. "Stop," when Amanda felt Rick pulling out, she hurriedly stopped him. After the pain, she had just started to feel the pleasure. And now Rick wanted to stop? How inconsiderate. "Daddy," Amanda bit her lip and murmured. And just as Rick heard her, he almost cummed. His cock swelled. Even Amanda could feel it getting bigger inside of her, "What did you say? Say it again." "Daddy... Please fuck me daddy," Amanda blushed as she said it again. This time a little louder. "Ughh... That''s my girl," Rick praised Amanda like a real father and slid back inside her. Amanda also tried humping her hips towards him, wanting to get Rick''s cock as deep inside her as it could go. She had been close to cumming when he stopped fucking her pussy, and she could feel another one building up from deep inside her. "Don''t stop, Daddy! I''m gonna cum! I am gonna cum!" Hearing Amanda moan, louder and louder, Rick grunted and fucked her even harder, desperate to give Amanda the best orgasm possible. Amanda squealed and trembled as she felt the waves of pleasure overtake her. "Ohhhhhhhh, Daddy... I''m cumming!!! Ohhhhh, fuck it, Daddy!" Rick continued fucking her through her orgasm, feeling the spasms as her pussy clenched and squeezed at his cock. He slowed down his strokes as Amanda finally stopped shaking beneath him. But Rick did not stop. He continued to fuck Amanda. He was about to cum as well. "Oh, fuck! I''m gonna cum again!" she cried, "Daddy!" Now Amanda was rubbing her clit as Rick sped up his strokes. "Fuck!!!! You are so good, Daddy!!!" Amanda''s entire body exploded with pleasure. Her pussy gushed out juice onto her hand as her pussy muscles contracted around Rick''s cock, squeezing it tightly. Amanda had cummed twice in a matter of minutes, her pussy was ever so sensitive. Every thrust of Rick, sent quivers down her body. Rick, on the other hand, continued fucking as he felt his balls start to boil. "Amanda, I''m gonna cum!" Finally Rick said. "Not inside," Amanda felt weak in her body but she moved quickly when she heard Rick. It was not a safe day today. Earlier she was lost in pleasure, but she had her head was somewhat clear now. Amanda quickly leaned forward and Rick''s cock left her pussy with a small ''pop''. She sat on her knees and grabbed his cock, jacking it off as hard as she could. Meanwhile, Rick also stood up, his cock face to face with Amanda. Rick fucked his cock, covered with Amanda''s pussy juice into Amanda''s hand, watching her tits jiggle as she jerked back at it. "Ohhhhh, here ites!!" Rick moaned. A huge rope of cum shot from Rick''s cock and sttered across Amanda''s face. She continued to jack him off as more shots spurted out, coating her lips, neck, and chest in his cum. "Ohhhh, yeah!!" Rick groaned as a few final shots dribbled onto Amanda''s tits. "God, that was great, Amanda." Rick said as he put his arm around Amanda''s chest and pulled her down on the floor. The two of themid there for a while, catching their breath. "Umm..." Amanda nodded. And no one spoke for a while after that. After a few minutes, Amanda got up, and walked towards the table. She pulled out a few tissues and started cleaning herself up. Her back was towards Rick and he could see that white perky ass teasing him. "It was the best first time I could have asked for," Amanda said when she was done wiping herself up, "You are the best, Daddy," Amanda teased Rick. But she wasn''t looking at him. Suddenly a pair of strong arms wrapped around her and she could Rick''s strong chest against her back. His breath brushed his nape sending tingles all over her body. "You dare tease your daddy? You need to be punished," Rick said as his hand fondled her ass before stopping between her ass cheeks, "This time, I am going to punish this." ''What?" Amanda went weak in her knees. If not for Rick holding her, she would have fell on the floor. "You want to do what?" * * * * * [A/N: With this, the first series of R-18 chapters finished. If you are enjoying the story so far, please consider supporting me by: 1. Check out my other story, "The Devil''s Harem". 2. Write yourments, vote with power stones, send me Golden tickets and if possible gifts. Your support will keep me going. 3. If you have time, leave a review.] Chapter 15: First time Anal?

Chapter 15: First time Anal?

Chapter - 15 Rick and Amanday side by side, their breathing slowly returning to normal after their passionate encounter. After the first round of intense lovemaking, Rick got behind Amanda, put her hand on the table, and wanted to fuck her in the ass. The system told him that Amanda wanted to try Anal sex. And because the system said so, it has to be right. So Rick thought that after the first round, Amanda would be more open and let him have his way with her. But Rick clearly overestimated himself. When he pushed Amanda onto the table and tried to stick his cock inside her ass, Amanda pushed Rick away, bbergasted. "You... What... What do you think you are doing?" Amanda looked at Rick, bbergasted. Amanda''s cheeks were flushed with a mix of pleasure and embarrassment, and she couldn''t help but hide her face behind her hands. ''Wait... This shouldn''t be happening,'' Rick looked at Amanda in confusion. Didn''t he just tempt Amanda and fucked her? What''s with the sudden distancing? Suddenly, the prompt popped up in front of Rick. Again, on its own. It was Amanda''s information on the disy. [Target Information. Name- Amanda Miller Age - 26 Carnal Calibrator - 65/100 Romance Radar - 01/10 Body Count - 1 Sexual Preferences - Loves gentle sex. Whispering in her ears. Has daddy issues. Loves Kissing. Kinks - Wants to try Anal. Feelings - She is embarrassed right now. ] ''Enhh... That exins that a bit,'' Rick looked at the numbers in front of the Carnal Calibrator and nodded. The Carnal desires of Amanda had dropped down a lot. But what was worth noting was that despite the drop in Carnal Calibrator, Rick could still see the information that appeared in front of him after the Carnal Calibrator reached maximum value earlier. Guess it was permanent then. Other than that, Amanda''s body count had gone up by one. Well, that proves Amanda is no longer a virgin. The Romance radar has increased as well. It was the reward of a quest if Rick remembered it right. Rick was lost in thoughts after reading the information. But when he looked up, he was surprised once again. The Temptation had gone down once again. [Target Information. Name- Amanda Miller Age - 26 Carnal Calibrator - 60/100 Romance Radar - 01/10 Body Count - 1 Sexual Preferences - Loves gentle sex. Whispering in her ears. Has daddy issues. Loves Kissing. Kinks - Wants to try Anal. Feelings - She is embarrassed right now. ] Rick, when looked at the information, he felt depressed. Guess, he was not going to get lucky again. Most likely, as they start to calm down, the chances of doing it again and again in quick sessions drop. But then in the dark, Rick saw a light of hope. The system chimed again, but this time it was a choice. But more than a choice, it was a chance for him to bang Amanda again. Ding! [ 1. Immediately apologize ( Temptation -5) 2. Tell her, You are trying to spice things up (Temptation +10) 3. Push her on the table and fuck her ass (Temptation - 20) ] It was a no-brainer what Rick was going to choose. "Hey now, no need to be shy," Rick teased, gently pulling her hands away to reveal her blushing face, "I am just trying to spice things up." Amanda peeked at him through her fingers, her embarrassment evident in her eyes. "I can''t help it. That''s just too perverse." [ 1. Caress Amanda''s ass ( Temptation +15) 2. Pull away from Amanda (Temptation -10) ] Rick chuckled softly, his fingers tracing circles on her ass, "Well, don''t tell me you don''t want to feel it in here." "I... I... I have never thought..." Amanda quivered, feeling Rick''s warm hands on her ass cheek. "Let me be your first again," Rick grinned, pulling her into his arms. He slowly adjusted his cock, trying to push it into her ass. "No... Rick no... Not this time," Amanda was still resolute about not letting Rick put it on her ass. [ 1. Act hurt. Pull away from Amanda, and start wearing clothes. (Temptation +10) 2. Laugh it off and hug Amanda from the back (Temptation +5) 3. Press your cock against her ass and push it in (Temptation -10) ] "Fine, if you say so," Rick sighed and let go of Amanda, "I guess this is it for us." Suddenly, Amanda was left stumped. She stood rooted to her spot as she watched Rick walk away and pick up his clothes. "Wait... What?" Amanda slowly walked towards Rick, taking small steps, ''Is he going to leave? Just like that?'' [ 1. Tell her that you understand, but continue to wear clothes (Temptation +3) 2. Let her exin (Temptation +1) ] "It''s alright. I understand," Rick said with a smile on his face as he continued to wear clothes, "You don''t have to mind me." Amanda, when saw the disheartened smile on Rick''s face, felt her chest tighten. She felt hard to breathe. "Rick..." Amanda spoke, her voice weaker than a mosquito. She wanted to say something but hesitated. [ 1. Tell Amanda that he will think of this encounter as a one time thing (Temptation -50) 2. Cup her face and make her feel important (Temptation +2, Love +1) ] ''Ohh!'' When Rick saw the choices this time, he was more interested. Along with Temptation, he had a chance to earn love as well. This was his first love. In all honesty, Rick could have just activated his Magical Finger card. The card had the power to instantly arouse any woman he touched. That was a shortcut, and Rick was trying to save it for some worse situations. And it''s a good thing that he did not use it. If he did, then most likely he wouldn''t have managed to earn himself some love. Rick pulled up his trousers and took a step toward Amanda. He gently cupped her small face in his big palms and looked her straight in the eyes. "Amanda... This isn''t a joke to me," Rick said, "And I don''t want it to be just a one time thing with you. I don''t want to be just your rebound." "It all happened in the heat of the moment, but I don''t regret one moment of it," Rick''s eyes looked firm as he said that. "But I guess we both need time," Rick sighed and let go of Amanda, "I see... This is the right thing to do." Saying so, Rick stepped back and turned around to leave, but his hand was grabbed by Amanda. Rick looked at her puzzled. "You are not a rebound," Amanda looked at Rick and said. This time, she sounded a bit more confident. "That man and I... We had nothing between us," Amanda spoke and leaned closer to Rick, "Now that I think about it. We have done things I never imagined doing with that man," Amanda ced her hand on Rick''s cheeks and tip-toed to nt a soft, gentle kiss on Rick''s lips. "This isn''t a joke for me as well," Amanda whispered. She then took a few steps back, still looking at Rick, and jumped up to sit on the table. "I am still not ready to do it there," Amanda said but spread her legs for Rick to see everything, "But my pussy is all yours. You can do whatever you want." "But please be gentle, Daddy!" Ding! [Target Information. Name- Amanda Miller Age - 26 Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 (Extremely Horny) Romance Radar - 02/10 Body Count - 1 Sexual Preferences - Loves gentle sex. Whispering in her ears. Has daddy issues. Loves Kissing. Kinks - Wants to try Anal. Feelings - She feels embarrassed, but you have flipped her switch once again. She is more or less over her boyfriend. ] * * * * * [A/N: This seriously ends the Rick and Amanda episode. If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to vote with power stones,ment, give me Golden tickets and if you want, send me gifts. Also, join my discord server for more updates:- Discord: https://discord.gg/thWfhRdpqy ] Chapter 16: Don’t tell me...

Chapter 16: Don''t tell me...

Chapter - 16 "Um, Rick?" Amanda looked at Rick, avoiding eye contact. She was struggling with her bra, "I can''t seem to hook my bra back on." Rick''s eyes twinkled with mischief when he heard Amanda. He pretended to ponder the situation. "Hmm, looks like you''re stuck. Whatever shall we do?" Amanda red at him, but there was a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Oh, you''re enjoying this, aren''t you?" "Well... Maybe just a little," Rick admitted, and his lips curled into a yful smile. "Alright, enough teasing. Help me out here," Amanda said, turning her back to him. Rick reached for the bra sp, his fingers working deftly to hook it back in ce. "There you go, all done. It was so easy," he said, giving her a pat on the back. "Thanks," Amanda mumbled, there was still some lingering embarrassment in her eyes. "You''re wee," Rick replied, his arms wrapping around her waist. "And you know what? You''re amazing, Amanda. So you don''t have to be embarrassed around me. That guy was an idiot to leave you for that hoe." She looked up at him, her eyes softening. "You really think so?" "Absolutely. If she can go after her friend''s man. What is stopping her from ditching him for some other dude?" Rick said, sincerity evident in his voice, "I can guarantee that in no less than a week she will be banging some rich dude. Just be yourself and enjoy the journey. You don''t need to worry. And with these melons... Ohh... ho... ho... You definitely don''t need to," Rick said and gently pinched her boobs. "Rick Stop!!!" Flustered, Amanda tried to stop Rick. "Fine... I won''t tease you anymore," Rick pulled back his hand and stood up. "Better," Amanda huffed and stood up as well. Soon both of them were all dressed. "Let''s go," Amanda told Rick. But Rick did not follow Amanda. Instead, it looked liked he wanted to say something. Rick looked at Amanda with a hopeful expression, "So, do you think I could leave the hospital now?" Rick asked. "What?" Amanda raised an eyebrow, and looked angry. "So... All that lovey-dovey stuff we just did, was it just because you wanted to get discharged?" Rick feigned innocence, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Who, me? Of course not! I mean, sure, getting out of here would be a bonus, but that''s not why we did that reason." Rick threw his arms and defended himself, "Look at those melons... Do you think I need any other reason?" Amanda blushed when she listened to Rick, ''How can he just say that with a straight face?'' Then she looked down at her breasts and pondered, ''Are they really that big?'' But she quickly shook her head and flushed away those thoughts. She tried to cover the shame on her face and tried to look serious, "Oh really? So you are saying there is no other reason?" Rick pretended to ponder for a moment before answering with a sly grin, "Can we not discuss why my snake went into your cave? Look, I have never really liked hospitals. I don''t enjoy being to one. And since you have already given me a thorough check up, don''t you think I am all set to leave?" "What snake? What cave? Do you have to be so perverted," Amanda rolled her eyes but couldn''t hide the blush on her face. "Che.. Smooth talker, huh?" "You know I am right," Rick replied, winking at her. "Whatever," Amanda''s yful demeanor softened, and she looked at him with genuine affection, "In all seriousness though, Rick, personally, I would like you to keep under observations for a couple of days more. But since you are insisting so much, I''ll talk to Rachel, the doctor treating you, and see what she has to say about it. Is that okay?" Rick''s eyes lit up with excitement, "Really? You would do that for me?" Amanda chuckled. "Of course, silly. But no promises huh... Whatever she says goes." "I know... I know... You''re the best," Rick said, pulling her into a quick hug. Amanda yfully pushed him away. "Alright, alright, no need to get all mushy on me. Someone might see us and I will get in trouble." "Mushy?" Rick looked at Amanda amused, "After two rounds of doing all what we did. You are scared that someone might see us hugging?" "I don''t know what you''re talking about." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rick knocked on the door, but when he got no response, he opened the door and walked into Rachel''s cabin. Inside the office, Rachel was lost in her thoughts, staring into nothingness. "Ahemm..." When Rick saw Rachel lost, he cleared his throat to get her attention. And Rachel looked up at him through the gap between her sses, a stern expression on her face. Seeing that she was not alone anymore in the room, Rachel looked at Rick, measuring him from top to bottom, "Heard you want to get discharged, Mr. Rick?" Rachel asked, her tone tinged with annoyance. Rick chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I mean, I''m feeling much better, and I thought it might be time to get out of this ce." Rachel raised an eyebrow, studying him intently. "Feeling better, huh? Are you sure you''re ready to leave? We need to make sure you''re fully recovered." Rick nodded, trying to sound confident. "Absolutely. I feel great, and I promise I''ll take it easy once I''m out." "Take it easy, huh?" Rachel pushed her sses up her nose, and squinted her eyes. She seems to be thinking something, ''Is this how you take it easy?'' Rick found it odd when Rachel looked at him with those eyes. She seems to be wanting to say something but she was holding back. "You know, Rick, you''re not the first patient to think they''re ready to leave before they''re fully healed. I''ve seen it countless times, and it never ends well. You really need to take it easy." [ 1. I get it. I will take it easy. Don''t mother me (Temptation -15) 2. Why don''t youe with me and be my personal nurse (Temptation +10) ] Rick was about to say that he got it, but the system saved him in the nick of time. He looked at the notification and was relieved that he did not say what he had in mind. Rick''s shoulders slumped a little, as he shrugged looking at Rachel, "Well... If you don''t trust me, why don''t you follow me home and be my personal nurse? Wouldn''t that be a win-win for both of us?" Rick winked at Rachel and asked. "What..." Rachel was at a loss of words when she listened to Rick. And as she processed his words in her mind, slowly her face turned red. She looked at Rick with ring eyes. ''This boy... He looks so innocent. But what they say is so right. Don''t judge a book by its cover. Looks can be deceiving. Just now he... And now he wants to... He is really a yboy.'' "Ahemm... What win- win? Please mind your words Mr Rick," Rachel cleared her throat and turned her eyes towards the report in her hands. But Rick paid no attention to her words. He had already opened the system and was looking at Rachel''s information in front of him. [ Name: Rachel Williams Age: 34 years Carnal Calibrator: 50/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''When did this happen?'' Rick looked intrigued. From what he could remember, Rachel actually wasn''t interested in him. All the values were at zero when he first met her. So howe the Carnal Calibrator was at fifty right now? ''Well, I must have gotten the ten temptation points just now. But what about the rest?'' Rick tried to think of a reason, but he could not find a conclusion, ''Interesting.'' As Rachel reviewed his medical reports, Rick was busy thinking about the extra temptation points he got out of nowhere. For a few minutes, no one actually spoke in the room. "Well, your reports look promising," Rachel finally said, looking up at him. "Your recovery is going well, but I still want to keep you here for a few more days, just to be safe." Rick groaned, leaning back in his chair. "A few more days? Seriously?" "Yes, seriously," Rachel replied firmly. "I want to make sure there are noplications before I release you. You''ll just have to be patient a little longer." He nodded, realizing that she was right. "You''re right, I know. I''m just impatient." He sighed, but there was a hint of resignation in his voice. "But you see... Just as you said, I am doing okay. So why don''t you let me leave for now and I promise to visit for regr check ups? It should be okay, right?" ''It''s not like he was directly hit by the lightening. There is no trauma and the reports look okay. I think there should be no problem.'' Rachel considered his request for a moment before nodding. "Well, that''s possible." "Really?" Rick was ecstatic. "Yes... But no strenuous activities, understood?" Rachel warned Rick. Rick nodded eagerly, "Got it. No strenuous activity. I am already azy bum. So that won''t be a problem. Thank you... Thank you so much Doctor Cold." Rick stood up from the chair and thanked Rachel, "Well... I should get going then." As Rick was about to leave her cabin, Rachel called out to him. "Rick, What do you think about Amanda, the nurse." He froze for a moment, trying to gauge her tone. "Amanda? Well, we''ve be friends. She''s a good girl. But why do you ask?" Rachel looked at him intently, hoping to see some change in his expressions, "Just be careful, okay? I don''t want you getting into any trouble." He raised an eyebrow, a hint of confusion in his expression. "Trouble? What do you mean?" She sighed as if hesitating to say something. "Just... be mindful of your actions, especially with people you work with." Rick was taken aback, unsure of what she was trying to imply. "I''m not sure I understand." Rachel waved him off, avoiding eye contact. "It''s nothing, forget it. Just focus on getting better, okay?" Rick was left feeling perplexed by Rachel''s cryptic words, but he didn''t push further. Instead, he thanked her for her care and reassured her that he would follow her instructions. As he left her cabin, he couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something more to Rachel''s warning. "What was it all about?" Rick wondered, but then his eyes widened. "Don''t tell me..." Rick looked back at Rachel''s cabin and thought of the unthinkable. * * * * * [A/N: I hope you are enjoying the story. Do vote andment. In the mean time, do read my other story, " The Devil''s Harem ".] Chapter 17: I won’t simp anymore

Chapter 17: I won''t simp anymore

Chapter - 17 Rick stood in front of an apartment, the bag of beer cans weighing heavily in his hand. He hesitated for a moment, unsure if he should ring the doorbell or not. He was standing in front of Emily''s apartment. Rick knew he might have hurt Emily by disappearing without a word. So, the first thing he did after getting discharged from the hospital was to buy a few beers and visit Emily. There might not be any possibility between them, but she was still his friend, probably the only friend he has. So he wanted to make things right. But he also feared that he might only make things worse. But the system as always was ready to help him out. [ 1. Ring the doorbell and exin everything to Emily (Temptation +5) 2. Walk away (Temptation -10) ] ''Well, if the system says so,'' As he raised his hand to ring the doorbell, his mind raced with conflicting thoughts. "Should I do this? What if she''s already asleep? What if she doesn''t want to see me?" "Huh... I guess it''s best not to rush at this moment," In the end, Rick decided to against the system and follow his instincts. He did not press the button. He did not want to use the system against Emily, at least not now. It was probably best to give her space, he thought to himself. Even he needed some peace of mind. Turning away from Emily''s apartment, Rick went to the door next door, and with a heavy heart, he entered his own apartment. The silence inside only echoed the emptiness he felt in his soul. Meanwhile, inside her apartment, Emily had been peeking through the door''s peephole, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rick. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw him standing there with the bag of beer cans. But as he turned away, her hope turned to disappointment. She has been waiting for Rick for all these hours. She would asionally walk out of her apartment and stare at his apartment, only to be dejected every time. She kept looking out of the window every now and then, hoping to see him. And finally when she was about to lose hope, she saw a taxi stop in front of the apartmentplex and Rick got off it. Hurriedly she rushed to her front door and peeked through the peephole, waiting for Rick. And Rick dide. He even stopped in front of her door. There was just one door between Rick and Emily, yet they were so far apart. "Why did he ask me to wait if he never had any intention ofing back?" Emily wondered aloud, her voice choked with sadness. She had held onto hope, waiting eagerly for Rick to return. She wanted to pour her heart out to him. But he was not there when she needed him. She couldn''t understand why he had asked her to wait, only to disappear without a word. She slowly slid down to the floor, her back against the door, tears welling up in her eyes. Her heart felt heavy with sadness and confusion. "Why did he have to leave without saying anything? Did I do something wrong?" Her mind was flooded with questions and self-doubt. She couldn''t understand why Rick had suddenly disappeared from her life, leaving her feeling abandoned and hurt. As the tears streamed down her cheeks, Emily tried to make sense of it all. She remembered the moments they had shared, theughter and the connection they had, and it only made her more confused. "Maybe he didn''t really care about me," she whispered to herself, the guilt and self-me consuming her, "Or maybe he is tired of me now." But deep down, she couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to the story, that there was a reason Rick had left without a word. She wanted answers and closure, but she didn''t know how to reach out to him. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rick entered his room, the bag of beer cansnding on the table with a thud. He was exhausted, physically and emotionally drained. As he copsed onto his bed, he could feel all the events of the day catching up to him. "Man, so much happened today," he muttered to himself. His mind quickly reyed the events of the day. The encounter with the old homeless man, the strange cane he received, the lightning strike, waking up in the hospital with the Lust system, his love tryst with Amanda, and now, the daunting thought of facing Emily tomorrow. "Ugh, what a mess," Rick sighed, burying his face in the pillow. He couldn''t believe how things had spiraled out of control in such a short period. He knew he had messed up with Emily, and he was feeling defeated. As hey on the bed, his mind kept going back to Emily. He couldn''t help but think about how hurt she must have been after his sudden disappearance. He had left her in the dark without any exnation, and he knew he had hurt her deeply. "I need to find a way to make it up to her," Rick muttered, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could face Emily and apologize for his actions. True, he had long exhausted his patience to wait for Emily to reciprocate his affection. He found it annoying to hear her constantly talk about Roy. But no matter what, she was her childhood friend. Away from home, they have only each other to depend on. "I need to draw the line," Rick thought to himself, "I can be friendly with her, but no way I am going to act like a simp. No... Never..." "After all, I have Amanda now," Rick suddenly thought of Amanda and his face bloomed with smile. "Such a sweet girl," [shback] After getting the nod from Rachel, Rick hurried to the reception to get his discharge papers. "Hello," Rick greeted the receptionist. "Hello sir, how may I help you?" "The thing is... I want to get discharged. And don''t worry Rachel, my doctor has already approved of it," Rick told the receptionist. "Just a moment, sir. Let me check with Doctor Rachel," The nurse said and picked the inte. She talked on it for a while, before hanging it up. "Sir, you need to fill the details, deposit the money for your treatment and you are good to go," the nurse said, smiling at Rick. "Money," only when the receptionist mentioned it, did Rick remember about it. It was a problem. He actually had no money. In fact, Rick had no money, and no cell phone to call someone for help. How was he going to leave? "Ahemm..." Rick, looked at the receptionist, embarrassed. He did not know how to say it to her, "Is there some way I can pay the hospital feester? When I was brought to the hospital, I didn''t have my phone, or my wallet with me." "You didn''t have your phone or wallet?" The receptionist looked at Rick and nodded in understanding, "It''s no problem, sir. You can use this phone to call your family or friend," The receptionist said, pointing at thendline phone beside them. "That..." Rick did not know what to say. Apart from Emily, he had no one to call sote at night. But he did not want to call her. "Here, I will pay for him," just as Rick was thinking who to call, Amanda showed up with a bag in her hand, "He is a friend of mine." "Your friend?" The receptionist looked at Amanda and Rick and without saying anything more, she took the card from Amanda. "No..." Rick stopped the receptionist and then looked at Amanda, "You don''t have to do this. I will just call my friends and..." "It''s alright. Just take it," Amanda said and then leaned forward to whisper into Rick''s ears, "Just think of it as your sugar mommy paying for a great sex." "Huh...?" Rick was stumped. Did he just be a gigolo? And what''s with the attitude? She was so embarrassed not to long ago, turning red even when he looked at her. And now she has totally redeemed herself. She was taking the lead. "Alright, let''s go," while he was lost, Amanda already paid his bill and spoke. "You really didn''t have to," Rick spoke, only to be red at by Amanda. "Why are you young guys like this?" Amanda frowned, "Look I don''t want to hassle with you. Here, take this and leave," Amanda pushed the bag she had into Rick''s arms and with hurried steps turned around to leave. "Don''t forget toe for a checkup," after she had walked a few steps, Amanda stopped. She turned to look at him, reminded him and then walked away. This time, not turning back. "What was that all about?" Rick looked at the retreating figure of Amanda and then at the bag he was holding. When he opened the bag, he found some clothes in it and a fifty dor bill. Most likely it was for him to take a taxi home. His heart felt warm when we looked at the stuff in his bag. Amanda might have acted different, but deep inside, she was just so sweet. [shback End] "How can someone actually break the heart of girl like her?" Rick murmured. In fact, he had clothes. He got them in the lottery spin. But he still chose to wear the clothes Amanda got him. "I should buy her a gift. Something good," As Ricky on his bed, his mind racing with thoughts of Amanda, a sudden jolt of realization shot through him. He remembered the notifications he had received from the system right after making love with Amanda. In a hurry, he sat straight and opened the Lust system to check the rewards. "Alright, let''s see what we got here," Rick muttered to himself as he looked through the system interface. And soon, a bunch of notifications popped in front of him. Ding! [ Quest: Have sex with Amanda Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Love: +1 Ero Points: +20000 EXP: +5000 ] Ding! [ Quest: Make Amanda give you a blowjob Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Ero Points: +2000 EXP: +3500 ] Ding! Ding! Ding! [First Sex reward: 1 Lottery Spin] [Sex Reward: +$50,000] [First Love Reward: 1 Summon Card] [Amanda First Love Reward: +$100] [Amanda Second Love Reward: +$1000] Rick''s eyes widened in surprise. "Damn, that''s quite a haul," he eximed, a mix of excitement and curiosity bubbling within him. He couldn''t believe the rewards he had received just from the system in just a day. Without dy, he opened his personal information. [ Host''s Name: Rick Smith Age: 22 years (Expected: 90 years ; Limit: 125 years) Gender: Male Cultivation Level: Mortal (24%) System Level: 1 Experience (EXP): 9900/10000 Skills: --- Summons: --- Sexual Encounters: 1 Harem: --- Quests in Progress: --- ] "My expected age has gone up," Rick looked at the information about him and looked at the change, "So if I don''t screw up and there are no mishaps, I am going to live a really long life. I suppose it''s a good thing." "Cultivation level... Hmmm..." Rick pondered, there was no ''?'' question mark or any other information about this thing. Yet, this has increased as well, "Well... Will see about it. It''s not a bad thing that''s for sure." "My Experience jumped up quite a bit. I am just 100 points short from reaching the max," Rick mused when he looked at Experience bar, "I wonder what will happen when it reaches maximum value." "Maybe the system will level up," Rick grinned, feeling a sense of aplishment. He had no idea what leveling up in the system meant, but it certainly felt like an achievement, "I can''t wait for it to level up. I am just one quest away from level up." "But before that... I have quite a few rewards to check out," Rick rubbed his hands thinking about the cash reward system gave him. He could practically smell the money. "Inventory." * * * * * [What gift should Rick give Amanda? Wrong answers only.] Chapter 18: Rewards and Emily

Chapter 18: Rewards and Emily

Chapter - 18 "Inventory," Rick thought and the inventory of the Lust System opened. In the numerous boxes in the inventory, two of them were upied. One had a big $ sign on it and below it $51,100 was written. It was the cash reward he just received. Rick clicked on it and a pop up appeared in front of him. [ Bnce: $51,100 Withdraw: _______ ] ''Okay, here''s the moment of truth,'' Rick thought, ''$100''. [ Withdraw $100? ] ''Yes,'' Rick approved. And then Rick waited. He continued to wait for something to happen, but nothing happened for some time and he found it odd. System has never disappointed him till now. So what''s with the no show this time? ''What if... What if the money was sent to my ount,'' Rick wondered. Rick had read a lot of such stories where such things happened. "Man, the IRS will be on my ass whenever I try to get my money. This is my bloody money," Rick sighed and face palmed himself. But then he felt something on his face. "This..." In Rick''s hand there was a $100 bill. Since it was just one bill, he didn''t feel it in his hand. "Hell yeah! That''s some real money right there," he eximed, his mind already racing with ideas of what he could do with the unexpected cash bonus. "This is so awesome... I won''t have to worry about being found out by the government anymore," Rick sighed in relief. Rick then had another thought, and the $100 from his hands were gone and it was again $51,100 on the screen. "Neat..." Rick nodded in appreciation. Next, his eyesnded on the other slot in the inventory. It was the "Summon Card." "Summon Card? Not bad," he chuckled, not entirely sure what the Summon Card entailed, but he had a feeling it was awesome. With just a thought, Rick clicked on the card and it appeared in his hand. It was like a big, solid tarot card with numerous designs on it. With the card, some information appeared in his mind as well. [ To summon your familiar, hold the card, and say "Summon." ] "Summon," Rick did as he was told. Suddenly the card in his hand shown brightly, bright enough to almost make him blind, and then it vanished. But another information appeared in his mind. [ Your summon will arrive in front of you within 48 hours. ] "Hmmm... So I won''t know what it is for two days," Rick felt a bit disappointed, given the anticipation he had for the summon card. Well, nothing he could do. After that, Rick hurriedly opened the shop and his attention then turned to the "1 Lottery Spin." "Oh, this could be interesting," Rick said with a mischievous grin. He clicked on the icon, and a familiar lottery machine appeared on the screen. With a press of a button, the machine started spinning, and Rick eagerly watched the symbols whirl before him. In no time, the wheel began to slow down... It slowly went from Premium, Epic, Legendary with each segment smaller than the previous. After a few heart-pounding moments, the spinning stopped, and a message appeared on the screen: "Congrattions! You''ve won a Basic reward: $69,900" "Ha! That''s what I''m talking about!" Rick cheered, feeling a rush of excitement. He clicked on the reward, and the message disappeared. When he checked the inventory, the cash he had has already increased. It was now $121,000. "This just keeps getting better," Rickughed. He was already a rich man now. As he closed the system, Rick couldn''t help but feel a mix of excitement, curiosity, and a bit of caution. The rewards were enticing, but he also knew that he couldn''t let the system control his emotions and rtionships. But in front of all the rewards, caution hardly mattered. And it did not look like the system meant anything bad for now. So why not just enjoy it? "What am I getting myself into?" he questioned himself, feeling both excited and apprehensive about the newfound powers the system granted him. As he thought about it, his eyes slowly began to close. The exhaustion was finally catching up to him. ''At least it is real,'' It was the final thought he had before he drifted into slumber, ''Oh wait, I forgot to check my Ero Points. Maybe I will do it tomorrow.'' ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Ding-Dong" "Aghh," Emily groaned as she frowned in her sleep. "Ding-Dong," the doorbell sounded again, pulling Emily out of her groggy slumber. When she opened her eyes, she frowned as she realized she had fallen asleep right against the door. "Why am I here?" Emily thought, but then the memory fromst night flooded her. She was waiting for Rick all evening and when he did came, he left without even exining anything. Emily then cried sitting by the door before she fell asleep there itself. "Ding-Dong!" "Who is it?" she grumbled, her voice muffled by her drowsiness. "Ding-Dong," But she got no answer. Instead, the persistent ringing continued, making Emily''s annoyance grow. "I heard you the first time! Give me a second to open the door," she shouted, her patience wearing thin. She stumbled to her feet, rubbing her eyes to wake herself up. With her eyes still half-closed, Emily opened the door, only to find Rick standing there with a smile on his face. Her surprise was evident in the way she stammered, "You... You... What are you doing here?" "What else? Don''t we have sses?" Rick replied yfully, "Why aren''t you ready yet?" "You are here to pick me up?" Emily asked, still uncertain about the situation. "Why else would I be here? Silly," Rick gently knocked on Emily''s head with his knuckles, teasingly. "Now hurry up and get ready... We are alreadyte for school," he urged, yfully pushing Emily inside her apartment. "And don''t you dare skip the bath," he added with a smirk. He grabbed a towel and pushed her inside the bathroom. Emily entered the bathroom, still trying to make sense of Rick''s unexpected visit. As she stood under the shower, she couldn''t help but think about the events fromst night and theplete one-eighty turn in Rick''s behavior right now. Rick, in the meantime, cleaned up Emily''s room with a sense of amusement. "Geez, this room is a mess," he muttered to himself, picking up clothes and rearranging things. Rick was more than energetic today. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Click! As the door clicked open, Rick turned around with a yfulint on his lips. "Finally! What took you so long to take a shower?" Rick said, trying to sound exasperated, "You weren''t doing something naughty, were you?" Emily, however, was too flustered to respond to hisint. Her eyes widened in shock as she looked at him. Rick right now was holding her bra in his hands. She blushed furiously, feeling a rush of embarrassment and panic all at once. "Oh my god, Rick! What are you doing with... with... my bra?" she eximed, her voice slightly squeaky. Rick nced down at the bra in his hands and then back at Emily, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Rx, Em, it''s just a bra," he said, trying to downy the situation. "But... But still!" Emily stammered, her face now turning a shade of crimson. Rick chuckled, knowing he was teasing her, but he couldn''t resist adding, "I mean, I''ve probably seen all your bras and panties by now, right? After all the times I''ve cleaned up your messy room!" Emily''s embarrassment reached a whole new level, and she felt like crawling into a hole and hiding. She knew he was right. He had helped her clean her apartment god knows how many times. "That was different?" she muttered, barely audible. And before Rick could respond, she suddenly lunged toward Rick to snatch her bra from his hands. However, her feet were still wet from the shower, and as she moved, she slipped on the tiled floor. "Whoa!" Rick eximed, catching Emily in his arms just in time to prevent her from falling t on her face. Rick fell on the floor, with Emily on top of him, and their faces mere inches apart. The air crackled with electricity as Emily and Ricky there, their faces only inches apart. Rick''s arm was wrapped around Emily''s waist, holding her close. His eyes locked onto hers with a tender smile, sending her heart racing. Emily''s breath hitched as she felt the warmth of Rick''s body against hers. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel the blood rushing to her cheeks. It was a moment of intense intimacy, and she could hardly believe that this was real. Ding! [ Quest: Tease Emily Time Duration: 10 Minutes. Rewards: Temptation: +5; Ero points: 500 ] This time, Rick was not surprised when he saw the prompt. They were in a situation where Rick was almost waiting for the system to give him something. Without wasting a second, Rick opened the system and Emily''s information was in front of him. [ Name: Emily rke Age: 23 years Carnal Calibrator: 55/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''What the hell? How is this possible?" Rick thought to himself when he looked at the information in front of him. Why was Emily''s Carnal Calibrator already so high? It didn''t make any sense. He remembered even Amanda''s was not this high. Not to mention he knew Emily was not interested him in at all. Or was there something he missed? So Rick decided to follow the System''s lead. Rick''s thumb gently brushed against Emily''s cheek, and she closed her eyes, savoring the touch. "You are so beautiful," he whispered, his voice low and filled with emotion. "What?" Emily''s eyes shot open, her eyes almost ready to pop out of her sockets. "Leave your underwear. You dressed in the towel is even more tempting. I want to do so many things with you, "Rick continued. "Wh... Wha..." Finally Emily remembered that because Rick pushed her inside the bathroom with just a towel, she was only draped in a towel right now. She wasn''t wearing anything else on her. "But we are gettingte for college, "Rick said and helped Emily stand straight. "Hurry up and get ready. I am waiting for you outside, "Rick said and walked out of the room, leaving a stumped Emily behind. Ding! [ Quest: Tease Emily Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Temptation: +5 Ero Points: +500 ] [ Name: Emily rke Age: 23 years Carnal Calibrator: 60/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] * * * * * Q. Why would the Carnal Calibrator be 55 for Emily? Chapter 19: Emily and Rick are friends

Chapter 19: Emily and Rick are friends

Chapter - 19 "Hey Ryan, do you mind if I sat here for this ss?" Emily asked Ryan. Ryan was Rick''s bench-mate, but Emily hoped that she could sit with Rick and clear the misunderstanding from yesterday. It was thest ss of the day. She had hoped that Rick would tell her why he ditched herst evening on their way to college, but Rick never brought it up. And that made Emily even more restless. She had hoped to y it hard, when Rick would make excuses, but to her surprise, it looked like Rick didn''t care to give her an exnation. And that bothered her the most. Every other time, Rick would try to pacify her even if it was her in the wrong. And though she felt about it, the thought that she was the most important in his eyes, outweighed the guilt. But not this time, and she had to ask. "Sure, I will let you two lovebirds enjoy some ''alone'' time," Ryan sneakily winked at Rick when he said that. And Rick could only smile to that. He knew what Ryan was trying to do. And before yesterday, he might have been dancing inside, thanking Ryan and even his ancestors. But things have changed. He had the omnipotent system, gorgeous Amanda, and he had lost his virginity. He was an experienced man now. Emily nervously cleared her throat before speaking, "Rick... about yesterday..." But before she could finish, Rick quickly interjected, his voice a bit stern, "Emily, I... I don''t want to make any excuses, okay?" Rick cleared. When Emily heard Rick, her heart was pounding in her chest, and worry filled her thoughts. She feared that whatever Rick was about to say would only confirm her worst fears ¨C that she was not as important to him as she had hoped. Rick looked taken aback by the expression on Emily''s face, his brows furrowing with concern. "Emily, it''s not what you think," Rick tried to exin. "No, Rick, please," Emily pleaded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I don''t want to know if it''s because of someone else, someone more important to you, that you forgot about me." Her vulnerabilityy bare, and Emily felt a knot forming in her stomach. Rick frowned when he saw the tears in Emily''s eyes. Somehow, instead of getting affected by them, he felt a tinge of irritation growing inside him. Still, he had some basic decency. He reached out to hold her hand gently, trying to reassure her, "Emily, It''s not about anyone else." But Emily pulled her hand away, not wanting to beforted just yet. She needed to understand, to be sure that her feelings were not misced. "Then why didn''t youe yesterday?" Emily asked, her voice tinged with a mix of hurt and worry. Rick sighed, looking regretful, "I got caught up with something unexpected, and I couldn''t make it in time. I should have called or messaged you. But my phone... I lost my phone as well." Emily felt conflicted. On one hand, she wanted to believe him, but on the other, doubt still lingered in her mind. "Something unexpected? Like what?" She asked, unable to hide the insecurity in her voice. Rick hesitated for a moment, then sighed again, "It''s kinda hard to believe and a bitplicated." He then leaned closer to Emily and took a deep breath before speaking, "Em, I know it sounds crazy, but I swear it''s true. I got struck by lightning yesterday!" Emily raised an eyebrow, looking at him skeptically. "Come on, Rick, you expect me to believe that? Struck by lightning? Seriously?" she said, trying to hide the small flicker of concern in her eyes. "I know, I know, it sounds insane," Rick replied, throwing his arms. Even he found the events from yesterday unbelievable. "But it really happened! I was walking back from the store with beer, and then suddenly, BAAM! Lightning struck me!" Rick told Emily. He skipped the all about meeting with the old, homeless man. When she heard Rick, Emily squinted her eyes, ring at Rick. Rick could easily guess what she was thinking. [ 1. Say sorry, and apologize to Emily. (Temptation +10) 2. Say you don''t care if she believes you or not. (Temptation -10) ] At this moment the prompt showed up again with two choices. Rick looked at the choices and almost shook his head. Because of the system, the choices he made were so different now. "No... I don''t think you are a fool. And I am not trying to make up a lie. Every word I said is true," Rick spoke without Emily saying anything, "If you don''t want to believe, you don''t have to. It doesn''t matter to me anyway." Emily couldn''t help but frown when she heard Rick. That was not he talked to her in the past. She could feel something was wrong this time. "You are telling the truth?" Emily asked. "Why should I lie to you?" "Okay, Mr. Lightning Ma, what happened next?" Emily asked, crossing her arms. Rick sighed, relieved that she was at least engaging in the conversation, "Well, I woke up in the hospital. "Hospital?" Emily asked, softening a little. "Yeah, though I am fine now," Rick nodded. Just as Rick wanted to tell more Emily more, the ss suddenly went silent. A beautiful young woman had just walked into the room. It was Megan Woods. "Good afternoon, ss. I hope you''re all ready for today''s lesson," Miss Woods greeted the ss with a stern look on her face. Rick and Emily exchange a quick nce before returning their attention to the teacher. The story had to wait for now. Soon, Miss Words turned her back towards the students and started writing on the board. "So, what happened after the lightning strike? You said you woke up in the hospital?" Apparently, Emily could not wait any longer. "Yeah, I woke up in the hospital. But luckily the lightening did not strike me directly. I was knocked out by the impact of it," Rick whispered back. "That''s good... You got lucky. Otherwise..." "Is there something you''d like to share with the ss, Rick and Emily?" Miss Woods saw the two of them whispering, and called them out. "That..." "Both of you out of my ss," Miss Woods didn''t even listen to them and threw them out. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "She is scary," walking through the corridors, Rick mentioned. "Maybe she is in a bad mood," Emily shrugged, "Are you going to the apartment?" "I need to stop at a store and get a new phone. The thing is, when the lightning struck, I kinda lost my phone," Rubbing the back of his neck, Rick told Emily. "Are you sure you can afford a new phone right now?" Emily asked, worried. "Ah, don''t worry about that. I''ll manage somehow." Rick waved his hand dismissively. "No, I want to help. After all, it''s all because of me. I can pitch in some money, you know," Emily insisted. "I appreciate the offer, but I can''t let you pay for my phone. It''s not like I''m broke or anything," Rick refused to take money from Emily. "Are you sure about that?" Emily teased Rick. "Just don''t ask me to buy beer for you... I will already save a fortune on that," Rickughed. "Seriously, you want to bring that up?" Emily rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, if it makes you feel better, you cane with me to buy the phone. But no giving me money, okay? I''ll manage." Rick said, grinning. "Cool. So, where are we going?" Emily asked. "There''s a store just a few blocks away. They have some good deals on phones, and I can check out what options they have." "Sounds like a n. Let''s go!" Emily agreed. As they walked towards the tech store, Rick and Emily bantered yfully, sharing inside jokes and teasing each other like old friends often do. Emily''s heart swelled with happiness, grateful that Rick was by her side despite their recent misunderstandings. As they reached the store, Rick took his time browsing through the various phone options, and Emily apanied him, offering her opinions and suggestions. Theyughed and yfully debated over which phone would suit Rick best. [ Quest: Flirt with Emily. Time Duration: 10 Minutes. Rewards: Temptation: +5; Cash: $5,000 ] Rick looked at the Quest and sighed. Not that the rewards were bad. They were good, but Rick was hoping to get a Experience rewards. He was just 100 points away from, from reaching the max level. But thest two quests gave him no Experience points. ''Well...'' "Hey, look at this one! It has a super cool camera. You could take amazing photos with it," Emily showed a phone to Rick. "That does look pretty sweet. But you know I''m not much of a photographer," Rick said, and whispered, "But with you Em. I''d love to capture every moment with you." Emily froze when she heard Rick. Her face flustered. This was the second time today Rick managed to make her heart skip a beat. She quickly averted eye contact with Rick and turned around to look at other phones. As she looked around, trying to avoid Rick, Emily suddenly stopped. Her eyes fixed on something. * * * * * Chapter 20: Nurse Lisa

Chapter 20: Nurse Lisa

Chapter - 20 On the cash counter, a father and daughter duo were paying for aptop. The daughter was hanging on her father''s arm, looking all excited. She could not contain the happiness on her face. And looking at the smile on the girl''s face, Emily felt jealousy in her heart. Rick followed her gaze and he also saw that scene. He could understand the turmoil in Emily''s heart. He knew about her family. Her father was just another hobo who got lucky somehow. He married a beautiful woman, Emily''s mother, Olivia. The woman was also Rick''s first love. His childhood crush. After his marriage to Olivia, that man soon lost whatever little reason he had. All he did was drink all day, and fight with Olivia. Olivia tried her best to bring him to his senses, but to no avail. Finally, Olivia took everything in her own hand. Olivia took a huge gamble. She took a huge loan to start her own cafe. In a town like theirs, it was hard to sustain a cafe, but Olivia worked hard. And it finally paid off. It was not too much, but the cafe provided enough for Olivia to sustain a good life, for herself and her daughter as well. There was more to the story, but Rick knew what was the problem right now. At this moment, another prompt showed up in front of Rick. [1. Buy Emily an expensive smartphone. (Temptation +10) 2. Ignore her and save money. (Temptation +0) ] Rick looked at the choices and was in a dilemma. Money was not an issue. But if he were to choose the first option, Emily might be one of the potential harem members. And with Amanda, he wasn''t sure how it would pan out. Thinking about the consequences, Rick opened the system and Emily''s details. [ Name: Emily rke Age: 23 years Carnal Calibrator: 55/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''Right now she is at fifty-five,'' Rick thought, ''Even if I buy her the phone, it would only be sixty-five.'' ''I have enough time to think about it,'' Rick nodded to himself. After the father and daughter left the store after paying the bill, Rick along with Emily walked towards the counter. "Hello sir... What would you like me to show you?" The man behind the counter asked. "I want to buy a phone. Show me the best you have," Rick said. "Certainly sir," the man nodded and then looked at Rick from top to bottom. Rick wasn''t wearing anything extravagant, and this nted some doubt in the man''s mind, "Your budget sir?" "Don''t worry about it. I am not here to waste your time," Rick smiled, assuring the man. He could guess what he was thinking. On the other hand, Emily tried to talk to Rick, but he just ignored her. The man nodded. Since Rick said that, he chose to believe him. Even if he didn''t believe him, what else could he do? Rick was after all, a customer. Soon, the man ced four or five different smartphones in front of Rick and exined the features of each one of them, one by one. "I will buy this one," Rick picked one and told the man, "Give me two of these." "Two?" The man looked surprised. "Yeah... One for me, and one for my friend over here," Rick smiled, pointing at Emily. "Hey Rick... I don''t want it. My phone is perfectly fine," Emily was taken aback. "Don''t sweat it," Rick waved his hand and brushed off her concern. He can''t be her ''daddy'' but he can at least provide her somefort. "How much is it with all the essories?" Rick asked the man. "With all the essories, one phone would cost you $1612. Well, I will round it off to $1600," the man said. "Cool. Give me two pieces,"Rick nodded and put his hand in his pocket. In actuality, he was getting the money from the system. As he did that, Rick thought of trying something. He again pulled out Emily''s information. [ Name: Emily rke Age: 23 years Carnal Calibrator: 65/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''What if I did something erroneous without getting the choice from the system?'' He then tried to test it out. "Shit... I didn''t bring my wallet with me," Rick eximed. "No problem, sir," the man smiled, "You can transfer money online." "I lost my phone, why else do you think I am here?" Rick helplessly smiled. "..." Emily looked at Rick with her eyes wide open, ''Why did he have to brag if he didn''t have the money? If it was $500 - $600, she could have at least put it on her credit card. But now?'' [ Name: Emily rke Age: 23 years Carnal Calibrator: 60/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] And sure enough, the temptation dropped by five points. ''So, I can loose points this way as well,'' Rick was done experimenting so he hurriedly tried to manage the situation. "I''m joking! I''m joking," Rickughed it off and put $3200 on the counter. Paying for the phones, he pulled Emily out of the store immediately. "You... How can you joke like this?" Emilyined. "I was just joking... Come, we don''t have time to waste. I need to pick my bike," Rick didn''t want to exin anymore, so he changed the subject. * * * * * "Hey, where are you going?" Leaning against the apartment gate, Emily asked. They had just arrived to their apartmentplex. But instead of following to her inside, Rick was ready to leave somewhere. "Oh, I have ns with a friend. You know, catching up and stuff," Rick said, smiling. "Really? Which friend?" Emily asked, curiously. "Just a buddy of mine. We''re grabbing a drink and reminiscing about the good old days," Rick replied nonchntly. He was not lying though. Rick was going to the hospital for the checkup. And after that he was nning on meeting Amanda and reminiscence about the ''good times'' they spent. "Hmm, I didn''t know you had friends like that," Emily raised her eyebrow. "Oh,e on, don''t be like that. Of course, I have friends! Just because you don''t see them around doesn''t mean they don''t exist," Rick yfully said. "Uh-huh, sure. So, what''s your friend''s name?" Emily tried to dig. "Why do you sound like a jealous girlfriend," Rick smirked. "Geez, Whose your girlfriend? I am just trying to make sure you don''t get cat-fished or anything," Emily pretended to be offended. "You dork. Go have fun with ''your'' friend," Emily twisted her lips and cursed. "I will, don''t you worry. And hey, if you get bored..." "Don''t even think about calling me... Hahaha..." And with that, Rick rode away on his bike. "Like hell I will..." Emily stomped her feet, as she yelled at Rick who was already far away. As Rick rode away on his bike, Emily stood there, watching him leave. Finally the anger in her heart vanished, and something else took ce. She couldn''t shake the feeling of emptiness in her chest. It wasn''t jealousy or suspicion; it was something deeper, a sense of longing. "But you don''t have friends..." Emily murmured to herself. Emily: (cing a hand on her chest) "Why does it bother me so much? He''s allowed to have other friends." She sighed, trying to shake off the strange feeling that was gnawing at her. But it was hard to ignore the pang of loneliness she felt at the thought of Rick being with someone else. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rick walked through the familiar halls of the hospital, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He had dropped Emily off at the apartmentplex and now he was back for his checkup. His heart raced a little as he approached Rachel''s office. He wasn''t sure what to expect, but he hoped that things would go smoothly. He knocked on the door, and after a moment, Rachel''s voice called out, "Come in." Rick entered the office to find Rachel seated behind her desk, her eyes focused on some reports. She nced up briefly, her expression neutral. "Hey, doc! Ready to give me a clean bill of health?" Don''t know why, but whenever Rick saw Rachel, he felt like teasing with her. "We''ll see about that. Have a seat." Rachel kept up her professional face. Rick took a seat in front of her desk, trying to gauge her mood. There was an underlying tension in the room, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that Rachel was still harboring some resentment. "So, how have you been feeling since you were discharged?" Rachel asked. "I''m alive, so that''s a good start, I guess." Rick joked. "The lightning strike could''ve been much worse. You''re lucky to havee out of it rtively unscathed." Rachel spoke seriously. "Right. So, have you experienced any unusual symptoms since the incident?" Rachel asked further. "Well, I did try talking to my toaster this morning, but it didn''t respond. Does that count?" Rick said, pretending to think. "Very funny. We''ll need to run some tests to make sure everything is alright. I will have someone take you to the testing area," "Is that Amanda?" Rick asked. "I don''t know. Whosoever is avable will take you. Now, if you''ll excuse me, I have more patients to attend to." "Alright then. Should I wait here?" Rick was disappointed. "No. Wait outside," Rachel said. "Ok... Thanks Doc," As Rick left Rachel''s office, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of disappointment. He had secretly hoped that Amanda would be the one to conduct his tests. He wanted to see Amanda. Rick: (murmuring to himself) "Guess I''ll just have to wait for another opportunity." Pretty soon while Rick waited outside, a nurse came and stopped in front of him. It was not Amanda, but Rick was still surprised to see her there. "Rick?" The nurse asked, to which Rick nodded. "Please follow me." The nurse led him through the maze of corridors to the testing area, and Rick followed her silently. After a while, Rick decided to engage in some small talk. "So, what''s your name?" Rick smilingly asked. "I''m Nurse Lisa." The nurse answered. "Nice to meet you, Nurse Lisa. I hope you''re gentle with the needles." Rick tried to joke. "I''ll do my best not to make you cry." Nurse Lisa said, smirking. She was beginning to loosen up. "That''s reassuring." Rick chuckled. Soon, they reached the testing area, and Rick was subjected to a battery of tests ¨C blood pressure, ECG, and various other checks. Nurse Lisa was efficient and professional. "How is your day going?" Rick asked as he got up after the final test. "Busy, but boring as always," nurse Lisa shrugged. "Well, I hope dealing with a troublemaker like me adds some excitement to your day," Rick said, putting his arm over Nurse Lisa''s shoulder. He made it look natural. "You''re not that much trouble, young man," Nurse Lisa smiled. "Young man?" Hearing her, Rick smiled helplessly. "Tell me something, Lisa... Can I call you Lisa?" "Sure..." Nurse Lisa nodded. "If I am a young man. Are you perhaps into married men? Or Men with Girlfriends," Rick asked, his lips curled into a disdainful smile. "Excuse Me? * * * * * Q. Who is Nurse Lisa? [A/N: Please guys, Leavement on chapters and vote with power stones] Chapter 21: Guinea pig for the ’Experiment’

Chapter 21: Guinea pig for the ''Experiment''

Chapter - 21 Nurse Lisa looked taken aback, "Excuse me!" "Just asking," Rick waved his arms, and went inside to change back into his clothes, "Thanks, Nurse Lisa. You''ve been a real trooper." Nurse Lisa was Amanda''s colleague who Rick and Amanda saw making out with Amanda''s boyfriendst night. On the outside, Nurse Lisa had always been known for her professionalism and dedication to her job. However, behind the scenes, everyone knew how much of a sex crazed bitch she was, looking for preys everywhere. In fact, everyone was afraid of their husbands or boyfriendsing to the hospital just because of her. Who knows, which one of them she might end up taking fancy to. And this time, it was Amanda who got unlucky. She was new to the hospital, and hardly knew the stories. Nurse Lisa befriended her quickly. But Amanda did not know what she was actually getting into. Nurse Lisa had been involved in the secret affair with Amanda''s boyfriend for almost a month now. Their rtionship had started innocently enough, with casual conversations and friendly exchanges whenever Amanda''s boyfriend came to visit her. But over time, those interactions had turned into something more intimate. Amanda could see that her boyfriend, and her new friend were getting too close to each other. But her trust in them, always made her brush away the red gs. Nurse Lisa had always been a bit of a risk-taker, and the thrill of the forbidden had drawn her towards him. Soon they started to hide things from Amanda, messages began to flow, and it was not long before they couldn''t resist the excitement of meeting secretly. What began from behind closed doors, soon came to light. Amanda finally saw her boyfriend and Nurse Lisa secretly going to the back of the hospital. And what she saw there broke her heart. Or maybe it would have broken her heart if not for Rick finding her there. It may have been a rebound, but Rick did manage tofort Amanda, and not let her slip into the darkness of depression. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rick returned to Rachel''s office after he was done with the tests. Rachel looked up from her paperwork as he entered. "Back again. Miss me?" Rick grinned. "Not really." Rachel rolled her eyes when he looked at Rick. "Ouch, Doc. You wound me with your words," Rick rubbed his chest as he leaned on the door frame. "I''m sure you''ll recover," Rachel found his acting funny, "Don''t just stand there. Come inside." "Oh, I guess you know I am a tough one to bring down." Rick grinned as he walked inside and sat in front of her. Raising an eyebrow, Rachel asked sarcastically, "Is that so?" "Absolutely. I''ve faced lightning, after all. Your harsh remarks are no match for that," Rick nodded. "You have an answer for everything, don''t you?" Rachel shook her head in defeat. "Comes with the territory of being irresistibly charming," Rick said winking at her. ''Where does he get all this confidence from?'' Rachel wondered, ''Well, he is indeed good looking. But still...'' Rachel tried not to smile, "I don''t think anyone''s ever used you of that." Rick leaned towards Rachel, "Well, they must be blind then. But I know you are not one of them." "You''re impossible," Rachel yfully scoffed. One could even see her cheeks turn slight shade of pink. "You know, Doc, I have to say, you''re quite the multitasker," Rick said with a meaningful smirk on his face. "And what makes you say that?" Rachel asked, raising her eyebrow. She was curious hearing him. "Well, you manage to juggle being a stern doctor and a blushing schoolgirl at the same time," Rick said with a grin. "Don''t be ridiculous," Rachel blushed even more. "Oh,e on. You''re blushing. Admit it." Rachel rolled her eyes, trying to act tough, "I''m not blushing." "Denial only makes it worse, you know," Rick sighed. "Let''s get back to business, shall we?" Rachel tried to regain herposure, "I have other appointments as well." "Of course, Doctor. But remember, I''m always here to brighten up your day," Rick said. "Lucky me," Rachel sarcastically said. "You know what Doctor, they say thatughter is the best medicine. So let me bring some joy in your boring, dull life," Rick with a mischievous grin "Rick, I highly doubt that would be considered medical advice," Rachel said. "Oh,e on, Doctor. You''re a professional. You can handle a little... humor," Rick chuckled. "I think I''ll stick to more conventional methods of treatment, thank you," Rachel said, smiling a bit. Rick asked, leaning in with a yful glint in his eye, "Are you sure? Because I''ve got a joke that''ll surely make your day." "Alright, indulge me." Rachel finally gave in. Rick grinned, getting her get go, "Why did theputer go to therapy?" Rachel shook her head, "I don''t know, why?" "Because it had too many ''bytes'' of emotional baggage!" Rick grinned. But Rachel looked the same, there wasn''t even a smile on her face, "Rick, that''s terrible." "Ahemm... I guess it didn''t do the trick?" Rick coughed dryly. "Let me try again," Rick said, not loosing hope, "This will definitely raise your heart rate." "Raise my heart rate? Okay... go ahead. I will give you one more try," Rachel indulged him further. "You are a doctor, right?" Rick asked and Rachel nodded, "So tell me what is the difference between a boyfriend and a condom?" Rachel thought for a while but couldn''te up with an answer. She picked up the ss of water on her table and said, "I don''t know, what is it?" "Well, condoms have evolved, they are not so thick and insensitive anymore." "Pfft..." Rachel almost choked on her water and coughed hard. She spit all the water in her mouth on Rick. Rick''s face was all covered in water and saliva. "Cough... I am... Cough... So sorry... Cough," Rachel apologized and handed him a few tissues in hurry. "Don''t know if I should be happy or..." Rick wiped his face as he looked at Rachel with using eyes. "No... No... I am seriously sorry," Rachel didn''t dare look at Rick in his eyes. But inside, she was cursing him hard. She mentally scolded Rick for his audacity while desperately hoping for some kind of distraction to rescue her from the awkward situation. ''Did he really just say that? What kind of a joke was that?'' Rachel thought, her face flushing slightly. ''I can''t believe he''s testing the limits of my professionalism like this.'' ''Increase my heart rate, my foot,'' Rachel scolded Rick, but on the outside she had regret on her face. She continued to hand him tissues after tissues. ''But my heart did indeed... No, don''t think about it." Rachel desperately wished for someone to help her out of this awkward moment. Just as Rachel wished for an escape route, the universe seemed to answer her plea. The door swung open, and Nurse Lisa entered the room, holding Rick''s test reports. Rachel felt a rush of relief at the timing ¨C anything to divert the attention away from Rick''s humorously inappropriate remarks. "Here are the reports, Doct... Is everything alright?" Nurse Lisa cheerfully entered the room, but when she saw the scene in front of her, she was a bit taken aback. Rachel was almost falling on Rick, holding tissues in her hand. Rachel practically snatched the reports from Nurse Lisa''s hand, her face hidden behind the papers as she tried to suppress a smile. She quickly flipped through the pages, not even bothering to nce up at Rick. She hoped that Nurse Lisa''s presence would steer the conversation back to a more professional tone. "Thank you, Lisa. I''ll look these over." Rachel mumbled. "Everything alright, Doctor? You seem a bit... flustered," Nurse Lisa looked suspicious. Rachel''s cheeks flushed even more as she fought to keep herposure. "Just a busy day, that''s all. Everything''s fine," Rachel said, clearing her throat. Nurse Lisa didn''t say anything else. She shot Rick a knowing look, her lips twitching as if she were holding back a smirk. Rachel''s heart sank when she saw the look on Nurse Lisa''s face. It seemed like she might have caught onto the underlying tension in the room, despite Rachel''s best efforts to hide it. "Well, if you need anything else, I''ll be around," Nurse Lisa said winking at Rick. "Sure, why not? Thanks, Nurse Lisa." Rick grinned. As Nurse Lisa exited the room, Rachel finally looked up from the reports, her gaze meeting Rick''s amused expression. She rolled her eyes at him, a mixture of exasperation and amusement evident in her look. "Hey, at least my joke brought a smile to your face," Rick chuckled. "You''re unbelievable," Rachel yfully scolded. [ 1. Stop teasing Rachel (Temptation +0) 2. Tell Rachel, she enjoys yourpany (Temptation +5) ] "Admit it, Doc. You secretly enjoy mypany," Rick said, grinning. "You''re lucky I have a sense of humor," Rachel said shaking her head, helplessly. Rick''s yful banter was certainly a wee change of pace, even if it asionally veered into the realm of innuendo. Rachel couldn''t deny that it added a bit of excitement to her usual routine interactions. As she continued to review the test reports, she found herself chuckling softly despite herself, grateful for the lightheartedness that Rick brought into her life, even if it came with a fair share of blush-inducing moments. Rick chuckled as he heard her. He had already opened her information. [ Name: Rachel Williams Age: 34 years Carnal Calibrator: 55/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] As he looked at the information, Rick suddenly had a thought, What would happen if he were to leave someone hanging at over 90 temptation? Rick looked at Rachel who was reading the reports. "Should I try it on her? She is already at 55, just a push and..." But Rick quickly dropped the idea. Rachel was a beauty and despite the coldness. She did her job pretty well with all seriousness. He should not return the favor like that. It would he horrible to do this to a beauty like her. ''Then who should Rick experiment on?'' * * * * * Q. Who do you think is the best candidate to try this on? Chapter 22: Lisa... Oh My Darling

Chapter 22: Lisa... Oh My Darling

Chapter - 22 "I should get going then," After discussing the reports with Rachel, Rick stood up to leave. "Wait! Where are you going?" Rachel stopped Rick. "I think we are done here. I need to get going. I have ns," Rick chuckled. "ns with who... I mean... I haven''t even exined you about your reports yet," Rachel almost slipped her inner thoughts. "C''mon. You would have grabbed my ass and strapped me to a bed by now if there was something wrong with my reports," Rick said with a meaningful grin. "Still... At least..." Rachel felt awkward under Rick''s gaze. Ding! "So you actually enjoy mypany. Why not just say it clearly?" Rick grinned, "Why beat around the bush?" "Look Mr Rick, I am already engaged. I have no interest in you. You''re actually lucky that I have a sense of humor. If it was someone else..." Rachel did notplete it, but Rick knew what she meant. "But since it''s you..." Rick stopped and didn''t say anymore himself. "Rick..." Rachel got on first name basis. The formalities were gone between them, "We... We don''t have a chance." ''No...'' Suddenly Rick heard a voice from within himself. ''But...'' Now there was another voice. This time in his head. ''Stop it,'' The first voice spoke again. It was Rick''s heart. ''But...'' The second voice tried to protest. It was actually his brain. "No... She is a married woman... She just said that,'' Rick''s heart warned his brain. ''Does it matter?'' The brain frowned. ''Yes, it does... There are some women we don''t hit on,'' The heart lectured the brain. ''Why not? Every hole out there is for plowing,'' The brain retorted, "If I follow your logic, which you clearly don''t have, who is he going to fuck? Every chick out there is someone''s daughter, sister, mother, or wife...'' ''He has Amanda...'' Heart said. ''But she is just one girl." The brain looked at heart as if he was looking at some stupid ass shit. ''Why does it matter?'' The heart looked offended. ''He is supposed to build a Harem, numbskull... If there is a beautiful woman in front of him, he is suppose to fuck her brains out. That is what he is suppose to do," The brain said, reprimanding the heart. "Should he? Or should he live like a gentleman?" The heart wasn''t convinced. "Are you an idiot or what? Believe me, if you weren''t pumping blood to me, I would have chopped you into pieces, stir-fried you, and fed it to someone dog. And for apology, I would have made this guy offer his ass as a present to some LGBTQ plus... plus... plus guy." The brain threatened. "Enough," It was getting out of hand so Rick had to intervene, ''No one gets to plug my hole. No one, you fucking freak of a brain.'' "I think I should really leave," And with that, Rick stormed out of the room in a sh. "What the fucking hell was that?" Before Rachel could even understand what just happened, Rick was already out of her cabin, ''Is he going to cry after getting rejected?'' "Was I too hard on him?" Rachel looked at the door of her cabin and thought. Good thing that she did not know that conversation happening inside of him, and that Rick almost had a fleeting thought of experimenting on her. Lets let her live in this thought for the rest of her life. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Walking out of Rachel''s office, Rick strolled through the hospital corridors, his mind slightly preupied as he looked around for a certain nurse. It wasn''t Amanda he was seeking this time, but Nurse Lisa. He had a question he needed to ask her, and he hoped she could provide some insights. After a brief search, he found himself standing at the reception desk, a friendly receptionist looking up at him with a smile. "Oh... You are back. Are you done with your tests?" The receptionist cheerfully asked. "Yeah, it was all good. Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me where I can find Nurse Lisa?" Rick quickly cut to the chase. "Sure thing. She''s usually stationed on the third floor, but let me just double-check for you," The receptionist nodded. But before the receptionist could look up Nurse Lisa''s exact location, a voice from behind Rick interrupted their conversation. "Looking for me, are you, pretty boy?" Nurse Lisa teased Rick. Rick turned around, a surprised grin spreading across his face as he saw Nurse Lisa walking up to him. Her yful smile matched his own, and he realized he didn''t need the receptionist''s help after all. "Speak of the devil, and she shall appear," Rick mumbled to himself. But he had a smile on his face. "Well, I was just about to ask the receptionist, but since you''re here¡­" Rick chuckled. "You just couldn''t wait, huh?" Lisa looked at Rick with a teasing smile. "What can I say? Patience isn''t my strong suit," Rick shrugged and yed along. "Fair enough. So, what can I do for you?" Lisa covered her mouth, trying not tough. "I was actually hoping we could chat for a bit."Rick said, leaning against the counter. "Chat? That''s not a usual request from you." Lisa raised her eyebrow. Rick couldn''t help but notice how Nurse Lisa''s eyes sparkled when they engaged in their yful banter. As they stood near the reception, he decided to seize the opportunity and offer her a few genuinepliments. "You know, Lisa, you''ve got this way of lighting up a room with your energy. It''s pretty infectious," Rick praised Lisa. "Oh,e on. You''re just saying that." Nurse Lisa said blushing. "No, really. I''m not the only one who thinks so," Rick took a step closer and said. Nurse Lisa yfully batted hershes, "Well, I''ll take thepliment, then." "And that smile of yours... Auhh... Your smile is an instant mood lifter," "ttery will get you everywhere, won''t it?" Nurse Lisa wanted to sound unbothered, but the slight smile on her face and her red cheeks betrayed her. Nurse Lisa actually loved thosepliments from Rick. She found herself enjoying the interaction. She knew the boy in front of her was most likely trying to charm her with ttery but she actually appreciated his light-heartedpliments. "So, Mr. Smooth Talker, what''s the asion for all thesepliments?" Nurse Lisa lightly tugging her hair. "No asion, just stating the facts." Rick shrugged. "Uh-huh, sure," Lisa rolled her eyes. "Hey, speaking of keeping up, how about we keep this banter going even outside the hospital?" Rick casually suggested. "Oh? What do you have in mind?" Rick''s words piqued her interest. "Well, how about we exchange numbers? That way, we can keep the witty remarks flowing even when we''re not around," Rick winked, "Or maybe you know... In case I need expert medical advice, you know what I mean." "Oh, I see how it is," Lisa acted like she pondered, "Well it is usible... You might indeed need some private sessions indeed." "You are such a smart woman," Rick chuckled. "Hmm, I suppose I can spare a digit or two," Lisa nodded, pretending to consider, "Give me your phone." Rick gave Lisa her phone without much thought, and she started entering her number. "You don''t have any contacts," Lisa was amused. "I was waiting for a beauty like you," Rick grinned. But before Lisa could enter her number, a voice filled with curiosity sounded from behind them. "What''s going on here?" "Oh, crap!" Rick didn''t even have to turn to know who it was. * * * * * [A/N: C''mon guys... Be a bit more participating. If you are reading the story and not leavingments or votes... Hushh... Don''t be so mean... Help my story top the power rankings.] Chapter 23: Don’t tell me, I am into older women!

Chapter 23: Don''t tell me, I am into older women!

Chapter - 23 "Well, well, what''s going on here?" Amanda called out from behind. Rick and Nurse Lisa turned to see Amanda standing there, her eyebrow raised in mock suspicion. Nurse Lisa''s fingers stopped, as she looked at Amanda with a yful smirk. "Looks like we''ve been caught," Nurse Lisa looked at Amanda teasingly, "But why do you look upset, my dear Amanda?" Rick on the other hand, looked at Amanda and gulped. It totally slipped his mind that Amanda worked here as well. He was too focused on finding a guinea pig for himself. And who could be better than Lisa. She was beautiful, but was way below Amanda. On top of that, she wouldn''t care who she slept with. She was not tied to one man. Meanwhile, Amanda''s gaze fell upon Rick and Lisa standing together, and a wave ofplex emotions surged within her. Anger, jealousy, and a sense of betrayal churned in her chest, creating a tumultuous mix that she struggled toprehend. ''Who does she think she is?'' Amanda''s thoughts raged inwardly as she squinted her eyes. The sight of themughing and sharing camaraderie felt like a stab to her heart. She couldn''t understand how Rick could so casually chat with Lisa, the very person who had betrayed her trust. ''Doesn''t he know what Lisa did? How can he?'' Amanda''s grip on her emotions tightened. She had confided in Rick about the painful situation with her boyfriend, or should we say, ex-boyfriend? How Lisa had been involved with him behind her back. Yet, here they were, chatting away as if nothing had happened. The bitterness of betrayal mingled with a growing sense of disbelief. Amanda couldn''t fathom how Rick could be so oblivious to Lisa''s actions. It felt like a betrayal on another level as if he were disregarding her feelings entirely. ''Is this his way of hurting me? Was it a one time thing? Was he just after my body?'' Amanda''s thoughts twisted into a knot of insecurity. She had shared her pain with Rick, thinking he understood her pain. But now, seeing him enjoy Lisa''spany, she questioned everything. Was he intentionally trying to make her feel inadequate, to remind her of the hurtful past? The jealousy burned beneath her skin, fueling the fire of her emotions. It wasn''t just about the fact that Rick was talking to Lisa. It was about feeling reced like she was being pushed aside for someone who had caused her so much pain. As the seconds ticked by, Amanda''s internal struggle intensified. She found herself torn between confronting them and walking away, her heart warring with her pride. The hurt and resentment pulsed through her, making it difficult to breathe. She had thought Rick understood her, that he would stand by her side. But his actions painted a different picture, one that left her feeling vulnerable and exposed. At that moment, Amanda''s emotions were a tempest, each feeling crashing into the other with a force that left her reeling. She wanted answers, wanted to confront Rick, and demand an exnation for his seemingly callous behavior. But deep down, she feared the truth ¨C that sometimes, even those closest to you can let you down in the most unexpected ways. Rick was almost on a simr boat as Amanda. His confidence might have taken leaps because of the Lust System, but he had just graduated from being a virgin.He stillcked in many ways. Rick''s heart raced as he caught sight of Amanda''s intense gaze. He could practically feel her anger and confusion piercing through him. His mind raced, trying toe up with an exnation that could somehow salvage the situation. "Hey, Lisa," Rick said, his voice carrying a forced cheerfulness. "I appreciate the chat, but I think I need to discuss something with Amanda. Mind giving us a moment?" Lisa''s eyes flickered between Rick and Amanda, a knowing glint in her gaze. She gave a curt nod and a smile that held a hint of mischief. "Sure thing, Rick. I''ll catch youter. Call me," With that, she walked away, her steps deliberate as she nced back at them before disappearing around the corner. "Hey, Amanda," with Lisa gone, Rick walked towards Amanda and greeted her. Amanda''s expression was inscrutable, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at him. Rick could practically feel the tension in the air. "Rick," Amanda nodded. Rick''s fingers drummed lightly on his thigh as he tried to gauge her mood. He wished he could read her thoughts at that moment. Amanda''s gaze flickered toward the disappearing figure of Lisa. She could swear she saw Lisa''s mouth, ''Call me'', to Rick when she left. ''That boyfriend stealing, cock riding, shameless bitch,'' Amanda mentally cursed her bad luck. She only met Rick yesterday and he was already on Lisa''s radar. "What were you guys talking about?" Amanda squinted her eyes with suspicion. "Oh... I was... I was just thanking her you know," Rick hurriedly thought of an excuse, "I came for a check and she was the one who helped me." "Ohh..." Amanda nodded. If that was the case, it was understandable. "But there were quite a fewughs," [ 1. Apologize to Amanda. Say you were in the wrong. (Temptation +2) 2. Don''t say anything. (Temptation +0) 3. Stand your ground. Lisa has done you no harm (Temptation +10) ] ''Oh..." Rick looked at the options in front of him and was a bit surprised. Unexpectedly, the rudest of the options was the most affected. It gave him the most temptation. Rick initially didn''t think about it, but the system was actually right. If he were to have his own harem, he needs to establish his own dominance. He can love his women, pamper them, and spoil them. but they better not dance his forehead. "You don''t expect me to diss her, do you?" Rick shrugged, "She may have wronged you. Cheated with your boyfriend. But she hasn''t done me any wrong." "I like you Amanda, but your boyfriend did the wrong thing. I can punish them for you, if you want. But don''t expect me to carry that burden." Rick exined his stand. "If you can''t except that. It''s better we end things while we are still on good terms," Rick rified. When Amanda saw the dissatisfied look on Rick''s face, she panicked a bit, "That''s not why I meant... It''s just..." "I know you are a bit skeptical at this moment. But you have to trust me," Rick told Amanda, "But I will always be there for you. Supporting you. You are my responsibility, no matter what." Amanda hung her head, not able to look at it. "We will get out of this together," Rick took a step forward and gently pulled Amanda into his arms. "I know... It''s just that after yesterday... I trusted him blindly... It was not the first time I found it odd. They were close for so long, but I always brushed off the possibility. Until... Until yesterday..." As she spoke, Amanda almost choked on her tears. She fought really hard not to let them out. That bastard was not worth it. But no matter what, she really loved him. That love can''t just vanish in 1 or 2 days. [ 1. Pull away from Amanda and tell her not to talk about her ex-boyfriend. (Temptation -10) 2. Gently stroke her hair andfort her. (Temptation +5) ] "I know... I know..." Rick stroked Amanda''s hair andforted her, "It is hard, but we can always make an attempt in the right direction. Can''t we?" "What do you mean?" Still in his embrace, Amanda looked up and asked. "Why don''t we go out tonight? After your shift is over?" Rick suggested. "Go out, as in a date?" Amanda asked, trying to confirm. "If you want to call it that, then sure... Let''s go on a date," Rick winked at Amanda. "Date as in where we will stroll around aimlessly, watch movies, have dinner somewhere, and by the end, we will hold hands and enjoy the night sky? That date?" Amanda asked. "Well... If you put it that way. We can do something else if you..." Rick rubbed the back of his neck and smiled awkwardly. Indeed that was his n, but there was another step that he had in mind. "No... It''s perfect," Before Rick could cancel the n, Amanda pulled out of his embrace and looked him straight in his eyes. "So..." "My shift ends in another half an hour," Amanda looked at her watch and told Rick. "I can wait," Rick nodded. "Cool," Amanda put her hand in her pants and pulled out a $50 bill, "Well, that''s all I have with me right now. There is a coffee shop just in front of the hospital. You can go there and tell them my name. Put everything on my tab. I will be there as soon as possible," Amanda instructed Rick and without letting him reply, made a run in the opposite direction. She was just too excited. "Wait!" "What''s with her always treating me like a child?" Rick frowned when he looked at the 50 dors in his hand, "And why do I like it?" "Don''t tell me I like being spoiled?" "Don''t tell me I want to be pampered," "Don''t tell me, I am into older women." * * * * * Q 1. What do you guys prefer? A. Older women and MILFs B. Younger girls and Lolis Q 2. Also tell me about the pace of the story. A. Keep it the same. B. Speed it up. [A/N: If you are enjoying the story, do let me know in thements and vote for the story. Also, if you have time do review.] Chapter 24: Date [1]

Chapter 24: Date [1]

Chapter - 24 Rick sat at a corner table in the cozy coffee shop, fidgeting with his phone as he waited for Amanda. He had been there for a about an hour or so, scrolling through his phone, nning today''s date for Amanda. Suddenly the bell above the door tinkled, and instinctively, Rick looked up from his phone. His heart beat fast, as he looked up to see who it was,st few times have been a dud. But this time, it was really Amanda who walking in. As she entered, all eyes seemed to turn toward her, a testament to her radiant beauty. Amanda''s dark hair cascaded down her shoulders in soft waves, catching the warm light of the caf¨¦. Her smile was a blend of charm and familiarity as her gaze met Rick''s, sending a flutter through his chest. She wore a simple yet elegant white sundress that flowed around her like a breath of fresh air. The dress entuated her curves in all the right ces, and her confidence shone through in the way she carried herself. Rick couldn''t help but appreciate how the dress perfectlyplemented her graceful demeanor. Rick stood up as she approached, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "My... My... My... You look amazing," heplimented, his gaze lingering for a moment on her, "Worthy of being my woman." Amanda''s cheeks turned a delicate shade of pink, and she yfully swatted his arm. "Che... Who''s your woman? You''re just saying that." "No, seriously," Rick insisted, his smile unwavering. "Look around... You managed to turn so many heads." Amanda''s bashful smile melted into a soft grin. "Well, thank you. If you are done, should we get going, then?" With a nod, Rick gestured for her to lead the way. Amanda confidently walked up to the counter, and Rick followed, appreciating the graceful sway of her ass as she moved. He couldn''t help but feel his pants go tight and a flutter of excitement at the prospect of spending time with her. Behind the counter stood a middle-aged man who seemed to know Amanda well. "Amanda! Long time no see," he eximed, his eyes lighting up. "Hey, Frank!" Amanda greeted with a warm smile. "How''s business?" "Can''tin. You guys from the hospital will never let me rest," Frank replied, his eyes twinkling. "So, what can I get you today?" Amanda nced at Rick, and he nodded. "I''ll just have an ice tea," she said, giving him a sheepish grin. Frank turned his attention back to Rick, "And for you, dear?" "Just some cold coffee, please," Rick answered, his tone polite. Frank nodded and quickly got to work, preparing their orders. As he did, Amanda looked at Rick and asked, "Did you enjoy it here?" "Absolutely," Rick replied with a smile, "It''s a pretty good cafe." Their drinks were ready in no time, and Amanda reached for her purse to pay. However, before she could, Frank spoke up. "Oh, by the way, your friend already took care of it." Amanda looked at him with surprise, her brows furrowing. "My friend?" Frank gestured toward Rick, who grinned and gave a casual wave. Amanda turned to him, her lips curling into a yful pout. "You didn''t have to do that, you know. I should have paid for you." Rick shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Consider it a gesture of appreciation forst night. Let me treat you for that amazing experience," Rick whispered. "You..." Amanda''s face turned red, when she felt his breath against her neck. She rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "Well, then. I guess I''ll let you off the hook this time." Amanda said and grabbing her cup, she walked out of the cafe with hurried steps. "Interesting... What did you say to her?" Frank asked Rick, his eyes curiously looking at Amanda. "Nothing... Just expressing my love for her," Rick grinned and followed behind Amanda with his drink. "Hey wait up," Outside, Rick called out to Amanda as he caught up to her. "Why should I?" Amanda turned her face, "You are just an immature boy in heat." [ 1. Cancel the n (Temptation +5) 2. Try and pacify Amanda (Temptation +10) ] ''Like hell I will,'' Rick looked at the second option and looked at the system in disdain, ''No simping...'' "Then I guess you don''t want to go on a date with a pervert. We will have to cancel the n," Rick pretended to look disappointed. "Why? When did I say that we are canceling the date?" Amanda looked at Rick with her ring eyes, "Tell me where are we going?" "I was thinking of a movie, then some shopping, and end it with a nice dinner. But now..." Rick shook his head. "Sounds good to me," Amanda agreed and entangled her arms with Rick''s, "I know a good ce. But it''s a bit far. So, let me call the cab," "Cab?" Rick hesitated, his mind briefly contemting the idea. He knew it was a practical suggestion, but something held him back. "What is it?" Amanda was about to book the cab, but she stopped. "Actually, I rode my bike here," Rick told Amanda. Amanda''s eyes sparkled with curiosity and a hint of excitement. "You rode your bike? That sounds fun." Rick was taken aback by her enthusiasm, his uncertainty momentarily forgotten. "You... want to ride on my bike?" Rick looked a bit confused. Amanda nodded eagerly, a genuine smile lighting up her face. "Why not? It could be an adventure." Rick blinked, surprised by her response. He hadn''t expected her to be so eager about riding on his motorcycle. He nced at his bike parked nearby, a mix of emotions swirling within him. "Don''t tell me you have never ridden a bike? I am talking about a motorcycle here, if you are confused," Rick rified. "Yup... Never have I ever," Amanda nodded her head, "I want to ride it." ''You have ridden a cock but you never ridden a bike. Does it make sense?'' Rick wanted to ask, but he held his curiosity back. "Are you sure? It''s not the mostfortable ride, and... Well, you''re wearing a dress," Rick asked instead. Amanda waved off his concerns with a dismissive gesture. "Come on, Rick. I''m up for a little adventure. Besides, I''m not wearing anything too extravagant. It''ll be fine," Amanda showed off her dress. "Alright, if you''re sure, let''s do it. But my motorcycle is not the best out there. Later don''t me me," Rick said smiling. "Offo... You talk too much," Amanda''sined. Her eyes gleamed with excitement as she took a step closer to him. "Absolutely. Lead the way." Rick chuckled at her yful tone. Well, he won''t have toe fetch his biketer now.. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Amanda''s lips twitched as she studied the motorcycle, her thoughts racing behind her eyes. She appreciated Rick''s offer to ride the bike, but she couldn''t shake off a hint of hesitation. The Honda Navi was unlike any motorcycle she had seen before, and she wasn''t quite sure what to make of it. When Rick led Amanda to his motorcycle, a Honda Navi, he couldn''t help but notice her hesitation. Her expression remained neutral, giving away nothing of what she might be thinking. "So, this is my bike, a Honda Navi," Rick told Amanda. Amanda looked at the motorcycle for a moment before turning to Rick with a polite smile. "It''s... cute." Rick sensed a subtle undertone in her response. He had a feeling that Amanda might not be entirelyfortable with the idea of riding a bike like this. He scratched his head nervously. "If you''re notfortable with this, we could always grab a cab. It''s no big deal," Rick suggested. Amanda''s eyes met his, and she seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally speaking. "Oh, no, it''s not that. I mean, I am not saying that your bike is the problem. It''s good... It''s just that..." Amanda tried to justify her words. But by the the end she still stopped from saying it. Rick''s eyebrows shot up, "What is it? Tell me. Maybe I can adjust that for you." Rick asked. "Well you see... It is... The seat a bit too small. If it''s the two of us then we will..." Amanda blushed when she said that. She did notplete her words, but message went across to Rick quite clearly. "You... That''s the whole point of taking you on a bike. Why else do you think we are doing it?" Rick looked at Amanda dumbfounded. "That is why?" Amanda looked at Rick, trying to confirm she heard him right. And Rick nodded. "Do all the boys usually think like this in their day to day life?" Amanda seriously asked. "You don''t have to care about other guys. Just focus on me." Rick said. He straddled the bike and motioned for her to get on behind him. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked onto his with a mixture of anticipation and a touch of nerves. "You''re sure about this, right?" Amanda was still uncertain. Rick met her gaze with a reassuring smile. "Absolutely. Just hold onto me tight, and we''ll be good." With a tentative nod, Amanda positioned herself behind Rick, her arms instinctively wrapping around his waist. The feel of her closeness sent a shiver down his spine, but he focused on keeping hisposure. ''Why are they so soft?'' Rick cursed his luck, ''I wanted to feel them. But how can such a soft thing hurt so much?'' Rick looked down at his bulging boner in his jeans and smiled wryly. Did he shoot himself in the foot on his own? * * * * * Chapter 25: Date [2]

Chapter 25: Date [2]

Chapter - 25 "I never thought it would be so damn exciting," Amanda excitedly told Rick as they walked towards the parking elevator. "It''s good that you enjoyed it. I was worried you would feel embarrassed by my bike. It''s not that expensive, you know." "Oh, C''mon... You are just in college, do you have to be so humble? I don''t care about how expensive your bike is. It helped us save a few bucks and got us to the movie on time. That is what it is supposed to do." Amandaughed it off, "It''s about the moments, you know." "By the way, which movie are we watching?" Amanda asked. "Well, I didn''t know your taste. So, I kinda booked whatever was avable," Rick scratched his forehead. "..." Amanda looked at Rick in surprise. "If you are into a bit more ssic stuff with a female lead, we can watch Barbie," Rick told Amanda her first option. "You aren''t stereotyping me, are you?" Amanda raised her eyebrow. "Not at all. I have other options as well. If you are into drama and science we can watch Oppenheimer." Rick waved his hand, "It will be Bang-Bang!!" "And if you want, we can catch another action movie about the war between two nations, Gadar 2." Rick grinned mischievously "Anything you want, we can watch. I have got a couple of tickets for all three of them," Rick shrugged in the end, trying to show off. Amanda looked at him in surprise, eyebrows raised. "Wait, are you telling me you''ve booked tickets for all these movies?" Amanda asked. Rick shrugged, feigning nonchnce. "Well, you never know what mood you''ll be in when you get there, right?" Rick said, as if stating facts. Amanda was thoroughly impressed by Rick''s nning skills. She couldn''t help but let out a smallugh. "You''re something else, Rick. Did you secretly win the lottery or something? Or are you a long-lost heir to some conglomerate?" Amanda joked as she tried to ask how a college going guy can spend so much money. Rick didn''t really look that rich. Not that Amanda really cared about how rich he was. Hearing her, Rick''sughter echoed in the corridor as they approached the elevators. He leaned casually against the wall. "Oh, you got me. I''ve been living a double life as a billionaire''s son," Rick softly flicked Amanda''s cheeks and whispered. Whispers always did a charm on Amanda. Amanda yfully rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips, "Of course, you have." As the elevator doors slid open, Rick gestured for Amanda to step in. But before they entered, he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, I can even book the whole theater if you want. Just say the word," Rick whispered. Amanda''s eyes widened in amused surprise. "Are you serious?" Amanda asked, not able to keep her voice down. Rick winked a glint of mischief in his eyes, "Absolutely. But let''s keep that between us, okay?" Rick said winking at her. Amanda''sughter filled the elevator as they stepped inside. She couldn''t help but be charmed by Rick''s spontaneity and his willingness to go the extra mile to make their outing memorable. "You''re really full of surprises, Rick," Amanda praised him. Rick grinned, his hands casually shoved into his pockets, "What can I say? Life''s too short to stick to the ordinary." ''Thanks to my system...'' At this moment, Amanda''s phone rang. She looked at her phone and a frown appeared on her face. "Who is it?" Rick asked. "Wrong number," Amanda rejected the call and shook her head and said. Just then the elevator door opened and Amanda again stered her smile on her face, "Come, let''s go." ~~~~~ As Amanda and Rick walked out of the movie theater, Amanda couldn''t help but gush about how much she had enjoyed the film. "Oh my gosh, Rick, that movie was amazing! Never knew so much was happening around the world. And the action scenes were so intense!" Amanda almost jumped with excitement. Rick grinned at Amanda''s excitement. He was d that she had enjoyed herself. For him, the most important thing was seeing her having a good time. That was what a man is supposed to do. "I am really d you liked it. It''s always a gamble picking a movie, but it seems I hit the jackpot this time," Rick felt relieved. As they descended the esctor, Amanda''s chatter continued. She was still animatedly discussing various scenes and characters from the movie. They had just got out after watching Oppenheimer. Rick never knew Amanda was actually a movie buff, d he decided to bring her to the movies. Just as they reached the ground floor, Rick''s eyes caught sight of a store nearby. It was a jewelry store, its disys twinkling with various pieces of essories. An idea sparked in his mind, and he turned to Amanda with a mischievous grin. "Hey, Amanda, wanna check out something cool?" Rick asked, grinning. Amanda looked at him with a mixture of curiosity and surprise. "What do you mean? What is it?" Amanda asked. Rick tugged gently at her hand, leading her toward the store, "You''ll see. Trust me, it''ll be fun." As they entered the store, Amanda''s eyes widened in realization. It was a jewelry store, and her heart raced with a mix of excitement and confusion. "Rick, what are we doing here?" Amanda nervously asked. But Rick just smiled at her and moved forward. Rick walked up to the counter, where a friendly saleswoman was stationed. He shed a charming smile and gestured toward Amanda. "Hi there. Could you show us something special for the beautifuldy?" Rick pleasantly spoke to thedy. The saleswoman smiled warmly and nodded, stepping back to retrieve a tray of delicate nes and earrings. Meanwhile, Amanda tugged gently on Rick''s shirt, trying to get his attention without causing a scene. "Rick, seriously, we shouldn''t be here. I mean, what are we even doing in a jewelry store?" Amanda whispered, trying not alert the saleswoman. Rick turned his attention back to Amanda, his grin not faltering. "Just trust me, Amanda. It''s all good, I promise." Rick told Amanda, trying to rx her. Amanda bit her lip, still unsure about the situation. After all, Rick was just a college student, and the idea of being in a jewelry store seemed way out of their league. Even she could only afford just some casual jewelry from the store. "Rick, I appreciate the gesture, but you know we don''t need to do this, right?" Amanda looked at him, worried. Rick chuckled softly, cing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don''t worry, Amanda. I know what I''m doing." Rick assured her. Amanda''s anxiety didn''tpletely dissipate, but she decided to give Rick the benefit of the doubt. And her phone buzzed again. "Someone has been calling you so many times. Why don''t you pick it up? They must have something important to tell you." Rick said. Amanda bit her lip when Rick looked at her, "It''s just a wrong number," Amanda said. "I don''t want anyone to interrupt our time alone," Amanda thought for a while and resolutely said, rejecting the call. "If you say so. I won''t ask more," Rick smiled at Amanda and said, "But never forget that I will always be there for you, okay? You can tell me everything." Then Rick turned his attention towards friendly saleswoman, "We should not make the prettydy wait." The saleswoman, was now holding out a delicate ne adorned with a sparkling pendant. The saleswoman smiled hearing Rick''spliment, "Here you go, a stunning piece for thedy." Amanda looked at the ne, her eyes widening slightly at its beauty. She turned to Rick, her voice a mixture of surprise and worry. "Amanda, really, you don''t have to worry," Rick said. And before she could say anything, Rick had already taken the ne from the saleswoman and was gently cing it around Amanda''s neck. He fastened the sp, his fingers brushing against her skin. "There we go, perfect fit." Rick pped his hands. Amanda''s heart raced as she looked at herself in the mirror. The ne was indeed stunning, its pendant catching the light in a mesmerizing way. "See? Doesn''t she look amazing?" Rick asked the saleswoman. "Indeed she is a beauty," The saleswoman nodded. She felt a bit jealous. Jealous enough that it was not sure if she was praising the pendant or Amanda. Amanda felt a mix of emotions ¨C surprise, gratitude, and a hint of unease. She was touched by Rick''s gesture but also worried about the implications of such avish gift. "Rick, this is really sweet, but..." Rick ced a finger on her lips, silencing her with a smile. "No ifs and buts," Rick shook his head. "Amanda?" A surprised voice sounded from behind. "Who is this guy?" The voice had a bubbling anger inside it. * * * * * [A/N: Do I really have to remind you to vote andment at the end of every chapter?] Chapter 26: Date [3]

Chapter 26: Date [3]

Chapter - 26 "Amanda?" A surprised voice sounded from behind. "Who is this guy?" The voice had a bubbling anger inside it. Just as Rick looked at Amanda and showed her off to the saleswoman, a voice cut through the air, shattering the romantic moment like a fragile ss. Amanda''s heart skipped a beat when she heard the voice. Nervously, she turned towards the voice as slow she could. She wanted the time to freeze at this moment, so that she could flee away with Rick. But it was just her wishful thinking. In front of her stood a man, probably in histe twenties or early thirties, looking at her with ring eyes, ready to chew her alive. It was Zack, her boyfriend. Well, technically he should be her ex-boyfriend because she saw him cheating on her with that cock sucking, slut, Lisa. But she never actually officially broke up with him. Quite the opposite, she has been actually avoiding his calls all along. "I''ve been calling you since yesterday, Amanda. You''re really good at ignoring people, huh?" Zack pulled out his phone and waved it in front of Amanda. Amanda''s smile faltered, and she avoided Zack''s gaze, not wanting to be dragged into a conversation. "Zack, I... I''ve been busy. Can we not do this here?" Amanda didn''t want to have this conversation in front of so many people, especially Rick. "Busy, huh? Too busy to answer a simple call or text?" Zack frowned. Amanda''s eyes flitted around the store, hoping for a way out of the situation. But Zack seemed relentless. "Zack, please, not now," despite not being in the wrong, Amanda almost pleaded, her voice shaking. "No, Amanda. I want to know what''s going on. And who''s this guy with you?" Zack''s gaze shifted to Rick, who had been watching the exchange with growing difort. Sensing the tension, Rick stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. "Hey there, I''m Rick. Amanda''s boyfriend." Rick introduced himself with a smile. "Boyfriend, huh? Funny, Amanda, you didn''t mention him when we were together," Zack smirked, "Bro, do you know she has been ying the two of us, this cheating whore." Amanda clenched her fists, feeling the anger rise within her. She finally decided to speak up, her voice firm. "Oh, I know about you. But what can I do, this girl is just so good. Even if she had you, I couldn''t resist her," Rickughed putting his arm around Amanda, "She is just so good that I couldn''t let her go. Even if that meant I had to share her. Right, baby?" Rick said and winked at Amanda, gesturing her to just y along. "No baby... You don''t have to share me with anyone. I don''t have anything to do this bastard. Whatever it was, it''s over between us. I moved on.." Amanda snuggled more into Rick and smiled, looking at him. She was really touched how Rick decided to stand for her, despite Zack, the guy she deeply loved a day ago using the vilest of words for her. "Bastard? Moved on, huh? To this guy who''s suddenly so interested in ying hero?" Zack''s face turned purple, hearing Amanda. Isn''t she cuck-pping him in front of everyone? "Look, Zack, I''m not here to create drama. Amanda and I are together now. It''s best if you respect her wishes and move on as well," Rick maintained hisposure. In fact he was loosing it, but instead of showing it on his face, he was devising a n to take his revenge on the asshole. "Respect her wishes? Who do you think you are? Can''t she speak for herself?" Zack''s eyes narrowed as he looked at Rick, ready to shred him into pieces given the opportunity. "Of course, she can. But as her boyfriend, I can''t let her get into an argument with a pig now, can I?" Rick mockingly humiliated Zack. "Well, well, well. Looks like you do have some guts," Zack actually smiled and pped, praising Rick. He was so angry that he actually maliciously smiled looking at Rick. Rick''s calm demeanor seemed to irk Zack even more. His attempts to belittle Rick only fueled Rick''s determination to handle the situation with grace. "You''re really getting on my nerves, man," Zack clenched his fists. "Is that so? I thought I was just trying to have a conversation here," Rick shrugged, not caring in the least. "You''re unbelievable. Amanda, are you seriously falling for this act?" Zack fumed in anger. Only god knows how he was holding himself back. "That''s none of your business, Zack. That''s enough! I''ve had it with your attitude," Amanda raised her voice angrily. "Yeah, Zack, she likes someone who actually treats her right," Rick said, smirking. Rick''s casual attitude agitated Zack, "You think you''re better than me, huh? You arrogant son of a..." Zack almost cursed. "Un... aa..." Rick shook his finger, interrupting Zack, "No need to curse. I don''t need to think it. It''s pretty obvious, I am way better than you can ever be." "You don''t know anything about me," Zack said, getting on Rick''s face. "And I don''t need to. All I know is that she''s with me now," Rick calmly said. "Oh, I can see what she sees in you. Mr. Tough Guy with all the answers," Zack sarcastically said, his face twitching. "Well, I do try my best.," Rick grinned. "Zack, it''s not about recing anyone. It''s about moving on," Amanda was finally losing her patience. "And you should try that too, pal," Rick taunted, leaning in on Amanda, "Just like my baby." Amanda nodded, looking at Rick and then looked at Zack firmly, "Rick is respectful and kind. Something you clearly don''t understand." Zack gritted his teeth, getting red-faced, "You little..." But Rick interrupted him, "Oh, look at that. Words failing you? Don''t be an animal now, dear Zacky-boy." "You think you can just waltz in here and steal my girl, huh?" Zack said, pointing his finger at Rick. "Your girl? Is that what this is about? I thought we covered this already," Rick looked at Zack nonchnt, "Don''t think we don''t know what you have been up to. I am only giving you face because Amanda once loved you. So leave while I am being a gentleman." "You... What do you know? I am telling you, rascal. You''re ying with fire" Zack threatened Rick. He didn''t really think Rick knew anything about him. Rick frowned as if looking at an idiot, "Am I? Because all I see is a guy who can''t let go. And I dare you to curse at me again. If your nose isn''t bloody after that, I will be the bastard son of my father." Rick''s warned Zack, his eyes turning blood red as he looked at Zack. Rick wasn''t an impulsive guy but he wasn''t going to let a cheating bastard curse him in front of so many people. "Sir, I think you need to calm down. Please don''t cause a scene in the store," the saleswoman tried to calm down Rick. "Why are you asking me to calm down?" Rick yelled at the saleswoman, "Did I start it? Do you think I want to hear his vomit in my ears? No... I don''t. So instead of calming me down, throw that fucker out." "I am CALM!" Rick yelled at the saleswoman, leaving her tongue-tied. Good thing Amanda was beside him. She gently rubbed his shoulder, and softly whispered in his ears. And it worked to a great extent. Rick slowly began to ease, getting his calm back. "..." "Who are you calling fucker? You''re just a rebound, you know that?" But Zack only became more angry when he saw Amanda and Rick act so affectionately. Rick chuckled when he heard Zack, "Rebound? Buddy, I have already mmed the dunk." Rick turned his face towards Amanda and winked at her. Amanda blushed when she saw the perverted look on Rick''s face. She took a step forward and stood between Rick and Zack, "Okay, seriously, Zack, this needs to stop." Zack red at Amanda when he saw the two of them exchange nces, "I''m not done here." "You know, you''re right. You''re not done embarrassing yourself," Rick casually taunted. "Amanda, do you see how he talks to me?" Zack asked Amanda, fuming in anger. Amanda crossed her arms, rolling her eyes, "Frankly, Zack, you''re not giving him much to work with." Rick waved his hand, "It''s alright, babe. I''ve dealt with toddlers having tantrums before." "You arrogant..." Zack wanted to punch Rick. But Rick interrupted him, "Oh, big word for you there. Did you practice that in front of a mirror?" Amanda facepalmed herself, "This is ridiculous. Don''t poke him, Rick." "At least we''re providing entertainment for the store," Rick grinned. Zack said, pointing at Rick''s face ,"You watch yourself, man." "Oh, I''m trembling," Rick mocked. "You," Zack trembled in anger, but soon he exhaled deeply, trying to calm himself, "Oh,e on, Amanda. You''re seriously falling for this kid''s tricks? He looks like he just graduated high school. Can he even afford anything in this store?" Zack smirked, looking at Amanda. Rick nodded, agreeing with Zack for a change, "You''re right, Zack. I mean, what could a young, inexperienced guy like me possibly buy from here?" Amanda started to get annoyed, "Zack, just stop it." But Zack ignored her, "Here''s an idea, kid. Let''s make a little bet. If you can actually buy something from this store, I''ll leave you two lovebirds alone. But if you can''t, you have to admit to Amanda that you''re just trying to impress her with smoke and mirrors. Rick smirked, "You''re on," "Zack, seriously?" Amanda tried to stop them. Zack was happy see how gullible Rick was, "Oh, this is going to be good." Rick ignored the happy face Zack and turned towards Amanda, "Babe, should I take the bet?" Amanda sighed, "Rick, you don''t have to prove anything to him or anyone. Let''s just go." "Don''t worry, this is going to be fun," Rick cupped Amanda''s face and assured her. "So, kid, what''s it gonna be?" Zack interrupted the two of them. He couldn''t just do anything to Rick when so many people were watching him. Hearing him, Rick contemted, "Well, you know, Zack, you''ve got a point. I do look young, and I wouldn''t want to burden Amanda with my empty pockets." Zack smirked when he heard Rick, "Finally seeing reason, are you?" "But," Rick said, holding his finger up towards Zack, "Here''s the thing, Zack. Looks can be deceiving. Zack raised his eyebrow, "Is that so?" Rick nodded, "Indeed. So, here''s the bet. You see the five pieces in front of you? You can chose any one of them you want," Rick said, "No matter whichever it is, I will buy it." "If I am able to buy it," Rick emphasized on his words, "Then Amanda gets to pick one more jewelry from the store and you will pay for it. On top of that, you will get on your fours and roll out of the store, barking, ''Rick is my grandfather'', do you agree?" Zack chuckled, "You really think you can afford something in here, don''t you? Rick shrugged, "Let''s just say I''m feeling lucky today." "What if we you lose?" Zack asked. "Then I am at your mercy," Rick shrugged, "You can do whatever you want with me." "Sounds good," Zack nodded. Then he walked towards the saleswoman. He asked her the cost of the pendants one by one. He heard the saleswoman and made a quick decision. "I want this one," Zack said, pointing at the pendant and told Rick. "Sure, why not?" Rick nodded and headed towards the saleswoman to make the payment. "This is going to be fun to watch," Zack whispered to Amanda. "You''re so immature, Zack," Amanda rolled her eyes, "This changes nothing between us. We are over." Soon, Rick walked towards them, taking very slow steps. "Amanda, can I have that pendant?" Rick asked when he reached them. Zack smirked, "What? Shocked by the price? What did you think? It will cost a couple hundred?" Hearing Zack''s taunt, even Amanda felt that maybe Rick wasn''t able to buy the pendant. So she quickly came forward tofort him. "It''s alright, Rick. It''s the thought that counts," Amanda tenderly looked at him, "You don''t have to pay attention to some cheating dog. Dogs will bark. This is what they are suppose to do." "What are you talking about?" Rick looked confused. "I have already paid for it," Rick said, "They want to pack it for you." "..." * * * * * [A/N: Do leave ament, vote and send me lots of gifts ;)] Chapter 27: Date [4]

Chapter 27: Date [4]

Chapter - 27 "You paid for it?" Zack almost choked on his own words, "That was fucking $35,000!" Amanda''s eyes widened with shock hearing Zack, "$35,000... 35,000... 35..." She mumbled to himself. "Why are you whining about it? Did I ask you for the money?" Rick frowned, looking at Zack, "It''s for my sweetheart. Do you think I can''t spend this much on her?" What Zack did not know was that just as Rick entered the shop, he got a quest from the system. [ Quest: Buy a jewelry for Amanda Time Duration: 1 hour Rewards: Ero Points: +10,000; Cash: $100,000 ] Rick already wanted to buy a jewelry for Amanda, but when the system popped the quest, he was now in a hurry. But the sudden appearance of Zack irked him. He had already wasted 20 - 25 minutes because of his useless gibberish. Otherwise, Rick would have long bought the pendant. "Rick..." Amanda finally got back to herself. Her eyes turned misty. Ding! The system chimed and Rick knew he hadpleted the quest. He didn''t check it then and there. He would do it, once he had gone back home. Rick putting his arms around Amanda, smiled at her, "Anything for you, babe." "I... I don''t believe it," Zack stuttered, he hurriedly ran towards the salesdy who sold the pendant to Rick and was smiling ear to ear. After today, one thing that she will make sure to remember was to never judge someone of their looks. She was a bit worried when she saw Rick, but thetter put rest to all his worries. He did not buy anything too extravagant, but it was a good sell. "You..." Zack looked at the saleswoman arrogantly, "Did he really pay for that pendant?" "Sir, I would appreciate it if you keep your voice down and not disturb the others," The saleswoman got back to look professional again, "And yes, the customer over there did buy the pendant." "Fucking hell..." Zack almost fell on his knees. It was not a huge amount for Zack. In fact he could easily buy it. But Rick did not look someone who can just pull out $35,000 even if he emptied his bank ount. So how? "Ahemm..." Rick cleared his throat as he walked towards Zack, "So, Zacky boy. Does this mean I won?" "Fine, boy. You win this round," Zack gritted his teeth and looked at Rick with murderous eyes, "But don''t be too happy, this won''tst long." And saying so, Zack decided to leave. He had already lost too much of a face today. Ding! [ Quest: Humiliate Zack in front of Amanda and everyone else Time Duration: 1 hour Rewards: Ero Points: +15,000; Cash: $125000; 1 lottery spin Penalty: Amanda will lose 1 love point. ] ''Penalty? That''s a new,'' Rick looked at the quest, and nodded. Till now there has been no penalty for him on failing a quest. He even wanted to check that out if there was some hidden penalty, but looks like he didn''t have to now. So, now that there is a penalty, Rick decided to act quickly. "Buddy! Where are you going, buddy?" Rick was grinning ear to ear as he watched Zack leave. "What is it now?" Zack pretended to be annoyed, but beneath that annoyed face of his, he knew what was Rick up to. That is also what Zack feared the most, and the reason he was in a hurry. "The Bet!" "You aren''t thinking about reneging on your promise, are you? Rick walked towards Zack, with not so hurried steps and put his arm over his shoulder, "That''s not very gentleman like, you know." "Don''t push me, boy. I am letting you off easily, so you should cherish that," Zack warned Rick and tried to push his hands away. But surprisingly, Rick''s grip was stronger than it looked. "Are you really going to act so shameless?" Rick looked disappointed, "In front of your lovely Amanda?" "Listen boy. You don''t know who I am. Who my father izzz... ahh..." Zack was about to threaten Rick with his family, but he suddenly didn''t feel right. "Hey Zacky boy... Are you alright?" Rick looked at Zack worried, "Did your father bring back bad memories? Your mother never told you who your father is? Is this why you are asking me?" But Zack wasn''t even listening to him. There was a turmoil going on in his stomach. He clutched his abdomen, hoping that his grip could somehow quell the rebellion within. But his stomach wasn''t having any of it. It churned with a vengeance. Zack couldn''t even understand what was happening to him. With each churn, Zack''s face twisted with grimace. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, his skin taking on a slightly greenish hue that hinted at his inner turmoil. He danced ufortably, his legs crossed tightly as if that could somehow contain the tempest raging in his belly. Zack''s eyes darted around the room, desperately seeking an escape route. He looked around, trying to find a, but his gaze blurred because of the pain. His heart raced as he realized that his only hope was to hold it in until the storm passed. In the moment of despair, his mind raced faster than his heartbeat, contemting the fragility of the situation. He was caught in a merciless standoff between his body demanding to let it all out and his own determination to avoid any embarrassing idents. It was a battle of wills, a sh of titans, and Zack was the unfortunate arena where it was all unfolding. "Buddy! Why are you sweating so much?" Rick held Zack''s hand and asked, "And what are those moves? Don''t tell me you are happy that I won. You are so open-minded." Rick appreciated Zack, and patted his back hard. "You are the man, buddy. You are the man," Rick praised Zack with every pat. "You..." Zack couldn''t even curse Rick. Each pat on his back, almost opened the flood gates. Gates of terror. Zack twisted his body in an attempt to find a morefortable position, but his stomach churned even more vigorously, like a blender on overdrive, threatening to turn its contents into a messy explosion. Zack clenched his teeth, his knuckles turning white as he made a fist with the strength of a drowning man clinging to a lifeboat. He could practically feel the sweat trickling down his spine now, a testament to the internal showdown that was reaching its peak. Zack''s eyes darted to the clock, the seconds ticking by like the drumbeats of impending doom. He was engaged in a battle that transcended time, where each tick of the clock was a reminder that he was hanging by a thread, trying desperately to keep his dignity intact. In his moment of despair, Amanda actually felt that something was wrong with Zack. Despite the air-conditioning in the store, there was sweat all over his forehead, and his face had started to turn red. "Rick, let him go," Amanda said, she didn''t want to drag it any longer, "I don''t want to have anything to do with him any longer." "You are such a sweet soul, baby," Rick acted all chummy with Amanda, "Fine, if you want, I won''t pursue it any longer." "Yee... Haw... Off you go, buddy," Rick said and pped Zack''s butt with full force, "Run like you mean it." But Zack was not relieved in the slightest. Instead, his eyes widened. The storm inside of him was out of his control now. In a moment of sheer desperation, Zack clenched his butt cheeks together as if that could somehow stop the inevitable. But it was like trying to hold back a train with a piece of string. His ass cheeks were no spider-man. The pressure built up, and Zack''s resolve crumbled like a sandcastle facing a tidal wave. And then, it happened. A sound emerged from Zack''sher regions that can only be described as a symphony of chaos¡ªa harmonious blend of embarrassment and disbelief. Zack farted. The fart, started as a low rumble, building up in intensity until it erupted like a volcanic eruption. And it almost shook the very foundations of the store. But the noise was just the opening act, what followed was the main show. A scent that could''ve knocked out a charging bull at fifty paces, spread throughout the store. His white pants turned shades of yellow from behind. Thea patch on his pants was the Mark of shitting his pants, the Mark of shame. The stench spread like a malevolent fog, wafting through the store like an invisible gue. And it wasn''t long before the reactions started rolling in. Faces twisted in disgust, noses wrinkled as if they were waging war against an invisible enemy. The once peaceful atmosphere of the store had transformed into a battlefield of olfactory horrors. With their hands on their face, every eye in the store turned towards Zack. Some looked at him while covering their noses with their shirts, while others adopted expressions of sheer disbelief that such a smell, can a human even let out such a smell? Zack, meanwhile, was frozen in a mix of mortification and disbelief. He had gone from desperately trying to hold back his his shit to unleashing a fart that could be ssified as a biological weapon. And if it was not all, his ass gave way to what followed next. And before he could recover from the embarrassment his fart caused him, he was already covered in his shit. "I... I... think you should leave, buddy," Rick finally broke the silence in the store, "Lets forget about the bet." "Lets forget this ever happened." "Lets forget we ever met." "Lets forget that you shit your pants." "Lets forget that you shit your pants in front of Amanda." "Lets forget that you shit your pants in front of all these people." "All of you people. Forget that you saw a man shit in front of you." Ding!! "Lets forget all about shit." Rick finally spoke loud enough for everyone to hear him clearly. "You bast..." Zack knew Rick was not helping him. In fact he was etching this incident and his face even more firmly in their minds. He wanted to curse him, lunge at him, and break his nose. But before he could even think about it, his stomach growled again. It was all happening again. He had to flee. "I will see you," Zack looked at Rick with murderous eyes and hurried his way out of the store. With all eyes locked on him like he was the star of some twisted reality show, Zack knew he had to do the walk of shame. Face ming, he shuffled towards the exit, each step feeling like an eternity. "What just happened?" Amanda mumbled to herself in disbelief. It was a few seconds after Zack left that Amanda finally realised that it was all over. "Who knows? Maybe it was his Karma fucking with him," Rick grinned as he looked at his hand in astonishment. Even he was surprised by how potent it was. Yes, Rick had used ''Magical fingers'' on Zack. He was actually saving it to use on Amanda or some other girl, but when the system gave him the quest to humiliate Zack, he remembered about the effect of ''Magical Fingers'' on men. With a bit of curiosity, Rick decided to use it, and the effect was just too out of the world. "Let''s not talk about him," Rick shook his head, "Come, let''s go." "Wait! Rick, you didn''t have to spend so much," Amanda held his arm and stopped him, "Mmm..." But just as she grabbed his arm, she felt a tickle all over her body, and she could not help but moan. Her pussy started to feel itchy and her face started to turn red, from the pleasure she felt down there. ''Shit! Stop it! Stop it!'' Rick realised what had happened and he quickly yelled in his mind, trying to stop the ''Magical Fingers'' effect. He wanted to test it on Amanda but not in the middle of the store, for everyone to see. And the ''Magical Fingers'' did deactivate, but it''s timer continued to run. Looks like this card was going to waste this time. Rick then turned his attention towards Amanda again. She was breathing heavily, had her eyes closed and she was holding his arms tightly, not wanting to let him go. Rick stood still there for a while, until Amanda''s breathing was normal again, and her was no more red. After a while, Amanda finally opened her eyes and looked at Rick, curiously. ''What happened to me? What was that feeling,'' Amanda thought as she rubbed her legs together. She could still the wetness in her pussy. ''Am I falling too much for him?'' "Amanda, are you okay?" Rick ced his hand on Amanda''s cheek and asked. ''Strange, I feel nothing now,'' Amanda was confused. But she decided not to dwell on it for now. "I am fine," Amanda nodded, "But Rick, I can''t have you spend so much money on this," Amanda said as she tried to take off the pendant. But Rick stopped her, "Don''t. I want you to have it, Amanda. Plus, I think it''s worth it to wipe that smug grin off Zack''s face. Rick, "Anything to shut him up." Amanda was still hesitant, "But..." "You''re worth every penny, Amanda." Rick wrapped his arm around her, "Now if you say anymore, I will feel hurt." "Fine... But thank you, Rick. And I am sorry you had to deal with that." Amanda took a deep breath and spoke. "No need to say anything. Let''s just call it a little something to remember this day by. It was entertaining," Rick grinned. Amanda''s eyes softened as she looked at Rick. She realized that his intentions were genuine and that he simply wanted to make their outing memorable. Amanda nced at the ne one more time, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. She knew that this day would stay with her for a long time, not just because of the pendant Rick bought for him, but also because of the heartfelt gesture from the guy who was slowly capturing her heart. "Well, you can always return the favor," Rick when saw Amanda lost in thoughts, said with a smirk. "How?" Amanda quickly asked, but when she saw the lecherous smile on his face, she regretted it immediately. "Well... We can finish what we couldn''t that day," Rick winked and ced his hand on Amanda''s ass, caressing it. "You... You Pervert..." * * * * * [A/N: Somehow by mistake, I started privilege after this chapter. It was suppose to start at Chapter - 30, but... Well, it is what it is. If you are enjoying the story, I hope you continue to do so.] Chapter 28 Date [5] 28 Date [5] Chapter - 28 "All you think about is sex, don''t you?" Amanda yfullyined, her eyebrows raised in mock exasperation. She was still holding a grudge for what Rick did in the jewelry store. Rick chuckled, his eyes dancing mischievously, "Can you me me? You awakened that beast inside of me. I was an innocent boy." He was met with a yful eye roll from Amanda. "But I still can''t believe you were a virgin till yesterday. That blow..." Rick was about to offer a cheekypliment, but Amanda swiftly put her hand over his mouth, stifling his words. "Are you going to tell the whole world?" Amanda whispered anxiously, her cheeks flushing slightly. Rick''s muffledughter vibrated against Amanda''s palm. He pulled her hand away and grinned at her, his tone teasing. "Hey, I was just praising your technique." Amanda''s eyes widened, and she quickly hushed him with a finger to her lips. "Rick, seriously, can you not talk about this in public?" "Alright, alright," Rick said, raising his hands in mock surrender, his lips curling into a smirk. Amanda let out a breath of relief and shot him a yful re before quickly changing the topic. "Let''s go, I''m done with my food," Amanda dered, her cheeks still slightly pink from their previous conversation. Rick pretended to protest, his tone yful. "Hey, but I still have a lot left on my te." But Amanda didn''t give him a chance to argue further. She slipped her arm through his and tugged him along with her, determined to leave the room as soon as possible. Rick grinned, allowing Amanda to lead him. As they walked out of the restaurant, Amanda made sure he didn''t have a chance toin about paying for the meal. "Outside, she finally released her grip on Rick''s arm, and he took a deep breath as if he had just been released from a headlock. "Finally, I can breathe," Rick joked, rubbing his arm where Amanda had held on tightly. Amanda rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of amusement in her expression. "You''re such a drama queen." Rick dramatically ced a hand over his heart. "Oh, baby, you wound me with your words." Amanda let out augh, shaking her head. Every time Rick called her baby, she felt butterflies in her heart. She was about to respond when a voice interrupted them. "Excuse me, young man," a middle-aged man approached them with a friendly smile. He was apanied by a young girl, presumably his daughter. Rick turned toward them, his eyebrows raised in curiosity, "Yes?" "Ahh... Don''t take it the wrong way," the father, quickly exined with an apologetic smile, "I am Mike and this is my daughter Susan," the man introduced himself. "My daughter is quite interested in bikes. She is insisting me to buy her one as well. But you see... I am a father, I can''t just, you know..." "So, I wanted to buy something safe for her to try her hands on first," The man said and looked at Rick''s bike parked beside them. Rick grinned, his eyes understanding what the man meant, "No worries, I get it. Starting with a lightweight bike like this one is a smart move." Mike nodded, visibly relieved that Rick wasn''t offended by his question. "Exactly. So... I was thinking of buying this bike. How much did it cost you?" Rick leaned against his bike, his arms casually folded. "Well, this one is generally reasonably priced. It''s one of the most affordable options out there." Mike looked thoughtful for a moment, "And how''s the performance? Is it reliable?" Rick''s nodded with enthusiasm. "Absolutely! It''s agile, easy to maneuver, and has decent mileage. Perfect for getting around town." Mike nodded, taking in Rick''s words. "Sounds good. I''ve been researching, but it''s always helpful to get firsthand insights." Rick grinned, happy to share his knowledge. "I''m d I could help. If you''re considering buying one, you''re making a good choice." Mike chuckled. "You really seem passionate about bikes." Rick shrugged a yful glint in his eyes. "I won''t say that. It''s just convenient to move around." "And you know what? If you''re really interested in this bike, I could make you a deal." Rick offered. Mike raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "A deal? What do you mean?" Rick grinned mischievously. "Well, I''m thinking of getting a different bike soon. If you''re seriously considering this bike, I could sell you mine. It will be way much cheaper." Mike''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, you''d actually sell me your bike?" Rick nodded, his smile unwavering. "Sure, why not? It''s been a great ride, but I think it''s time for a change. And if you are really looking forward to buy it, why not this one?" Mike seemed taken aback by Rick''s generosity. "I appreciate the offer, but is it possible?" Rick waved off his concerns. "Absolutely. We can work out the details. If you''re interested, we can talk about the price." Rick then looked at his bike and thinking for a while continued, "The bike''s in front of you. It cost me around $2000. Why don''t you give me $1000 and take it away?" "$1000? Are you sure about it though? This is quite a good deal for me," Mike was a bit surprised by the price offered. "Why not?" Rick nodded, "But you have to take care of all the formalities. And I will record a video of you saying that everything that happens with this bike from today onwards, won''t be my problem." Rick told mike. "Do that, and you are good to go," "Well certainly that is not a problem," the father nodded. What Rick was demanding for was quite a genuine thing to ask, "So, $1000 then?" He tried to confirm. "Not a cent more," Rick shook his finger in front of Mike. And with that, the deal was done. The man transferred $1000, to Rick, recorded a video, and rode away with his daughter. "Looks like we are going to walk," Rick joked with Amanda andughed. Amanda looks at Rick with appreciation in her eyes. "Why did you sell your bike. That too at a loss," Amanda asked, "Don''t tell me you are trying to impress me?" Amanda looked at Rick with a yful smirk on her face. "You are thinking too much about it. I had to buy a new vehicle anyway. So why not sell it away?" Rick shrugged, "As for selling it cheap. I have no shortage of money. So why haggle over a couple of hundred bucks." "You could have lied," Amanda feigned a disappointed look. "Now don''t act in front of me," Rick didn''t fall for the trick. Rick''s fingers moved tentatively, reaching out to brush against Amanda''s palm. In a slow, deliberate motion, he intertwined his fingers with hers, his touch warm and gentle. The motion was almost mesmerizing, like a dance of connection between their hands. His fingers slid between hers, fitting perfectly, creating a snug andforting grip. As they continued to walk, their fingers remained entwined, each movement sending a tingling sensation through Amanda''s hand. She couldn''t help but steal nces at their linked fingers, her heart beating a little faster with each passing moment. The night sky stretched above them, stars winking like distantnterns. Amanda''s lips curled into a content smile as she felt Rick''s firm grip on her hand. His touch radiated a sense of security and familiarity that made her feel truly at ease. The rhythmic sound of their footsteps on the pavement provided a soothing backdrop to their shared silence. It was a silence filled with unspoken emotions, a connection that didn''t need words to be understood. Amanda''s gaze flickered between their hands and Rick''s profile, her heart brimming with a mix of excitement and anticipation. "So you are a really a rich young man? Son of some billionaire father?" Amanda finally broke the silence and asked Rick. "C''mon... Shouldn''t we get to know each other slowly? Let me keep a few of my secrets," Rick put his fingers on his lips and gestured Amanda that it was a secret. "Humph... Keep your secret. See if I care," Amanda snorted and throwing his hands away, walked ahead of him with quick steps. "Hey, Amanda... Don''t walk so fast. Or you will fall down," Rick yelled from behind and shaking his head, followed behind Amanda. "C''mon... Don''t be so touchy. Otherwise I won''t..." Suddenly Rick stopped speaking and came to a halt. Rick''s gaze was fixed on something. Something fascinating enough for him to ignore Amanda. Amanda, on the other hand, thought she would get to enjoy teasing Rick for a bit. And her nned worked in the beginning. But before she could even y angry, she couldn''t even hear Rick anymore. She thought he was trying to trick her into turning, so she continued to move forward. But when she still did not hear him call her, she angrily turned back to look at him. This was too much. Can''t he even y along? But when Amanda turned, she found him standing at one spot, looking at something with focus. His eyes were fixed on something ahead, and a glimmer of fascination dancing within them. She followed his gaze, trying to discern what had captured his attention. "You..." * * * * * Chapter 29 Toy Store 29 Toy Store Chapter - 29 Rick''s mischievous grin widened as he stood in front of the sex toy shop, his gaze fixed on the colorful disy in the window. The array of tantalizing items seemed to beckon to him, igniting his curiosity and sense of adventure. Beside him, Amanda''s cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink as she realized what had captured his attention. [ Quest: Bring Amanda to the sex toy shop Time Duration: 10 minutes Reward: Ero points: +100; Cash: $1000 ] "Rick, are you serious?" Amanda''s voice came out in a hushed whisper, a mixture of surprise and embarrassmentcing her words. Rick turned to her with a yful glint in his eyes, his lips curling into a wicked smile. "Why not? It''s just a shop like any other. Nothing to be embarrassed about." It was not because of the quest, it was not that great anyway. He just wanted to go in and take a look. Rick looked at her, his grin widening. "Come on, Amanda! Don''t you want to explore the mysteries of the adult world?" He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, making her giggle despite herself. "I don''t," Amanda rolled her eyes and yfully swatted his arm. "You''re such a troublemaker." Amanda bit her lower lip, her gaze shifting between the vibrant disys and Rick''s unapologetic expression. She couldn''t deny the curiosity that was piqued within her, but the idea of stepping into a store filled with intimate items made her feel like her cheeks were on fire. Before she could protest further, Rick gently took her hand and pulled her inside the shop. The soft chime of a bell announced their entrance. The interior of the shop was dimly lit, the walls lined with a variety of intriguing products that ranged from tantalizing lingerie to adventurous bedroom essories. Amanda''s eyes widened as she took in the array of items on disy. It was a world she hadn''t explored before, and she couldn''t help but feel a mix of curiosity and self-consciousness. Rick picked up a feather tickler, by the door and waggled it in Amanda''s direction, his grin growing even wider. "Think this could add some excitement to our romantic evenings?" he teased, making Amanda burst into a fit ofughter. "Rick, you''re incorrigible," she managed to say between giggles. Rick yfully shrugged. "Hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right?" Amanda''s cheeks flushed as she tried not to let her gaze linger on any one item for too long. Rick chuckled beside her, sharing in her mixture of excitement and nerves. "Whoa, this ce is like a grown-up yground,"Rick whispered, nudging Amanda with his elbow. Amanda stifled a giggle, her eyes wide as she took in the disys. "Yeah, I wasn''t expecting it to be this... this vibrant." As they ventured deeper into the shop, they noticed a sales girl with a vibrant personality, standing behind the counter. She had brightly colored hair and an outfit that could only be described as edgy. She wore a fitted ck tank top with a cheeky slogan in neon pink letters that read "Flirt Like You Mean It." The top''s low neckline revealed a hint of colorful tattoos that peeked from her corbones, adding to her edgy allure. Her hair, a riot of colors ranging from electric blue to hot pink, was styled in a messy bun atop her head, held in ce by an assortment of quirky pins and clips. A few strategically ced streaks of matching neon hair color framed her face, entuating her features in a yfully unconventional way. Around her neck, she wore a chunky silver chain with a pendant that featured a miniature handcuff charm, adding a touch of kinkiness to her look. Her ears were adorned with a mix of studs, hoops, and dangling earrings, each piece reflecting her eclectic taste in essories. The sales girl''s edgy outfit waspleted with a pair of high-waisted ck denim shorts that exuded a rebellious attitude. They were high-waisted and made of distressed ck denim that hugged her curves in all the right ces. But what really caught your eye were the neon green fis tights she wore underneath, peeking out from the strategic rips in the shorts. "Hey, y''all! Wee to Pleasure Haven!" the sales girl greeted them with a cheerful grin. "Lookin'' to spice up your love life?" Amanda''s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink, and Rick cleared his throat, trying to maintain aposed expression. "Uh, yeah... Not really... We thought we''d, you know, check out what you have." The sales girl leaned against the counter, giving them an amused look. "Alright, well, you''re in for a treat. We got it all ¡ª vibrators, dildos, butt stuff, whips, candles, wax, sexy lingerie, you want it? I have it." Rick and Amanda exchanged a quick nce, their eyes wide with a mix of amusement by the boldness of the girl. She looked no older than eighteen, but she looked way more experienced for the likes of Rick and Amanda. "Um, we''re just browsing, thanks," Amanda managed to say, her voice a little shaky. The sales girl raised an eyebrow, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Sure thing, take your time. And hey, if you need any help, just holler. I''m here to make your wildest fantasiese true." Rick coughed, attempting to stifle hisughter. "Thanks, we''ll keep that in mind. I might even invite you to spice things up," Rick said, winking at the girl, earning a giggle from her. But when he looked at Amanda, she was throwing res at her. Rick cleared his throat, trying to redirect the conversation, "So, uh, what''s popr in your shop?" The sales girl grinned, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "Well, let me tell you, butt plugs have been flying off the shelvestely. People are gettin'' quite curious, you know?" Amanda''s eyes widened, and Rick couldn''t help but chuckle at her reaction. Amanda shot him a yful re before turning back to the sales girl. "Um, really? Butt plugs?" Amanda asked. Rick when saw Amanda curious about the butt plug, he wasn''t much surprised. He knew from the information that the system gave him, that Amanda wanted to try anal. He tried to pursue her into anal sex that night when both of them lost their virginity, but she was very bashful about it. So they went for round two, but there was no anal. ''Well, I am going to take it from you, sooner orter,'' Rick smirked. On the other hand, the sales girl nodded, her grin widening. "Oh, for sure! They''re versatile, can be used solo or with a partner, and theye in all shapes and sizes. We even got ones with cute little jewels on ''em." Amanda bit her lip, ncing at Rick, wanting to say something. "Hmmm... Interesting," Rick raised an eyebrow at her, his eyes dancing with amusement. "You feeling adventurous, babe?" Amanda wanted to nod, but when she heard him tease her, Amanda rolled her eyes, her cheeks still pink. "Oh, shush. We''re just looking." The sales girl leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice to a stage whisper. "Well, if you''re gonna take the plunge, remember, lube is your best friend." And Rick burst intoughter, and Amanda couldn''t help but giggle too, "Thanks for the advice. Let us look around." The sales girl winked, her yful demeanor infectious. "Anytime, lovebirds. Enjoy your ''exploration''!" Rick and Amanda strolled through the rows of enticing disys in the sex toy shop, their curiosity piqued by the vast array of products that ranged from yful to provocative. The shelves showcased an assortment of lingerie, dildos, vibrators, and other items that left them both amused and intrigued. "Who would''ve thought there would be so much variety in a ce like this?" Rick remarked his tone a mixture of astonishment and amusement. Amanda chuckled softly, her cheeks turning a shade of pink as she nced around. "I know, right? It''s like a whole new world of possibilities. But since you practically dragged me here, are you telling me this your first time? C''mon don''t lie to me." Amanda asked. "Well, it''s the truth. It is indeed my first time here," Rick nodded. "Then what brought you here?" Amanda curiously asked. "Truth to be told, I am here because of you," Rick mischievously grinned at Amanda. "Me? Why?" Amanda was confused. "You look like someone who wants to get her ass drilled," Rick leaned in and whispered, "I am just preparing for the drilling." "You stupid, idiot, pervert Rick," Amanda was shocked by what Rick just said. She raised her hand to hit Rick, but thetter was quick to run away. Amanda ran after Rick as the two of them wandered deeper into the shop. Rick decided to get a hit, in hopes of enjoying the sight in front of him. Soon, they were in the lingerie section. Their eyes widened at the sight of lingerie in alluring designs and vibrant colors. They exchanged amused nces as they explored the shelves, asionally pointing out items that caught their attention. "Check out thosecey teddies," Rickmented with a smirk, causing Amanda to yfully nudge his arm. "Hey, Amanda, imagine surprising me with one of these," he teased, his voice carrying a yful tone as he picked up a sexy red lingerie. Amanda swatted him yfully, her embarrassment giving way toughter. "Oh, stop it! Let''s just look around and leave. I am not buying anything, we are only here to divulge into your curiosity." "We will see about that," Rick shook his head, his gaze shifting to the shelves of bondage and BDSM gear nearby. "And look at all these restraints and handcuffs. People really do like to experiment." "That they do," Amanda nodded looking at the furry, pink handcuffs, she looked lost looking at them. Rick raised an eyebrow, a yful glint in his eyes, "What? Thinking about trying out some new tricks? Whatever it might be, I want to be policeman." Amanda chuckled, her cheeks reddening once again. "Oh, hush! You and your dirty mind. Let''s keep moving." "Why so embarrassed?" Rick muttered under his breath. Amanda''s gaze shifted to a disy of beautifully designed vibrators, some with sleek shapes and others boasting more innovative forms. "Wow, they''ve really taken innovation to another level here." Rick nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the variety beforending on a particrly interesting rabbit vibrator. "Looks like they''ve got something for every preference." As they continued walking around the shop, Rick had so many scenarios running through his mind, ''God... I am going to really enjoy it." Rick decided looking at the items in front of him. Even if they did not end up buying much today, Rick was going to buy at least one piece of every item in here. "It''s a multi-tasker. I can use it for a rxing massage," Rick suggested with a grin, his eyes sparkling mischievously, "As for you?" "Don''t tease me..." Amanda''s face was hurting now. The sheer embarrassment she felt inside this shop was more than anything she had faced for all these years. As they moved forward, eventually, they found themselves in front of a disy of butt plugs. Amanda''s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink as her gaze fixed on the different sizes and shapes. [ Quest: Buy Amanda a butt plug Time Duration: 24 hours Reward: Ero points: +10000; Cash: $25000 ] Rick looked at the quest and he could not help but frown. In case of Amanda, the choices are almost non-existent now. As for the quests, they are not giving him the one thing he wanted, Experience. He was just short of 100 experience points from leveling up. Why was it so hard? It was irritating. But whatever the case may be, he had toplete the quest, at least for the money. Rick yfully nudged Amanda, who was intently looking at the butt plugs, "Feeling itchy, Amanda?" Amanda rolled her eyes with a shy smile, "I am just looking." "You know since you are beginner, why not start with a small, cute one?" Rick picked up a small, beginner-friendly butt plug and studied it intently. He then turned to Amanda, his voice a blend of seriousness and yfulness, "You know, I''ve heard that these can be used for both pleasure and as a way to prepare for anal y." Amanda when saw Rick exin it seriously, listened to him intently. She wanted to nod hearing his words, but when she the smirk on his face, she almost pulled his hair. "I am not buying it," Amanda decisively refused. "And I am not buying it," Rick leaned in and whispered in her ears, "Your words." "It''s decided then," Rick quickly pulled away and moved towards the girl at the counter, "We are buying this one." "..." Amanda stood stumped at her spot. * * * * * [A/N: Anyone reading this chapter is somewhat interested in the story. So why not spare a minute and leave a review?] Chapter 30 My Apartment? 30 My Apartment? Chapter - 30 Amanda and Rick strolled down the street, basking in the cozy streetlight vibes, their steps in sync. One could practically feel the awkwardness in the air, thanks to their recent shop escapade. Amanda''s cheeks were like two blushing tomatoes, and she couldn''t resist sneaking a peek at Rick from time to time. Rick totally caught her checking him out but decided to y it cool. He didn''t want to turn up the heat on her embarrassment. So, he yed it cool and gave her some breathing room, not wanting to turn her tomato-red cheeks into full-blown cherries. Still, those sneaky nces just kept oning, and he couldn''t help but let out a little chuckle. "What''s going on in that mind of yours?" Rick finally teased, his voice carrying a light-hearted tone. He could not hold himself back any longer. Amanda''s gaze snapped up, and her blush deepened. "N-nothing! I was just... thinking." Rick grinned yfully,"Thinking about what? Our little adventure back there?" Amanda''s eyes widened, and she quickly shook her head, "No, not at all! I mean, yes, it was an adventure, but... um, never mind." Rickughed, enjoying Amanda''s flustered response. "You''re adorable, you know that?" "I am not," Amanda huffed. "So, did you like my gift?" Rick asked, eyeing the little bag in Amanda''s hand. It was precisely the little butt plug he bought for her. Amanda''s blush intensified, and she cast her gaze downward. "Stop teasing me." "Okay, okay," Rick conceded with a chuckle. "I promise to behave... For now." And what followed was afortable silence, Amanda and Rick walked with their fingers intertwined. But Amanda still looked like she had something to say. She was trying to run her words through her head again and again. Not wanting to sound clingy or perverted. After they had walked for about ten minutes, Amanda took a deep breath, finally gathering her courage. She knew she needed to address the question that had been on her mind since they left the shop. Clearing her throat, she spoke in a slightly roundabout manner, "So, um, Rick... my apartment is just a couple of blocks away from here." Rick turned his attention to Amanda, and nodded in approval, "Oh, that''s convenient. You live nearby. I can drop you there." Amanda nodded, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Yeah, it is. I was thinking... That you know... Maybe if you... If you want, you coulde over for a little while." Rick''s lips curved into a warm smile. He could sense Amanda''s shyness and hesitance. But he felt like he had teased Amanda a lot today, the daily quota of teasing her was almost over. Instead, he wanted to make her feelfortable,. "Sure, I''d love to. Your ce isn''t too far, right?" Amanda was quite happy hearing him, she nodded her excitedly, "No, not at all. Just a short walk from here." Rick matched his steps with Amanda''s, their shoulders asionally brushing against each other. "Well, then it sounds like a n. Lead the way. Mydy." Amanda''s heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She appreciated Rick''s casual response to her invitation. She was definitely hoping to get teased by Rick, but he said nothing this time. Rick followed Amanda and in no time, Rick saw an apartmentplex in front of him. As they approached her apartment building, Amanda felt a sense of anticipation building up within her. As they stood outside the Apartment building, Amanda hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest as she looked up at Rick. She was hoping he would take the hint and ask toe up. But Rick just stood there, staring at her building. Finally giving up on the hope that Rick would ask her toe up, Amanda decided to invite him. But before she could gather her courage to say anything, Rick spoke up. "Well, I should probably get going," Rick said with a small smile. "You want to leave?" Amanda bit her lip, "But you said you will..." Amanda could notplete herself. Rick smiled at her, he cupped her small face in his palms and said looking straight into her eyes, "The day has been great, possibly the best that I have spent with anyone. I want it to end on a happy note, something I hardly get." Amanda''s lips curved into a yful smile, but her eyes held a tinge of disappointment, "Oh really? So, this was a ''happy ending'' kind of day for you, huh?" Rick chuckled, his gaze meeting hers. "I was more than happy. I finally have a girlfriend." "Who said I am your girlfriend? I don''t remember agreeing to it," Amanda smirked. [ Quest: Tease Amanda, and pull a reversal on her Time Duration: 10 minutes Reward: Ero points: +500; Cash: $10,000 ] "Oh... Is that so? My bad. Guess, I got carried away. So what should i do?" Rick pretended to think, "I should tell that guy first, Zacky boy. He will be happy." "As for me, I should try on Lisa," Rick ''revealed'' his n. "You dare," Amanda quickly snapped, pointing her finger at Rick, "You better not have thoughts for that bitch." Once losing her boyfriend to that bitch was already a disgrace for Amanda, she was not letting that happen again. Moreover, Rick was way better than that shit hole, Zack. So she instantly red up at the mention of Lisa''s name, but when she the smug look on Rick''s face, she realised that she had again fallen to one of his tricks. She couldn''t help but sigh. In front of Rick, she was just a girl, someone he could easily y with. She sighed, her fingers toying with the edge of her shirt. She wanted to ask him toe up, to continue their time together, but something in Rick''s demeanor told her that he had something on his mind. Rick could guess what was on her mind, "I actually have something I need to work on. It''s like a project. I know it''s a bit weird, but I really need to get it done." Amanda nodded, understanding his situation. "No problem, Rick. College workes first," She thought it had something to do with his college. It was not unnatural to have projects. Rick smiled appreciatively. "Thanks for understanding. I promise we''ll hang out again soon. How about we n something for the weekend?" And just one sentence from him brought a smile on her face. The disappointment faded away, and she was already looking forward to their next meeting. "That sounds like a n. Just let me know." Rick took a step closer, his hand lightly brushing against Amanda''s arm. "Definitely. And don''t worry, next time I''ll make sure I don''t have any ''projects'' to work on." Inwardly, Rick was wrestling with his own thoughts. He was eager to go up with Amanda, to continue their time together in the cozy ambiance of her apartment. Yet, he also knew that he had toy the groundwork for his experiment involving Lisa. The idea tugged at him, reminding him of his initial intentions when he had met Amanda''s colleague. As much as he wanted to enjoy Amanda''spany and explore the uncharted territories that he could not thest time, he also had to ensure he understood the system''s abilities and limitations. That required some preparation and nning, which he couldn''t ignore. Rick cleared his throat, breaking the momentary silence. "Amanda, I really had a great time, and I wish I could stay longer. If it was not for the project, I would have already pulled you up and plugged that little toy where it belongs." "Che... Shut up. Your mind is always thinking about something dirty," Amanda pushed him away chided, "Just go, you idiot." "Hahaha... Then I will get going," Rickughed as he walked backwards, his face still towards Amanda, "But remember. Lube is your best friend." "You..." Amanda wanted to run and smack Rick, but he had already turned and walked away. Amanda watched as Rick walked away, his figure disappearing into the distance. The knot in her stomach tightened as a mix of emotions swirled within her. She sighed heavily, her breath forming a small cloud in the chilly evening air. "Why does he always have to leave like this?" she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible over the distant city sounds. Turning away from the street, Amanda trudged towards her apartment building. As she stepped into the elevator, she leaned against the wall and let out a long sigh. "Miss him so much already," she mumbled, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness. The elevator''s soft hum filled the silence as it ascended, carrying Amanda toward her solitary refuge. Reaching her apartment, Amanda tossed her keys onto the table and made a beeline for the refrigerator. She opened the door and grabbed a can of beer, its cold surface sending aforting sensation through her fingers. Popping it open, she took a long sip, relishing the bitter taste that momentarily distracted her from her thoughts. "Ugh, Amanda, don''t be so silly," she muttered to herself, trying to shake off the mncholy that was settling over her. "It was just one day, and he has his own stuff to take care of." Amanda walked over to her living room and copsed onto the couch, taking another sip of her beer. She propped her feet up on the coffee table and stared at the TV, even though it wasn''t turned on. She let out a heavy sigh, her mind drifting back to the fun moments she had shared with Rick throughout the day. "He''s probably busy with whatever he needed to take care of," Amanda said aloud, trying to convince herself more than anyone else. "And I''ve got plenty of things to keep myself upied too." But when she tried to think, she could note up with a single thing. All she could think about was Rick. Helpless she again leaned back against the couch, and closed her eyes for a moment, letting the memory of Rick''s smile and hisughter y in her mind. She could almost hear his voice teasing her and his warm presence next to her. It was crazy how quickly he had managed to make her feelfortable and happy. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, the doorbell rang, causing Amanda to jump slightly. She set her beer down on the coffee table and pushed herself up from the couch. Shezily walked towards the door and opened it, without even peeking through the peephole. "Delivery for one Amanda Miller," "Rick?" Amanda whispered, her heart skipping a beat when she saw who was standing on the other side. "Yes mam," Rick grinned when he saw the surprise on Amanda''s face, "So will you pay with cash, or card?" "And if you don''t have the money, don''t fret," Rick said, and his smile turned lecherous. "We take other modes of payment as well." * * * * * [A/N: Don''t forget to vote,ment and if you like, send me some gifts] Chapter 31 Rick and Amanda again [1] 31 Rick and Amanda ''again'' [1] Chapter - 31 "Rick, what are you doing here?" Rick''s sudden entrance left Amanda utterly surprised, her eyes widening as she processed the unexpected turn of events. Before she could even process his sudden appearance, Rick''s strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close. His lips met hers in a kiss that sent a shockwave of sensation through her body. Rick stepped inside with a determined look in his eyes. There was a sense of urgency in his movements as he closed the door behind him, leaving no room for uncertainty. The initial surprise of the kiss quickly gave way to a rush of heat and desire as Rick''s lips moved against hers with an urgency that she couldn''t ignore. Amanda''s hands instinctively found their way to his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as she surrendered herself to the intoxicating embrace. The kiss was anything but tentative; it was a collision of emotions and desires that had been building up throughout the day. Amanda''s initial surprise gave way to a rush of exhration as Rick''s lips moved against hers, a mix of passion and urgency in every touch. His hand cradled the back of her head, deepening the kiss as if he had been waiting for this moment just as much as she had Their lips danced together in a passionate rhythm, a silent conversation of desire and longing. Amanda''s eyes drifted closed as the intensity of the kiss deepened, their breaths mingling as the boundaries between them blurred. Rick''s hand gently cupped the back of her head, tilting her slightly to allow for a better angle. "Ummm..." A soft moan escaped Amanda''s lips as Rick''s tongue teased the seam of her mouth, seeking entrance. With a hesitant sigh, she granted him ess, her tongue tentatively meeting his in a sensual dance that left her head spinning. The taste of him was intoxicating, a mixture of desire and a hint of the lingering mint from their earlier shared breath. Their bodies pressed closer, every inch of contact sending a jolt of electricity through Amanda''s veins. She could feel the heat of his chest against her, the rapid beat of his heart matching her own frantic pulse. Her fingers moved from his shirt to his neck, tangling in his hair as the kiss deepened even further. Rick''s hands explored her back, his touch leaving a trail of fire in its wake. The way his fingers moved, tracing the curves of her spine, sent shivers down Amanda''s spine and caused her to press herself impossibly closer to him. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the sensation of his lips on hers, the taste of him, the feeling of his arms around her. As the kiss continued, time became a blur, lost in the fervent connection they shared. Every brush of their lips ignited a fire within Amanda, a craving that only Rick could satisfy. And as they finally pulled away, their breaths ragged and their eyes locked, Amanda couldn''t help but let out a breathlessugh, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. "Wow," she managed to whisper, her voice a mixture of surprise and desire. She could have never guessed Rick would return, that too like a hungry wolf. Rick chuckled softly, his fingers tracing a gentle path along her jawline. "I''m sorry." Rick''s eyes held a mixture of intensity and tenderness as he looked at her, his fingers brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "I''ve been wanting to do that since the moment I saw you." "I tried to resist you, made excuses. After all I didn''t want our rtionship to be just this," Rick yed with Amanda''s hair as he looked at her with loving eyes. "So you lied to me about ''that project'' of yours?" Amanda looked at Rick and asked with a sarcastic smile on her face. But her eyes betrayed her. They looked at Rick with the same affectionate gaze, as she had been doing all evening. [ 1. Lie about your project. Tell her you came just for her. (Temptation +10) 2. Tell her the truth. (Temptation +5) ] Rick looked at the options and sighed inwardly. Though the first option had more temptation points, Rick really wanted toe clean with Amanda. He came back to tell Amanda the truth. But now looking at the options, he was weighing out his options. The system was messing with his head. "Hey... Where are you lost?" While Rick was looking at his options, Amanda called him out, "You are not thinking of lying to me, are you?" Amanda''s words brought Rick to his senses. He finally made up his mind. "I am not lying to you," Rick spoke with a sigh, "But I did lie to you earlier, down below." "I didn''t have anything to do, no project," Rick told Amanda. "Oh! Is that so," Amanda''s eyes shook as she looked at Rick, "So what made you change your mind?" [ 1. Tell Amanda the truth (Temptation +10; Love +1) 2. Tell her you want to drill her hole (Temptation +10) 3. Your disappointed look made me pity you (Temptation -25) ] "What can I say?," Rick looked disappointed, "Looks like I am falling for you." "En..." Amanda could not have guessed that Rick outright say that he likes her. This bold and straightforward move of his caught her by surprise. In fact, this was exactly what was going inside her head before Rick showed up. She was already missing Rick. Debating with herself if she was starting to slowly fall for him. A guy younger than her, a college student. Rick came into her life like a storm. It has been a bit more than a day and he had taken her on a roller coaster ride. She found her boyfriend cheating on her, Rick consoled her, she lost her virginity to him. And when she thought it was just a surreal dream, He came back. This time he asked her out on a date, and made her experience one of the best days of her life. She was happy, she was content. But he did not end it there. God knows how he knew it, but Rick knew about her fantasy. It might just have been a coincidence, but Rick pulled her into a sex toy shop. Something she had always fantasized about, but never dared to step into. And she was shocked, excited, and embarrassed with everything she set her eyes on. But Rick somehow managed to make it enjoyable. So much so, that he even bought a ''certain'' something for her. Something she might have given a try pretty soon, maybe even tonight. She wasn''t even over that, and Rick dropped a bomb on her, leaving her stumped. "Hey... You can''t just leave me hanging like that," Rick teased Amanda. "You... Do you really... I mean..." Amanda stammered to find the right words. "Hey... Hey... Hey... I wasn''t expecting this reaction from you," Rick smirked, "I was hoping you woulde running into my arms." "Rick... I..." Amanda wasn''t sure what to say. She saw the nonchnt smile on his face, but she could feel some hope in his voice. [ 1. Say there is no need to answer right now (Temptation +5) 2. Pressure Amanda for an Answer (Temptation -10) "Just trying to keep things interesting." Rick chuckled. 21:40 "You certainly know how to do that." Amanda rolled her eyes. ] "Hey, no need to panic. I am in no hurry, don''t worry," Rick said ruffling Amanda''s hair. "Thank you, Rick," Amanda didn''t mind him treating her like a child. She was already in a spot. Her brain said one thing, but her heart said something else. "No need to thank me," Rick shrugged, "Nobody will me a beauty for being picky." "Now you are making me feel guilty," Amanda pouted. "Well, I haven''t even gotten started yet. How about we spice things up a bit? Do something more exciting?" Rick put his arm over Amanda''s shoulder and leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. "Exciting? What do you have in mind?" Amanda asked a bit curious and a little excited. "Oh, you know my drill, Let me find it your hole," Rick said winking. "Oh my God... Rick! Where do you find... How do you evene up with stuff like that?" Amanda was genuinely shocked. "What can I say? I have a knack with it," Rick defended himself. Amanda, hearing sighed helplessly and looked around the room, not able to say anything more. In front of Rick, she would always loose. "What? Afraid of your sound proofing?" Rick spoke up again, "I am sure it can handle. If not, let your neighbors enjoy a good show." Amanda blushes even more, her face had not recovered from the evening, and Rick was doing it again. She has had enough of his teasing. Her hand moved in a swift movement, and grabbed a part of her skin on his waist, as she pinched him. And she wasn''t merciful. "Ouch! What was that for?" Rick hissed in pain and acted all innocent. "What else? It''s for being a cheeky devil," Amanda scoffed donning a victorious smile. ''I can''t match your tongue, but who can stop me from being physical?'' "You will pay for this," Rick pulled away from Amanda and warned her. Then he tried to look over her shoulder, trying to find something. "What are you looking for?" Amanda was curious what other trick he had in his arsenal. "Nothing, just checking out that bag you had earlier," "It''s there, what do you need it..." Amanda was confused, but as she spoke, it clicked to her. "Well, I was thinking we could... you know... Finish some unfinished business," Rick grinned. "Rick! You are incorrigible," Amanda almost hit her forehead when realization dawned upon her. "Just trying to keep things interesting." Rick chuckled. "You certainly know how to do that." Amanda rolled her eyes. "So, what do you say, Amanda? Shall we spice things up?" Rick leaned in closer and asked Amanda with a mischievous smile on his face. * * * * * [A/N: Do vote,ment and send gifts if you feel like it] Chapter 32 Rick and Amanda again [2] 32 Rick and Amanda ''again'' [2] Chapter - 32 Rick looked at Amanda with a wicked grin. "Amanda... My dear Amanda... The night is still young. So why not we spice things up a bit?" Rick said as he leaned in closer to Amanda and softly kissed her forehead. Amanda closed her eyes, feeling his touch. Her lips curled up in a smile and she asked, "Well, what do you have in mind?" [ Quest: Tempt Amanda Time Duration: 1 hour Rewards: Temptation: +15; Ero Points: 1,000 ] "Why don''t I show you instead?" Rick said as he moved down and kissed her eyes this time, "Your brown eyes, they are so mesmerizing." "Hehehe... They are actually prettymon you know," Amanda giggled when she heard Rick praise her. "Your nose," instead of replying to her, Rick continued as he nted a kiss on her nose, "Your small nose is the cutest thing I have seen." As soon as Rick kissed her nose, Amanda felt a tickle all over her body. Her body started to heat up. "And your chubby cheeks. They make me want to eat you all up," And Rick ced his lips on Amanda''s right cheek. It wasn''t just a peck. It was long enough to raise Amanda''s heartbeat. Each kiss sent chills down Amanda''s spine. Oh boy, she thought to herself, this was going to be a wild night. "But what I want the most are your lips," Rick finally said, and Amanda''s body froze, hearing him. Taking this opportunity, Rick pulled Amanda closer, and nted his lips on hers. Rick''s lips met hers in a fiery, passionate kiss. And before she could withdraw her mind Rick''s arms were around her, locking her in his embrace. She felt again the rush of helplessness, the sinking yielding, the surging tide of warmth that left her limp. Ding! His tongue slips inside my mouth, gentle but demanding, and it was nothing like Amanda had ever experienced before. Their bodies pressed together as they explored each other''s mouths with their tongues. It was like they couldn''t get enough of each other. Amanda felt like melting because every square inch of her body dissolved into his. Amanda''s hands roamed over Rick''s toned body. She felt his muscles tighten under her touch. She could feel the heat radiating off of him. It was like he was on fire. Meanwhile, Rick''s hands traveled down Amanda''s back, gripping her hips as he pulled her closer. Their bodies were pressed so close together that they felt like one. Amanda could even feel the steely erection pressing against her thigh. She squeezed Rick''s firm butt and gasped as she felt how hard he was. Finally, only when they were out of breath did the two of them pull away. As they broke their kiss and looked deep into each other''s eyes, they could feel their burning passion. Amanda had never seen Rick look so wild. A wild thought crossed her mind; there was no way she was going to stop him now. She wanted more of him, all of him. So this time, she took the lead. Amanda grabbed Rick''s head and pulled him into another kiss. She opened her mouth and their tongues began a passionate dance. Rick squeezed Amanda''s neck, caressing it with his thumb. Amanda felt her knees grow weak and her head went light. Rick scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the couch in the living room and put her there. Then he leaned on her as he buried his face in her neck. Amanda gasped as she felt him sucking her neck. Goosebumps erupted on her arms. Gosh, she never knew she could get this hot. His hands moved up her body, leaving a trail of electric sparks in their wake. Amanda felt her breasts swell with desire as Rick''s hands moved up and cupped them. He started gently kneading her breasts, teasing her nipples with his thumbs. "Oh God, that feels so good," Amanda moaned. His hot breath tickled her neck and she found it hard to control herself. She heard her own breathing grow heavy. With his left hand, Rick fondled her breasts and pinched her nipples. "Mmm... Rick," Amanda called out his name in pleasure, "Don''t stop." [ Quest: Finger fuck Amanda Time Duration: 1 hour Rewards: Ero Points: 5,000; Cash: $25,000 ] But Rick had already moved on. His hand moved down to her navel and continued to move down. He put his hands on her knees and gently spread them. All this while, he continued to leave a trail of kisses along her neck. Right now, Amanda was on the couch, with her legs spread apart, and Rick on top of her, with his bulging crouch rubbing against her pussy. Rick slid one hand up and down her inner thigh. Amanda could feel her panties getting wet as Rick''s fingers edged closer to her clit. His hands felt so warm against her skin. His hands moved to her hips, he slid her skirt up and pulled her panties down. Amanda lifted up so he could take her panties off. Rick leaned back and let his eyes wander over Amanda''s exposed pussy. He had never seen her look so sexy. "You''re so gorgeous, Amanda," Rick said, as he leaned in to kiss her. Amanda kissed Rick as his hands roamed over her body. She could feel the heat of his body right against hers. She wanted him inside her now. She could feel how hard he was. She reached down to touch his erection. Amanda gasped, as she felt Rick''s fingers moving over her crease. He rubbed her pussy lips gently. He tickled her clit with his thumb. Every touch was like an electric spark. Amanda spread her legs and arched her back, With his fingers, Rick gently parted her pussy lips and slowly slid two fingers into her. "Fuck hmmm..." Amanda''s head fell back and she closed her eyes. She could feel her pussy getting wet with desire. Rick rolled his thumb around Amanda''s rock hard clit for a few seconds. "Baby you are so fucking wet!" Rick said, leaning back and admiring Amanda''s wet pussy, "Do you want daddy to continue?" As he said that, Rick pulled his finger back and Amanda almost begged him not to stop. "Rick," Amanda bit her lip as she desperately looked at him, "Daddy, please don''t stop." And without further ado, Rick thrust them all the way back into her, with force, as Amanda instinctively got up onto her tippy toes. He moved his fingers in and out several times. Her hips moved in rhythm, grinding her clit against Rick''s fingers, as he fucked her with his fingers. Rick pulled his fingers out and immediately pushed them in again. Every time, his fingers went deeper. Amanda let out a cry as Rick pushed his fingers in and out of her wet pussy. Her nipples stood at full attention. "Oh, Rick, that feels so good," As his fingers moved, Amanda moaned continuously. At that moment Rick kissed Amanda again. Far more urgently this time as he ground his fingers into her throbbing cunt. Amanda''s tongue was rolling around his as her hands were now wrapped around his neck and pulling their mouths together. "Oh, I''m not going to stop," Rick whispered as he took his finger out of Amanda''s mouth. 21:41 Amanda could feel his breath "Mmm... Daddy," Amanda fondled her breasts with her hands. "Do you like that, babe? Do you like having your daddy finger your little pussy? Rick asked between his fingering. She nodded dreamily, "Yes, Daddy." "You''re just a naughty little girl, aren''t you, Amanda?" Rick leaned in and whispered into Amanda''s ears. This made her body tremble, and her eyes teared. "Yes, Daddy. I''m a naughty little girl... I am your naughty little girl," Amanda''s hips began to grind into Rick''s palm. "I...I think I''m going to finish, Daddy. I feel like I''m going to explode!" Soon Amanda announced. "You want to cum while your Daddy finger fucks his little girl, huh? Do you want to cum in Daddy''s hand?" Rick asked with a smirk. Her muscles began to convulse around Rick''s fingers. "Yes, Daddy. Please make me cum in your hand. I want to cum in your hand, Daddy. Mmm... Please, Daddy, make me cum..." Amanda almost tore off her clothes. "You''re such a naughty little girl," Rick said as he rubbed her clit with his thumb. And Amanda almost practically levitated off the couch. "I am cumming... Oh... That feels so good," Amanda squirmed on the couch and pressed her crotch into Rick''s hand, moaning and groaning about how good it felt. Eventually, her howls finally subsided and she settled back into the couch, "Oh god!" Rick finally pulled away and held his glistening fingers in front of her lips. She looked at me then back to her fingers. She leaned forward and took them into her mouth, swirling her tongue around them and sucking them clean. As she sucked his fingers, Rick had moved down. Amanda gasped as she felt Rick''s lips press against her inner thigh. Rick''s lips left a trail of kisses as he moved up towards Amanda''s moist core. He left a trail of kisses from her hip bone all the way to her navel. He then moved towards her right thigh and left a trail of kisses from her knee to the inside of her thigh. Amanda''s eyes were shut so she could savor the moment. She knew that Rick had left her pussy forst. Amanda cried out when she felt Rick''s hot breath on her thighs. He looked up at her, his eyes zing with desire and said, "You''re the most beautiful woman I''ve ever seen Amanda. "Oh God, don''t stop," Amanda moaned. "Oh, I''m not going to stop," Rick whispered as he took his finger out of Amanda''s mouth. Amanda could feel his breath Amanda felt herself growing wet with desire. She sped at Rick''s hair, afraid that she would fall over with lust. "Amanda... I want you now." * * * * * [A/N: Don''t forget to vote,ment and if you like, send me some gifts] Chapter 33 Rick and Amanda again [3] 33 Rick and Amanda ''again'' [3] Chapter - 33 Amanday on the couch exhausted by the orgasmic finger-fucking Rick just gave her. He made her cum twice just with the forey and they haven''t even gotten to the main act. The pleasure he gave her was heavenly. Rick too, didn''t say anything. He just stroked her thighs, feeling her soft skin. The system had told him the first time that Amanda liked it slow and gentle. So he wasn''t going to rush things with her. [Target Information. Name- Amanda Miller Age - 26 Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 (Extremely Horny) Romance Radar - 03/10 Body Count - 1 Sexual Preferences - Loves gentle sex. Whispering in her ears. Has daddy issues. Loves Kissing. Kinks - Wants to try Anal. Feelings - She wants to impress you. She is falling in love with you. (Aren''t you happy loser?) ] After a minute or two when Amanda had rested enough, she sat up on the couch and brushed her fingers through her disheveled hairs. "Why bother? They are going to get messy again," Rick sat back on the couch with a devilish grin on his face, his fingers gliding over her thighs, going up her dress, "Not so soon," Amanda grabbed his hand and gently removed it from her leg. She then stood up and sauntered away. Rick watched as Amanda got up from the couch, swaying her hips. He was confused, but as he watched her ass sway, there was noin in his heart. It was like she was putting on a show just for him. Her body had been teasing him all night, shing glimpses of her bare legs and the curve of her cleavage. Only he knew how much will power he consumed to hold himself back. "Mind if I put some music on?" she asked, her voice low and sultry. "Go for it," he replied, leaning back even further. As the beat started to fill the room, Amanda began to move. At first, it was just a simple sway of her hips back and forth. But as the music picked up, so did her movements. Amanda started to dance, moving her body in time to the beat. She ran her hands through her hair, sending locks of brownish-orange cascading down her back. Rick felt himself getting harder with every move she made. With every beat, she would shake her hips, touch her boobs, and y with her hair. As the beat changed, Amanda twirled, and as she did, her dress floated through the air, giving Rick a chance to catch a glimpse of her shapely ass. Amanda saw Rick''s eyes fixed on her ass, and her pussy felt hot. She wasn''t wearing a panty. Rick had already stripped her of it earlier. There was nothing concealing her private parts down below, other than the dress she was wearing. She could feel her heart racing. but today, she was going to go bold. Amanda slowly lifted the hem, revealing inch by inch of smooth skin. As her dress moved up, Rick could feel his boner bulging. If Amanda was trying to tease her, she was actually doing a good job of it. Finally, Amanda had lifted the dress high enough to reveal her wet, glistering pussy to Rick. He had just seen it up close, but his eyes widened again at the sight of them. He never knew Amanda would be this bold and daring. She was literally igniting the fire within him. Amanda, on the other hand, was quite happy to see his reaction. She wasn''t actually this bold, but Rick manged to flip a switch in her. She was doing something she had never imagined doing for someone. This was how much Rick had charmed her. As she watched him stare at her pussy with those lust-filled eyes, Amanda smirked and dropped her dress, covering her pussy once again. "Hey..." Rick called out in disappointment as he finally looked away from her pussy. But all herints were gone, as he looked up. Amanda stood there with a teasing smile on her face. Her right, on her left shoulder, holding the strap of her dress. As Rick watched, she slowly slid the strap of her dress over her left shoulder, revealing just enough of her breast to make Rick lick his lips. "Mmm... Are you enjoying it, daddy?" He could see her nipple standing erect, hard and waiting for his touch. He saw her hips sway and heard her moan as she moved her hand down her body, sending shivers through her body as she lightly touched her clit. Rick felt his cock throbbing. He wanted to touch her. As he watched her y with her, Rick could not hold it any longer. He wanted to fuck her. So he stood up and approached her. She was still touching herself when he came up behind her. He slid his hands over her hips and around her waist, moving close enough so that he could feel her bare skin against his, "You have be quite a tease, Amanda." "Only for you. Mmmm..." Amanda moaned as she felt Rick''s cock pressed against her ass. She could feel every inch of his hardness as he pressed against her. She pressed harder against him, feeling his response. His cock twitched in response, growing even bigger as she ground her ass against him. Rick slid his hands around her body, cupping her breasts, feeling the nipples against his palms. He could feel her breath quickening. He could feel her need building. Amanda was already sensitive all over her body. But when Rick teased her all over again, Amanda was again close toing. And as soon as Rick took her nipples between his thumb and finger and began to lightly pinch and twist, she felt her body explode. She threw her head back and pressed her ass into him, crying out as the orgasm rocked her body. "Oh... Rick... You make me feel so good," Amanda''s body shook as she shivered in pleasure. Rick turned her around, making her face him. He pulled her closer, her breasts against him, he leaned in to once again capture her lips. But just as he was about to taste those lips of hers, Amanda quickly put her finger over her lips and shook her head. She then pushed him away, throwing him on the couch. Rick was again on the couch, with Amanda in front of him. Rick watched her stand in front of him and sway her hips again, this time in time to the music, her breasts bouncing with the beat. Amanda felt the heat of Rick''s gaze as she moved her hands over her body, watching his eyes as they followed every movement she made. Amanda ran her hands over her breasts, squeezing them and spreading her fingers out over as much of each breast as she could. She paused as her hands came together, squeezing with both hands. She gasped as she felt her nipples, hard and erect, pressed against each other. Rick could hardly sit still as Amanda continued to tease him. He was uncontrobly hard down in his pants. Amanda knew it, but her hands continued to move, feeling every inch of her own body. Amanda moved her hands up the inside of her thighs, teasing Rick as she leaned forward, showing him the curve of her ass. He could feel his cock throbbing as she finally reached her prize, lightly running her fingers over the wetness of her pussy. Rick watched as Amanda slid her hand down her body, pressing against her clit. He ached to touch her, but he knew it would be worth the wait. Amanda moaned as she slid her fingers over her clit and down her slit. Her pussy was wet and hot and ready for some attention. She could feel the heat radiating from between her legs. Rick was so hard he thought he might explode if he didn''t fuck her soon. He watched as Amanda slid her fingers down her slit again, gasping as she found her opening. She slid her fingers inside her pussy and moaned as she began to finger herself, ying with her clit as she fucked herself with her fingers. She moaned as she slipped a finger inside, pressing harder and deeper, moving her finger in and out. Rick could feel himself getting harder with every move Amanda made. Finally, Amanda couldn''t take it anymore. She moved to stand in front of Rick, her thighs straddling his legs, her wetness inches from his cock. She moved her hands outwards, cing them on his shoulders. Rick could see how much she wanted him. He couldn''t wait much longer. His cock was ready to explode. He grabbed her ass and pulled her on hisp. As she straddled him, he could feel her wetness on his cock through his pants. He moaned as he pressed her body against his, feeling her breasts and nipples against his chest. Amanda was in front of him, her back to him, her fingers buried in her slit. He turned her around and kissed her, tasting herself on her lips. Amanda opened her mouth to Rick''s kiss, moaning as his tongue slipped inside. She could feel the head of his cock pressed against her thigh and wanted nothing more than for him to slide inside her. "Oh, Rick!" Amanda moaned as she felt Rick''s cock pressing against her ass. She could feel his hardness against her skin. She wanted him so bad. Amanda turned around on hisp and with her face towards him, her big boobs feeling his chest. Amanda leaned in to kiss him again, sliding her tongue into his mouth. She felt her breath quicken as their tongues wrestled in their mouth. She gasped as she felt his fingers sliding up her thighs and towards her wetness. She wrapped her arms around his neck She ran her hands over his shoulders and down his chest, stopping when she reached his cock. She let her fingers travel along the length of his shaft, feeling how big it was. "Oh yes! Rick, I want you so bad!" Amanda moaned as she broke the kiss, panting for air. She wrapped her arm around him, closing the distance between them. She could feel his cock twitch. Her pussy rubbing against his bulge over his pants. "I want you to," Rick whispered affectionately in her ear, "But you have to please me first." * * * * * [A/N: If you are enjoying the story don''t forget to vote,ment and send me gifts if you feel like it. I am new to this, so I hope to do a nice job.] Chapter 34 Rick and Amanda again [4] 34 Rick and Amanda ''again'' [4] Chapter - 34 With that, Rick sat straight on the couch, and unzipped his pants. Amanda who was in front of him, helped him pull it down as Rick raised his hip, making it easy for her to do so. Amanda put her hands on the sides of his pants and pulled it down in one fell swoop. Rick''s penis moved downwards with the pull of his jeans. And just as Amanda pulled it off, his penis bounced back up to its peak. Amanda let out a little gasp when this happened and Rick smiled inwardly at the thought of exciting such a beautiful woman. "Oh god, I like that." she quietly eximed. "Wow, would you mind if I touched it?" Amanda asked cutely. "Why else do you think it is out there?" Rick looked at Amanda and grinned, "C''mon... Do your thing." Rick pulled Amanda towards himself. And Amanda sunk to her knees, staring up at him, desperate to return the pleasure. His cock was inches away from her face. Amanda raised her hand, and held Rick''s long shaft in her tiny, little hands and gave it light squeeze. It was hard as a rock. Slowly Amanda started to move her hand up and down. She was starting with a hand-job. With one hand, Amanda took over stroking him and with the other, she was gently fondling his balls. "That''s so good... Keep going..." Rick leaned back on the couch and said. It was definitely working. Rick was as hard as he could get. Those soft hands, doing what they were doing was creating strong feelings. "You are so good at this... Ummm... I about to shoot," Amanda leaned over, "Are you going to shoot? Am I going to make you explode?" "Uh-Hun," Rick nodded. Seeing him nod, Amanda changed her position. She stopped moving her hands and ced her lips over the tip, tongue swirling around, tasting his precum. He let out a deep groan, forcing her to look up at him. She grabbed his hips and started working her lips down as her tongue massaged and traced his thick veins. [ Quest: Unload your load in Amanda''s Mouth Time Duration : 1 hour Reward: 1 lottery spin ] Rick grabbed her by her messy hair and slowly started moving her head back and forth on his aching cock. She moaned and gurgled as she tried desperately to keep up, disregarding the drool dribbling down her chin and throat. "Oh god Amanda, I can''t hold it any longer," Rick said as he grabbed her head with both his hands and pushed his cock, as deep inside her mouth as he could. "Ummm... Mmm..." Soon Amanda felt something warm gush down her throat as she felt it hard to breath. Her head buried between his legs. "Aghh..." The feeling was just so unbelievable. He could feel his cells oozing with pleaseure. 13:38 Only after he had unloaded everything in her mouth, did Rick back off, releasing his grip off Amanda''s head and he gently pulled out his dick from her mouth. "Pop," With a pop sound, his dick was out of Amanda''s mouth as she looked up at him with using, watery eyes. But before Amanda couldin, Rick already held her by her arm and helped her to her feet. He then swiftly pushed her down on the couch and climbed over her, capturing her lips. Rick was getting addicted to kissing Amanda. The system told him that Amanda loved kissing, but he could understand why would she feel like that. Sucking on those soft lips made him high. As Rick kissed Amanda, she spread her legs, pulling him to her. Wrapping her legs around him, she guided his cock into her weing pussy. Rick smiled as he felt the tip of his tool rubbing around her swollen pink pussy. He slid his hand down, and rubber Amanda''s smooth perky ass cheeks. "WAIT! Wait! Oh my god, wait!" Suddenly Amanda felt something and cried out loud. "What?" Rick asked with a smug smile on his face. "No Rick... You can''t stick that up my ass," Amanda looked at Rick and pleaded, "Please... It will hurt a lot," Amanda whispered by the end. Rick had actually put his finger on Amanda''s anal, and poked it in slightly. Rick smiled broadly when he heard her, "You know what. You have got a point. I forgot what the girl said, ''Lube is your best friend''. I should prime your ass before I fuck it up." Rick then turned and grabbed the bag they brought earlier and in front of Amanda''s eyes, he pulled out a bottle and a solid, ck butt plug with a jewel in the end, "I''ll do you a solid after this," Rick said as he pped Amanda''s butt cheeks a couple of times. He squirted some of of the lube onto his finger and pressed against her anal entry, "Better rx or this is gonna hurt like a motherfucker," Rick whispered into her ear. And hearing him, her ass tightened even more. "Oh God...oh God...oh God..." Amanda moaned, as she felt Rick''s finger enter and squirm her insides. His touch left her body twitching. Hearing her, Rick stopped, and allowed her to take several deep breaths. He felt her muscles rx, but the tightness inside her didn''t lose much. Tired of waiting, he pressed hard. His lubed finger slipped through her asshole and past her sphincter until it was buried knuckle deep. Amanda''s head flew back. "Oh! You motherfucker!" "Ummm... Fuck..." Amanda bit her bottom lip while fucked her in the ass until he felt like she was sufficiently lubed and loosened. "Well, it is loosened up. Time to rock you up," Rick said as he threw the bottle aside and grabbed the butt plug. Rick slid in close again, only this time he pressed the anal plug against her freshly lubed ass. Her long legs were cradled in his arms. Rick finally pushed the anal plug deep inside her, until only the jewel was left outside. "Oh... ma... gawwd!" Amanda yelped, and her back arched, "Please pull it out... It...it...it''s too much!" Amanda cried it pain. But Rick didn''t slow down this time. He grabbed her thighs and pulled her back to him roughly. Given the squeals and moans of ecstasy, she seemed to approve. Rick spread her legs and guided his cock into her weing pussy. "Fuck me..." As she felt his cock slowly entering inside her, Amanda moaned. The pain in her ass slowly started to turn into ecstasy. Coupled with Rick penis in her pussy, both of her holes were filled at the same time. Amanda was starting to go crazy with the pleasure. Slow strokes to start as he filled her. She seemed a little ufortable taking all of him at first, but her expressions quickly turned to pure pleasure. He dug his hands into her hips as he slid himself in and out of her. "You are so fucking tight! And god, your pussy is so warm!!" Rick said as Amanda ced her hand on the table behind her for leverage. As his cock kept driving into her, she was being pushed back, and he kept pulling her back to him. "Your cock feels so fucking good!" Amanda moaned, "And that thing in my ass... I feel... I feel..." Amanda did not say it, but Rick took her words as an invitation to go harder. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Fuck me, just like that!" She roughly grabbed one of her breasts through her dress, ying with her hard nipple. Yanking her dress down, Rick grabbed at her other tit, finding her nipple with his mouth as he sucked and nibbled, enjoying her squeaks of pleasure when he''d bite down just a little too hard. He was getting close and moved a hand down to her clit. She bucked at the sensation. A reaction he couldn''t get enough of. He sped up his ministrations as she was clearly getting close, too. Amanda''s legs started to spasm again and her back arched as she reached the top of her orgasm. He moved his hand back to her hip and started to pummel her slick pussy as it quivered and clenched around his cock. He was about to pull out when she wrapped her shaking legs around him, pulling him close. "Give it to me," her voice and eyes begged. As those words left her mouth, Rick felt his dick getting bigger inside her. He couldn''t actually hold it in any longer. "Fuckk... I am cumming," Rick cried out. As he groaned, he pressed himself into herpletely, feeling his balls empty as he shot his load deep inside her. Moaning out his name, her head fell back as she felt herself being thoroughly filled. They bathed in the afterglow of their orgasms as their breathing started to regte. Ricky on top of Amanda, all his weight on her. His cock began to soften but it was still inside of her, "Fuck! That was amazing!" Rick''s face was buried in her breasts. "But was that really okay?" Rick asked as his tongue slurped over her breast and yed with her erect nipple. "It''s alright... I will take a pill. Amanda said as she gently stroked his hair, "I wanted to feel it inside of me. I wanted to feel you," Amanda told Rick. "Ohh... Don''t worry... I will make you feel loads of inside you," Rick let go of her breast as he looked up and winked at Amanda. "Like hell you will," Amanda gently smacked him at the back of his head, "I am still feeling sore down there." Amandained. "Don''t worry," Rick said as his hand slid over her thighs to her ass. He gently rubbed his hand over the anal plug, sending shivers all over Amanda''s body. There were literal goosebumps she felt, "I will perfectly train it for you." "But before that, what are we having for dinner?" Rick asked, "I feel hungry." "Well, there is this ce I always order from," Amanda said. "Go ahead... It''s your treat. I am tired of all the plowing." Rick said and again fell on Amanda, closing his eyes. "..." * * * * * Chapter 35 [Bonus chapter]The Next Day 35 [Bonus chapter]The Next Day Chapter - 35 "Uhmm..." Amanda moaned as her eyes fluttered open. The morning sunlight fell on her face as it filtered through the curtains. Amanda blinked a few times, trying to shake off the slight dizziness she still felt after her sleep. She stretched her arms above her head, feeling a sense of contentment settle over her. Then she looked around, her gaze shifting through the room. She then turned her head to look beside her. She realised that she was all alone, the bed empty beside her and neatly made. Finding no one beside her, a mixture of relief and disappointment washed over her. Memories from the previous night flooded back, causing a warm flush to spread across her cheeks. Rick''s touch, his lips on hers, the intensity of their connection¡ªit all felt like a wonderful whirlwind that she could hardly believe had happened. Amanda could still feel the faint scent of Rick lingering in the room. It was a reminder of the bang-bang they had shared. Last night after their tryst in the living room, Rick and Amanda ordered a take-out. They had theirte night snack their in the living room before moving to Amanda''s bedroom and continuing with their escapade there. As she remembered the sensations of their bodies entwined just hours ago, a blush creep up her cheeks. The memory sent a warm thrill down her spine, but also a wave of shyness that made her cheeks even redder. Biting her lip, Amanda pulled the quilt around her body. But just as she did, she felt the sensation of the quilt brush her body, sending a ticklish sensation all over her. The quilt slip down to reveal her naked form. Amanda quickly grabbed the quilt before it could fall any further, and pulled it up covering herself back. She then hastily looked around hoping not to see Rick anywhere. When she was sure, Rick wasn''t hiding anywhere in the room, she finally sighed in relief. Feeling a bit exposed in her current state, Amanda wrapped herself with the quilt and finally stepped off the bed. But just as she stood on the floor, Amanda felt something ufortable behind her. Her moved down, brushing past her thighs, she touched her ass cheeks. Her hand moved along her ass cheeks, towards the crack between them. And just as she was about to touch her ass, she felt something hard, something solid there. She still had the anal plug inside of her. And she slept soundly with it inside her ass? Thinking about it, she felt her insides turning hot. Her cheeks turned red. What a shame, Rick was not there to see that. Without a second dy, Amanda put her feet on the bed and stretched her legs. She then grabbed the anal plug by its end and tried to pull it out. "Uhnmm..." A moan skipped out of her mouth. The Anal plug just felt too good and deep inside of her. But Amanda did not stop. She pulled it even harder, and with a bit more effort, it was finally out of her. Amanda didn''t even dare to look at it and quickly threw it below her bed without even looking. Exhausted, she then slumped on the bed, trying to ease her breathing. It took her a couple of more minutes, and when she was finally rxed, she stood up again. Her clothes were scattered around, a telltale sign of the passionate moments they had shared. Her bra hung from the edge of a chair, and her dress carelesslyy on the floor. 13:39 bra hung from the edge of a chair, and her dress carelesslyy on the floor. She looked around to find her panties, but they were nowhere to be seen. But then she remembered that Rick had already pulled them off when they were in the living room. Remembering about what happened in the living room, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips as she remembered the night''s escapades. She quickly picked up her bra and dress, and still draped in the quilt, opened the cupboard. She dumped her clothes in there and quickly reached out for her panties. Slipping them on, she finally felt a sense of modesty return as the soft fabric hugged her curves. Amanda''s eyes then fell on a baggy hoodie hanging from a hook on the back of the door. She smiled at the sight. With a yful glint in her eyes, she decided to wear it, thinking it would be afortable way to start the day. Pulling the hoodie over her head, she felt its warmth envelop her. Finally, Amanda was all dressed up. She wore a panty and over that, she had a hoodie. That was all she wore. As she padded across the room, Amanda hesitated for a moment, looking around to make sure she hadn''t forgotten anything. She then slowly turned the doorknob and peeked out of her room. She looked out into the hallway, her ears straining to detect any sound. She was trying to spot Rick. But he was nowhere to be seen. The coast seemed clear, and she tiptoed out of the room, carefully closing the door behind her. Trying to sneak her way to the bathroom, Amanda walked slowly, like she was out there to rob a house. Finally when she reached the living room, the apartment felt alive. There was someone else in the apartment other than her. She could hear the sounds of clinking dishes and the sizzling of food on the stove. It wasing from the kitchen. And what more she heard was the sound of someone humming a tune Amanda could not quite understand, but it was not the best thing she had heard waking up. Rick''s singing might not be the best thing out there, but the smell of his food was oddly endearing. Amanda took a deep breath, trying to smell the vor in the air and she found that her heart which was still racing from the morning''s escapades, slowly started to feel at ease. But she was not lost for long in that feeling. As she tiptoed across the room, her gaze fixed on the bathroom door, but just as she took the step forward, she froze. "No need to sneak, you know. It''s your house only," Amanda heard Rick''s voice from behind. "Fuck!" Amanda cursed under her breath. She turned slowly and found Rick still working on his dish, with his back towards her. Amanda''s eyes widened in surprise, and her cheeks flushed with shame. "How did you... Do you have eyes at the back of your head?" Amanda asked as she slowly took baby steps towards the kitchen, her eyes full looking down in embarrassment. "When you get bullied in school all year round, you develop a certain set of skills," Rick spoke nonchntly. But this made Amanda look up in shock. "You were bullied?" Amanda''s eyes softened as she look at Rick. She immediately had the instincts tofort him. Just then, Rick turned around. He wanted to tease her more but he was left stunned at the sight of her beautiful messy hair. From her beautiful face, his eyes moved down to her oversized hoodie. The hoodie looked like a couple of sizes too big for her, its hemline barely covering her ass cheeks. And the sight of her long, smooth legs was already giving him a boner in the morning. "Nah... I was just messing with you. Look at your face." Rick quickly averted his eyes andughed, "I do have good ears though. Amanda sheepishly smiled hearing him. She clearly saw him check her all out. She quickly shuffled over to the table, and tried to pull down her baggy hoodie, as if it could magically erase the fact that she was basically wearing only that and her panties She couldn''t help but feel a mix of embarrassment and exhration after their morning escapade. As she approached the table, her gaze shifted to the spread of food before her. "Wow, you''ve been busy," she remarked, her toneced with a hint of admiration. Rick grinned, his chest puffing out slightly in a mock disy of pride. "I do have some impressive culinary skills, I must say." Amanda yfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, is that so? The legendary chef in action?" Rick nodded his expression feigned seriousness. "Indeed. Some call me the Gordon Ramsay of my generation." Amandaughed, unable to hold back her amusement at his narcissistic im. "Well, I suppose I''m lucky to be dining with such a celebrity." Rick winked, turning around to face her more fully. "You have no idea. But I guess I can make an exception for you." "What?" she asked, her voice slightly shaky under his scrutinizing gaze. Rick leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "I was just thinking how lucky I am to have you here." As he spoke, Amanda''s gaze met his, and for a moment, the air seemed to crackle with an unspoken connection. And then, without any warning, Rick leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a spontaneous and electrifying kiss. Amanda''s eyes widened in surprise, but any thoughts of protest were quickly reced by the warmth that spread from her lips to the rest of her body. At that moment, it was as if time had stopped, and all that existed was the sensation of his lips against hers. When they finally pulled away, Amanda let out a breathlessugh, her cheeks flushed with a mix of surprise and delight. "I haven''t even brushed yet." Rick shrugged, his lips quirking into a mischievous smile. "Who needs minty fresh breath when you''ve got chemistry like ours?" Amanda couldn''t help but roll her eyes at his audacity, but her heart was racing and she couldn''t hide the smile that tugged at her lips. Just as she was about to say something, Rick yfully pped her butt, sending her stumbling forward in surprise. "Hey!" she eximed, turning to give him a mock re. Rick chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Off you go, missy. Go freshen up while I finish whipping up the masterpiece that is breakfast." Amanda sighed dramatically, as he rubber her ass. But there was a yfulness in her eyes as she turned to head towards the bathroom. "Fine, fine. Don''t burn down the kitchen while I''m gone." Rick chuckled and gave her a yful salute. "Your wish is mymand, mdy." As Amanda disappeared into the bathroom, Rick turned his attention back to the stove, a contented smile on his lips. The morning had taken an unexpected turn, but he couldn''t be happier about it. He felt a mixture of excitement and contentment like he was living in a surreal but wonderful dream. He then turned around to look in the direction Amanda left and shook his head. "It was a good thing I came backst night," * * * * * [A/N: Don''t forget to leave ament, vote and send me gifts] Chapter 36 The Summon is here 36 The Summon is here Chapter - 36 "What are you doing in front of my apartment?" Rick asked Emily, who was sneaking outside his apartment. "Aaahhh!!!" Emily screamed as she was startled, she almost peed her pants. After having breakfast with Amanda, Rick left her apartment and made his way back to his own ce. Cheerfully humming to himself, Rick climbed up the stairs for his apartment. Since he was not getting any exercise, he decided to take every opportunity to build up his stamina. But when he reached his apartment, Rick found Emily snooping in front of his apartment. So he decided to sneak behind her. But how could he have imagined such a big response from her? Emily was scared shitless of the sudden voice from behind her. She almost jumped up in surprise and let out a shrill as she turned. But when she turned, it was only Rick. Instant relief enveloped her body, and she sighed in relief. But her legs gave way and she leaned against his door to steady herself. "Why would you sneak up on me like that?" Emily looked at him angry, "I almost peed myself." "Oh, that would have been a mess," Rick nodded as he forwarded his hand to help her stand up, "But you sure you didn''t shit yourself instead? I am smelling something in the air," Rick said with a smirk as he sniffed around her. "Ha... Ha... Ha... Should Iugh?" Emily held his hand as she hand and stood up. "Sniff! Sniff! What I am actually smelling..." Emily wanted to retort but she suddenly stopped. She looked at Rick in suspicion as she leaned forward, grabbed his jacket and gave it a long, deep sniff. "What is this?" Emily looked at Rick with her eyes narrowing, "It''s not your perfume. It smells a lot like... A woman''s." "Huh?" Rick was left surprised by her words. How sharp her nose was to actually smell something like that? "And where are youing from?" Emily suddenly realised something and asked. "Me... I was just..." Rick suddenly felt nervous in her heart, but he soon had a realization struck him. Why should he nervous? He was not the dilly-dallying pushover from two days back. He has been reborn. "I was with a friend of mine. We had drinks and then I slept over at their ce," Rick replied. "A friend? Their?" Amanda was confused, "So was it a boy or a girl?" She asked further. "I don''t know," Rick shrugged, "I wouldn''t dare assume their gender. Don''t you know that''s racist? It might even amount to torture. I didn''t know you were that type of person," Rick shook his head in disappointment. "Wha... That type of person?" "Anyways... I am not going to the college today. I have something important to do," Rick said as he slightly pushed Emily to the side and put his key in the door, "So you can leave without me." And with that, Rick walked inside his apartment, closing the door behind him. "Wai..." Emily, on the other hand, was left standing there, staring at the closed apartment door. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Rick was now sitting on his chair and looking through his system screen. Aftering home, he first freshened up, grabbed some nachos and immediately sat to look at his stats. "I should order a bean bag," Rick thought as he ufortably shifted on his chair. But it was forter, he soon turned his attention back to the system and his lips curved into a pleased smile. He could not wait to check his stats, and especially the money he earned. [ Quest: Tease Emily Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Temptation: +5 Ero Points: +500 ] [ Quest: Buy a jewelry for Amanda Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Ero Points: +10,000; Cash: $100,000 ] [ Quest: Humiliate Zack in front of Amanda and everyone else Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Ero Points: +15,000; Cash: $125000; 1 lottery spin ] Ding! Ding! Ding! [ Quest: Unload your load in Amanda''s Mouth Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: 1 lottery spin ] [Sex Reward: +$50,000] [Love Reward: +$10,000] Ding! Ding! Ding! Numerous notifications appeared in front of Rick, one by one. It was way much more than what he had expected. Rick was really overwhelmed. He quickly opened his own information to check how much he had actually progressed. [ Host''s Name: Rick Smith Age: 22 years (Expected: 93 years ; Limit: 125 years) Gender: Male Cultivation Level: Mortal (33%) System Level: 1 Experience (EXP): 9900/10000 Skills: --- Summons: --- Sexual Encounters: 1 Harem: --- Quests in Progress: --- ] "Well, it''s not actually that much," Rick looked a tiny bit disappointed. Looks like it was more of a cash and Ero points reward that he earned today. Rick then looked at his Ero points. And his face had a smirk on his face. He had a staggering 64,700 Ero points. Suddenly he felt so excited. He can shop a lot from the store now. There were just so many possibilities in front of him. But Rick did not get carried away. He turned to look at the lottery spin. He had 2 lottery spins. He could have spun them and get done with them, but Rick decided to wait for a while this time. Maybe it mighte in handter on. Rick then checked his inventory. It was the same as before. The ce where he used to have his "Magical Fingers" card was now upied by his hard earned'' money. When Rick looked at the total money he had, he almost fell of his chair. He had fucking freaking $448,800 in there. "What the fuck?" Was the only thing Rick could spit out. He was almost half a million worth. Compared to the measly three thousand odd dors he had in his bank ount, he was practically swimming in money. Even with average per capita ie, he could very easily spend seven - eight years without having to work. In fact, a little more and if he deposited about a million dors, he could have a decent life without ever working for his life. He could live off the interest. "Holy Fuck!" Rick was thinking of how cool his life had suddenly turned into. 15:29 But just as he was about to n more, his attention was suddenly drawn to movement outside the window. He turned his head, his brows furrowing in confusion. There, on the windowsill, sat a white furry rabbit. It was an odd sight, to say the least, considering they were on the seventh floor of an apartment building. "So cute!" Rick couldn''t help but be captivated by the adorable creature. The rabbit''s fluffy fur seemed to shimmer in the sunlight, and its twitching nose added to its charm. Rick got up from his chair and approached the window cautiously, wondering how a rabbit had managed to find its way up here. Just as he opened the window to take a closer look, a chime sounded from inside his brain. It was a notification from the system. The message read: [Your summon has arrived] His brows furrowed as he looked back at the rabbit. Is that? But before he could finish his thought, the rabbit hopped off the windowsill and onto the floor of his apartment. It was then that he confirmed that this rabbit was no ordinary rabbit. It was indeed the summon he got from the system. A manifestation of the summon card he used just the other day. Rick looked at the notification, and then towards the rabbit. It was a bit odd. He had thought the summon would be a bit more... you can say a bit more intimidating. But the rabbit was like theplete opposite. It was so adorable that even Rick found it cute. But nothing could be done now. And it was not like he was disappointed or something. It was just not what he expected. Rick crouched down, his hand extending toward the rabbit. It hopped closer, itsrge round eyes fixing on him with an almost intelligent curiosity. Its fur was soft and inviting, and he couldn''t resist reaching out to stroke it. "Hey there, little guy," he murmured, a mix of wonder and amusement in his voice. "You''re quite the unexpected visitor." The rabbit seemed to respond to his words, its ears twitching as if it understood. Rick chuckled, feeling a connection to this mysterious creature that had suddenly appeared in his apartment. "Let me get you some wee treat," Rick said, standing up. He then walked towards his mini fridge and looked through it. He remembered that rabbits like to eat carrot. Or at least that is what they show in cartoons. Luckily he had some fresh carrots in his fridge. He grabbed two of them and walked back to the rabbit, who like an obedient student sat where Rick had left it. "Here you go little thing. I hope you enjoy it," Rick forwarded the carrots towards the rabbit. The rabbit when saw the carrots first sniffed them for a couple of seconds, then slowly and gently took them from Rick. As the rabbit continued to enjoy its carrot, Rick leaned back on his heels, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. As he watched the rabbit, another prompt appeared, this time it had information about the rabbit. [ Name: --- Race: Healing Hare Cultivation Level: Nascent Fledgling (Perfection) Origin: The origins of the rabbit remained shrouded in mystery. It appeared as if it emerged from the confluence of magical energies, embodying the harmonious bnce between nature and the arcane. You are not mighty enough to understand that. Personality: Beneath its enchanting exterior, the rabbit disyed a sense of wisdom and gentleness. It carried an air of serenity, and its presence seemed to imbue a sense of calmness to those around it. Despite its mystical qualities, the rabbit also exhibited a mischievous streak, often engaging in yful antics that brought smiles to those who encountered it. Bond with the Master: The rabbit formed a unique and profound bond with its master. This connection was more than just a merepanionship; it was a deep and empathetic understanding that transcended words. The rabbit could sense its master''s emotions, needs, and intentions, allowing for seamlessmunication on a subtle, instinctual level. Skills: 1. Calm Embrace 2. Herb Sensitivity 3. Dan-Bead creation 4. Locked (When the hare evolves, a new skill will get unlocked) ] "..." * * * * * Q. What should we name the Rabbit? [Wrong answers only] [A/N: Don''t forget to vote,ment and send me golden tickets] Chapter 37 Lisa, Zack and Marnus 37 Lisa, Zack and Marnus Chapter - 37 "You... This sound so awesome," Rick looked at the Rabbit and muttered. He didn''t quite understand most of the things of what the system showed him about the rabbit. But he could feel it in his gut that the rabbit was no ordinary thing ''What is this cultivation level, what are these skills?'' Rick had literally no idea. The only thing that could make some sense and give a hint about the rabbit was its race, ''Healing Hare''. "So what is this cultivation level?" Rick tried to click on the rabbits cultivation level. But just like his own, it showed nothing. "A dead end, huh?" Rick thought and then turned towards the rabbit''s skills. First he checked to look at Calm Embrace. [ Calm Embrace: When the Healing Harees in close radius of a person, a soothing feeling spreading all over the person''s body. This skill also helps the person recover and heal small wounds. The closer the Healing Hare, the more is the effect.] [ Herb Sensitivity: When in close radius with a herb, the hare can easily sense it. The effective radius is around 2 kilometers.] [ Dan-Bead creation: Given the required herbs, the hare can put them together and make dan beads with powerful effects. The dan beads can be used to cure diseases, recover health, power up, and much more.] "Holy Moly... Fuck my mot... Well... Lets not do that..." Rick almost lost his mind when he read the information. He was just getting used to the money he was getting from the system, and now he somehow summoned a freaking over-powered beast. "If I could just make a lot of these dan beads and sell them in the market," Just as Rick thought about it, his mind could not help but wander to all the money grubbing possibilities that were in front of him. Not to mention there were also locked skills. How amazing they would be? "I will be swimming in money," Rick''s lips curled up in a greedy smirk. "But where will I get the herbs from?" With the dreams of earning money, also dawned upon him. He could not actually find such herbs in the city. "Oh, well... I will think about itter," Rick picked up the rabbit and pulled him up in his arms, gently stroking his fur. "Why don''t I get you something else?" Rick said as he walked towards the mini fridge, "I don''t even know your preference. Lets try out everything." Rick then offered the rabbit a few more treats choctes, biscuits, apples and tiny bit of everything that he could find. The rabbit nibbled on them delicately, not discriminating against any of the food Rick gave him. "I have to think for a name for you as well," Rick thought, "I can''t just give you any name. I will have to think it through. What name should it be?" "It has only been two days and so much so has actually happened. I don''t need to rush things." And just like that, Rick decided not think about the rabbit''s name for a while. And so, Rick''s thought actually shifted back to Lisa, Nurse Lisa from the hospital. It was time for him to act upon what he had nned for Lisa. He couldn''t do it yesterday, so it was time for him to act upon it. After all, the pretty Lisa held the answers to his questions he had about 15:30 the system. Rick was sure Lisa would be very cooperative. time for him to act upon it. After all, the pretty Lisa held the answers to his questions he had about the system. Rick was sure Lisa would be very cooperative. As he thought about it, Rick picked up his phone and dialed her number, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. The phone rang a few times before Nurse Lisa''s voice echoed through the receiver, "Hello?" "Hey, it''s Rick," he greeted casually. "Rick?" Lisa sounded a bit confused. "Didn''t we meet at the hospital? I am that handsome, good looking guy from yesterday, you helped take the body examination," Rick reminded Lisa. "Oh, hey there! I didn''t actually think you would call me," Nurse Lisa replied with a hint of yfulness in her tone. Wearing a red bathrobe, shey on her bed. [ 1. Agree to her (Temptation -10) 2. Ask why would she say that? (Temptation +5) ] "Hmmm... Why would you say that? You actually make my heart ache," Rick acted hurt. "Why else?" Lisa raised her eyebrow as she sat up on the bed, "Wouldn''t Amanda get angry if she that you are calling me?" "Amanda? Who is she?" Rick sounded lost. "Oh... You don''t even know her?" Lisa teasingly asked, "Hehehe... Amanda will be sad if she heard that." Rick chuckled softly. "Believe me... She was just my attending nurse," Rick admitted to knowing Amanda, "There is nothing between us. On the other hand, you..." "Me? What about me?" Lisa asked. "I think I favour the chances between us," Rick spoke mischievously. "I was wondering if we could meet up and chat about something. Maybe over some drinks?" Rick suggested. "Drinks? Sure thing! Nothing better than some alcohol to know each other. I know a good ce. Say, how about we about in the evening or so?" Nurse Lisa suggested. "Sure thing. Send me the address," ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Huff..." Loosening his tie, a middle aged man walked through the front door. When Marnus Warner finally walked through the front door of his house in the morning, he was met with an unexpected sight. All the curtains were pulled up, and no sunlight could pass through the window. There, in the dark living room, sat Zack, his son. Zack''s face had a mix of frustration and anger. Marnus could tell something had gone terribly wrong, but he had no idea what had transpired. Marnus sighed, feeling depressed. He knew it was going to be another headache for him. Zack was his third son. Despite being twenty-eight this year, he was the dumbest of them all. Not a single day would pass where he won''t create some problem for him. In the beginning, it was fun to watch his son bully others. After all, he was young and there was no harm in letting him run wild. But as he grew older, he brought more trouble than amusement. There were times when if he wasn''t his son, Marnus would have actually sent him to his maker. But since he couldn''t, he had to actually settle it with money many a times or sometimes send his other two sons to take care of it. But did Zack cared about any of this? Nope. He grew bolder every time. And this time, Rick had actually managed to push all his wrong buttons, and Zack was burning with anger that might burn everything. So, as soon as he saw his father enter, he pounced like a lion spotting a wounded gazelle. Marnus couldn''t even pour himself a ss of water before he began my tirade. "Dad," Zack started, his voice seething with anger and frustration, "Where were you all night?" He looked at his father, his eyebrows arching in frown. Clearly he wasn''t happy. "What''s got you so worked up?" Marnus looked at him unbothered. He was thinking which other son of his was free to deal with the it. When he saw the disgusted look on his father''s face, Zack gritted his teeth and took a deep breath, "This time I don''t want you to brush it under the rug," Zack said, his body trembling in anger, "I want that kid to die. But before that, I want to humiliate him in front of Amanda." Marnus narrowed his eyes, his lips curled in a frowned. This was not like usual times. There are not many instances where Zack would talk about someone with so much hatred. "Kid? Amanda? Is this one of those girl issues?" Marnus asked. "Not just another girl. She is my woman. And I haven''t even slept with her," Zack angrily yelled, "But that bastard... He actually dared to cuck me?" "Cuck you? A son of the Warner family? Did you not warn him?" Marnus asked. It was not a joke anymore. "That..." Zack was speechless in front of his father''s question, "I did not remember about that." "You good for nothing bastard? Can''t even remember you family name?" Marnus almost threw the ss in his hand at his own son. "Tell me what happened?" Marnus tried to hold himself back and asked. So, heunched into his tale of woe. Zack recounted how Rick had belittled him, humiliated him in front of Amanda, and made a spectacle out of him in front of everyone in the store. Marnus listened to him intently, his expression growing darker by the second. When Zack finished his rant, his father let out a deep sigh and asked, "Who is this kid, anyway? What do you know about him?" But Zack shook his head, feeling a bit defeated. "Not much, Dad. I met him for the first time today. I was searching for Amanda when I found the both of them together." Marnus leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "So you don''t know anything about his family, his background?" Zack shook his head. "No, Dad, I don''t. I just know that he acts like he''s the king of the world, and he didn''t even care to provoke me." "You don''t know who he is. But he also did not know who you were," Marnus turned quiet for a moment, his brow furrowed as he contemted the situation. I could see the wheels turning in his head as he weighed the pros and cons of taking any action. After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice measured and thoughtful. "You are good for nothing son of mine. I don''t actually care what happens to you. But unfortunately, you carry the name Warner behind you." "I don''t care if someone beats the shit out of you. But no one can see that," Marnus shook his head solemnly, "You are nothing, but the name Warner cannot be desecrated no matter what." "Then..." Zack hesitatingly looked at his father and asked. Marnus leaned forward, his gaze focused. "I will let you borrow old Ma. Track that kid and finish him. But remember, you cannot let anyone know. It has to be discrete and remember. No witness..." "Yes dad," Zack was excited to hear his father. Old Ma was one of his father''s own man. He had not met him many times, but whenever his gaze met his, Zack would break out in cold sweat. Not even his brothers get to order him around. But this time, his father was lending him to finish off that bastard. It was going to be a walk in the cake. "Dad, about Amanda?" "Deal with her the way you want," Marnus waved his hand, gesturing him not to bother him any longer. "Yes... Yes..." Zack hastily nodded, and quickly made his way out of there, out of the house. "Hahaha... Now you will see bastard. I will fuck that bitch in front of your eyes and then skin you alive... Just you wait bastard." Outside his house, Zackughed like a maniac. * * * * * [A/N: Don''t forget to vote,ment and send me golden tickets] Chapter 38 Lisa and the Experiment [1] 38 Lisa and the Experiment [1] Chapter - 38 Rick entered the wine bar, his gaze immediately looking around to find Nurse Lisa. It was an elegant and luxurious wine bar that oozed with sophistication without a hint of pretentiousness. The dimly lit space was adorned with plush velvet couches and glistening chandeliers, creating an ambiance that whispered exclusivity. The bar itself, a sleek marble masterpiece, showcased an impressive collection of fine wines from around the world, and soft jazz notes filled the air as you savor each sip. Soon, Rick''s gaze was drawn to Nurse Lisa sitting at the bar, sipping on her drink. But she was not alone. Instead, she was engrossed in a lively conversation with a guy next to her. The yful glint in her eyes and the way sheughed made it evident that she was in her element, enjoying some flirtatious banter. Rick couldn''t help but smirk as he leaned against a nearby pir, watching her antics with a mix of amusement and intrigue. He decided to bide his time, curious to see how things would unfold between her and the guy she was talking to. The man could help himter. "So, Lisa, what brings you here tonight?" the guy asked, leaning in a bit closer. "Oh, just looking for some fun and rxation after a long day at the hospital," Lisa replied, her voiceced with a hint of yfulness. "Doctor?" The guy asked raising his eyebrow. "No, I am a nurse. What? Disappointed?" Lisa asked teasingly. "Ah, a nurse, huh? Taking care of people''s hearts by day and breaking them by night," the guy grinned, apanied by a wink. Lisa chuckled, raising her drink. "Well, you know what they say, life''s all about bnce." Rick found himself captivated. Not by Lisa, but by the guy instead. By the way he effortlessly navigated the conversation, his words a perfect blend of charm and wit. Rick couldn''t help but want to take lessons from him. "You know, Lisa, I can tell you''re not just any regr nurse," the guy said, his tone smug. "Oh really? And how''s that?" Lisa quirked an eyebrow, a mischievous smile ying on her lips. The guy leaned in conspiratorially as if sharing a secret. "Because you''ve got that sparkle in your eyes, the kind that''s seen a fair share of adventure." Lisa burst intoughter, her eyes twinkling as she leaned back in her seat. "You''ve definitely got an interesting way of looking at things." ''Well, I think this should be enough,'' Rick thought as he watched Lisa and the other guy chat happily, almost too intimately, ''How would I even check my hypothesis if they keep flirting like that?'' Rick sauntered forward and stood sneakily behind Lisa without making any sound. Clearing his throat, Rick shed a grin and leaned against the bar. "Hey beautiful, is this seat taken?" Rick spoke from behind. Listening to him, the guy shot Rick a disinterested look, clearly not thrilled by the interruption. "Yeah, it is." Rick raised an eyebrow, unfazed by the less-than-friendly response. "You sure about that, buddy?" The guy''s irritation was evident as he waved his hand dismissively. "Yeah, man, I''m sure. Now, if you don''t mind, we were having a conversation." Rick''s smile remained intact as he pretended to contemte, "Hmm, okay. But are you really, really sure?" The guy''s patience was wearing thin. "Dude, I said it''s taken. You deaf or something?" Rick''s grin widened, and he turned his attention toward Lisa, the mischievous glint in his eyes daring her to y along. "Well, Lisa, it looks like we''re out of luck. Maybe we should go find somewhere else to sit." Lisa tried her best to suppress her amusement, covering her mouth with her hand to hide her smile. She nced at the guy, then back at Rick. "Yeah, you''re right. Let''s go find another spot." The guy looked taken aback, clearly not expecting Rick to be someone Lisa would know, "Wait, hold on a second. I didn''t mean¡ª" Rick cut him off with a nonchnt wave of his hand. "Nah, it''s all good. We don''t want to intrude on your conversation. Have a great night!" As Rick and Lisa turned to walk away, the guy seemed both surprised and slightly flustered. "No, wait! I didn''t say you had to leave." The guy was left depressed. Just a moment ago, he was all set to score a girl and bring her back to his apartment for the night. The conversation was going smooth and everything was on the right track. Well, until Rick showed up. Rick showed up and with a snap of his finger and walked away with Lisa, leaving him empty handed, with his balls loaded. As they moved away, Lisa couldn''t hold back herughter any longer, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You''re impossible, Rick." Rick shrugged a yful glint in his eyes. "Hey, if someone wants to be possessive over a seat, who am I to argue?" Lisa chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, I appreciate the effort, even if it was just to mess with him." Rick''s lips curved into a smirk. "Hey, anything for a goodugh." They found another spot at the bar and settled in. Rick and Lisa settled into a cozy corner of the bar, their drinks in hand. The soft ambiance provided the perfect backdrop for their conversation. [ 1. Let Lisa take the lead. Wait for her to start the conversation (Temptation -10) 2. Start your conversation with something nonsensical and amusing (Temptation +5) ] ''Cringe? So that is your taste?'' Rick smirked as he looked at the notification. "So, Lisa," Rick began with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "You ever wonder if the stars are just little holes in the curtain of the universe, letting the light shine through?" Lisa chuckled, clearly intrigued by Rick''s offbeat question. "Well, I''ve heard some theories, but I don''t think I''vee across that one before." Rick grinned, as he checked the menu, "Ah, see, that''s the thing about the universe¡ªit''s full of surprises." "It will indeed be a surprise if it were true," Lisa smiled, as if agreeing with him. [ 1. Compliment Lisa (Temptation +10) 2. Change the direction of the conversation. Ask her how her day was (Temptation +5) ] Rick leaned back, his gaze locked on Lisa''s face. "You know, your smile could probably light up a ckout." Lisa''s cheeks turned a shade pinker, but she yed along. "Well, I''ll make sure to keep smiling, just in case we ever run into a power outage." Rick chuckled, delighted by her response. "Smart thinking. And who knows, maybe ourbined smiles could power a small town." Lisaughed, her eyes dancing. "Now that''s a renewable energy source I can get behind." At the same time, a waiter walked at their table to take their order. "Thedy first," Rick said gesturing towards Lisa. "Umm... Give me a moment. I want to try something different today," Lisa said as she looked at Rick with the side of her eyes. "Take your time," Rick smiled as he looked at Lisa. It looked like he was lovingly staring at Lisa, but in reality, he was looking at her information. [ Age: 28 years Carnal Calibrator: 70/100 (She is feeling something) Romance Radar: 00/10 ] "I will take a Raspberry mojito," Lisa finally decided upon something. [ Quest: Flirt with Lisa over her drink choice Time duration: 15 minutes Rewards: Temptation: +10; Cash: $1,000 ] Rick raised an eyebrow as he nced at Lisa''s drink. "Raspberry mojito, huh? Going for that sweet and sassybo? Looks like you like adventure." Rick said as he mouthed the waiter to make it two. Lisa smirked, yfully leaning back, "Well, a girl''s got to bnce out the chaos somehow." "So, Lisa," Rick began, his tone suddenly more curious, "If you could have any adventure in the world, what would it be?" Lisa leaned back, clearly pondering the question. "Hmm, that''s a tough one to answer. But for now, I would like to explore everything you have to offer," Lisa smirked, sizing up Rick. Rick was intrigued, "Isn''t that a little too straight-forward? I feel a bit shy," As Rick said that, he pulled his jacket and tried to cover him. "Oh my!" Lisa''s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, "Looks like I will have some chatting with you tonight." She felt warm in her navel, something ticklish. By this tine, the waiter had already ced their drinks on their table. Rick took a sip of his drink and leaned towards Lisa. Rick leaned in, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Well, will it be my apartment? Or yours?" Lisa burst intoughter, clearly amused. "Well, that''s a secret. I am sure you will find out soon." [ 1. Shrug and lean back (Temptation +0) 2. Say you don''t like surprises (Temptation -5) 3. Suggest you don''t like it here (Temptation +10) ] "You know, I heard after drink you crave snacks," Rick told Lisa. "Oh, I make some decent noddles," Lisa yfully suggested. "Are you suggesting we make a move to your house?" Rick asked raising his eyebrow. "Maybe... Maybe not." Lisa yed with her words, saying in a sultry whisper. "Well," he replied, a yful grin tugging at his lips, "I suppose your apartment has the advantage of not having nosy bar patrons eavesdropping on our conversations." Lisa chuckled softly, her gaze locked onto his. "That''s definitely a plus. Plus, I''ve got some amazing tunes and a cozy couch waiting." ''Couch... I am actually liking that idea,'' Rick thought, as he looked Lisa from top to bottom. She was actually a beauty. She may not be on par with Amanda, but a beauty nheless. But he quickly threw that idea, ''I need to focus.'' He looked at Lisa, his eyes filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. "You know what? Your apartment sounds like the perfect ce to continue ''our little adventure''." Lisa''s lips curled into a seductive smile, her eyes darkening with, "I thought you might say that. Shall we make a move?" "Just give me a second," Rick smiled, "I need to empty my tanks." [ Target Information Name: Lisa Thomas Age: 28 years Carnal Calibrator: 90/100 (She is horny ;) ;) ) Romance Radar: 00/10 ] * * * * * [A/N: Do vote,ment and vote with golden tickets.] Chapter 39 Lisa and the Experiment [2] 39 Lisa and the Experiment [2] Chapter - 39 "I need to take a leak," with a sly grin on his face, Rick stood up from his chair, "My tanks are kinda full." "Sure..." Lisa nodded, as she rubbed her thighs against each other. There was a smile on her face, but down there, her pussy was slowly starting to leak, "But make it quick." "I will be back in a jiffy. Before you can even pronounce ''Flinaucinihilipilification''," Rick winked at Lisa and quickly left the table. "Floucko... Flocochino... Fucking fuck the duck... What the freaking hell?" Lisa was left annoyed by Rick. While her pussy felt all itchy, her brain couldn''t even think straight. As Rick excused himself from the table, leaving Lisa with a yful wink, he walked away, his heart racing with a anxiousness. Lisa might not be a good woman, going after other women''s men, but she had done him no harm. So, as he moved forward with his small and simple n, he started to feel a bit vile within himself. The only thing that consoled him, was the fact he kind of knew that next morning, Lisa wasn''t actually going to be regretful about it. Well, as long as the guy took good care of her. And with that in mind, Rick decided to opt for someone easy. And it was none other than the guy Lisa was talking to earlier. As he approached the guy who had been chatting with Lisa earlier, he couldn''t help but notice the surprise on the guy''s face. Clearly, he hadn''t expected to see Rick again so soon. "Hey there," Rick greeted casually, leaning against the bar counter beside the guy. The guy raised an eyebrow, a mixture of curiosity and wariness in his gaze. "Didn''t expect to see you again. Everything okay?" Rick chuckled, a nonchnt grin on his lips. "Oh, everything''s great. I just thought I''d introduce myself properly. I''m Rick." The guy extended a hand, shaking Rick''s with a hint of skepticism. "Nice to meet ya, Rick. I''m Max." Rick''s grin widened, and he leaned in slightly, his tone casual butced with a yful edge. "So, Max, I couldn''t help but notice that you were enjoying quite a lively conversation with my friend Lisa here." Max''s gaze flickered between Rick and Lisa, his expression guarded. "Yeah, we were just havin'' a chat. She''s a cool girl. Nothing more." "Nothing more?" Rick raised his eyebrow and looked at Max in amusement, "But man, I saw you stealing nces at our table. Are you sure you there is nothing?" "What do you mean?" Max looked confused. Rick leaned in, a cheeky grin on his face as he sized up Max. "C''mon, Max, you look like a dude who''s looking for some good times. You down to kick it with Lisa and see where it goes?" Max''s eyebrows shot up, his expression a mix of surprise and curiosity, "Hold up, what do you mean?" Rick winked, his tone was lighthearted. "Stop ying innocent, dude. I mean, if you are vibing with Lisa, I can drop you some hints to score some points, man." Max''s skepticism was real, but his interest was piqued. "You serious, bro? You aren''t capping, are you?" Rick leaned back, acting all casual and chill. "No cap." Rick said throwing his hands in the air. "I know her quite a deal, and let me tell you, she is feeling quite the same about you. All you have to do is, slide over there, chat her up, show her what''s good, and trust me. You will be filling her up in no time," Rick winked at Max, his words meaningful. Max blushed at Rick''s word and scratched his head, torn between uncertainty and curiosity, "I ain''t sure ''bout this, man. Seems kinda sketchy to me to be honest." "What? Don''t trust me?" Rickughed, giving a friendly pat on his back, not feeling offended at all, "Trust me, she is going to feel the effort you put in." "Nah, homie... It''s not that," Max pondered, ncing between Rick and Lisa, who was on her table, "She seem cool, but ain''t she gon'' think I''m creepin'' if I just pop up outta nowhere?" Rick leaned in again, talking like they''re sharing a secret. "Nah, man, it''s all about how youe at her. Be real, be smooth, start a conversation about something she''s into. Be a bit funny, maybe even a bit unusual. Show her you are not like them, the other dudes trying to spit game. And hey, I got your back if things get weird." Max gave Rick a sidelong nce, but a smirk crept onto his face. "Backup, huh? You really goin'' all out on this. But why? From what I saw, she is interested in you." [ Tell him you guys can be Eskimo brothers. ] Rick shrugged, a sly grin ying on his lips. "What can I say? I am always looking out for the squad. Maybe we can be Eskimo brothers." ''Eskimo brothers? Ughh...'' Rick almost felt like vomiting hearing his own words. But the system suggested it, and to be honest it was actually a good choice of words. But it was actually the first time the system had helped him with choices against a male. Rick thought the system only worked for girls. And actually not a choice, more like a suggestion with no apparent rewards. "So, what you say, ready to step up and make an impression?" Rick didn''t let the smile on his face fade despite whatever he had running in his mind. Max hesitated for a sec, then sighed in resignation. "Alright, man, I''ll give it a shot. But don''t let this be some prank, a''ight?" Rick threw his hands up in mock defense. "No cap, no prank. Just two homies helping each other out." ~~~~~ "Yo, what''s crackin''? Mind if I slide in?" Max leaned against the table, giving Lisa a casual nod as he threw out a friendly greeting. Lisa was quite surprised to see Max there. She was just checking herself out in the camera of her phone, giving herself thest touch. ''Well, I can kill some time,'' Lisa raised an eyebrow, appraising him with a smirk. "Depends, you got something interesting to say?" Max chuckled, as he sat in front of her with a charismatic grin, "Oh, you know, just tryna vibe with a fly chick like you. Heard you got that charm that can light up a room." Lisa''s lips curved into a yful smile. "Oh really? Well, I have to say, you came in with some swag. What''s your deal, anyway?" Max shrugged, tossing a nod towards the dance floor. "Just a dude who''s feelin'' the energy tonight. Plus, when I saw you, I thought, damn, there''s someone I gotta get to know better." Lisa''sughter was like music to Max''s ears, and he soaked in her attention like a sponge. "Smooth talker, huh?" Lisa raised her ss towards Max, smirking. "Alright, Max, let''s see if you can keep up with my vibe." And with that, they clinked sses. Lisa was definitely feeling the groove. Maxplimented that had Lisa''s eyes twinkling, "Girl, you got a smile that could light up the darkest night. Seriously, it''s like a neon sign, drawing me in." Lisa''s yful eye roll was apanied by a softugh. "Nice try, Max. But don''t think sweet talk''s gonna win you points that easy. My friend will being any time soon. He might not appreciate you warming his seat." "Your friend huh?" Hearing her bring in Rick, Max had smile on his face. He wanted to tell her that her friend actually sold her. "But I am way better," Max leaned in, his tone yful and confident. "Sweet talk ain''t even half of what I got in store, trust me." "Are you?" Lisa looked at him with questioning eyes. Her eyes have started to turn hazy, her face turning shades of pink. Rick''s affect on her, was already hard for her to control. It was finally starting to affect her judgement. She had started to size up Max now as a possible outlet of her bottling emotions. As their conversation flowed, Max made sure to keep things light, engaging, and above all, interesting. He noticed Lisa ncing around restlessly, fidgeting with her fingers, probably looking for Rick. Max wasn''t blind to the fact that she would just walk away with him, but he was determined to make the most of this opportunity. "Yo, Lisa, I gotta say, the vibes here are good and all. But it''s got me thinkin'', what would happen if your friend leaves you here?" Lisa smirked, swirling her drink in her ss, "Well, you know, sometimes you gotta explore on your own terms. See what life throws your way." Max nodded, grinning, "True that. But hey, if you ever need a co-pilot for that adventure, I''m right here." Lisa''sughter was warm, and Max felt that connection deep down. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice a notch. "Tell me somethin'', Lisa. Don''t you feel something? Shouldn''t we go out and explore the possibilities growin'' between us?" Lisa''s gaze met his, her lips quirking into a mischievous smile. "You really want me to leave, Max? You want me to dump my friend for you?" "Your must know, your words just won''t cut for that. It will take more to convince me," Lisa crossed her legs and leaned back on her chair. "As long as it is a possibility," Max leaned back as well, feeling confident. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Just throw him way. Why are you keeping him around?" "Or just get on with it?" "Damn it... Just do something." Rick was annoyed, as he secretly spied on Lisa and Max * * * * * Chapter 40 Lisa and the Experiment [3] 40 Lisa and the Experiment [3] Chapter - 40 Lisa''s patience was wearing thin as the minutes ticked by. Where the hell was Rick? She''d been waiting, getting more and more wound up by the second. Frustration simmered beneath her flirtatious exterior. She tried calling Rick, but no answer. "Damn it," she muttered under her breath. Her eyes scanned the crowd, trying to spot Rick. But Rick was nowhere to be seen. And the itch inside her pussy was growing every second, every time she even shifted an inch on her chair. On the other hand, Max was there. And she couldn''t deny the attraction between them, the chemistry that had been building over their conversation. Rick''s absence was bing a stark reality, and Lisa wasn''t one to wait around forever. "Everything alright, Lisa? You feelin'' bored?" After spending a considerable time nudging Lisa, Max finally decided to step up his game. Lisa smirked, leaning in closer with an air of confidence. "I wouldn''t say that. To be honest, I could have had a pretty boring night. But you turned up. You know what, max. You''re not half bad at keeping a girl entertained." Max''s eyes lit up with interest, and he leaned in too. "Oh, you think so, huh?" Lisa ran a finger along the rim of her ss, meeting his gaze with a sultry smile. "Oh, I definitely do. And you strike me as someone who knows how to keep the thrill going." Max chuckled, shing a charming smile. "Well, that''s the goal, right? Gotta make sure you''re havin'' a good time." Lisa''s gaze locked onto his, her voice lowering to a sultry purr, "Oh, trust me, Max, you''re doing more than just that." Max''s eyebrows shot up in pleasant surprise, and a knowing glint danced in his eyes. "Well now, I gotta admit, that''s music to my ears." Max leaned in, his voice dropping to match hers, "You seem like a girl who''s up for some adventure." Lisa toyed with a strand of her hair, her lips curling into a suggestive smile, "Oh, you have no idea. I''m all ''bout living in the moment, tasting every drink out there." "Oh!" Max''s fingers trailed lightly across the back of Lisa''s hand, sending a shiver up her spine, "Good, ''cause I''ve got a proposition for you." Lisa raised an eyebrow, intrigued, "I''m all ears." With a sly smile, Max leaned even closer, his lips brushing against Lisa''s ear. "How ''bout we get outta here? Find a ce where we can, you know, explore each other a little more freely." Lisa''s heart raced, his pulse quickening at the suggestion. She met Max''s gaze with a smoldering look of her own. "You''re ying with fire, you know that?" Max''sughter was a mix of excitement and anticipation. "Fire''s exactly what I''m lookin'' for tonight." Lisa shed a grin, her confidence growing by the second. "Well then, who am I to deny a man his desires?" "What about your friend? I thought you were waiting for him," Max looked at Lisa with a smirk and asked. ''Can you stop dilly dallying already?'' While the two of them have been chatting, Rick had sneaked in and sat on the table behind Lisa, where she couldn''t see him. He was eavesdropping on their conversation. And he was already getting annoyed listening to them. The girl was ready, and the man wanted to fuck her. There was already so much tension between them, so what''s the point of all this nonsense. If he could, he would have already walked up to Max and smacked him in the face. He had already set up everything for him. Lisa was already horny as shit. Even he could see the restlessness on her face, her rubbing her thighs against each other. All that so-called "Charmer" had to do was grab her arm and he could bang her right here, right now. "Oh! He had already lost his chance for today," Lisa''s face showed a visible resentment. ''I get it,'' Rick almost cried out loud, ''Will you guys now at least do something?'' Lisa then looked at Max with those tempting eyes and spoke, "Leave him... There are too many people here, lets go somewhere private." Max''s eyebrows shot up, his intrigue evident. "Private, huh? I like the sound of that. Lead the way." With that, Lisa took Max''s hand, and they slipped through the crowd, out of the club, and into the cool night air. It wasn''t lost on her that she was trading one temptation for another, but Rick''s absence had her senses ame. She knew exactly what she wanted, and Max seemed more than willing to provide it. As Rick watched Lisa and Max walk out of the club, Rick stood up from his chair and looked at where Lisa was sitting. He could see some wet patches there and his eyebrows arched in a frown. "She was this wet, and still held for this long?" Rick was amused. Meanwhile, as they walked, Lisa''s heart raced with anticipation. She was done waiting, done ying games. She turned to Max, her eyes smoldering with desire. "You know, Max, life''s too short to waste time." He grinned, that same spark in his eyes. "I''m with you on that, Lisa." Each step they took outside the club, heightened the thrill. Lisa''s mind buzzed with possibilities, her body alive with anticipation. She knew that once they were alone, things would escte quickly. Finally, they arrived at a more secluded spot, away from prying eyes. Lisa turned to Max, her voice husky. "So, Max, you up for some real fun?" Max''s grin turned devilish, his hand brushing against hers. "You have no idea." Lisa''s lips curled into a wicked smile as she leaned in close. "Good. Because I''m not one to hold back." Their lips met, igniting a fire that had been smoldering all night. The pent-up desire, the frustration of waiting ¨C it all melted away in that electrifying kiss. Lisa''s fingers tangled in Max''s hair, his hands roamed her body, igniting a hunger that had been building within her. It was a kiss for Lisa to flip her switch on, and the it did notst long. As their lips parted, Lisa''s breath came in ragged gasps. She looked into Max''s eyes, her voice a sultry whisper. "Your tongue isn''t just for talking." Max''s response was a heated gaze, his fingers interlocking with hers. "Oh, Lisa... You are so hot." Max said as he put his hands on her waist and giving it a slight squeeze, pulled her towards himself crashing her boobs on his chest, "I am not done yet." And he leaned forward, again capturing Lisa''s lips. In the dimly lit alleyway, the world around Lisa and Max seemed to fade away as their lips met in a fiery kiss. The electricity that had been building between them all night finally ignited, setting off sparks that sent shivers down their spines. Lisa''s fingers tangled in Max''s hair, pulling him closer as their mouths moved hungrily against each other. Max''s hands roamed Lisa''s body with a mixture of urgency and desire, tracing the contours of her curves through her clothes. Lisa''s breath hitched as Max''s lips left a trail of heated kisses along her jawline, down her neck, and back up to her mouth. Their tongues danced and tangled, a passionate rhythm that matched the pounding of their hearts. The alleyway seemed to echo with their shared longing, the world outside fading into insignificance. The sensations, the taste, the scent of each other consumed them entirely. Lisa''s back pressed against the rough brick wall as Max pressed his body against hers, the intensity of their desire leaving them breathless. ''Oh? Do I look like that kissing?'' Rick, hidden in the shadows, watched the scene unfold before him. His brow furrowed, his thoughts a swirl of mixed emotions. As much as he had intended for this experiment to uncover secrets, to understand the dynamics of attraction and desire, he found himself feeling an unexpected pang of difort. Seeing Lisa and Max lost in their passionate embrace, he realized the depth of what he had set into motion. Shaking his head, he turned away from the alleyway, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. It wasn''t about judgment; it was about understanding the intricacies of human emotions, even the messy andplicated ones. But as he walked away, the image of Lisa and Max''s passion lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of unease and a question he wasn''t sure he was ready to answer. "I need to be careful," Rick though as he walked alone on the road. He had a feeling that although Lisa was horny as a bitch, she managed to drag it for so long all because of the effects of the system. "Even when she had nothing in the Romance Radar. Maybe if I manage to fill that up, I won''t have to worry about getting cucked," Rick thought as he tried to think more about what he did tonight. "I need not worry too much about Amanda. At least against some casual flirting," Rick thought as he frowned as he felt somewhat ufortable walking. "What the fuck?" Rick slipped his hand into his pockets and adjusted his semi-erect penis. "Nope... That''s not it," Rick quickly shook his head, "I don''t swing that way... No... Never..." "It is like seeing a porn," Rick tried to justify himself, "Yes... Definitely... It is totally like Watching a Porn... PORN!!!" "..." Chapter 41 Meeting with Gloria 41 Meeting with Gloria Chapter - 41 Rick quietly entered his apartment, his thoughts a swirling mess of confusion and contemtion. The encounter with Lisa at the club had left him feeling both intrigued and uneasy. He knew he had initiated this experiment to get to know more about the system, but the oue was something he was hoping against. And that had left a bit ofplexities in his heart. The system was the only thing he had at his disposal. But if the system was going to be ineffective, he was going to have some issues. Issues he need to take care of on his own. As he closed the door behind him, Rick noticed his little furry new roommate, sprawled outfortably on his bed. The rabbit''s white fur glowed softly in the dim light of the room, and its long ears twitched slightly as if acknowledging Rick''s presence without fully waking from its slumber. Rick couldn''t help but let out a small chuckle as he looked at the rabbit. "Not even going to greet your master?" He whispered to himself. He slipped off his shoes and tiptoed closer to the bed, careful not to disturb the sleeping creature. With a sigh, he sat down on the edge of the bed, his gaze still fixed on the rabbit. It was not in the middle of the bed, so Rick just rxed himself and slipped under the quilt, not trying to disturb it. As Ricky on his bed, and the rabbit finally opened its eyes, it slowly moved and gently came up and sat on Rick''s chest. Rick could feel its weight on his chest, but since the rabbit was only slightly bigger than his fist. Rick hardly felt any difort. On the other hand, as soon as the rabbit came to snuggle him, a calming presence, hopped onto his chest, its small, furry body radiatingfort that seemed to melt away his troubles. His hand absentmindedly was on the rabbit, stroking the rabbit''s soft fur, finding sce in itspany. Withfort seeping all over his body and the warmth of his quilt, his mind began to clear up. Rick pulled out his phone and check his messages. And to know surprise there was a flurry of messages waiting for him, and each one brought a unique mix of emotions. He had messages from Amanda, Emily, his father, Ray, his store buddy and to much surprise Gloria, the owner of the store he worked at. **From Amanda (4 messages)** 1. Amanda: Hey, hope you got back okay. It was one of the best breakfast I had today. ?? 2. Amanda: Rick, are you there? I know things got a bitplicated today, but I''d really like to talk to you. Please call me when you can. 3. Amanda: Okay, I get it if you need some space. But just know that I care about you, and I''m here whenever you''re ready to talk. ?? 4. Amanda: Rick I know you must be busy with college, but call me whenever you are free. Rick checked her messages and quickly replied to her that he had been busy with college work. And is a bit tired. He will call her tomorrow. And as if she was waiting for his message, there was a quick reply from Amanda''s side. Amanda: Ok, we will talk tomorrow. Take care and rest well... Love you... ?? **From Emily (4 messages)** 13:42 1. Emily: Hey, Rick. I hope everything''s okay. You kind of disappeared yesterday, and I was worried about you. 2. Emily: Where are you? You are not at your apartment. You didn''t evene to sses. 3. Emily: Your father called, I told him about the hospital. 4. Emily: Hey, is something going on with you? Are you in some trouble? Rick: Nothing serious. I just have some things to take care of. And I will talk to my father. **From his father (1 message)** Dad: Rick, I heard there was some trouble at the hospital. Are you alright? Call me when you get this. We need to talk. I have something to tell you. **From his store buddy (8 messages)** 1. Ryan Work: Hey, Rick. Gloria''s been asking about you. She''s wondering when you''ll be back at the store. Everything okay? 2. Ryan Work: Rick, you there? 3. Ryan Work: Gloria''s has been on my hanging around my neck like a sword. Seriously, man, where are you? 4. Ryan Work: Alright, this is getting ridiculous. You need to answer your phone or show up at the store. 5. Ryan Work: Last warning, Rick. If you don''t respond, I''ll have to tell Gloria to look for your recement. 6. Ryan Work: Rick, are you ghosting us now? Not cool, man. 7. Ryan Work: Man, please reply. I feel like crying. 8. Ryan Work: Seriously, Rick, Please reply. Rick: I was busy. Will talk to Gloria myself. **From Gloria (1 message)** Gloria: Rick, are you alright? You only sent me one message, and there is no follow up about that. Where have you been? And Gloria was right. Rick only sent a message to her a day after he was discharged from the hospital. But it was a simple message saying that he got injured and was being hospitalised. There was nothing more. But Gloria wasn''t the type of person to actually act so impatient. She was quite a good boss. So why would she act that way to Ryan? Gloria, the store owner, was a striking woman in herte thirties, or maybe early forties. exuding an undeniable allure. Her physical appearancemanded attention in every room she entered that would turn heads, and a well-rounded posterior that left asting impression. She was a testament to the allure of the fuller figure. And Rick wasn''t immune to her charms as well. He often found himself captivated by her presence, and it wasn''t just her physical attributes that held his gaze. Gloria possessed a curvaceous figure, with ample assets that seemed to defy gravity. Her bosom, prominent and inviting, was entuated by form-fitting clothing that hugged her figure in all the right ces. Her hourss silhouette drew the eyes of both customers and employees alike, a testament to her natural allure. She had a shapely posterior that Rick couldn''t help but notice whenever she moved gracefully through the store. Her voluptuous curves,bined with the sway of her hips, created a maic effect that left Rick and others momentarily entranced. But it wasn''t just her physical beauty that made Gloria captivating. It was her distinct Latina charm that set her apart. Her warm, sultry ent was difficult to resist, adding an air of mystery and sensuality to her every word. Rick found himself hanging on to her every syble, drawn in by the intoxicating cadence of her speech. What truly set Gloria apart was her distinctive ent, a sultry blend of her Latino roots. Her voice carried a husky, seductive quality that had a way of leaving those who heard it feeling intoxicated. Rick, in particr, found himself enchanted by her ent, which had a maic pull on him. Whenever Gloria spoke, it was as though an invisible spell had been cast, stirring a potent attraction within him. Her skin bore a warm, sun-kissed tan that beautifullyplemented her Latino heritage. Her dark, lustrous hair cascaded down her back in waves, adding to her maic presence. Gloria''s features were finely sculpted, with high cheekbones, full lips, and expressive eyes that shimmered with a mix of mystery and desire. Every time she spoke, whether giving instructions or engaging in casual conversation, Rick couldn''t help but feel a certain part of his body respond to the sheer allure of her voice. It was as if her words had a power of their own, stirring something deep within him. "Uhmm..." Just thinking about her actually made him hard down below. Rick scrolled through the messages, feeling a mixture of guilt, confusion, and concern. It was clear that his absence had sent ripples through various aspects of his life, and he couldn''t ignore them forever. Rick quickly typed a reply for Gloria. "I am feeling a lot better right now. Will be back soon. Thank you for your concern," Rick replied. And maybe the rabbit, nestled on his chest, seemed to sense his turmoil. It raised his head and looked at Rick with those sparkly eyes. His skill was activated and again thatforting feeling filled Rick''s body. "Thank you, Mr. Rabbit," Rick smiled as he looked at the rabbit, and expressed his appreciation. Rick leaned in close to the rabbit, as if sharing a secret. "You won''t believe what happened today. I was actually out there doing some experiment." The rabbit looked at Rick with its beady eyes, seemingly intrigued. And Rick started to tell the rabbit about what he did and all that happened with Lisa and Rick. The rabbit twitched its nose, almost as if it understood the whole of Rick''s words. Rick chuckled when he saw the look on the rabbit''s face, and patted the rabbit gently, "I am sure you wouldn''t know what I am saying. Well, it was just a one time thing. I am not going to do it again." "But here''s the kicker," Rick said with a grin, "I will let you meet this beautiful girl. Her name is Amanda." "She is such a nice girl. I am sure she would be squealing in joy when she sees you. You are just so cute," Rick told the rabbit and looked at him as if lecturing him, "And you should not through tantrums at her as well. If she wants to pat you, let her do that okay?" Rick said. And unexpectedly, he got a nod from the rabbit. "Good boy..." Rick rubbed the rabbit''s ears praising it. He had no idea if the rabbit was a boy or a girl. But it wasn''t a big issue. Apparently "guessing" someone''s gender was considered toxic and racist these days. So he will let the rabbit decide what he wanted to be called. For now, Rick didn''t have the energy to actually think about it and name the rabbit. He will do itter. As he thought about it, Rick started to feel drowsy, sleep starting to take over him. But just as he was about to fall asleep, his phone buzzed, waking him up. Rick checked to see who it was and surprisingly, it was a message from Gloria. But what shocked him more was the content of her message. When he opened the message, he was greeted by a photo of him and Amanda from the jewelry store. It was clickedst evening. And there was a message below it. "You and me. We are meeting tomorrow at five in the evening at the store." "..." There was actually no room for discussion. "But hey, that''s a nice angle. Should I send it to Amanda? She would be happy?" * * * * * [A/N: Don''t forget to vote, leave ament and send me golden tickets] Q. What is going to happen tomorrow at the store? [Wrong answers only] Chapter 42 Rick dropping out of college? Chapter 42 Rick dropping out of college? Rick had just stepped out of the shower, feeling refreshed after a long night''s sleep filled with strange dreams. As he toweled off his unruly hair, he heard his doorbell ring. *Ding-Dong!* The doorbell jolted him from his thoughts, and he quickly grabbed the towel wrapped around his waist. And with nothing but the towel covering him, he padded over to the door and swung it open, revealing Emily standing there. On the other side, the sight that greeted Emily was not what she had expected. Rick, with his hair all disheveled and a towel barely clinging to his waist, looked like a mischievous Greek god caught in the act. Emily was momentarily stunned, her jaw practically hitting the floor. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and her heart started to race. She hadn''t expected to see Rick in such a state of undress, and it was making her feel all kinds of flustered. [ Quest: Emily is feeling hot seeing you bare chest. Why don''t you tease her a bit? Time Duration: 1 hour Rewards: 1 basicscratch card ] Asly grin appeared on Rick''s face seeing Emily''s reaction, "Well, good morning, Emily. You sure know how to make someone feel shy." Only after she heard Rick''s teasing voice did Emily manage to tear her eyes away from his barely covered form, though it wasn''t easy. "I...uh, I didn''t expect you to answer the door like that." Rick chuckled, fully aware of the effect he was having on her, "Oh, this? It''s just my casual home attire. Saves onundry bills, you know." Emily chuckled nervously, her eyes still flicking to the towel. "I can see that. But, um, can Ie in?" "Of course, of course!" Rick stepped aside, letting her in while doing his best to keep the towel securely in ce,"Let me put something on real quick." Rick decided to give her a break and turned to grab a shirt from a nearby chair. He slipped it on, much to Emily''s relief. "Better?" he asked, shing her a grin. Emily nodded, finally able to look him in the eyes without feeling like her face was on fire. "Much better." "So, what brings you here, my dear neighbor?" Rick asked looking at Emily amused. She seemed flustered, probably trying hard not to look at Rick''s exposed torso. "I, uh, wanted to talk about something." "And here I thought you just wanted to appreciate my stunning physique," Rick sounded disappointed. Emily''s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. "Rick, seriously..." "Okay! Okay! I won''t tease you anymore," Rick sat on the chair, gesturing for Emily to continue. "Promise?" Emily looked at Rick with questioning eyes. Only when she got a nod from him did she continue, "Why did you ditch sses yesterday? You didn''t even reply to my messages all day. What are you up to?" Rick scratched his head, clearly trying to avoid Emily''s question. He shed a sly grin. "Oh, you know, I was on a top-secret mission to save the world from boredom. But, uh, that''s ssified information." "Seriously?" Emily crossed her arms in front of her chest, "Mind telling me what it was?" "Oh... I can''t. If I tell you that, I am afraid I would have to kill you," Rick smirked. Emily rolled her eyes, "Cut the crap. Fine, don''t tell me. But we have ss today, so you better get ready.Now, go get ready. We can''t afford to skip sses, especially not in our graduation year." Rick was still half-dressed in a towel. He nced at his wardrobe, then back at Emily, his expression torn betweenziness and responsibility. Finally, he sighed dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, you''re right. Graduation year and all that. Give me a minute. Wait for me outside." "You want me to wait for you outside?" Emily raised her eyebrow, "C''mon. What is there for you to feel awkward? I am your friend, aren''t I?" "That you are,"Rick''s mischievous grin returned, and he started to unwrap his towel as he moved closer to Emily. Her eyes widened as she realized his intentions. "Rick, what are you doing?" Emily eximed, her face turning crimson. Rick pretended not to notice her difort and continued to unwrap the towel. "Just proving a point, Em. You said I''ve got nothing to hide, remember?" Emily shrieked, covering her eyes with her hands. "Rick, you perv! Put your clothes on!" Chuckling, Rick quickly snatched his shorts and a shirt from the wardrobe. "Alright, alright, no need to make a fuss." As he dressed, Emily peeked through her fingers, a mixture of embarrassment and amusement on her face. "You don''t have to peek. It''s all out in the open for you to see," Rick said, taking Emily by surprised. She quickly closed her fingers and turned to look away. "Che! Who wants to look,"Emily chided, still blushing. "Your loss." "..." Ding! ~~~~~ As they walked out of the apartmentplex, the bustling sounds of the city greeted them. Rick couldn''t help but enjoy the feel of the sun on his face. "You know, Em, we could take a cab today," Rick suggested casually. Emily raised an eyebrow. "A cab? What happened to your trusty bike?" Rick, still smiling, replied, "Well, funny story. I sold it." Emily''s eyes widened in disbelief. "You sold your bike? Rick, you''ve had that thing forever! What happened?" Rick pulled out his phone to hail a cab and recounted the tale as they waited. "So, there was this father and daughter duo, right? They wanted a bike for the daughter to learn on, something safe. I figured, why not help a newbie rider out?" Rick obviously omitted out Amanda. Emily chuckled, "Wow, Rick, you''re a real knight in shining armor. When didthat happen?" "When I was out for dinner day before yesterday," Rick told her. "When you were with your "friend"?" Emily asked. "Oh... So you are keeping tabs on me?" Rick winked at Emily, "You areone stalker girl." "You only told me," Emily rolled her eyes, "So what now?" "Nothing," the cab arrived, and they climbed in. Rick chuckled. "They seemed genuinely interested, and I thought it was time for a change anyway." Emily grinned, "Change?" Rick chuckled, "Yup. I haven''t decidedyet, but I am going to buy something else now." "You really have changed, Rick," Emily looked at Rick as she felt she didn''t knew him anymore. He sounded so carefree, unlike the old times, when he just wanted to somehow pass histime. "I have." ~~~~~ The college ssroom was stifling, and the howling of the balding teacher''s voice didn''t help. Ray slouched in his chair, boredom etched across his face. As the teacher droned on about something inconsequential. Rick leaned over to him and whispered, "Ray, man, could you look any more bored?" Ray nced at him, rolling his eyes dramatically. "Seriously, Rick? This ss is like watching paint dry." Rick chuckled, understanding exactly where his friend wasing from. "I get it, but you could at least try to look interested. You never know, the bald professor might suddenly be exciting." Ray let out an exaggerated yawn. "Yeah, right. The only exciting thing about this ss is daydreaming about Megan." Rick nodded knowingly. Megan, their homeroom teacher, was indeed a subject of fascination among the male students. She had curves in all the right ces, and her voice could make even the most mundane announcements sound like they belonged in a romance novel. "I know, Ray," Rick whispered with a grin, "Megan is quite the distraction." Ray smirked, leaning closer to Rick. "Oh, she''s more than a distraction, my friend. She''s a work of art." "But her temper," Rick shook his head. Just as they were about to dive into an boration of Megan''s finer attributes, the door swung open, and there she was, striding into the ssroom. Ray''s jaw dropped as he watched her approach. Rick couldn''t help but agree with his friend''s sentiment. Megan had a way ofmanding attention without even trying. She walked up to one of the front-row guys, and handed him a stack of papers. Rick strained his ears to hear her hushed words to the guy but could only make out Rick chuckled, shaking his head. He didn''t want to ssh water on his friends dreams. Megan was a beauty way out of their league. Maybe not his, because he had the something about "delivery" and "ASAP." She exchanged some small talk with the balding professor and then gracefully made her exit. Ray elbowed Rick excitedly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You see, Rick? Fate is on my side today. Megan graced us with her presence." Rick chuckled, shaking his head. He didn''t want to ssh water on his friends dreams. Megan was a beauty way out of their league. Maybe not his, because he had the system. System will help him with any girl he targeted. It even helpedhim with Lisa. As Megan''s departure sent a wave of disappointed sighs and smiles through the ssroom. And soon the guy in the front began distributing the papers she''d handed him. Rick received his, ncing at it curiously. It was a bunch of forms for the on-campus cement process. Ray practically vibrated with enthusiasm as he scrutinized the form. "This is it, Rick! The start of our glorious careers. Have you decided on anything?" Rick raised an eyebrow, scanning the form with mild disinterest. "Eh, I don''t know, man. I was kind of hoping to drop out fromcollege." Ray frowned, "Drop out? Why and what will you do after that?" Just as Rick was about to answer him, his phone buzzed with a message from Gloria. He nced at the notification and couldn''t help but grin. "Speaking of work, I''ve got something more exciting on my te right now." Ray frowned. "What? More exciting than filling out job applications?" Rick nodded, an amused glint in his eyes. "Way more exciting, my friend." Rick said patting Ray on his shoulder. He grabbed the application form and stuffed it in his bag. he packed his stuff and was ready to leave. "Maybe, there will be something interesting happening tonight," and with a mysterious smile on his face, Rick left the ssroom. "What the freak?" Ray was left staring Rick''s back as theter walked out of the ssroom, "The virgin has finallylost it." ***** Chapter 43 Rick and Gloria [1] Chapter 43 Rick and Gloria [1] Rick pushed open the ss door to the store, the familiar chime of the bell above the entrance greeted him. He nced around, his eyes quickly locking onto his store buddy, Ryan, who was behind the counter stacking bags of chips. "Hey, Ryan!" Rick called out, offering a friendly wave, "How''s it going, buddy?" Ryan looked up, his face finally felt relieved. He dropped a bag of chips, and it crinkled loudly as it hit the floor. "You are finally here," Ryan whispered in relief. Rick furrowed his brow, a perplexed expression crossing his face as he approached the counter. "Dude, what''s up with you? You look like you''ve seen a your father." Ryan leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Gloria''s already here, man." "Oh, Gloria, huh?" Rick whispered back with a mischievous grin. Ryan nodded vigorously, his eyes darting towards the door of the back room. He then tried tomunicate something to Rick with a series of exaggerated eye movements and mouthed words, but it was all so cryptic that Rick couldn''t make heads or tails of it. Rick squinted at Ryan, trying to decipher the message. "Dude, are you trying to tell me something? Because right now, you look like you''re auditioning for a mime gig." Ryan''s eyes darted around nervously before he pointed to his watch, then pretended to sweep the counter and finally pointed to the broom in the corner. Rick scratched his head, still utterly confused. "Okay, so you''re telling me she''s early, and we need to clean up? Is that it?" Ryan shook his head vigorously, frustration mounting. He then pointed to Rick, then to the broom, and finally to the back door, as if trying to draw a connection. Ryan pulled Rick close, his voice a hushed whisper tinged with anxiety. "Rick, Gloria''s waiting for you in the back room, and she''s not in a jolly mood, man. Be careful." Ryan nodded his head vigorously. Rick smirked and patted Ryan on the back, his confidence unwavering. "There is nothing to worry about. But I didn''t knew she would be here quite early." "You knew?" Ryan was surprised to hear that. "Of course. I am suppose to meet her here," Rick told Ryan. Ryan grabbed Rick''s arm, desperation in his eyes. "Rick, please, just promise me you won''t do anything crazy." "Oh, I am looking for something crazy, actually," Rick murmured to himself with a smirk. ~~~~~ [ Quest: Fondle Gloria''s Breasts Time Duration: 30 minutes Reward: Temptation: +15; Ero Points: +3000 ] "Oh," Just as Rick was about to enter the room, the system gave him another quest. ''Boobs?'' Rick smirked when he saw the quest, ''Hehehe... This is going to be so much fun." With his eyes full of mischief, Rick finally opened the door. Rick entered the back room, and his eyes were immediately drawn to the captivating figure seated behind the table. Gloria, the store owner, was one of the most alluring MILFs he hade across. In herte thirties, she exuded an aura of confidence that was nothing short of maic. Gloria was leaning gracefully against the table, her long, ck hair cascading over her shoulders in silky waves. The soft, ambient light in the room seemed to yfully dance upon her wless skin, entuating her natural beauty. Rick couldn''t help but admire the way her dark, expressive eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she absently scrolled through her phone. She was dressed in a low-cut, te-gray top that clung to her every curve, leaving little to the imagination. The neckline of her top plunged daringly, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of the valley between her ample breasts. Gloria was well aware of her assets, and she didn''t hesitate to unt them. Rick''s gaze was undeniably drawn to her remarkable chest. Her breasts were a sight to behold, full and luscious, nestled enticingly within the confines of her top. The fabric strained gently against the contours of her bosom, creating a sultry disy that sent Rick''s heart racing. He couldn''t help but appreciate the way her top seemed to entuate her curves, enhancing the already considerable allure of her figure. The subtle rise and fall of her chest with each breath she took was nothing short of mesmerizing, a captivating rhythm that beckoned him closer. Gloria''s lips were painted a deep, inviting shade of crimson, and her smile held a hint of mischief as she looked up from her phone to meet Rick''s gaze. Her voice was a sultry purr as she spoke, her wordsced with a yful undertone. "Rick," she purred, "I''ve been waiting for you." Rick swallowed hard, feeling a surge of desire and anticipation. It was impossible to deny the maic pull of this stunning woman, especially those big white melons. He couldn''t help but grin, his casual demeanor momentarily giving way to the allure of the moment. "Well, Gloria," he replied with a wink, "How can I serve you?" Gloria leaned forward ever so slightly, her cleavage drawing Rick''s attention like a moth to a me. It was a death trap.Her voice dropped to a sultry whisper as she spoke, her gaze never leaving his. "I thought we could discuss some pressing issues about your false disappearance," Gloria spoke, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "Sit down." "Sure," As Rick took those daring steps toward Gloria, his heart was pounding like a bass drum at a rock concert. He was ying with fire, and he knew it. As they were talking, Rick decided to act on his quest. He decided to take a calcted risk. With a smile stered on his face, Rick moved forward, but just as he reached the chair, his feet tangled, and Rick tripped over his own feet. In a carefully orchestrated move, he fell forward, his body tilting dangerously toward Gloria. As if, he were about to take a face-first dive right into Gloria''s well-endowed chest. The room seemed to slow down as he felt himself descending into the abyss of uncertainty and softness. Gloria''s eyes widened in surprise and sheer horror as she watched Rick''s stumble unfold in slow motion. Her initial allure was reced with genuine shock and disbelief. Just as it seemed he might collide with Gloria, with lightning-fast reflexes, Rick managed to steady himself just inches away from catastrophe. He looked up at Gloria, his eyes wide with faux astonishment, and he couldn''t help but crack a sheepish grin. He was expecting some surprise and shockon Gloria''s face, but what he saw instead was pure, unadulterated horror in her eyes. "Whoa!" he eximed, his voice filled with mock surprise. "That was a close one!" Gloria, her heart still racing from the near collision, looked down at Rick with a mixture of relief and lingering disbelief. She hadn''t expected the encounter to take such an unexpected turn. As she looked at his hand, Gloria''s eyes widened, she could hardly breathe, her breath caught in her throat. Time seemed to stand still as their gazes locked. Rick''s hand, which had been in the midst of an unintentional nosedive, ended up resting gently on Gloria''s ample chest. He could feel the softness of her skin through the fabric of her low-cut top, and it sent. His fingers were perilously close to slipping beneath the fabric of her low-cut top, and he could feel the warmth of her soft skin in his palms. They remained in thatpromising situation for about ten breaths and the tension in the room was palpable. For a brief moment, Rick wondered if he had just crossed a line he couldn''te back from. But it had already happened, nothing could be done about it. But what could be done was feel those soft melons. The quest clearly said fondle Gloria''s breasts, and he has still not given Gloria''s ample melons the squeeze. So before Gloria could react, Rick decided to act. With his fingers still digging into Gloria''s breasts from above her top, his palm began to squeeze her right boob. His thumb rubbing her nipple over her top, and his fingers kneading the soft flesh of her boob. **Ding!!** "Ahhh!!!" Feeling his touch, Gloria finally cried out. Whether it was in pain, or pleasure, Rick did not know. Gloria quicklypushed Rick away, his hand sliding reluctantly from her chest, he stumbled back, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Whoa, my bad! Sorry ''bout that, Gloria," he stammered, trying to regain hisposure. He couldn''t help but feel a lingering warmth where his hand had briefly made contact. Gloria fixed him with a stern frown and a re that could melt steel. She was not one to be trifled with, and Rick knew he was treading on thin ice. She adjusted her top, her movements deliberate and crisp, and Rick couldn''t help but swallow hard seeing her do that. The scene looked like the aftermath of as if they had done the deed. Rick scratched the back of his head nervously. "I, uh, totally didn''t mean to...you know, I tripped and you know... To get support... I... It was like, a freak ident." Gloria raised an eyebrow, her irritation palpable. "A ''freak ident,'' huh? Did you squeeze them because it was an ident?" Gloria said as she put her hand below her boobs and gave them a shake. Gloria, her expression still stern, leaned forward, her cleavage momentarily catching Rick''s wandering gaze before he forced his eyes back up to meet hers. "That...I am..." Rick stammered, not sure how to reply. He was about to apologize when the system chimed. [ 1. Apologize (Temptation +0) 2. Tell her they just felt too soft (Temptation +10) ] ''Oh!'' Rick felt he had a lifeline, "I am so sorry... But they felt just too soft," Rick said. "My hand couldn''t help but squeeze," Rick said, feigning regret. "Too Soft?" Gloria was momentarily stunned. Her face, including her ears started to turn shades of red. She could have never expected Rick to say that. It was bold, her heart slowly began to race. Meanwhile, Rick felt like he had dodged a bullet. No matter how many times he tried the system, and everytime the system had worked. But he was still not over the nervousness. His heart would still feel anxious. [ 1. Tell her it felt better than her girlfriend''s (Temptation -20) 2. Lie to her. Tell her you have never felt this feeling (Temptation +10) 3. Stay silent (Temptation +0) ] Rick looked at the new options in front of him. The first option was a no-go. Rick didn''t even understand why would the systemeven bother to give him such options. ''A small lie... It''s no big deal, right?'' Rick decided to y along. "Yeah... It was something I have never felt," Rick looked at his palm which touched Gloria''s breasts and squeezed the air, "I could still feel it." "Stop... Stop right there," Gloria freaked out as she watched Rick squeeze the air. Her face was blushing and her heart was beating out of her chest. Rick jumped a bit in surprise as he watched Gloria. He looked at her, then slowly turned towards his hands, before finally dropping down his hands. "Aghh..." Gloria groaned as she slumped back into her chair, hiding her face between her palms. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Gloria finally sighed and motioned for Rick to sit down. Her voice wasced with irritation as she spoke, but she managed to keep it somewhatposed. "Sit down, Rick," she said, her tone curt and no-nonsense. Rick obliged as he quietly slide on the chair. To Gloria, it looked like Rick was a bit lost and shaken aback. Which was actually a good thing for her. She needed to take back the momentum. But only if that was true. Rick actually was looking at her information in the system. [ Name: Gloria Rodriguez Age: 39 years Carnal Calibrator: 45/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''Interesting,'' "Rick, let''s get down to business. Why have you been lying?" ***** Chapter 44 Rick and Gloria [2] Chapter 44 Rick and Gloria [2] Chapter - 44 After she thought she had the initiative, Gloria couldn''t contain it any longer, and she decided to address the the lie that had lingered in the air. "Rick," Gloria began, her voice tinged with suspicion, "Why on earth did you lie about being hospitalized? If you don''t want to work for me, that''s fine, but what I can''t stand are liars. Juste clean." Hearing her question, Rick shifted in his seat, feeling a little trapped, "You see, Gloria," he began, "I wasn''t exactly lying. I really was hospitalized recently. It''s just that the reason might sound a bit... unusual." Gloria raised an eyebrow, frowning. She thought Rick was preparing to tell her another lie, "Unusual how?" Rick leaned in conspiratorially, lowering his voice, "I got struck by lightning," he confessed with a sheepish grin. Gloria''s eyes widened in genuine shock, and for a moment, she seemed to be at a loss for words, "You got struck by lightning? Seriously? Lightening?" Rick nodded, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yeah, I am not lying?" "And you are still alive?" Gloria couldn''t help but look at Rick as if she had already decided that Rick was lying to her, making ridiculous excuses. "Well, I have to admit, that might seem like quite an unique excuse. But seriously, I was really struck by lightening. Not directly, but even my clothes were burnt and I had to spend a night at the hospital." "Ay dios m¨ªo! You serious? You are not lying?" Gloria had her eyes widened. "Nope, not in the slightest," Rick spoke, shaking his head. "But the good thing is that I am fine now, good as new." With a wave of his hand, Rick dismissed any concern she might have started to develop. "Then why did you not tell me?" Gloria narrowed her eyes, "You had time to go buy some jewelry with some girl. But could not message me?" [ 1. Tell her, you can buy something for her (Temptation +5) 2. Teller her, it''s not her ce to be nosy in his affairs (Temptation -20) ] Looking at the prompt, Rick had an itch to go for the negative temptation, but the drop was just too big. "Are you feeling jealous? No issues... I can take you to shopping. Think of it as a gift from me," Rick said, grinning. "What are you saying? Shsshh..." Gloria shook her head, unable to stifle herughter. "You always manage to keep things interesting..." "I don''t want you buying anything for me. But do you care to exin what you were doing with a girl in a jewelry store, fighting over her with another man?" Gloria slowly began to let go of the embarrassing incident from earlier, and getting a bit more casual. Rick scratched his head, a sheepish grin spreading across his face as he recalled the unwanted conflict, "Well, you see, that was a ssic case of a misunderstanding." Rick told Gloria. Gloria didn''t seem entirely convinced, but she let him continue. "That girl is actually my friend. As for the other guy," Rick continued, "He was cheating on her, so she wanted to break up. And just like some loser, he made the scene." Gloria''s skeptical expression didn''t waver. "And what about that pendant? Where did you get the money to spend $35,000 on it?" Rick chuckled nervously, realizing he couldn''t spin this one into a lighthearted tale. "That pendant. I thought I was making a savvy investment. And I even made an impression." Gloria''s eyes narrowed as she processed Rick''s exnation. "So, you spent a small fortune on a pendant, all to impress a girl in a jewelry store?" Rick winced, realizing how ridiculous it sounded when he put it that way. "Well, when you put it like that, it does sound pretty dumb." Gloria leaned forward, her expression suddenly serious as she adopted a motherly tone, her ent adding a touch of warmth and wisdom to her words. "Rick, let me tell you something, mijo," she began, her eyes locking onto his with a knowing look. "Falling too deep for girls, especially when they''re already tangled up with another man, it can bring you nothing but trouble." Rick couldn''t help but be amused by Gloria''s lecture. Here was this gorgeous, alluring woman, lecturing him on matters of the heart like a concerned mother. He nodded, ying along. "I hear you, Gloria. It can be tricky." Gloria chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Si, something like that. But you see, it''s not just about the danger, mijo. It''s about respecting boundaries and not getting tangled up in messy situations." Rick leaned back in his chair, pretending to be deep in thought. "So, you''re saying I should just keep my distance and let people sort out their own love lives?" Gloria nodded, her expression firm but caring, "Exactamente, Rick. Don''t be the guy who stirs the pot and causes unnecessary drama. It''s not worth it." Rick couldn''t help but smile at Gloria''s unexpected wisdom. "You know, Gloria, you''re like thetinomom I never had." Gloriaughed heartily at that, her voice filling the room with warmth. "Well, mijo, someone''s got to look out for you and keep you out of trouble. I can be your mother." [ 1. ept her as your mother (Temptation +5) 2. Why settle for just being her son, when you can me much more (Temptation +10) ] Rick couldn''t resist smirking at Gloria''s motherly advice, but then, his mischievous grin took on a suggestive twist as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a yful purr. "Hey, Gloria," he said, his tone dripping with innuendo, "Why be a mother when you could be my girlfriend? You''re not that old, you know." Gloria''s cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as Rick''s words hung in the air, the sexual tension between them suddenly palpable. She tried to maintain herposure but found herself momentarily flustered. With an exaggerated, yful wink, Rick leaned back in his chair, waiting for Gloria''s response. Gloria, regaining herposure, gave Rick a coy smile, her ent adding an extrayer of allure to her voice. "Mijo, you are quite the charmer, I must say. But it won''t work on me, remember?" Rick feigned disappointment, his voice filled with mock sadness. "Aw,e on, Gloria. You mean you''re not tempted by my irresistible charms?" Gloria''sughter filled the room, a sultry, melodic sound that sent shivers down Rick''s spine. "You are trouble, Rick, but I won''t deny that you have a way with words." Rick leaned in closer again, the air between them thick with anticipation. "So, what you''re saying is, there''s a chance?" Gloria shook her head with a yful smile, as she pushed him back, "Mijo, I''m your boss, remember? You can''t jokewith me like that." Rick leaned back with a theatrical sigh, but his eyes never left Gloria''s. "You''re right, Gloria. But hey, a guy can dream, can''t he?" Gloria''sughter was like a seductive melody, and her eyes twinkled mischievously. "Of course, mijo, dreams are what keep us going." [ Quest: Make Gloria''s heart race (And what does Mijo mean?) Time Duration: 20 minutes Rewards: Temptation: +15; Ero points: 5600 ] "Hey Gloria... What does Mijo mean? You keep saying that," Rick was also curious when the system mentioned it, "You aren''t cursing me with a smile on your face, are you?" "Absolutely not. It means belo..." Gloria felt bewildered but when she wanted to exin, she stopped mid sentence, ''What if he took it the other way?'' "It doesn''t mean anything much, just amon word we use..." Gloria said avoiding Rick''s gaze, "We were talking about you. So..." But, Rick undeterred by Gloria''s attempt to redirect the conversation, reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear, his touch sending a subtle electric jolt through both of them. "So?" Rick asked with a charming smile on his face, stepping up the ante. Gloria''s breath hitched for a moment as her gaze met Rick''s, her heart skipping a beat. She barely managed to squeeze out her words, "Rick, you really need to stop with the flirting. It''s distracting." Ding! The quest was done. Rick leaned even closer, his lips dangerously close to her ear as he whispered, "Distracting, huh? That''s one way to describe it." Gloria''s eyes widened, and her voice dropped to a sultry whisper. "Rick, don''t push your luck." [ Quest: Be a little poetic with your words Time Duration: 10 minutes Rewards: Temptation: +15; Cash: $5,000 ] ''Poetic? That might be tricky,'' Rick thought. But good thing he read a lot. He could surelye up with something. Rick was on a roll, and he wasn''t about to back down, "What if I told you I can''t help myself? It''s like you have this maic pull." Gloria chuckled softly, her fingers lightly tracing a pattern on the table as she yed along. With the increase in temptation, the target tends to let their guard down without even them knowing. The system gave Rick that edge. "Maic pull, huh? Well, I suppose it''s hard to resist my charm." Rick shed a dazzling grin, his hand now lingering on Gloria''s shoulder, "You got that right. It''s like you''re a beautiful oasis in the middle of a desert, and I''m just a thirsty traveler." Gloria''sughter rang out again, and she shook her head in amusement. "You really have a way with words, Rick." Rick leaned in even closer, his lips dangerously close to Gloria''s ear as he whispered, "Words are just the beginning, Gloria." Ding! Gloria''s breath caught in her throat as she felt the warmth of Rick''s breath against her skin. Her chests rose and fell in perfect harmony, the tempo of her breaths rising in tandem with the heat between them. Her mind began to feel hazy. "Rick," with her eyes cloudy, Gloria somehow managed to speak. Her voice earnest as she implored Rick, her ent adding a touch of sincerity to her words. "Rick, I need you to understand. Don''t set your hopes too high, alright? I am aplicated woman." "And I seekplicated," Rick nodded, a hint of mischief in his eyes, "We''re just having a little fun, right?" [ Quest: Kiss Gloria Time Duration: 15 minutes Rewards: Temptation: +5; Cash: $5,000 ] kiss her, his lips tantalizingly close to hers, when a faint buzz on the table disrupted the moment. Just as the conversation seemed to be taking a more cautious turn, Rick reaching out and gently tilting Gloria''s chin upward with his index finger, causing her to look directly into his eyes. It was a move that left many women weak at the knees, and Gloria was no exception. As Rick and Gloria found themselves dangerously close, their breaths mingling, the sexual tension in the room became palpable. Rick was on the verge of leaning in to kiss her, his lips tantalizingly close to hers, when a faint buzz on the table disrupted the moment. Gloria''s eyes widened in surprise, and her breath caught in her throat as her heart raced. She was dangerously close to sumbing to the maic pull between them. Rick had a way of making her forget all her reservations. Gloria,pletely ensnared by the electrifying moment, didn''t give a damn about the buzzing phone. Her eyelids drooped seductively, her mind entirely engulfed by the maic chemistry pulsating between her and Rick. But just at that moment, as Rick was about to make his move, he saw Gloria''s phone buzz on the table. Her phone''s screen disyed the word "Daughter" with a heart sign beside it. Rick''s eyes darted to the phone, his heart sinking as he saw the name shing on her screen. Gloria was too lost in the moment to even notice the buzzing device. Her eyes remained closed, and her lips were tantalizingly close to his. But Rick couldn''t ignore it. One thing he deeply cared about was a rtion of a mother with her children. Maybe because he felt something personal about it.With a sigh of frustration, he leaned back slightly, breaking the spell between them. Gloria finally opened her eyes, her gaze still filled with desire, but there was a flicker of confusion as she saw Rick''s expression. "What''s wrong, Rick?" Rick hesitated for a moment before ncing at Gloria''s phone on the table. "Your phone, Gloria. It''s buzzing." Gloria''s eyes widened as she quickly turned to look at her phone. When she noticed the call from her daughter, Gloria quickly picked up the phone and answered it, her voice filled with concern. She picked up her phone, her tone softening as she spoke to her daughter,"H, mi amor. ?Qu¨¦ pasa?" she said lovingly, shifting her attention away from Rick. Rick, on the other hand, watched as Gloria talked with her daughter. ***** Chapter 45 Glorias inner turmoil Chapter 45 Gloria''s inner turmoil Chapter - 45 [Gloria''s POV] I never thought my life would turn out this way. Loneliness has be my constantpanion, a shadow that never leaves. It''s not that I don''t have people around me, but the emptiness gnaws at me from the inside. My husband, and I were never deeply in love. But we decided to build a life together, and had dreams of growing old together. But somewhere along the way, only responsibility remained and the marriage became a sexless routine. We were more like roommates than husband and wife. The ache of longing for a passionate connection slowly corroded me, and I found myself yearning for something I can''t quite put into words. I never felt that intimacy, the closeness, the way someone would look at me with desire in his eyes. But if it was only him, I would have made peace with it. I thought I had my darling daughter with me. My sweet, beautiful daughter who used to be so close to me. Yes, usedto. But now that she has grown into a teenager, she has grown all the more distant. It''s like she''s slipping through my fingers, and there''s nothing I can do to stop it. She''s bing her own person, and I''m proud of her, but it hurts to see her pull away. She''s more interested in her friends and her own world. I worry about her, about the choices she''s making, but I don''t have a say in it notany longer. To cope with my loneliness, I''ve thrown myself into the unnecessary management of the store chain my husband owned. It was not something I particrly enjoyed, but it gave me a sense of purpose, a distraction from the gaping void in my heart. Every day, I would wake up early, put on my clothes, and head to any one of the five stores we had in the city. The store chain became my refuge, my escape from the solitude that haunted me. I immerse myself in spreadsheets and data, trying to convince myself that these numbers matter. It''s a way to fill the void, to make myself feel useful, even if it''s in the most mundane of ways. In the beginning, I had a heart full of hopes that maybe it will change. Maybe some day when I enter the house, my husband and I will have a heart to heart conversation. Maybe that some day, my daughter would look up from her phone long enough to share a meaningful conversation and reconnect. But as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, my hopes grow dimmer, and my loneliness deepens. The store, with its familiar aisles and the hum of the refrigerators, bes my sanctuary. I immerse myself in the numbers, the inventory, and the daily operations of the store. I pore over sales reports and budgets, losing myself in the relentless pursuit of efficiency and profitability. In the intricate dance of managing staff, schedules, and suppliers, I find a sense of purpose that eludes me in my personal life. I always tried to keep up a smiling face with my employees. But beneath the friendly facade, I carry a heavy burden. The knowledge that my marriage is crumbling, that my daughter is slipping away, and that the store, for all its distractions, is merely a Band-Aid for the emptiness in my heart. As I watched couplese in, holding hands and sharing whispered secrets as they peruse the aisles. Whenever I saw parents with their children,ughing and bonding over snacks and treats. I couldn''t help but feel a pang of envy, a deep longing for the connection and intimacy that have eluded me for so long. So I did the only thing I could do. I buried myself into handling even more of the store chain stuff. I was involved in hiring part-timers. It became my responsibility. Approving leave requests, and arranging their schedule became my job. I was a good boss. I wanted my part-timers to have a work-life bnce that I envied and rarely experienced myself. But despite all this, amidst the hustle and bustle of the stores, there were moments of reflection. Moments when the loneliness would creep back in, like a ghostly whisper in the back of my mind. Whenever I would catch a glimpse of a couple sharing a tender moment in the store, or a mother and childughing together, and I couldn''t help but yearn for the same kind of connection in my own life. I realized that my obsession with the stores had be a coping mechanism, a way to fill the void left by a distant husband and a growing independent daughter. It was a way to distract myself from the emptiness of my home life, to avoid facing the ufortable truth that I had be a stranger in my own family. I continued to throw myself into the stores, pouring my energy and attention into every detail, every task. It was a refuge from the loneliness, a ce where I felt valued and needed. But deep down, I knew that I couldn''t keep running from the emptiness forever. Eventually, I would have to confront the loneliness that had be an unweepanion in my life, apanion that no amount of busyness could ever truly banish. The loneliness in my life had taken root, spreading its tendrils into every corner of my world, including my marriage to my husband. It wasn''t ack of love that gued us; it was something far moreplex, something that had taken me years to understand. My husband was a good man, a responsible father, and a loving husband in his own way. Our marriage was not after love at first sight. It wasn''t based on love, but it was based on something far more stronger, responsibility. After my parents died early, when I was nothing more than a child. My husband''s family took me in. His father was a friend my father since before I was even born. My husband''s father was always busy with his business, rarely ever giving time to his son. My husband''s mother had long passed away, while giving birth to him. So when my husband''s father took me in, it was for his son. Maybe he knew that he didn''t have much time to spend with his son as well. The ear I turned neen, my husband''s father had a serious heart-attack. Even half of his body was paralyzed. That was when he knew his time had finallye. That day, a day before he passed away, he called me and my husband. He told us that he wished for me to marry his son. It came as a surprise to both of us, but deep down, I was ted. For thest few years that I had spent with them, I had actuallye to love him. And maybe my husband felt the same thing. For he agreed to his father''s request pretty easily. And without wasting any time, we married the next day. And as soon as his father saw the marriage certificate, it was as if a burden was lifted of his shoulder. And soon, he passed away with a smile on his face. I was sad and happy at the same time. Sad for the loss of a father figure from my life, happy to marry a man she actually loved. But maybe I spoke too quickly. Not that my husband didn''t care about me. No, he was a responsible husband. We had a daughter, together, and there was no doubt that he cared for us both deeply. But there was a shadow that hung over our marriage, a shadow cast by his unique and peculiar taste. He never outright said it, but I could feel it in the years of sexless life that had followed after birth of my daughter. It was in the way his eyes lingered on handsome young men, in the subtle nces and appreciativements he asionally made. And sometimes he couldn''t help but express how I would look with them, how our lives might be different if I were withsomeone else. At first, I brushed it off as harmless banter, a quirk in his personality. But as time went on, it became increasingly clear that his desires were more than just fleeting thoughts. It was as though he couldn''t escape his own yearnings, his ownplex fantasies that had nothing to do with me. I tried to broach the subject with him, to understand the depths of his desires and whether there was a way to bridge the gap between us. But hewas reticent, evasive, as though he himself didn''t fully understand theplexities of his own desires. But because of him keeping a distance, I found myself yearning for the kind of physical affection that had be a distant memory. The gentle touch of his hand, the warmth of his embrace, the intimate moments that I had felt, rarely, but surely. And in their ce was a profound sense of istion, a gnawing loneliness that echoed in the empty spaces of our marriage. I couldn''t help but wonder if there was something I had done wrong, if I had failed to fulfill a part of desires that he couldn''t articte. But the truth was, I was at a loss. I loved him, and I wanted nothing more than to feel close to him again. But it seemed that his desires had taken him on a path that led away from me. A direction where I was not willing to go. Maybe because of the household I was raised in, or because of the gratitude I felt towards my husband''s father. And so, I would sometimes found myself staring out of the office window, lost in thought. It felt as though I have been adrift in an ocean of solitude. But today, Rick walked into my life like a storm, unexpected and chaotic, but strangely exhrating. He had a way of igniting a fire within me, a fire that had long been extinguished by the solitude and the loneliness that had settled into my marriage. Before today, Rick was just an employee of mine I had some impression of. I didn''t even care muchabout him other than sometimes instructing him about work. But my impression of his changed yesterday. The sight of him fighting over a girl in the store had stirred something within me, a flicker of jealousy that I hadn''t felt in years. So as a mask to my envy, I decided to confront him today over his "supposed" lie. I wanted to confront him, to ask him why he was meddling in someone else''s love life? What made her so special for him to fight over her. What was Icking? But Rick had a way of sweeping the floor right from under my feet, leaving me speechless and disarmed. He sauntered over with that intense gaze of his, his eyes locked onto mine with a maic pull that was impossible to resist. His smooth, cheesy lines tumbled from his lips like a yful challenge, and I couldn''t help but be drawn into the whirlwind of flirtation that surrounded him. Just as I was about to let myself loose, to give in to the temptation that had been building between us, Rick did the unexpected. He backed away, leaving me hanging on the precipice of desire, my heart pounding with anticipation. I couldn''t understand it. Was he ying a game, toying with my emotions for his own amusement? Before I could gather my thoughts and demand an exnation, Rick told me my phonewas ringing. When I looked at my phone, I found my daughter''s name shing on the screen. It was like a reminder to me. I was about to do theunthinkable? But why? I have never ever thought of doing something like this in my twenty years of marriage. So why now? I hastily picked up the phone, my voice filled with concern as I greeted her. "Hello, sweetheart? Is everything okay?" Rick watched silently, his yful demeanor reced by a sense of understanding as he realized the importance of the call. I could see the curiosity in his eyes, the questions that he left unspoken as he waited for my conversation with to conclude. [POV End] As she hung up the phone, Gloria''s mind began to clear up. She knew that her role as a wife and mother was paramount, and she was just about put it all on stake in a moment of carelessness. ''What took over me?'' Gloria thought as she looked at Rick withplicated emotions. "Rick..." Gloria began to say, but before couldplete. Rick leaned forward with an assuring smile. His eyes filled with a understanding. "Family alwayses first, Gloria," Rick said, cing his hand on Gloria''s shoulder, his tone softened by a genuine sense of empathy. And just as he put his hand over her shoulder, Gloria felt a sense of calmness spread through her body. Though the call from her daughter cleared her mind, her body was still feeling the itch. There was a tingling sensation in her heart and an uncontroble itch down below. Her mind wanted her to stand up and leave, while her body wanted to hold Rick and let all hell loose. But the moment Rick ced her hand over her shoulder and said those wordsforting her, she felt the rampaging storm inside of her calm slowly. In less than a minute, she no longer felt like a woman in heat, craving for some dick. There was still some attraction she felt towards him, but it was nothing she could not control herself. * * * * * Chapter 46 New Ride 46 New Ride Chapter - 46 As Rick walked out of the convenience store, a sense of disappointment hung over him like a dark cloud. He couldn''t help but let out a heavy sigh as he reyed the events of the day in his mind. Everything had been going so smoothly, and he had felt like he was on the verge of scoring Gloria. The flirtation between them had been electric, and he had leaned forward with every intention of sealing the deal with a kiss, and perhaps even taking it one step further. But then, like a sudden thunderstorm on a sunny day, Gloria''s daughter''s call had interrupted their charged moment. The name with a heart sign on her phone''s screen had brought their flirtatious dance to an abrupt halt. [shback] Rick had watched as Gloria answered the call, her voice filled with concern and love for her daughter. It was a reminder that there were priorities in her life that took precedence over their yful flirtation, a reality that had extinguished the fire of desire that had burned so intensely between them. He couldn''t me Gloria for putting her daughter first; it was what any responsible parent would do. But it didn''t make the disappointment any less palpable. [ Quest: Help Gloria regain her sanity Time Duration: Within 5 minutes after the call ends Rewards: Ero Points: 10,000; 1 Lottery Spin; Cash: $30,000 You ask why the system is so generous? Because a loser like you is willing to let go of the opportunity to fuck such a sexy MILF. Good going, loser! But hey loser, there is a penalty as well. Penalty: Ero points: -25,000; No cash reward for next 3 quests. ] Rick looked at the quest and the frown on his face darkened. Not because of the rewards, they were absolutely mouth watering, but because of the way this system sometimes treated him. Not always, but the system would asionally diss him, somehow trying to show Rick his ce. But wasn''t he the master of this piece of shit? Rick hoped to somehow beat the shit out whoever it was that spoke in that mechanical voice. But the quest was his priority for the time being. The penalty was quite harsh on this one. More so, he might not want to do it anymore, but he knew that Gloria would still be feeling the effects of their intense flirtation, her desire heightened and her thoughts likely consumed by the rising temptation that had sparked between them. So even if the system didn''t give him such a quest, he wasn''t going to leave Gloria like he left Lisa. Gloria wasn''t Lisa. Gloria wasn''t a guinea pig for his experiment. Gloria was just something else. Way better than Lisa. So, while Gloria continued her conversation with her daughter on the phone, Rick''s mind was already racing. He knew exactly what he needed to do, and he wasted no time. With a quick, discreet nce around to ensure no one was watching, he opened the Lustsystem. The pale blue interface appeared in front of him, something Gloria was not able to see. Rick did not waste a moment to needlessly look through his system. He quickly opened the shop and skimmed through the various sections: Power/Skill cards, Weapons, Cultivation Techniques and Summoning. He quickly jumped to the Random section. Opening the Random section, Rick began to search through its offerings. It was a digital treasure trove, a ce where the unexpected and the extraordinary could be found. Rick''s heart raced with anticipation as he scrolled through the options, each one more intriguing than thest. In the Random section, there was literally everything he could hope for. From clothes, mobiles, gems, jewelry, to random skills that could not be found in any of the other sections. Maybe he might even find a private jet in there.Everything that the world had to offer to any person was avable in the Random section and much more. But Rick knew what he was looking for, and he had a feeling it would be tucked away in the depths of the "Random" section. He continued to scroll, his eyes scanning the descriptions with an eager intensity. But there was such a vast number of items in front of him, making it hard for him to find the skill card he was looking for. ''Wish there was a search option like those emerce site,'' Rick thought. And just as he wished, A search bar appearedin front of him. [You just need to ask] Rick heard a voice full of smugness in its tone. ''Whatever,'' Rick brushed off system''s smugness and thought in his mind, ''I want something that could help me reduce the temptation of my women.'' And in no time,a few options appeared in front of him. 1. Desire Disarmament (Mortal): This skill allows the user to subtly influence the target''s thoughts and emotions, gently diverting the targets attention away from her desires. It was a subtle, low-level skill that wouldn''t leave a noticeable impact on her. Reduces the Temptation by "50", works on targets with Romance Radar "0". Cost: 7,000 Ero Points; Duration: 10 minutes 2. Lust Luby (Mortal): With this skill, the host can dampen the target''s emotions and desires, creating a temporary sense of emotional numbness. It was a more effective option than the Desire Disarmament skill. Reduces the Temptation by "70", works on targets with Romance Radar "0". Cost: 10,000 Ero Points; Duration: 10 minutes 3. Sensation Serenity(Earth): This skill allows the host to directly suppress the target''s desires, providing immediate relief from the overwhelming temptations she felt. Reduces the temptation by "50", works effectively on targets with Romance Radar "1" or less. Cost: 30,000 Ero Points; Duration: 25 minutes 4. Temptation Nullification (Earth): This skillpletely nullifies the target''s temptations and desires for an extended period. reduces the Temptation to "0". Works effectively on targets with Romance Radar "1" or less. Cost: 50,000 Ero Points; Duration: 30 minutes Rick looked at the options avable to him and without a second thought, dismissed thest two. They were just overkill, not worth the reward for the quest. Now the choice was between the "Desire Disarmament" and "Lust Luby". Both of them could work in this situation. But the downside of Lust luby would be that Gloria would be left with next to none temptation towards him. Right now, Gloria''s Carnal Calibrator was at a staggering "90". Even if he removed "50" of it, he would be left with a safe and solid "40" points. And that was a good thing, considering, he had set his eyes on her. So, after a careful consideration, Rick decided to purchase the "Desire Disarmament" skill. It struck a bnce in his favour, and he believed it would provide Gloria with the relief she needed without raising suspicion. And so Rick spent the 7000 Ero points. He got the skill card in his inventory and within no time, it was in his hands.With the skill in hand, Rick activated it, and a subtle wave of energy emanated from him. Just as Gloria ended the call and wanted to say something, Rick got up and ced his hand over her shoulder. He looked her straight into her eyes and without any suspicious movement,forted her. The warmth reached out to Gloria, enveloping her in a calming aura. The effect was immediate but gentle, like a soothing balm to her emotions. Gloria''s eyes, which had once been filled with desire and longing, began to lose their intensity. The fire that had burned within her began to wane, reced by a sense of emotional numbness. She blinked in confusion, as if trying to grasp what had just happened. Ding! [shback end] Rick''s encounter with Gloria had left him with mixed feelings. On one hand, he was disappointed that their fiery flirtation had been extinguished before it could ignite into something more. On the other hand, he was relieved that he had exercised restraint, knowing the consequences of letting their desires run rampant. He took a deep breath, shaking his head to clear his thoughts, and decided it was time for him to head home. But just when he thought about going back to his apartment, it struck to him that he didn''t have his bike anymore. And so,it was time for him to get a new ride. With a casual wave, Rick gged down a passing cab. He leaned in, giving the driver an easygoing grin as he settled into the backseat. "Hey there. Would you mind taking me to Speedster Street?" The taxi driver, a seasoned city dweller with a grizzled beard, shot him a nce in the rearview mirror. "Sure... You got it, buddy!" "Then step on it," Rickmanded. "Hehehe... Looks like we''re in for a treat today, eh?" The driver grinned as he turned his taxi. Rick chuckled, feeling the excitement build within him. "You have no idea!" As the taxi pulled to a stop, Rick paid the fare and hopped out onto the bustling street. He took a moment to admire the sheer variety of vehicles on disy. Low-end bikes? Check. Roaring engines? Double-check. It was a car lover''s dreame true. The street was a paradise for anyone with a penchant for automobiles. It had everything, from low-end bikes to high-end luxury cars that cost more than a small house. Rick was here for an upgrade, and he was ready to splurge on something expensive and eye-catching. As he strolled down the street, his gaze darted from one showroom to the next. Each one had its unique charm, and Rick couldn''t help but admire the sleek designs and polished exteriors of the cars on disy. He paused in front of a showroom that had a lineup of shiny sports cars, each one more exotic than thest. Rick whistled appreciatively. "Now we''re talking. These babies could give a jet a run for its money!" But as he shifted his gaze to the showroom next to it, it was a treat of ssy andfortable sedans. Now Rick was confused. "Where should I go first?" ***** Q. Which car should Rick go for? [A/N: Do vote, leavements and send me golden tickets] Chapter 47 Ride all night 47 Ride all night Chapter-47 Rick stood there in front of the showrooms in double-mind, gazing at the dazzling array of cars on disy. The choices seemed endless, and his mind had a whirlwind of thoughts. ''Exotic, fast two-seater sports car? Sleek and ssy sedan? Or maybe somethingpletely unexpected? What should I go for?'' Rick hade alone to buy himself a nice car, but with so much option, he was lost in the pros and cons of each. They were all so good. As he contemted his options, a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of his lips. "Why settle for something small?" he mused to himself. Suddenly the idea of having all his women ride together in the same car ignited a spark of excitement within him. He could already picture the chaos and hrity that would ensue. With that thought in mind, Rick''s choice took an unexpected turn. He was no longer in the market for a sleek sports car; he wanted something big, muscr, and capable of amodating his entourage of women. And what better choice than the Range Rover series? Rick then skipped the Mercedes, Ferrari, and Porsche showroom, and sauntered into the Land Rover showroom, exuding confidence as he approached a salesperson. "Hey there, my friend! I''m in the mood for something big and bold. Show me what you''ve got in the Range Rover department." The salesperson, taken aback by Rick''s enthusiasm, quickly led him to the Range Rover section of the showroom. Rick''s eyes widened as he took in the sight of the rugged and imposing vehicles. "Ah, now we''re talking!" Rick eximed, running a hand appreciatively over the sleek exterior of a Range Rover. "These babies have the muscle and the ss. Perfect for a man with a harem of women!" The salesperson raised an eyebrow when he heard Rick blurt out something unexpected, but thinking that maybe the kid was joking so he decided to roll with Rick''s entricity, "Indeed, sir. Range Rovers are known for their versatility and luxury. Is there a specific model you''re interested in?" "I have no idea. Would you mind introducing some to me?" Rick asked as he looked around. The salesman raised an eyebrow as Rick confidently strolled through the showroom, admiring the impressive lineup of Range Rovers. He couldn''t help but be curious about Rick''s budget. After all, these big boys didn''te cheap. "Sir," the salesman began, his tone polite but tinged with curiosity, "May I ask about your budget? Range Rovers are avable in a variety of price ranges, and we want to ensure you find the perfect fit," the salesman tried to politely ask. Rick grinned, when he heard the man, "No problem at all! I''m looking for something around $90,000 to $100,000, maybe even a bit more if I really like it. Money''s not an issue for me." The salesman''s eyes widened, clearly impressed by Rick''s nonchnt attitude toward spending a substantial sum. "Very well, sir. We have a range of options that should suit your budget and preferences." As they continued to explore the showroom, Rick couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. Money, after all, wasn''t a problem for him. He had an unusual and highly unconventional way of making cash¡ªby having sex. Rick was the proud owner of a system that rewarded him with a hefty $50,000 every time he indulged in the pleasures of the flesh. It was like hitting a financial jackpot with every intimate encounter. To Rick, it was no big deal. He simply saw it as an easy way to make money and fund his extravagant lifestyle. ''Who needs a nine-to-five job when you can make money in the most enjoyable way possible?'' Rick thought, his grin widening. He only needed two sessions of intense love making with Amanda, or maybe even Gloria now for that matter and he would easily make more than what he was going to spend today on his car. Meanwhile, the salesman''s eyes widened ever so slightly, as he watched Rick grin to himself lost in his own thoughts. At first when Rick walked into the showroom, he was a bit hesitant to entertain him. Rick looked quite young toe and buy a Land Rover from their showroom. But he decided to not let his personal prejudice mask his judgement. There were just so many of these kids making a killing just by shaking their hips and lip-syncing in front of camera. So the man quickly regained hisposure. "Sir,We have a range of options within that price range, and I''m confident we can find the perfect vehicle for you. Let''s start with our lower-priced models and work our way up." "The first one is Range Rover ssic. First introduced in the 1970, the Range Rover ssic was what actually defined theter models of thepany. The car is epitomized for opulent off-roading, with an aristocratic aura, it blended timeless style with rugged capability. The iconic split tailgate beckoned adventurers, whether scaling rocky peaks or cruising urban streets. This vintage icon now fetches upwards of $50,000 in ex-showroom cost, without any added essories. "Nice," Rick nodded in appreciation of the car, and his behaviour made the salesman somewhat relieved. He then moved on to the next car. "Going a little higher on the price range is this beauty Range Rover Evoque," The salesman then spent the next minute telling Rick all about the car, "Ex-showroom, this will cost you around $70,000. Of course, not adding any other essories." "Looks nice," Rick suggested, "Why don''t we put this one on my wish list for now?" "Certainly," the salesman agreed and moved on to the next model, "This one is one of thetest series introduced, Range Rover Vr." "This one is..." And the salesman told Rick all about the car, "With this car, you have suddenly jumped to the nies... This one costs a hefty $95,000 something. It''s one of our premium cars." "And talking about premium, slightly above your budget is another premium beauty, Range Rover Sport. And this one here is the Carbon Edition. With a menacing V8 engine under its sleek hood, it delivers an exhrating 0 to 100 Kmph sprint in under four seconds. Carbon fiber ents adorn the exterior, enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the cabin is a perfect blend of carbon fiber and quilted leather. If you are willing to spend a little more than what you originally thought, I would suggest you go with this one. Priced at $125,000, this is the absolute beast you are looking for. Nothinges close." The salesman said, showing Rick thest piece. "Isn''t this what all the salesman say?" Rick smirked at the salesman as he raisedhis eyebrow. And his words made the salesman blush, "That''s not how..." But Rick interrupted him as he grinned, "I am just joking... I know you have a job to do as well. Well, I think I will take this one, Rick said pointing at thest car the salesman showed him, "But I can already see myself cruising in this baby. " The salesman was delighted to see Rick''s enthusiasm and he was d that he saved this one for thest, but thest obstacle still remained. Will this kid pay? Rick put his hand on the car and slid his hand along the body, "It will feel like royalty when I am on the road." "Does ite with a built-in massage chair for thedies?" Rick asked with a wink. The salesperson chuckled. "I''m afraid not, sir. But it does have heated seats and a premium sound system." "Ah, heated seats? Perfect for those chilly nights, don''t you think?" The salesman chuckled politely, clearly ustomed to Rick''s sense of humor. "Indeed, sir. Heated seats are just one of the manyforts these vehicles offer." He cleared his throat and said, "Well, sir, if you have decided upon your choice. Shall we talk more inside my office?" "Sure, why not?" Rick nodded, "But I will pay it all in cash, is that okay for you?" Rick said, as he slid his bag off his shoulder and gave it a pat. "All cash?" The salesman was a little perplexed as he looked at Rick''s bag. "All cash," Rick nodded. In fact his bag had nothing. He was just going to pull out the money from his system, and show as if he was taking out the money from his bag. The salesman thought for a while before finally nodding, "Alright, lets do it," he said with a smile. Hearing him, Rick couldn''t contain his excitement. "I''m sold! Let''s do this. Wrap it up, my good man!" And with a few swift strokes of paperwork and dumping all the money in front of the man, Rick was soon handed the keys to his dream car. "Time to hit the road in style!" Rick eximed as he fired up the engine, eliciting a contented purr from the vehicle. The salesman watched as Rick drove away in his opulent Range Rover, feeling a mixture of astonishment and admiration. As the car disappeared into the distance, the salesman couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. "Well, that''s one way to buy a car. The salesman thought as he recalled the scene of Rick taking out money from his bag. ~~~~~ Rick eased his new Range Rover through the bustling traffic, enjoying themanding view of the road ahead. The luxurious interior enveloped him like a cocoon offort, and he couldn''t help but feel like a king on his throne. Finally, he spotted the perfect spot to pull over and decided to give someone a call. He reached for his phone and dialed the number. "Hey there. Where are you?" Rick greeted, his trademark casual charm in full swing. "Oh, so you finally remembered my existence?" Came the somewhat aggrieved response from the other end. "Don''t be mad. I am waiting for you outside," Rick said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, really? What''s the asion?" The voice on the other end sounded nonchnt. "I''ve got a surprise in store for you," Rick replied, a hint of mystery in his tone. "A surprise? What is it," this time the response was a bit more intrigued. "It''s a little something that''s gonna have us burning the midnight oil. The stage for a night of passion," Rick whispered yfully. "..." "Hello? You still there?" Rick asked again when he heard no response. "I am on my way." Chapter 48 Amanda and Lisa Face-Off 48 Amanda and Lisa Face-Off Chapter - 48 With his new Range Rover parked by the roadside, waiting for certain someone. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, anticipation building as he scrolled through his phone, checking out some of the Tik Toks. There was this particr girl he followed who did cosy. But for thest few days, the girl looked kind of familiar. He just couldn''t put his fingers on it. But while he looked at her videos, there was a sudden knock on the passenger side window. Startled, Rick turned his head to see who it was. When he caught sight of the person, a mischievous grin spread across his face. It was Lisa, the nurse who stole Amanda''s boyfriend, and whom Rick used to understand more about his system. That night at the club, he cleverlyset her up to have a sizzling encounter with Max. Lisa gestured with her hands, asking Rick to roll down the window ss. And Rick obliged, herolled down the window, and Lisa leaned in, her eyes greedily scanning the luxurious interior of the Range Rover. "Well, well, well, if it isn''t Lisa," Rick said with a yful wink. "Fancy meeting you here." Lisa peered inside the Range Rover with a mixture of awe and desire, her eyes lingering on the plush seats and elegant interior. She then turned her attention back to Rick, trying topose herself. "Rick," she began, her voice a mix of exasperation and curiosity, "How could you just leave me hanging at the club that night? You disappeared without a trace! You know how much I waited for you?" Rick leaned back in his seat, a yful smirk on his face, "You waited for me? When I came back after taking the leak, you were nowhere to be seen." "And interestingly, that guy... The one who you were chatting with earlier wasn''t there as well," Rick chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement, "Tell me... Am I overthinking it?" Lisa''s cheeks flushed slightly, and she shifted in her stance, "Max? I don''t know anything about him. I waited for you and when you did not return, I went outside to look for you. And from there, I went home disappointed." "You know, Lisa," Rick began with a faux-serious tone, "I''ve always believed in loyalty andmitment." Lisa raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Oh, really? That''s so like me." "Is that so?" Rick leaned in closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Then why don''t Ifeel like believing you?" Lisa raised an eyebrow, her gaze fixed on Rick. She decided not to bring up Max and their passionate night together any longer. "Besides, Lisa," Rick began with a smirk, "I''ve never been a fan of boyfriend stealers. Loyalty is a rare gem in today''s world." Lisa''s eyes shed with a mix of annoyance and defiance, but she held her ground. She could not understand why Rick would bring that up or was he just taking a dig at her, "You have a way with words, Rick. But isn''t your tonguea bit sharp." Rick chuckled, his tone light and teasing. "Well, I call ''em like I see ''em." "Is that so?" Lisa chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "Then you don''t have to worry about anything. I am not like any of those girls." But then she looked at Rick coquettishly, biting her lips, "Enough of that... Now, can I take it for a spin?" Rick raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh, you want a ride, do you? You sure you can handle this beast?" Lisa leaned inside the car through the window, her lips dangerously close to Rick''s ear, "I can handle anything you throw at me, Rick." ~~~~~ Amanda stepped out of the hospital, the sun''s warmth caressing her skin as she scanned the surroundings. Her dark eyes darted around, searching for any sign of Rick, but he was nowhere to be seen. ''Where could he be?'' With a determined sigh, Amanda reached into her sling bag and retrieved her phone. She quickly dialed Rick''s number, the anticipation building with each ring. Finally, he answered. "Hey, Amanda," Rick''s voice came through the phone, filled with that unmistakable charm. Amanda couldn''t help but feel relieved hearing his voice. "Rick, where are you? I just got out of the hospital." Rick chuckled on the other end. "Don''t worry, Amanda. I''ve got a little surprise for you. I am waiting for you outside that cafe you told me about." Amanda set off towards the cafe, a sense of curiosity washing over her.What kind of surprise did Rick have in store for her? In no time, Amanda was in front of the cafe, and her eyes widened in surprise. There, standing beside a magnificent Range Rover, was Rick himself. He looked as dashing as ever, leaning casually against the car. But what truly captured Amanda''s attention was the presence of another woman¡ªLisa. Lisa, with her smug expression, leaned against the Range Rover as well, and Amanda couldn''t help but furrow her brow. What was going on here? Rick shed Amanda a charming smile as he noticed her arrival. "Amanda, my darling... You are finally here." Amanda approached them cautiously, her gaze shifting between Rick and Lisa. "Rick, what is she doing here?" Lisa, her expression still smug, extended a hand toward Amanda. "C''mon Amanda, don''t act so distant. We are friends, aren''t we?" "Rick?" Amanda raised her eyebrow at Rick. Rick, ever the charismatic host, attempted to ease the tension. "Amanda, Lisa and I bumped into each other, just now when I was waiting for you." "That''s true. And we decided to catch up. Rick and I have a bit of history, you know," Lisa said as she yed with her hair, and walked to stand beside Rick. Amanda couldn''t help but frown further, "History?" "What we had can barely be called a moment, let alone a history," Rick said, pushing Lisa away. "But enough of that, look I bought a brand new car today. What do you think? A good recement for my bike isn''t it?" Rick asked. But Amanda''s frown remained as she nced at Lisa. She hardly cared about the hundred grand car in front of her right now. The atmosphere between them thick with tension. She couldn''t quite put her finger on it, but she felt there was more than what Rick let on. "Lisa," Amanda finally began, her tone polite but firm, unable to contain the and unease any longer, "Don''t you have somewhere else to be? Maybe it''s time you get going." Amanda said, her voice tinged with a touch of irritation. Lisa, however, seemed utterly shameless. She leaned against the Range Rover, her smug expression unwavering. "Oh, Amanda, I''m in no rush. I''m enjoying catching up with Rick." Amanda''s patience wore thin, and she couldn''t help but feel that Lisa was overstaying her wee. She turned to Rick, her frustration evident. "Rick, can you please ask her to leave?" Rick, with his charming smile never faltering spoke, "Amanda, don''t pay too much attention to some boyfriend grubbing whore in the street. You and I have more important things to focus on." "What did you say?" Lisa almost lost her bnce against Rick''s car, "Boyfriend grubbing? Whore?" "Rick, no matter what, you don''t get to say those things to me," Lisa frowned. "What did he say wrong? Everybody in the hospital knows about you," Amanda pushed Rick behind her and stepped forward to take on Lisa, "Do you think I don''t know about you and Zack. What you two are up to behind my back?" Amanda was full on ready to take on Lisa. She had been wanting to vent all her bottled anger all this time, but she couldn''t find a proper outlet. And to be honest, around Rick, she was always at ease, always content andforted. [ Quest: im Amanda to be your woman Time Duration: 5 minutes Reward: Romance Radar: +1 ] "No need to dig buried corpses," Rick said.With that, he slid his arm around Amanda''s waist, pulling her closer to him. He leaned down and ced a soft, lingering kiss on her nape, sending a shiver down her spine. It was a possessive gesture, a silent message that Amanda was his. Rick whispered into Amanda''s ear, his voice deliberately loud enough for Lisa to hear. "Amanda, you''re my woman now. It makes me jealous that you talk about another man. You understand that?" "Ennhh..." Rick''s breath against her neck sent tickles through her body. Amanda''s heart raced at Rick''s words, and she couldn''t help but blush at the intimacy of the moment. Rick''s charm and charisma had a way of making her feel like the most important person in the world. Despite the unconventional circumstances and Lisa''s unwee presence, Rick had a way of making her feel special and cherished. Ding! Suddenly, in no time, Lisa''s smug expression turned to one of frustration and anger when she saw Ricky his im on Amanda. The audacity of it all left her fuming, and she couldn''t help but threaten Rick with the consequences of his actions. "You''ll regret this, Rick," Lisa hissed before turning on her heel and walking away, her steps filled with determination, "Wait until I tell Zack about it." She said as she walked away. "Doesn''t that bitch already know that?" Rick watched her retreating figure with a nonchnt grin, undaunted by her parting words. He knew how to handle Lisa, and her threats were nothing more than empty bluster. Amanda, on the other hand, was a mix of surprise and happiness as she watched Lisa walk away. Her eyes flicked toward Rick, a yful amusement dancing in their depths. Conflicting thoughts swirled within her, but one thing was clear¡ªRick had a way of turning her world upside down. Turning to Rick, Amanda raised an amused eyebrow, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "Well, that was unexpected." [ 1. Agree with Amanda (Temptation +5) 2. Tell her there is still something more unexpected, and kiss her (Temptation +15) ] "Is it? Because I have something even unbelievable," Rick said grinning. Rick''s grin was nothing short of mischievous as he leaned in, capturing Amanda''s lips in a passionate kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away as their mouths met, their connection electric and undeniable. Rick''s hand cupped Amanda''s cheek gently, his touch both possessive and tender as their tongues danced with a tantalizing rhythm. The kiss deepened, bing an intoxicating blend of desire and longing. The passion between them ignited like a wildfire, and they lost themselves in the intoxicating moment. Amanda''s heart raced as she surrendered to the intensity of the kiss, her fingers tangling in Rick''s hair as their bodies pressed closer together. It was a moment of undeniable attraction and desire, a maic pull that drew them closer with every passing second. Rick finally pulled away, his eyes locked on Amanda''s with a hunger that left no room for doubt. His voice was a low, seductive whisper as he spoke. "Amanda, you''re the only one who matters to me." Amanda''s breath was ragged as she met Rick''s gaze, her voice barely a whisper as she responded, "Rick, you''re trouble." Rick''s grin was irrepressible. "But you love trouble, don''t you?" "But everyone is looking." Rick chuckled, his fingers tracing a gentle path along Amanda''s cheek. "I''ve always been one to make my intentions clear." "That you do," Amanda agreed. "So? Your apartment?" "..." ***** [A/N: Don''t forget to leave a review if you have made it to here. And leavements. It will help me understand if there are any shorings in the story.] Chapter 49 Rick and Amanda [1] 49 Rick and Amanda [1] Chapter - 49 The apartment door swung open and Amanda stepped inside, with Rick close on her heels. The scent of familiarity andfort filled the air, but Amanda couldn''t hold back her curiosity any longer. "Rick, you have to tell me," Amanda began, turning to face him with a raised eyebrow, "You have been avoiding me all the way." "Where did you get that car from? Did you really buy it?" "Did you win the lottery or something? Are you secretly the long-lost heir to some billionaire family?" "C''mon tell me," Amanda urged as she watched Rick close the door behind her. She wanted Rick toe clean to her. But... The moment the door clicked shut behind them, Rick''s demeanor shifted. He pulled Amanda close, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. Without a word, he gently but firmly raised her hands above her head, pinning them against the wall. Amanda''s heart raced in anticipation, her breath hitching as Rick closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a fiery kiss, a passionate collision that left no room for hesitation. It was a kiss that spoke of desire, longing, and the undeniable chemistry that had been building between them. Their tongues danced with a tantalizing rhythm, a seductive intery that left them both breathless. Rick''s lips were demanding and hungry, a delicious contrast to Amanda''s soft sighs of surrender. Amanda''s fingers curled, her nails grazing lightly against the wall as she yielded to the intensity of the moment. Rick''s kiss was like a wildfire, consuming everything in its path, and she was more than willing to be consumed. Their mouths moved in perfect harmony, a desire that seemed to drown out the world around them. Rick''s hands, which had been holding Amanda''s wrists, let go of them. He ced his hands on her waist as he felt that body of hers over her clothes. Amanda''s fingers threaded through Rick''s hair, pulling him closer as if she couldn''t get enough of him. Their kiss deepened, a passionate exchange that left them both dizzy with need. Finally,Rick''s lips left hers, trailing a path of fiery kisses along her jawline and down her neck. His touch was electric, sending sparks of pleasure coursing through her body. Amanda moaned softly, her head falling back against the wall as Rick continued to explore every inch of her. His lips found the sensitive spot just below her earlobe, and he nipped at it with a yful bite that made her gasp. Their bodies pressed together, the heat of their desire radiating between them. It was a moment of pure surrender, a hunger that could only be satisfied by each other. Atst when he was done teasing Amanda, Rick took a step back, his eyes locked onto Amanda''s with a burning intensity. In one swift motion, he scooped her up in his arms, her body feeling weightless against his muscr frame. The raw desire in his eyes left her breathless as he carried her towards the bedroom. Amanda couldn''t help but feel a rush of excitement mixed with a touch of nervous anticipation. She knew Rick was intimately familiar with her apartment, but this was different. This was a moment of unspoken longing and unrestrained desire. As Rick pushed the bedroom door open, Amanda''s heart raced in her chest. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the bedsidemp casting a warm and inviting ambiance. Her disheveled sheets beckoned them closer. With a yful yet deliberate motion, Rick tossed Amanda onto the bed, her bodynding amidst a flurry of sheets and pillows. Shended with a soft gasp, her hair fanned out around her as she looked up at him. Rick, standing at the edge of the bed, wasted no time. In one fluid movement, he stripped off his shirt, revealing the sculpted contours of his chest and the ripple of muscles beneath his skin. He then threw his shirt towards Amanda, the shirtnding on Amanda''s face, momentarily obscuring her view. Amanda let out augh, her voice muffled by the fabric of Rick''s shirt as she yfully pushed it aside. She couldn''t help but smirk up at him, her eyes filled with a mixture of desire and amusement. Rick met her gaze with a self-assured smirk, his eyes filled with a seductive glint. He moved closer, his bare chest tantalizingly close to her as he loomed over her. [ 1. Shake your booty on the beat (Temptation +5) 2. Ask Amanda if she likes what she sees (Temptation +10) ] ''My booty? Hell, no!'' "Like what you see, Amanda?" Rick teased, his voice low and husky. Amanda''s fingers trailed lightly up Rick''s chest, her touch sending a shiver down his spine. "You know I do," she purred, her eyes locked onto his with an undeniable hunger. Amanda yfully tossed Rick''s shirt aside, revealing her flushed face and a smile that mirrored his own. She propped herself up on her elbows, her eyes tracing the contours of Rick''s muscr frame with appreciation. With a swift motion, Rick moved to join her on the bed, his body covering hers as their lips crashed together once more. The kiss was a tempestuous whirlwind of passion, their tongues dancing in a sensuous frenzy. In the dimly lit bedroom, the two of them surrendered to the unbridled passion that had been building between them for so long. It was a moment of pure intensity, a fiery connection that left them both lost in the overwhelming tide of desire. "You''re looking way too dressed for the asion, babe," Rick said pulling away from Amanda''s soft, tempting lips.Rick''s voice was low and seductive as he spoke, his gaze locked onto Amanda''s. Amanda''s yful grin widened, a flicker of desire burning in her eyes. "Well, we can''t have that, can we?" "That we cannot." Rick chuckled hearing Amanda''s tease. "Then why don''t you enjoy the show?" Amanda said as she pushed Rick on the bed and she herself stepped down the bed and stood in front of Rick. She began by sliding her blouse off her shoulders, showing a bit of skin in thebeginning. Her hands then moved down to her blouse buttons, as she slowly undid the buttons of her blouse. She was deliberately teasing Rick, before finallyletting it fall to the floor. Her skin glowed in the soft light, and hercy bra hinted at the treasures it concealed. The fabric whispered against her curves as she moved. Her fingers then danced down to the button of her jeans, her eyes never leaving Rick''s. She popped it open with a deliberate slowness, teasing him with the promise of whaty beneath. She pushed her jeans down, revealing a matchingce thong that left little to the imagination. Amanda''s body was a work of art, and she knew it. She arched her back, her fingers grazing her inner thighs as she slid her jeans all the way down to her ankles. She kicked them aside, and now she stood before Rick in nothing but her bra and thong, her skin flushed with desire. Rick''s eyes roamed hungrily over every inch of her exposed skin, the desire in his gaze smoldering. He could feel his own restraint slipping away, reced by a burning need to touch her, to taste her. "Do you want to see more?" Amanda teased Rick, winking at him, her gaze filled with mischief. Rick was about to nod and say yes, but the system had to intervene. [ 1. Say yes, right away (Temptation +10) 2. Be sarcastic. Take the high ground (Temptation +15) 3. Refuse down straight (Temptation -5) ] "Haven''t I seen all of it?" Rick smirked, "Want me to tell you about that small mole below that left breast of yours? Or the one on your ass?" Time Duration: 5 hours 09:24 "You... When did you see that?" Amanda flustered. "We can talk about that till the cowse home, or I can appreciate those big melons of yours once again," Rick mischievously grinned, "Those white big boobs of yours make a certain part of mine bulge," Rick said, as his hand rubbed his bulging cock over his pants. Hearing him appreciate her body, Amanda blushed, and her hands moved to her bra, and she unhitched it with slow, deliberate movements. She let it fall to the floor, revealing her breasts in all their glory. They were a perfect, more than ahandful, their rosy peaks hardened with desire. She cupped her breasts, her thumbs brushing over her sensitive nipples, and she let out a soft, breathy moan. Rick''s gaze was locked onto her, his own desire evident in the bulge straining against his jeans. Amanda''s hands continued their sensual exploration, sliding down her t stomach to the waistband of her thong. She hooked her fingers into thece and slowly, torturously, began to inch it down. Rick''s breath came in shallow pants as Amanda revealed herself to him, piece by tantalizing piece. Her thong slid down her legs, and she stepped out of it, standing before himpletely naked. She was a vision of pure temptation, her body glistening with desire, her eyes dark with need. Rick''s desire burned hotter with each passing second, and as he stood before Amanda, her bold nakedness captivating his senses, he couldn''t deny the overwhelming rush of lust that coursed through him. Rick''s desire surged like a wildfire, and his steps toward the naked Amanda were bold and determined. Her confident demeanor only fueled his arousal as he closed the distance between them, his hand finding its way to her exquisite derriere. Without hesitation, he stepped closer, closing the gap between them, his hand boldly descending to her round, firm ass. He squeezed, relishing the softness of her skin beneath his palm, and Amanda couldn''t help but moan in response to his sensual touch. Amanda''s breath hitched as Rick''s fingers squeezed her ass cheek, sending delicious shivers down her spine. But Rick wasn''t done teasing her. With a mischievous smirk, he delivered a yful but firm spank to her ass. She had no time to react before a sharp, unexpected spanknded on her flesh, eliciting a surprised yelp and a tantalizing moan from her lips. Her eyes widened, a mix of surprise and excitement dancing in her gaze. [ Quest: Now don''t be a loser, try something new. Why not have some fun in the shower? Time Duration: 5 hours Rewards: Ero Points: 23,000; 1 lottery spin; Cash: $100,000 ] ''Can you stop interrupting me when I am in the mood?'' Rick frowned when he saw the quest suddenly appear in front of him, ruining the moment. ''But you do have a point,'' Rick thought to himself as another pleasant fetish was about to get ticked. "Amanda..." Rick gazed into Amanda''s eyes, his hand resting on her rosy ass after a yful pat. He gently rubbed Amanda''s ass where he has just spanked her red, "Why don''t we try something new?" "In the shower?" ***** [A/N: Don''t forget to vote, leavements and send me some golden tickets] Chapter 50 Rick and Amanda [2] 50 Rick and Amanda [2] Chapter - 50 Rick leaned in, his voice low and husky as he whispered, "How about we spice things up a bit?" Amanda''s face twisted with intrigue, her confusion giving way to curiosity. With a sly, seductive smile, he slipped his fingers into Amanda''s hand, and together, they made their way out of the bedroom, their bare skin rubbing against each other, sending shivers down their spines. As they moved through the familiar twists and turns of her ce, the excitement surged with every step they took. Finally, they arrived at the bathroom, and Rick pushed the door open with a mischievous grin, revealing the steamy, inviting shower. The room practically oozed intimacy, promising a rendezvous filled with sensuality and raw desire. Rick''s grin grew wider as he fixed his smoldering gaze on Amanda, his eyes practically burning with longing. "How about we get steamy in the shower?" Amanda''s eyes widened with a delightful rush of excitement as Rick''s suggestion sank in. The thought of getting cozy with him in the steamy, intimate shower was like a thrilling invitation to paradise. Amanda stood butt naked at the door to the shower with Rick. Rick opened it up, took charge, reaching for the faucets and expertly bncing the water temperature to that sweet spot where warmth and steam mingled sensuously. The sound of the water flowing from the showerhead filled the room, creating an atmosphere of irresistible temptation. Under the cascade of warmth, Amanda''s body glistened, and each droplet clung to her skin like liquid diamonds. Her hands glided through her hair as she locked eyes with Rick, a smoldering intensity passing between them. Rick drew closer, his hand brushing against her wet skin, and he moved in to im her lips in a fervent kiss. Their tongues engaged in a sensuous dance, desire mingling with the scent of scented soap, creating a heady cocktail of lust. Amanda''s fingertips danced teasingly across Rick''s chest, reveling in the sensual textures of his sculpted torso. They traced every curve and contour, igniting a fire of desire that pulsed through both of them. Her journey southward was deliberate, and when her hand ventured lower, it was met with the undeniable evidence of his arousal. Her touch sent electrifying waves of pleasure coursing through Rick''s body, his breath hitching with every delicate stroke. Unable to contain himself any longer, Rick lifted Amanda effortlessly, her lithe legs wrapping sensuously around his waist. The steamy cascade of water enveloped them, its warmth adding to the growing heat between them. Their bodies pressed together in a frenzy of passion, their skin sliding smoothly against each other. Amanda''s lips met Rick''s with a fervor that mirrored the intensity of the shower, their tongues intertwining in a passionate tango. As their ardor intensified, Rick''s hands explored Amanda''s curves, kneading and caressing with a relentless hunger. Their movements synchronized to the rhythm of their desire, the water acting as a sensual aplice, intensifying every touch and sensation. Both of them basked in the gushing water, relishing the sensation as it soaked their bodies. With a tender smile, Rick gently lowered Amanda to her feet. Amanda''s eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she grabbed the shower gel. "Hey there, handsome," she purred, "time for a little pampering." Rick yfully raised his arms, grinning like a naughty aplice. "I''m all yours, babe." Amanda flipped the bottle in her hand, giving it a yful squeeze. A generous stream of the slippery liquid burst forth, sshing onto Rick''s chest and cascading down his taut stomach. As the shower gel did its work, Amanda tossed the bottle to the floor with a carefree flick of her wrist. Her hands found their way to Rick''s well-toned physique, her touch both intimate and sensuous. Her fingers slid down his stomach, gathering the soap as they went. The water mingled with the gel, creating a creamy brew that covered Rick''s body, leaving it glistening and oh-so-inviting. Amanda worked her hands around his upper body, massaging the soap over his chest and around Rick''s shoulders. She ran her fingernails down his chest and over his stomach, her fingernails yed a tempting game, tracing tantalizing paths along his muscr torso. She yfully scraped across his skin, sending shivers of pleasure through him.. Feeling unusually bold, Amanda closed the gap between them and locked her lips onto his with a passionate hunger. The water fell over their heads, drenching their faces as their tongues danced in a seductive embrace. Their tongues slurped each others mouths and her hands kept wandering over his soapy body. As their bodies pressed closer, Amanda could feel Rick''s undeniable raging hard on pressed against her, poking her in the stomach. With both of them breathless and craving more, Amanda sensually withdrew from Rick, creating a tantalizing distance between them. "I think we need to pay special attention to this big thing." Amanda told him, stroking her fingertips over Rick''s bulging shaft from above his jeans. Amanda couldn''t resist the urge any longer. She dropped down to her knees on the tiled floor, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she yfully unbuttoned Rick''s jeans. With a teasing grin, she expertly unzipped them and skillfully slid his pants down, tossing them aside with a yful disregard. There he stood, exposed and ready, the steamy shower enveloping them in its sensual embrace. Amanda''s lips curved into a seductive smile as she looked up at him. Rick stood in the shower with Amanda, a thumping big hard on pointing straight at her face. That his giant cock stood between us. The water hit the hard shaft and poured down to the floor, the soap sliding down his body was running to his big cock and then dripping to the floor. So, being the passionate lover she was, Amanda did what every good lover would do, she took his big shaft in her hand. Amanda''s fingers wrapped around his pulsing shaft, and with a slow, deliberate motion, she began to glide her soapy, wet hands along that big cock that would be soon fucking her good and hard. Her movements were a delicate blend of sensuality and excitement as she caressed and teased his hardened cock. She pped and jerked his cock, the soapy cream added an extrayer of slipperiness, making her grip even more irresistible. Amanda held him firmly, her hand sliding her hand smoothly over its length. "Turn around, Rick," Amanda stoodup and whispered, her voice a little bashful today, adding a hint of excitement to the moment. Rickplied, his curiosity piqued. As he shifted to face the wall, Amanda pressed her voluptuous breasts into his back, her teasing touch sending shivers down his spine. Her hands snaked around him, fingers trailing down his chest and gliding over his stomach. Then, with a daring twinkle in her eye, she wrapped both her hands around his throbbing cock and began to work her magic, moving her hands up and down. Amanda''s grip was firm yet sensual, and she skillfully caressed every inch of his impressive manhood. As Amanda worked her magic over the entire length of his impressive shaft, Rick couldn''t help but press back against her, their bodies fitting snugly together, and Amanda''s soft breats pressing against his back. The hot water ran over their bodies and they huddled tightly together, creating an intimate haven as Amanda''s hands yed with Rick''s huge, soapy shaft, their passion growing with every electrifying moment. "You enjoying this, Rick? You like how I''m handling your big guy?" Amanda''s voice was a sultry whisper as she teased him. "Mmm... Hell yes," Rick replied with a lustful groan.Rick had never had such soft hands stroking his penis before. Her touch was unlike anything he''d ever experienced, and he couldn''t help but savor every electrifying sensation. His eyes squeezed shut as he surrendered to the pleasure. Amanda, driven by their shared desire, increased the pace, her hands expertly working his throbbing length, sending waves of ecstasy through him. As the water flowed between her legs, she couldn''t deny the warmth and desire that was building within her. For what felt like an eternity, Amanda stayed pressed against Rick''s back, never letting up on her tantalizing rhythm as she continued to pleasure his impressive length. Her own arousal simmered between her legs, mixing with the sensations coursing through her body. her. She wanted to reciprocate the incredible pleasure he had given her in the past few days.She 09:25 Finally, Amanda yfully tugged his massive cock to the side, and Rick instinctively turned to face her. Their eyes locked in a heated gaze, Rick spoke his mind, his words heavy with desire. "I want your lips around it, babe," Rick grinned, his voice dripping with desire, "Suck on this big, throbbing cock." Amanda wasted no time; Amanda sank to her knees, letting the warm water rinse away every trace of soap from Rick''s massive shaft. With an eager hunger in her eyes, she parted her lips wide and took the bulging head of his cockinto her mouth. The warm water sshed on her face, creating an intoxicating ambiance as she used her tongue to caress and explore every inch of his throbbing shaft as she slurped and savored, her senses intoxicated by the sheer desire between them. Amanda''s eyes fluttered closed as she surrendered to the pleasure, her lips enveloping his pulsing penisand she took him deeper into her mouth. The head of Rick''s throbbing manhood brushed against the back of Amanda''s throat, sending an exhrating shiver through her. She skillfully eased him out, then drew him back into the warm, wet embrace of her mouth. She wrapped one hand around the lower shaft and wanked it hard into her mouth, and using her other hand, she cupped his big heavy balls. Her fingers teased and massaged the promise of his desire, reveling in the sensual intery between her fingers and his silky flesh,all while she kept taking him as deep as she could. Rick''s low, pleasurable moans mixed with the sound of the shower. His hands rested gently against the back of Amanda''s head, an unspoken urge for her to take him even further, deeper into her willing throat. She could feel him trying to force his hard dick deeper onto her throat. Amanda obliged, her mouth working diligently to amodate as much of his throbbing penis as she could, each movement fueled by their shared desire. Amanda''s mouth worked eagerly on Rick''s throbbing desire, her movements quick and intense as she savored the taste of his pre-cum, her tongue ying an enticing game. Her desire was undeniable; she craved the sensation of swallowing his thick load, the thought of him releasing all his desire into her mouth driving her wild. However, Amanda''s own desire was burning hot, and her soaked pussy begged for attention. Rick had ignited a fire within her that needed quenching. As much as she longed for Rick''s touch, Amanda knew she had to reciprocate the pleasure he''d given her. She wanted to reciprocate the incredible pleasure he had given her in the past few days.She had to return the favor for the incredible moments they''d shared over thest few days. Her desire to please him burned just as strongly. But right now, her aching pussy was calling out for some passionate action, and Amanda couldn''t hold back any longer. With that irresistible urge pulsing through her, Amanda reluctantly withdrew his wet shaft from her mouth and stood up, her gaze locked onto Rick''s. "Rick," she purred, her voice a sultry plea, "I need you to fuck me. My pussy''s been aching for that hard cock of yours." "FUCK ME RICK, GIVE MY PUSSY A DAMN GOOD FUCKING," Amanda told him. ***** [A/N: Don''t forget to vote, leave ament and send me some golden tickets.] Chapter 51 Rick and Amanda [3] 51 Rick and Amanda [3] Chapter - 51 Amanda slowly turned around, her hands gliding up the smooth ss of the shower cubicle. The cascading water caressed her back as she leaned forward, enticing Rick with a yful sway of her ass, arching her curves toward Rick. Rick stood there, mesmerized by the sight of Amanda''s inviting form. Amanda pressed back gently, and he felt the undeniable heat of desire between them, his big woodid out across her ass, pointing up Amanda''s back. "I am going to fuck you now. I am going to bang that wet pussy of yours, " Rick whispered huskily, his hand descending down and he gently patted Amanda''s pussy. His other hand traced the curve of her neck, and his fingers danced along her soft lips. With that he took his tool in hand and stepped back, allowing the mighty dick to nestle between Amanda''s legs. Amanda''s eyes rolled back in her head as she felt him shove forwards and his cock enter inside her in a swift hard motion, taking her breath away. "Ohhh..." Amanda moaned, her voice a sultry melody, as Rick entered her with a deep and passionate thrust, filling herpletely, their bodies uniting. In one hard thrust Rick filled her cunt, banging her to the hilt. Amanda arched her back a little more, feeling Rick''s hands gently parting her ass cheeks, the warm water cascading down her spine, soothing her gaping ass hole, Something that had yet to be explored by Rick. He had still not fucked her in the ass. Rick''s desire hadn''t yet explored Amanda''s untouched treasure, but the sensation of his cock thrusting vigorously in and out of her sent waves of pleasure coursing through her. Amanda''s inner muscles clenched and gripped around his cock as it pistoned with great force in and out of her. "Fuck.... Fuck... Yes Amanda... Your pussy feels so good... God! Your pussy, Amanda... it''s like heaven... So fucking good..." Rick moaned, his voice a passionate symphony. "Amanda, your warmth is incredible... And I can''t get enough of you, your curves, your warmth..." Amanda couldn''t help but surrender to the intensity of the moment. Her voice joined his in a harmonious melody of pleasure. "Yes, Rick... oh, God, it feels incredible..." Amanda purred. "Rick, your dick is so huge... Ahemm... I Love You, Rick... I Love that massive, hard dick of yours," Amanda moaned as she felt herself losing in the intimate moment. Rick''s cock kept pounding Amanda hard and deep, his big balls swinging and pping against her. He was forcing nearly his entire dick into Amanda, giving her the hard seeing to that her pussy craved. Amanda''s voluptuous breasts swayed and pped sensuously against the shower''s ss, her face pressed to it. The steamy water heightened the sensations, building a wave of pleasure inside her Amanda''s face pressed against it. The hot water was helping to induce a big orgasm in her. Amanda could feel it building. "How do you like it Amanda... Huh? I am banging that fuck hole with my huge cock. Are you ready to cum? Cum all over my penis. Do it." Rick yelled as he felt Amanda''s pussy tighten again around the monster fucking shaft of his pounding dick, drowning inside of Amanda''s warm, wet pussy. Amanda''s tits shook and quivered as she tried to keep her legs straight under the pressure of Rick''s fucking. "Fuck yes.....CUMMING...OHHHHHHHHHHH." Amanda groaned as her pussy was flooded wet and Rick''s cock slipped in and out of her with ease. Amanda tried to keep her grip on the ss but her hands kept sliding down, her knees were growing weak as her cunt kept contracting and gushing. "God Rick... If you keep on thrusting that big cock inside of me... I feel weak..." Amanda''s sultry words ignited Rick''s passion even further. His huge dick just kept thrusting deep inside her, the head of his massive cock banging her to the hilt, each powerful thrust an intoxicating symphony of desire. Rick held her hips firmly, driving himself fervently against her, his dick reaching the depths of her being. With each forceful plunge, Amanda could feel the delightful sensation of his balls brushing against her pussy lips, sending waves of pleasure coursing through her. Suddenly, Rick''s hand came down firmly on Amanda''s behind, and she let out an unexpected gasp as her skin tingled with each passionate smack. "Ummhh..." Amanda found herself surprisingly turned on by the spanking sensation, waves of desire rippling through her with every well-ced strike of his hand. While his cock continued its relentless rhythm, plunging deep into Amanda''s core, Rick continued to indulge her newfound craving, delivering sensual spanks that sent thrilling shivers throughout her body. Smack. Smack. Smack. Rick paired the tantalizing spanks with the fervent thrusts of his cock, creating a mesmerizing blend of sensations. Even though the system hinted at Amanda''s preference for gentleness, Rick couldn''t resist the rush he got from spanking her. The smacks weren''t overly harsh, just enough to leave her backside with a warm, rosy hue. "Rick, please, it''s... it''s intense," Amanda moaned, though Amanda''s voice protested, her moans revealed the truth, and her voice betraying the pleasure coursing through her, "I''m going to climax again..." The inner walls of Amanda''s cunt clenched around Rick''s cock, another powerful orgasm washing over her. Her cries filled the steamy air as Rick continued to ravish her with unrelenting passion. "Let it all out, Amanda... Release it all over me," Rick whispered seductively, hismands adding fuel to Amanda''s desire. Once more Rick''smands got Amanda even hotter and again she gushed and poured her love juices over his thrusting cock. She could feel it running out of her pussy every time Rick pulled his cock back and it ran down her wet legs, the hot water mingling with her sticky pussy juice. ~~~~~ Amanda could not believe Rick''s stamina, he with a stone hard hard on, was ramming her pussy deep for over 20 minutes already. Her knees had gotten weak and if not for Rick supporting her and holding her by her hips, she would have long slumped on the floor. Amanda had lost count of the amount of orgasms that he had given her today. Rick was not only a 09:26 wonderful lover but he had the power to satisfy Amanda''s every desire and need. Amanda had lost count of the amount of orgasms that he had given her today. Rick was not only a wonderful lover but he had the power to satisfy Amanda''s every desire and need. After another five minutes of pounding her cunt, Rick finally was ready to cum. "I am about to cum Amanda. Where do you want it?" Rick asked. Amanda could hardly hear him at all, the sound of the rushing water, the pping of their bodies and her own screams of pleasure, made his soft voice hard to hear. "I..."But she heard him, and she wanted him in her pussy. Somehow, with a guy like him, whom she had just met, Amanda found herself imagining a future. A future where they embraced each other. A future where she bore his kids. A future where she wouldn''t mind growing old with him. Her heart raced with these unspoken desires. But maybe Rick wasn''t ready for themitment yet. Or maybe he didn''t think that far. So, much to Amanda''s reluctance and before she could reply, Rick pulled himself up let his cock fall from her dripping hot pussy. Amanda spun around and got down on her knees, the water pouring over me. Rick took his pulsating shaft in his hand and pumped it furiously. Amanda opened her mouth wide and stuck out her tongue, anticipating the huge load that was about to shoot from this angry looking cock. Amanda watched wide eyed as Rick stroked his mighty cock with his hands, the big head jutting forwards and banging against her outstretched tongue. "Give it to me, Rick," Amanda whispered sensually, her voice a sultry invitation, "Let me taste your sweet release." "Here, take it Amanda... Take my hot load right down your throat," Rick let out a loud, long groan then the first powerful jet shot out from his dick. As Rick released his cum, it surged forth like a bullet,nding at the back of Amanda''s eager mouth. With a soft, throaty gulp, she swallowed, savoring the hot, salty essence as it slid down her throat. She swallowed firmly, the hot, salty essence sliding down her throat. Her lips sealed shut savoring every drop. With her mouth sealing shut, but the second and third mighty jets left their mark, tracing across her face and causing her to close her eyes, feeling the warmth on her eyelids. With a sensual grace, Amanda reopened her mouth, guiding the head of Rick''s spurting manhood inside just as another generous eruption urred. She swirled the passion-filled fluid around her mouth, the taste and texture a tantalizing sensation as it danced upon her tongue. Opening her mouth once more, Amanda sensually guided the tip of his spurting manhood inside, just as another generous gush poured forth. With a seductive swirl of her tongue, she let Rick''s essence fill her mouth, savoring the intoxicating taste and the silky texture as it danced across her tongue. Taking Rick''s hand away from his dick, Amanda reced it with her own, continuing to stroke his manhood with deliberate sensuality. As she expertly pleasured him, she felt another surge of desire fill her throat. Amanda eagerly took his impressive length to the back of her mouth, another load fill her throat, savoring every pulse and throb as she coaxed out everyst drop of his cum. For the next few minutes, Amanda remained on her heels, her mouth enveloping Rick''s throbbing penis, her lips and tongue working in a sensual rhythm, as his penis glided in and out of her warm, wet mouth. When she finally withdrew, and raised his meat stick high, using her tongue to explore every inch, trailing down to his eager balls. The taste, faintly soapy yet delicious, drew Amanda in, and she indulged herself in savoring as she lovingly licked and sucked onhis impressive balls. "Ah, Amanda," Rick moaned softly, his head tilting back in sheer ecstasy. After ensuring she had cleaned every drop of her pussy juice and swallowed everyst trace of his cum, Rick gently pulled Amanda up into his embrace. Her voluptuous breasts pressed enticingly against him, and Rick imed her lips in a passionate kiss, his hands exploring the contours of her back and descending to caress her perky, firm ass. With a touch of yfulness, Rick delivered a few firm yet sensuous spanks before indulging in the sensation of squeezing and grazing his nails along her perky, tempting curves, leaving Amanda longing for more of his touch. They stepped out of the shower, and Amanda reached for tworge, fluffy towels. She took her time, reveling in the sensual pleasure of drying off Rick''s well-built physique. She gently ran the towel over him, her hands cupping his manhood as she dried him. As she did so, to her amazement, he again got a big thumping hard on.Amanda could not believe that Rick could get big again so soon after cumming so hard, this big cock really was insatiable. Once she finished pampering him, it was Rick''s turn to return the favor. He took the other towel and began to gently dry Amanda''s glistening skin. However, when he was done, Amanda couldn''t help but notice that his manhood was still standing tall. "Rick, seriously, does it ever take a break?" Amanda quipped, a yful grin on her lips. "Not when you''re around, babe," Rick replied, a mischievous smirk ying on his lips as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders and nted a soft, lingering kiss on her lips. "But you can''t expect me to stroll around with this big thing swaying side to side, can you?" Rick teased, his eyes sparkling with desire. Amanda raised an eyebrow, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "What kind of naughty idea do you have in mind now?" she asked, her tone filled with yful suspicion. Rick shot her a mischievous wink before dashing out of the bathroom and into Amanda''s inviting bedroom. She followed him, drawn by the electric anticipation in the air as he yfully climbed onto the bed. As Amanda joined him, her heart raced with excitement. Approaching the bed, she was about to join him when Rick took the initiative, swiftly pulling her onto the bed. He deftly maneuvered her leg over his face, guiding them into a seductive sixty-nine position. Amanda''s heated core rested tantalizingly above Rick''s eager mouth, where he wasted no time, skillfully teasing and tasting her swollen clit. "Oh god, Rick,"Amanda gasped, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of pleasure. Her body responded with an involuntary arch, pressing her pussy further into his face. "Sooner orter I am going to ram my cock here,"Rick murmured with a teasing tone, his hand gently caressing her delicate anal area, slipping a single finger inside. Amanda''s body quivered in ecstasy, her breath hitched as Rick''s finger ventured into uncharted territory, sending thrilling shudders through her entire being. "Rick, no..." she moaned, her body quivering with pleasure as she found it challenging to maintain her bnce on the bed, her hand grasping for support. "Come on, don''t hold back. Suck me off as well," Rick whispered as he urged her, his finger sliding deeper into her alluring rear entrance. "Rick, please... Don''t," Amanda''s plea was filled with longing and hesitation, but her body had other ns. With an uncontroble release, she let her juice flow, squirting her sweet nectar all across Rick''s face. Her body trembled with pleasure as her juices flowed freely, leaving her utterly spent.. Her body twitched with pleasure as her juices gushedfrom her pussy, an intense and satisfying climax. For a while, Amanda continued to squirt, her energy waning until she finally copsed on top of Rick, her face temptingly close to his still erect penis. Rick, too, withdrew his finger from her anal, his gaze locked onto her wet, pink pussy, with hunger in his eyes as he resisted his urges. With anguid grace, Amanda reached out, her hand wrapping around his firm length, her touch gentle yet electrifying. She took his rigid shaft in her soft hand, gently stroking him. And as her energy slowly returned, she quickened her pace, her lips soon enveloping his throbbing manhood. Rick, driven by their shared passion, leaned towards her pussy. For the next blissful half-hour, they pleasured each other, their passion igniting further. Rick skillfully guided Amanda to two more explosive orgasms, each one leaving her trembling with ecstasy as she showered him with her sweet release. Meanwhile, Rick climaxed once more, releasing a potent surge from his pulsating manhood that Amanda eagerly devoured and swallowed. Finally exhausted but content, Rick pulled Amanda into his loving embrace, and they nestled together, their bodies entwined as they cuddled before drifting into sleep. ***** [A/N: Last chapter of another intimate encounter between Rick and Amanda. Don''t forget to vote, leave ament, and send me gifts.] Chapter 52 [Bonus chapter]Morning after grinding all night 52 [Bonus chapter]Morning after grinding all night Chapter - 52 [Amanda''s POV] I woke up, my eyes fluttering open as the faint light of dawn filtered through the curtains. The room was still bathed in soft shadows, and there was an undeniable allure to the tranquil early hours of the morning. As I shifted on the bed, opening my eyes wide, I suddenly found myself looking straight at the most handsome face I had ever seen. My gaze shifted through the room, and there he was¡ªRick, sleeping soundly beside me, his face serene in slumber.There was a certain vulnerability in his closed eyes and rxed expression that made my heart skip a beat. I couldn''t help but steal a moment to study his features, a guilty pleasure of mine. Rick had this face that was a mix of boyish charm and rugged appeal. t was a face that could belong to a model, with strong, chiseled jawlines and perfectly defined cheekbones, and if one looked closely, there was just the right amount of scruff that made my heart race. His lips, well, those lips had a way of coaxing a thousand emotions from me with a single kiss. Despite the fact that Rick was younger than me, his held a charm that had drawn me in from the very beginning. A soft blush crept up my cheeks as I realized I was admiring him a little too intensely, but who could me me? Rick had this way of making me feel like a giddy schoolgirl with a crush, despite the fact that he was younger than me. It was his charisma, his undeniable maism that drew me in, and I couldn''t resist dancing to his tune, of igniting a fire within me that left me breathless and craving more. It was both thrilling and terrifying, this intensity that we shared, but I couldn''t deny that I loved every moment of it. As I continued to watch him sleep, a warm affection swelled within me. It was strange how someone coulde into your life and turn it upside down, making you question everything you thought you knew about yourself. But that was Rick¡ªunpredictable, charming, and utterly captivating. I shifted slightly, my fingers inching towards his tousled hair. I couldn''t resist running my fingers through those dark locks, reveling in the softness and the way they framed his face. The urge to trace the outline of his features was impossible to resist, and my fingers gently slid over his cheek, brushing aside a stray strand of hair. Rick stirred at my touch, his eyes fluttering open, revealing those irresistible, smoky gray eyes that had a way of seeing right through me. I blushed again, caught in the act of admiring him, but the way he looked at me in that moment made my heart skip a beat. A warm smile tugged at his lips as he looked at me, and I couldn''t help but blush even more. How had I fallen for someone so captivating and enticing? "Good morning," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep. His lips curled into azy smile, and I couldn''t help but return it, feeling a warmth spreading from my heart to my cheeks. "Morning," I replied, my voice soft and filled with genuine affection. [Amanda''s POV End] Rick''s fingers gently tracing azy pattern on Amanda''s skin, as she felt her cheeks grow warmer. It was incredible how he had a way of making Amanda feel cherished and desired all at once. There was a tenderness in his touch that melted her heart. Rick leaned in, his lips brushing against Amanda''s in a tender kiss that made her heart soar. She melted into his embrace, their bodies entwined as they shared a kiss. "Rick..." Amanda called him out tenderly between the kiss. In fact, Rick had been awake for some time before Amanda woke up. But instead of waking her up, hey beside Amanda, his eyes closed, and a mischievous smile ying on his lips. He had been awake for a while, but he couldn''t resist the temptation to y with her hair as she slept peacefully beside him. The way her hair felt between his fingers was a simple pleasure that he cherished. While his eyes remained closed, his mind was wide awake, and he couldn''t help but steal a nce at his system. It was a habit of his to check the system when he was in peace. Just as the system popped up, numerous notifications appeared in front him one after the other. [ Quest: Make Gloria''s heart race (And what does Mijo mean?) Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Temptation: +15 Ero Points: +5,600 ] [ Quest: Kiss Gloria Time Duration: 15 minutes Progress: Quest In-Complete Quest Reward: Temptation: +5; Cash: $5,000 Reward Not Given ] [ Quest: im Amanda to be your woman Time Duration: 5 minutes Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Romance Radar: +1 ] Ding! Ding! Ding! [ Quest:Now don''t be a loser, try something new. Why not have some fun in the shower? Time Duration: 5 hours Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Ero Points: 23,000; 1 lottery spin; Cash: $100,000 ] . . [Sex Reward: +$50,000] [Love Reward: +$100,000] Rick''s eyes scanned the rewards he had received for his various exploits, but one in particr made his heart skip a beat. It was the reward he had been hoping for ¡ªthe Romance Radar. With a grin that could only be described as devilish, Rick opened the reward notification and almost let out a low whistle. He couldn''t believe his luck. His efforts had paid off, and the Romance Radar between him and Amanda had increased by one level. [Romance Radar: 04/10] The reward after every sexual encounter was the same, i.e. $50,000. It has been that way since the first time he and Amanda hooked up. But the reward against the increase in Romance Radar was increasing with a scale of ten, with every increase. If he remembered it right, for the first increase he got $100, followed by $1,000, then $10,000 and now $100,000. But the shock and surprise was short-lived. Rick kind of knew it in his mind that the rewards are only going to get bigger and bigger from now. So without wasting any more time on the notifications, Rick opened his own information. [ Host''s Name: Rick Smith Age: 22 years (Expected: 95 years ; Limit: 125 years) Gender: Male Cultivation Level: Mortal (39%) System Level: 1 Experience (EXP): 9900/10000 Skills: --- Summons: 1 Sexual Encounters: 1 Harem: --- Quests in Progress: --- ] His stats have increased a tiny bit again. His expected life span has increased again, so as his Cultivation Level. He reckon when his cultivation level increased to Mortal (100%) his age limit might increase as well. Andjust the thought of it excited him. ''If there are mortals, there must also be immortals,'' Rick thought to himself. 10:07 Aside from that, his Experience remained the same much to his dismay. But he now had a summon. His Rabbit. Talking about rabbit, he had left him alone for the night. ''Will he be worried about me?'' Rick had this fleeting thought, but he quickly shook it off. He then quickly went on to check his Ero Points. His Ero points stood at surprising number of 99,300. Rick nodded in appreciation for himself. He hade a long way in less than a week. He was just so close to touching that 100,000 mark. Looking at the Ero points he had, Rick wanted to go storm the shop, but he pulled himself back. He had this feeling that maybe, just maybe the system might give him a reward for the 100,000 milestone. He had to check. So with that thought, Rick looked at his inventory. In there, he had a scratch card in one slot. But what gave him more joy was the money in the next slot. It was freaking past half a million now. To be precise, he had $595,800. Just a couple thousand bucks short of $600,000. ''Oh my God!'' Rick almost screamed his lungs out, ''How good it will look if I ced them all together?'' Rick had an intrusive thought. Rick then wanted to scratch the card he had in his inventory, and also spin the 3 lottery spins he had. But before he could get to them, Amanda woke up. ~ ~~~~ Rick''s mischievous grin remained as he leaned in close to Amanda, his warm breath tickling her ear. "You''re getting me in the mood so early in the morning, huh?" he teased, his voice a whisper. Amanda''s cheeks flushed with embarrassment at his yfulment, and she couldn''t help but giggle softly. She snuggled even closer into his chest, her naked body pressing against his in an intimate embrace. The feel of their skin against each other sent shivers of desire racing through her. "Maybe I am," she replied with a sly smile, her fingers tracingzy circles on his chest. The sensation of his strong, muscr body beneath her touch was irresistible, and she reveled in the intimacy they shared. Rick''s fingers trailed down her spine, sending tingles of pleasure coursing through her. "Well, in that case," he murmured, his lips brushing against her earlobe, "I guess we should make the most of this early morning mood, don''t you think?" Amanda sighed contentedly, Rick''s warmth enveloped her as his arms wrapped around her. Rick''s lips found hers in a tender kiss, their mouths meeting in a slow, passionate exchange. Amanda''s fingers traced his chest, her nails grazing lightly over his skin, leaving a trail of electrifying sensations in their wake. Rick''s hand ventured lower, he couldn''t help but let his fingers graze her soft, sensitive skin, caressing the curve of Amanda''s backside as their bodies continued to press together in the intimate morning light. His touch was gentle yet filled with a simmering desire. But just as his fingertips hovered tantalizingly close to her pussy, and he was about to part his pussy lips to let her fingers slide in,Amanda let out a soft, breathy moan, breaking their passionate kiss. She pulled back slightly, her chest rising and falling with the rapid pace of her breath. "Rick," she whispered, her voice a sultry mix of desire and anticipation. "I''m still sensitive down there. I... don''t... " Rick''s eyes met hers, a hunger burning within the depths, but he nodded in understanding. With a soft smile, he pulled Amanda into his embrace, their naked bodies molding together as theyy on top of one another. Amanda''s fingers tracedzy patterns across Rick''s chest, the warmth of their connection soothing the electric tension that had filled the room. Amanda''s warm skin against his, her breathsing in shallow gasps as she nuzzled into the crook of his neck. She nuzzled her face into the crook of his neck, breathing in his intoxicating scent. Rick''s arms wrapped around her, holding her close as he pressed his lips to her temple, nting soft, affectionate kisses there. Amanda let out a contented sigh, her heart swelling with affection. ***** [A/N: Don''t forget to vote, leave ament, and send some golden tickets.] Chapter 53 Quest with Megan 53 Quest with Megan Chapter - 53 Amanda was busy setting the breakfast table when she heard the bathroom door open. She turned her head just in time to catch sight of Rick emerging from the bathroom, his lean, muscr form glistening with droplets of water. He had wrapped a towel around his waist, but another towel was draped casually over his shoulders as he vigorously dried his hair. Her cheeks flushed with warmth as she watched him saunter towards her, his bare feet padding softly against the floor. It was impossible not to appreciate the sculpted physique that glistened with moisture from his shower. Amanda was momentarily lost in the sight, a soft, dreamy expression on her face. Just as she was about to ce a te on the table, her fingers betrayed her, and the te slipped from her grasp. It plummeted to the tabletop with a loud crash, startling both Amanda and Rick. Thankfully, the te hadn''t fallen from a great height, and it remained intact. But what couldn''t be avoided was the deep blush that now colored her cheeks. Rick, always quick with a yfulment, couldn''t resist the opportunity to tease her. A knowing grin tugged at the corner of his lips as he raised an eyebrow and quipped, "Seen enough?" "I-I...," she stammered, struggling to find her words. "I just got a little distracted, that''s all." Rick''s grin widened, and he leaned in closer, his warm breath brushing against Amanda''s ear as he whispered, "Distracted, huh? Well, I can''t say I mind that." "Stop it. Why do you have to be like this all the time?" Rick chuckled softly, his fingers gently tilting her chin to meet his gaze. "It''s okay, Amanda," he reassured her, his tone filled with warmth. "I can''t me you for admiring the view." "I find it quite ttering, actually." Rick said softly, his voice a warm murmur that sent shivers down Amanda''s spine. Amanda bit her lip, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn''t deny the attraction she felt for Rick, and the way he looked at her, with desire and affection in his eyes, made her knees go weak. Rick leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Besides, I think you''re quite the sight in the morning, too." Rick settled into his seat for breakfast, his earlier yful teasing now giving way to a more rxed atmosphere. Amanda had prepared a delicious spread, and the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. As they began to eat, their conversation flowed easily, ranging from everyday topics to their ns for the day ahead. They even talked about politics. And surprisingly, Amanda wasn''t a liberal as one might think. But then, in the midst of their casual conversation, Rick''s question took an unexpected turn. "So, what do you think about immortals and such stuff?" Rick asked casually, taking a sip of his coffee as he raised an eyebrow. Amanda paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. The question caught her off guard, and she furrowed her brow in thought. "Immortals?" she repeated, her toneced with curiosity. "You mean like vampires and werewolves?" Rick shrugged, a hint of intrigue in his eyes. "Yeah, something like that. Or even beings from some other mythologies, gods and goddesses. Do you believe any of that exists, or is it all just myth and fiction?" "Why do you ask?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued. "Is there a particr reason?" Rick shed a casual smile, as though trying to downy his question. "Oh, you know, just idle curiosity," Rick replied, though Amanda sensed there was more to it than met the eye. "I''vee across something interestingtely, and I was wondering what you thought." "Well," Amanda began, taking a sip of her own coffee, "I think most of those stories are just that... stories. Legends, myths, and folklore that have been passed down through generations. While they can be entertaining and fascinating, I don''t believe in the existence of immortals or supernatural beings." "So they are just myth." ~~~~~ Rick had dropped Amanda off at the hospital, insisting she keep the car for the day, but Amanda had refused his offer, assuring him she''d be just fine. As he made his way to his college, exhaustion from their passionate morning left him feeling drained, and he couldn''t help but rest his head on the table once he reached his ssroom. "Rick, wake up, man," Ray whispered urgently, nudging him again. Ray, his friend, or maybe his only friend, wasn''t one to let Rick snooze through ss, and he nudged him persistently, trying to rouse him from his slumber. However, Rick remained in a state of blissful indifference, not caring about the lectures or the world outside his little bubble. Meanwhile, across the room, Emily couldn''t help but steal nces in Rick''s direction, her mind filled with a myriad of questions and a hint of jealousy. ''He didn''t return homest night,'' Emily frowned as she looked at Rick. For thest few days,ingte has be a normal for Rick. But yesterday was the second time he did note home at all. He spent the night out. But where? She had noticed the change in Rick recently, his disinterest in their conversations, and his newfound enthusiasm for life. It was both intriguing and infuriating, and she couldn''t help but wonder what had caused this transformation. Just as the atmosphere in the ssroom threatened to be entirely mundane, the door swung open, and a collective hush fell over the room. Megan, the embodiment of beauty and grace, walked in, her mere presence changing the dynamic of the room. Her long, lustrous hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her stunning face, and her every step exuded an air of confidence that was nothing short of maic. All eyes were drawn to her as she moved with a fluid grace, her curves entuated by her perfectly tailored attire. The atmosphere shifted palpably, as if an electric charge had coursed through the room. Whispers and hushed conversations broke out, and it was as if the world had momentarily forgotten about everything else. And every head turned towards Megan. Well, almost every head. Megan''s gaze scanned the ssroom, her blue eyes swept from student to student. When her eyes momentarily locked onto Rick. With a visible disgust on her face, her gaze stayed on Rick for a moment before she looked away, addressing the ss. As Megan took her ce at the front of the ssroom, the students fell silent, their attention drawn to her every word. Her presencemanded respect, and her beauty seemed to illuminate the room as she began to speak. "Alright, everyone," Megan began, her voice confident and poised. "We''re approaching our final exams, and I hope you''re all prepared because graduation is just around the corner." "It''s crucial that we remain attentive in ss and give our best effort. Our future job cements will 10:08 depend on our performance, and we can''t afford to ck off," Megan''s words wereced with authority and a sense of purpose that demanded attention. Her piercing gaze swept across the ssroom, and it settled momentarily on Rick, who was still slouched in his seat with his head down. There was a subtle hint of disapproval in her gaze, a silentmentary on hisck of attentiveness. "Some of you might think it''s eptable to be less than attentive," she said, her words carrying a subtle but unmistakable message, "But let me remind you that consequences exist for those who choose to ignore their responsibilities." A tense silence hung in the air as Megan''s words sank in. The gravity of her authority weighed heavily on the students, and the atmosphere in the ssroom became palpably ufortable. Megan didn''t stop there. She continued to admonish those who weren''t giving their full attention in ss, her gaze once again fixing on Rick as she indirectly taunted him. Her words were delivered with a measured cadence that left no room for argument. "Remember," she warned, her voice holding an edge of steel, "I have the power to influence your grades, and I''m not afraid to use it.It''s in your best interest to take your studies seriously." Her words sent a chill through the room, and the students exchanged nervous nces. After delivering her message, Megan turned her attention to Tyler, one of the nerds in the ss who had always been diligent and attentive. She beckoned him to follow her, her intentions clear. "Tyler," she said, "Your grades have been falling consistently. Follow me, we have to discuss the issue." Tyler, clearly taken aback by Megan''s summons, nodded nervously and rose from his seat to follow her out of the ssroom. The other students exchanged puzzled nces, unsure of what had just happened. How can Nerdy Tyler''s grade be falling? That was just unimaginable. Tyler had the best chance to make it big among the students in the ss, so what could have distracted him so much that his grades fell? Slowly and hesitatingly, Tyler packed his stuff and got up to follow Megan. Rick, on the other hand, heard everything Megan said. But he heard it from his left ear and flushed it out from his right. He could hardly care about his graduation now. But just as Megan and Tyler exited the ssroom, the system chimed for the first time today. And this excited Rick. So much so that his head jolted up from the desk, scaring Ray, who was still lost looking in the direction Megan left. "Dude... What''s with you?" Rayined, but Rick ignored him. He quickly opened the system to check what it was. [ Quest: Follow Megan and unearth what she has been hiding Time Duration: 1 Month Rewards: Ero Points: 50,000; Cash: $200,000; 1 standard scratch card ] * * * * * [A/N: Don''t forget to vote, leavements and send me some golden tickets] Chapter 54 Quest of a Married Woman 54 Quest of a Married Woman Chapter - 54 Looking at the quest in front of him and as he watched Megan and Tyler leave the ssroom, Rick seized the opportunity to slip out quietly through the back door. He moved swiftly, not wanting to draw any more attention to himself. Ray called out to him from behind, but Rick chose to ignore his friend''s inquiries. He needed some space to process the situation and figure out his next steps. "Hey, Rick! Where are you going, man?"Ray, noticing Rick''s hasty exit, called out to him from behind. "I needed some air," Rick replied without even turning to look at him. Meanwhile, Emily had watched Rick quickly exit from the ssroom with a sense of curiosity and concern. But as she wanted to follow him, she was stopped by the professor, who had questions about the day''s lesson. Emily couldn''t help but have to stay back to much of her dismay. ~~~~~ Rick''s curiosity got the better of him as he continued to follow Megan and Tyler through the empty corridors of the college. He maintained a discreet distance, making sure not to draw any attention to himself. With each corner they turned, he couldn''t help but wonder where this unexpected quest was leading him. Megan led the way with confident strides, exuding an air of authority that was impossible to ignore. Tyler, on the other hand, followed behind her meekly, visibly trembling under her presence. Rick couldn''t help but feel a pang of sympathy for the nervous student. ''Why would Tyler be trembling to follow Megan?'' ''What was the purpose of the quest?'' ''Could it be something shady? Or the system is helping him score the hot teacher Megan?'' As they navigated the maze of hallways, Rick''s suspicions grew further. What could Megan possibly be up to that required such secrecy and discretion? They turned corners and passed by deserted hallways, and Rick''s anticipation heightened with each step. His instincts told him that whatever was happening was significant, and he was determined to uncover the truth. Finally, Megan and Tyler came to a halt outside a ssroom door. Rick, hid behind a nearby wall, strained to get a better view of the scene. His heart raced with anticipation as he watched Megan closely. In front of the ssroom stood a girl as if guarding the entrance. Megan nced around cautiously, ensuring that no one was watching, before nodding at the girl who stood by the ssroom door. The girl, whom Rick didn''t recognize, nodded back and then pushed the door open, allowing Megan and Tyler to enter. Rick waited patiently for a couple of minutes after Megan and Tyler had entered the closed ssroom. Rick''s heart pounded with a mix of anticipation and curiosity as he approached the closed ssroom door, but the quest from the systempelled him to take action. With feigned nonchnce, he nced around the corridor, ensuring that he didn''t draw any unnecessary attention. Then he strolled toward the ssroom as if he were simply passing by, his demeanor rxed and casual. He couldn''t afford to raise any suspicion or draw attention to himself. The girl who had been Rick''s eyes casually scanned the area around the ssroom. The door was firmly shut, giving no 10:09 indication of what might be transpiring within. The windows were covered with heavy curtains, stationed outside the ssroom door watched him closely, her frown deepening as he drew nearer. Rick''s eyes casually scanned the area around the ssroom. The door was firmly shut, giving no indication of what might be transpiring within. The windows were covered with heavy curtains, further shrouding the room in secrecy. Rick shot a brief, friendly smile at the girl as he approached her, and as he reached the ssroom door, Rick paused for a moment, feigning a momentary distraction as he pretended to check his phone. "Hey, what do you want?" The girl waited for a good few minutes for Rick to leave. But when he didn''t move, she stepped forward. Rick turned to face the girl, offering a friendly but vague smile. "Oh, nothing much. I was just...uh, looking for a friend. Thought he might be in here." The girl eyed Rick with a hint of skepticism. "A friend? In this ssroom?" Rick shrugged, doing his best to maintain his nonchnt act, "You never know. People can be unpredictable." The girl crossed her arms, still wary of Rick''s presence. "Well, I don''t know what you''re up to, but there''s nothing to see here. So, why don''t you just scram?" "Hey, don''t be so cruel with your words," Rick tried to please the girl with his smile. He wanted the system to pop open and help him, but there was no sign of it. "Scram before I show you what happens when I am past cruel words," The girl eyed Rick, ring him in the face. "Hey, calm down will ya?" Rick replied, feigning indifference, "I was just passing by, anyway." As Rick stood there, the girl''s suspicion still lingering in the air, a familiar voice called out from behind him, "Rick! There you are!" Turning around, Rick saw Emily approaching with a concerned expression. Her arrival was a wee distraction from the tension that had built up outside the closed ssroom. "What are you doing here?" Emily asked as she looked at Rick and then scanned the girl from top to bottom, feeling a bit uneasy. The girl was in no way better than him, but why the hell was Rick alone with her in the secluded part of the college building? "Hey, Emily," Rick greeted her with a grin, his relief evident. "I was just...you know, wandering around." Emily raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying Rick''s casual exnation. "Wandering around? In this part of the building? Seems a bit odd, doesn''t it?" Rick chuckled, trying to downy the situation. "Well, you know me, maybe I am just going a bit crazy." The girl who had confronted Rick earlier watched their interaction with a raised eyebrow, her suspicion still piqued. Emily turned her attention to the girl and offered a polite smile. "Sorry for the interruption. We were just leaving." The girl nodded, the frown still prominent on her face, "Hurry up." And with that conversationing to an end, Rick and Emily began to walk away from the closed ssroom. But as they moved farther down the hallway, Rick couldn''t help but cast onest nce over his shoulder, trying to check something with the girl. [ Name: MaryTeressa Age: 23 years Carnal Calibrator: -55/100 (She wants to kill you! Oh boy! What have you done loser?) Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ~~~~~ Rick entered his apartment, feeling a mix of relief and intrigue after the encounter with Megan. But what came out of sybus was Mary. He didn''t recall ever meeting that girl, but the system told him she wanted to kill him. Why? What has he ever done to her? What in the world wasgoing on? From the moment the system hade into his life, his sex life and finances might have taken a huge jump, but everything else has turned mess. A Royal fucking mess. "Ahhh..." Rick sighed as he closed the door behind him. Walking wearilyhe pulled out his phone to check for any messages. He had a handful of notifications, including texts from Amanda, Gloria, and his father. **From Amanda (2 messages)** 1. Amanda: Thanks again for the ride today. It was unexpected, but I appreciate it. ?? 2. Amanda: You really got yourself a beauty. Rick smiled as he read Amanda''s messages. He quickly replied to her message. Rick: No problem at all! ?? It was my pleasure to be of service, mydy. How''s your day going? But before he could closetheir conversation, Amanda replied again. And it was a long ass message. Does she have finger or what? Amanda: It''s been busy at the hospital, but I''m managing. It has been very boring, but I am managing. Shit, they just called for me. Looks like I have to manage everything here. Bye... I will message youter. Rick chuckled at her impatience. He replied back. Rick: I''ll swing bter. Next up were the messages from Gloria **From Gloria (1 messages)** Gloria: We need to talk. Rick''s eyebrows furrowed as he read Gloria''s messages. It was a simple message, but it carried weight and Rick knew he had no simple way out of it. Maybe the system might help him. But the system turned out to be a dud today against that girl. Still, Rick hoped that the system mighte to his aid. So Rick decided to just ignore her message for now. It''s not like she could do anything to him anyway. It might be the system''s affect, but she did not know that. So from her perspective, she too got carried away in that moment. Rick then finallyturned his attention to the two messages from his father. His father''s messages were usually brief and to the point. 1.Dad: Rick, we need to talk. Come home when you can. 2. Dad: I have some news for you. It''s important. We need to talk face to face. Rick sighed. He had a feeling that his father''s messages weren''t going to bring good news. ''Did he gambled all his money again?'' Rick knew his father, and this was very much a possibility. 1.Rick: Give me some time, I will be back soon. 2. Rick: And don''t get into any more trouble for the time. I will take care of everything when I am back. And replying to his father, Rick put his phone down and sat on his bed, rubbing his temples. Everything was going just fine, but his father''s messageruined his mood. But just as he felt annoyed at his father, he heard the system''s familiar sound. [ Quest: Make a married women fall in love with you. Add her to your harem. Time Duration: 6 Month Rewards: Ero Points: 100,000; Cash: $1,000,000; 1 Premium scratch card; 3 Standard Scratch Cards ] "Holy! Fuck me in the ass," Rick''s eyes almost popped out of their sockets looking at the rewards. That was just unreal. "Are you serious?" "Are you?" "Are you?" Rick mumbled to himself. [ Are you some idiot? When has the system lied to you? ] "True," Rick nodded, slowly beginning to calm down. Then he again looked at the quest. "Married woman, huh?" Rick thought, "Well, I do have one in mind," Rick thought as his lips curled up with a smile. "This is going to be so much fun," ***** [A/N: Don''t forget to vote, leavements and send me golden tickets] Chapter 55 Its the Rabbit now 55 It''s the Rabbit now Chapter - 55 [ Quest: Make a married women fall in love with you. Add her to your harem. Time Duration: 6 Month Rewards: Ero Points: 100,000; Cash: $1,000,000; 1 Premium scratch card; 3 Standard Scratch Cards ] Rick couldn''t help but smirk as he saw the quest. But he leaned back on his bed, still pondering the peculiar timing of the system''s quest. Rick scratched his head, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. Why hadn''t he received this quest when he met Gloria at the store? That would have been the perfect setting to kick off such a quest. Gloria was, after all, the best choice he had for this particr mission. She was gorgeous enough for him to pursue her without any quest. But she was married, so if the system had to give him that quest, the idle ce and time would have been at the store where they were inches away from their lips. Seconds away from their tongue doing a tango with each other. But the system did not take the initiative. ''And what is this about adding her to the harem?'' Rick thought about that line in the quest. He had been with Amanda a couple of times but she was still not in his harem. His Harem count was still a solid ''0''. As he pondered this, a sudden sensation at his feet jolted him from his thoughts. He nced down to find a fluffy, white rabbit nibbling on the fabric of his jeans. Rick couldn''t help but chuckle at the unexpected visitor. "Well, hello there, little buddy," Rick said, his tone light and amused. He reached down and gently scratched behind the rabbit''s ears. The rabbit seemed to enjoy the attention, wiggling its nose in approval, "Did you miss me?" Rick couldn''t resist the charm of the tiny rabbit nibbling on his jeans. With gentle and careful movements, he reached down and scooped up the furry creature into his hands. The rabbit''s fur was soft to the touch, and its fluffy tail twitched with Rick''s touch. As Rick held the rabbit up to his face, their eyes met, and he couldn''t help but be amused by the tiny creature''s expressive gestures. It was as if the rabbit wanted tomunicate something urgently. The rabbit''s antics were like a silentnguage of its own, and Rick couldn''t help but try to decipher its message. The rabbit''s nose twitched rapidly, his mouth opened as he made sounds, almost like it was trying to mimic speech. It would asionally hop up and down in Rick''s hands, as if emphasizing the urgency of its unspoken message. Its tiny paws would make little tapping motions,like Morse code, and its ears would perk up when Rick leaned in to listen. But Rick, on the other hand, found the rabbit''s actions quite adorable. He couldn''t help but grin, "You''re quite themunicator, aren''t you?" Rick chuckled, even though he felt the rabbit couldn''t understand him in the traditional sense. But it was amusing. But the rabbit seemed to respond to Rick''s words with a series of animated gestures. It hopped from one hand to the other, as if desperately trying to draw Rick''s attention to something. Then it would stand on its hind legs and reach out with its tiny front paws, mimicking a person trying to convey a message. Rick''s curiosity grew as he watched the rabbit''s efforts tomunicate. It was almost as if the little 10:10 creature had a story to tell or a secret to share. He couldn''t help but feel a little now. Rick''s curiosity grew as he watched the rabbit''s efforts tomunicate. It was almost as if the little creature had a story to tell or a secret to share. He couldn''t help but feel a little now. "Okay, buddy," Rick said, ying along with the rabbit''s gestures. "I''m listening. What do you want to tell me?" The rabbit responded by hopping onto Rick''s shoulder, its furry body brushing against his cheek. It nuzzled against his ear as if whispering a secret, and Rick couldn''t help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Rick was perplexed by the rabbit''s persistent gestures, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that it was trying to convey something crucial to him. He gently rubbed the rabbit''s ears. "Alright, alright," Rick said, still amused. "Let me try something." Promising the rabbit, Rick quickly opened the system, ready to explore the shop for a skill that would help himmunicate with this cute little thing. The system disyed the various sections avable, including Power/Skill, Weapons, Cultivation Techniques, Summons, and Random. Rick knew that the Power/Skill section was the one he needed to ess for skills that could aid him in animalmunication. After a few days of intense "hard work",pleting quests, exploring some holes, he finally had some Ero points stored up. He wanted to store a few more and cross the100,000 mark, but his rabbit was actually acting weird and he hadto know why. So, what was earlier a no go zone for Rick because of the extravagant prices of the skills. Now Rick walked in with confidence. He selected the Power/Skill section and was presented with a list of skills, each with its own unique description and level. Rick was determined to find the right skill that would allow him to understand the rabbit''s urgent message. He began scrolling through the options, searching for skills rted to animalmunication. After a few moments of browsing, he spotted a few options of skills designed for animalmunication that were unlocked and avable to him within a hundred thousand Ero points. Animal Whisperer (Mortal Level Skill): Allows the user tomunicate basic emotions and intentions with animals. Limited to simple gestures and emotions. Temporary (7-Days): 7,000 Ero Points Permanent: 35,000 Ero Points Beast Tongue (Mortal Level Skill): A mid level Mortal Skill.Enhances the user''s ability tomunicate with animals, allowing for moreplex interactions and the exchange of simple ideas and concepts. Temporary (7-Days): 14,000 Ero Points Permanent: 60,000 Ero Points Rick considered his options carefully, weighing the benefits and limitations of each skill level. He knew that acquiring any of these skills would be a significant investment, but he was willing to take the plunge to understand the rabbit and potentially unlock a new dimension ofmunication. After a moment''s contemtion, he made his decision and selected the "Beast Tongue" skill. It seemed like a reasonable gamble. Animal whisper was just too basic, he might end up having to buy the Beast Tongue skillter. With that, Rick quickly bought the temporary Beast Tongue skill. Thecard appeared in his inventory and Rick quickly used it. Just as Rick used the skill card, millions of unknown words flooded in his mind. So much so, that he almost passed out by the sheer knowledge that exploded in his mind. But as his mind began to heat up, so did a warmth spread in his mind, bringing him relief. It took some time, but when it wasfinally done, when Rick opened his eyes, there was a silver shine that radiated from them. Itsted for a few seconds before disappearing. "Alright, " Rick said with confidence, "Let''s see if this works." Rick had taken the plunge of 14,000 Ero points and acquired the "Beast Tongue" skill, hoping it would help himmunicate with the rabbit. He hoped the Rabbit has something useful to say. Rick touched the Rabbit''s head gently and ced his palm over it. With the skill, there was also an option to create a telepathic link between the animal and skill user. The rabbit met his gaze, and then, to Rick''s astonishment, it opened its mouth. However, what he heard was nothing short of miraculous. Instead of the usual rabbit sounds, a soft, pleasant, and distinctly feminine voice filled Rick''s mind, saying, "Master." Rick''s eyes widened in astonishment, and he blinked in disbelief. Did he just hear the rabbit call him "Master"? It was as if the creature had been trying to convey this message all along, and now, with the newfound skill, its message was finally clear. "Did you just call me ''Master''?" Rick asked incredulously, his thoughts projected back to the rabbit, The rabbit nodded its furry head and then spoke again, "If I don''t call Master, Master. What should I call Master?" "Enh..." Rick was slightly taken aback. The Rabbit actually made a decent pitch for his argument. The Rabbit was his summon, so technically, Rick was indeed his master. It is just that he never expected that the rabbit would not onlymunicate with him but also address him as "Master." It left him with a whirlwind of emotions. "Okay, but then what''s wrong with your voice?" Rick changed the topic, "Isn''t it a bit... You know... Girly?" "How rude master?" The Rabbit actually sounded offended, "I am a girl. How else would I sound?" "You are a girl? You aren''t a boy?" Rick felt his hands trembling. All this time when he massaged his... Oh sorry, her stomach, rubbed the fur all over her body, sometimes kissed her, he was all doing it to ady? And she sounds so prim and proper as well. "Obviously... Is that even something you should ask?" The rabbit was polite, but sounded a bit impatient. "I guess it''s my mistake," Rick nodded, epting the fault on his part. "Whatever, Master. But let''s address the real carrot in the room," The Rabbit didn''t care all about Rick''s guilty conscience and remarked. "Carrot in the room? Isn''t it the Elephant?" Rick asked, his eyebrow curving with curiosity. "It''s the carrot for me. The carrot, Master. I''m not hopping mad, but I am sick and tired of eating that carrots you feed me," The rabbit said, trying not to dilute the truth. "Huh?" Rick was puzzled, "Don''t rabbits like carrot?" "I am not an ordinary rabbit master, and carrots are hare-raisingly bad," The Rabbit strongly Chapter 56 A Quest not about women 56 A Quest not about women Chapter - 56 "The carrot you feed me," the rabbit piped up, "I''d rather use it as a doorstop." Rick nearly dropped his carrot in shock. He''d always thought rabbits and carrots were like peanut butter and jelly ¨C inseparable. He blinked at the furry critter, mental cartoon question marks swirling above his head. "You seriously hate carrots?" Rick smirked, his tone sarcastic "But, like, aren''t carrots your bread and butter? What''s next, rabbits renouncing their love for hopping?" The rabbit paused dramatically, as if rehearsing its Oscar-worthy confession. "Well, I''m just not your run-of-the-mill bunny," it eventually replied, with a hint of pride. Rick couldn''t help but snicker. "Normal or not," he mused inwardly, "But you''re still a rabbit, right?" The rabbit seemed temporarily stumped, Rick''s words left her nothing to counter with. It had no immediate response to that statement. "Whatever... I just don''t like carrots," The rabbit dered. "Waah..." Rick couldn''t believe the gall of the rabbit. It sounded so cute and pleasant but she had such a temper, "No matter humans or animals, you guys know how to make trouble for a men, don''t you." "What do you mean?" Rick heard the rabbit''s confused question. "Never mind, just tell me what do you want to eat," Rick gave up on exining any further to the silly rabbit, "I will try toget it for you." Rick was genuinely curious about what could actually satisfy his rabbit''s taste buds, "Since, it is a no to carrots, you must have something you want, right?" Rick asked. "I do," Rabbit''s ear stood up as he immediately replied. "There is Blood Lotus, Ginseng, Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Dong Quai, Seven Star Grass, Dragon Bone, Phoenix Wood, Hundred Poison Flower, and ..." In a second, the Rabbit almost read out a dozen or so herbs to Rick. As the rabbit ratted out the names, Rick, on the other hand, was stumped. He had never heard of these herbs before, let alone considered them as part of a rabbit''s diet. These names were confusing enough to make him dizzy. Was he in some kind of Chinese novel now? "Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Dong Quai... these are herbs?" Rick thought aloud, his thoughts tinged with a touch of confusion. "I had no idea rabbits would eat them. Have you actually eaten these herbs before?" "Of course I have, how else do you think I would know about them?" The rabbit responded with a smug look on her face, "And not just any random herb, "It was all top quality that you won''t be able to find anywhere in this world." ''Not anywhere in this world, huh? Can you brag any less?'' Rick couldn''t help but chuckle when he heard the rabbit, but chose not to haggle him over this. Instead, he yed along. "I guess you''re not your average rabbit. And since you really want these herbs, tell me where can I find them?" Rick asked. But the Rabbit shook her head, "Earlier I had a lot of them where I lived. I never had to go search for them." The Rabbit told Rick. "So we can go there, and find you these herbs. You can lead he way," Rick suggested, but he got another negative response from the Rabbit. "My home... It is very far from here. We can''t go there." Rick found it odd when he heard the rabbit. She is a summon true, but she must know where she came from. So why was it so hard to return? He found it suspicious, but Rick couldn''t resist the rabbit''s earnest gaze, those adorable eyes that seemed to convey a deep desire for the herbs it had mentioned. He sighed with a chuckle. [ Quest: Help the Rabbit find some herbs. (Find a minimum of 11 different herbs) Time Duration: 7-Days Rewards: Ero Points: 3,000 (For every different herb found) ] "It looks like we need to stroll some forest," Rick spoke to himself, but the rabbit heard him as well. The rabbit responded with a joyful, almost triumphant mental nod. It was as if it had won a victory in convincing Rick to embark on this quest. Now with extra incentive in front of him, Rick quickly grabbed his smartphone and began to search for a ce where he could acquire the specific herbs the rabbit craved. It has to be some ce with arge forestcover and lots of rain. Finally, after a thorough search, Rick stumbled upon a promising region that seemed to fit the bill ¨C the "Whispering Wends". The Whispering Wends, a ce of eerie beauty and foreboding danger,y hidden deep within the heart of the Central Penins. It was and untouched by the ordinary, veiled in perpetual mist and shrouded in an air of unsettling stillness. As one ventured deeper into its confines, they would experience a sudden and dramatic shift in climate, a transformation that would unravel the unwary traveler''s senses. The air, heavy with moisture, seemed to sap the strength from the weary travelers. Each step through the muck and tangled underbrush became a Herculean effort. Even the most seasoned explorers would find their energy waning, their senses dulled by the oppressive climate and the ceaseless cacophony of the Wends. The veryndscape conspired to ensnare those who dared to tread its treacherous paths. Quicksand patches lurked beneath deceptiveyers of algae and aquatic nts, ready to pull any unwary traveler into their embrace. Vicious animals, watched from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger.Poisonous snakes, sinuous and deadly, slithered through the muck, their vibrant scales camouged against the mossy terrain. Their hissing whispers echoed through the humid air, a constant reminder of their presence. Even the very nts themselves seemed to harbor treacherous intent, their leaves coated with a venomous residue that could paralyze even the most intrepid of explorers. Not many have been able to make a return journey after venturing inside the Whispering Wends. And while reading about it, even Rick had a thought that he should avoid such a ce. But then he thought that maybe he will be able to find whatever he wanted at the outskirts of the wend. With grass all around them, how hardcould it be? "We need to leave now," Rick quickly decided. He quickly got up on his feet, before he had second thoughts and his feet staged a sit-down strike. He swiftly moved to his bedroom cupboard, and grabbed arge backpack. He began to stuff it with the essentials he''d need for their journey. Clothes, toiletries, a sturdy pair of hiking boots, and a few snacks went into the bag. He wanted to be well-prepared for whatevery ahead. 11:00 snacks went into the bag. He wanted to be well-prepared for whatevery ahead. It took him about 20-25 minutes, but Rick was finally done. Dressed in a yellow sweat shirt and blue jeans, he was ready to make a move. "Alright, buddy," Rick said to the rabbit, zipping up the backpack. "We''re almost ready to go. But we''ve got to hurry to make that flight." He scooped up the rabbit, gently cradling it in his palms, "You better behave." "I will master," The Rabbit was too happy to care about small stuff. At this moment, she would have agreed to whatever Rick asked ofher. ~~~~~ At the Airport, Rick got to the airport way before time. Without any difficulty he bought himself a business ss ticket, ensuring that the rabbit could travel with him. After that he bought a suitable cage for the rabbit.With the cage secured and the rabbit safely nestled inside, Rick had a moment to catch his breath. He nced at the departure board, confirming that he still had about an hour before their flight was scheduled to depart. It was a brief window of time, but he intended to make the most of it. Settling into a waiting area with his backpack and the rabbit''s cage beside him, Rick decided to send a few messages to those who would wonder about his sudden disappearance. He pulled out his phone andposed brief texts. First he wrote a message to Amanda: Hey Beautiful, Something urgent came up so I am going out of town for a few days. You might not be able to connect with me sometimes but there is nothing to worry about. I will n a date when I am back so you better be ready for a surprise. Then he wrote a message to Emily: Something came up, and I''ll be away for a bit. I''ll get in touch when I''m back. To his dad, Rick kept it simple: I am a bit busy, will visit you soon. Sending these messages, Rick eased in a bit and spread his legs onfort. But then at that moment, the system chimed. It was a quest for him. [ Quest: Send a message to Gloria, letting her know you won''t be avable for a while Time Duration: 15 minutes Rewards: Her Carnal Calibrator stays at the halfway mark until you meet again and she won''t even think of a physical rtion with anyone else. ] Rick had forgotten about Gloria, but the system remembered her, and the reward was something he would actually want with Gloria. It will make Gloria think that Rick is purposely avoiding her. She would be desperate to know what is actually going in Rick''s head. That was a win for him either way. He quickly pulled out his phone again and wrote a message for her as well "Hey Gloria, something unexpected came up, and I''ve got to go away for a bit. About out meeting, I am afraid we will have to postpone it a bit." With the messages sent, Rick pocketed his phone and checked the departure board once more. Just as he was considering grabbing a quick snack, an announcement echoed through the airport, signaling the start of the boarding process for his flight. Rick hoisted his backpack onto his shoulders and picked up the rabbit''s cage. With a final nce around the bustling airport, he made his way toward the gate. ~~~~~ "She is right in front of me, do you want me to bring her to you?" Amanda had just stepped out of an operation theater assisting a surgery when a man spoke on his phone, as he kept his eyeson her. "No... First I want that bastard falling on my feet. Only after that I will fuck that bitch in front of his," From the other side, Zack''s voice sounded, etched in malice,"It won''t be any fun if he is not watching." "Any news about that bastard? Did hee to see her?" Zack asked, as he took a sip from the bottle he hadin hishand. "No... Not yet. I will keep on looking and let you know when he does." The man reported. "He better not skip through your hands. Otherwise..." "He won''t. Please be rest assured." Though Zack indirectly warned him of the consequences, the man didn''t even flinch to his threat. He sat there, staring at Amanda who chattedwith a fellow nurse, without even blinking. "I hope so..." Chapter 57 Whispering Wetlands [1] 57 Whispering Wends [1] Chapter - 57 The moment Rick stepped out of the airport, bam! He got smacked by this crazy heat and stickiness. It was like the air was hugging him with a wet nket. He didn''t see thating at all, and it made him sweat bullets right away. So, Rick looked around, and guess what? There were more people outside the airport than at a rock concert! This ce was way more popr than he thought. He adjusted the rabbit''s cage and whispered to his furry sidekick. "Well, Miss Rabbit, we''re in for a wild ride. Who knew this ce was a tourist ma, huh?" He chuckled as he strolled toward the exit. But soon, Rick''s initial surprise at the bustling crowd outside the airport quickly turned to annoyance. He hadn''t expected this ce to be such a tourist hotspot, and the swarm of people seemed to be in a chaotic rush. It felt like everyone and their grandma was elbowing each other just to move an inch forward. However, to his surprise, there were no taxis waiting in line as he had expected. Instead, there were about a dozen cars neatly lined up, with their drivers patiently waiting Tempers red as curses and grumbles filled the air, but it was peculiar that no one dared approach the line of cars parked nearby to hitch a ride. After standing there like others, Rick was left only with confusion. He had never seen anything like this before. Why weren''t people approaching the cars to catch a ride? The oppressive heat continued to bear down on him, causing sweat to trickle down his face. Taking a step toward one of the cars, he reasoned that it couldn''t hurt to ask if someone was avable to drive him to his destination. Just as he was about to approach a vehicle, he noticed a group of men approaching from the opposite direction. They were all dressed in identical ck suits, from their suits to their shades, exuding an intimidating presence. Who knew, if they even had the same underwear packing their ding-dongs. People who had been grumbling and cursing moments ago fell silent, instinctively stepping back to give way to the men in ck. Rick had no desire to invite unnecessary trouble, so he wisely decided to make way as well. As the group of imposing men drew closer, Rick''s curiosity got the better of him. In the midst of the encircled men, he saw a girl who immediately caught his attention. Her beauty was striking, even in the sweltering heat. She had an air of cold detachment about her, as if the weather had no effect on her whatsoever. The girl was dressed in a sleek and formal ck outfit. She wore a ck jacket over her attire, which gave her a sophisticated andmanding presence. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, contrasting beautifully with the monochromatic ensemble. Rick couldn''t help but be captivated by her beauty, even though her expression remained uninterested andposed. He was intrigued by her presence among these men in ck, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that this encounter might hold some significance. As the girl and her bodyguards drew nearer, Rick couldn''t help but feel a mixture of awe and curiosity. One day, he will also hire a dozen or so men and walk around throwing people. Rick watched with a sense of anticipation as the group approached, particrly the girl. now he could see her even better. Her long, chestnut coloured, obsidian hair flowed gracefully down her back, shimmering with a silky luster that caught the light. Rick had always liked wavy hairs on girls and she had the perfect hair of them all. Her skin radiated a pale, almost translucent quality, as if the sun had no effect on her. There was an almost supernatural quality to her beauty, like she did not belong with those around her. Her cheekbones were delicately sculpted, giving her face a regal and refined contour. A slender, graceful nose added to her overall symmetry, while her lips were a subtle yet alluring shade of pink. Behind a pair of sleek, jet-ck sunsses, her eyes remained concealed, adding an air of mystery to her presence. She wore a ck jacket that seemed tailored to perfection, hugging her figure with a tailored precision that hinted at sophistication and grace. The jacket''s lines entuated her slender waist, while its structured shoulders added an air of authority to her ensemble. In the midst of the stifling heat and the chaotic crowd, this enigmatic beauty remained untouched, her appearance asposed and immacte as ever. Rick could not see a hint of expression on her face. Finally they all stopped in front of the cars lined up. Rick couldn''t help but surreptitiously steal nces at her. She stood there in front of the car door, engaged in a conversation with one of the men who was the closest to her. Her words seemed measured andposed, and Rick couldn''t hear what they were discussing, but it her face didn''t give anything away. The girl''s demeanor, an intriguing blend of icy aloofness and poised authority, fascinated Rick. Rick had never encountered someone so enigmatic before, and the allure of the unknown stirred his curiosity. The closest would be Megan, his teacher who was about a quarterof this girl. Eventually, the girl gracefully entered the car, and the door was closed behind her. Rick, realizing he had to tear his gaze away from her, reluctantly turned his attention elsewhere. However, as he nced around, he locked eyes with one of the imposing bodyguards. It was a menacing look, apanied by a subtle but unmistakable gesture¡ªa twisted motion of the hand as if snapping a neck. The unspoken threat hung heavy in the air, reminding Rick that these were not individuals to be trifled with. Rick couldn''t help but smirk in response to the bodyguard''s menacing gesture. While they exuded an air of danger, Rick found the situation strangely amusing. The encounter had only added to the intrigue of the girl in ck and her muscr bodyguards. Once the girl''s group had departed, Rick hailed a taxi, eager to put some distance between himself and the unnerving encounter. "Hey, man," As he entered the taxi, Rick said addressing the taxi driver. "Could you take me to a good hotel around here? Somewhere with afortable bed and maybe a bar." The driver nodded, acknowledging Rick''s request. "Sure thing, buddy. I know just the ce. You''re in for a treat." With that, the taxi sped off, weaving through the bustling streets of the city. Rick took a moment to check his phone, finding messages from Amanda and the others inquiring about his whereabouts. He quickly made up some vague excuses and assured them he''d be in touch soon. Then leaning back in his seat, Rick sighed. The long flight and the unexpected encounter with the girl in ck had left him weary. He couldn''t shake the feeling that the girl was not ordinary andthat he was going to meet her again. Because he was no longer ordinary as well. ~~~~~ The moment Rick dropped his bag and took in the breathtaking sight before him, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe and trepidation. Gone was the dense forest he had anticipated; instead, towering mountains loomed in every direction, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiringndscape. The ce where Rick found himself was seriously amazing. Huge mountains surrounded him, and they looked like they reached all the way up to the sky. They went on as far as you could see, making a big wall around the strange Whispering Wends. Thend here was really rough and tough, with rocky cliffs and steep hills that even the most experienced adventurers would struggle with. Above him, up in the sky, it was nice and sunny, giving everything a warm, golden glow. But when Rick looked past the mountains, things got kinda weird. The mountains were really tall and had a spooky mist around their tops. Dark, scary clouds hung over thend just behind the big peaks. It felt like there was this eerie line dividing the world into two parts¡ªone all sunny and the other in darkness like something bad was about to happen. So, from what Rick had heard from people and what little he knew, the Whispering Wends were surrounded by big mountains on most sides. There were only two ways to get into this mysterious forest. The way through the mountains in front of him. This was the safest way one could get inside the forest. The other option was through the ocean leading to a delta on the other side. This delta was where the huge Apsaraloka Ocean met the Whispering Wends, making a special and delicate ce for animals and nts. But here''s the catch everybody knew that trying to sneak into the Whispering Wends through this passage was like asking for a date with disaster. This ce was infamous for being a real dangerous, with rough terrain and weather that could give even weathermen nightmares. But that was not all. Rumor had it that if you tried to pass through the delta, you might run into these Mistral Spirits. These ghostly figures materialize from the mist, and do a quick change into beautifuldies. Then, they try to lead swimmers deeper into the delta. These mistral spirits can also throw spells your way that make you forget which way is up or pull you down into the water. And that''s how the ocean got its fancy name, Apsaraloka, "Realm of the Beauties." Rick knew that not everything he heard was true, but there were definitely some dangers in the Whispering Wends that could turn him into swamp stew. He was here on a mission to fetch some herbs for his demanding rabbit, and because the system threw a quest his way, he was sure it wasn''t a waste of time. So, he had to be smart and not do anything dumb. While Rick was busy brainstorming his grand forest-entry n, his restless rabbit hopped around like it had springs in its paws, basically yelling, "Let''s go, buddy!" "Chill out, Miss Jumpy Boots," Rick said as he gave the rabbit''s head some love and ear scratches. "We gotta do a little shopping first." With that, Rick just plopped down on the ground and opened up the system. It was time for a shopping spree like no other. ***** [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and some gifts :)] Chapter 58 Whispering Wetlands [2] 58 Whispering Wends [2] Chapter - 58 Settling down, away from prying eyes, Rick opened his system. First he looked at his own information. There wasn''t much change there, except that now he had Quests in progress, and that too not one, not two, but three. He had three quest piled up at thismoment. [ Host''s Name: Rick Smith Age: 22 years (Expected: 95 years ; Limit: 125 years) Gender: Male Cultivation Level: Mortal (39%) System Level: 1 Experience (EXP): 9900/10000 Skills: --- Summons: 1 Sexual Encounters: 1 Harem: --- Quests in Progress: 3 ] Rick was fully aware of the three quests he had, and he hade here toplete one of them. However, this particr quest was also the riskiest of the three. Therefore, Rick decided to use up all of his resources before entering the dangerous Whispering Wends. Rick''s only hope was that this journey would justify the significant expenditure he was about to make. With this in mind, Rick didn''t waste any time checking his character statistics. Instead, he opened his inventory. It wasn''t his intention to spend the money he had; there wasn''t anything within the system he could purchase with it. He had something else in mind. Rick felt excited as he essed the system''s inventory because he had been saving a special item for an asion like this. It was a unique scratch card he had earned earlier. When he tapped on it, a digital card appeared on the screen, shimmering with anticipation. Rick couldn''t resist the thrill as he virtually scratched off the card using his finger. This action revealed a hidden image beneath the sparkling surface of the card. As he continued to scratch, the card emitted a gentle, magical glow. As Rick removed thest bit of the scratch-offyer, a stunning design emerged before his eyes. The brilliance of it temporarily dazzled him, and it took a moment for his vision to adjust. When the brightness faded, he found himself staring at a "Wooden Shield" decorated with intricate patterns. However, Rick''s initial excitement turned into disappointment as he gazed at the shield. It appeared entirely ordinary and utterly unimpressive,cking any hint of extraordinary qualities. His smile faded away as he realized it didn''t seem useful at all. The only positive aspect Rick could find in the seemingly useless shield was that it might be handy for cutting through vines and bushes. "Hasshhh... This useless system,"Frustrated with the unhelpful system, Rick closed the prompt in 11:05 front of him and exited the inventory. The first attempt had been aplete letdown, but he still had "Hasshhh... This useless system,"Frustrated with the unhelpful system, Rick closed the prompt in front of him and exited the inventory. The first attempt had been aplete letdown, but he still had a few more chances left. With determination, Rick clicked on the Lottery icon, which disyed a yful image of a spinning wheel surrounded by various prizes. Rick decided to give the lottery another shot. He had three spins remaining, and the potential rewards were too tempting to resist. He tapped on the lottery icon, and a colorful wheel appeared before him amidst a burst of digital fireworks. The wheel was divided into different colorful segments, each representing a different prize. Rick was already familiar with the prizes, so he quickly clicked on the wheel. As soon as he did, the wheel started to spin. "Let''s see..." Rick cheered, his fingers tightly crossed as he stared at the wheel, hoping for a good oue. As the wheel spun, it created a mesmerizing disy of vibrant colors and patterns, resembling a digital kaleidoscope. Rick watched with growing excitement as the wheel picked up speed, building suspense with each passing moment. It felt like a thrilling virtual carnival ride, and he was fully immersed in the experience. Gradually, the wheel began to slow down, the colorful segments blending together before eventuallying to a stop with a satisfying clicking sound. Rick''s heart raced as he anxiously examined the result. The pointer hadnded on the "Standard Reward" section. [Standard Reward: Ethereal Venom.] A pleased chuckle escaped Rick''s lips as he celebrated his stroke of luck. With a swift tap on the screen, he imed his prize, and before him appeared a defensive-type skill: a unique, colorless poison. It sounded both intriguing and potent, sparking his curiosity about its potential applications. Rick, not one to settle for just one spin, decided to give the wheel another go. With a mental tap, the wheel spun once more, its colorful segments whirling before him. This time, it came to a halt on the "Basic Reward" section. His prize? [Basic Reward: Tent.] A simple yet practical "Tent," a valuable item for finding shelter and rest during his adventures. "Oh Fuck... I actually forgot about this," Rick was actually more pleased with the tent. If not, he would have had to sleep in the open, with god knows how many predators searching for their prey. Now, with things going his way, Rick decided to use thest spin as well. With a surge of excitement, he set the wheel into motion once again. It spun faster than before, the segments blurring with a world of possibilities. Finally, the wheel stopped on yet another "Standard Reward" segment, leaving Rick eager to discover what awaited him. [Standard Reward: Mirrored Mirage Barrier (Uses: 3 Times)] Rick''s heart raced with excitement as he received his prize, which turned out to be another defensive skill. This skill allowed him to create illusionary duplicates of himself, confusing his enemies and making it incredibly hard for them to figure out his real location. Attackers would be left striking at mere illusions while Rick can hide somewhere,pletely unharmed. But it was a pity that unlike the Venom he "earned" earlier, this skill was limited to only three uses. Still, it was better thannothing. Still exhrated by his recent lottery sesses, Rick took a moment to consider his growing stash of Ero Points. He had collected nearly 85,000 of them, and he realized it was high time to invest in something that could enhance hisbat abilities in this strange and dangerous virtual world. The shield he had obtained earlier had proven to be utterly useless, so he needed something more for his protection. But not just for defense, he wanted something for offense. With this in mind, Rick opened the shop interface, where he saw various icons representing different categories of items. This time, his attention was captivated by the weapons section. He believed that having a dependable weapon at his side would be a wise choice, enabling him tounch powerful surprise attacks. When Rick clicked on the weapon icon, a bunch of choices popped up on his screen. Each weapon had its own special description, statistics, and, of course, a price tag in Ero Points. Sadly, with the amount of Ero Points he had, he could hardly afford any of them, barely scratching the surface. It was quite disappointing. He realized he needed to step up his game. After thinking it over, Rick narrowed down his options to three intriguing choices: 1. Phantom Dagger A sleek dagger with a dark ebony handle, emitting a mysterious aura. This weapon was renowned for its quick strikes and the ability to get past enemy defenses. - Price: 40,000 Ero Points [One Time Use (30 minutes)] ; 400,000 Ero Points [Permanently own it] 2. Silver de A finely crafted longsword featuring a de with a captivating silver hue. Its frosty aura could freeze enemies on contact, leaving them immobilized briefly. - Price: 55,000 Ero Points [One Time Use (30 minutes)] ; 750,000 Ero Points [Permanently own it] 3. Venomous Fangs Six venomous needles made from the fangs of a fearsome serpent. These needles were coated with a paralyzing toxin capable of incapacitating foes. - Price: 60,000 Ero Points [One Time Use per needle] ; 1,000,000 Ero Points [Permanently own them] Rick couldn''t resist the allure of the third option¡ªthose Venomous Fangs sounded like a party trick gone wild. The thought of brandishing six needles dripping with paralyzing venom tickled his strategic fancy. It seemed like the perfect solution for taming unruly foes or executing a swift getaway when things got dicey. Without wasting another second, Rick clicked on the Venomous Fangs and gave the system the green light to make the purchase. He felt like he had just ordered a box of absurdly oversized needles from a questionable online store. As he confirmed the deal, a rush of exhration surged through him. He couldn''t wait to unleash these peculiar weapons and see what chaos they would create in the unpredictable terrain of the Whispering Wends. With his new and unusual acquisition, Rick exited the shop interface, feeling strangely prepared for whatever wacky challenges the Whispering Wends had in store for him. Now with his attack and defence settled, Rick was ready to strike. ~~~~~ Amanda was sprawled on her couch, her phone screen the target of her exaggerated pout. She couldn''t wrap her head around Rick''s text, where he casually mentioned going on a solo adventure. "Really?" She mumbled to herself, tapping her phone like it had personally offended her. Her reply to Rick was a mix of scolding and teasing annoyance. "Rick, you can''t just vanish like that without a heads-up! What if you get lost in the wilds? You are nothing but a kid..." But when she wrote thatst line, her mind couldn''t wander off and a blush appeared on her face, ''Well, he is certainly not a kid.'' "Ugghh..." With a dramatic sigh, she cleared her message and flung her phone onto the couch. Folding her arms, Amanda couldn''t help but imagine where Rick could have gone to. She giggled to herself at the thought of the man she had fallen for, who seemed to have a knack for being unpredictable. ''What if he gets seduced by some witch? Lisa already has her eyes in him.'' Now there was another worry for Amanda. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Emily, on the other hand, had read Rick''s message with a different mix of emotions.As she bit her lip, her brows knitted in thought. Rick''s reply seemed casual, but to her, it felt like a subtle change. Had their romantic connection already set sail and was now navigating uncharted waters? She typed out a response, her fingers trembling a bit as she carefully chose her words. "Rick, I hope everything is alright." Her message came across as polite and friendly, but deep down, she couldn''t shake the feeling that Rick might be moving on. It hurt to think about it, but she understood that sometimes, people needed to go their own ways. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Gloria''s face twisted into a scowl as she read Rick''s message. Suspicion gripped her, leaving her uncertain whether Rick genuinely couldn''t meet her or if he was avoiding her for some sneaky reason, trying to plot something. Her fingers darted across the keyboard as sheposed her response. "Rick, I know you''re scheming something, aren''t you? Don''t think I can''t see through your little schemes. But whatever they might be, they aren''t going to work on me.Your little ns don''t fool me." She hit send with a sigh, her mind raced with thoughts of what Rick might be plotting, ''Is he going to ckmail me?'' Gloria couldn''t help but have this thought. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Lastly, a middle-aged man sighed deeply as he read Rick''s message. His face showed a glimpse of Rick''s features. He nced at the message and then cast a worried look at the room, behind him. His life had been rtively quiet until... Huh... The man shook his head. "How am I going to exin this to him?" The man muttered to himself. His gaze lingered on the phone, waiting for any further messages. * * * * * [A/N: And with this chapter, I have finally written more than 100k words. Thank you to everyone who made it so far.] Chapter 59 Whispering Wetlands [3] 59 Whispering Wends [3] Chapter - 59 "What did you bring me?" Rick quietly asked himself while pointing at a piece of grass. He was talking to a rabbit. This was the first thing the rabbit had given him since they entered the Whispering Wends, and the little thing lookedreally excited about it. [shback] After Rick finished shopping and hoped he would survive his journey through the Whispering Wends, he followed a group of people through a narrow passage between mountains. As he walked further, the passage that had initially been about 200 meters wide at the entrance started getting smaller. By the time he neared the end of the passage, it was only about 60-70 meters wide. But that wasn''t the strangest thing he saw. What really surprised him was the enormous gate in front of him at the end of the road. It was as wide as the entire passage and stood impressively tall, roughly 70 meters or maybe even a bit more. And below the giant gate, there were 7 or 8 small buildings on each side of the passage. Each building had a sign that said "REGISTRATION" in big letters, and there were long lines of people waiting in front of each office. Rick, standing at the entrance to the Whispering Wends with his rabbit on his shoulder, was confused by the scene. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of absurdity at the sight of the massive gate and the long line of people waiting to register. His rabbit was nestled on his shoulder, andpared to him, his rabbit was way more rxed. As Rick looked at the people working at the registration counters, he wondered if someone owned the Whispering Wends. It seemed possible because of how organized everything was. But as he observed, he noticed that the people working at these offices came from different backgrounds and groups. There were no signs on the buildings indicating who owned them, but the workers had uniforms that were unique to their building. This made Rick uneasy because it was a mix of people from various ces, and he couldn''t quite figure out what was going on. Rick had many questions swirling in his mind. He wondered if registering with one group would put him in danger from the others. In a mysterious ce like the Whispering Wends, he couldn''t afford to make the wrong choice. The line ahead of him inched forward, and Rick decided to ask someone of the process. He tapped on the shoulder of the man in front of him. The man turned and a frown appeared on his face when he looked at Rick. The handsome young boyirkedhim. "What do you want?" Scrunching his slightly crooked nose, the man asked. One of his eyebrows sat a little higher than the other, giving his face an uneven look. And his skin was pockmarked with old e scars, which added to the rough texture of hisplexion. "Excuse me," Rick began, his tone polite and cautious. "I''m new here. Can you tell me what this registration is all about?" "If you are new go sit in your mother''sp and let her change your nappy," For no reason at all, the manshed out at Rick, "I know no shit and you better not talk to me again. Or I will rip that mouth of yours and make you beg at the crossroads of Slorida. You understand?" The sudden and violent outburst of the man scared the shit out of Rick. He couldn''t help but nod vigorously at him. When the man was doneshing out and turned to look forward, Rick wasted no time to get out of the queue, and jump to the other line. Only after he had jumped the queue did Rick breathed in relief. And after that, he decided not to ask anyone anything and just go with the flow. As Rick moved closer to the front of the line, he couldn''t stop thinking about the different groups and powers that might be at work in the mysterious Whispering Wends. He had a feeling that deciding which group to register might bring him some unwanted troubles his way, and it could have important consequences in this strange ce. As Rick inched closer to the front of the line, the tension in the air grew palpable. He couldn''t help but notice the small, foreboding office just beyond the gate, where a dangerous-looking man sat behind a desk. The man''s bald head gleamed under the dim lighting of the office, and a prominent scar ran jaggedly through his left cheek, giving him a menacing appearance. When it was finally his turn, Rick hesitantly entered the office. The atmosphere within was thick with unease, and he felt an involuntary shiver run down his spine. The man behind the desk had a low, intimidating ent that sent chills down Rick''s spine. The man leaned forward, his piercing eyes locking onto Rick''s as he began a series of questions, each one delivered with a tone that oozed danger. "Name?" the man demanded, his voice low and gravelly. "Ri... Sam... Sam Petroda," Rick replied, looking at the dangerous men all around him, he decided to take precautions. "First time in Whispering Wends?" "Yes," Rick nodded. "ce of origin?" "Slorida." "Slorida?"The man''s gaze bore into Rick, his scarred cheek twitching slightly. "Affiliations?" Rick hesitated for a moment before answering cautiously, "None." The man''s lips curled into a menacing smile, "And what''s your purpose for entering the Whispering Wends?" Rick considered his response carefully. He didn''t want to reveal too much, "Exploration," he replied simply, "I have long heard about the Whispering Wends. You see, I am a stud---" But the man had no interest in listening to Rick''s background. With a show of his hand, he shut him up, and he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. Then, without warning, he demanded, "Five thousand dors." Rick''s eyebrows shot up in bewilderment. "Five thousand dors? What''s that for?" The man''s face darkened, and he slowly rose from his chair, towering over Rick with an intimidating presence. "You ask too many questions, boy," he growled, his ent adding a sinister edge to his words. Taken aback and feeling the weight of the man''s intimidating re, Rick stammered, "I ¡ªI just thought the Whispering Wends were public property. Why the fee?" The man said nothing, his eyes locked onto Rick''s with a malevolent intensity that sent shivers down his spine. Gulping nervously, Rick decided that it was better not to push his luck. Slowly, he reached into his pocket and withdrew a wad of cash. Counting out five thousand dors, he ced the money on the desk before the man. The man snatched the money with a swift, practiced motion, his fingers closing around the bills like a vice. He then leaned back in his chair, entering some information into hisputer. Finally, he produced aminated card, which he slid toward Rick. Rick reached for the card, but as he tried to take it, the man''s menacing warning cut through the air like a knife, "You better watch your back, boy. Keep this attitude, and you won''tst long." The threat worked fairly well onRick. He nodded quickly, his heart racing, and snatched the card from the desk.Without another word, he practically bolted out of the office. [shback End] "That bloody pigfucker," the memory of that ominous encounter was still fresh in Rick''s mind. But his irritation subsided momentarily as he turned to his rabbitpanion. "What is this, buddy?" he asked, holding the peculiar grass in front of him. The rabbit, as usual, hopped up on its hind legs and threw its front paws in the air, as if in response, "That, Master, is Rustleaf Herb." "Rustleaf Herb?" Rick echoed, intrigued. He nced at the nt, waiting for more information, "What do I use it for?" The rabbit, now eager to share what it knew, said, "Yes, Rustleaf Herb is a special nt with rust-colored leaves. People use it to treat small wounds and skin irritations. It doesn''t have any magical powers, but it''s good for soothing." Rick raised his eyebrows and nodded, appreciating the information from the rabbit. The herb was good, but the rabbit had the same effects, and if you ask Rick, the rabbit was actually better. But the rabbit didn''t stop there; it went on to exin the specific conditions needed for Rustleaf Herb to grow well. It needed moisture, a certain level of humidity, and the unique whispering winds of the Wends. As the rabbit talked, it seemed excited to share its knowledge with Rick. When it finished talking about the herb''s properties and characteristics, it looked at Rick expectantly, its small nose twitching. Rick couldn''t help but smile at the rabbit''s enthusiasm. It really wanted to try the grass it had just described in so much detail. However, Rick decided to have a bit of fun. With a casual wave of his hand, he made the Rustleaf Herb in his palm disappear. In an instant, the strand of Rustleaf Herb vanished from his hand, leaving the rabbit confused. It looked around, sniffing the air to find the herb, but it had disappeared as mysteriously as it had appeared. The rabbit turned to Rick with wide eyes, silently asking what had happened. Rick yfully shrugged and offered an apologetic smile. The rabbit was surprised, and it made quick, high-pitched sounds. It jumped up from the ground, held onto Rick''s clothes, and climbed onto his shoulder. The rabbit looked all around, trying hard to find the herb, but it was gone, just like that. The rabbit turned to Rick, looking confused with its cute face. Rick couldn''t help butugh at how adorable it was. "Don''t worry, my friend," he said to the rabbit, "We''re in the Whispering Wends now. I''m sure we can find more Rustleaf Herb." The rabbit blinked at Rick and nuzzled his cheek lovingly. Rick chuckled as he looked at his rabbitpanion on his shoulder, which seemed a bit upset. He gently scratched behind the rabbit''s ears and teased, "Come on, buddy, I promise you''ll get your treatter. Right now, we have some things to do." The rabbit let out a soft sigh and still had a pleading look in its eyes, but it seemed to understand Rick''s decision. It settled down on his shoulder, seeming to ept that it would have to wait a bit for its special snack. Rick, with the rabbit running infront of him, went deeper into the Whispering Wends. Despite its spooky reputation, the forest turned out to be surprisingly peaceful. There were many creatures around, but most of them were gentle. Rick saw deer munching on green nts and colorful birds flying among the trees. Rick spent hours exploring the Whispering Wends, and he was seriously loving it! The forest was so darn beautiful and peaceful. Plus, with his trusty rabbit sidekick, he collected a bunch of herbs. He even aced the quest from the system, and now every herb he found was actually a bonus. As they kept on trekking deeper into the forest, Rick and his rabbit buddy used the rabbit''s know-how to find those magical herbs they were after. It was kind of crazy, but they didn''t bump into any scary animals, even though there were plenty of them around. It was like the forest''s critters just didn''t want to mess with them. The scenery around them kept changing as they ventured further. They saw these huge trees that had funky moss and vines all over them, making a sort of green roof that let bits of sunlight peek through. And dang, the whole ce smelled like a garden of blooming flowers, with a carpet of colorful mushrooms on the ground. As the sun began to set, Rick figured it was time to find a spot to crash for the night. His rabbit buddy, acting like a champ, decided to be the scout. The little furball sniffed around like a dog and led the way. Before long, the rabbit brought him to a nice t piece ofnd that was just perfect for setting up camp. There was enough space for Rick to pop up his tent without any hassles, and a chill stream nearby added some rxing background noise with its flowing water. Rick gave the spot a thumbs-up and said to the rabbit on his shoulder, "Not bad, buddy. You''ve got a knack for finding great spots." With their camping location sorted, Rick took out his tent from his stuff. He pulled it out of the system and started putting together the lightweight, sturdy thing. While he was doing that, the rabbit went all handy and gathered dry branches and twigs for the evening fire. Once the tent was good to go, Rick turned to the rabbit, who was back to wood collecting duty. "All right, pal, I think we''re ready to kick back for a bit," he said, giving the rabbit a pat on the head. "How about we check out our loot from today?" Rick asked with a grin. And hearing him, the rabbit got all excited at the idea of counting their stuff. It hopped around, its little tail wiggling with joy. Rick couldn''t help butugh at the rabbit''s infectious energy. "Lets see." ***** Chapter 60 Whispering Wetlands [4] 60 Whispering Wends [4] Chapter - 60 As Rick saw the neatly lined up collection of nts and herbs he had acquired since this afternoon, roaming around the Whispering Wends he could not help but feel content. He felt happy because his collection was varied, and most of the nts were unfamiliar to him. Luckily, he had a rabbit with him who exined each one and what they could be used for. "Let''s see what we''ve got here," Rick muttered to himself, picking up a flower. He carefully examined its delicate petals, which emitted a soft, ethereal glow. "Ah, Lumisprout Blossoms," The Rabbit identified, "These are known for their soothing glow. Perfect for creating a calming atmosphere. We have seven of them." Next, Rick turned his attention to a shimmering nt. It had almost a transparent stem, with the liquid inside seemingly alive with magical energy. He had nine of these things. The Rabbit nodded and said, "These are Faewaters. People use them in different magical mixtures and special spells. They''re quite valuable." "Magic?" Rick murmured to himself as he heard the Rabbit, "So it is actually a thing?" Rick then noticed a bag filled with shiny silver petals. Rick counted and he had twenty-nine of these petals in the pouch. "These are Moonshimmer Petals," exined the Rabbit. "The flowers theye from only bloom for one night and then disappear. People use these petals in special ceremonies and rituals because they believe they help them connect to mystical powers." Rick was amazed by the Rabbit''s ability to find such special nts. The Rabbit named more of the nts they had collected, some for magic and others for medicine. The Rabbit said, "We also have Jade Serpent Grass, Dragon Orchid, and Frostfire Blossom. Six of each of them." Rick kept organizing the nts, and the Rabbit continued to name them one by one. "Here''s Mandrake Root, Bedonna Nightshade, Wolfsbane, and Elderwood Bark." "Then we have Thunderstrike Bamboo, Firebloom Rose, Ashwagandha, Phoenix Plum Blossom, Brahmi, Tiger''s Roar Fern, and Giloy," the Rabbit said as they went through thest of the nts. Rick didn''t know anything about these herbs, and he genuinely did not care. But he was still delighted. He didn''t have any ns to use these herbs, but he earned 3000 Ero points for each unique one. "17,"As he counted, Rick realized he had 17 different types of herbs. That meant he had earned 51,000 Ero points in just one day. The best part was, he didn''t have to take any risks to get them. The rabbit looked up at Rick, as if wanting him to be proud of its impressive haul. Rick smiled at the furry creature. "You''ve done a great job," he said, petting the rabbit''s head. The rabbit seemed to enjoy the attention. The rabbit nudged Rick''s hand, clearly looking for more praise and affection. Rick couldn''t resist smiling at the cute animal. "Now," Rick said, turning his attention back to the nts. "Since you did so well, what would you like to eat tonight?" Rick asked, genuinely curious about the rabbit''s food preferences. That was also one of the reasons that they had to take this long trip. The rabbit''s ears perked up when it heard about food. Without hesitation, it hopped over to the collection of herbs and nts and started nibbling on them with excitement, savoring the natural vors. Rick watched with a smile as the rabbit happily ate its well-deserved meal.He didn''t mind indulging the Rabbit eating all of them. In fact, he was happy to treat his furrypanion because it had been so helpful. While the rabbit enjoyed its food, Rick saw an opportunity to save some of the herbs forter. He took two of each kind of herb, and a little bit of the Elderwood Bark while making sure not to disturb the rabbit. And the Rabbit didn''t mind giving them to Rick as well. Rick then stored them in the inventory of the system for future use. It was always good to have a unique and variety of magical and medicinal ingredients on hand that was hard to find. Who knows, when they mighte in handy. With the rabbit happily eating and the soft, magical light from the Lumisprout blossoms filling the tent, Rick leaned back and felt a sense of aplishment. The Whispering Wends had given them many valuable treasures. "This thing is actually quite calming," Rick thought as he watched the Rabbit eat the Lumisprout blossoms. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ While the Rabbit happily munched on grass, Rick couldn''t resist the urge to finally check out the wooden shield he got from the system earlier in the day. Back then, he was too mad to even give it a nce. But now, after a sessful herb-hunting adventure that had earned him about 50,000 Ero Points, he was feeling pretty good. So, he reached into his system''s inventory and pulled out the shield card. His initial irritation had prevented him from exploring its potential. Now, in a much better mood after their fruitful herb-hunting expedition, he was eager to discover its capabilities. With the wooden shield card in his hand, Rick felt a rush of information flooding his mind. The system was giving him the lowdown on what this shield could do: **Wooden Shield** 1. 3-Strike Block: This shield could block up to three attacks from opponents with a power level simr to Mortal (between 80% and 90%). This made it a valuable defensive tool against weaker adversaries, providing Rick with additional protection in battle. 2. Shield Barrier: Now, here''s where it gets interesting. The shield could create an invisible protective shield around Rick thatsted for 48 hours. During this time, it could withstand attacks from opponents with power levels lower than Mortal (below 80%). This meant it could create a safe bubble for Rick to be in while he went on his adventures. Pretty handy! Rick pondered the shield''s capabilities for a moment, impressed by its defensive attributes. But that was actually not all, it had some attacking muscle as well. 3. Counterstrike Reflection: This was a special ability that let the wooden shield absorb and store the energy from an opponent''s attack. Once it had enough energy stored up, the shield could release it as a powerful counterattack, surprising the attacker. In simpler terms, it could turn an enemy''s attack back against them. "I am sorry," suddenly Rick found himself apologizing to the wooden shield. He realized he had been too quick to judge it based on its appearance. it turned out this ordinary-looking shield had a lot more tricks up its wooden sleeve than he thought, and he felt sorry for doubting it and the system. With this newfound appreciation for the shield''s capabilities, Rick was actually looking forward to some trouble. He wanted to see the shield in action and put its tricks to the test. It was like having a surprise ace up his sleeve. But just as Rick was admiring the shield, the Rabbit suddenly stopped eating and perked up. It looked around the tent anxiously and then focused intently on one corner. Rick whispered, "What''s the matter with you?" He watched as the rabbit stood on its hind legs, frozen in ce and staring seriously at that particr corner. But before he could expect an answer from the rabbit, Rick saw the rabbit turn and make a run out of the tent. Rick scratched his head in confusion and mild irritation as the rabbit ditched its dinner and bolted out of the tent. As Rick watched the Rabbit make a run, he wasted no time, quickly zapping all the scattered herbs and nts back into his inventory in the system. Then, he dashed after the furry speedster into the forest, wondering what the heck had gotten into it. This chase through the thick Whispering Wends was no pic. Rick had to weave through tangled vines, leap over tiny streams, and duck under branches like a ninja in a jungle. It was like the rabbit had gone bananas, and Rick was determined to figure out why. After what felt like running a marathon, the rabbit finally came to a stop, and Rick caught up with it. He was huffing and puffing, hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath like he''d just sprinted a mile. Rick plopped down next to the rabbit, who hade to a halt, still catching his breath. "What''s the deal, Missy?" he scolded, kneeling beside the Rabbit "You can''t ditch your grub like that. You better have a solid excuse, or you''re in trouble, bunny." The rabbit, with her twitchy ears and shifty eyes, finally locked onto Rick''s gaze. Her big, puppy-dog eyes bore into his soul, the rabbit was just too darn cute. Rick stared back and suddenly got the feeling that this was more than bunny business as usual, and there was a sense of urgency in them that couldn''t be ignored. There was something important going on here. Despite his initial frustration, he decided to cut the rabbit some ck and give her the benefit of the doubt. "Spill the beans, what''s the deal?" Rick asked, his voice so loud it could wake up the entire spooky forest. The rabbit shushed him like it was the forest police or something. "Shut it, boss! You''re gonna blow our cover," the rabbit warned in a hush. Rick, still somewhat bewildered by the rabbit''s behavior, stared incredulously at his furrypanion. "Now you''re not even letting me talk?" he muttered, his body trembling, "That''s it, no more treats for you, you little... Yaaa..." But before Rick couldplete his warning, Rick felt an unexpected jolt as the rabbit leaped onto him and tackled him into a bunch of bushes behind them. It was a sudden, unforeseen action, and it caught Rick byplete surprise. "Aw, dang it," Rick grumbled under his breath. He was seriously ticked off now, and his chest hurt like he''d just taken a cannonball. he wanted to stand up and was about to grab the rabbit by his neck and beat the shit out of it, blinding sh of light pierced through the forest,nding precisely where he had been standing moments ago. With the light came a voice that broke the forest''s eerie silence. "Who''s there?" one voice demanded, sounding all alert and on edge. "Come out. I know you are hiding there, somewhere." * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament and support me whatever wayyou can.] Chapter 61 Whispering Wetlands [5] Chapter 61 Whispering Wends [5] Chapter - 61 "Who''s there?" one voice demanded, sounding all alert and on edge. "Come out..." the voicemanded, echoing with an unmistakable authority that sent a shiver down Rick''s spine, "I know you are hiding there, somewhere." In the tense stillness of the forest, Rick''s heart raced as he heard the approaching voices and witnessed the ominous sh of light drawing nearer, ''Fuck! This ain''t good.'' The rabbit who was sitting still on Rick''s chest, sensed Rick''s rising anxiety, decided to take matters into its own paws. It suddenly ced its tiny, furry paws over Rick''s mouth to stifle any potential sounds. It made sure that he did not let out even a squeak, ''You have dragged us into this mess, Master. Now not a peep.'' "I will count to three. You better walk out, otherwise don''t me me if I put some metal down your throat." The man continued to call out as he continued to approach towards the spot where Rick and the Rabbit were hiding. Rick is somewhat worried as he sensed the man approaching. He looked at the rabbit, hoping that it could provide him some sort of a solution. His eyes darted to the rabbit, who had abruptly pressed its paws against Rick''s mouth to ensure his silence. They shared a fleeting, worried nce, and Rick couldn''t help but hope the rabbit had some miraculous solution up its furry sleeve, "Got any brilliant ideas, buddy?" Rick whispered. The man''s shouts were getting louder, and he was closing in on Rick and the rabbit faster than a speeding bullet. Rick could practically smell the guy''s presence, and it was giving him some serious jitters. Rick was getting desperate, scanning the ce like he was searching for a winning lottery ticket. He just wanted a way out of this freaky situation. While they exchanged looks, Rick noticed something odd. There was this cheeky, mysterious glint in the rabbit''s eyes, and he couldn''t help but think. "What''s the bunny up to?" It felt like time was dragging on forever as Rick''s confusion mixed with the urgency of their mess. And then, without warning, the rabbit sprang into action,unching itself off Rick''s chest like a superhero and bolting out of the bushes. Rick watched in disbelief and before he could react the rabbit charged toward the man who was steadily closing in on them. The man was taken aback by the sudden motion in the darkness and swiftly trained his shlight on the iing figure. Rick''s heart practically leaped into his throat as he watched this daring act unfold before him. The man, taken aback by the sudden movement, swiftly swung his shlight toward the speeding shadow, fear and confusion etched across his face. In the heartbeat that followed, panic set in. And as panic washed over the man, it was the panic which called the shots. The man reacted with instinctive reflexes, and without hesitation, he squeezed the trigger of the gun he held¡ªa weapon that Rick couldn''t identify in the darkness. Rick couldn''t make out what kind of gun it was in the dark, but he knew one thing for sure; things just got real messy. "Bam, bam, bam!" The night sky lit up like the Fourth of July, and it felt like the end of the world.A volley of deafening shots pierced the night air, Blinding shes of fire illuminated the shadows as multiple shots were fired. ''That crazy nutjob,'' as he heard the gunshots, don''t know whom, but Rick cursed. The rabbit, however, proved to be far more agile and elusive than the stranger had anticipated. It flew like it had drowned himself in Red Bull. With nimbleness and agility, it zigzagged through the air, avoiding the barrage of bullets. Rick''s heart was doing a drum solo in his chest as he watched the bunny''s insane getaway. His veins were pumping with adrenaline. A collective surge of adrenaline propelled both Rick and the rabbit into action. While the rabbit dashed further into the shadows, Rick seized the opportunity to crawl stealthily away from his original position. "Bam! Bam!" Take this you crazy bastard..." The man continued firing blindly at the fleeting form of the rabbit, his shouts and curses filling the air. Rick''s heart hammered in his chest as he moved, trying to put as much distance as possible between himself and the stranger. Panic and confusion swirled around him, making it difficult to think clearly. But because of the Rabbit, Rick finally managed to slip further into the underbrush without drawing the man''s attention towards him, and getting out of the firing range. Quietly, he then nestled behind a tree, surrounded by tall enough bushes,hiding from the man''s sight and taking cover. Finally he was safe. And it was all thanks to the rabbit''s unexpected, bold gambit. Meanwhile, the man also finallymanaged to discern the shadow. His gaze followed the fleeing rabbit, his shlight beam tracking its path until it disappeared into the forest''s depths. For a few moments, the forest fell back into eerie silence, broken only by the man''s frantic breathing. The man lowered his gun slowly, his heavy breaths audible in the quiet aftermath. The unexpected encounter had left him bewildered and startled. He scanned the surroundings, trying to make sure that there was no one else. Only after he had made sure that he was all alone, did the man clock his gun away. Rick remained hidden, his heart still racing from the intense encounter. His thoughts swirled with confusion, uncertainty, and gratitude toward the rabbit that had saved him from this unknown man. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Soon, Rick heard another pair of footsteps fast approaching them. The flurry of gunshots have managed to catch the attention of someone. "What happened? Did you find something?" The man asked, his voice anxious as he approached the first man. "I, uh, thought I heard something, but it was nothing. Just a rabbit, I guess. It ran off into the woods." He shook his head like he couldn''t believe what just went down. "A rabbit?" The second man frowned when he heard the first man, "You sted all those shots for a rabbit? Seriously, have you lost your marbles?" "I know I screwed up," the first guy started to exin, "But I swear, I heard something, and when I went to check, that crazy rabbit jumped at me from the bushes, and..." "Alright, enough of this. Let''s bounce. It''s gettingte," the second guy didn''t want to waste any more time there. He grabbed the first dude''s arm and dragged him away. Reluctant, the first man looked onest time in the bushes before walking away with the other guy. Rick was all ears, hiding in his secret spot, waiting to see how things yed out. He let out a huge sigh of relief when the two strangers decided to bail. He figured he was out of the danger zone and could finally rx. But then, he couldn''t help but think about the rabbit, his totally unexpected hero in this wild westsituation. "Hope that crazy thing is okay," Rick didn''t rush things. He stayed put in the bushes for a few more minutes, just to make double sure that the two dudes were history and wouldn''te back. When he felt safe, then only with stealth and caution, Rick made his way out of the bushes. Then without turning to look back, He hustled back to the camp, hoping to find the rabbit chilling there. But his heart sank like a rock when he saw nothing but an empty campsite, devoid of any sign of his small, furrypanion. He called out for the rabbit, his voice hushed and filled with concern, but there was no response, only crickets. Rick was getting pretty freaked out as he scoured the area, looking for any sign of the rabbit. Time was dragging on, and he was starting to lose his cool. Just when he thought all hope was lost, he heard some rustling in the bushes. And there it was¡ªthe rabbit, standing on its back legs, its dark eyes locking onto Rick''s with an eager anticipation. In a heartbeat, it bounded toward him and leaped into his waiting arms. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "You little troublemaker!"Rick couldn''t help but scold the rabbit for its reckless behavior, though his tone carried more relief than anger. He held the small creature close, its soft fur tickling his cheek, and whispered words of both admonishment and gratitude. "You little rascal, You nearly gave me a heart attack, dashing off like that in the dead of night. You better thank your lucky stars those guys didn''t get their paws on you. They''d probably be having a rabbit barbecue right now, washing you down with cold brewskis!" "..." "Seriously, this is what you have to say after I justsaved your ass?" "..." ~~~~~ "So, why the heck did you run off like that?" Rick asked the rabbit as he took out all that the rabbit left before dashing out of the tent and ced it in front of the rabbit, "Didn''t even finish your dinner." "What did you pick up on that got you all worked up?" Rick decided to ignore the chest thumping from the rabbit and asked. The rabbit was ted when she saw his master bring out the treats in front of her, "I heard them talk." "Say what? From way over here?" Rick was seriously amazed. "Oh, you know it!" The rabbit thumped its chest, bragging, "I''ve got some top-notch ears" "What did you pick up on that got you all worked up?" Rick decided to ignore the chest thumping from the rabbit and asked. "They were talking about some girl," the Rabbit looked up from her food and sounded concerned, "Sounds like they''re nning something real nasty for her," the Rabbit told Rick. "So what does this have got to do with us?" Rick looked nonchnt, "Why you gotta snoop in someone else''sbusiness?" "Of course, I am worried. Of course, it is my deal," the rabbit shot Rick a re like it meant business. "I''m ady, and I ain''t letting some other gal get in trouble on my watch." "You..." Rick could not believe he was actually arguing with a rabbit over this, "You are a rabbit, and that girl..." [ Quest: Help the rabbit find that girl Time Duration: 3 Days Rewards: 1 Standard Scratch Card; Cash: $25,000; Ero Points: 5,000 ] "And that girl is absolutely our responsibility." "..." * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament and support my work if you wish to do so.] Chapter 62 Whispering Wetlands [6] Chapter 62 Whispering Wends [6] Chapter - 62 The next day, As the sun peeked out in the Whispering Wends, Rick and his quirky Rabbit sidekick were gearing up for another adventure. Rick was all set to go herb hunting, a mellow and money-making task. But it seemed the Rabbit had its own agenda, and boy, was it stubborn! Rick had really taken a liking to the little rabbit''s antics and its stubborn streak, but today was something else. "Okay, buddy, it''s time to kickstart our day with a bang. Let''s get down to the serious business of gathering herbs and making some cash," Rick said, stretching his arms and looking all determined. But the Rabbit? Well, it couldn''t care less. It rolled its eyes dramatically, hopped away from Rick, and acted like Rick was speaking a differentnguage. "Now, hold on a cotton-picking minute! Why are you suddenly all grumpy and ignoring me?" Rick wondered, scratching his head as he followed the Rabbit. The rabbit, however, had its own ideas and was clearly not impressed by Rick''s reasoning. It hopped away from Rick, its tiny nose twitching with irritation. "When are we gonna find that girl?" the Rabbit demanded. Rick tried to exin himself, saying, "We can''t just dash off to find some girl with no clue where she is. Remember our main mission ¨C herbs! We need to load up!"Rick tried to reason with the Rabbit. But the Rabbit wasn''t falling for Rick''s smooth talk. It held its ground, refusing to budge. "Listen here, buddy," Rick continued, "If we grab those special herbs first, we''ll have more pep in our step to hunt for the girlter. It''s like a two-for-one deal!" Despite Rick''s best efforts to use logic and persuasion, the Rabbit remained as stubborn as a mule. It hopped around, bouncing up and down now and then to drive home its point, its little beady eyes practically screaming, "Nope, I ain''t buying it!" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The Rabbit was as stubborn as a mule, turning its fuzzy face away and giving Rick''s persuasive words the cold shoulder. "Alright, alright, you win the Battle of the Bunny! But you gotta promise we won''t skip on the herb hunt. We will stilllook for those herbs along the way too, okay? You can''t return empty-pawed," Rick finally surrendered. With thepromise settled, the Rabbit seemed content and leaped onto Rick''s shoulder, snuggling up all affectionate. Rick couldn''t help but grin at this fluffy bundle of determination. "You, my friend, are a real piece of work," Rick chuckled as he lovingly scratched behind the Rabbit''s ears. "I''m your boss, you know. Can you please not forget that?" But the Rabbit was too blissed out to care about Rick''s bossy talk. ~~~~~ "Will you cut it out?" Rick practically wanted to tear his own hair out when he caught the Rabbit munching on the herbs they had just found. Rick had been doing his best to navigate the Whispering Wends with his wacky rabbitpanion. But it seemed like this little furball had its own ideas about how the adventure should go. As they trudged through the dense foliage, the rabbit couldn''t hold back its frustration any longer. In fact, the Rabbit was still holding a grudge. Even though they''d struck a deal, Rick thought the Rabbit would finally trust him. But oh no, this little guy wasn''t falling for itpletely. Rick tagged along behind the Rabbit, and lo and behold, they stumbled upon some pretty decent herb treasures: Phoenix Herb, Dragonvine, Enigma Lotus, Moonshadow Blossom, you name it! But as time rolled on, the Rabbit''s patience was wearing thin. It noticed Rick wasn''t putting much effort into the girl-searching part of their mission. So, the Rabbit decided to stage a protest. In an act of rebellion, whenever the Rabbit spotted an herb, it''d give it a fancy name, describe its magical effects, and then scarf it down right in front of Rick''s face. "I can''t believe it... I''m stuck with this stubborn rabbit. And to think, I used to find it cute," Rick grumbled under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief. The Rabbit, maybe sensing Rick''s annoyance, hopped right in front of him and proudly disyed a bright blue herb it had just discovered. "Hey, Master! Check this out - it''s a Skyshimmer Bloom! It''s famous for being all cold and chilly," the Rabbit chimed in with enthusiasm, "Wherever it grows, the ground in one meter radius turns solid ice." Rick sighed, rolling his eyes,"Yeah, yeah... But could you please, pretty please, stop gobbling up everything wee across? I mean, let me at least touch these herbs." The Rabbit blinked its innocent eyes, looking like it might actually be feeling a tad guilty for its herb-eating habits. It didn''t take long for the little rabbit to find another herb, this time a fiery red one. "Master, look here! It''s a meburst Bud! This one can be used for fire magic enhancement!" the Rabbit eximed, practically bouncing with excitement. "Good job! Now, hand it over," Rick said, reaching out his hand towards the Rabbit. With the meburst Bud between its teeth, the Rabbit seemed to agree and slowly hopped toward Rick. Rick had a glimmer of hope that the Rabbit was finally obeying. But just as it got close to Rick, the Rabbit suddenly inhaled the herb, not even bothering to chew it. "Oops..." "Come on, seriously? You''re doing this on purpose, right? I need those herbs. Quit eating them!" Rick eximed, irritation creeping into his voice. The Rabbit remained cool as a cucumber. "Oh, don''t sweat it. There are plenty more where that came from," it said with an air of nonchnce. The Rabbit then skipped ahead and stumbled upon a pristine white blossom. "Master, feast your peepers on this - the Enigma Lotus! Supposedly, it reveals hidden truths and stuff," the Rabbit proimed with fake enthusiasm, clearly enjoying its little game. "Ah, the Moonshadow Blossom! Fascinating, isn''t it?" the Rabbit eximed. "Fascinating, my foot! I can''t believe I''m having a full-on argument with a rabbit over some grass in the middle of nowhere," Rick grumbled, his face turning as red as a tomato from frustration. The Rabbit felt slighted, muttering to itself, "Master doesn''t appreciate my talents... I''ll prove him wrong." So, on a mission to make a point, the Rabbit kept finding and chowing down on herbs, all while exining their uses and benefits to Rick. It was like the furry critter had decided that if it couldn''t get its way, it would make Rick lose his marbles. And suddenly, Rick and the Rabbit had found themselves in quite the predicament. They had been having a tense stand-off in the middle of nowhere in the Whispering Wends. Rick finally waved the white g in surrender. "Alright, you win. Munch away on those weeds to your heart''s content. Who cares some grass anyway? Let''s just focus on finding that girl," he conceded, throwing his hands up in the air, thoroughly exasperated. Just when things were getting nuttier by the minute and it seemed like the herb argument was reaching a truce, BAM! A gunshot pierced the tranquility. The Rabbit, in an Olympic-worthy disy of athleticism, leaped onto Rick''s shoulder, its little heart pounding like a jackhammer. Rick''s heart was doing the exact same thing, and he instinctively covered the Rabbit with his hand, trying to shield it from harm. The Rabbit was scared out of its wits, and who could me it? But guess what? That gunshot was just the opening act. Bang! Bang! Bang! One after the other, shots rang out, turning the serenendscape into a bullet-riddled circus. Rick couldn''t help but wonder if they had somehow stumbled into a Wild West showdown. or the next minute or two, a bunch of distant gunshots popped like popcorn. Rick wasted zero time and bolted behind the nearest giant tree for cover. He had just escaped getting killedst night, and he wasn''t up for a repeat ofst night''s "close encounter of the lethal kind." Finally the barrage of gunshots subsided, the forest fell eerily silent once more. Rick and the Rabbit exchanged nervous nces, ''Uh-oh, what now?'' Sitting around twiddling their thumbs didn''t seem like the smart y here. They had to figure out what the heck was going on. "Should we check that out?" The Rabbit was the first to propose. Rick gulped audibly, his throat dry as the desert sand beneath his feet, and nodded at the Rabbit. "You''re right, little buddy. We should probably check it out. The worst that can happen is that we might killed." But the Rabbit nodded, its eyes wide with trepidation. It clearly missed the sarcasm in Rick''s voice.It hopped down from Rick''s shoulder and, with a twitch of its nose, pointed in the direction from which the gunshots hade. Lead the way, oh fearless fur-knight," Rick said, half in disbelief at the Rabbit''s sudden bout of bravery. Together, they tiptoed toward the ruckus, Rick obediently following the Rabbit''s furry guidance. They trudged on, the scorching sun feeling like a relentless heatwave, and the sticky humidity turning them into human puddles. Rick started to ponder if this was some kind of wacky dream. Maybe he''d fallen asleep under a spell in this cursed forest, and this whole situation was just a kooky hallucination conjured up by those infamous forest ghosts. But the Rabbit''s asional squeaks and jittery hops were a constant reminder that this was as real as it got. As they inched closer to the source of the gunshots, they began to hear the faint murmur of raised voices in the distance. Rick and the Rabbit traded nces again, this time with a blend of curiosity and jitters. They stepped it up, sneaking through the desert shrubbery like a pair of undercover agents, aiming to get closer without bing unexpected guests. Before long, after covering some ground, they began picking up the unmistakable sounds of folks having anargument. It was a heated exchange, punctuated by asional threats. Rick squinted his ears, trying to eavesdrop on nuggets of the conversation. "I think you should just quit. You''re in a tight spot, and nobody''s riding in to rescue you," Rick overheard a grizzled, croaky voice, sending shivers down his spine, but not in a good way. "But don''t think you''re entirely useless to me yet." "You ungrateful old coot... My family yanked you out of the jaws of death, and this is how you repay us?" Another voice chimed in, this time a woman with a hint of anger dripping from her words. "You would have died a pig''s death if not for my family." Rick whispered to the Rabbit, "We better tread carefully here. These folks don''t sound like they''re throwing a wee party." The Rabbit nodded furiously, its floppy ears bouncing as if to say, "I agree, Master." It let out a quiet squeak, "But Master, I think this is it." They tiptoed closer, ducking behind some thick bushes, their eyes wide as they peeked out to see what themotion was all about. Rick and the Rabbit moved carefully toward the noisy scene, and with each step, the tension hung in the air like a thick fog. The argument was now more distinct, with several voices tangled up in a fiery squabble. Rick shot a nervous look at the Rabbit, which was still riding on his shoulder, shaking like a leaf. "Let''s not push our luck," Rick whispered, "I don''t know what''s happening, but it''s smarter to figure it out without getting caught in the crossfire." Ding! [Quest Completed: Help the rabbit find that girl] * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts.] Chapter - 63 Rick to the Rescue [1] Chapter - 63 Rick to the Rescue [1] "Hehehe... Don''t you have a foul mouth?" The old manughed, revealing his decayed teeth as he tantly eyed the girl from head to toe, briefly fixating on her chest. He didn''t appear even slightly offended by the girl''s harsh words. "But don''t you fret. I''ve dealt with feisty gals like you before," the old man smirked. "Hehehe... I''ve got quite the knack for taming strong-willed women like yourself." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Once I am done, you will beg for this piece of meat," The old man grabbed his thing from over his loose pants and licking his lips with a disturbing leer., gave it a littlesqueeze. "You repulsive creep," the girl struggled to get the words out. Her expression grew colder with each sentence the old man uttered. "My grandfather shouldn''t have saved you. That was the biggest mistake he did." "If your grandfather is an idiot, who am I toin?" The old man shrugged, "That idiot didn''t even know who I was, and why everyone was chasing me. Just because I looked strong and spun a sob story, that naive old man took me in. What a fool, seriously." "That old coot actually did me a big favor," the old man grinned, his decaying teeth on full disy as hesciviously eyed the girl, "The minute Iid eyes on you... I knew, no matter what, you''re ending up in my bed." "Shut your fucking filthy mouth...Or I''ll put you six feet under," another man''s furious voice finally reached Rick''s ears, directed at the old man. Meanwhile, Rick and the Rabbit found themselves in an unusual spot. They were both huddled behind a bush, their heads peeking out like a couple of curious kids. It would''ve been a hrious sight ¨C one boy and a rabbit, peeping out of the bushes like they were on some secret mission. ¨C if the situation weren''t so serious. As they peered through the bushes, about fifty meters away, Rick''s eyes widened in shock. There, a disturbing scene unfolded before them. A group of meny scattered on the ground, their lives draining away, staining the earth beneath them a gruesome red. It was a spine-chilling sight that sent shivers down Rick''s spine. On one side of this gruesome scene stood an old man like no other Rick had ever seen. He was dressed in strange white clothes that looked like they came from a different time, and his back was bent nearly ny degrees, propped up by a knobby wooden staff with an unusually thick and round top. With his long, white beard and rotting ck teeth, he had a spooky, almost sinister appearance. Rick couldn''t shake the feeling of unease whenever the old man spoke. Standing beside the old man were seven young men, their heavily built frames creating an imposing presence. Rick''s heart pounded in his chest as he watched them, a strange mixture of fear and curiosity swirling within him. Who were these people, and what had led to this gruesome confrontation? On the opposite side of this grim scene stood a man in his early fifties. He showed clear signs of injury, clutching his shoulder where blood seeped from a wound. Despite his condition, his eyes burned with determination, making it clear to Rick that he wasn''t someone to underestimate. This man was ready to spring into action at any moment. And behind the injured man stood a girl, and this was the moment that truly caught Rick off guard. Her face was as cold as ice, her expression a stern frown as she locked eyes with the old man. It wasn''t her demeanor that surprised Rick, though; it was the fact that the girl''s face looked somewhat familiar. Rick''s thoughts raced as he tried to connect the girl he saw before him with a memory he held. Could it really be just a coincidence? The girl in front of him was the same one he had glimpsed at the airport yesterday. He hadn''t seen much of her, but her features were unmistakable. Rick whispered to the Rabbit, "I can''t believe it, but I know that girl. We saw her at the airport yesterday, remember?" But the Rabbit looked clueless, how could she remember something when she couldn''t even handle herself after that long flight. Rick should be grateful she didn''t shit the cage. What in the world was going on here? How did that girl end up here, with the old man in this dangerous situation? The old man''s voice quivered with a disturbing certainty as he spoke, "Why are you so set on dying with her? You should be wiser than this. There''s no way out. Join me, and I''ll let you have a piece of her as well. I''ve seen the way you look at her." The old man grinned, revealing the wounded man''s desires in front of the girl. "With me, you won''t need to hold back your desires." The wounded man clenched his teeth, battling through the pain, and replied, "Shut up... You are wrong... I''ve never... never... never..." But the man could not bring himself to say no. But he couldn''t bring himself to outright refuse. The Rabbit whispered to Rick, "Master, we have to do something. We can''t just stand here and watch this happen." ''What, you''re suddenly a crusader for justice?'' Rick shot a puzzled look at the Rabbit, his expression twisted, ''Why do you have to meddle in everything?'' "Hehehe... True... We don''t need to say the obvious," the old manughed, "How are we really any different? If she''s like my granddaughter, isn''t she like a daughter to you? Then why that scornful look? We''re much the same," the old man remarked, ncing at the wounded man standing beside the girl. The old man then turned his attention back to the girl. "Now don''t resist no more," the old man said with a warm smile, as if he were a loving grandfather gazing at his granddaughter with affection. But Rick knew better that it wasn''t the case. Given the opportunity, the old man was waiting to grab that girl, rip her clothes and fuck her right there, right now. "Over my dead body," the girl said, clenching her teeth. "I don''t mind a dead body as long as it''s a dead virgin," the old man remained calm and unaffected, cool as a cucumber. "Why else do you think I ensured no man could ever get close to you?" "You..." The girl could only point her finger at the old man, but she was left speechless. "I desired you for myself," the old man grinned in a lecherous manner. "But I''m not that heartless... I only want your first time. After that... you can go wherever you please." "Boss," just as the old man finished speaking, one of the men beside him chimed in, "You made a promise." The old man looked at him and sighed. "Well, if you don''t mind... Cough... Cough... Can they all have a turn with you after I am done?" The old man politely asked And that was the breaking point. Just as the old man finished, the girl seized the gun held by the wounded man beside her and fired at the old man and his group. nk! Unfortunately for her, luck was not on her side. The gun was empty, out of bullets. "Ooohh... You nearly had us there," the old manughed. The girl stared at the gun and tossed it aside. Gradually, the realization sunk in that she had no escape from this situation. The only question remaining was whether she would allow the old man to have his way with her. Will she be his y thing? Or will she embracedeath first? Rick''s heart raced as he witnessed the girl and the wounded man approaching their breaking point. He felt the urge to intervene, but uncertainty held him back. He wasn''t a hero and had no desire to risk his life to save the girl. The odds were clearly against them. The old man had a group of tough henchmen at his disposal, while the girl had only a wounded dead-weight by her side. Furthermore, Rick had a gut feeling that the old man wasn''t just an ordinary person. He posed a far greater threat than anyone else present. Rick''s thoughts raced as he sought a n. He couldn''t simply approach the girl and reveal himself; that would endanger him. If, and only if, he decided to act, he needed to find a way to assist without putting his life on the line. In contrast, the Rabbit was bing more and more uneasy. It hopped around, clearly agitated by the critical situation. It was almost as if the small creature was urging Rick to do something. Just as Rick was on the verge of making a decision, a soft chime broke the tense moment. The pale blue screen appeared before him once more. He let out a sigh of frustration. He had a feeling that he was going to change his mind soon enough. It seemed that the system had a knack for interrupting him at the most inconvenient times. Rick looked down at the screen, anticipating yet another unusual quest. As expected, a message appeared: [ Quest: Rescue the girlfrom the clutches of the old man and his henchmen. Time Duration: Before she gets fucking raped. Rewards: Can''t you, for once, do it for your adorable summon? ] Rick stared at the quest and his face twisted, ''Are you kidding me?'' He couldn''t help but think. [What more can we anticipate from a loser like you? Very well, here are your rewards.] [Quest Rewards: 1 vial of Exotic Aphrodisiac; Ero points: 100,000; 3 Lottery spins] [And if you save the wounded man, Bonus: $5,000] ''Only $5,000 for a man?'' Rick was speechless, ''Is he that worthless?'' [Do you want to fuck that man?] ''No,'' Rick quickly denied. [Then be happy with $5,000] [Now say, Are you happy, loser?"] ''Shouldn''t you be more respectful to me? I am your chosen master, aren''t I?'' Rick tried to assert his dominance over the system. [You are... Huh... Are you happy? Master... Loser?] ''You...'' Rick could swear he heard the system scoff. It was trying to piss off Rick. ''I don''t have time to argue with an arrogant system like you right now. But I will take care of you sooner orter.'' [...] "Umm...Excuse me!!" ***** Chapter 64 Rick to the Rescue [2] Chapter 64 Rick to the Rescue [2] Chapter - 64 "Umm... Excuse me," Rick raised his hand, trying to get everyone''s attention politely, like a schoolboy about to speak in ss. Rick understood that he couldn''t remain hidden in the bushes any longer. The system had provided him with apelling incentive to take action. However, hecked a concrete n. Right now, his best option was to make good use of the Ero points he had spent earlier. In the meantime, Rick whispered to the Rabbit, making sure only the Rabbit could hear him, "Stay here. I might need your helpter." The Rabbit''s ears twitched, reluctant to stay behind. But upon seeing the seriousness on Rick''s face, it crouched behind the cover of the bushes, its small nose still twitching with concern. As Rick stepped out of the bushes, his heart raced, he found himself in a tense situation. Suddenly, nearly a dozen pair of eyes were on him. The old man''s face twisted into a frown upon witnessing Rick''s emergence. Suspicion and wariness filled his eyes, clearly displeased with this unexpected development. And the old man exchanged a quick nce with one of his henchmen. The old man''s henchman, arge and intimidating figure, instinctively reached for the gun holstered at his side. Rick''s heart raced as he watched the man''s hand inching toward the weapon. He raised his palms in a gesture of peace, attempting to de-escte the situation. "Take it easy," Rick said, his voice steady despite the fear bubbling within him. "I was just passing by and heard themotion going on here" "Should''ve kept on passing then," the old man responded with a veiled threat in his tone. "Now, you''re about to end up like them ¨C six feet under. Do you understand that? It''s nothing personal." The old man spoke with an unsettling smile as he signaled for his henchman to take action. But Rick quickly interjected, "Hold on a second. Can we talk this through? I said I heard what''s going on.I think I might be able to help you, old man." "Help me? You believe you can help me?" The old man scrutinized Rick with narrowed eyes. "And who are you to interfere in my affairs?" Rick swallowed nervously but managed to maintain hisposure. "I''m just someone passing by who stumbled upon this situation." "But," Rick continued with determination, " I know what you want, and I believe that violence is not the means to get that. I prefer finding peaceful solutions." The old man''s interest was piqued, and he signaled to his henchman to stand down. The tension in the air eased slightly, but the situation was still far from resolved. The old man, his voice both raspy and authoritative, inquired, "You im you can help? In what way?" Rick took a deep breath, carefully selecting his words. "Well, it seems like there''s a misunderstanding here. You want something of this girl, old coo... I mean sir," Rick corrected himself quickly, almost calling the old man a "coot." "However, she''s clearly unwilling to give it to you. Right?I''ve grasped the situation." "Now," Rick proposed, "Instead of resorting to force, why don''t I speak with her and see if we can find a solution that works for everyone?" The old man''s already narrow eyes squinted further as he stroked his lengthy, white beard, pondering Rick''s proposition. His henchmen however,exchanged wary nces, uncertain about the stranger''s intentions. With an unwavering expression, the old man questioned, "Do you truly believe you can get her to agree, boy?" Rick responded confidently, "We won''t know until I try, right?" "Or I can just kill everyone, including you and get done with it. Wouldn''t that be much easy?"A sinister gleam shone in the old man''s eyes as he continued to stroke his long, white beard thoughtfully. Now Rick was not hoping for the old man smash his bullshit out of the park like that. He wanted to buy some time for him to think of a solid n. "But wouldn''t that be quite boring. You can get anything that way to be honest," Rick tried to bluff. "You''re quite bold,ing forward to mediate in this situation. But what''s in it for you, young man?" And Rick''s bluff actually worked. Rick carefully considered his reply. For now, he needed to establish trust with the old man, at least temporarily. "I just want to see a peaceful resolution to this situation," Rick replied. "You see, I have a weak heart. I don''t like seeing violence; it makes me faint. To avoid that, I think we can find a way for everyone to be satisfied without resorting to violence." Rick continued, "I understand you have your reasons, sir, but forcing someone into a situation they don''t want isn''t right. If I can persuade her to agree willingly, wouldn''t that be a better solution for everyone?" The old man chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down Rick''s spine. "You''re quite naive, aren''t you? Well, let''s see what you can do." "But be aware that my patience is limited. Convince her, or there will be consequences." Rick nodded, appreciative of the opportunity given to him. He approached the girl with measured steps. "Master..." One of the old man''s men attempted to intervene, but the old man silenced them with a gesture. "No rush... This is quite entertaining," the old man remarked. "She''s already in my grasp, and no amount of squirming will change that. So, why not enjoy her desperation?" Meanwhile, Rick had moved closer to the girl. "Miss, I''ve heard what the old man desires," Rick spoke, making sure his voice carried for all to hear. "He simply wishes to spend some time with you. Is that really too much to ask?" "Is it?" Rick turned and cast a disbelieving look at the old man. "I don''t think so." "Shut your nonsense before I end you," the wounded man beside the girl threatened Rick, clearly agitated by his words. "Oh, the dead weight is still alive and kicking? Good for you," Rick responded with a grin, undaunted by the man''s hostile re. "But it''s time for you to be quiet." Rick swiftly struck the man at the back of his neck. "You Bast..."The man had no time to react as Rick unexpectedly struck him. Before he could even raise a hand to defend himself, the blownded, and it was far from gentle. His eyes rolled back, and he involuntarily spat out a few words before crashing face-first onto the ground. The many there motionless, clearly unconscious after just one strike. Even Rick himself hadn''t anticipated that his single blow would have such a dramatic effect. He had initially nned to hit the man a couple of times, making him y dead temporarily, and then wait for the right moment to strike against the old coot. However, it seemed that his first strike had done the trick. "Hey... You alright?"Rick lightly kicked the man, checking if he was pretending to be unconscious or if he was truly out ofmission. But the man remainedpletely still. "All he ever did was talk about killing this, killing that... Useless thing who can''t even handle a single hit," Rick muttered, his mood souring as he looked down at the incapacitated man. "Joseph!!" The girl called out in concern, shouting the man''s name. She knelt down beside him, visibly worried, and attempted to shake him awake. But Rick intervened, he grabbed her by the arm and made her stand up again. "If you want to live, just stand here like a doll, and don''t move an inch," Rick leaned in close and whispered to the girl who tried her best to get out of his grip. "Kill me!! Just kill me!!" The girl screamed at Rick, her face contorted with disgust. ''Is she dumb or what? Did she not hear me'' Rick thought to himself as she watched the girl blow up. ''But it''s not a bad thing,'' Rick considered, ncing at the old man from the corner of his eye. The old man might drop his guard around Rick after the girl''s outburst. Not that he needed that anymore. Because, Rick had a n now. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Girl, are you blind or something? How can you ignore such an amazing man and cry over this weakling?" Rick remarked, pulling the girl closer and making her face the old man. "Look at that old coot. Isn''t he just... well, let''s ignore his looks for a moment. Great men have always been the ugliest," Rick seemed like he was trying to provide reasons for the girl to cozy up to the old man, but it came across as him mocking the old man. "Really, girl, you''re missing out on the experience of a lifetime," Rick continued, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I mean, look at him! That wrinkled skin, those decaying teeth, and that hunchback ¨C it''s like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to appreciate the beauty in imperfection." "Check out those teeth! Each one has its own unique tale to tell. Each one of those decaying little things have seen some shit." "And the way he moves, it''s like witnessing a rare dance performance. With those shaking legs, you will have a front-row seat to a waltz of a lifetime." "And just in case you''re not a fan of his looks," Rick quipped, as hecontinued his bizarre charade, "I can always provide a handy solution ¨C a bag over your head during his... umm... ''performance.''" He chuckled mockingly and continued, "Oh, and don''t worry about the duration either. Word on the street is that he''s so fast, you won''t even have time to blink ¨C maybe just half a blink." "And... Let''s be honest, looking at him, I doubt you''ll even notice anything down there," Rick said with an exaggerated wink, "But you know what they say, good thingse in small packages, right?" "But jokes aside," Rick continued, "When ites to... uh, bedroom performance, it''s not about the size, but the technique. I''m sure this old man has some... unique methods that''ll have you begging for more. Isn''t that right, sir?" The girl was utterly perplexed, torn between her disgust for the old man and her confusion at Rick''s strange behavior. Wasn''t he on the side of the old man? Meanwhile, the old man''s face contorted with anger and frustration, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. He clenched his gnarled fists as Rick carried on with his bizarre act. His voice,ced with venom, finally pierced through the veil of politeness he had maintained. "You dare to mock me, you bastard?" The old man''s voice quivered with anger, but there was an unsettling madness to it. "Hahaha! Good... Very good, you''ve got some guts, boy," The old man''s voice dripped with a sinister undertone. "But let me make something clear, boy. I don''t appreciate insolence. You may think you''re clever, but remember, I can be far more ruthless than you can imagine." The old man''sughter faded into an eerie calmness. "You might have gained a little time with your theatrics, but don''t believe for a moment that I''ve changed my mind. The girl stays with me, and you can''t do shit about it." Then the old man signaled his men, and three imposing figures advanced with menacing intent. As Rick, witnessed the men approach, he let go of the girl, his face showing evident worry. He leaned toward her, speaking in a hushed tone filled with genuine concern. "Be careful," Rick whispered urgently, his voice reflecting his sincere worry, "I''ll try to handle them." Ding! [Quest: Kill the old man and his minions] * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts.] Chapter 65 First Kill [1] 65 First Kill [1] Chapter - 65 [ Quest: Kill the old man and his minions. Time Duration: Before he kills you. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Rewards: 1 Shadow-step skill; 1 Master of Disguise skill; Ero Points: 150,000 (For Killing the old man); Cash: $750,000 (For killing the old man); Random rewards for killing the minions. ] Rick read the quest details on his screen and couldn''t hide his shock. He eximed loudly, "What on earth? Are they seriously asking me to be a killer?" The words slipped out before he could stop them, leaving the girl wide-eyed and bewildered. His back turned cold looking at the quest. "When did I ask you to kill anyone for me?" She retorted, her tone filled with surprise and frustration, ''He butt his ass on his own, so why is he ming me?'' Rick''s outburst had taken her off guard, and she couldn''t fathom why he was putting the me on her for a quest she had nothing to do with. "Shsshh... You be a doll and be quiet," Rick hushed the girl and got back to look at the system. ''I can''t go through with this. I''ve never killed anyone,'' Rick tried to reason with the system. While bullshitting the old coot, he thought of a fairly simple n to save the girl. He was to go stand beside the girl and activate the wooden shield. The shield at first nce looked ordinary so it won''t arouse suspicion, but the shield had a feature that could actuallye in handy in this situation, ''The Barrier''. Rick just needed to activate the barrier around him and the girl, and if the barrier was big enough, he might even put it around that drag dead-weight and make their way towards the entrance of the Whispering Wends. The Shield''s barrier could hold up for forty-eight hours once activated, and it was plenty enough time for him to carry the wounded man on his back and take the girl out of this deadly mess. Once they reached there, someone might actuallye forward to help them out. Rick believed that. It was a nice and simple n that was most likely to work. But now the system bowled him a googly. [Either you kill them, or they will kill you.] [You should have known better before you jumped in like a moron to save the girl] "But it was you who asked me to," Rick felt aggrieved and wrongly med. [Will you do whatever I ask you to? Do you not have the brains to think?] [Will you do it?] [Master?] ''Enough, I have had enough of you disrespecting me,'' Rick finally could not take the disrespect of the system anymore. He finally made up his mind that he was not going to do this quest. No matter the rewards or the consequences. ''I will not...'' Rick wanted to refuse the quest but before he could do that, the prompt appeared in front of him again. [And yes, before you decide to refuse, there is actually a penalty if you were to fail.] ''Penalty?'' Rick couldn''t help but scoff at the notion of a penalty. He had encountered the system''s penalties before, and they had always seemed more like a joke than anything else. [ Penalties if you fail toplete the quest: 1. 50 years will be reduced from your Expected life. 2. For the next 1 month, your thing down there won''t rise again. ] "Damn it, What theFUCK!!" Rick cursed at the top of his voice, screaming in frustration. Everything felt like shit right now. With the system at his disposal, he had ns to enjoy life, going around, fucking every beautiful women he woulde across. He already had a couple lined up back at home, and he just had to nudge them a little. So how the fuck did he end up on the verge of being a killer? Rick could not help but backtrack his steps. And as he did, Rick could see very clearly that the system actually set him up slowly and steadily. "Boy, are you finally regretting it? Well, it''s toote for that now," the old man sneered, revealing his decrepit, rotting teeth, when he saw Rick act so hysteric,"You chose to meddle..." "Shut up... Just fuck the shut up," Rick shouted at the old man, looking up with anger in his eyes. "This is all your damn fault, you disgusting old geezer! Fucking old coot,All of this is because of you!" "You actually want to fuck this girl? Lay your hands on this girl? Are you out of your damn mind? Or did your brain crawl into your balls?" "Don''t you see her? Back in those days, men would go to war over a woman like her, if she wanted." "And look at you! When was thest time they prepared a grave for you? Fucking prick! Can''t even stand on your own, yet you think you can chase after women. You should''ve kicked the bucket ages ago, long before she was even born." "You damn bastard, you''re practically living on borrowed time. The least you could do is show some gratitude to the rest of us." "No one in their right mind would let you near their pigs, even if you offered them your kidney. And you think you have a shot with her? You want to fuck her?" Rick asked as he grabbed the girl by her arm and practically pushed her forward towards the old man, "Her?" "You motherfucker, if you had just disappeared, would I be stuck in this shit now?" "It''s all your fault you pedophile, sick pervert, you cock sucking, son of a bitch. It''s all because of you." As Rick unleashed a torrent of curses at the old man, a heavy tension settled over the clearing like a thick fog. Each wordced with frustration and fury. His emotions were in turmoil, and his words were a raw reflection of his feelings at that moment. As Rick vented his anger, the old man, his minions, and the girl stood frozen in their spots, each one grappling with a whirlwind of emotions. The old man''s rage was palpable. His face contorted with rage, his eyes bulging, veins pulsing around his temples like snakes ready to strike. He clenched his fists so tight that his nails dug into his palms, causing them to bleed. His teeth ground together audibly as he seethed with anger. The old man''s minions were no less affected. The old man''s minions and the girl, on the other hand, were struck dumb with abination of shock and horror. Rick''s words had hit them like a lightning bolt, and they struggled toprehend the audacity and recklessness of what he had just spewed. They had always known their master''s wrath was a force to be reckoned with, but they had never seen him quite like this. Their eyes darted nervously between their infuriated leader and Rick. The air was thick with tension, and they didn''t dare make a move without the old man''smand. But it was the girl who was perhaps the most horrified by Rick''s outburst. She had witnessed the old man''s cruelty firsthand and knew just how dangerous he could be. In the past, she had seen him inflict terrible punishments on those who crossed her grandfather. The old man, a formidable figure not to be underestimated, found Rick''s boldness utterly infuriating. He directed his rage toward his henchmen, his face contorted in anger, and his voice carried a deafening roar that reverberated through the woods. "What are you all waiting for?" The old man''s voice boomed, "Are you waiting for me to drop dead from sheer anger? Get moving, you spineless worms!" He bellowed, his tone seething with intense anger. The old man''s rage had his subordinates cowering in submission, their heads lowered in fear. They knew better than to challenge the old man''s authority, but Rick''s audacious defiance had shaken their resolve. With a malicious fire burning in his eyes, the old man issued his orders with a venomous tone, "Leave the woman for now. Focus on the boy. I want the pleasure of dealing with him myself." Among the old man''s henchmen, one stood out as a prominent figure, likely their leader. He was burly and imposing, with a wicked glint in his eyes, and he stepped forward, ready to carry out the old man''smand. "Gruff," the leader of the henchmen barked, summoning one of his subordinates. Gruff, a massive and menacing figure, stepped forward from the rear of the group. He cracked his knuckles with an ominous grin, his eyes devoid of anypassion. He appeared all too eager to carry out his boss''s orders. The leader leaned in close to Gruff, his voice lowered to a hushed tone, "Beat the shit out of that boy, but remember what the old man said ¨C leave him breathing. We don''t want him to meet a quick death." Gruff nodded eagerly, his sinister grin widening. He took pleasure in the idea of causing pain to Rick. Gruff advanced, flexing his knuckles once more as he closed the distance between himself and Rick. Rick''s rage remained evident, his lips moving with a stream of muttered curses. Rick''s anger was intense, a storm raging within him. He had taken a daring and heedless stance against the old man, fully aware of the grim repercussions. But in that moment, he couldn''t care less. "You fancy yourself some kind of big shot, old man?" Rick sneered, his voice low and filled with contempt, "You''re nothing but a pathetic excuse for a human being." "We will see about that, boy," the old man retorted, his voice dripping with menace, "And I promise, I will show you hell before you die." * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts.] Chapter 66 First Kill [2] 66 First Kill [2] Chapter - 66 Gruff charged towards Rick and the girl, his massive frame causing the ground to tremble with each powerful step. His intentions were crystal clear - he intended to punish Rick severely for daring to defy his master. As Gruff rapidly closed the gap between them, an intense and palpable tension hung in the air. The forest itself seemed to hold its breath in anticipation of the impending sh. Rick, with the girl seeking refuge behind him, prepared himself for the inevitable confrontation. He understood that he had to shield her at any cost. After all, the girl held significant value, worth a hundred thousand Ero Points. If any harm were to befall her now, particrly with all the chaos he had stirred up, making enemies left and right, he might as well just find a handful of water and drown himself. But jokes aside, fear gripped Rick''s heart as the impending danger closed in. His pulse quickened, and uncertainty chipped away at the edges of his confidence. This marked his first physical altercation since obtaining the Lust system, and in fact, it might have been his very first such encounter in his life. His hopes had dwindled significantly since acquiring the system. As he reached Rick and the girl, his colossal fist sliced through the air, like a battering ram zeroing in on Rick''s chest. Rage twisted Gruff''s face, and he channeled every ounce of his formidable strength into the punch. And then, as if out of thin air, a wooden shield appeared in Rick''s hand, materializing as if summoned by some unseen force. Gruff''s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and confusion filling them. He couldn''t fathom where the shield hade from. Gruff didn''t have time for a brain workout; he just bulldozed forward with zero hesitation. Without a second thought or a glimpse of shield-rted wonderment, pressed forward with stubborn resolve. With a triumphant roar, he lunged ahead, his arm coiled like a spring ready to unleash a punch that could turn bones into breadcrumbs. His muscles strained like an overburdened shopping bag, and he was all set to release a world-shaking punch. This was pure fury-driven, brute-force madness. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Gruff''s massive fist hurtled towards Rick''s chest. Rick stared at the wooden shield in his hand, with anxiety doing the tango in his mind. The shield looked genuine enough, but could it actually stand up to the brute force of Gruff''s attack? And not just Rick, even the spectators were equally spellbound, all hushed and holding their breaths, as the impending collision hung in the air like a storm on the horizon. Rick''s heart pounded like a jackhammer in his chest as he clutched the shield in front of him. Anxiety and uncertainty swirled inside him like a storm. This life-or-death situation waspletely unexpected, and it was his first taste of real danger since he got that strange system. He had dreamt of an easygoing life, but fate had other ns. When Gruff''s punch collided with the wooden shield, a deafening crash echoed through the forest, creating ripples of force that vibrated through the air. Rick bore the brunt of the immense pressure, the shield trembling under the ferocious impact, threatening to knock him off bnce. For a brief moment, it seemed like the wooden shield might not withstand Gruff''s overwhelming force. Rick''s arms trembled as he struggled to maintain his stance, a sense of desperation creeping over him. The girl, who had been cowering behind Rick, watched with wide eyes filled with terror. The unexpected guest, who initially appeared to be siding with the old man, had switched allegiances and was now attempting to protect her. Rick prepared himself for the worst, anticipating that he would be sent flying by the sheer strength of Gruff''s punch. However, much to his surprise, he didn''t get knocked back as he expected. While he did feel an intense pressure pushing against him, he managed to remain firmly in ce. Rick nted his feet firmly on the ground, his muscles straining as they resisted the powerful force attempting to push him away. It was as though an invisible barrier had materialized behind him, aiding in keeping him steady. Gradually, the relentless force began to wane. The entire clearing, from the old man and his minions to the girl and even Rick himself, stood in amazement. Rick''s determination held firm as he strained to maintain his position, the wooden shield quivering in his grasp. Gruff, initially confident that his punch would shatter the shield and send Rick flying, stood frozen in utter disbelief. He found himself caught in an inexplicable standoff, his eyes darting between the shield, Rick, and the bewildered onlookers. It was as if thews of nature had momentarily been suspended, creating a surreal and tense atmosphere. Before long, one of Gruff''s fellow minions, a wiry man with a sinister grin, couldn''t contain his astonishment any longer. He pointed a mocking finger at Gruff and burst into a loud, mockingughter. "Look at that, folks! Gruff, the tough guy, can''t even punch through a simple wooden shield! What augh!" the wiry minion taunted, hisughter ringing out across the clearing. The others couldn''t resist joining in, theirughter sharp and mocking. They teased Gruff mercilessly, openly ridiculing his failed attempt. Even the girl, who had been terrified just moments ago, couldn''t help but crack a smirk at Gruff''s expense. "Gruff, maybe you should stick to hitting chickens! You can''t even push around a kid," another minion chimed in, earning moreughter from the group. Gruff''s face burned with embarrassment as he clenched his fists in frustration. Once the embodiment of brute strength, he now found himself the target of their mockery. Rick, his grip steady on the wooden shield, couldn''t help but feel a surge of triumph. Not only had he sessfully thwarted Gruff''s punch, but he had also turned the tables, making their adversaries theughingstock. The taunting and jeering grew even louder, and soon, the entire group of minions joined in the mockery. They reveled in Gruff''s predicament, their amusement evident as they witnessed their typically imposingpanion struggling to budge Rick. Gruff''s face turned into a deep crimson hue, partly from exertion and partly from shame. His fists clenched, and he redoubled his efforts, hell-bent on proving them all wrong. However, no matter how forcefully he pushed, Rick remained an immovable force, and it seemed like an invisible barrier thwarted his every attempt. In the midst of this spectacle, the girl watched with wide-eyed wonder, her astonishment growing as she witnessed the inexplicable phenomenon unfolding right before her eyes. Once again, she had been saved from harm, thanks to Rick''s resilience and the enigmatic powers at y. suddenly the coldness on her face began to fade and gratitude began to fill her heart. As Gruff''s fellow minions relentlessly mocked him, his fury intensified, and rationality slipped from his grasp like sand slipping through clenched fists. Humiliation had transformed into a seething rage. The humiliation he had endured had pushed him past the point of caring about the consequences. Consequences be damned, Gruff no longer cared whether Rick lived or died. He thirsted for vengeance, to pummel Rick and make him pay for the shame he had experienced. His boss''smands, and the old man''s orders, no longer held any sway over him. All that mattered now was pounding Rick into oblivion. With a primal roar, Gruff surged forward, his fists a whirlwind of fury as he unleashed a barrage of punches directed at Rick''s head and chest. His knuckles collided with the wooden shield with bone-shattering force, each impact sending tremors through Rick''s body. Gruff''s strikes rained down rapidly and relentlessly, each blow intended to inflict severe harm or even death. Rick, in contrast, strained to maintain the stability of the shield, his arms bearing the brunt of the onught. He had never faced something like this before, but even then it felt on entirely different beast. Gruff''s unrelenting assault allowed him little room to retaliate or even catch a moment''s respite. The sh of flesh against wood echoed loudly through the forest as Gruff''s fists met the wooden shield. Each strike sent waves of agony, pain rippling through Rick''s body, yet he refused to yield. Surrendering to Gruff''s relentless fury would undoubtedly lead to his certain downfall. As the brawl raged on, emotions ran high on both sides. Gruff''s seething rage was palpable, driving his punches to be increasingly wild and merciless. He was determined to make Rick pay for the humiliation he had suffered and was prepared to do whatever it took to achieve that goal. The clearing was a cauldron of intense emotions. Gruff''s face twisted into a grotesque mask of rage, his eyes aze with manic fervor. He had surrendered reason to the overwhelming urge to inflict pain and torment upon Rick. The surrounding forest seemed to fade into the background as the twobatants engaged in a savage ballet of strikes and defenses. Gruff''s fists hammered the wooden shield with a relentless tempo, creating a symphony of violence that reverberated through the trees. Each blow carried the weight of Gruff''s pent-up anger and frustration, as if he believed that by breaking through the shield, he could salvage his wounded pride. Yet Rick held his ground, his arms throbbing with exhaustion but his resolve unshaken. Time lost its meaning as the battle raged on. Rick''s muscles protested vehemently as he fought to maintain his defense. The wooden shield groaned under the unrelenting onught, but it refused to yield. The girl, witnessing the horror unfold before her, felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward Rick''s unwavering bravery. This stranger had repeatedly shielded her from harm, defying everyone against her. Meanwhile, the old man, observed the chaotic spectacle with a malevolent grin. It was a sadistic pleasure that fed his twisted desires. "About time this worthless punk did something decent," the old man remarked, nodding as he watched Gruff seemingly dominate the boy. However, as the minutes dragged on, the old man''s wicked grin transformed into a scowl of annoyance. N?v(el)B\\jnn "What is this useless thing doing? Is this some reality show?" ***** [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts.] Chapter 67 First Kill [3] 67 First Kill [3] Chapter - 67 "What the hell is this piece of garbage doing?" The forest was filled with the constant, unrelenting sound of Gruff''s fists crashing against the wooden shield, his anger still running high. However, as the minutes ticked by, the old man''s expression shifted from amusement to growing unease. The whole scene had taken an unexpected turn, and despite Gruff''s relentless assault, Rick remained unmoved. Rick, against all odds, had stood his ground, and the wooden shield he clutched was in pristine condition, just as it was when he summoned it. There were no signs of wear, no damage, not even a single scratch. It was a puzzling mystery that defied all reason, and Rick couldn''t help but wear a sardonic grin as he gazed at Gruff. Gruff, on the other hand, was in a sorry state. His once-mighty punches had turned into feeble strikes, and he gasped for breath, each inhtioning in ragged bursts. No matter how hard he swung, no matter how hard he hit,the moment his fist connected with the wooden shield, it felt like some unseen force was sucking the strength right out of him, leaving his arms limp and powerless. Every punch he threw left Gruff''s arms feeling like they''d been drained, robbed of their strength. He punched like a man possessed, desperation clear in his eyes, but it was all in vain. Rick stood there, untouched, a mocking grin on his face. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Rick''s smirk infuriated and baffled Gruff. How could this seemingly ordinary boy endure his relentless barrage so effortlessly? It was aplete defiance of all logic andmon sense. Gruff''s face twisted with a mix of anger, frustration, and sheer confusion. He couldn''t wrap his head around the situation. It felt like there was some invisible shield or power guarding Rick and the wooden shield, making all of Gruff''s attacks and assaults pointless. The spectators, including the old man and his gang, observed in absolute silence as Gruff''s punches lost their potency. The mocking remarks andughter that had previously filled the air had vanished, reced by an eerie quiet marked by astonishment and uncertainty. The girl, who had started as a powerless observer, couldn''t help but feel a glimmer of hope rising within her. Rick''s tenacity and the strange powers at work had sessfully thwarted Gruff''s brutality, offering a ray of salvation in their dire predicament. Meanwhile,Rick, despite feeling physically drained from the prolonged ordeal, couldn''t resist savoring the moment. He had defied Gruff''s savagery and proven himself unbreakable. The enigmatic powers at y had granted him an unexpected edge, and he was determined to make the most of it. With a cocky grin, Rick mocked Gruff, his voice filled with amusement, "That''s the best you can do? I thought you were the top dog here. Guess I was wrong. You are just a dog." [What are you taunting about? How long are you going to dilly-dally about it? Just kill the Motherfuckers. Master!] But before Rick could even gloat, or Gruff could reply him, the pale blue screen of the system appeared in front of him. "You really want me to do it?" Rick hesitated. He was still not convinced to go through with the thought of killing. [Don''t if you want an early exit. I''ll just find a new host. Do you think I give a damn whether you kill or die? Master!] "But..." [Seriously, don''t turn into one of those pathetic losers I had as masters from my past. Make a god damn choice. Either you kill or kick the bucket. It''s not rocket science. Why do you have to be such a pussy about it... Master!] [And it''s not like they''re saints. They were about to take turns viting this girl. It''s called rape, you know. Where''s your manhood? Did the patriarchs of this world kick the bucket?] "Did you have hosts before me?" Rick could not help but ask. [Is that what you really want to know right now? Master!] [You''ve got these meatheads with biceps the size of watermelons trying to kill you. And that is what you want to know? We can chat about other useless crapter. Master!] [Now grow some balls, and put these bloody rapists six feet under. It''s your turn to crush some balls. Master!] As Rick received a stern lecture from the system, Gruff''s face turned a fiery shade of red in response to Rick''s taunts. His fists clenched tightly as he made onest desperate attempt at a punch, but itcked the ferocity of his previous blows. The oue was no different¡ªGruff''s arm went numb, and Rick and the shield remained unharmed. With Gruff''s relentless assault finally thwarted, Rick knew it was his moment to shine. "Feeling a bit limp there, tough guy?" he jeered, his words cutting through the previously tense silence. "Now it''s my turn," Rick dered with a determined look in his eye. Since he had made up his mind, he knew he couldn''t let this opportunity slip through his fingers. Like the system said, and helped him understand, "politely", it was a do-or-die situation, and he understood that leaving these guys alive today would only lead to more trouble down the road. Rick had watched enough movies to know that viins never let go of their grudges. Since the viins never forgave and forgot. He was under no illusion that the old man or his men would spare any effort to hunt him down if given the chance. With that knowledge burning in his mind, Rick made his choice ¨C he had to go all the way, not just to nip the buds but to destroy the roots as well,eradicate the threatpletely. With the old man''s sinister intentions and Gruff''s relentless brutality, Rick had made up his mind. He had to go all the way, not just nip the buds, but destroy the roots as well. He couldn''t afford to show any mercy. Rick squared his shoulders and tightened his grip on the wooden shield, a surge of determination fueling his actions. He swiftly and deliberately thrust the shield toward Gruff, aiming to strike Gruff with force. However, inparison to the Gruff''s devastating blows, Rick''s punch felt like a mere tap, a gentle breeze against a hurricane. Itcked the speed and power that Gruff had disyed earlier, and the difference between the two punches was embarrassingly evident. Gruff, confident in his muscr build and immense strength, chose not to evade or dodge Rick''s punch. Instead, he intended to take it head-on, right on his chest. With a taunting grin, he couldn''t resist delivering one final, humiliating taunt, sneering with arrogance, "You''re like a mosquito trying to bite an elephant!" Rick''s frustration and anger red as Gruff''s taunting words hit home. He knew that his punch alone wouldn''t be enough to defeat Gruff. But Rick had a n, and he needed to execute it perfectly. But when the wooden shield made contact with Gruff''s chest, the smirk on his face froze instantly. It was as if time had slowed down for him, and he felt a sudden, excruciating surge of pain radiating from his chest. The Gruff''s eyes bulged wide, and his mouth opened in a silent scream as the impact of Rick''s punch sent shockwaves of agony coursing through him. The visibly weak punch, which he had initially dismissed, had be a searing source of torment. Pain etched across his face, Gruff desperately wanted to clutch his chest, hoping to alleviate the burning sensation that had engulfed him. The confidence and mockery that had once adorned Gruff''s demeanor had crumbled, reced by unadulterated agony. Then, in an inexplicable instant, a resounding "crack" reverberated through the forest, signaling the shattering of something that defied understanding. Before anyone could fullyprehend what had just happened, Gruff was catapulted through the air like a missile. Rick stood firm, his arm extended after the punch, a resolute expression on his face. Gruff soared past the old man and his frightened henchmen, a streak of blurry motion, and mmed into a colossal rock boulder situated behind them. The collision was catastrophic. Upon impact, Gruff''s body triggered a burst of debris and dust, shrouding the view of the terrified spectators. The forest was suddenly jolted awake, and it felt as if time itself had momentarily halted in the wake of the earth-shattering urrence. As the dust gradually dispersed and the shroud of obscurity dissipated, the harsh truth emerged before the eyes of those present. Gruff was syed out in a nightmarish pose, his limbs contorted at unsettling angles, and his neck brutally twisted. The lifeless form of Gruff was grotesquely sprawled against the colossal rock, serving as a chilling testament of the force behind the impact. His limbs had been contorted into unnatural positions, with shattered bones jutting through torn flesh. His right arm bent backward, while his left leg had broken in multiple ces, creating jagged, bone fragments piercing through torn muscles and skin. Blood streamed from his lifeless form, forming a gruesome pool around the boulder. His injuries were a nightmarishbination of torn flesh and exposed bone, each wound a testament to the brutality of his demise. His neck, in particr, had borne borne the brunt of the impact, snapping with a sickening crack. The vertebrae shattered into fragments, leaving his head hanging at an impossible angle. A jagged wound marked the site of the fracture, oozing a thick, dark stream of blood. Gruff''s expression, which had once oozed arrogance, was now reced by a grimace of excruciating pain and disbelief. His lifeless eyes stared nkly ahead, wide with shock. His mouth hung open as if caught in a silent scream, capturing the torment of his final moments. The forest had morphed into a gruesome scene of death, filled with the pungent smell of blood. An eerie silence hung in the air, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves in the wind. The old man''s face had turned a sickly shade of gray, and his eyes disyed disbelief. The old man''s men, who had earlier cheered on theirpanion''s brutality, now stood in horrified shock, their overconfidence shattered by the horrifying sight before them. The old man and his henchmen were left speechless, confronted with the gruesome spectacle before them. Gruff, once their fearsome enforcer of terror, nowy broken and lifeless. He might not have been the strongest, butpared to Rick, he was like a beast facing a tiny roon. The girl, who had watched the entire sequence of events with wide-eyed amazement, felt a mix of relief and horror. She had been saved from a terrible fate. ''But at what cost?'' The girl thought as she looked at Rick, her brows furrowed. There was nothing free in this world. "Who''s next?" It was Rick''s voice that finally shattered the silence. ***** [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts. Also, don''t forget to read my other story, ''The Devil''s Harem''.] Chapter 68 Kill Kill Kill!!! 68 Kill Kill Kill!!! Chapter - 68 "Who''s next?" Rick''s voice rang out, dripping with disdain as it shattered the stunned silence that had enveloped everyone present. But despite his outward confidence, even Rick himself couldn''t help but be shocked by the gruesome fate that had befallen Gruff. As Gruff relentlessly pounded the wooden shield, the shield''s power, "Counterstrike Reflection," that he read about in the system had sprung into action of its own. It had absorbed each of Gruff''s punishing blows, rendering his punchespletely ineffective. This exined why Gruff''s arm had grown progressively weaker and numb with every strike against the shield. So when Rick had countered with his punch, all the stored energy within the shield had been unleashed upon contact with Gruff''s chest. The pent-up power and energy surged forth, resulting in a catastrophic collision. The oue was devastating¡ªGruff''s body had been torn apart and obliterated by the unleashed force, leaving behind a gruesome scene of destruction. Rick couldn''t help but be overwhelmed by a sickening wave of nausea as he looked at the horrifying aftermath of his punch. Gruff''s lifeless bodyy amidst a growing pool of blood, the sight enough to turn anyone''s stomach. Despite the shock and horror threatening to consume him, Rick managed to suppress the urge to vomit. He had not anticipated that a single punch from the shield would result in such a brutal and final end for the man. His intention had been to incapacitate Gruff, not to end his life in such a gruesome manner. As a result, Rick struggled to keep the bile from rising in his throat, the grim reality of the situation weighing heavily on him. Rick had hoped that Gruff''s gruesome demise would act as a deterrent, causing the old man and the six remaining men to reconsider their actions. With the girl''s safety and his own survival at stake, he needed to regain some control over the situation. But contrary to his expectations, as his disdainful words reverberated through the clearing, he saw a chilling expression on the old man''s face¡ªa look not of anger, but of insatiable greed. They were fixated not on the gruesome aftermath but on the wooden shield clutched in Rick''s hand. In that tense moment, it was as if time itself had slowed down. The old man''s gaze bore into the shield with an unsettling intensity, sending shivers down Rick''s spine. It was as if the old man had suddenly recognized something of immense value, something he coveted above all else. The seemingly ordinary shield had ignited an insatiable hunger within him. The minions too, despite their shock at Gruff''s gruesome end, couldn''t tear their eyes away from the shield. Its enigmatic power held them spellbound, and they exchanged anxious looks, their faces a blend of dread and fascination. 11:24 The old man''s gaze finally left the shield, and he fixed it on Rick with a calcting look. A wicked smile twisted his lips, revealing a set of decayed ck teeth that added to his sinister demeanor. "Son," the old man began in a voice dripping with a sinister charm, "It appears you''ve got something quite remarkable in your hands there." His eyes remained locked on the shield as he continued, "I''m willing to make you a deal, a little trade if you will. Hand over that shield to me, and I assure you, you''ll walk away without a scratch. I won''t even pursue the matter of your little tiff with my man. How about it? I will even do a pinky promise," The old man asked with a grin, disying his dirty, rotting teeth. ''Little tiff?'''' Rick was a bit taken aback by the old man''s words, ''I just killed your man you fucking bastard,'' But it also made Rick understand that every one of them present at this moment meant nothing to the old man, not even his own men. "Pinky promise? Do you think I am some blondy who will spread her legs just because you pinky promise? You sick psycho," Rick retorted, his voiceced with defiance, surrendering the shield was not an option. The old man''s smile faltered momentarily at Rick''s bold retort, but he swiftly regained hisposure. "Very well," he responded, his tone taking on a more ominous edge. "If you won''t give it willingly, then I''ll have to take it by force." "I want that shield," the old man dered, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He turned to his men, his tone threatening, "You fucking morons better not fuck it this time. You know what will happen if..." "We won''t!" The leader among the six men still alive cut the old man before he couldplete. With a signal from the old man, all six of his henchmen charged at Rick simultaneously. There was no time for empty threats or boasting; action was their only recourse. The six men, wasted no time in rushing toward Rick and the girl with a single, shared purpose: to take them down swiftly and without hesitation. The memory of Gruff''s gruesome demise lingered in their minds, serving as a stark warning. Their strategy was straightforward ¨C move in swiftly, attack aggressively, and eliminate the threat. In a matter of moments, they closed the gap between themselves and Rick, their faces contorted with a mixture of determination and fear. But as the henchmen closed in, getting within 30-40 feet of Rick and the girl, a strange and unforeseen event disrupted the impending sh. Suddenly, a dense purple mist materialized seemingly out of thin air, enveloping Rick and the girlpletely. They were concealed from sight, leaving the approaching henchmen bewildered and anxious. The henchmen found themselves surprised and bewildered by the sudden appearance of the mysterious purple mist. Their faces showed a mix of confusion and anxiety, but their initial momentum carried them a few steps closer before they instinctively stopped. As the mist continued to grow, it encroached upon the six men, who exchanged uncertain nces, unsure of how to proceed. Meanwhile, the purple mist expanded rapidly in all directions, like a creeping wave. It moved swiftly, covering everything in its path, including the six men who had been advancing on Rick and the girl. The henchmen''s leader, who had been trailing behind the others, swiftly grasped the dangerous predicament they were facing. He urgently shouted for his fellow henchmen to about-face and make a hasty retreat. Although he couldn''tprehend the nature of the strange mist, he understood the importance of avoiding any risks with the boy involved, especially considering the gruesome end of Gruff that they had just witnessed. Without a moment''s hesitation, the men promptly heeded their leader''smand, pivoting around and making a rapid escape. But just as the six men hastily attempted to turn and flee, a chilling scream pierced through the forest, echoing with sheer terror. One of the men at the forefront had his leg caught up in the insidious mist, and as he attempted to flee, his leg was consumed by the mist, and the gruesome result was exposed for all to see. The mist seemed to devour his flesh, leaving behind a gruesome sight of exposed bone and raw, bloodied tissue, covered in oozing blood. The relentless advance of the purple mist showed no mercy, as it voraciously devoured everything in its path.It didn''t stop at his leg; it devoured flesh, muscle, and sinew with insatiable hunger, leaving only a skeletal appendage coated in glistening blood. And in no time, the man was lost somewhere in the mist. And only his scream of agony echoed through the trees, a harrowing sound that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present. The agony of the first henchman''s suffering was quickly followed by a chain reaction of torment. One after another, the remaining men in the vicinity began to scream and writhe in unbearable pain. The horrifying effects of the purple mist on their bodies were nothing short of catastrophic. It transformed their once-healthy forms into grotesque disys of suffering and hopelessness. This cruel transformation resembled a gruesome masterpiece, with each detail more horrifying than thest. As the mist continued its advance, it callously stripped away their clothing, as if it were melting fabric and fibers like wax. Their garments disintegrated into a sticky residue, leaving the henchmen''s bare flesh exposed and vulnerable to the unrelenting assault. Their eyes, once filled with arrogance and determination, now bulged in sheer terror. Wide-eyed and petrified, their pupils dted to their limits, mirroring the unimaginable horror unfolding before them. Tears mingled with the sweat of their torment, streaming down their faces. Their skin began to blister and form grotesque, pus-filled sacs that ruptured, oozing dark, viscous fluids. Their facial features twisted in agony, mouths agape in never-ending screams, though the forest remained oblivious to their cries. Their flesh bubbled and sloughed away in gruesome clumps, exposing raw, quivering tissue beneath. The relentless mist continued to invade every pore and crevice of their bodies, causing flesh to dissolve before their very eyes,ying bare the stark whiteness of bone beneath deteriorating tissue. Muscles and sinews unraveled like frayed threads, creating a macabre tableau of suffering. The henchmen''s screams grew increasingly desperate, their voices strained and tortured as they sought salvation from their horrifying fate. N?v(el)B\\jnn Their limbs grotesquely twisted and contorted in unnatural ways, as if they were puppets manipted by a malicious force. Fingers and toes disintegrated in gruesome fashion, leaving skeletal digits with exposed tendons. The henchmen wed at their own bodies in a futile attempt to stop the unrelenting agony. The forest bore witness to this nightmarish disy of suffering. It echoed with the men''s agonized screams as they endured the excruciating consequences of the purple mist. Every step they took, every effort to escape, only seemed to heighten their torment. The old man, who had initially regarded the purple mist with greed and ambition, was now immobilized by fear and shock. The boy had one tricks after another on him. Meanwhile, among the six remaining men, it was the bulky and older leader who survived. He had been at the back of the group and reacted quickly. He turned to flee before anyone couldprehend the nature of the purple mist, but it was still faster than him. But maybe the fate had something else written for him.As he sprinted, desperate to avoid contact with the mist, he tripped over something and tumbled to the ground. Horrified, he watched as the mist closed in on him, ready to envelop him. As hey on the ground, ready to ept his fate,he shut his eyes, prepared to meet his end. His only regret was why he had challenged that boy. Hey on the ground, waiting for the inevitabletoe crawling at him, but to his surprise, he felt no pain. Perplexed, he cautiously opened his eyes and saw that the purple mist had gathered in front of him,pletely still. It had halted its advance. He nced down at his legs and saw that the sole of his shoe had barely touched the mist and was slowly dissolving. Reacting quickly, he removed his shoe and threw it away. "Hahaha..." The man chuckled, utterly perplexed by his unbelievable stroke of luck. He had narrowly escaped death by a hair''s breadth, and it was nothing short of astonishing. With a mix of delight and smugness, he turned to the old man, who stood motionless, his eyes wide in bewilderment. "Master... Hahaha... I''m alive, Master... Hahahaha..." The man shouted triumphantly to the old man. But before the old man could react, Rick''s voice emerged from the mist. "Now... Do it." The man was surprised to hear Rick''s voice. As he tried to locate Rick within the mist, a white blur suddenly materialized out of nowhere and struck the man on his back. Normally, such a blow would have meant nothing to him, but since he wasn''t paying attention to his back, he lost his bnce and leaned forward. With shock and horror in his eyes, the man began to fall forward, watching helplessly as the purple mist crept closer and closer to his face. "Oh,Fuck!" ***** [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts. Also, don''t forget to read my other story, ''The Devil''s Harem''.] chapter 69 Finally some introductions [1] 69 Finally some introductions [1] Chapter - 69 As the creepy purple fog kepting after the henchmen, the old man had a tough time finding Rick in the thick fog. He couldn''t see the young guy, but he could hear Rick''s voice from inside the fog. "You''re not dead yet?" The old man was really surprised and kind of couldn''t believe it. As he watched his men scream and crawl in the horrific mist in front of him, he thought the fog would get everyone. But Rick''s voice almost scared the shit out of him. He said it with a rough tone, like he couldn''t quite believe it. After a while, the voice of the old man''s henchmen faded away in the background. The forest became quiet, and the old man lost track of his men. Then, Rick''s voice came from the mist, and it had a teasing and kind of mocking tone. "Alive and kicking, old man," he said with a smirk. "It takes more than yourckeys and a little fog to take me down." "Bet you''re surprised, huh? Your ns didn''t work out the way you thought," Rick teased the old man. "What on earth did you do?" The old man sounded seriously annoyed as he asked, "You even got Bhediya, my right-hand guy. Why''d you do that?" He was pretty angry and trying to figure out the situation. Rick couldn''t resist getting under the old man''s skin a bit more. "Bhediya? What kind of name is that? Seriously, I don''t have any impression of that that guy." "But that Gruff guy, Oh man, he really left quite an impression. Look at that rock behind you, what a mess he made, didn''t he? And as for your men, they got a taste of their own medicine." He was sort of making fun of the situation, which didn''t help the old man''s growing frustration. "You should be dead too. How are you still alive? My men... they''re all gone." The old man couldn''t stop himself from asking. It all happened just so fast in front of his eyes, and before he knew it, everyone was gone. Rick''s response was swift andced with a dark sense of humor. "Well, I''d tell you, but then if I tell you my secrets. I am afraid, I would have to kill you. Are you willing to take that risk?" The old man''s voice trembled with a mixture of anger and confusion, but he did not ask any further. Instead, he asked about something else, "And what was that ghostly thing that showed up out of nowhere and disappeared before I could even see it? What trickery is this?" He demanded an exnation. Rick chuckled, the sound echoing through the mist. "Oh, just a little surprise I had up my sleeve. You see, old man, you''re not the only one with tricks. And I''m not afraid to use them." 11:25 The old man''s patience had worn thin, and his voice quivered with rage. "You''re enjoying this, aren''t you? Taunting me, mocking me." With his tone cocky and yful, Rick spoke, "Can you me me? You were so sure of your power and control, and now you''re stuck dealing with a purple mist. Life has a funnyway of flipping things around, doesn''t it?" The old man was getting more and more impatient and tried to get back in charge. "You might have some tricks, kid, but you''re still caught in that mist. What''s your n here?" Rick spoke confidently, sounding pretty smug. "My n, old man, is to ensure you don''t leave this forest with my head as a trophy on a pike. I''ve faced worse odds than this, and I''ll keep on surviving." And of course, Rick was bluffing his way out. The old man was fuming with anger and frustration. He thought this would be an easy win, but now he was all caught up in unexpected problems. "You might have got this round, kid, but remember my words ¨C I''ll track you down. And when I do, you''ll regret ever crossing paths with me. I will make you regret it." And as he threatened the old man, his greed still burning, cautiously approached the expansive purple mist. The purple mist, which had ceased its advance and now formed a formidable barrier, encasing Rick and the girl in an imprable shroud. It felt as if the mist had created a massive, invisible cage, isting them from the world outside. Worried that Rick might escape with the girl without him noticing, the old man hurriedly walked around the mist, his eyes darting everywhere, trying to spot any movement. He really wanted to get things back under his control and make sure he had the girl. But when he looked, there was no sign of the girl or Rick. It was like they''d disappeared into thin air. The old man had miscalcted the situation, and now he was in a tough spot, and it was his own doing. "Hey, boy!" The old man yelled, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and desperation, "Where are you? Don''t think you''re not getting away from me." From inside the purple mist, Rick''s voice came out, sounding calm and collected. "Don''t bother me, old man. I''ve got stuff to deal with in here." Finally, the old man let out a sigh, his brain working overtime to figure out a solution. None of his tough talk was getting through, so he decided to change his approach. He was ready to try negotiation, hoping to appeal to Rick''s self-interest. "Listen, boy," he started, "You know I want the girl, and I promise you,I will take her with me no matter what. But I don''twant to drag it any longer. And for that, I''m willing to make a deal. If you let me have her, I''ll make it worth your while." n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Rick''s curiosity was piqued, "Oh, now you want to talk? Okay, spill it, what''s your offer, old man?" The old man didn''t waste any time andid out his n, "Boy, I''ve got money and connections. I can offer you a deal ¨C one million dors. Cash, cold, hard cash. You can do whatever you want with it. And all you have to do is just let the girl go." Rick''s voice got all thoughtful, and he acted like he was thinking about it, "Well, old man, I do have a weakness for greenbacks. One million dors, you say? That''s quite an offer I am not going to lie." "You certainly know how to get my attention, old man. But let''s sweeten the deal a bit, shall we?" Rick said looking at the girl, "I am sure the prettydy here must have something to say to me." And sure enough, in the hushed tones of a whispered confession, the girl approached Rick and, without a second thought, spoke, " I will give you $2,000,000. Double of what he is giving," It was an offer she felt was worth every penny to save her life. "Oh... Did you hear that old man? Thedy here is offering me a whooping two million dors. What do you think about that? Isn''t thedy generous?"Rick, maintaining his sense of humor, promptly ryed the girl''s generous offer to the old man. And the old man''s frown deepened, knowing that he had been outbid. "I will give you three million dors," Gritting his teeth and feeling the pressure of the negotiation, the old man offered a substantial increase, bumping his offer even further. It was a significant sum, but as soon as he uttered the amount, the girl interjected again, this time speaking loud enough for both Rick and and the old man to hear. "I will give you double of whatever this sick bastard will offer," the girl dered. The old man''s face twisted in frustration, realizing that in a battle of wealth, he could not outdo the girl''s determination. The game had shifted in her favor. Desperate to gain an edge and aware that no matter what, but the old man could never fight against the girl when money mattered. So the old man decided to take a different approach. He got this wicked grin on his face, raised an eyebrow, and asked a tempting question, "What about women? The girl can''t offer you that, can she?" Rick, as clever as ever, didn''t back down and replied with a teasing tone, "Oh, you''re upping the ante, old man. But let me be clear ¨C when you say ''women,'' are we talking about one woman or a bunch of them? Because, let''s face it, $3 million for just one woman, no matter who she is, well, that''s a bit too much, don''t you think? I''m not that much of a fool." "But before that, did you notice something interesting?" Rick spoke, a hint of yfulness in his voice. "What is it?" But the old man could not help butsound anxious when he heard Rick''s question. "It''s not that huge of a deal, but... I got involved in your business, and I don''t even know you folks," Rick sheepishly said. "..." "..." "Mind telling me what''s the mess I have spread? And your names at at well." Rick asked. "Of course, if you don''t mind. You know... "Privacy" and that shit..." "Are you fucking kidding me?" The old man and the girl yelled at the same time. Probably for the first andst time, they were actuallyon the same page. * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts. Also, don''t forget to read my other story, ''The Devil''s Harem''.] Chapter 70 Finally some introductions [2] 70 Finally some introductions [2] Chapter - 70 "You know what, folks? We''ve been going back and forth about money, cash, women, and whatnot, but here''s the kicker and I realized that just now," Rick, in the middle of this intense showdown, dropped a bombshell of a point, "I messed up the old man''s n, and I don''t even know who you people are!" Hearing Rick, the girl and the old man were like, "Wait, what?!" They were totally baffled by Rick bringing this up in the middle of this crazy situation. But what really ticked off the old man was that Rick was actually right. All that bullshit and the old man even did not know why the boy would meddle. "I mean, yeah, I get it, what I did might''ve been a tad rude, but that''s how the cookie crumbled," Rick said with an innocent shrug. The girl was the first to react, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "Uhh, I don''t think it''s the best moment for that chat. We have to figure out how to get out of this mess first," she suggested, sounding unsure. The old man, equally taken aback, added in a vehement outburst, "You, kid, are you nuts? What''s with this nonsense? You wrecked everything for me, and now you want to have a chat? What a load of baloney!" Rick, adopting an air of innocence and surprise, responded, "Whoa, whoa, simmer down! I figured, why not have a little chit-chat while we''re stuck here? It''s not all about the moh, right?" The old man, his frustration unabated,shed out in annoyance. "It''s not about money? Then why the fuck are you here? You nutcase, go away and give us some peace." And for once, the girl couldn''t agree more with the old man, ''He''s got a point! You''re a total loony.'' The girl thought. Rick, undeterred and still with a hint of humor in his voice, pressed on. "Well, you could say I''m not your typical negotiator. But hey, it''s all about building bridges, right?" The girl began, "You, you absolute... grrr! I can''t even find words for how much you are..." "Hey girl... You''re like, super ungrateful, you know. If this old guy is so awesome and righteous, maybe I should just hand over your buttto him? I will get some easy money and I won''t have to worry about saving that nice ass ofyours." Rick broke the girl''s small bubble of arrogance. He was, somewhat annoyed by the usations being hurled at him.What he said was all in good faith. "And you old coot," He directed his words at the old man, "You can kiss your dream of fucking this bitch goodbye, I ain''t handing her over to you now. Now get going and get busy with your hand. Shoo... Shoo..." Rick shut both the old man and the girl down in one shot. But as soon as he finished talking and realized what he''d said, he felt his cheeks burning with embarrassment. On one hand, he was doing what they wanted, but at the same time, he was also flipping them the bird. He suddenly felt like an idiot. But he wasn''t going to let it show on his face. He was gonna act all shameless about it. The old man, caught off guard by Rick''s response, was momentarily flustered. A sly smile crept onto his face as he attempted to defuse the situation. "Calm down, my friend. Let''s not get carried away. I think it''s about time we get to know each other." Rick raised an eyebrow at thesudden switch in the old man''s attitude but decided to y along. "Oh, now you feel chatty? Okay, old man, let''s hear it." With a fancy air, the old man started, "I''m Garret, a guy with lots of cash and influence. You''ve seen my... uhh, business skills, and I promise you, there''s more where that came from. In this world, they know me as ''The Depra''..." But suddenly, his smug look faded, and he looked a bit awkward. "The Depra? What kind of name is that?" Rick narrowed his eyes and looked at the old man, "C''mon spill it." "The... They call me the... The Depraved Old Sage." "Fucking knew it... I fucking knew it. There is no way the world would not know about a dirty old guy like you chasing after a girl your grand-daughter''s age." Rick nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard the old man''s confession. "But... Hey... Hey... listen up. It''s okay, I''m not judging you. No one is. Alright? Being a pervert is no big deal." "Just be a woke, liberal pervert and everything will be okay," Rick spoke with seriousness, "I am a conscientious pervert, you see. I only ogle responsibly and with eco-friendly intentions. I recycle my dirty thoughts and use organic fantasies! Something like this." Rick turned to the girl with a twinkle in his eye, like he was up to something. Before she could even introduce herself, he just had to butt in. "I''m taking a wild guess here ¡ª You''ve got that icy, poker face going, pretending like nothing fazes you. You''re definitely not an Emily or Karen..." "Evelina, am I right?" Rick whispered, grinning. "You... How do you know? Who are you?" Suddenly the girl who had started to feel a bitfortable and secure around Rick took a few steps back, trying to make some distance between them, "Who sent you?" "Easy there. One more step, and you''ll be joining the boneless club like those other guys," Rick warned the girl and made sure she stayed inside the shield''s barrier. And hearing him, the girl did stop. "From your moves, I''m pretty sure I nailed it," Rick said, but didn''t bother exining more. He just pped his hands and rubbed them together like he was getting ready for the main event. "Now that we''ve got the pleasantries out of the way, let''s get back to business." In fact, it was the system who told him the name of the girl. ust like how it clued him in on Amanda and the gang earlier, the system spilled the beans on the girl''s name. Her full name was none other than "Evelina Bloodthrone." And the system didn''t have a whole lot of dirt on her, except for one tidbit ¨C her Carnal Calibrator was sitting at a respectable score. [ Name: Evelina Bloodthrone Age: 28 years Carnal Calibrator: 35/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] Seems like the fact that Rick showed up to save the girl had done a little magic trick on her. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he directed his attention to the old man, Garret, and cut straight to the heart of the matter. "Now, old man, I''m pretty sure I heard you mention ''women,'' and not just ''woman.'' How many are we talking about?" Garret, a bit thrown off by Rick''s no-nonsense approach, had hoped to dance around the topic and squeeze more intel out of his mysterious counterpart. But Rick''sser focus on the negotiation left Garret with no wiggle room. Garret, sporting a bit of a frown, was in a bit of a pickle. He had tossed in "women" as a bargaining chip, and now he had to spill the beans. He hesitated for a moment and then let out, "Well, when I said ''women,'' I meant... a significant number. You could take your pick. How does that sound?" "A ''significant number''? You can do better than that, old man. Let''s put a number on it. Is it ten? Twenty? A hundred? A thousand?" Rick leaned in, looking all cheeky and excited, and kept pushing, "Sounds like a real bash. You throwing me a harem, or what?" Caught off guard by Rick''s yful interrogation, the old man was stuck. "A harem? Well, I guess we could arrange something like that. More than you can imagine." "More than I can imagine? Now, that''s a wide range, old man. How about you narrow it down? We''re here to talk business, after all." Rick was persistent. Garret, stuck between a rock and a hard ce, felt the pressure of the negotiations and the sheer absurdity of the situation. He kept tiptoeing around the details, saying, "It''s a... substantial number, like I mentioned. You''ll have to take my word on it." Rick, clearly not in the mood for vague answers, decided to give the old man a little nudge. "Trust? In a negotiation like this, pal, it''s all about the nitty-gritty. So, how about you toss out a number, and we can roll with it." Garret, seeing that his attempts at mystery weren''t flying, chose to go with the straight goods. He took a deep breath and, sounding a bit exasperated, said, "Alright, alright! We''re talking about fifty women. Happy now?" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Rick, finally getting a solid number from Garret, couldn''t help butugh. "Fifty women, huh? Now that''s an offer, old man. But remember, I''ve got some pretty high standards." 11:26 The old man, now feeling a bit relieved that he''d given a clear answer, let out a chuckle too. "High standards, huh? Guess you don''t know me." "I don''t." "..." Having sorted out the terms of the old man''s deal, and leaving him speechless,Rick now turned his gaze toward Evelina, looking all hopeful and intrigued. He was itching to see what she''de up with as a response to the old man''s wild proposal. With a twinkle in his eye, Rick asked, "Alright,dy, what''s your move? Fifty women is a hard act to follow. What''s your offer?" ''All fucking men are the same,'' Evelina cursed as she saw the smile on Rick''s face. But on her face, there was a yful smirk stered. She was quite proficient in masking her emotions and pull up a fake smile, "Well, Rick, I might not match up to fifty women, but I can definitely stir the pot." "How about a hundred men? Does that tickle your fancy enough?" Rick couldn''t help butugh at Evelina''s unexpectedeback. "A hundred men, huh? Now that''s a bold move. It looks like we''re in the market for bulk deals here," Rick said, ncing over at the old man. "Old man... The girl is all yours, so..." But the girl''s smirk turned into a panicked expression as she quickly stopped Rick, covering his mouth. "Seriously, are you that petty?" The girl looked at Rick,ining. Rick just gave a casual shrug, still sounding all cheeky. "Hey, why not? Life''s too short not to have a little fun, even in the weirdest of situations." Evelina sighed and, after a moment''s thought, decided to throw out her counteroffer, "Alright, how about this? I can offer you ess to the most exclusive and secret societies in the world. ess to power, knowledge, and connections beyond your wildest dreams." Rick''s eyes widened with surprise, and his grin stretched even wider. "Secret societies, huh? That''s got me intrigued. But, Evelina..." Rick, despite being intrigued by the secret society offer, couldn''t help but shake his head with a grin. "Secret societies and all that? It''s definitely impressive, but it''s not exactly my scene. What am I gonna do with secret handshakes and hidden agendas? The old man''s got the upper hand for now. Unless..." "Unless what?"Evelina''s curiosity was tickled, and she leaned in to catch what Rick had cooking. Rick''s expression took on a sly, lecherous quality as he continued, "Unless you''re willing to offer yourself as part of the deal." As he spoke, his gaze not-so-subtly traveled down to Evelina''s chest, as he looked at her big, voluptuous breasts and clicked his tongue in appreciation, "You see, with assets like those, I''m pretty sure we could strike a pretty sweet deal." p! It didn''t even take a breath after Rick''s words left his mouth before the forest echoed with a resounding p, Evelina''s outrage loud and clear. "You scum." * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts. Also, don''t forget to read my other story, ''The Devil''s Harem''.] Chapter 71 The slap is going to hurt 71 The p is going to hurt Chapter - 71 Rick, even though he could feel the sting of Evelina''s p on his cheek, didn''t seem all that bothered by it. He sported a smirking grin as he rubbed his face, showing his amusement. His eyes glinted with a hint of mockery as he gazed at Evelina. He couldn''t help but be a tad impressed by her boldness. "You''ve got some fire in you, huh?" Rickmented, the ghost of a smirk still ying on his lips. He couldn''t help but admire Evelina''s tenacity. Even when faced with the lecherous old man who seemed keen on tasting her body, she had the gumption to p Rick for a mere nce. It was an over-the-top reaction that had definitely caught his attention. "That''s quite a reaction," he noted, arching an eyebrow. "Even a bit over the top, I''d say. But you''ve got spirit, I''ll give you that. You''re definitely making things interesting." Rick, undeterred by Evelina''s ring eyes, decided to check her information in the Carnal Calibrator of the system. [ Name: Evelina Bloodthrone Age: 28 years Carnal Calibrator: 40/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''How good are you at faking it?'' With the temptation meter sitting at 40, Rick''s eyes twinkled mischievously as he nced at the Carnal Calibrator. [ 1. Apologize for your behavior. (Temptation + 0) 2.Tell Evelina her p will be asting memory, but keep that smirk. (Temptation + 10) 3.p her back. (Temptation - 40) ] "I have to admit, that p was more memorable than your secret societies. Where did you learn to p like that?" Rick pondered the avable choices, having a pretty good idea of what was going on beneath the surface of Evelina''s facade. Evelina maintained her icy, poker face, keeping her feelings hidden the surface as she retorted, "You''ve got a lot to learn about boundaries, Rick." [ 1. Tell Evelina. Boundaries? Where''s the fun in that? (Temptation + 10) 2. Tell Evelina.You''re right, Evelina. I may have overstepped my boundaries. (Temptation + 0) "Boundaries? Where''s the fun in that? I''m stuck in this weird forest, dealing with a money-obsessed old man and a gorgeousdy offering me a backstage pass to secret societies. So, why not spice things up?" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "This ce is just too bizarre not to keep things interesting." Evelina shot back, her response still deadpan. "You''re not exactly making a great case for yourself, you know." "Oh, Evelina, we''re just getting started here. Remember, we have the old man over there, eagerly anticipating my decision. And I''m eager to hear yours." "So, Miss Poker Face, have you made your choice?" "Don''t make me regret putting my trust in you," Evelina''s expression remained poker-faced, but there was a hint of a smile as she replied, "Let''s stick to the task at hand, shall we?" [ 1. Say, How typical of you. Business before pleasure. But a little pleasure never hurt anyone, right? (Temptation + 5) 2. "Looks like your childhood wasn''t a real party, huh? They say all work and no y... you know how it goes. You never really bought into that, did you?" (Temptation - 20) ] Evelina''s patience appeared to be wearing thin as she replied, "Rick, can we just stick to money?" Meanwhile, when the old man stopped getting response from Rick, he started to feel increasingly impatient outside the thick purple fog. He paced back and forth, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. The opportunity to have the girl was too good to pass up, and he couldn''t afford to let her escape. He knew that if he missed this chance, he''d be hunted by the girl''s vengeful family for the rest of his life. And more importantly, the girl was a key for him. A key to unlock the door that has been shut for him for so many years that he could not even imagine. With the girl, that door was just one step away. He had groomed the girl for thest seventeen years, just for this day. He patiently watched the bud bloom in front of him. And he was ever so close to plucking that flower. Just this close... Everything had been meticulously nned.Until, that nameless boy showed up. And just ruined everything for him. "Boy! Why did you go silent all of a sudden. Say something," Desperation gnawed at him, and he decided to call for Rick, who was still inside the protective mist. The old man''s voice rang out, echoing through the forest. Upon hearing the old man''s desperate plea, Rick couldn''t help but wear a mischievous smirk as he exchanged a meaningful nce with the girl. "I''m really torn here. It''s not easy being me, you know? What should I do, Evelina?" "Old man, you''re still out there? I thought you might have gone for a leisurely stroll or something," but Rick didn''t let the girl respond as he teased the old man, trying to suppress hisughter. "What''s the rush? I''ve got my hands full right now. Really full." "Maybe you should take a nap or something," Rick suggested, rolling his eyes, "I will try to be quick." However, the old man had run out of patience and couldn''t tolerate Rick''s jests any longer. His desperation had reached its peak. "I don''t have time for your games, boy. I want that girl, and I want her now." "Garret, you seem to be in quite a rush. What''s the hurry? Worried she might slip away? Don''t you trust me, your little aplice?" Rick taunted, a smirk ying on his lips. Garret, growing impatient, tried to issue a threat, "Boy, you''re really pushing it. You don''t want to make an enemy out of me." Rick,pletely unfazed, continued to mock the old man, "Oh, my "Depraved Sage", you''re such a charming fellow. But we''ll do things our way, not yours." Garret, his voiceced with fury, snapped, "You little brat, I''ll¡ª" Before he could finish his threat, Rick interjected with a tone of finality, "You little what? Listen, old man, here''s a piece of advice for you: Learn to be patient, especially when you''re holding no cards in your hand." "Boy, you---" "Now, old man, put a cork in it. Your breath stinks, and I can smell it from here. If it''s time for you to get the girl, I''ll be sure to let you know. But for now, I''m in the middle of a crucial conversation with thedy." "Please!" And with the old man going silent, Rick again turned towards the girl. And as soon as he turned his attention back to Evelina, the frown on his face was reced by a yful grin yed on his lips. "Well, well, Miss Evelina, it appears we have a moment to ourselves. How about we pick up where we left off?" "I can see it in your eyes, the temptation by this handsome face of mine.So how about we have a little adventure of ourselves while we are stuck in this damning forest? You and me, partners in some fun." Evelina, her poker face unwavering, responded with a calm demeanor, "Why do you find this amusing? We''re trapped in this dangerous mist, my man is shot, he is dying, and that old bastard is outside, waiting for us. This is no joke. We have to do something." "Technically, he''s not waiting for us. I could slip away whenever I please. No one can stop me." "But what did you mean by ''your man''? Is it like ''your man'' or just your man?" "In all of it. This is it what bothers you?" "Well, it does to some extent. I wouldn''t risk my life to save someone else''s...dy of the night, you know. It''s not quite morally sound, and I''m a person of high moral standards." Rick raised his hand, adopting a pious expression. "Lady of... What? You... Are you... Auhh..."Evelina found herself at a loss for words and sighed, "I don''t care anymore." "It''s just a deal. You save me, and I will give you cash. Enough cash that you might not even seen in you whole life. Ten million dors. How does that sound?" Evelina crossed her arms, and looked at Rick with confidence. This has to do the deal. "Ten million dors? Woah, nowthat''s a hard offer to resist." No amount of women couldpare to such an enormous sum of money. Rick was ready to ept the deal and get on with the task of saving the girl. He had spent too much time juggling both the girl and the old man. And that too when he wasn''t even going to let the old man have her. Rick was just having fun with both of them. But can the system let him have such an easy way out? Sometimes Rick could not help but think that the system was just their to mess with him and enjoy as it watched Rick dance to his tunes. Ding! [ Quest: When you have already done so much for thedy. It is only right that you take some advantage of her. So... Why don''t you just fuck her? Time Duration: Since you don''t have any time. Why not get it done in the next 1-hour? Rewards: Ero Points: 150,000 (For doing it in the wild. Oh boy!); Cash: $250,000; EXP: +50. ] ''And why am I not surprised?'' Such a good deal and so how can the system let him ept that. And what''s worse was that Rick could not even refuse the quest. The system has thrown in something that he had been craving for in the rewards, The Experience points. It had been so long that Rick has been struck on "9900" Experience points. He only needed 100 to level up, but they were nowhere to be seen in the rewards. And now he finally had a chance to get some Experience points if not all. He couldn''t just let the opportunity slip. So, with a heart as heavy as a boulder, and eyes sadder than a puppy who lost its favorite chew toy, Rick gazed deep into Evelina''s soul, and muttered the words. "Your offer is really too good. But who says we can''t mix business with pleasure?" * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts.] Chapter 72 Laying the Pitch 72 Laying the Pitch Chapter - 72 "Your offer is really too good. But who says we can''t mix business with pleasure?"Rick scratched his head, and spoke with a heavy heart. I mean,e on, ten million dors! You don''t say no to that unless you''re Scrooge McDuck, or well, poor as dirt, like Rick''s bank ount. And even if you''re not scraping pennies together, ten million is like hitting the jackpot. McDuck, who won''t even let go of a penny, might even kill for that ten million. But wait for it, because herees the kicker. He had to say bye-bye to that mountain of moh. Why? Because the system waved something in his face that''s rarer than finding a four-leaf clover ¨C Experience Points. So there was nothing else to discuss. The more he drags this out, the guiltier he would feel as conversation went on. [ 1. Tell Evelina. You want to fuck her. Straight and simple. (Temptation + 10) 2. Try to set up the mood. Compliment Evelina (Temptation + 5) ] "Let me be clear with you,dy," Rick was done ying coy. He stared right into Evelina''s eyes and spilled the beans, "I want you. I want to fuck you. Here and now." Evelina was caught off guard by the sudden boldness,her eyebrows shooting up to the moon. Even her poker face couldn''t hide her surprise, "This is so unexpected..." But before she could finish her sentence, Rick interrupted, a determined look in his eyes, "Wait, just hear me out. I''ve got an idea." As Rick made his audacious proposal, the forest seemed to hold its breath. Evelina''s eyebrow arched in surprise, and she couldn''t believe her ears. It was so out of the blue. Rick, however, wasn''t backing down. He had a proposition in mind and he was ready to sell it. N?v(el)B\\jnn Evelina still looking a bit bewildered, finally gave a hesitant nod. "Alright, you better have something good up your sleeve to exin this absurdity." [ 1. Offer Evelina a deal, against saving her. (Temptation + 10) 2. Plead her to have sex with you. (Temptation - 45) ] ''So she is a business woman. Profits and Losses.'' Rick was enlightened. Rick leaned in, keeping his voice low and conspiratorial, "Listen,dy, I''ve got an offer for you. I''ll be your knight in shining armor, save you from that old man, and keep you safe from any harm. And in return...well, you and me, we are going to get down, real down." Evelina''s expression morphed from surprise to full-on skepticism as she processed Rick''s wild idea. She was one tough cookie and not someone who''d be easily swayed. Her voice had an icy edge as she replied, "So, you''re basically asking me to trade my safety for...well, selling myself to you?" Rick, not the least bit fazed and sporting a hint of amusement, shook his head and decided to rify his peculiar proposal. "Nah, not quite, Evelina. Think of it more like a survival strategy. It''s either we both go down with the ship, or you let me, well, scratch my itch, and we both get to sail to safety. The choice is yours." "I can''t believe you''re actually suggesting this," Evelina grumbled, struggling to wrap her head around the audacity of Rick''s n. She questioned him with disbelief, "So, you''re saying you can only save me if I... do that? That''s just absurd." "You really think that makes any sense?" Eveline asked, she could not believe Rick''s guts to actually say that. Rick shrugged and continued with his unique logic, "Well, you see, look, my powers are kinda unique. They''re fueled by, well, uh, doing ''that thing.'' I don''t know why we''re tiptoeing around the word ''sex.'' You are over 18, right? But yeah, that''s how I managed to fend off those weaklings back there." "I arrived in this forest after, um, some serious, vigorous workouts in the boudoir, a serious, good few rounds of pounding the hole, and it gave me the energy I needed to survive. But now that I''ve used it all to save you, I need to... replenish." "And for that, your man and you are the only power outlets avable. And, let''s be real, I don''t know about you, butI''m not into touching the guy. I don''t swing that way." "This is ridiculous. I can''t believe you''re serious." Evelina couldn''t help but be incredulous about the situation, her voice oozed with disbelief as she eximed. "Why are you like a stuck gramophone?" Rick rolled his eyes, looking slightly annoyed by her persistent skepticism, and replied, "Desperate times call for desperate measures. It''s your call. Do you want to do it or not?" "No way, there''s got to be another way," Evelina said, hesitating for a moment before reluctantly she resigned asigh, "I can''t believe you want me to consider that." Evelina''s initial disbelief quickly transformed into frustration as she found Rick''s idea utterly ridiculous, "This is nuts, Rick. There''s got to be another solution. If you need more money, I can give you even more of it." [ 1. Tell Evelina. Money means nothing to him in front of her. (Temptation + 10) 2. Brag about you having no need of money. (Temptation - 5) ] "Money? Even ten million bucks aren''t cutting it? What''s next, you''ll offer twenty? Thirty? Even more?" Rick shot Evelina a scornful look. "Money means squat to me in front of you." But as much as Rick pretended to be unfazed, inside, he was practically tearing his hair out. I mean, we''re talking about "Ten Million dors" or even more here! ''But what if...'' And then, in the middle of his silent hair-pulling, an absolutely crazy idea popped into Rick''s head. His eyes darted toward Evelina, ''What if we...?'' "What are you saying?" Evelina said, her face still emotionless while facing. But down there, she was tightly holding her shirt. "Come on, Evelina, think it over. It''s like a jackpot for both of us. We get what we want, and we don''t end up worm food." "Would you rather go for it with that old geezer, or me? I''m betting I''m a lot more exciting than that fossil." "This is crazy." [ 1. Kiss Evelina. (Temptation + 5) 2. Pull back and wait for Evelina to make the first move. (Temptation - 15) ] There was no other choice.Rick leaned in closer without any warning, dering, "I''m going to kiss you. If you''re so against it, just shove me away." ~~~~~ Amanda sat alone in the lockerroom, gripping her phone like it held the answers to life''s biggest mysteries. Her face was andscape of frustration, and she found herself muttering her thoughts to the empty air. "Why isn''t he responding to my messages?" She sighed heavily, giving her hair a tousled shake for added drama. "It''s been two whole days without a call. Where in the world is he?" Her brows knitted into a perplexed frown as she stared at the uncooperative screen. "Could he be cheating on me?" She whispered the question like a ghostly suspicion, her imagination conjuring up wild scenarios as her thumb nervously tap-danced across the silent screen. Just as Amanda was about to fire off another text to Rick, her phone practically jumped out of her hand with a ring ringtone. She snatched it up, her face etched with confusion. It was a call from her fellow nurse, and her frown deepened. Amanda paused for a moment, caught between a whirlwind of emotions. But the ringing persisted, and Amanda''s mood worsened with the continuous ringing. She reluctantly answered, her voice quivering, "Hello?" "Get over to Doctor Rachel''s office pronto. She''s waiting for you," a voice on the other end of the line rushed out, and Amanda''s heart raced. Her heart sank, and her irritation at Rick''s silence was swiftly overshadowed by the urgency when she heard Rachel was the one looking for her. Reluctantly, she looked at her phone, her thoughts momentarily interrupted. With a heavy heart, she acknowledged that there were far more pressing matters. She swiftly stashed her phone in her locker, snagged her coat, and dashed out of the room, heading for Doctor Rachel''s office. ~~~~~ "Room 108. This is it" Gloria stared at the door as shestood before an apartment, her phone clutched tightly in one hand while her other hand held the crumpled piece of paper with the apartment''s address. Right at this moment, she was standing in front of Rick''s apartment. She''de to meet him, driven by an unsettling sense of unease that had been eating at her since his sudden vanishing act. Just two days ago, he''d messaged her, saying he had to take off urgently, right before their scheduled rendezvous. She couldn''t quite wrap her head around the idea that he''d jet off without any exnation. As Gloria wavered in front of the doorbell, her thoughts swirled like a tornado, each one wing for a piece of her attention. "What if he''s actually telling the truth?" A pesky little voice of doubt danced around inside her head. She had to grudgingly admit that there was a chance something seriously crucial had cropped up in Rick''s world. But her gut wouldn''t let her ignore that nagging suspicion either. "I have to talk to him," she dered to herself, her resolve hardening. The bizarre incident at the store had thrown her for a loop, and the idea of Rick bbing about it to anyone made her stomach churn. Her secret had to stay locked away, deep in the vault. Gloria nced at the door, her heart pounding with uncertainty. "What if he''s angry at me for being here unannounced? What if he then decides to tell everyone about that day?" She knew that confronting him like this could backfire. Her mind raced with thoughts of the potential consequences. Time seemed to stretch, and the temptation to send a text message tugged at her. But Rick had been ignoring her messages, and her intuition told her that face-to-face was the way to go, to decipher the truth in his expressions and bodynguage. Bracing herself, she gathered her courage and finally pushed the doorbell. The subtle chime echoed through the corridor, causing her heart to do a full sprint in her chest. The door did swing open, but it wasn''t Rick''s apartment that greeted her. Instead, it was the door of the neighboring unit that squeaked open, and a curious face poked out. "Hey, who are you? What''s going on outside Rick''s ce?" The voice dripped with skepticism and wariness. . * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts.] Chapter 73 Rick and Evelina [1] (18+) 73 Rick and Evelina [1] (18+) Chapter - 73 Rick had been fighting the maic pull between them for ages, but the tension had reached a breaking point. If his calctions were on the money, this kiss was about to crank the temptation level up to a scorching "100". And after that, well, there would be no stopping them from diving headfirst into the mud of passion. With a mixture of anticipation and hesitation, he leaned in, his lips just inches from Evelina''s. The air was thick with desire, and their breaths mingled.Rick inched closer, his heart racing and his breath hitching in anticipation. As he neared Evelina, he could practically feel the warmth of her presence drawing him in. There was a split second of doubt, a lingering question of whether she''d back away. But much to his sheer delight, there was no resistance in sight. Evelina didn''t shove him away or make a hasty retreat. She stood her ground, firmly rooted in ce, and her eyelids slowly closed, as if extending a warm invitation for Rick to take that leap. Rick didn''t have to think twice. His longing heart was in the driver''s seat, and it raced ahead without hesitation. With a passion that could set the room on fire, he ardently met Evelina''s soft and weing lips with his own. Though there was a hint of resistance, Rick was determined. He locked their mouths together in a sizzling, intoxicating dance of desire. As Evelina initially attempted to break the kiss, Rick''s hands instinctively slid to her waist, refusing to let her slip away. He drew her closer, intensifying the kiss with a newfound fervor. Their mouths merged, their lips teasingly grazing one another before slightly parting to allow their tongues to intertwine in a seductive, intimate dance. Evelina''s initial kiss was a bit sloppy, a bit clumsy, and though Rick was a recent graduate after losing his virginity, he had a nice three performances under his belt, and he was the veteran in this case. To guide Evelina into the kiss, he gently slid his hand up her back, gently caressing her over her shirt. The caress sending delightful shivers coursing through her body, and her legs could not help but feel weak. Rick''s fingers wove into her hair, coaxing her even closer into a deeper, more intense kiss. In that moment, Evelina''s mind went blissfully nk, the entire world around them fading into oblivion. The old man, her woundedbodyguard, the looming forest, and her lingering fears all vanished, reced by the rapidly growing desire between them. The only reality that remained was the fiery heat of their bodies and the electric charge of their entwined tongues. Evelina''s delicate nails lightly grazed the nape of Rick''s neck, causing an electrifying shiver to cascade down his spine. His hands migrated down to her waist, pulling her even closer as their kiss evolved into a passionate exploration. Their bodies pressed together, it was as if gravity had suddenly intensified, and they couldn''t get enough of each other. Their breaths grewbored, and the taste of each other consumed their senses. It was as if Evelina had savored a forbidden fruit, one that was exquisitely sweet and irresistibly tempting. Rick''s spine tingled as Evelina''s soft moan reverberated in their shared kiss, an affirmation that this was exactly where they both wanted to be. In that stolen moment, they were utterly consumed by one another, the taste, scent, and touch creating an intoxicating blend that left them craving more. The barriers that had previously separated them melted away, and their connection zed like an unstoppable wildfire. Time became a mere afterthought as they continued to explore each other''s desires. They broke the kiss briefly, their lips swollen and glistening, but the fiery yearning in their eyes only grew more intense. This was a moment to savor, and Rick did not have any intention of letting it slip away. For a brief, hazy moment, everything seemed like a dream to Evelina. However, as she gradually withdrew her lips from Rick''s, her senses started to return. She ced her hands on his chest, attempting to lean back, her intention being to put an end to their kiss. N?v(el)B\\jnn But as she started to pull away, Rick''s hands began a tantalizing journey, running up her back, over his thin shirt,caressing her neck, and then, when they reached the back of her head, he gently but firmly tugged her back into their passionate kiss. The "no" she had intended to say got lost in the fiery kiss. As her brain slowly regained control, Evelina made another attempt to pull back, but it became increasingly evident that she was thoroughly captivated by the experience. She yielded to Rick''s advances, allowing his tongue to part her lips and enter into her mouth. Their tongues intertwined in a passionate dance, and they tasted each other as their tongues shed together. Rick continued to kiss Evelina, his desires unabated despite her gentle protests. He left her lips and made his way to her ears, softly nibbling on her earlobes while peppering kisses along her ear, her cheek, and tracing a path down her jawline. His attention then returned back to the corner of her mouth, where he nted a tender peck, right on the edge of her lips. The sensation sent tingles through her body, and she couldn''t help but lean more into Rick. Evelina''s walls crumbledpletely, and in that moment, she ceased overthinking. Nothing mattered except the here and now, the electric sensations coursing through her body. She turned back to Rick, and this time, it was Evelina who initiated a fervent kiss. For Rick, this was the green light he''d been waiting for. The beautiful woman in his arms kissed him with all the passion she could muster, and a joyful smile spread across his lips. Their kiss escted into a fervent, almost desperate encounter. Evelina''s hands became tangled in Rick''s hair, her fingers running through it as she drew him closer, attempting to merge their very souls. For a brief moment, they separated to catch their breath, each trying to regain a semnce of control over themselves. But the hiatus was short-lived, as they swiftly resumed their passionate embrace. In that moment, it was evident that it was Evelina who hungered for that passionate rendezvous in the middle of nowhere, and they gave in to their desires with unparalleled intensity. A switch has been flipped. Rick was now absolutely certain that the desires between them burned hot, so he allowed his hand to wander down Evelina''s body once more. His fingers traced down the exposed skin of her neck and slipped beneath the delicate fabric of her dress to gently cup her ample left breast. Evelina quivered under Rick''s touch, her body yearning for more, aching for further stimtion. She had never experienced such intense desire, never lusted in this way. The old man had been a controlling presence in her life for as long as she could remember. He''d told her grandfather it was all for her benefit, part of his grand ns for her. It became painfully clear that the old man''s intentions had been nothing but deception. He hadn''t been grooming Evelina for her own good; instead, he had constructed a prison around her, ensuring that she could never experience the touch of another man, fostering her istion and control. The truth was far more sinister than any facade he''d presented. But now, in this stolen moment with Rick, a newfound awakening surged through her, a desire she''d never known. The world was opening up, and she was ready to explore it. And because of that, she still struggled to believe any of this was happening. Although the growing warmth and moistness between her legs begged to differ. She wanted to speak, to say things to her new lover, but deep down she knew that the time for talking was done for now. Rick''s hand, with a mind of its own, slipped from Evelina''s breast to the inside of her thigh, his touch making her body tremble. Even though Evelina knew what wasing, she couldn''t help but shudder and moan when his fingers sensually traced the moist lips of her pussy over her tight pants. Rick was just as excited when he felt the slight wetness on his fingers over her pants, even more so when he felt Evelina''s reaction to his touch. Evelina was venturing into uncharted territory, experiencing sensations she''d never encountered before. She trembled slightly as the adrenaline surged through her, but Rick had no intentions of stopping now. His hand enclosed Evelina''s moist lips and began a tantalizing journey, his fingers gliding up and down her pussy, fully aware of the sensitivity and pleasure this area could offer. He held back from slipping his fingers through her pants, between those lips just yet, opting to tease and tantalize the sensitive region, building the tension until Evelina could bear it no longer, until she begged to be taken to the heights of a thunderous orgasm. Evelina''s breaths came in deep and heavy, the sensations of Rick''s delicate touch in her most intimate ce sending waves of desire coursing through her. It wasn''t just the feel of his soft tongue in her mouth that had left her breathless. As they finally broke their kiss, their lips parting, their connection remained unwavering. Their breaths hung in the air, heavy and filled with desire, and their eyes locked, sharing an unspoken dialogue that hinted at whates next. "God, you''ve got great tits, girl,"Rick whispered, his voice brimming with admiration and longing. Ding! [Target Information. Name - Evelina Bloodthrone Age - 28 years Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 (Extremely Horny) Romance Radar - 00/10 ] * * * * * [A/N: 1.Now there will be another set of R-18 chapters. If you want to read them all together, you might want to wait for 2-3 days. If not, do read daily. 2. Meanwhile, you can send me some gifts, golden tickets, leavements and vote. Chapter 74 Rick and Evelina [2] (18+) 74 Rick and Evelina [2] (18+) Chapter - 74 [Target Information. Name - Evelina Bloodthrone Age - 28 years Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 (Extremely Horny) Romance Radar - 00/10 Body Count - 0 Sexual Preferences - Never really got to think about it. Kinks - Strangely enough, she hasn''t had any. Why don''t you try molding her. Feelings - She is feeling conflicted. But the kiss with you has set aze a spark of desire, leaving her yearning for more. ] ''I get to tame her?'' The idea of "taming" Evelina held an allure for Rick. She was a stark contrast to Amanda, who exuded cheerfulness, friendliness, and a certain level of trust. Evelina, however, seemed like the pr opposite. Rick had mostly seen a lifeless expression on her face, with only the faintest glimpses of emotional change. As the system had hinted, the girl appeared to have a knack of making deals. So it was highly unlikely that a businesswoman like her could easily ce her trust in someone else. The thrill of the challenge was electrifying, and the prospect of taming Evelina sent shivers of excitement down Rick''s spine. Now he was even more determined not to give up on her. Let the old man go fuck himself if he is that horny. This girl was now his. "God, you''ve got great tits, girl,"Rick whispered, his voice brimming with admiration and desire. Evelina''s inner turmoil became evident as she halted for a moment, her gaze fixed on the young man standing before her. Her emotions were a swirling mix, with her rational mind screaming for her to stop, fully aware that this was not something she desired. The idea of selling herself was something she detested, when she knew that it was Rick nting that idea of his in her mind. Yet, a different, more primal battle raged in her heart. There was an intense fire fire coursing through her veins,burning within her, heating her body and consuming her. Each word that Rick spoke felt like kerosene, fueling that internal ze. Her rational mind led her to frown upon those words, but her heart, her desire, yearned for them even more. It was as if, somehow, she knew that only Rick had the power to extinguish the irresistible fire raging within her. Meanwhile, Rick''s attention remained fixated on Evelina''s breasts, he couldn''t help but be entranced by the way they pressed against her tight shirt, yearning to escape their confines. He had felt the smoothness of her skin and the gentle, perky fullness of her breasts earlier in the heat of the moment, and now, the urge to touch them surged again. They were practically right in front of him, hanging there like ripe fruit, begging to be caressed and enjoyed. The temptation was nearly irresistible.It was almost a crime not to touch them. Rick acted on his impulse without hesitation, raising his hands to squeeze Evelina''s breasts over her shirt.However, almost immediately, he felt her hands grab his wrists, pushing him away. "What are you doing?" Evelina suddenly broke from her trance, her tone carrying a scolding note, as she adjusted her clothing. But Rick remained undeterred, reaching up to take another generous squeeze. "No..." Evelina moaned as she once again grabbed his wrists and attempted to move his hands away. Rick, however, managed to resist and continued to fondle her breasts. He felt a surge of pride in his persistence. "Sorry, but you''re just... you''re so beautiful. And your breasts, they''re absolutely perfect," Rick admitted, his desire clear in his voice. Evelina''s boobs were slightly bigger than Amanda''s, and they felt a bit more firm,pared to the softness Amanda''s boobs had. Evelina''s boobs had this perfect mix of being firm yet plush, the fullness of her bosom held a certain allure that seemed to draw Rick in Her boobs were pretty much the same size as Gloria''s. They shared that simr shape and size, creating a striking likeness. But he could notpare their softness, as Rick was yet to have a taste of Gloria''s boobs. As Rick continued topare Evelina''s breasts with his other women, she bit her lip, desperately trying to preserve her remaining shreds of sanity. With a determined push, she managed to move his hands away entirely, releasing his wrists and cing her hands on his shoulders. "We can''t do this. Not here," Evelina stated, her gaze shifting to the middle-aged man lying on the ground beside them. The man was her bodyguard, someone who had watched her grow from childhood, almost like a father figure. The thought of engaging in something so intimate in front of him, she couldn''t possibly bring herself to do that. "He''s out cold, that useless dead weight won''t even know a thing," Rick argued, trying to persuade Evelina. "No, I can''t. He is..." Evelina still tried to refuse, making up some excuse, but Rick interrupted her. "You want me to push him outside this barrier?" Rick asked, his usual smile vanished, reced by a more serious expression, "I just need to push him out of this barrier and he won''t know a thing. Never." "No... Don''t," Evelina''s yelled, afraid that Rick might actually do it. Her eyes turned red, almost at the thoughtof it. "Then be a good girl. And I will save both of you," Rick dered as he firmly grasped Evelina by the hips and pulled her closer. She stumbled towards him, her breasts practically smashingagainst his face. Before she could react, Rick started licking and kissing her cleavage. "Enhh! Stop!" Evelina pleaded, her resistance wavering in the face of the sensations coursing through her body. Evelina struggled to dislodge Rick''s head from her chest, but he clung to her as if yearning for his mother''s milk, his eagerness unyielding. She swiftly realized her efforts were futile and ceased her resistance. The moment he felt her resistance fade, Rick grabbed the cor of her shirt and forcefully pulled it open. The buttons of her shirt scattered in all directions, baring her creamy, white skin to Rick''s eyes. He yanked her shirt down beneath her breasts, unveiling them in their full splendor to his ravenous gaze. "Aahh!" Evelina gasped, overwhelmed by the sudden exposure,a mixture of surprise and vulnerability in her voice. The sight of Evelina''s breasts had the power to instantly sober Rick up, had he been drunk beyond recognition. She possessed a magnificent pair, with the most enticing and suckable nipples he had ever encountered. Well, he had only seen one. But no matter how beautiful Amanda''s boobs were, in this moment, nothing could beat Evelina''s breasts. With a sense of urgency, Rick cupped and squeezed both of Evelina''s breasts in his hands before quickly taking one of her nipples into his mouth, eager to savor the taste and sensation. "N... nooo!"Evelina again tried to wiggle free, but the intense pleasure of the tit sucking was making her weak. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Ohhhh, God!" Evelina''s moans filled the air, escaping her lips despite her attempts to stifle them. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying her best to contain the sounds of pleasure that threatened to emerge. Rick continued nursing on Evelina''s breasts, feeling her nipples stiffen in response. Evelina slowly stopped struggling. She just stood there and let the young boy suck on her tits. After a few minutes, Rick stopped and looked up at Evelina with a grin. His cock felt like it was going to rip right through his pants. Evelina stepped back, endeavoring to regain herposure. The warm, setting sun illuminated the wetness Rick had left on her breasts, a sensual reminder of the passionate encounter they had just shared. Evelina remained before Rick, her breasts still exposed, and she made no move to cover herself. Observing herck of action, Rick decided to take the initiative. He began to undo his pants. "Ahh!! Oh, God," Evelina screamed as she caught sight of Rick stripping, and she hurriedly covered her eyes, overwhelmed by the unfolding scene. The old man''s voice rose in rm, "Why? What happened? What was that scream? Boy? Tell me, is the girl okay?" "Shut up, old coot. You worry about yourself first, and let me handle the girl," Rick scolded the older man, who fell silent. He then waved his hand and out of thin air, a mattress conjured and spread on the ground. Their were a few pillows as well. Evelina, peering through the gaps between her fingers, appeared visibly taken aback by the sudden changes, but Rick offered no exnation Rick decisively kicked off his boxers, freeing his fully aroused cock. He arranged some pillows at the head of the mattress and reclined back, his desire evident in his every move. "Come on, girl. You know you want to," Rick urged, Evelina with a yful and inviting smile on his face. His intentions were crystal clear, he had no intention of engaging in forey. He wanted to dive straight into the action, wanting to satisfy his desires without dy. Evelina couldn''t help but bite her lower lip, a mixture of shame and desire consuming her. She gazed at Rick''s stiff, throbbing cock, which stood erect and ready, awaiting her to join in. His earlier actions had undoubtedly ignited a fiery need within her, and she yearned for a satisfying encounter. In the midst of her inner turmoil, Evelina secretly wished she were drunk right now. Maybe, if she were intoxicated enough, she could forget the events that had unfolded. Perhaps, in a hazy state, she could convince herself it had all been a dream, a fleeting illusion and nothing of it was real. While her mind grappled with excuses and regrets, Evelina''s body seemed to have a mind of its own. Her hands descended to unbutton her jeans, and she sensually removed them, revealing her alluring figure. She instinctively wanted Rick to appreciate her body, from her smooth, slender legs to her bare, awaiting form. Casting her jeans aside, Evelina then gradually slid down her panties. Her brownish,cy, panties matched with her jeans as it clung to Evelina''s curves, covering her moistened pussy. As she gracefully stepped out of them, her heart raced with anticipation. What kind of woman was she? Spreading her legs for a stranger she just met? Letting him stick his cock inside her? How had she degenerated to this point?Evelina grappled with self-doubt and guilt Evelina''s thoughts swayed as she contemted the despicable prospect of the old man''s control over her, the memories of his invasive touch on her naked body causing her to feel revulsion. Yet, as her gaze turned towards Rick, her uncertainties and reservations began to dissipate. The undeniable attraction between her and Rick fueled her desires. Evelina, driven by her desires, without hesitation, gracefully ascended onto the mattress, positioning herself over Rick. Rick, watching her with a hungry gaze, his anticipation building. "Wait a sec. Lift that up, I wanna see," Rick requested, his desire clearly, and Evelinaprehended his intentions. Evelina obligingly raised the hem of her shirt, unveiling her glistening pussy to Rick''s eager gaze. Her intimate area was wlessly shaved, and she radiated an undeniable arousal. As Rick''s gaze fixated on her glistening pussy, he reached down and began to caress Evelina between her legs. She was already drenched with arousal. "Oooh, yeah. C''mon, let''s get started," Rick urged, his arousal mounting. Blocking out any lingering shame, Evelina braced herself and lowered her body onto Rick''s hard, throbbing cock. "Unnnhhhh," she moaned as felt his cock slowly spreading the lips of her tight pussy. * **** Chapter 75 Rick and Evelina [3] (18+) Chapter 75 Rick and Evelina [3] (18+) In his reclined position, Rick''s face was tantalizingly close to Evelina''srge, hanging boobs. Only one button of hers was holding her shirt together, serving as a barrier between her luscious boobs and Rick''s eager lips. Evelina rested on her knees, straddling Rick''s throbbing cock, leaning forward with her hands pressed against the mattress to maintain her bnce. Rick firmly grasped Evelina''s round, curvaceous ass as he slowly began to slide his big cock inside Evelina''s tight, eager pussy. "Mnhhmm..." Evelina attempted to stifle her voice, but the difort and pleasure that surged through her tearing pussy brought tears to her eyes. Rick couldn''t help but feel a twinge of difort down there. Yep, this girl was seriously tight ¨C a legit virgin. The old man had really kept her on lockdown, protecting this girl from other men. But s, all that effort for god knows how many years, and Rick was the one reaping the rewards. Unlucky for the old coot, huh? To spare the girl from the painful, ufortable newbie experience, after positioning the tip of his erect member at the entrance to her wet, eager pussy, Rick didn''t let her slide down too fast. He held her firmass in his hands and stopped her from mming his whole cock inside her pussy all at once. Caught off guard by Rick''s actions, Evelina looked at him with teary eyes, a mix of confusion and desire. She couldn''t quite fathom what he was nning. "Don''t give me that look, sexy... I''m gonna give it to you good, And I will fuck you hard," Rick said with a cheeky grin, yfully pinching her ass. "But I want you to remember this... You will remember this fuck for years toe, and you will be yearning for it for years toe." "Keep it in mind, from now on, you''re my woman... My property... No one else gets a piece of this body except me," He continued, his voice oozing with dominance. " As Rick asserted his ownership over her, Evelina''s body trembled and he could feel the insides of her vagina tightening, and clutching around the tip of his cock. "Oooohhh, yeah," Rick moaned as he felt Evelina''s pussy clenching around his cock. "Shit, I''ve been wanting to fuck you since the moment Iid my eyes on you." With that, Rick slid his cock even deeper inside Evelina. Feeling his cock prate deeper into her pussy, Evelina''s body arched back as she bit her lip, trying to stifle her cries. As he watched Evelina struggle to contain her pleasure, Rick began to move his cock inside her pussy, initiating a slow, steady rhythm of fucking. As Rick continued his slow and steady rhythm, Evelina''s pain gradually gave way to pleasure. Evelina was ovee with a rush of pleasure that coursed through her body, emanating from her pussy. With each of Rick''s strokes, she felt a sensation in her pussy that overwhelmed her mind. She attempted to resist the overwhelming pleasure, struggling to maintain herposure. However, the intense sensations soon left her mind in a blissful haze. She moved her hips back and forth, trying to match Rick''s rhythm, feeling his cock sliding inside her with every move she made. As Rick''s thrusts grew more intense, Evelina''s initial difort had transformed into pure lust. She couldn''t deny the satisfaction she was experiencing, and her body craved more. Rick gazed up at Evelina, the view simply incredible. Watching such a beautiful woman riding his cock while her big boobs jiggled in front of his face was a feast for his eyes. He couldn''t help but feel his cock swell at the sight. His grip on her ass tightened as he lightly thrust his hips off the mattress as they continued fucking. "Oh, fuck, your pussy''s dripping wet!" "Don''t... don''t say things like that," Evelina weakly protested. "But it is, girl. Your pussy is so damn hot and wet. Fucking you feels amazing!" Rick groaned as he thrust his cock deeper inside her pussy. The push made Evelina lean forward. Evelina leaned forward a little more, getting more motion in her hip thrusts. With her tits right in his face, Rick began sucking her stiff nipples. "Ooohhhhh!" Evelina moaned when she felt Rick''s lips again on her boobs. "How''s your first fuck, baby? Enjoying my hard cock inside that tight pussy?" Rick grunted as he drove his shaft deeper. Evelina wanted to resist his questions, shekept her lips sealed and shook her head. "Come on, tell me," Rick insisted, teasing her as he slowed his thrusts, "Or do you want me to stop?" "Don''t... Don''t stop," Evelina quickly pleaded when she felt him slowing down. "Ahh..Y... Yes," Evelina breathed out softly, her voice filled with a mix of pleasure and surrender. "Yes what?"Rick growled and rammed his cock inside her pussy with force. "Yeah!" Evelina moaned out, her voice quivering. "I love it, I love the way you''re fucking my pussy. I love riding your cock." Hearing Evelina admit to it, Rick humped his hips off the bed harder, feeling his cock sliding deeper inside her. She was nice and tight, and her pussy sucked at his cock as it went in and out. Evelina groaned with pleasure and fucked her own hips faster. Rick grabbed the bottom of her shirt and pulled it up over her chest. Taking it the rest of the way off, Evelina threw it aside, leaving herpletely bare except for a bra that had already slipped below her big breasts. With her mind going nk as she rode Rick''s cock, the intense pleasure was starting to beat back the guilt she felt. "Oh, fuck, yeah. God, look at these tits!" Evelina felt a rush of pride when she heard Rick continuously praise her. She had never had someone appreciate her body like he did. "You''re so great, letting me fuck you. I bet all those men have raped you so many times in their dreams, masturbated as they watched this ass of yours sway, teasing them," Rick grunted as he pped Evalina''s ass. "Aah..."Evelina just groaned in response, immensely enjoying the sex. "Ohhhh! I''m cumming! Ooooohhhhhhh, fuck!!!" Rick suddenly eximed. Rick squeezed Evelina''s ass tightly as his cockhead erupted with thick spurts of cum. Evelina could feel the hot spunk shooting inside her. She continued riding him through his orgasm, hoping to trigger her own, but it wasn''t to be. Rick''s cock sprayed a few more shots into her cunt before the explosion ended, and his thrusts began to slow down before stopping. "Oh, yeah! Oh, that was great," Rick said as he pulled Evelina towards his chest and began kissing her on his boobs, going up her neck towards her ears. And soon theyid there with Evelina on top of Rick, with his cock still poking the entranceof her pussy. The twoid there quietly for a couple ofminutes. "Did you like that?" Rick finally asked. "I... " Evelina stammered to answer. She wanted to me Rick for raping her, but her body just wouldn''t agree with her. "I''d eat your pussy, but..." Rick said as he shook his head. She was full of her spunk, so it was foolish to expect him to go down on her. "Just give me a minute and we can fuck again." "You didn''t get to cum right?" Rick pushed her hair behind her neck as he kissed the base of her nape, "Oh. I''m sorry, I''ll get you off." n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Saying so, Rick gently pushed Evelina from top of him, as he sat straight. "I''d eat your pussy, but..." Rick said as he shook his head. She was full of her spunk, so it was foolish to expect him to go down on her. "Just give me a minute and we can fuck again." Rick began ying with his dick, trying to get it back to full arousal. Evelina watched him do it. And somehow the fact that he was trying to get hard again, just to get her off, gave her a warm feeling inside. She watched as Rick continued tugging at his cock. After a minute, he stopped and looked at her. "This could go faster if you suck me," Rick spoke. Evelina paused for a second. Giving Rick a blowjob didn''t help her feelings of shame, but she was too focused on getting her own orgasm to worry about it. She had to get him hard again. "All right." She replied,yet again in that monotonous tone. Rick hopped up and stood at the edge of the bed, looking down at his semi-rigid cock. Evelina sat up and came face to face with it. "Ohhh. Suck it," Rick urged as Evelina ced her soft hands around his cock. A bit hesitant how to proceed, she ced her lips on the tip of his penis and looked at Rick with her big green eyes. She then opened her mouth and deep throated Rick in one gulp and got all seven inches. She clearly had no idea what she was doing. But maybe that clumsiness was something that aroused Rick as he was feeling the erection within a second. Evelina stayed there for a couple seconds beforeing up for air making a big slurping sound. She leaned, leaving a strand of precum from the tip of his cock to her lips. "Wow that was amazing." Rick said. But she didn''t stop to say anything she just took his hard slippery wet cock back into her mouth. Her big lips were like cushions against Rick''s dick as she bobbed up and down his shaft, teasing it with her tongue the whole time. She was getting the hang of it. As she popped his cock into her mouth the second time, Evelina began jacking it with her hand while she sucked him. Evelina anxiously worked Rick''s cock. She let her tongue swirl all around it. Rick ran his fingers through her thick hair, loving the hot wetness of her mouth as it engulfed his dick. Lightly holding her head, Rick rocked his hips forward, fucking her mouth. Evelina kept on sucking. She couldn''t wait to start fucking again, to be brought to a frenzied orgasm. After a few more moments, Evelina felt his cock start to swell. She backed her head away to look at it, still jacking it with her hand. "I think it''s ready to go," Rick smirked. * **** Chapter 76 Rick and Evelina [4] (18+) Chapter 76 Rick and Evelina [4] (18+) Rick then grabbed Evelina''s arm and gently pushed her to the edge of the mattress, bringing her face just a mere two or three foot away from her man. N?v(el)B\\jnn She got down on all fours, facing her man, while Rick took his ce behind her on his knees. "You ever tried doing it doggy style before, huh? Oh wait a minute, I am your first man, aren''t I?" Rick yfully said as he gave Evelina''s butt a little smack and rubbed his finger against her slit. "You want my cock inside you?" Rick asked, teasing Evelina''s pussy. But Evelina could only let out a little moan in responseas her body shivered from Rick''s teasing. "Tell me, girl." Rick asked again, "Do you want me to slip this big thing inside here?" "Yes, I... I want your cock. Fuck me, please," Holding her breath, Evelina grabbed the mattress as she replied with all the energy she could muster. The itch between her legs was driving her wild. Rick grinned and pushed his way inside Evelina''s pussy. She felt a little gooey because of his cum from before, but he didn''t mind. Evelina alsobegan moving her hips back, taking Rick''s firm shaft inside her. "Oooohhhhh!" Rick held onto her hips and pulled her toward him, thrusting his cock inside her, "Oh, damn, this feels amazing. I am starting tolove fucking you, girl!" Evelina let out a deep moan and buried her face in the mattress as their passionate encounter continued. Her hands clenched the sheets as she thrust back as hard as she could. "Yeeah-ah-ah-ah-ah," she moaned, her voice trembling with each of Rick''s powerful thrusts. After a few minutes of this intense connection, Evelina tossed her head back, letting her hair fall behind her. Rick held onto it, giving it a gentle tug. "You enjoy this, huh?" "Yes!" Rick increased his speed, aiming to bring her to the brink of pleasure. "Ohhh, just like that! Don''t stop!" Evelina urged Rick to keep going at that same pace. Evelina could feel her climax building from deep within. She clenched the bed sheets tightly, preparing herself for what wasing. "Ooohhhhh, I feel something... Unnnhhh!!!" Evelina''s body was rocked by a mind-blowing orgasm. The inner muscles of her vagina pulsed and clenched around Rick''s relentlessly thrusting cock, making her whole body quiver in pleasure. "Ohhh, God!!" As the waves of pleasure subsided, Evelina flopped down onto the mattress. Shey there, her body quivering with a few aftershocks, like the aftermath of an earthquake. But Rick wasn''t finished; he still hadn''t reached his climax. Despite her intense release, Evelina could still feel his unyielding hardness inside her, driving her wild. Evelina let out a deep breath. Her intimate area was feeling sensitive and sore after two rounds of intense passion and intimate connection. While she had hoped for Rick to take a break, she couldn''t help but appreciate how determined he was to make sure she experienced maximum pleasure, which made her more than happy to let him continue pleasing her. Rick grabbed Evelina''s butt even more firmly as he pulled her towards himself, thrusting his cock inside her even harder and faster. "Ohhhh!" Both Rick and Evelina moaned in unison. Evelina clenched the sheets on the bed, pushing away the slight pain she felt. She was a virgin just not too long ago, so it still hurt her whenever Rick was a bit rough with her. But it only hurt for a minute, then she began to enjoy it. "Oh, fuck! You''re so tight!" Rick eximed as he increased the speed of his thrusts. They both groaned as Rick made love to Evelina with even greater speed and intensity than before, shoving his cock as deep as it could go. "Unnhhh!" Evelina groaned. Going at a solid pace, Rick could feel his balls pping against Evelina''s pussy. He looked down at the action, gazing at theerotic sight sight of his cock sliding in and out of her pussy. "Did you ever think you''d be having this kind of fun in the middle of the woods when you woke up this morning?" Rick asked as he leaned in and nted a kiss on Evelina''s exposed back, "Tell me how much you''re loving it." Ummm!!!" But Evelina was quickly lost in her own world of pleasure. All she could do was release deep grunts in response to each of Rick''s powerful thrusts. "I wish your man would wake up now, so he could see my dick up your tight pussy!" Evelina wished she could scold him for makingments about her partner, but all she could manage was a groan in response. Rick continued pounding her pussy for another minute or so before gradually easing to a stop. "Roll over." "What? Why?" Evelina questioned, raising her eyebrow. "I wanna see you while we fuck." Rick said with a meaningfulgrin nted on his face. Evelina''s face turned varying shades of pink and red with embarrassment. But she still did as she was asked and rolled over onto her back. Rick reached up and took a squeeze of her breasts, then grabbed her legs and pushed them towards her body to raise her hips up. "Ohhhhh!" Evelina moaned as she gazed down at Rick thrusting his cock back inside her pussy. He wasted no time and resumed their passionate encounter, observing her breasts bounce with each powerful thrust. Rick grunted as he bore down, fucking harder. He reached up and grabbed her tits, squeezing them, holding them for bnce. "Enhh... It feels so good," Finally Evelina couldn''t hold back her pleasure any longer. Rick felt his excitement building, his testicles tightening. He knew it wouldn''t be much longer. He concentrated on Evelina''s beautiful face as she moaned with delight. "I''m gonna cum! I''m gonna... oohhh! Ohhhhhh!!!" True to his words, Rick withdrew from Evelina and shifted forward on the bed. He jerked himself fiercely and thick shots of his release spurted onto the girl''s stomach. Evelina watched as the streams of cum sprayed out, with a few reaching as far as her chest. Rick groaned and continued milking his cock as the remaining shots dribbled onto her. "Oh, God!" Once he had finished emptying his balls, Rick copsed onto the mattress beside Evelina. Theyy side by side, both attempting to catch their breath. "Damn, that was intense..." Rick, drenched in sweat,mented as hey on his back, watching the purplish mist above gradually thinning out. ~~~~~ Emily packed her books and other random bits and bobs into her bag, and strolled out of the ssroom,her mind a swirling mess of thoughts. She''d been preupied with one name in particr ¨C Rick. He had disappeared for the past couple of days, and it was making her feel crazy. In fact, even before that, he had been behaving like a total stranger. Staying outte, or sometimes noting home at all, it was really getting to her. Emily couldn''t help but check his apartment repeatedly, only to find it empty most of the time. Emily longed for the good old days when they were inseparable, when Rick was her eternal listener, putting up with her endless rants. A heavy sigh escaped her lips sigh as Emily aimlessly strolled out of the college gates, lost in the Rick-rted turmoil of her mind. "Ouch!"That''s when it happened. The unexpected collision. She smacked her head right into something hard, let out an involuntary yelp of pain, and clutched her throbbing nose. But as she looked up, ready to unleash a storm of anger, her anger evaporated faster than ice cream on a scorching summer day. Before her stood Roy, Roy Kent, her long-time crush. Roy offered her a warm smile, the kind that made her heart do a little somersault. "I hope I didn''t hurt you," he asked, concern etched on his ruggedly handsome face. Emily hastily brushed off any notion of getting hurt. "Oh, no, not at all," she blurted out, her voice wavering slightly. A light chuckle escaped Roy, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade into the background, "d to hear that. It''d be a tragedy to have an ident with such a beautiful face," he quipped. Emily blushed like a ripe tomato, feeling her heart racing as if it were training for the Olympics. "Wow, um, thanks, Roy," she stammered, her casualposurepletely shot to pieces. Roy''sughter was like music to her ears, and he extended a hand to help her up, "Let me make it up to you. How about we go have some fun?" he suggested. "Fun? I did not quite get you?" Emily looked a bit confused. "I am having this party at my house this weekend," Roy told Emily, "Nothing big, we are graduating soon, so I was hoping that we could have one night enjoying together. Who knows where we might end up after graduating." "And?" "Why not youe as well? We can have some fun together." ***** [A/N: This is the end of the 4 - chapter series between Rick and Evelina. If you are enjoying the story so far, do leave a review, and support the story any way you can.] Chapter 77 Cuckolded old coot Chapter 77 Cuckolded old coot "Hmmm?" The old man sensed a sudden shift in the wind as he opened his eyes and gazed towards the purple mist. Squinting his eyes, the old man attempted to see through the mist. The purple fog had begun to disperse. As it thinned, his eyes carefully scanned the area where the mysterious fog had concealed the boy and the girl. The old man''s eyes widened as the purple mist that had ensnared his men for what felt like an eternity started to dissipate. His henchmen, the unfortunate souls trapped in the relentless fog, had endured unimaginable horrors, their cries of agony gradually muted by the mist''s malevolent grip. As the mist cleared, he couldn''t help but worry about the fate of his loyal men. "Phe!!" The old man spat in frustration, his thoughts filled with contempt for those inept men. He had little regard for their ipetence; they couldn''t even aplish the simplest tasks. Yet, the old man was no fool. He cautiously advanced toward the dissipating mist, his weathered face disying a mix of concern and confusion. With each step, he carefully surveyed the surroundings, trying toprehend the sudden transformation. Having seen the horrifying fate that had befallen his men within the mist, he had no desire to get caught in its clutches. The forest had plunged into an eerie silence, disrupted solely by the rustling of leaves in the wind. The old man''s heart raced with anxiety, his instincts warning him of potential danger. He couldn''t afford to let this opportunity slip through his fingers; capturing the girl was of utmost importance. As the final traces of mist dissipated, unveiling the eerie aftermath, the old man''s worst fears were realized. The forest floor was strewn with the grotesque remains of his henchmen. What had once been strong, imposing figures nowy in contorted, mangled states, their flesh corroded, their bones grotesquely exposed. The stench of decay pervaded the air, and the scene served as a horrifying statement to the mist''s malevolence. In all his years of treacherous endeavors, the old man had never witnessed such a scene or anything remotely close to it. The mist had engulfed his men, leaving behind only haunting echoes of their torment, and now it was dissipating as suddenly as it had appeared. Despite his own history of inflicting violence and mayhem, the old man couldn''t help but be profoundly affected by the sheer cruelty of what had transpired. He felt like an amateur, gazing upon a macabre masterpiece. The old man gritted his teeth, consumed by anger and frustration. He had lost his devoted followers, and his scheme to capture the girl had been thwarted. He remained ignorant of the cause behind this phenomenon, but he recognized it as a formidable force. In his greed and desperation, he had underestimated the dangers of this mysterious forest. Was someone assisting the boy and girl from the shadows, or was it the boy himself who held the key to these urrences? What had caused the mist to dissipate, and who was responsible for this eerie turn of events?The old man had too many questions. Yet, he had something even more critical to address than seeking answers. To deal with it, he couldn''t afford to sumb to his tumultuous emotions. Taking a deep breath, the old man averted his eyes from the gruesome scene and surveyed the area, his gaze narrowing in concentration. As the mist slowly dissipated, it revealed a sight that left the old man utterly speechless. Rick stood there, his expression cocky and unapologetic, next to the girl, who appeared resigned yet intrigued. It was evident that something extraordinary had urred within the mist to keep the two of them safe, but the old man remainedpletely ignorant of the details. Rick scanned the forest, evaluating the situation, and then directed his focus to the old man. He smirked, seemingly unperturbed by the interrupted negotiation they had previously discussed. "Well, well, old man, it seems our little chat got cut short. But I must admit old man, you have shown some patience. I respect that," Rick yfully taunted the old man. "Cut the chit-chat. You better not be¡ª" The old man was a bit suspicious, but suddenly, something seized his attention. The old man''s eyes widened as they fell upon a seemingly innocent white mattress that had appeared out of nowhere on the forest floor, a bizarre appearance that left him utterly bbergasted. It was like reality had taken a crazy turn in this mysterious ce. His confusion only deepened as he took a closer look at the girl, his gaze then swung back to the girl, noting her somewhat disheveled appearance, her hair a little messy, and her shirt''s top buttons casually undone. His sharp eyes could even see some skin through that gap, her cleavage was clearly visible to him. Anxious and suspicious thoughts began swirling through his mind, a whirlwind of unsettling possibilities,none of which brought him anyfort. With trembling hands, he turned to Rick, his voice quivering with a mixture of fear and rage. He needed to know what had gone down between Rick and the girl, and he confronted Rick, his voice shaky but demanding, ""What happened here? What did you do to her? Where did that bede from?" "Ah, my dear friend, you''re quite the detective, aren''t you? You are noticing, such small details.But let''s not get bogged down in the mundane details of our little rendezvous. We had a spirited chat about the weather, didn''t we girl?"Rick, donning a sly grin that matched his cheeky demeanor, decided to y coy, choosing to answer in a manner that would only further infuriate the old man. But Rick''s response did little to ease the old man''s concerns. Instead, a swirl of suspicion and unease overtook his thoughts. What was Rick concealing, and what had genuinely unfolded while they were concealed by that mist cloud? The old man''s frustration grew as he realized that the boy was intentionally avoiding the question. His fears and doubts about what might have transpired between the boy and girl continued to torment him. He couldn''t help but wonder if his most disturbing suspicions were true. "Quit with your nonsense! Don''t try to be mysterious with me. What did you do to her? Answer me!" The old man angrily asked. "Old man... Why the temper? Fine, did you know that forest spirits are known to be quite mischievous? They have a knack for making things... appear. Naughty spirits." Rick continued to dance around the old man''s questions, maintaining his infuriatingly vague responses. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om "Well, while we''re on the subject of mysteries, evere across a forest that can manifest your innermost desires? It''s quite something, you know.A ce where fantasiese to life." The old man''s frustration was undeniable as he persisted in his quest for answers from Rick.He was torn between his overwhelming desire to confront Rick directly and the lingering threat of the mysterious purple mist that still surrounded the pair. He attempted different approaches, hoping to extract the truth about what had transpired between Rick and the girl. "Enough with your games! Tell me, what did you do with her?" Rick, forever the trickster, shed a sly grin, evidently relishing the old man''s growing frustration. "Ah, my dear friend, you''re quite insistent. But you see, the forest has its unique way of spinning tales. Have you ever heard of its storytelling skills? It''s truly something remarkable." "I''m not interested in your forest stories! I want answers," the old man seethed. "Answers, you say? Yet the allure of a story lies in its mystery, in the enigmatic twists and turns. It''s like a puzzle waiting to be unraveled," Rick replied, maintaining an air of mystique. "You think you can ridicule me? I can make you pay!" the old man warned Rick, "I''ll offer you one final opportunity. Tell me the truth, or I''ll make sure you regret this." Rick couldn''t help but chuckle at the old man''s threats. He knew he was pushing his luck, but he couldn''t resist the opportunity to keep the old man on edge. "Threats won''t coax answers, my friend. Plus, I''ve always believed that life is too short to be serious all the time. Have you ever tried a good joke to lighten the mood?" "Oh, dear sir, you seem awfully fixated on one topic. Perhaps you need a change of scenery? What do you say we delve into the marvels of these Whispering Wends instead?" "I suppose many folks get themselves wet with pleasure in this forest, hence the name. Won''t you concur with me, my lovelydy?" Rick quipped as he winked at Evelina, yfully teasing her. "Oops, you are showing a little too much. Don''t you know there are perverts all around," Rick took a step towards the girl and started unbuttoning her shirt. He was loud enough for the old man to hear, and his actions were to infuriate him. The old man''s frustration grew, "You can''t y games forever. Tell me the truth, or I''ll make you pay." Rick, still wearing a cheeky grin, decided to dance around the question once more. "Pay? Ah, that''s a concept we should explore further. What''s the price of a secret, I wonder?" "Tell me, how much are you willing to pay me for this secret?" "Boy!!!" "Oh fine... Consider this a favour. You will owe me one." Rick helplessly sighed. "You will be d to know that I have talked to the girl... Very deeply. I have made her understand "very deeply" that you want to fuck this beautifuldy and she should feel privileged that an old pervert like you had set your eyes on her." "But you see, we had a problem," "What?" The old man was starting to look a less erratic. "The girl says that she had never done anything of this sort before. You know, the girl is a virgin, clearly a bit worried and skeptical." "But don''t worry..." Before the old man could say anything, Rick interjected and continued. "I have taken care of that small issue for you," Rick thumped his chest with pride. "What have you done?" "I cuckolded you, old coot,"A mischievous grin appeared on Rick''s face as he looked at the old man, "I took the girl''s virginity," "I HAVE ALREADY FUCKED YOUR GIRL," Rick said happily. ***** Chapter 78 The angry cuck-old Chapter 78 The angry cuck-old "I have done you a favour in fact," Rick couldn''t resist but take his yful teasing a step further, his smile never fading. He said to the old man, "I had some fun with the girl. She''s not a virgin anymore." "Isn''t that fantastic? Now you don''t have to fight to the death over her, and poor her gets to stay alive too." "It''s a win-win for both of you." "And speaking of win-win, now that I''ve sorted out the matter between you and the girl, and there''s no bad blood, shall we discuss the payment?" Rick continued, "You know... that three odd million you offered." But the old man had lost track of Rick''s words from the moment he opened his mouth. As Rick''s words about fucking the girl and taking her virginity, finally registered in the old man''s mind, he was initially left stunned and disoriented, struggling to grasp the if he really heard what he just heard, ''Are my ears ying game with me?'' But as understanding slowly sunk in, his bewilderment transformed into a raging fury, and a menacing, unmistakable intent to kill began to radiate from him. In his relentless quest for spiritual advancement, the old man had faced a formidable hurdle on his path from the Mortal stage of Spiritual Attainment. He had once been a formidable "Higher Mortal," virtually unmatched wherever he went. However, his insatiable greed got the best of him, and he soon found himself encircled by adversaries, forced to flee like a rat abandoning a sinking ship in a desperate bid to save his life. He engaged in a brutal conflict, and perhaps owing to his past-life karma, the old man managed to preserve his life in the end. However, it came at a steep cost. He forfeited a substantial portion of his spiritual attainment and plummeted from being a Higher Mortal to a Mid Mortal. Lucky for him, the spiritual technique he was into was kind of easy to ess. It might freak out a few, but he only needed to deflower virgin girls to ess the unique energy they held within their bodies, and progress higher. The old man''s obsession with the girl went way beyond basic physical attraction. It was all about a dark and twisted cultivation method he''d been dabbling in for years. This technique involved, well, taking the virginity of young women, especially those who were a bit more seasoned, as they had this rare energy source called the "Blossom''s Pure Essence." Now he was an insignificant insect in front of his enemies. Yet, fortune smiled upon him as he was rescued by Evelina''s grandfather, who unwittingly provided him with a ce to hide. The old man understood that if he could persevere for a decade or two, he might have a chance to regain his former prowess and potentially transcend by breaking the limitations of the Mortal stage. However, he was well aware that this would be a slow process. Lucky for him, the spiritual technique he was into was kind of easy to ess. It might freak out a few, but he only needed to deflower virgin girls to ess the unique energy they held within their bodies, and progress higher. The old man''s obsession with the girl went way beyond basic physical attraction. It was all about a dark and twisted cultivation method he''d been dabbling in for years. This technique involved, well, taking the virginity of young women, especially those who were a bit more seasoned, as they had this rare energy source called the "Blossom''s Pure Essence." This special energy, called the "Blossom''s Pure Essence," had this weird and kind of spooky trait. It started building up in a girl from the day she was born, gathering momentum as she got older. It hit its peak around her thirties. And this rare and powerful energy was like the secret sauce in the old man''s spiritual journey. On top of that, the girl was unique, she had something no ordinary girl could ever have. That made the old man even more obsessed with the girl. This was like a golden ticket for the old man to cash in on all the hard work he''d put in over thest decade and a half. The girl was definitely hitting her prime for tapping into that Blossom''s Pure Essence sooner orter. But this trip to Whispering Wends was the perfect timing to execute his ns. Chances like this didn''te around every day. If he waited too long, the Essence she''d been borrowing would start to fade, going back to where it came from to recharge the cosmic batteries. It''s kind of like a cosmic energy exchange program, all about keeping the universal bnce. But with Rick throwing a wrench in the works, the old man''s infatuation with the girl had morphed into an all-consuming fury. He''d been dead set on being the one to snatch her innocence, snagging that potent Blossom''s Pure Essence for his own use. "I underestimated you, bastard. I should have ended that pathetic life your the moment you showed up,"The old man''s anger was so intense he could barely contain it. He med himself for not offing Rick when he had the chance. As he closed in on Rick, his obsession with power was all he could think of. You... You have robbed me of what was rightfully mine! That Blossom''s Pure Essence she had inside her belonged to me," he continued, his voice filled with venom,"I swear, if I don''t end you right now, I would rather die a powerless wretch. But even then I will take you with me to hell." "Sorry... No ns for me for hell," Rick replied with a nonchnt shrug, still taking the old man lightly. And his pissed the old man even more. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The old man, consumed by his unquenchable rage and desperation to reim the Blossom''s Pure Essence he believed was rightfully his, decided that words would no longer suffice. He was determined that if he can''t have the girl''s virginity, he would not let Rick live after taking his only chance from him. With a surge of power, he threw caution to the wind and paid no heed to the lingering vestiges of the purple mist that had previously restrained him. With uncanny speed and an eerie swiftness that seemed to defy thews of nature, the old manunched himself toward Rick, closing the distance in the blink of an eye. His movements were like a bolt of lightning, and within the span of a single breath, he stood mere feet away from Rick. Approaching Rick, the old man noticed the massive shield, the very one that had reduced Gruff to a pulp, securely embedded in the ground. Its imposing, thick wooden presence stood like a symbol of formidable power. The old man put aside his concerns about the shield; his focus was singr and devastating. His goal was clear, kill Rick. His gnarled hand, twisted by age and filled with malevolence, shot forward with startling swiftness, its destination being Rick''s head. His objective couldn''t be clearer ¨C to pulverize Rick''s skull in a single deadly strike. A sinister grin curled the corners of the old man''s lips, a reflection of the profound malice that consumed him. As the old man summoned every ounce of his strength, his palm became a blinding streak, relentlessly homing in on Rick''s head, brimming with malicious intent to obliterate it. The ominous smile etched on the old man''s face widened as he drew nearer, his fingers practically itching to unleash a maelstrom of violence upon his intended victim. "No parting wishes for you, bastard." The old man''s predatory advance was swift and unyielding. It should have been his initial approach, he mused, as his hand was just a couple of feet away from Rick''s head. He reveled in the imminent victory that now seemed all but guaranteed. This was the conclusion he had craved from the very beginning. In that brief, crucial moment, the dynamicspletely shifted. Rick''s attitude transformed from a yful carelessness to a well-thought-out state of alertness. The old man''s impending, dangerous strike was just about to make contact, but it felt as if time had slowed down, giving Rick an eerie, almost supernatural agility to respond. However, just as the old man''s hand closed in on Rick''s head, an unexpected change went down. A sly, cheeky grin appeared on Rick''s face,pletely opposite to the impending brawl. This abrupt flip in Rick''s attitude sent a chill down the old man''s spine. It felt like Rick had been messing with the old man the whole time, leading him into a trap with his phony bravado. In that brief, crucial moment, the dynamicspletely shifted. Rick''s attitude transformed from a yful carelessness to a well-thought-out state of alertness. The old man''s impending, dangerous strike was just about to make contact, but it felt as if time had slowed down, giving Rick an eerie, almost supernatural agility to respond. With his hand just inches from Rick''s face, the old man suddenly felt his hand connect with something solid, even though there appeared to be nothing tangible between him and the boy. His face contorted with confusion as he remained suspended in the air, with nothing visible between his hand and the boy''s face. What was this sorcery again? It was the invisible barrier of the shield that had been protecting Rick and Evelina all along. As the old man''s hand met the invisible barrier of the shield, and he could feel the immense pressure building against his own strength. His malevolent smile wavered, and his eyes disyed a mixture of disbelief and fear. This was not how he had envisioned the oue of their encounter. It was as if the rug had been pulled out from under him, and he found himself in a precarious situation he hadn''t anticipated. The shield was still nted firmly in the ground, but the old man could see it faintly glowing and shooting off streaks of lightning, all at the same time as it created the electrifying outline of a dome-shaped barrier around the boy and the girl. The shield, the very same that had been used to annihte Gruff, had not been thrust into the ground but was wielded with precision and skill, serving as Rick''s first line of defense.It was like a lightning fortress protecting them from the old man''s wrath. Rick, wearing his sly grin, stood his ground, appearing unruffled by the life-or-death standoff. The moments elongated, filled with mounting tension and expectation, as the two adversaries engaged in a fierce power struggle. Their destinies teetered on the precipice, and the forest ready to consume them in its depths. Rick''s grin broadened, almost taunting, as he locked eyes with the old man, showing no signs of concern about the imminent attack. In a voiceden with smug confidence, he finally spoke, "You foolish cuck-old man, did you genuinely think it would be this simple? Your henchmen are all gone, and yet you choose violence with me?How are you still alive with that tiny brain in your small penis?" Rick, with a mocking grin that could cut through steel, casually extended his hand toward the old man. His finger, moving like a sly snake on the prowl, inched closer to the invisible barrier separating them. His eyes sparkled with a mischievous twinkle. The old man, pping his palm against the shield with a puzzled expression, witnessed tiny sparks popping off with each impact. What really left him scratching his head was Rick''s audacity, as he ever so slowly closed the gap between their fingertips. When Rick''s finger finally made contact with the old man''s palm, it appeared to be a harmless touch. However, the old man''s expression quickly transformed into one of agony. An excruciating pain surged through his arm like a tidal wave, rendering him helpless and paralyzed. Before the old man could even react or grasp the malevolent force that now coursed through his body, he was propelled away with the same unstoppable power that had sealed Gruff''s fate. The old man became an unwilling projectile, hurtling through the air, and heading straight for the very same rock boulder that had imed Gruff''s life. Impact followed swiftly. The old man collided with the massive stone, but the results were more disastrous this time around. The rock boulder, already weakened from the previous collision with Gruff, crumbled into a cloud of fragments and dust, and the old man went flying through. The trees served as a backdrop to the explosive disy, with remnants of the boulder scattered in all directions. "Are all these viins this dumb? It''s basicmon sense to dodge when your enemy is attacking you." Rick expressed his confusion and then turned to nce at Evelina, who was standing there, her mouth agape in horror. "Ahh you... you''re useless as well," Rick shook his head in disappointment. ***** Chapter 79 Finally, the end 79 Finally, the end Chapter - 79 Rick patiently waited for the thick cloud of dust to dissipate, keeping a vignt eye on his surroundings to ensure there was no imminent danger lurking nearby. Once he felt reasonably confident that the area was secure, he carefully retrieved the shield, pulling it free from the earth. N?v(el)B\\jnn Shield in hand, Rick cautiously moved in the direction where the old man had been violently dispatched. However, as he took his first step, he couldn''t help but shudder at the macabre scene that unfolded before him. He found himself standing in a gruesome field of bones.. The battleground that could have been a frenzied sh between Rick and the old man''s minions had transformed into a surreal graveyard. Although another confrontation had unfolded between Lord Rick and the girl, the details remaining behind closed doors, his exploits, unworthy of merepublic boasting. But what struck Rick the most was the absence of any trace of blood, flesh, or clothing ¡ª only pristine, gleaming white bones, an eerie and haunting sight. It was as if their very essence had been stripped away, leaving behind skeletal remains meticulously assembled as if in a scienceb. The ground was littered with the remnants of the fallen henchmen, their once-formidable bodies reduced to mere skeletons. And this extraordinary oue had been brought about by none other than a skinny, 22-year-old boy. The eerie absence of flesh, blood, and clothing on the remains of the unfortunate men sent a cold shiver down his spine. The sight of the gleaming white bones was enough to make his stomach churn with a nauseating difort. He could have never thought the poison he randomly got from the system would be so potent. What if he were to identally touch it? And that idea had his butt clenching tighter than a jar of pickles! For the first time since arriving in this sinister forest, Rick''s typically unppable demeanor wavered. An overwhelming sensation of nausea churned deep within him, threatening to overpower his senses. Remembering that earlier fuck me baby session with the girl, surrounded by the spirits who were NOT having it, now seemed like a total nightmare with these chewed-up, leftover bones all over the ce. Grotesque doesn''t even cut it "You stay here," Rick put up a valiant struggle, determined not to let the girl witness him in this epic face-off with his own gut. Rick''s stomach was still doing the twist, but he soldiered on, a man on a mission. He just had to know if that old guy was toast or not, and nothing was gonna stop him, not even his rebellious belly. He pressed on, his conviction unwavering despite the horrors that surrounded him. And despite Rick saying otherwise, Evelina was right on his tail, keeping her cool like she was strolling through a park. Herposure a stark contrast to Rick''s. She was the yin to Rick''s yang in the face of all the freaky stuff they''d left behind. As they trudged deeper into the woods, they left behind the gruesome sight of bony graveyard and moved towards the source of the old man''s agonized groans. They walked through the shattered boulder, and eventually arrived at the spot where the old many, whimpering like a wounded puppy. His once formidable presence reduced to a pitiable, twitching wreck. Rick''s face twisted up, kind of grossed out by the pitiable sight of the old man''s half-battered body. The old guy was a total wreck, his bod all kinds of jacked up. His face took a brutal hit, especially the right side, which looked like it got into a face-off with a meat shredder. It was a straight-up nightmare ¨C skin ripped away, revealing bits of his cracked noggin underneath. That skull was busted up something fierce, with some nasty, sickening goo oozing out of it. His right peeper was barely hanging in there, just a slim thread of flesh keeping it in ce. And if that wasn''t bad enough, you could see his teeth out in the open, adding an extrayer of horror to the already gruesome sight. His right arm, a symbol of strength and dominance back in the day, was now a total circus act. It looked like it had taken a wild ride on the distortion roller-coaster, bending at a whacko angle that screamed, ''Something''s gone seriously wrong in there!'' The right leg wasn''t any more promising. It was all twisted up like it had a bone rebellion going on, saying, ''We''re gonna bend however we feel like!'' This whole deformity deal was straight-up grotesque. Under the old guy''s squirming body, there was this gnarly puddle of blood, slowly turning the ground into a sinister crimson moat. It was like a dark, twisted halo, circling around him like a creepy border. This bloody mess was like a macabre souvenir of all the pain he''d gone through. Rick couldn''t help but shiver, even though it was the old man who''d started this whole thing. It was a tough scene to stomach, no doubt about it. The old man''s painful moans were like a total one-eighty from his earlier cocky attitude. Rick looked down at the pathetic dude, and a whirlwind of emotions hit him. Even though the old man had been a real jerk with his sinister ns and big ego, Rick couldn''t help but feel like he''d been a bit too rough on the old coot. The old troublemaker had definitely bitten off more than he could chew, by underestimating Rick. Or maybe Rick was surprised as well. Despite the awkwardness bubbling inside him, Rick kept his guard up. That old man, even in his sorry state, might still have a few tricks up his sleeve. ~~~~~ The old man''s world was spinning like a crazy carnival ride as he caught wind of the footsteps closing in. Pain had him in a vice grip, making everything hazy. He pushed himself to twist his battered face toward the noise, his barely-open eyes squinting at the blurry figure drawing near. Each move was like a kick in the gut, and trying to speak felt like scaling a mountain.His breath came in ragged, with agonizing gasps. The old guy made a valiant effort to talk, but it was like a messy game of dribble and grunts. Every word seemed like a mini-marathon, and each breath aborious grunt. And his swollen lips were just like leaky faucets, saliva dribbling from the corners. But even in this sorry state, his eyes locked onto Rick, he shot daggers of pure rage, unfiltered rage. It was clear that all he had left in his arsenal were these angry looks and venomous curses. Rick could practically see it in his eyes ¨C the old guy wanted to drop the whole me game right on Rick fornding him on the doorsteps of this pitiful mess. "You... you low-down scoundrel! What the heck have you done to me?" With a hateful re, the old man mustered what little strength he had left to hurl curses and usations at Rick. He hissed, his one remaining eye burning with anger. "You¡­you bastard," With venom in his voice and a whole load of spite, he growled, "Look at what you''ve done to me! You are going pay for this, you miserable cuss! You may have wrecked me, but I won''t go down without dragging you along. Mark my words...you''ll suffer...just like I have." His voice wavered, shifting between agony and a stubborn resolve as he kept piling me on Rick, unable to ept the consequences of his own actions. "This ain''t the end, not by a mile. I''ll get back at you." Each word dripped with poison, a deration of his festering fury, and a foreboding vow for whaty ahead. But right when the old man was gearing up for another round of curses, Rick''s patience finally hit its breaking point. With a swift, explosive lurch, Rick''s stomach decided it had had enough of the gruesome spectacle andunched a revolt against all the grotesque sights and smells in the vicinity. Rick''s stomach, in its ultimate rebellion, couldn''t endure it any longer. It reached the point of no return. In a bizarre and macabre turn of events, he puked directly onto the old man''s beaten-up face. With a guttural heave, Rick sent forth a tsunami of vomit thatnded right in the old dude''s half-open, battered mouth. Suddenly, that mouth was no longer an exitfor spewing curses. The old man, who was already hanging by a thread, now had the unfortunate experience of feeling a warm, disgustingly pungent deluge streaming down his face and slipping into his throat. It was beyond disgusting, and for a moment, he was left speechless, unable to articte a single word. He even seemed to savor the surreal taste of Rick''s vomit. The unholy mixture of half-digested grub and stomach fluids bathed the old man, oozing down his countenance in a revoltingly unholy baptism of filth. "Huh?" In the midst of his dire situation, a nauseating revtion washed over the old man. He hadn''t been silenced by some ultimate act of cruelty, but by his opponent''s gross,repulsive bodily reaction. A bitter and humorlessugh broke free from his battered lips, resonating through the debris of shattered boulders and the somber, hushed forest. ~~~~~ "Ahh... Son of a bitch, that was a relief," Rick muttered, his stomach now devoid of contents but his mood oddly lifted by the crude spectacle, "That really felt good." "Uh, oops. My bad," Rick stammered as he nced at the old man, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. His eyes conveyed a peculiar blend of disgust, relief, and twisted satisfaction. "You were saying something." Rick innocently asked the old man tocontinue. "Hey there, old timer?" Rick called out once more when met with silence from the old man. "Hello?" He persisted. "Come on, don''t be sore. It was an honest goof," Rick dered, throwing his arms up in disbelief that the old man was acting all temperamental, throwing tantrums. "Now, don''t leave me hanging. Say something for God''s sake!" Rick could not hold it in kicked the old man in his knee. "I think he is dead." Finally the girl spoke up. "Dead?" Rick suddenly found it odd. He looked closely at the old man and sure enough, hiseyes were rolled back into his socket, and he could not see his chest moving. "Oh...he''s definitely kicked the bucket." "What a bummer. We were finally getting to know each other." ***** Chapter 80 The Deal 80 The Deal Chapter - 80 "Ahh... So he kicked the bucket?" Realization dawned upon Rick, "Looks like there''s not much for me to do." The old man''s lifeless form sprawled out, a pretty gruesome scene. His right arm was all busted up, and his right leg went off on a weird angle. The right side of his face was basically a nightmare show, showing off his teeth and his exposed jaw. The skin was torn away, his right eye was barely hanging in there, and his skull had a nasty crack with some nasty goo trickling out. The girl, her anger still simmering, watched the horrific scene unfold, her eyes fixated on her now lifeless tormentor. Then, she turned her gaze to Rick, her eyes a vtile mix of shock and rage. Her voice dripped with fury as she demanded, "You just offed him like that?" "That,"Rick, momentarily lost for words and unable toe up with a valid excuse for his impulsive actions, stood in awkward silence. The girl''s anger continued to rise as she stared at him, her gaze unrelenting, "It was that easy for you?" Her voice was filled with a mixture of fury and confusion. God knows what took over her, but she found herself fucking a man she had just met. But after having done the deed, she was trying to convince herself that this stranger had been doing his best to protect her. He had no obligation to help her, yet he had still ced himself between her and death. The realization that her predicament might have put him in harm''s way filled her with guilt. However, witnessing him taking down all of them, including that perverted old man from the family, left her in shock. Yet, alongside the shock, a growing anger began to simmer within her. SLAP! Evelina couldn''t contain herself any longer and delivered a loud, stinging p to Rick''s cheek. He winced, feeling the fiery sting, and rubbed his cheek, a self-deprecating grin ying on his lips. "Well, for all that it''s worth... I am sorry," Rick confessed, his voice heavy with remorse, "But I couldn''t stand the thought of a guy like him having a gorgeous girl like you." The girl''s fury ignited, and her words oozed with scorn, "You shameless, no-good scoundrel. Sorry? That''s all you''ve got to say?" "I enjoyed it?" "You... You..." The girl was left utterly bbergasted by what she''d just heard. In that instant, Evelina felt like she could pop his head like a balloon, but she mped down on her impulses with all her might. She wrestled hard to regain herposure, briefly lifting her gaze upward, her eyes squeezed shut. She took a session of deep breaths, releasing her anger with each exhale, making a deliberate attempt to purge it from her system. Her initial shock and rage appeared to ebb away slowly. After a few moments of concentrated breathing, she eventually seeded in regaining herposure. When she opened her eyes, she fixed a searching stare on Rick, who squirmed uneasily under her scrutiny. Rick arched an eyebrow at her, his voiceced with curiosity, "What? Why are you looking at me like that?" The girl''s face became solemn as she got straight to the point, her tone unwavering. "You took advantage of me. Own up to it and take responsibility." "You mad or what? Take responsibility you say?" Rick''s response came quick and blunt, "Not a chance. It was a square deal. You offered me $6 million to rescue you, and I threw in your body as a bonus. I saved you, like we agreed, and I''ve already got half of that payment. Now, you still owe me the other half¡ª$6 million." The girl shook her head, her disbelief written all over her face, "That''s not how it works," she asserted. "You can''t just tack someone''s body onto a deal. You need to be ountable for your actions." Rick let out a cynical chuckle, a smug grin on his face. "Look, darling, you came to me when you were in a bind, asking for my help. You got exactly what you wanted. And as for the rest, we had a deal." "I saved your sorry ass, and I''m pretty sure you won''t be an ungrateful bitch. But hey, it''s your call. I won''t pass judgment," Rick grinned, making sure Evelina knew what he''d done for her. "Whoa, hold your horses... I asked you for help? Are you sure you didn''t hit your head?" The girl folded her arms defiantly across her chest and shot Rick a knowing smirk. "Why can''t I remember any begging and pleading? From what I recall, you took it upon yourself to be the hero and saved me. So don''t try to lead me into your little game." "That... That is actually bloody true," Rick conceded, momentarily stunned by Evelina''s argument. He nodded in agreement and closed the distance between them. "But here''s the thing. I saved you, and it doesn''t seem like you''re nning to fork over the 6 million you owe me," Rick stated as he took another step closer to Evelina, a menacing glint in his eyes. "So, why don''t I just end you right here, along with that dead weight, and put you six feet under?" Rick spoke with a dangerous edge, "What''s two more when I''ve already sent eight of them to the afterlife?" "But will you?" Evelina decided to take her chances and refused to back down, "With all that money at stake?" N?v(el)B\\jnn 22:06 "Money?" Rick sneered, hearing Evelina''s words, "Honey, those 6 million bucks are just chump change to me. Making money is as effortless as making love for me. Heck, even if I were to engage in some kind of perverted intercourse with your lifeless body, I''d still rake in the cash. So, don''t try to act all high and mighty in my presence." What Rick said was clearly an exaggeration, a bluff aimed at intimidating Evelina and gaining the upper hand in their conversation. Still, it wasn''t all a fabrication.He did really got money after having sex, but he was not sure if doing it with a dead would lead to same results. Not that he wanted to do it. But it would surely unsettle Evelina. "So tell me girl, Am I joking with you?" The exchange of words had cast a palpable difort over the space between Rick and the girl. Rick''s resolute stance and his intimidating aura had precisely the impact he intended. Evelina, caught in this tense situation, felt a sense of disquiet that wrinkled her brow and roiled her stomach with unease. She grappled with the swirling emotions inside her. A growing sense of repulsion seemed to churn within her gut, and Rick''s imposing gaze only added to her unease, casting doubt on her own position. Beneath Rick''s prating scrutiny, she found herself growing increasingly uncertain about her next course of action. After a lengthy silence and considerable introspection, the girl let out a heavy sigh and gazed at Rick, her eyes reflecting her reluctant surrender. With a heavy heart, she admitted defeat, "You win," her voice tinged with disappointment. Rick couldn''t hide his triumphant grin, "Well done," he nodded. "I''ll pay you the 6 million dors we agreed upon," Evelina stated further. "That''s a wise decision," Rick quipped, savoring his triumph. "But..." the girl began, "I''ll pay you the 6 million dors as you asked. But... only if you help me with something." Rick raised an eyebrow, "And what''s that? Let me tell you,I won''t do it for free." "Don''t fret, I''ll sweeten the deal," the girl exined, "I will toss in an extra 1 million dors if you assist me in locating something I''ve been searching for in this forest and guide us to safety." "Us?" Rick raised his eyebrow as he looked behind her in the directionwhere the middle aged man with hery out cold. Rick couldn''t help himself and seized onest opportunity to negotiate. He leaned in closer, a sly grin on his face, and inquired, "Do I have to rescue that dead weight too?" The girl nodded reluctantly, her frustration evident. "Yes, you''ll have to ensure everyone''s safety." Rick''s eyes gleamed mischievously, "Well, if that''s the deal, you can add an extra 2 million for the dead weight," he dered, pushing his advantage with a sly smile. "No problem," the girl replied, with no intention of negotiating further. She sighed and epted Rick''s terms, recognizing that she had little choice if she wanted to ensure her safety. "Thanks for not dragging it out," Rick said, extending his hand for a firm handshake and sealing the deal. "It''s been a pleasure doing business with you," he added with a smirk. "Pleasure my foot," the girl grumbled under her breath, returning the handshake, her face still reflecting a blend of disappointment and relief. "Hey now, don''t be such a party pooper," Rick said with a grin, squeezing Evelina''s hand a bit, "So... What''s the treasure hunt here?" "A cave..." "Cave, huh..."Rick added with a smirk, unable to resist throwing in a little innuendo, "Well, I guess it''s a good thing I''m an expert at exploring tight, dark spaces." ***** [A/N: Do vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and bring up some gifts.] Chapter 81 Finally a break 81 Finally a break Chapter - 81 "How much longer we talking?" Rick drawled, trailing behind Evelina in the forest. "Just a bit more," Evelina replied. "You mentioned that same thing an hour ago," Rick grumbled, for what felt like the hundredth time. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Currently, Rick and Evelina are en route to the cave she mentioned earlier. While the task might have seemed like searching for a needle in a haystack, they were fortunate that the girl possessed a map. Without squandering any more time on futile conversation, they briskly set off in search of the cave. Evelina assumed the lead, guiding them through the forest with a determined sense of direction. But as they ventured deeper into the forest, Evelina was taken aback when a rabbit suddenly hopped into the scene, joining their party on the journey. The fluffy little critter bounded along beside Rick, its soft fur and twitching nose capturing Evelina''s fascination. It was undoubtedly one of the cutest creatures she had everid eyes on. Evelina couldn''t help but be charmed by the fluffy creature''s appearance. Her usually stoic demeanor softened as she wrestled with the urge to reach out and pet the adorable rabbit. Evelina wasn''t one to readily disy her emotions, but the rabbit had undeniably captivated her attention. Unable to suppress her curiosity, Evelina inquired, "Is this rabbit yours?" "Why else would it be tagging along with us? Don''t tell me you thought your beauty had it smitten," Rick teased Evelina. However, Evelina chose to ignore Rick''s jest and pressed further, "What''s its name?" The rabbit''s presence had briefly lifted her spirits after the traumatic encounter with the old man. Rick chuckled, his tone casual. "Name? Oh, it doesn''t have a name. I just call it ''Rabbit.''" Evelina arched an eyebrow, clearly expecting a more imaginative name for such an endearing creature. "Just ''Rabbit''? That''s rather in, don''t you think?" Rick, who had a knack for vagueness, replied with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, I never really got around to giving her a proper name. She''s just Rabbit. Or maybe Miss Fluffy, who knows?" Rick shrugged, shing a mischievous grin. "Well, it suits him. Besides, it''s easy to remember." Evelina couldn''t help but crack a small, amused smile at Rick''s nonchnt response. "Mr. Fluffy, huh? Well, he is quite fluffy," she conceded, her gaze momentarily softening as she admired the rabbit''s charming appearance. "What if it were ck? Would you have named it ''cky''?" Evelina inquired. "Sure, why not?" Rick nodded. "You know what? That''s actually pretty clever." "Clever? That''s racist," Evelina shook her head. "What''s racist about it?" Rick raised an eyebrow. "We use words like ''ckout'' and ''cklist,'' so why not ''cky''?" "Actually, we don''t really use those terms anymore. It''spany policy to be more inclusive," Evelina responded matter-of-factly. Rick grumbled, "Might as well ouw the word ''ck.'' Let''s boycott the color ck, censor the BBC." "BBC?" "Big ck Cock..." Rick replied with a cheeky grin, "I wouldn''t mind if they shut the other one though." "You truly have no filter, do you?" Evelina couldn''t help but remark. "You have no idea how astonished I am," Rick mumbled to himself. As Rick and Evelina trudged through the forest, the white rabbit, turned out to be one funky and oddly resourceful buddy. This little furball bounced around like a foraging ninja, sniffing out herbs and nts like it had a degree in botany. Then, like it was telepathic or something, it''d deliver those greens to Rick, as if it knew he was the chef in the woods. Rick, on the other hand, would go all goo-goo over the rabbit, giving the little fluffball love taps, petting its velvety coat, and raving about its contributions. And the rabbit? It''d show its appreciation by going bonkers, hopping and bopping like a raver at a woond rave, absolutely stoked about Rick''s kudos. Rick would then dish out more guidance to the rabbit, chatting it up like they were having a casual chinwag. What made it even more bizarre was that, judging by the rabbit''s actions, Evelina couldn''t shake the feeling that it actually understood every word that came out of Rick''s mouth. Evelina observed this odd exchange with a mix of intrigue, finding it bizarre to witness a man and a rabbit having their own unique heart-to-heart. It was almost like the rabbit wasn''t really a rabbit at all. [shback] Just before departing from the chaotic scene where the old man nowy lifeless, Rick had carried out a thorough search of the old man. Despite the man''s unsavory reputation, Rick was well aware that he possessed certain skills and, undoubtedly, a plethora of valuable connections. It was inconceivable that he wouldn''t have some prized possessions. Given the old coot''s character, he''d either have discreetly stashed his valuables somewhere known only to him, or he''d keep them on his person at all times, not trusting anyone else with them. Rick conducted an incredibly thorough search, leaving no hair unturned in his quest to uncover any valuable items. He didn''t hold back, going so far as to almost strip the old man bare. He even contemted asking Evelina to check for any concealed items under his underwear, although he was willing to ept defeat if it came to that, not keen on venturing into that territory himself. Amid the misceneous items, the old man''s belongings did yield a few peculiar findings. Rick came across a handful of yellowed pages adorned with unsettling red paint drawings, a charred ck doll, a stash of marbles, and a couple of other odds and ends. Though none of these trinkets truly piqued his interest. However, nestled among these curiosities, there was one item that seized Rick''s attention¡ªa ring. Without a moment''s hesitation, he decided to im it as part of his spoils. The ring was a work of art, a stunning masterpiece adorned with intricate engravings that took one''s breath away. Its band gleamed with the lustrous beauty of silver or the ethereal radiance of jade, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship that had birthed it. Sinuous dragons, exquisitely detailed, wound their way around the surface, adding an aura of mystique to the ring. As Rick slid it onto his finger, he couldn''t help but feel a curious coolness, as if the ring held a secret of its own. Though uncertain of its significance, Rick couldn''t bring himself to part with it. There was something about this ring that made him believe it could prove invaluable down the road. Sometimes, it''s the little things that end up being more than just essories. The notion of swiping the old man''s stuff didn''t ruffle Rick''s feathers much. After all, it was that creepy old guy''s antics that had jump-started the wild ruckus in the woods. Rick reckoned he could make way better use of the old dude''s gear than the dearly departed pervert ever did. When things go haywire, you gotta grab the chances thate your way, right? It''s all about survival of the slickest. [shback End] Evelina couldn''t resist voicing her disapproval of Rick''s actions concerning the old man. She needled him, "You''re just a run-of-the-mill thief, aren''t you? Pilfering that guy''s stuff like that. But seriously, why did you draw the line at his underwear?" Rick, unfazed, let out augh and retorted, "Hey, he did try to off us, remember? So I''d say I''ve earned it. And as for the underwear, well, if I ever need a whiff, I''ll just ask someone a bit more attractive, you know?" "In the grand scheme of things, the old man''s not in a position toin, right? I reckoned I might as well help myself," Rick added, a devilish glimmer in his eye, "Besides, I doubt he''ll be needing all those scrolls and trinkets wherever he''s headed." Evelina, on the other hand, remained unimpressed, her standards clearly not met by Rick''s actions. She continued to regard him with a disapproving look. "Don''t give me that look. The guy was scheming who knows what against you, and he reaped what he sowed. Think of it as a farewell present from yours truly," Rick defended himself before shooting Evelina a squint-eyed nce, "But seriously, why are you taking that old geezer''s side? Something seems off." However, Evelina merely huffed and turned her face away. Rick, unfazed by her disapproval, opted to shift the conversation. He probed, "Alright, what''s the scoop with this cave? Why are you so gung-ho about reaching it?" Evelina hesitated, her demeanor guarded. She didn''t appear eager to spill the beans to Rick, a rtive stranger in her life. Yet Rick was persistent. Wearing a wily grin, Rick yfully warned, "You know, if you don''t spill the beans, I might have to give your middle-aged beau back there a little surprise visit." Rick had made the decision not to tote the injured middle-aged man along with them. Instead, he had ensconced the man within the safety of his shield and tucked him away behind some foliage, a distance from the site of their one-sided showdown. Rick''s intent was for the man to stay alive until their return, assuming he didn''t sumb to the gunshot wound. Rick didn''t have the medical skills to tend to the injury, but it hadn''t appeared to be life-threatening. In a teasing tone, Rick quipped, "I''ve got a hunch he''ll make it, as long as he doesn''t leak out too much blood." Evelina, sumbing to the relentless pressure of Rick''s interrogation and the threat of exposing her middle-agedpanion, finally divulged her secret. "I am looking for a specific nt," Evelina told Rick, "I paid out a small fortune to obtain information about it. This nt happens to grow in that cave" "And to get to that cave, the old man and those men were escorting me," Evelina continued. "As for everything that''s happened since then," she concluded, "Well, you''re well-acquainted with the tale," the story had taken an unfortunate turn, as Rick knew all too well. Rick''s curiosity, however, was far from satiated. He pressed on, asking, "And who''s this herb for? What''s so important that you had to rope all those dudes into this chaos?" But before Evelina could respond, she suddenly noticed their surroundings and interjected, announcing. "We''ve arrived." * * * * * Chapter 82 $6 Million down the waterfall Chapter 82 $6 Million down the waterfall Chapter - 82 "We are here," Rick heard Evelina announce. And with that, Rick and Evelina came to a halt. Rick looked around him, surveying the surrounding. He realised that following Evelina, they hade quiet a distance. And now they were actually standing perilously close to the edge of a massive cliff. The scene before them was breathtaking and, in a way, terrifying. Behind them there was a forest and in front of them was a clear area, with nothing that ended up being a dead end. The road lead to nowhere. And before them, a broad river stretched out, its serene flow guiding it toward the brink. There, the river cascaded over the edge of the cliff, shaping a showstopping waterfall. While the river itself didn''t span a considerable width, about 15 to 20 meters, the waterfall was on a monstrous scale. Rick noticed the unique tree in the middle of the river, standing boldly at the brink of the thundering waterfall. With its branches adorned with stunning purple flowers, it presented a mesmerizing spectacle. The tree seemed like nature''s rockstar, challenging gravity as it danced on the water''s surface, its branches swaying in harmony with the powerful current. "Wow, check out that tree!" Rick eximed, his voice filled with awe and admiration as he pointed toward the astonishing sight. Rick and Evelina slowly inched up to the cliff''s edge with care, lured by the racket of cascading water. When they peeked over the brink, their peepers bugged out, and their respiration held in their windpipes. As they locked their gaze on the sight below, a spine-tingling sensation lomed down Rick''s back. The waterfall''s sheer elevation was just mind-boggling. It seemed to stretch out endlessly, in the ballpark of a jaw-dropping 1000 to 1500 meters. The racket of the water down there was an ear-shattering symphony, and a potent gust ascending from the abyss nearly yed human bowling with the duo, knocking them off their feet. The scene sprawled before him was a showstopper. The waterfall was an unbridled act of Mother Nature, freefalling from a head-spinning altitude. Rick found himself tongue-tied, grappling to fully wrap his head around the colossal magnitude of this natural showstopper. Evelina, too, got momentarily lost in the moment. The height was off the charts. She felt a shiver run through her as a potent updraft surged from beneath, sending both of them teetering backward. But Rick was quick to lend a hand, stopping her from taking a tumble. "Damn, that''s a jaw-dropping plunge," Rickmented, the awe apparent in his voice. Without thinking, he took a step away from the brink and gently tugged Evelina back with him. "I sure as hell don''t fancy a nosedive down there." It was a sight to take your breath away, but its sheer magnitude was enough to give anyone the jitters, a stark reminder of Mother Nature''s indomitable force. "You better start your search," Rick finally turned his attention to the surroundings, reminding Evelina. Evelina nodded, pulled out her map, and scanned the terrain. However, the more she studied it, the more baffled she seemed. Evelina had no clear idea about the precise location of the cave, and their sole guide was the map. She gestured towards the area marked on the map, scrutinizing their environment, but there was no sign of a cave or any sort of entrance. Frustration etched her face as she furrowed her brow, and she couldn''t conceal her disappointment. "I don''t get it. The map clearly points to this spot as the cave''s location," she muttered, her voice carrying a tinge of frustration. Evelina scrutinized the map with a trace of frustration, running her finger across its surface. "It''s supposed to be here," she murmured, her voice tinged with uncertainty. She gestured to the area around them. "The map indicates this location, but I can''t see anything..." Rick rubbed his chin and surveyed their surroundings. The purple-flowered tree still stood as a prominentndmark in thendscape. Unfortunately, the environment offered little assistance. Rick shrugged as he observed the surroundings. "Maps can be deceiving, especially in a ce like this," he noted, his tone practical. "Let''s split and look around, " Evelinamanded, striding off without pausing for Rick''s response. "She is quite the bossy type, "Rick chuckled, his gaze lingering on Evelina''s tempting swaying ass, practically daring him tomit a crime. Without any objections, Rick simply followed her lead, ready to y along with her whims. Rick traversed the wooden bridge, his eyes flitting around in search of any hint of the elusive cave. The bridge, though not extraordinary, boasted extravagant carvings and appeared to be a sturdy construction. As he explored the area on the other side of the river, he meticulously inspected every possible nook and cranny, but the cave remained frustratingly out of sight. His relentless quest continued for an hour, but the fruits of hisbor were, s, non-existent. Rick trudged back to the bridge, the weight of disappointment evident in his demeanor. Crossing over to the side where Evelina was stationed, he couldn''t help but feel drained. Seating himself by the bridge, Rick let his feet dangle into the brisk, flowing river. The cool water brought a touch offort to his weary body. He nced over at the girl, who appeared equally disheartened. The girl joined Rick by the bridge, her expression a mix of disappointment and exhaustion. She hade so far in search of this cave, and the prospect of not finding it was taking a toll on her mood. Rick, ever the charmer, shed a grin. "Why the long face, sweet cheeks? Just dip your tootsies in the refreshing water, take a breather, and let''s put our thinking caps on." But the girl, in a major sourpuss mood, wasn''t having it. She folded her arms like an angry librarian shushing a noisy library-goer. "This close, and no cigar," she grumbled, annoyance radiating from her like an angry porcupine. "I could scream, and your wisecracks isn''t helping it either." Rick tried to lighten the mood with a nervous chuckle. "Hey, let''s not get all bent out of shape," he said. "Just think, we dodged a real disaster by not tripping into that monster waterfall, right?" Rick''s initial attempts at lightening the mood fell t, and he realized it was time to be more earnest and supportive. "I get it," he said with a reassuring tone. "You''ve invested a lot into this, anding so close only to hit a dead end is incredibly frustrating. But hey, we''ll figure this out together. Maybe the map isn''t up to date, or there''s something we''re missing." But the girl''s frustration seemed to be off the charts, and hereback was swift and biting, "I didn''te all this way to chicken out. I''m staying put until I dig up that darn cave." Rick''s initial attempts at lightening the mood fell t, and he realized it was time to be more earnest and supportive. "I get it," he said with a reassuring tone. "You''ve invested a lot into this, anding so close only to hit a dead end is incredibly frustrating. But hey, we''ll figure this out together. Maybe the map isn''t up to date, or there''s something we''re missing." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om The girl, however, remained deeply frustrated, and her irritation was now directed at Rick. "Outdated map? Seriously? I don''t need excuses; I need that cave! I''ve been researching it for months, and it was right here." Evelina''s frustration with their zilch progress was eating'' at her, and she couldn''t resist giving'' Rick a little sass. "Hey, you''re supposed to be a helpful, not chilling'' like a snooze-fest. We gotta locate that cave." Rick, who''d been keeping'' his cool ''til now, couldn''t ignore the sass any longer. He leaned in, voice dripping'' with irritation. "Listen, girl, maybe because I am in a nice mood chatting you up all nice and sweet, you''ve forgotten that I am not here to be your cave hunter. I''m here for the money. I got your back, but keep riding that attitude wave, and I might just consider giving you a one-way ticket down that gnarly waterfall." After getting schooled by Rick, Evelina''s brain finally kicked into gear. The boy had a point, after all. They had their deal. But what''s with the attitude. If he was not that strong, she might even considering punching him in the face. But s, that was no option. Feeling all bummed out, she was about to drop an apology when suddenly, a light bulb lit up over her noggin. What if that cave was right under the waterfall? The idea hit her like a cosmic disco ball, and she couldn''t help but blurt it out. "Whoa, hold up! What if the cave is not here, but hiding out under the waterfall? It might be kicking it behind the cascade of the waterfall," she threw out there. Rick couldn''t believe his ears and thought he had to talk some sense into Evelina. "Are you for real?" Evelina, however, had a spark of hope that just wouldn''t quit. "No joke, I am dead serious." Rick, meanwhile, was doing his best to talk her out of it,ying down the logic. "Evelina, this is bonkers! There''s no guarantee that the cave''s behind the waterfall. I mean there is a possibility, but it is very risky." Rick let out a big sigh, trying to stay chill. "Listen, maybe that tree over there holds the key to the treasure hunt. It could be a clue, a sign, something mega-important. Why else would there be a tree smack in the middle of a freaking river, right on the edge of the waterfall?" Evelina''s fuse was running short, and she was not on the same page with Rick''s theory. She shot back with some serious determination, "No, I am telling you, it''s under that waterfall. I''ve got this feeling, and I know, I am not wrong." And with that, without giving Rick a chance to p back, Evelina bolted towards the edge of the waterfall, paying zero mind to his cautions. Her ticker was drumming a wild beat as she pulled a split-second move and took a leap of faith into the total unknown. The world turned into a total blur as she descended straight into the frothy, wild waters below. Rick stood there, jaw on the floor, watching Evelina vanish into the roaring cascade, leaving him solo on the cliff''s edge. He couldn''t help but mutter to himself, "That stupid bitch." "Six million bucks down the drain. What a freaking lousy waterfall!" ***** Chapter 83: Angry Rick, Angry System, Angry Everyone Chapter - 83 Rick perched himself on the cliff''s edge, abo tter of disbelief and frustration etched all over his mug. He''d just seen a girl, either crazy brave or just in loco, take a nosedive straight into those frothy, tumultuous waters down below. Rick''s jaw decided to stage a rebellion as he muttered to himself, "She could have at least stripped down before that wild dive. I might have caught a peek at those massive melons. Such a melon-wasting situation on a thick girl. Thick & th, man, that chick was the whole package..."" The cool breeze ruffled his hair as he pondered the mess he found himself in. Six million dors were swirling down the proverbial toilet, and there was zilch he could do about it. He''d poured time, energy, and a hefty chunk of cash into whatever crazy scheme had led to this epic cliff dive. What a major league bummer. The waterfall below roared like it was having a goodugh at his epic misfortune, and no system''s magic pill could flip that script. "Man, this is the pits," Rick griped in a low voice. He gave his head a shake, followed by a bitter chuckle. "But I am not some loony, you know? I have got way too much love for life to be pulling a stunt like that. I mean, if I hang tight, I can bank on raking in way more dough than that, no doubt about it." Rick wasn''t about to roll the dice with his own life. He treasured his existence way too much to even entertain the idea of a leap like that. He hunched over the cliff, keeping a close watch on the roaring waterfall, hopeful for any glimpse of the girl''s return. After a deep sigh and onest frustrated stare into the abyss, Rick decided it was time to bounce. He gave his pockets a reassuring pat to make sure his phone and wallet were safe and sound. He felt relieved that they were still right where they should be. Rick had no ns to mimic the girl''s wild move, even if it meant waving goodbye to his six million bucks. [ Quest: Follow the girl, and help her find that nt Time Duration: Before the girl dies Quest Rewards: 1 Lottery Spin (Standard); Cash: $10,000; Ero Points: 3,000 ] "Fuck off," but Rick was far from thrilled when the quest popped up in front of him. In fact, it grated on his nerves more than anything else. He let out a frustrated grumble, "Seriously, were you napping this whole time? Why is it feel like you are never around when I could use a hand? Fucking, I can''t even snag a decent deal from your damn pricey shop. Why, you ask? Fuck, because that joint of yours is crazy expensive." "If that''s not enough, I have to kill off someone just because you tell me to." "And I gotta bite the dust because you give the word." "I have to fucking risk my neck for a lousy bump in points and some chump change. And why? Just because you, the fucking almighty system said so? Suck my dick, you lousy system. I''m so done with your nonsense. I''m not lifting a finger for your quests, and I couldn''t care less about your shenanigans. Take a hike!!" Rick was suddenly agitated as heshed out at his all powerful system, hurling abuses left right and center. It was the umtion of all that happened with the old man and his minions. It was all fun and games, amusing when it was just flirting with girls, charming them and romantic stuff like that. But the minute the system demanded he cross the line into violence, or be willing to bite the dust himself, a knot of dread and unease had taken root in his heart. Now, that knot was unraveling with a vengeance. There was silence that followed after that sudden outburst from Rick, neither Rick spoke, nor the system conversed with any more pop-ups. Was it a silent stand-off? Rick had no idea. But after what felt like a minute or two, the system chimed again. [Would a ten-percent discount do? On everything in the shop.] Surprisingly, the system extended an olive branch, suggesting a truce. However, Rick was deeply entrenched in his groove, not exactly known for his tactical genius, and right now, his brain was taking a backseat. "Screw you," Rick shot back at the system. "Come on, rabbit," he hollered as he turned away and headed back toward the forest. "We''re out of here." Rick let out a whistle, and a little bunny that had been bouncing around in the vicinity hopped right out of the underbrush. It was an adorable, fluffy critter with inquisitive ears that twitched as it hopped closer to Rick. Under different circumstances, this sight might have brought a smile to Rick''s face, but right now, he was far from jovial. He stood there near the waterfall, facing away from the tree as the rabbit made a beeline for him. In a perfect world, the rabbit might have leaped into his arms, mbered up his clothes, and settled on his shoulder. But as fate would have it, the bunny had different ns in mind. With a burst of unexpected energy, the rabbit made a daring leap toward Rick. However, instead of ending up in his arms, it skillfullynded right on his shoulder. Rick''s eyes widened in sheer surprise, and he let out a yelp of astonishment, teetering on the rocky ground as he struggled to maintain his bnce. The rabbit, showcasing remarkable agility, hopped onto Rick''s shoulder but didn''t stick around. It gathered its little legs for another jaw-dropping leap,unching itself into the air. The force it exerted on Rick''s shoulder was enough to nearly dislocate it. Rick couldn''t help but be both impressed and amused by the surprising strength packed into such a small critter. He was left utterly speechless by the rabbit''s astonishing disy, leaving him both in awe and breathless. With an astonishing disy of grace, the rabbit vaulted over Rick''s shoulder, its destination now the stunning tree adorned with vibrant purple flowers behind him. In that instant, the rabbit executed its highest jump, a maneuver that intersected perfectly with the soft, golden rays of the setting sun. Its fur appeared to ignite, shimmering like a snowball aze in the twilight. Against the backdrop of the picturesque tree and the fading daylight, the rabbit''s leap became a breathtaking sight. In the blink of an eye, the rabbit sailed across the river, covering an incredible distance. Itnded with remarkable grace on a tree branch strategically positioned at the center of the river, bridging the water''s expanse. Rick stood there,pletely dumbfounded by the seemingly impossible leap the rabbit had just executed. "Can rabbits even jump like that?" Rick pondered, a puzzled look settling on his face. The answer was all too clear in his mind: this wasn''t your everyday bunny. It was an extraordinary creature, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from its kind. With a featherlight touchdown, the rabbit set up shop on a sturdy branch smack dab in the middle of the river. Rick watched in breathless awe, appreciating how the rabbit seemed to be giving gravity the old slip ''n slide. But just when he was ''bout to let out a sigh of relief, the branch decided it was time for a little bend-and-snap action, courtesy of the rabbit''s hefty presence. "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Rick hollered, his ticker ying the bongo drums inside his chest. He''d gotten kinda attached to this extraordinarily cute bunny and wasn''t keen on witnessing it meet a watery demise. He leaned in closer to the river''s edge, all set to go superhero if necessary. Much to his total shock, that branch didn''t go all "snap, crackle, and pop" as he''d dreaded. Nope, it acted like it was part of some next-level Rube Goldberg contraption. Rick''s brow furrowed in pure bewilderment, trying to decode this wild turn of events. "Hold up a sec," Rick mumbled to himself, squinting his eyes as the big light bulb lit up in his brain. "This ain''t your run-of-the-mill branch. It''s gotta be something extra." The river stayed chill, and the rabbit didn''t seem to be in hot water. Meanwhile, the branch kept shifting down. Rick''s peepers bulged out in shock as he caught on to what was unfolding. This wasn''t just some ordinary branch; it was part of a contraption, a lever of sorts. "What in the...?" Rick blurted out, his voice tinged with amazement. He was ''bout to embark on some sleuthing when he picked up a weird sounding from the riverbank. Swinging his head in that direction, his jaw decided to take a little trip south as heid eyes on a spectacle that had "mind-blowing" written all over it. The small bridge that spanned the river suddenly went all wild, rattling and quaking, creating ripples through its wooden frame. Rick''s peepers couldn''t quite believe what they were seeing. The bridge split in two, each chunk folding up like origami to form a tform on either side of the river. It was like witnessing a ginormous jigsaw puzzle doing the tango. "Holy smokes...," Rick began, but the words hitched a ride on his surprise as the jaw-dropping spectacle just kept on rolling. As the bridge morphed, the water that had been merrily flowing beneath it suddenly took a detour to the sides. It unveiled a hidden tform, mysterious and ck tform that suddenly surfaced up the river. The water decided to skedaddle away from the tform, clearing a path. Those bridge segments, now transformed into two separate gangways, became a runway leading right to that enigmatic ck tform. "Alrighty then, this is like some top-notch Indiana Jones-level shenanigans," Rick mumbled, his gazeser-locked on the mind-boggling transformation. He couldn''t wrap his head around what he was witnessing; it was as if a chapter from a wild adventure novel had popped right off the page and into the real world. The rabbit, holding court on the tree branch smack in the middle of the river, appeared to be as cool as a cucumber amid all the hubbub. Its ears kept on twitching inquisitively, and it fixed its gaze on that newly revealed ck tform, almost like it had been in on the secret all along. Rick found himself at a crossroads, a bit torn on whether to explore that tform. He had a hunch earlier that the tree might be the crucial piece of the puzzle leading to the cave. Now, staring at this mind-blowing setup before him, he was pretty darn convinced it was the real deal. "Hey there, system... My good old system. That deal we were chatting about, is it still on?" As he watched the scene unfold in front of him, Rick suddenly asked, a sheepish grin donning his face. [...] "Oh,e on, we are pals, aren''t we?" But there was no response, and just like that, Rick found himself swinging in the bnce. ***** Chapter 84: A sore pussy, weak legs and tight jeans Chapter - 84 With a sense of wonder and adventure, Rick stepped onto the wooden tform and followed the path to the center of the river, where the mysterious ck path had emerged.The rabbit, always up for an adventure, had gracefully hopped down from the tree and tagged along with Rick on this captivating journey. Rick wrinkled his brow, his emotions caught between skepticism and fascination. "Who would go to all this trouble to stash a cave under a river, and what kind of secrets could it be harboring?" As they drew near the ck tform, Rick caught sight of something entirely unexpected. It wasn''t a tform after all; it was an entrance. A flight of stairs descended into the abyss, shrouded in darkness. The notion that someone had gone to such great lengths to cloak a cave beneath the river filled Rick with a potent blend of curiosity and thrill. "Man, this just keeps getting wilder," Rick cheered. "C''mon, partner, let''s find out where this rabbit hole leads." Rick dered with a grin, taking the first step into the cave. The rabbit didn''t waste a moment and hopped down to follow, as always. As they made their way down, the cave''s entrance above them closed, sealing them inside. Rick couldn''t help but shiver, feeling a wee bit of a chill creeping down his spine. It was like they were entering a hidden world, far removed from the reality he knew. But he decided to continue forward with cautious steps. With each step they took, the lights along the sides of the stairs lit up, illuminating their path. The cave wasn''t the gloomy, doom-and-gloom spot Rick had pictured. Nope, it was like someone had put in the effort to roll out the wee mat, as if someone had prepped for their grand entrance. The rabbit bounded down the stairs ahead of Rick, its tiny, nimble frame handling the descent like a pro. Rick stood there in amazement, following her lead as they delved deeper into the concealed cave. With each step, the vibe turned cooler and more mysterious, making Rick''s curiosity soar. As they ventured onward, Rick''s eagle eyes picked up something quite peculiar. The cave walls weren''t just sitting there, they had these spots carved right into ''em, and alongside the stairs, someone had thought it''d be a grand idea to nt some herbs and nts. The vibrant greenery stuck out like a sore thumb against the gloomy, rocky backdrop. Rick had no clue what those nts were, but the rabbit, always ready for some resourceful action, didn''t waste a second before snatching them up. "Seems like you''ve got that green thumb going on, buddy," Rick quipped as he took the herbs handed to him by the rabbit. He had zero clue what these leafy wonders were all about, but he had a gut feeling to roll with the rabbit''s vibes. It hadn''t steered him wrong so far. In this kooky ce, Rick suspected these nts were no run-of-the-mill goodies. He couldn''t help but wonder if they''d just waltzed into some undercover Eden, a spot where hidden treasures of cosmic importance were stashed away. The trek felt like it was gonna stretch into eternity, and Rick couldn''t stop himself from being in awe of the sheer determination it took to craft this borate cave entrance. Whoever had whipped this ce into shape had definitely taken "secretive" to a whole new level. Those puzzling lights along the stairs just kept doing their thing, leading them on a journey that felt like it was taking them straight into another dimension. The ten minutespiraling staircase marathon went on for what felt like ten centuries of relentless trekking. Finally, they hit the staircase''s finish line, and Rick seized the chance to catch his breath. He looked around, trying to wrap his head around whaty ahead. They hadnded in a colossal underground chamber, and the cave had shape-shifted into something that was off-the-charts extraordinary. The cave spread out into a colossal underground hangout, with vintage ssmps decking the walls, dishing out an otherworldly radiance. Stctites and stgmites framed the chamber''s entrance, putting on a natural show that had Rick seriously gobsmacked. "Whoa," Rick whispered, his gaze locked on the spellbinding splendor of the cave. "This is... unreal." Meanwhile, the rabbit, ever the trailzer, hopped off thest step like it was just another day at the office, unfazed by the jaw-dropping scene. It kicked off its exploration, nose twitching, soaking in all the scents the cave had to offer. Rick, perched at the foot of the stairs in that sprawling underground wondend, now found himself facing a choice. One way, a lengthy tunnel called to him, a mysterious passageway diving deeper into the cave. On the flip side, a dead end appeared to be throwing out an invite. Rick knew the tunnel was calling their name, but that old curiosity itch wouldn''t let up, so he cast a quick nce back over his shoulder. There on the wall was a lever. An idea pinged in his noggin, and he let out a sigh. He had a hunch what this lever wasfor. There was a little something he just had to take care of before they dove further into the cave. With a mix of determination and a smidge of reluctance, Rick sauntered up to the lever and gave it a pull. The cave let out a wee rumble and shook a bit, and all of a sudden, a section of that dead-end wall decided to go all party mode, splitting in two and unveiling an opening. A wall that had just been looking all lifeless and boring, had now gone and transformed. It swung open like a secret door, and whaty beyond was downright breathtaking. Without saying a peep, Rick made his way toward the newly revealed entrance. Stepping through, he was smacked in the face with a scene that was the definition of breathtaking. The waterfall had gone and split into two cascading streams. Right in front of him, a giant, mind-blowing pond stretched out, with its blue waters as pretty as a picture, covering a couple of hundred meters in diameter. The view had Rick standing there, spellbound. The cave''s entrance was perched high above the pond, with two sets of stairsing down from each side. The whole setup wasn''t just a looker; it was built to be a doer, too. But Rick''s gawking at the cave''s fancy footwork soon turned into a major case of concern. Right smack in the middle of that pond, Evelina the brave heart that jumped from the top of the waterfall was still alive and kicking. She was thrashing around in the water, her struggle to stay afloat all too clear. She was floundering, doing her best to keep her head above water, but it was a losing battle. Her strength was wearing thin as she duked it out with the current. The situation was looking mighty precarious, and it didn''t take a genius to figure out she was on the verge of taking a plunge she wouldn''t recover from. Rick didn''t waste a single breath. He knew what he had to do, and he was in it to win it. With a steely look in his eyes, he took the plunge into the chilly pond, its frothy clutches making the rescue one wild ride. But Rick was on a mission and wasn''t backing down. He sliced through the water like a champ, closing in on the struggling Evelina just in the nick of time. Rick was like an underwater acrobat, sliding one of Evelina''s arms over his shoulder and cinching his arm around her waist without missing a beat. There wasn''t time for chit-chat, but his actions screamed louder than words ever could. He hightailed it back to those stairs with a burst of pure determination. Evelina, her energy spent and struggling for breath, clung to Rick, her senses reeling from the intense ordeal. Her face was buried in Rick''s chest as she tried to regain herposure. When they reached the stairs, Rick carefully lifted her out of the water and onto the stone steps, ensuring she was in a safe spot. She was shivering, her strengthpletely drained. Rick didn''t dawdle. With Evelina now on the stairs and as safe as a pumpkin in a pie, he scrambled out of the pond, his clothes waterlogged, and his heart still racing from the adrenaline rush. He took a moment to catch his breath, then, in a single smooth move, scooped the girl up in a ssic princess carry. As Rick cradled Evelina in his arms, her form snug against his chest, there was a definite change in the air. Clinging to him, a subtle blush painted her cheeks, as if a timid spark hade to life within her. Her head rested gently on his shoulder, and with every rise and fall of his chest, she could sense the steady beat of his heart. It was aforting rhythm. Her racing pulse gradually found harmony with his, and the erratic flutters in her chest began to settle. With her face cozily nestled in Rick''s chest, she couldn''t help but breathe in his scent. It was like a magic potion, weaving its spell, wrapping her senses in a warm embrace and calming her frazzled nerves. It was a scent that would linger in her memory, a scent that whispered of courage and dependability. It was intoxicating. Once they were safely back inside the cave, Rick gently set the girl down on the cave floor. She was drenched, trembling, and her eyes still held a mix of weariness and fear. Her eyelids were closed, and her breaths came in shallow waves, but she was alive, all thanks to Rick. With Evelina safely on the ground, Rick zipped over to the lever and gave it a little nudge, sealing off the entrance to the tunnel. It was a smart move, guaranteeing that no more further mishaps could happen. The wall obediently closed up behind them, hiding the path to the pond. "Alright, all locked up and secure," Rick reported, pivoting his focus back to Evelina. "Come on, no need for the theatrics. I know you are awake," he coaxed gently, attempting to break through her daze. "You''re gonna be just fine." The girl''s eyelids fluttered open, and she peered up at Rick, her face a medley of relief and thankfulness. Not a word passed her lips, but her eyes conveyed a whole library of emotions. Rick gave a knowing nod, getting the message loud and clear. "Yep, I couldn''t just stand by and watch you sink, could I?" He then added with a smirk, "You''re one luckydy that I happened to be around for the grand rescue. I mean, I should probably charge you extra for all this heavy lifting. But hey, let''s just call it a day, shall we?" The rabbit, who had been observing the situation from a safe distance, hopped closer and nuzzled against the girl''s leg. It was as if the furrypanion was offeringfort and reassurance. The girl returned the favor by giving the rabbit''s fur a gentle stroke, her smile warming up. "I''m okay. Thanks for being my hero." She managed to muster up a little smile, but it was clear the close shave had rattled her. Rick couldn''t help but appreciate her fearless spirit, even if it hadnded her in this pickle. That cave must''ve meant the world to her. There was more to her tale than met the eye. Rick squatted down next to her, a worried look painting his face. "You had me sweating bullets there," he mentioned with a tad of a grin, aiming to ease the tension. The girl finally met Rick''s eyes, her gaze reflecting gratitude, but there was a touch of uncertainty there. "I... I... My legs just gave out on me. I couldn''t swim." "What else were you expecting?" Rick rebuked Evelina, "A sore pussy, weak legs and tight jeans. I''m honestly shocked you didn''t turn into a human anchor out there in the pond." "..." ***** Chapter 85: End of the road Chapter - 85 "What else were you expecting?" Rick rebuked Evelina, "A sore pussy, weak legs and tight jeans. I''m honestly shocked you didn''t turn into a human anchor out there in the pond." Rick''sment caught Evelinapletely off guard. She felt her cheeks burning, a mix of embarrassment and amusement spreading across her face, as she heard Rick scold her and talk about her pussy and the sex they had in the middle of the forest, while her many unconscious. Her head hung low in shyness. Ding! As the chime sounded, Rick didn''t need to check his system to know that he had sessfullypleted the quest of rescuing Evelina. Rick gave Evelina some time to collect herself, knowing that the situation had taken a toll on her. When he felt that she was ready, he gently asked if she was prepared to keep going. "You good to keep moving?" Rick inquired. "Hmmm" Evelina gave a faint nod, and with Rick''s assistance, she gradually got back on her feet. As they readied themselves all of them began to move deeper inside the cave, andthe rabbit took the lead, its little body deftly maneuvering through the dim passages. Rick was right on the bunny''s heels, confident in his movements. Evelina followed closely, her footsteps reverberating in the underground hush. From time to time, she''d sneak a nce at Rick, who appeared utterlyfortable in this enigmatic setting. As they ventured further into the tunnel, it gradually branched into two separate routes. Rick''s brow furrowed as he grappled with the decision. He pondered the options, searching for the best way forward in this bewilderingbyrinth. However, it was the rabbit that appeared to have an answer. With a couple of nose twitches that seemed as practiced as a pro, it confidently selected a path. Rick couldn''t help but be impressed by the critter''s decisiveness. Rick didn''t hesitate for a second; he simply trailed the rabbit down the chosen path. Evelina kept right behind him. Rick''s confidence in the rabbit was unquestionable, and it piqued Evelina''s curiosity. Unable to contain her inquisitiveness, Evelina finally voiced her wonder. "I''ve been wondering. What''s the deal with you and that rabbit? Why do you trust it so much?" Her question held a sincere curiosity, and she was genuinely intrigued by their peculiar partnership. Rick turned his head to give Evelina a sly grin as they pressed on down the tunnel. "Well, you know, the rabbit''s cute." Evelina arched an eyebrow, obviously anticipating a more substantial exnation. "That''s it? Just because the rabbit''s cute?" Rickughed, maintaining his usualid-back demeanor. "Why not? You''re cute too, and that''s exactly why I saved you," he replied with a wink, eliciting a blush from Evelina as she quickly averted her gaze. Evelina responded with a smirk, calling him out, "Liar... Isn''t it just because if I died, you wouldn''t have a chance to get the money back?" "That maybe true, but why do you think I chose you, instead of the old man?" Rick didn''t deny her im, instead, he looked down at her perky breasts, tightly sticking to her wet shirt, "You know I can''t lie about it. Do you want me to put my hands on them and swear?" "You... Why are you so bad?" Evelina''s blush intensified as she observed Rick''s shameless lecherous gaze. Her defenses were crumbling, and her poker face was slipping in front of him. As they journeyed down the selected path, the rabbit continued to serve as their guide, guiding them through abyrinthinework of tunnels. The cave appeared to be an infinite maze, with numerous forks and branches along the way. However, at each juncture, the rabbit confidently chose a path with a simple twitch of its nose, and Rick unwaveringly followed its lead, putting hisplete faith in their small, furry navigator. Finally, after navigating through more twists and turns, the trio found themselves facing an enormous door, an imposing structure made of thick, metallic material. They gathered before it, their interest fully piqued. Rick approached the massive door, studying it intently, a growing sense of anticipation in the air. "Well, this looks promising," he muttered to himself. "Now, how do we go about opening it?" The rabbit, showing a surprising level of curiosity, joined the inspection of the door. It sniffed at the surface as if trying to locate a hidden clue or mechanism. Evelina, equally intrigued, joined Rick in examining the door, her eyes scanning for any indications of how to unlock it. Evelina posed the question, her attention fixed on the metallic surface. "Do you think there''s a way to open it?" Rick nodded in contemtion. "There must be some sort of mechanism or clue around here. Let''s search for any hints or switches." The trio began to explore the area around the door, their hands running over the stone walls, checking for hidden levers or buttons.The rabbit was particrly active, sniffing and tapping its paw against the wall, as if it were as invested in the discovery as Rick and Evelina. Evelina''s keen eyes spotted a stone with a ck screen near the door and quickly pointed it out to Rick. "Check this out," she said, tapping the ck screen. To their surprise, the screen suddenly came to life. It was an LED screen, likely the key to unlocking the door. The trio gathered around the screen, intrigued by what it might reveal. Evelina, her attention drawn to a series of symbols etched into the stone nearby, eximed, "Look at this! Maybe these symbols have something to do with opening the door?" The challenge, however, was that there were numerous symbols on the screen, and deciphering their significance was no simple task. Rick narrowed his eyes at the symbols, his mind working overtime as he contemted whether they might form a code or puzzle of some sort. "It could very well be a code or some kind of puzzle," he mused. But when Rick looked at the screen and the imposing iron door, a touch of unease crept over him. Raising an eyebrow and wearing a concerned expression, he voiced his apprehension. He couldn''t help but wonder about the potential repercussions of trying to breach the enormous door, "Are youpletely certain about this ce? We could inadvertently stir up some unnecessary trouble." Rick''s concern stemmed from the fear that attempting to open the door might lead to unforeseenplications. Their expedition had evolved from simple cave exploration and nt collection into something far more intricate and uncertain. Evelina stood before the imposing metallic door, her gaze fixed upon it. With a tone of certainty, she turned to Rick, "This is the ce," she dered, her voice filled with determination. Her confidence remained resolute as she added, "I''m certain. This cave actually belongs to my family. I''m just here to im what''s already ours." Rick arched an eyebrow, a skeptical expression crossing his face. "If it''s your family''s cave, why don''t you just open the door?" he inquired, curious about the reason behind their current predicament. But as soon as Rick posed the question, Evelina''s demeanor suddenly changed. She fidgeted with her fingers, her gaze darting around nervously. She stammered in response, "Well, you see... I don''t actually know how to open the doors." Rick arched an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by this revtion. "You don''t know?" he eximed, his surprise evident. "What sort of nonsense is this?" Evelina bit her lip, her expression one of embarrassment. "Well, you see... it was my father who created this cave. I only have the map. I don''t know how to open the doors." Rick''s skepticism heightened as he absorbed Evelina''s response. "So, no one in your family is aware of this cave? Or how to ess it?" Evelina''s answer was delivered with a hesitant shake of her head, and the more she spoke, the less convincing her exnation sounded. Rick couldn''t help but harbor doubts about her true motives, especially with her feeble excuse. She mumbled, "No, they don''t know... and I''ve never really had the opportunity to ask anyone about it." Rick couldn''t shake off his doubts as he regarded Evelina with an appraising gaze. Suspicion lingered, but the irresistible pull of uncovering the secrets behind the sealed door was too enticing to ignore. Although his reservations lingered, the mystery behind this sealed entrance only deepened Rick''s curiosity. The evident effort invested in concealing whatevery beyond piqued his interest. Facing the gate, Rick turned to Evelina and remarked, "You know... I might just have a trick or two up my sleeve to help us get past this." Evelina''s excitement grew upon hearing Rick''s words. "You do?" "But... But there is something," Rick, however, quickly tempered her enthusiasm. As soon as Rick uttered the word "but," a puzzled frown etched itself onto Evelina''s face. She gazed at him with a blend of concern and unease. "A catch? What are you talking about?" Rick paused for a moment, contemting his next words. "Yeah, I do have a little condition." Evelina''s initial surprise quickly transformed into a blend of frustration and disbelief. "You''ve got to be joking. It''s like you''re a ma for trouble, always making things moreplicated." Rick chuckled, his tone surprisingly rxed considering the gravity of their circumstances. "Well, life''s a wild ride, and I like to keep things spicy." Evelina couldn''t help but roll her eyes, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Fine. Tell me, what''s the deal this time?" Rick didn''t hesitate, and his candid response took Evelina by surprise. "Well, you see, I''d want somepensation for helping you out. Maybe a bit of extra money, and... well, yeah, I wouldn''t mind sharing a sleeping bag with youagain," he said with a cheeky grin. Rick sighed and admitted, "To be honest, I reallydo." Evelina''s eyes widened in astonishment, her cheeks flushing with a blend of surprise and embarrassment. She stammered, struggling to formte a response. "But I won''t ask for that," Rick continued, leaning in closer with a hushed tone. "What I''m truly interested in is what lies beyond that door. You share that secret, and I will help us get inside." Rick''s gaze remained steady, his proposal unambiguous but delivered with a touch of yfulness, "So, what do you say?" He asked, a mischievous spark in his eyes. Evelina''s expression softened as she mulled over the proposition. After a brief moment of consideration, she gave a nod. "Alright, it''s a deal. I''ll spill the beans and tell you everything I know, and what I am looking for behind this gate." ***** [A/N: If you are enjoying the story so far, do leave a review, and support the story any way you can.] Chapter 86: I dont even know his name Chapter - 86 "Alright, it''s a deal. I will spill the beans and tell you everything I know, and what I am looking for behind this gate," Evelina said and looked at Rick. "..." "..." "Need me to send a raven to your great Uncle Joe for the grand reveal?" "Come on, I haven''t got all day. Tell me what''s so important inside the cave. But please, spare me the clich¨¦ about your dying grandfather, some mysterious nt or herb that can save his life and that mysterious herb can only be found inside that cave," Rick threw his hand in air and looked annoyed. "I have read too many cliche stories to know better," Rick smirked. "Ummm..." Evelina hesitated, her expression conflicted. It seemed that Rick''s worst suspicions might just be confirmed. And when Rick saw the difficulty on her face he could not believe in his luck. That was actually the case? Rick couldn''t believe his ears. He had to ask again just to be sure. "Wait, seriously? Is it actually the dying grandpa needs a magical herb from this cave story?" Evelina''s admission took Rick by surprise. Evelina met Rick''s gaze with a touch of unease, her eyes reflecting a hint of nervousness as she began to exin the purpose of their visit to the cave, "You see, inside the cave, I''m supposed to find a medicinal herb known as called ''Sunfire Lotus''. It''s incredibly rare and powerful," she stated. "Sunfire Lotus?" Rick was in the dark about this particr nt, so he turned to his ever-reliablepanion, "Any insights on what that is?" Rick''s ever-reliablepanion, the Rabbit, stepped in with a wealth of knowledge, exining, "Sunfire Lotus is a rare and radiant herb, with vivid crimson petals that glisten like flickering mes in the sunlight. It thrives in cold, damp environments and is particrly effective when dealing with the effects of a cold poison, especially for women." Rick nodded, absorbing the information. "Alright, so she is after this Sunfire Lotus." As the Rabbit provided insights to Rick, Evelina observed their exchange with a sense of bewilderment. Although she couldn''t hear the Rabbit speak, the sight of a man and a rabbit appearing to engage in a conversation was undoubtedly peculiar. "Wait a minute," Rick''s eyebrows shot up in surprise as he addressed Evelina, "You mentioned your grandfather was unwell. How does a woman being poisoned fit into this?" "When did I say that?"Evelina corrected Rick, shaking her head, "I never said it was my grandfather. It''s actually my grandmother who''s unwell, and that''s why we need that herb for her." Rick couldn''t help but chuckle at the twist in the tale. "Well, well, isn''t this bing quite the clich¨¦edy of errors," hemented, finding humor in the situation. With an amused shake of his head, Rick chose to take a seat in a corner against the wall. Evelina watched him curiously, puzzled by his unexpected decision. She was wondering why they weren''t attempting to force the door open. Evelina, observing his actions, couldn''t help but ask, "What are you doing? Didn''t you say if I tell you what was inside you would break the door? Hurry, we don''t have..." "Shhsh..." Rick motioned for Evelina to hush, gesturing for her to remain silent for a moment as he made some preparations. With a raised hand to signal her to wait, Rick said, "Hold on a second. I need to get ready." Without wasting any time, Rick essed the system and headed straight to the shop. He didn''t bother checking his progress or rewards. He had to first search for something that could break the door. As Rick perused the shop''s offerings, he found an array of options at his disposal: "Master Thief Key," "James Bond Chewing Gum," "sting Cap," "C4 Explosive," "TNT," and "Semtex." However, as he scrutinized the imposing iron door before him, Rick quickly realized that anything less potent than "TNT" or "Semtex" would be insufficient to break through. Yet, using such high-powered explosives carried the risk of dire consequences. There was a high chance that he was nning for his own grave, and if he somehow manged to stay alive, he might potentially draw unwanted attention. After considering the repercussions of a noisy explosive, Rick abandoned the idea of utilizing such a dramatic method. Scratching his head, he muttered to himself, "This won''t do. I need something less conspicuous." Rick shifted his focus, aiming to discover an item that could aid in invisibility or even better, something to pass through solid objects. He knew his inventory might offer a few alternatives. He quickly scanned through the inventory for such tools. Ethereal Visor: The visorlets you peep through stuff for about five minutes, but remember, don''t be a creep and spy on your neighbor''s apartment. It''s apact gadget, easy to handle, but keep your voyeuristic tendencies in check Ero Points: 15,000 Invisibility Cloak: This item, more like a cloak made from the hide of a mystical creature, grants the user the power of invisibility. using it, one could be unseen for a certain amount of time, enabling him to move without being detected. The original owner, a magician, used it to dodge death multiple times. But it seems like his lucky descendants were a useless bunch. Ero Points: 230,000 Shadowmeld: With this nifty skill, the user can be one with the shadows, practically vanishing into thin air. He could slip by obstacles and foes undetected, like a ninja on a stealth mission. And the best part? This skillsts a solid ten minutes after you fire it up! Ero Points: 35,000 Ethereal Phasing: With this slick skill, one could go all ghost mode, passing through solid stuff like it was no big deal. He could stroll through walls and barriers like a phantom on vacation, and the best part was, itsted for a whole five minutes after activation! Ero Points: 55,000 Looking at the options in front of him, Rick pretty much had an idea of what he was going to buy, but the cost of each skill bleed his heart, feeling like his wallet was on life support. But hey, no pain, no gain, right? He had to do it. Millions of dors were on the line even if he found nothing behind the door. After a moment of thought, Rick turned to Evelina and said, "Alright, I am done." In a sh, a card materialized in his hand. The sudden appearance of the card caught Evelina by surprise. Evelina did a double-take, thinking she''d walked into a magic show by mistake. She wasn''t sure if she was watching a live performance or if she needed an eye check! Rick examined the card and weighed the pros and cons for a hot second. Then, with a confident swoosh, he swiped it through the air like a debit card at a ck Friday sale. The card disappeared into the ether, and in the blink of an eye, he was bestowed with the selected skill. Rick, now armed with his newfound skill, faced Evelina with determination. "Alright, let''s explore and see if there''s another way to ess whatever is hidden behind that door." Evelina was taken aback by Rick''s insistence. She was under the impression that they had thoroughly explored everything in the cave. However, he motioned for her to continue and gently guided her to face the sealed door. Reluctant but curious, she turned to face the door, still wondering what he had in mind. But to her astonishment, Rick suddenly vanished from her sight, as if he had be invisible. As Evelina spun around, scanning the surroundings for any sign of Rick, a hint of anxiety gnawed at her. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air. The idea that he might have run away crossed her mind, though she quickly dismissed it. "No way he could be that fast, could he?" she pondered, her uncertainty lingering in the cave''s eerie silence. Evelina''s anxiety mounted as she searched for any sign of Rick. Her heart raced, and she couldn''t shake the unease that had taken hold of her. She wondered where he had vanished to. Then, her gaze fell upon the rabbit, the same one that had been with Rick all along. The little furry creature sat nonchntly on the cave floor, its legs stretched out as it happily nibbled on a nt it had gathered earlier. It appearedpletely unconcerned, as if nothing unusual had urred. The sight of the rabbit gave Evelina some relief. If the rabbit was there, it was highly likely that Rick was nearby, hidden from view by some trick or skill. "If the rabbit is here, then Rick must be around somewhere," she muttered to herself. "Hey... Whereare you?" Evelina called out, her voice tinged with worry and annoyance. She searched around, hoping to catch a glimpse of Rick but found no trace of him. Her mind raced with thoughts of confusion and disbelief. Evelina tip-toed like a detective on a donut stakeout, creeping up to the rabbit with her gaze darting left and right for any hint about why Rick had pulled a Houdini act. "Hello, little fur-ball, where''s your boss at, huh?" she inquired. But that fluffy rascal just went on munching its grub, giving her the cold shoulder, acting like she was yesterday''s news. "Here I am, having a chat with a bunny," Evelina mumbled, shaking her head in disbelief. "This kid''s sprinting off on me, and I haven''t even got a clue what his name is." * * * * * Chapter 87: Its sexual harassment Chapter - 87 On the other side, Rick had pulled off a vanishing act that Evelina couldn''t fathom. Little did she know, he was standing right in her grill, invisible as a ghost, peeping at her every step. The guy had just cashed out a whopping 55,000 Ero Points for the Ethereal Phasing skill, and bam! He went all invisible like a pro. While Rick was ying the invisible game, Evelina diverted her attention to his rabbit. Unbeknownst to her, Rick was eyeing her from the sidelines, totally taken by her infectious and radiant smile. Out of Rick''s sight, Evelina''s cool facade vanished, showcasing her genuine beauty. Rick found himself hooked by her allure¡ªher dazzling smile, those sparkling eyes lighting up with every word she uttered. For a fleeting moment, a desire to touch her smiling lips and feel the warmth of her skin welled up within him, but he knew he had only a limited amount of time to work with. So he couldn''t afford to linger too long in the shadows. With time running out, Rick decided it was time to roll the dice. He sauntered away from the enchanting scene of Evelina and the bunny, heading for the colossal iron door. His heart was drumming in his chest as he stretched out his hand, fully expecting to glide through it like a phantom. Yet, much to his shock, his hand smacked into chilly, unyielding metal, and he was stuck in ce. That darn door refused to budge, shrugging off all his ghostly antics. Rick''s face twisted into a scowl, his brow knitted in fierce determination as he tried to muster the mojo of the Ethereal Phasing skill. He could feel frustration and anxiety building, but quitting wasn''t in Rick''s vocabry. He closed his eyes and focused, feeling a rush of energy surge through him. As he concentrated harder, he began to sense the door''s resistance slowly give way. In an instant, the colossal iron door appeared to dissolve right before him. He staggered forward, a wild mix of exhration and confusion making his heart race. For a moment, it seemed like he might end up eating dirt, but with a series of clumsy, wobbly moves, he managed to get a grip and avoid an undignified face-nt. As he opened his eyes, he found himself in a bright, unfamiliar room, his vision struggling to adjust to the sudden change in lighting.He, and when he opened his eyes, he found himself in a starkly different environment. The room he now stood in was brilliantly illuminated, and his eyes took a moment to adjust to the sudden change in lighting. Rick blinked several times as his eyes tried to amodate. His surroundings were a stark contrast to the dark, damp cave he had just left behind. Once Rick''s eyes limated to the sudden burst of light, he was greeted by a sight that knocked him off his invisible feet. It wasn''t the lighting that had him gobsmacked, but the jaw-dropping vision of a ginormous stash of gold bars meticulously lined up in the chamber. In total disbelief, he soaked in the splendor of countless bars, each one gleaming and sparkling like a jackpot dreame true. His jaw hung so low you''d think it was auditioning for a limbo contest. But the gold bars were just the appetizer, it seemed. Rick''s eyes were on a never-ending bonanza of riches. As his peepers wandered through the chamber, he stumbled upon a mesmerizing assortment of fancy bling-bling, priceless gemstones, sparkling rocks, and lustrous pearls. It was like a bottomless pit of wealth, a jackpot so colossal it felt like it went on forever. "Holy moly!" Rick whispered to himself, the gravity of his discovery smacking him like a sledgehammer. He could practically see the greenbacks dancing before his eyes. His heart was doing the cha-cha with pure exhration. It was the mother lode of all mother lodes, a treasure trove that could flip his life upside down. But Rick wasn''t about to dilly-dally. Time was of the essence, and he couldn''t spare a second to bask in his newfound wealth. Rick took a swift gander at the scene and grasped the situation pronto. He had to hustle, snatch up as much loot as he could before any other nosy folks, especially Evelina, stumbled upon this mother lode. He wasn''t buying into her yarn about owning this ce, no way. He knew the cave and this room were certainly not Evelina''s property. Her ims about her family''s ownership were probably just a bluff.It was time to make like a vacuum cleaner and start collecting. Rick kicked into high gear, operating at turbo speed. Gold bars disappeared into the inventory of his system. Then, he set his sights on the treasure trove of bling-bling, pocketing diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, nes, rings¡ªyou name it. It was like a high-stakes shopping spree, and Rick was the sole customer. Each piece he grabbed was a ticket to fortune. "It''s aJackpot!" Rick murmured in utter disbelief as he hustled to stockpile the treasure. His focus wasser-sharp, and every gem and bauble he snatched up amplified his excitement. But Rick wasn''t about to kick back and take it easy. He sensed the clock ticking away. The urgency to safeguard the loot pumped through his veins. He was riding high on luck, but he wasn''t about to push his fortune by sticking around too long. Sharing this epic score with Evelina? Not even on Rick''s radar. In his book, this cave and its riches were his by divine right, and any thoughts of tossing a bone to Evelina were pure benevolence on his part. And he was already willing to give Evelina that nt, wasn''t he? She should be grateful about that. Once he''d discreetly squirrelled away the obscene wealth in his trusty bag and every avable pocket, a wave of relief swept through him. His shoulders dropped, and he let out a sigh that felt like it could dete a balloon. The tension that had clung to him like a bad smell throughout his treasure hunt was finally history. Turning his attention back to the massive iron gate contemting if there was a way to open it. But Rick couldn''t help but feel a sense of disappointment when he saw another ck screen on the wall, by the gate. "Oh, give me a break, not another sted password," he grumbled, his annoyance stered all over his face. He sauntered up to the gate and started scouring for any breadcrumbs that could point him in the direction of that elusive password. However, Rick''s luck took a turn for the better, and a sigh of relief escaped his lips when he spotted a white piece of paper affixed just below that dreaded ck screen. The password was there in all its glory, written boldly in ck ink. [Password: Mamma-Mia-Heist] The letters announced, as if daring any thief to crack the code. A little chuckle bubbled up from Rick, and he shook his head, finding it hard to believe the almostically straightforward password. "You''ve got to be kidding me," he murmured with a wry grin. The sheer irony of the password to be something as basic as that, guarding a treasure hoard of this magnitude wasn''t lost on him. "Who in their right mind would stick the password right under our noses?" Rick muttered, almost feeling a twinge of sympathy for the former owner of this loot. No time to ponder the password mystery, though. He wasted no time and punched it in, each key press resonating through the cavernous chamber. When he tapped that final "T," the colossal iron gate came alive, shaking with a thunderous thud that echoed through the chamber. Gradually and oh-so-dramatically, the massive iron gate creaked and groaned, inching open. The door''s groaning song came to a halt, revealing a jaw-dropping sight. There sat Evelina, holding the rabbit in her arms, her face an intriguing blend of astonishment and disbelief, her wide eyes locked onto Rick. "Wha... What? How?" Evelina spluttered, utterly bbergasted by Rick''s unexpected return and the gate''s mysterious opening. Rick walked through the now-ajar iron gate, his eyes briefly darting between Evelina and the treasure. "Well, looks like I found the way in. A bit tricky, but we''re good now," he said, trying to maintain his cool despite the suspense hanging in the air. Evelina''s gaze turned skeptical as she grappled with the unfolding scenario. "What''s the deal? What did you do?" Rick yed it cool, his shoulders lifting in a casual shrug. "Come on, can''t spill all the beans. Gotta keep a few secrets for the thrill of it." Evelina''s brow furrowed in disbelief. "You mean to tell me you just swanned into this ce like it was a walk in the park?" "Sort of," Rick replied, shing a grin while attempting to hide the inkling of guilt that was creeping up on him. Evelina''s look shifted from astonishment to a cocktail of bewilderment and doubt. "And what about the door? How did you open it?Did you find the password?" she probed, her gaze locked onto Rick''s face, hunting for any telltale signs of mischief. Rick sported a self-satisfied grin as he leaned casually against the iron gate. "Simple, really. I just had to channel my inner genius, get inside the mind of whoever designed thisbyrinth, and voil¨¤! The password was mine." Evelina''s eyes widened with realization. "Wait, you found a password written in there, didn''t you?" "Yes there was," And with thatEvelina nodded, gently cing the rabbit down before stepping into the room. Just as she neared Rick, he sidestepped and, with a grin, interjected. "That smile suits you, you know. You look beautiful wearing it." "..." "What? Did I leave you speechless?" "Is your heart racing?" "Are you falling for..." "1 million bucks... I''ll dock you a million if you keep going like this. It''s sexual harassment bypany standards." "Company standards?" "Yeah,pany standards. Keep it up, and you''ll be unemployable. Now, let''s get a move on." With that, Evelina pushed forward, leaving Rick somewhat bewildered. Had his charm worn off? Rick couldn''t help but wonder. Little did he know, Evelina was blushing, her heart racing, as she made a hasty exit from the scene. ***** Chapter 88: Tell me what happened Chapter - 88 Leaving Rick in her wake, Evelina entered the room with a faint blush still gracing her cheeks from Rick''s yful teasing. As she scanned the room, a sense of unease gnawed at her. Something didn''t quite add up, and her sharp eyes darted around, scrutinizing every detail for signs of trouble. Evelina''s instincts tingled, alerting her to the unusual atmosphere that suggested all was not as it seemed. The room seemed oddly empty, devoid of the expected sparkle of treasures she''d pictured. Suspicion etched across her face as shebed through the space, her eyes sweeping every corner for any trace of the missing riches. Her probing gaze eventually fell upon a peculiar patch on the floor, a faintly lighter area that contrasted with the rest of the floor. Her intuition kicked in, urging her to investigate the conspicuous spot. Evelina regarded that unusual spot with a skeptical nce, her suspicion deepening as she turned her gaze toward Rick. She narrowed her eyes and shot a skeptical nce in Rick''s direction, buthe threw up a shoulder-shrug like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar. But Evelina wasn''t buying what Rick was selling. Their quiet stare-down was like a game of poker where nobody''s folding, and you could cut the tension with a butter knife. "I didn''t say anything,"Evelina retorted, shooting a pointed gaze in Rick''s direction. "Me neither," Rick fired back, pretending to be as pure as the driven snow. Evelina couldn''t shake the feeling that the room was way too void of valuables for her liking, considering what she''d heard about it. Her inquisitiveness got the better of her, so she soldiered on, venturing deeper into the room. Evelina''s sly grin grew wider, her suspicion hanging out like a sore thumb as she carried on with her careful recon. She had her sights set on a specific goal, and she wasn''t about to let it slip through her fingers. Rick chimed in, pointing to a corner. "nts are stashed over there," he motioned. "There''s a whole bunch. Grab what you want, and I''ll grab the rest." Evelina, didn''t even spare a nce in Rick''s direction, brushed off his offer with indifference. "You can have them all." Perplexed, Rick prodded for more info. "What do you mean? Weren''t you after that flower? What was it again?" "Sunfire Lotus," the Rabbit chimed in, giving them a nudge. "Yeah, Sunfire Lotus," Rick added, eyeing Evelina for a response. Evelina''s focus shifted as she rummaged through the room, her mission clearly diverging from what Rick had anticipated. "What about that flower?" Rick inquired. Evelina, unbothered, keptbing the room. "Well, what I told you earlier, it wasn''t exactly the whole truth," she confessed. Rick cocked an eyebrow, not too thrilled about being fed a line, "So, you lied to me?" "I wouldn''t say that," Evelina''s lips curved into a sly smile, she brushed off Rick''s inquiry, digging through cupboards and shelves without acknowledging him. "How about we split it 50-50?" Rick, not one to let things slide, prodded for rification. "What in the world does that mean?" Evelina''s answer came swift and unexpected. "It means... Oh, hold the phone! Look what we''ve got here!" she suddenly eximed. She had shifted a painting, unveiling a hidden safe behind it. "Hey, don''t just ignore me,"Rick blurted out, his frustration obvious. He hustled over to her, closing the gap. "What''s the deal with the 50-50 thing?" Rick interjected, wearing his bewilderment on his sleeve, trying to keep up with the rapid plot twist. In the meantime, Evelina didn''t miss a beat, fingers dancing over the safe''s keypad as she swiftly entered the passcode. Click! Rick caught the sound of the safe swinging open. Evelina cautiously pushed the door ajar, and a mist gushed out, wrapping itself around Rick and Evelina. The chilling touch of the fog crept over their faces, leaving behind an eerie sensation. As the fog cleared, Rick found himself standing next to Evelina, intrigued about what she had unearthed. She held a box, a smirk of satisfaction ying on her lips. In a swift move, she unsealed the box and delicately removed a vial filled with a yellowish-gold liquid. Her expression transformed from mischief to pure relief, painting a genuinely content smile across her face. "What''s that?" Rick inquired, puzzled by the significance of the vial. Evelina didn''t waste a moment, exining, "This right here is the jackpot, Rick. The Frostfire Serum, whipped up with the Sunfire Lotus. It''s the whole reason I came to this ce. That''s why I said that 50-50 thing, you know, half-truth, half-lie." Rick mulled over the newfound information, his intrigue growing. "Frostfire Serum? What''s the lowdown on it?" Evelina''s focus remained locked on the vial. "It''s a potent elixir. My grandmother is very much ill, and this serum is thest chance for me to save her. It''s super rare and super difficult thing to make." Rick''s expression softened, understanding the weight of the situation. "I get it now. I had no clue it was this crucial. But, um, isn''t there just the one vial?" Evelina confirmed with a nod, a hint of concern flickering across her features. "Yeah, it isjust one vial." "But it''s going to be enough, as long as we handle it with care,"Her expression a mix of relief and concern. "So, you don''t want anything else from here?"Rick, his curiosity still piqued, turned his attention away from Evelina. He looked to the Rabbit for confirmation, and a nod from the Rabbit gave him the green light. Rick sprang into action. The Rabbit darted around the room, scooping up the remaining nts and delivering them to Rick. Contrary to Rick''s expectations, the room hidden behind the iron gate turned out to be quite the letdown in terms of rare nts. There was next to nothing, just a handful clustered in one corner. All those gold bars, jewels, wooden crates, and whatnot were actually the stars of the show inside the room. Rick''s inner Scrooge came to life, and he let his greed take the reins. Ignoring Evelina''s valid concerns about the vials, Rick deftly shifted his focus to the other wooden crates in the room. When Evelina''s attention was drawn away, Rick sneakily spirited the boxes away, leaving the room looking absolutely deserted except for the furnishings and a pile of papers perched on top of them. In the blink of an eye, the room that had once been brimming with treasure was now devoid of its valuable possessions, leaving only the remnants of the furniture and scattered papers. Evelina turned to Rick, gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks. These are going to make a big difference. Now, let''s hustle and get this back to my grandmo...ther." But Rick''s lightning-fast moves didn''t slip past Evelina''s keen observation. Her brow knitted as she surveyed the now-empty room,prehending that the riches had vanished right before her eyes. "Hold on a sec. Did you clear the ce out?" Evelina inquired, her suspicion hanging in the air. Rick did his best to keep his innocence act going, but his guilty expression might have spilled the beans. "I-I didn''t do a thing." Evelina''s eyes honed in, full of suspicion. "So, where did everything in the room vanish? You took them, didn''t you?" "I swear, I didn''ty a finger on anything," Rick stammered, struggling to maintain a casual facade while squirming under her intense scrutiny. He quickly attempted to defend himself. "Look, the room was always as empty as a politician''s promises. You think I could stash a treasure in there? Come on, up my ass? That''s just... no way, I don''t have those kinks." "I guess I should''ve seen iting," Evelina muttered, her voice tinged with disappointment. She shook her head with a sense of resignation, choosing to change the subject. Evelina pivoted away from Rick and headed for the disheveled papers strewn across the table. With a methodical approach, she spent a minute or two sifting through the documents, her expression growing increasingly focused. When she found what she sought, she expertly rolled up the papers and discreetly slipped them into the back of her jeans. Evelina turned towards Rick, her demeanorposed and determined. "I''m all set to leave," she dered, her voice steady and resolute. "Sure, not much to keep me around here anyway," Rick replied nonchntly, casually looking aroundthe surroundings before shrugging. "Is that so?" Evelina shot Rick a disdainful nce. Rick, unfazed, pressed the issue. "So, are we hitting the road or not?" "Of course we are going,"Evelina affirmed. "Your way or my way?" Rick quizzed, "You call the shots, babe. I don''t have a spare wardrobe, so I am going the way I came from. You can tag along or take a dip up the waterfall." With that, Rick made his exit, leaving Evelina to make her own choice. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ A young man, probably in histe twenties, stormed into the room, and he flung open the door with an explosive bang. Dressed in a sharp ck suit that seemed ill-fitted for his agitated demeanor. He was sweating profusely, his face glistening with perspiration, and he continually dabbed his brow with a handkerchief, leaving a faint trail of smudged sweat and anxiety. "Bad news, sir!" the young man eximed with a mixture of urgency and agitation. His voice trembled, and his hands quivered as he announced his arrival. An old man sat on the other end of the room and had a disapproving frown on his face. His aged hands picked up the recently cleaned pawn, and he gently wiped it with a soft cloth, as if the outside world''s problems were as insignificant as the dust on the chess pieces. "What is it? Why are you acting this way?" The old man inquired, his voice like gravel scraping against gravel. He leaned back in his leather chair, his posture upright, hisposure unwavering. The young man, his face still flushed and his breathing uneven, struggled to find the right words. "What''s got your knickers in a twist, boy?" He mumbled, his voice gravelly and filled with disapproval. "You need to work on that temperament of yours if you ever n to step into your father''s shoes. Your old man never flustered like this." "Sir, it is not that simple this time," the young man replied, his voice barely above a whisper. The ominous weight of his revtion hung in the air. "There has been an issue with one of your chambers," the young man dered, and the room seemed to grow colder, as if a shadow had just passed over it. And hearing him the old man paused for a moment before he resumed cleaning the pawn, and asked, "Which one?" "C5, sir" he added, his anxiety undiminished. The old man looked up from the chessboard, fixing his gaze on the young man for the first time since he entered the room. The old man''s withered face was a mask of contemtion, and he seemed to be lost in thought for several long, silent minutes. "C5?" The old man repeated, his face etched with an eerie calmness. He leaned back in his ancient wooden chair, which creaked in protest. His eyes bore into the young man, a glint of unsettling amusement flickering within. "C5¡­ huh," he muttered to himself, and the room seemed to grow quieter. The young man felt an inexplicable unease, as if he had unleashed a sleeping beast. Suddenly, before he couldprehend what was happening, the old man snatched up the pawn in his hand and hurled it with surprising uracy at the young man''s face. The crystal pawn struck him squarely on his face, right below his eye, and pain shot through his face like a lightning bolt. The pain was immediate, and the young man cried out, copsing to the ground, clutching his face in agony. He writhed and squirmed, his eyes watering, while the old man''s bloodshot eyes bore into him with an intensity that sent shivers down his spine. "What the hell were you fucking doing?" the old man bellowed, his eyes bloodshot and filled with fury. He looked like an ancient warlord defending his castle from invaders, the chessboard transformed into his battlefield. The young man writhed in agony, his face contorted in pain, as hey sprawled on the floor, clutching his nose. He couldn''tprehend what had just transpired. "Stop whining," the old man sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. His anger swelled as he watched the young man''s dramatic disy. "Or else, I''ll stick this stick up your ass and roast you on the barbecue, then serve your entire goddamn family. So, shut the hell up." The young man tried to muffle his cries, but the pain in his nose and the burning humiliation overwhelmed him. Hey there, clutching his face. "Now tell me what happened." * * * * * Chapter 89: A New Enemy? Chapter - 89 The scene was fraught with tension, the weight of the older man''s piercing stare bore down on the younger man, thickening the already strained atmosphere. The young many sprawled on the ground, nursing his face, while the older man calmly resumed his ce at the chessboard, carrying on as if nothing had transpired. The familiar sounds of his chair creaking and the gentle clink of chess pieces being moved returned, starkly contrasting the recent emotional outburst. "Exin what went down," the older man demanded, his voice carrying a solemn and ominous weight. His eyes zed with an icy intensity, twin embers casting an unsettling glow. After a brief pause, the young man fought to rise, his face crimson and pulsing with pain. He shot the old man a heated re, a blend of anger, agony, and bewilderment written across his features. Struggling, the young man grunted, pulling himself up with evident difficulty. His face was stained with blood. The young man coughed, attempting to steady his voice. "There''s been a break-in at the C5 chamber," he started, his words tinged with both distress and haste. "And, um, We believe... It looks like everything inside has been stolen." "You believe?" The older man arched a doubtful eyebrow, his eyes narrowing. "You''re not sure who''s behind this?" "No, sir," the young man admitted, his voiceced with exasperation, his head hanging low. "The security cams outside the chamber were messed with. Thest image they caught before going dark was a blurry white shadow." The old man''s fingers continued their rhythmic dance on the chessboard, a reflection of his racing thoughts. He pondered the dilemma, his lips forming a contemtive line. "Keep talking," he prodded, his patience wearing thin. The young man paused briefly, then pressed on, "Inside the chamber, there ain''t no regr surveince cams. We roll with thermal imaging. And from those thermals,we''ve identified two intruders ¨C a man and a woman. Oddly enough, they were apanied by a small animal, most likely a rabbit." The old man''s gaze bore a hint of intrigue. "A rabbit, you say?" He seemed to be turning over the implications of this peculiar tidbit in his mind. The young man nodded. "Yes, sir.But what''s really mind-boggling is that there''s no trace of a break-in. It''s like they just sauntered on in." "And it isn''t just the chambers; it''s the whole cave as well. No signs of a forced entry anywhere," he added. The old man kept his focus on the young man, his gaze unwavering. He spoke with a low, calcting edge, "So, let me get this straight. They''ve infiltrated my most secure chamber without setting off any rms or leaving any trace of a break-in?" The young man''s nerves tightened, his anxiety mounting. "Y-yes, sir, that''s about the size of it." The old man leaned back in his creaky chair, the gears in his mind grinding as he processed the information. "It''s conceivable that¡­" the young man paused, selecting his words with care, "that..." "It is possible," he began, his voice measured and fraught with menace, "That one of my own has betrayed me... Hehehe... Turned Judas." The young man''splexion lost its color, and he took a brief pause before mustering the courage to proceed. "Yes, sir," he conceded, "That''s one of the lines we''re pursuing." "It is a usible scenario. The breach was too clean, too precise. The thief, or thieves, knew exactly what they were doing,"he concluded, the ominous weight of his words settling in the room. The old man''s jaw tightened, and he gazed out the window, lost in contemtion. The room''s feeble illumination cast eerie silhouettes over his furrowed visage, "This is a family affair, and if we''ve got a rat among us, it''s going to be ugly," he mumbled, the words more for his own ears than the young man''s. The young man shifted ufortably, feeling the weight of the situation bearing down on him, "What''s our next move, sir?" he inquired, his voice a mere murmur. The old man turned his piercing gaze back to the young man. "You start by isting the chamber''s logs and security protocols. Find out if anyone tampered with the system recently. And check for any unusual activities among the staff. I want background checks on all of them." The young man gave a firm nod, relieved to have a n in motion, "Consider it done, sir." "No one steps foot in that chamber without me knowing, and only a handful should have their mitts on the security gear." The old man continued to bark orders. The young man affirmed, his determination unwavering even with the handkerchief dyed in blood, still mopping his his face. "I''ll round up the squad, sir, and we''ll dig up the dirt. Whoever is behind this won''t be slipping through the cracks." The old man''s gaze bored into him one final time. "You best make sure of it, boy," he cautioned, his voice resolute. Then, a silence draped over the room like a shroud. The young man held his tongue, unwilling to break the old man''s thoughts. With that parting remark, the old man retreated to his chessboard, picking up the game where it had left off, as if the breach had not rattled his universe. The young man remained in the old man''s presence, his voice held in check. The old man finally spoke without taking his eyes off the chessboard, "You n to park your boots on my noggin indefinitely, sonny? "Aren''t you supposed to head to the Chamber and figure out exactly what''s been stolen?" "Yes, sir... I mean, no, sir... I''m gonna dive into it right away," the young man fumbled over his words, overwhelmed by nerves. He promptly exited the room, leaving the old man to his contemtion. As the door sealed shut, the old man set down the chess piece he''d been holding and directed his gaze at the now-closed door through which the young man had departed. "Who would be audacious enough to filch from me?" "Could that conniving wench be stirring up trouble?" "Or is it someone else?" "Who''d be audacious enough to filch from me?" "Could that conniving wench be stirring up trouble?" "Or perhaps there''s another yer in this game?" The old man slipped back into his private reverie, his thoughts consumed by the enigma before him. ~ ~~~~ Emerging from the cave and standing on the ledge, with the soft glow of the setting sun casting a serene aura over the surroundings, a palpable tension hung in the air between Rick and Evelina. Rick broke the silence with a casual tone. "Seems like this is where our paths diverge." Evelina appeared somewhat startled. "You''re just gonna ditch me here? Alone in this wild jungle?" She arched an inquisitive brow, her astonishment evident at Rick''s choice. Rick chuckled, giving her a yful nudge, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold your horses there. No need to guilt-trip me, alright? I''ve provided the service for what you paid for." Evelina''s bewilderment was clear, and she probed Rick''s change in attitude, "Why are you so hung up on money? You''re all gant and gentlemanly one moment and then a miserly, penny-pinching cheapskate the next. You''re a real puzzle, you know." "Money seems to be all that matters to you," Evelina remarked. "Money makes the world go round, darling. It''s the onenguage everyone speaks," Rick retorted, a sardonic grin on his face. "Can''t you be a bit more amodating?" Evelina implored, hoping for somepassion. "Well, babe, the only thing that''s truly amodating in this world is money," Rick grinned, shing a crooked smile, "Only thing that matters is the moh, darling." A touch let down by Rick''s nonchnce, Evelina let out a sigh. "Alright, then. How much to take me back to my hotel?" But Rick wasn''t inclined to lend a helping hand. "I ain''t throwing any offers, sugar. How ''bout you serve up something sweet and tempting. Something hard to resist? But this time, with a bit of trust?" He proposed, a yful edge in his tone. Evelina was caught off guard by Rick''s response, uncertain about her next move. The frown on her face widened as she looked at Rick''s grinning face. "Alright," Evelina relented, agreeing to his conditions, "If you''re so thirsty for money, I''ll make it rain money." "What do you say to double the initial deal for bringing me here?" Evelina proposed. Rick raised his eyebrows in astonishment. He hadn''t anticipated such a generous counteroffer, "Double? You''re quite the tough negotiator, aren''t you?" Evelina wore a smug smile, "I believe in tipping for good service." Rick let out a chuckle. "I must''ve hit the jackpot. Caught me a rich girl." But then he shifted gears. "You know what? Now that I''ve heard your proposition, I think I''ve lost all interest in money," Rick abruptly changed his tune. "What are you getting at?" Evelina was once more puzzled by Rick''s abrupt shift in demeanor. Rick took a step closer to Evelina, their bodies now mere inches apart, the tension between them palpable. "I reckon our connection had turned into a mere business transaction," he mused, their breaths nearly mingling. "I want us to get even more connected," Rick whispered to Evelina as he gently ced his hand on her cheek, savoring the warmth of her soft skin, "Quid pro quo? I am not looking for that kind of arrangement with you." "Doesn''t it seem like we ought to aim higher?" "Something more personal, maybe?" "Hmm," Evelina let out a soft, involuntary moan as she sensed Rick''s touch, the tingling sensation inside her bing increasingly difficult to contain. Rick smiled as he observed Evelina snuggling deeper into his palms, her eyes shut, seemingly lost in his touch. He leaned in, drawing nearer, his lips inching toward hers, yearning to savor the sensation of those soft, inviting lips once more. Rick didn''t rush; he approached with deliberate, unhurried intent, as his mouth drawing nearer to Evelina''s, ready to engage in a fervent, lingering kiss. But just as lips were a mere inches apart from Evelina''s just about to taste her lips, Evelina opened her eyes, a teasing smirk on her lips. "You know what, upon further reflection... I think I''d rather keep our rtionship strictly professional," she dered, leaving Rick hanging and withdrawing from him. "What?" Rick eximed, taken aback by the sudden change in her stance. [Girl - 1 ; Loser Master - 0] ***** [A/N: And this is thest chapter of the month, hope you are enjoying the story so far. Do let me know your suggestions in thements, and support my story.] Chapter 90: Sister-in-law? Chapter - 90 "Sir, do you want to sell anything? I will buy everything you have?" Just as Rick and Evelina walked out of the enormous stonegate at the entrance of Whispering Wends forest, a few people had already circled around them, like vultures. Just as Rick and Evelina emerged from therge gate at the entrance of the Whispering Wends forest, they found themselves encircled by a small group of individuals who seemed to have the same goal in mind: buying whatever had been procured from the forest. And it was not just for Rick and Evelina. It was amon sight for those who had just ventured through the forest. Anyone who walked out of the Whispering Wends would be surrounded by a bunch of men, like flies, wanting to buy anything that they found inside the forest. It was like a moving marketce. So to avoid unnecessary attention and potential recognition, Evelina had already taken steps to conceal her identity. She had covered her face with a scarf, tousling her hair, and soiling her clothing to avoid drawing attention She slipped behind Rick, attempting to stay out of the spotlight and let him handle the persistent individuals vying for their purchases. "No, I don''t have anything," Rick firmly replied, attempting to extricate himself from the circle of men. He took Evelina''s hand and started to make his way out. The group of men, however, was not easily deterred. They persisted and urged Rick to reconsider, insisting that he part with whatever treasures he had acquired from the forest. One of the men, with a toothy grin and a hearty demeanor, addressed Rick, "Come on, buddy! Don''t be so tight-lipped. You''ve got something good in there, I can tell. How about you make some quick cash? I''m sure we cane to an arrangement." "Brother, we will take anything that you found inside. nts, animals, gems, rocks or anything else," Another man spoke up as he leaned forward close to Rick, "Even if you killed someone and robbed him. We will help you get rid of the spoils." The man whispered. Another man chimed in, yfully referring to Evelina, "Hey, sister-inw, don''t be so quiet! Tell your brother-inw what you found. We''re all friends here." The men jostled around Rick and Evelina, each trying to outdo the others in their quest to strike a deal, and please Rick and Evelina. As the men addressed Evelina as "sister-inw," Rick''s ears perked up, and his demeanor changed, and he quickly sprang into action, trying to take control of the situation. Evelina, too, sensed the change in Rick''s demeanor and wondered what he might do in response to the unexpected situation. She watched with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as Rick approached the men. "You know what, buddy?" Rick began, draping his arm around the man''s shoulders in an exaggerated disy of camaraderie,"Listen. I''m moved by your affectionate words. You have really touched me." "But unfortunately, I don''t really have anything to sell," Rick said, wearing a faux smile. He tightened his grip around the man''s neck in affection, and swiftly pulled a handful of hundred-dor bills from his pocket, pressing them into the man''s hand without much contemtion. "I''m after this girl, you know?" Rick winked, signaling his intentions. "You guys have already startled her," Rick said in a whisper, "You''ve done your part. Now, clear out and let her be." His gesture was an attempt to pay the men off and create an escape route for himself and Evelina. "Wait, what? Pursue this girl? Done my part? What do you mean?" The man stuttered, taken aback by Rick''s unexpected statement. "You don''t need to worry about it. Now it''s my time to be the knight in shining armour." Rick leaned in closer, his tone more serious. "Just take the money. Call it a... token of appreciation. I really appreciate your... help." Rick then looked in front of him, at the massive crowd gushing in and out of the Whispering Wends and pushing each other. He then asked the man for help, "Now, just help us get out of here, will you?" The man exchanged nces with his friends, an awkward silence hanging in the air. After a moment, he seemed to nod hesitantly. "Uh, yeah, sure, man. You just want that?" He asked, his voice carrying a mixture of confusion and relief. "Absolutely," Rick replied with a friendly pat on the man''s back, gesturing for him to move along. "Now, scram." The manprehended Rick''s not-so-subtle message, and he gathered his friends together toply Rick''s orders. The men took charge and began dispersing the others, creating a path for Rick and Evelina to leave without further interference. As soon as the way was cleared, Rick and Evelina hurried off, eager to distance themselves from the Whispering Wends and the unwee situation they had encountered. Once they had some space, Rick and Evelina retreated from the scene. As they walked away, Evelina couldn''t help but inquire about the exchange with the men. "What did you tell them?" she asked Rick. Rick offered a casual shrug, not wanting to borate. "Just made up some excuse and paid them off to help us leave the crowd," he replied, trying to downy the encounter. "Oh!" Evelina nodded, epting his exnation without delving further into the matter. Soon, the pair left the environs of the Whispering Wends behind. They hailed a taxi and embarked on their journey back to the city. The cab traveled several kilometers, the city lights gradually recing the rustic wilderness of the wends. Finally, when they were a safe distance away, Evelina loosened the scarf that had concealed her face, letting out a sigh of relief. ~~~~~ The cab continued to move along the road, towards the city, the sun was already set and there wasplete silence in the car. Rick and Evelina had not spoken a word since the moment they had sat in the cab. Evelina would asionally steal nces at him, wanting to initiate a conversation, but she would fell short from letting words out of her throat. Finally, as she saw the lights of the city almost reach them, Evelina, feeling the need to bridge the gap of unfamiliarity, suddenly turned her face to address Rick, "You know, you haven''t told me your name yet." Rick nced at herzily, appearing disinterested. "Why does it matter now? I''m going to drop you at your hotel, get my money, and be off."Rick, seemingly uninterested in further conversation. "But¡ª" Evelina attempted to push the conversation further, yet Rick halted her in her tracks. "You were the one who suggested we keep this strictly business," he reminded her. His tone casual, not disying an ounce of enthusiasm. Evelina hesitated but then tried a different angle. "That..." Rick, however, cut her off. With an air of nonchnce, Rick shifted gears. "Which hotel are you staying at?" Evelina was momentarily flustered. "What?" Rick repeated his question, more directly this time. "Your hotel. Where are you staying?" Evelina was momentarily taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "Um, the Karma Jewel Hotel," she responded, noting Rick''s almost disdainful reaction. "You''re staying there?" Rick crinkled his nose with a curious expression as he looked at Evelina. Evelina noticed a hint of aversion in his expression, she picked up on his reaction and questioned, "Is there something wrong with that?" Rick paused for a moment, stopping himself from saying anything more. He averted his gaze and muttered, "Nothing." Evelina was almost on the verge of loosing her mind with Rick''s mood swings. She wanted to punch Rick hard on his face when she suddenly stopped as something clicked in her mind. "You... You''re staying at that hotel too, aren''t you?" Evelina eximed, a sense of understanding dawning on her, "Tell me, I''m right, aren''t I?" Rick chose to ignore her and addressed the driver instead. "Brother, you heard her. Take us to the hotel." ~~~~~ "Thanks boss," arriving at the Karma Jewel Hotel, Rick paid the cab driver with a friendly smile, giving him a generous tip for the ride. He watched the cab drive away. However, as he turned to head into the hotel, he found Evelina wearing a mischievous smirk, her curiosity clearly piqued. With an inquisitive glint in her eyes, she asked, "So, which room are you staying in?" Rick, however, was quick to dismiss her inquiry, his tone firm. "Don''t pry, okay?" With those words, without waiting for her to press further, Rick turned on his heels and bolted into the hotel, leaving Evelina behind.He moved swiftly, determined to put some distance between them. Evelina was left fuming, her frustration building. She couldn''t stand being in the dark any longer. Determined to uncover Rick''s secrets, she decided to follow him, but Rick was a step ahead. He dashed into the hotel and slipped into the elevator, leaving Evelina in his wake. Frustrated, Evelina couldn''t contain her anger, and she angrily kicked the elevator doors just as they closed. She watched with satisfaction as the elevator began its ascent. The floors ticked by as the elevator climbed, and finally, it stopped on the sixth floor. Evelina''s smirk widened, a triumphant gleam in her eyes. "I''ve got you," she whispered to herself. "But wait... Why does it feel like I am forgetting something?" ***** Chapter 91: [Bonus Chapter] Back in his room Chapter - 91 [ Quest: Help the rabbit find that girl Time Duration: 3 Days Rewards: 1 Standard Scratch Card; Cash: $25,000; Ero Points: 5,000 Progress: Quest Completed ] [ Quest: Rescue the girlfrom the clutches of the old man and his henchmen. Time Duration: Before she gets fucking raped. Quest Rewards: 1 vial of Exotic Aphrodisiac; Ero points: 100,000; 3 Lottery spins Bonus:And if you save the wounded man, Bonus: $5,000 Progress: Quest Completed ] . . [ Quest: When you have already done so much for thedy. It is only right that you take some advantage of her. So... Why don''t you just fuck her? Time Duration: Since you don''t have any time. Why not get it done in the next 1-hour? Rewards: Ero Points: 150,000 (For doing it in the wild. Oh boy!); Cash: $250,000; EXP: +50. Progress: Quest Completed ] . . [ Quest: Follow the girl, and help her find that nt Time Duration: Before the girl dies Quest Rewards: 1 Lottery Spin (Standard); Cash: $10,000; Ero Points: 3,000 Progress: Quest Completed ] Rick entered the room and promptly reached for his system. He plucked a piece of grass from it and tossed it toward the Rabbit. "Now, no interruptions for the next half-hour," Rick instructed, waving the Rabbit away. He then settled onto the bed and began sifting through his system, where a slew of notifications awaited his attention. And sure enough as Rick delved into each of the notifications, he couldn''t help but bask in self-admiration. He had undoubtedly put in a great deal of effort over the past few days. Once he had thoroughly reviewed the notifications, he turned his attention to his personal information, something he hadn''t tended to in quite some time. [ Host''s Name: Rick Smith Age: 22 years (Expected: 98 years ; Limit: 125 years) Gender: Male Cultivation Level: Mortal (47%) System Level: 1 Experience (EXP): 9950/10000 Skills: --- Summons: 1 Sexual Encounters: 2 Harem: --- Quests in Progress: 2 ] "I am going to live loner and longer," With a wide grin stretching across his face, Rick observed the screen, thoroughly pleased. His projected life expectancy had just increased by a few more years. He was now edging closer to the incredible milestone of a century¡ª100 years. "100 years of being surrounded by women, 100 years of indulgence, 100 years of extravagance, and 100 years of boundless wealth to spend," Rick''s body quivered with excitement as he contemted the prospect of living a life filled with such opulence, free from any cares in the world, "100 years of just so much." "My mother... How proud she would be of her son if she knew?" Rick''s thoughts drifted to his mother. His chest swelled with a mixture of emotions at the idea of sharing his sesses with her, "i must visit her soon." "I better keep rocking this fresh face.It wouldn''t be as enjoyable with wrinkles, like one of those Shar-Pei dogs," Rick quipped, a touch of worry in his tone. He then turned his attention towards the Ero Points. Rick had previously hoped for some kind of appreciation reward from the system once he hit 100,000 Ero Points, but much to his dismay, there was no such bonus. It left him a tad disappointed, though he realized there was nothing he could do about it. The system had been acting a bit sluggish during his trip to the Whispering Wends. There were fewer choices, a scarcity of quests, and nothing particrly remarkable. Rick even wondered if the system might be on the fritz, though that didn''t appear to be the case. So, all he could really do was let it slide. Rick marveled at the figure disyed on the screen, "477,000," he said aloud, the number almost mind-boggling whenpared to the meager 85,000 to 86,000 Ero Points he''d had just before venturing into the Whispering Wends. At that point, he had been almost penniless in terms of Ero Points, but now he was closing in on half a million, a truly astounding leap. Rick shook his head in amazement. "Life can sure throw you some curveballs," he mused. In addition to his newfound wealth of nearly half a million Ero Points, he also had 4 Lottery spins to look forward to, which was definitely a good thing. With a sense of excitement, Rick opened his inventory, which had transformed into a bustling hub of items. It was now brimming with possessions, a stark contrast to the desert it was once. Rick stared at the figure disyed on the screen in his inventory, and a sense of serenity washed over him. He had umted a total of $1,860,800, surpassing the million-dor mark. It was a realization that left him in awe. He was now a millionaire, a title he could have never imagined attaining just a few weeks or months ago, and yet, here he stood with almost two million dors in his possession. Rick couldn''t help but get all hyped up when he thought about his newfound wealth. he was rocking over a million bucks! Not only that, but he also had this stash of herbs. Some might be your basic garden variety, but the Rabbit had hinted they could be like hidden treasure. While Rick wasn''t sure if they were as valuable as the Rabbit had suggested, who knew, right? Evelina''s drama just confirmed these herbs could be worth a lot. But what really made Rick''s heart go boom-boom was something he''d stumbled on. Something out-of-this-world. "209... 209... Hahaha... 209..." Rick couldn''t help but burst into fits ofughter. He was gazing at his inventory like it was a jackpot. "I''m damn rich... 209 freaking gold bars... I''ve got 209 gold bars." Rick had even taken one out, cradling it like a precious little baby. His eyes sparkled with a mix of love, adoration, and sheer admiration while looking at that. That was not just 209 gold bars. It was... "209 kg of gold? How much would that be?" Rick swiftly retrieved his phone, ignoring all the messages and missed calls, to check the current price of gold. He held a 1-kilogram pure, 24-carat gold brick in one hand while checking the price of that gold brick on his phone in the other. The thought of all that gleaming wealth had his mind racing. He was happy, worried, curious, scared, all at the same time. "70... 71,000 dors? That''s insane!" Rick eximed in disbelief. Holding a 1-kilogram gold bar and realizing its value was already astonishing. His phone almost slipped from his trembling hand as he considered the worth of 209 kilograms of such gold bars. With his flustered brain, Rick couldn''t mentally calcte that amount. He opened the calctor on his phone, his fingers trembling as he entered the numbers. And the final result? A staggering sum. Rick couldn''t help but count the zeroes on the calcted amount. "Ones, tens, hundreds, thousand, ten thousand, hundred thousand, million... ten million..." His brain short-circuited as he grasped the astronomical figure. "14,839,000," Rick murmured to himself, his voice filled with a mix of disbelief and hope, "Please, dear God, don''t let these be fake. I promise I will donate $11 next time I find the time to visit your abode." Rick couldn''t tear his gaze away from the gold bar in his hand. He examined every inch of it, as if he expected another gold bar to magically appear. Reluctant to part with it, he continued to admire the precious metal for a few more minutes. After a while, Rick managed to regain hisposure and reluctantly ced the gold bar back into his inventory. Despite stowing it away, he couldn''t help but cast frequent nces at his inventory, unwilling to let it out of his sightpletely. Rick then looked at the other stuff in his inventory. There was one vial of Exotic Aphrodisiac; 1 Shadow step skill card; 1 Master of Disguise skill card; A Tent; Mirrored Mirage Barrier; 17 X Wooden Crates[ He picked them up from the chamber in the cave]; 1 X Wooden crate[ He bought a wooden crate from the system and filled it full of treasures that were with the gold bars]; And six-Needles (He bought them before entering Whispering Wends); 7 X Talisman; 1 Dagger; and a couple of odd things. Right now, It was aplete treasure trove, his inventory. A mobile, treasure trove. "Phew... Oh, God..." Overwhelmed by the astonishing wealth disyed in his inventory, Rick copsed onto his bed. His mind whirled with thoughts about the incredible treasure now safely stored in his inventory. He couldn''t help but smile, excitement bubbling within him as he reminisced about his journey in the Whispering Wends, from discovering the treasure-filled chamber to the unexpected wealth he had acquired. However, Rick was deep in thought, reliving his adventure in the Whispering Wends when he was abruptly jolted by a sharp jab in his thigh. Frowning, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a gleaming ring. The ring seemed to radiate light in the dim room, almost as if it had a life of its own. The sight of the ring suddenly wiped the smile off Rick''s face. It was an odd sensation, like someone just poured cold water down his back. His rxed position on the bed turned to one of alertness, his mind running through various scenes, and his brows furrowed. As Rick gazed at the mysterious ring, his hand began to tremble uncontrobly, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead, despite the cool air-conditioned room. His heartbeat quickened, and an overwhelming dizziness washed over him, causing his vision to blur and his strength to wane. "I need to get out of here..." Fighting to regain hisposure, Rick attempted to get up from the bed, but his body betrayed him, and he copsed back onto the mattress. Darkness closed in around him as his senses faltered. * * * * * Chapter 92: Princess and the Servant Chapter - 92 "Agghh...." Rick groaned in agony, clutching his throbbing head as he fought to open his eyes. The intense pain was almost unbearable, and he felt as though a vein in his head was about to burst. The torment lingered for a moment before gradually receding, and the searing pain in his eyes began to subside. As Rick''s eyes fluttered open, he found the rabbit sitting close to him, her small hand gently resting on his forehead. Her touch radiated coolness andfort, providing immense relief. "Thank you buddy. Once we get back, I am going to think of a suitable name for you," Rick managed a weak smile as he looked at the Rabbit and muttered his thanks. However, just as he thought he was recovering, a wave of nausea suddenly hit him. Rick felt a churn in his stomach. He hastily stumbled out of bed and dashed toward the bathroom. Copsing to his knees, he began to vomit violently, expelling the contents of his almost empty stomach. The sudden illness left him reeling and weakened, unsure of what had triggered this reaction. "It''s alright," the Rabbit hopped closer to Rick, offering some sce with its presence. With its tiny paws covering its nose, it gentlymented, "It''s alright. I think you''re still traumatized by... well, everything that happened." Rick nodded, sitting on the bathroom floor, his back against the wall. He exhaled heavily, "I thought that I could bury it deep inside of me if I didn''t think about it, but... that ring actually... it brought it all back to the surface." The turmoil of memories and emotions weighed heavily on him. "Anyways... You will feel better now, master," the Rabbit reassured Rick. "Thanks, buddy..." Rick managed a smile, despite the lingering difort. "How long was I out for?" he asked. "About eight... nine hours, master," the Rabbit replied. "You were very much exhausted both mentally and physically." "That long?" Rick was a bit surprised. He then looked at his hands. His fingers were still shaking, butpared to earlier, it was nothing much. Rick nodded, realizing he had needed the rest. "Well, I needed that, I guess." "We better hit the road," Rick stood up, as he cleaned after the mess and walked out of the room. It was already dawn, and sun rays streaming through the curtains into the room, "It is already seven. We should be out of here in thirty minutes max." Rick told his n to the Rabbit. "We are leaving? But master, don''t you have to meet Evelina? I thought you became friends with her," The Rabbit confusedly asked Rick. "Friends?" Rick chuckled, hearing the Rabbit''s remark. "Well, more like ''Friends with Benefits,'' alright?" "But you are right, I should meet with her first," Rick nodded. He was in double mind actually. Rick considered his options. The six to seven million dors did sound tempting, but after his sessful haul on this trip, the money Evelina owed him seemed rather insignificant. And because of that, somehow, the money Evelina owed him, doesn''t seem much. On the contrary, Rick was cautious about his meeting with Evelina. Any association with her raised red gs in his mind. He didn''t want to get embroiled in a mess and find himself on another killing spree. He decided to meet with her once, and then he''d decide on his next steps. But he was determined to take the upper hand in their dealings and be ready to leave whenever he felt like it. With that thought, Rick speedily crammed all his gear into his bag and plopped it by the front door. He did a swift sweep of the room, just in case he''d forgotten anything, like a clue that could get him into hot water. But nope, it was all good, nothing there. Rick was well aware that someone like that wealthy girl could easily track him down. She had both the means and the resources to do so. He also realized he had booked the room under his own name and provided his passport for identification. But hey, he was learning on the fly about this stuff. Give him a few more tries, and he might just be a pro at deception and evading pursuit. But for now, the top priority was staying alive. Without any dy, Rick made his way to the reception, intending to inquire about Evelina Bloodthorne, Garret, or Gruff. These were the only names he had, and if this approach didn''t yield any results, he would need toe up with another n. But the moment Rick swung open the door, he found himself face to face with two burly men d in matching suits, reminiscent of the guards he had encountered in the Whispering Wends. Without missing a beat, they stepped in front of him, forming an imprable barrier and effectively blocking his path. Without saying anything, the two man started sizing him up, looking at him with curious faces. Rick felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as the men assessed him, their scrutiny unsettling, "Excuse me," Rick spoke first as he tried to push one man away. "What''s this about?" Rick inquired with a mixture of apprehension and annoyance. "I am sorry, Mr Rick," One of the man finally spoke, "But you will have toe with us." "Who the heck are you, and how in the world do you know my name?" Rick''s eyes widened, and he felt a jolt of rm. He had been super cautious not to reveal his identity to anyone on this entire trip. "Don''t be rmed, Mr Rick. The young mistress has asked us to respectfully escort you to her room," the man said, "I apologize if I startled you. It was not my intention." "Seriously, dude, what''s with the excessive bowing? You''re acting like his personal butler or something. And check this guy out, he can''t even grow a proper beard. Are you sure she''s not overhyping him?" The other man shot a disapproving nce at his overly servilepanion. "Quit your yap. No matter what, this guy is a lifesaver for the boss. So don''t be a jackass, or I swear I''ll kick your fancy behind, and you will be nursing that butt for a whole damn month," the first guy warned, and his partner begrudgingly zipped it. The other dude was actually pretty spooked by his buddy. "Mr Rick, please," The man turned towards Rick with a friendly smile, trying to be polite and avoid any hassle. Rick decided not to make a fuss and nodded, giving a slight gesture to let the man lead. And the man was more than happy to do so. Soon, Rick and the two men stepped inside the elevator. As they entered the elevator, the second man took out a card and swiftly scanned it on the control panel to get things moving. ~~~~~ The man informed Rick, "She''s waiting for you inside." They were now standing in front of the door, the penthouse on the hotel''s highest floor. The extravagance of renting such a room was undoubtedly jaw-dropping. "Is she pissed?" Rick inquired with a furrowed brow as he eyed the door "Would it be better if she were?" The man raised an eyebrow, wearing a sly grin. "Well, is she alone?" Rick pressed on, unsure how to handle the situation. "Do you want her to be?" The man replied with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Man, you are not helping your brother, alright?" Rick huffed in exasperation. "Sorry, I am the only son in my family, No brother to babysit." The man shrugged and he casually stepped away, leaving Rick to deal with his situation on his own. "You fucking good for nothing asshole... I will remember this," Rick muttered under his breath. With a resigned sigh, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, prepared to face whatever awaited him. Now without dilly-dallying any longer, Rick swung open the heavy, mahogany front door, and he was instantly awestruck by the opulence of the penthouse. The polished marble floors gleamed beneath his feet, and he had to be careful not to slip and slide if he wore socks. The magnificent chandelier overhead bathed the entrance in a soft, warm glow. The walls were adorned with exquisite art pieces, it might have cost someone a lifetime of collecting. Or they can be counterfeit. To his right, a plush, overstuffed sofa beckoned from its corner, practically begging him to sink sink his holy ass into its heavenly cushions. It was adorned with silk pillows, each one meticulously arranged for the utmostfort. On his left, a sleek bar with a granite countertop disyed a row of crystal sses that sparkled enticingly in the ambient light. As he ventured deeper into the penthouse, he was weed by enormous windows that framed a breathtaking, panoramic view of the cityscape. The skyline sparkled in the morning light, casting a soft and mesmerizing glow over everything. It put the view from his room to shame. "Is the view to your liking?" Suddenly, Rick heard a familiar voice. Hearing the voice, Rick quickly turned to look and Evelina sat regally in a massive, throne-like chair, her presencemanding attention as she watched Rick with an amused glint in her eyes. She had appeared out of nowhere, startling him with her unexpected presence. And behind her stoodan old man who seemed to be standing at attention, as if life depended on it. He didn''t even spare a nce in Rick''s direction, lost in his own world. Evelina shed a grin and said, "Well, If you''re interested, I can have your stuff moved right into this pce. It''s cozy, don''t you think?" "Young miss, please pay attention to what you say," the old man chimed in, he spoke in an unhurried way, almost as if lecturing Evelina. "Know your ce, you can''t baby me," ''What the hell are they ying at, Princess and the Servant?'' Rick couldn''t help but wonder as he observed the peculiar dynamic between Evelina and the old man. * * * * * Chapter 93: Bad Dog Chapter - 93 "Hey, can we dial down the drama here? This tension''s like a bad soap opera," Rick grumbled, interrupting the awkward encounter between Evelina and the old man, "E... Cringe." "He is my butler, Geoffrey." Evelina, undeterred by Rick''s sarcasm, introduced the old man, "Why don''t take a load off and sit down." "Jumping right into business, huh? ssic you! But hey, shouldn''t you give me a little gratitude first? I practically had to perform a superhero rescue to save that pretty ass of yours," Rick teased as he settled into his seat across from Evelina. "Insolent... You..." The old man, now a bundle of nerves after Rick''s taunt, looked like he might leap at Rick to shut him up. Evelina, however, quickly intervened, preventing a potential wrestling match. "But, technically, I ampensating you for your services, right? It''s a business transaction that we agreed upon," Evelina retorted, her expression a bit frosty as she looked at Rick. "Then get on with it. Where is my money?" Rick inquired, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Seven million dors, not a penny less. But hey, feel free to throw in a generous tip if you''re feeling the holiday spirit." "What''s the rush, Rick," Evelina spoke with a meaningful smirk as she emphasized on the name, "I can call you Rick, can''t I, Rick?" "How do you know my name?" Rick asked the usual smile on his face already fading away. "Oh, please, no need for that expression," Evelina half-heartedlymended Rick, "Figuring out your name wasn''t exactly rocket science. It was just a matter of time. I''m sure you would have known that." "But kudos to you," she continued, "You exited the elevator on the sixth floor, while your room''s on the tenth. Most folks would''ve been fooled by that. Impressive." "But hey, it didn''t quite fool you," Rick self-mockingly admitted, very much aware of the improvement he needed to do. "Don''t be too hard on yourself," Evelina reassured him. But what she wanted to know was something else. Unable to contain her curiosity, she prodded Rick, "So, spill the beans¡ªwhat did you discover inside the chamber?" Rick, couldn''t resist a smirk as he sidestepped Evelina''s inquiries. "Weren''t you right there with me?" he replied with a sly grin, "You saw exactly what I saw. Nothing particrly thrilling or out of the ordinary, I assure you." Evelina wasn''t ready to let Rick off the hook that easily. She persisted, determined to get to the bottom of things. "I am talking about before the door opened," she pressed, her curiosity unabated. "C''mon, don''t expect me to buy the story that there was nothing more than a vial of the medicine I''ve been hunting for and some papers." "Believe whatever floats your boat," Rick chuckled, maintaining his poker face. "But hey, it''s a done deal now. Let''s move on." With a sly smile, he added, "So, how about my payment? Can I have my money now?" Evelina couldn''t resist ament, "You and your trendy lingo. Is this some Gen-Z jargon?" "Perhaps," Rick shrugged, "You older folks just don''t get it." "Old?" Evelina was momentarily stunned. Rick had just pulled off a brutal bamboozle. Realizing she wouldn''t get much out of Rick, Evelina signaled to the old man, Geoffrey, her butler. He confidently produced a card from inside his suit and, with an air of authority, stepped toward Rick, extending the card arrogantly in his direction. [ 1. Take the card and leave quickly. (Temptation -5) 2. Take the card and ask how the girl has been doing. (Temptation +5) 3. Don''t take the card. The deal was cash. And while you are at it, why not tease her. She has been acting rather cocky. (Temptation +10) ] Rick''s gaze shifted from the old man to the proffered card and then back to Evelina. He didn''t extend his hand to ept the card. Instead, he wore a peculiar expression on his face, maintaining a silent stare at Evelina, leaving her to wonder about his thoughts. "Don''t worry. There''s more than seven million dors in there," Evelina assured Rick. She figured he might be doubting whether there was any money at all, so she added, "You can trust me." Rick, however, remained firm, stating, "That wasn''t part of our agreement." "What do you mean?" Evelina''s face flustered as she heard Rick. He is not thinking of... Not again in front of his man. But strangely, she wasn''t entirely scorned by that idea. "Cash. Our deal was for payment in cash," Rick pointed out, restating their initial agreement. "Oh, that''s what you mean," Evelina suddenly had a realization, and her face disyed a subtle, almost imperceptible change of expression. Rick, not missing a beat, continued, "Yeah, what else could I possibly be talking about? I''ve made it clear that I don''t want to fu..." "Alright, alright, I get it," Evelina hastily cut off Rick, not wanting him to inadvertently reveal too much. She turned her attention to her butler, saying, "Geoffrey." "I''m sorry, young miss, but we don''t have that much cash on hand at the moment. Carrying that many notes would be impractical," the old man stated, disying none of the customary deference a servant typically would in front of their master. Rick''s tone remained unwavering as he repeated, "Then go get them. Your mistress has given you an order, hasn''t she? Isn''t it your job to hustle and make it happen? A deal is a deal, and I really dislike repeating myself." The old man''s expression hardened as he shot back, "Young man, you''d do well to remember your ce. Just because you saved her doesn''t mean I won''t turn you into a bullet pinboard. I am not your servant," the old man retorted, eyeing Rick with disdain. "But you are hers. And I am sort of her other daddy," Rick crossed his legs and and leaned back on his chair, "Now do as daddy says." "You..." "Stop," Geoffrey appeared on the verge of violence, but Evelina intervened just in time. "I''ll provide you with the cash, but acquiring such a substantial amount here is quite challenging. I have an alternative proposal," Evelina began, redirecting Rick''s focus toward her. "Look,dy, there''s no need for any tricks. Just hand me that card, and I''ll sort out the money myself. But you are quite the ungrateful one, making me do all the legwork right up to the finish," Rick grumbled. Evelina shook her head, saying, "No need for that. Follow me back, and I''ll pay you in cash." "No, thanks," Rick replied, shaking his head, and he stood up. He motioned to the butler, indicating that he wanted the card. Evelina, sensing the situation slipping away, offered a tempting proposition, "I''ll add another ten million dors to the deal." And just as she did, Rick had already settled back into his chair. "Girl, if you''ve got that much money to spare, why not consider a generous donation or something?" Rick suggested, his skepticism evident. "Honestly, I''ve been hearing you toss numbers around, but I haven''t seen any of it yet," he added, rubbing his hands to emphasize his point. "Do you want me to prove how much money I have? Want me to buy you a car? How about this penthouse. I saw you liked it," Evelina offered. "It''s tempting, but I have no use for it," Rick shook his head, "What do you want from me this time?" Rick asked. "Nothing. I simply want you to apany me and give me your opinion on my grandmother''s condition," Evelina exined to Rick. Rick looked a bit perplexed. "But what can I do? I''m no doctor," he pointed out. "No problem. I will pay you the money nheless," Evelina assured Rick. "What is your game here?" Rick was still suspicious of Evelina. Evelina denied any ulterior motives, saying, "There''s no game, nothing like that. I truly want you toe with me." "I appreciate your offer, but I am sorry girl, I will have to---" [ Quest: Follow back Evelina to see her grandmother. Duration: It is up to the girl. Rewards: Temptation base for Evelina will move from 0 to 20 permanently; Ero Points: 5,000 ] "How dare you, boy," the old butler couldn''t contain himself any longer and seized Rick by the cor, his patience worn thin. "I''ve had my fill of your arrogance. I won''t even hand over these seven million, and you''lle with us, whether you like it or not. Either willingly or tied up and stowed in a trunk." "Are you threatening me?" Rick asked, raising his eyebrow. He did not seem agitated or nervous. He was calm as a cucumber. "What if I am?" the old butler retorted, his tone bing more menacing. "Think I''m incapable of it?" "Geoffrey!" Evelina raised her voice from her chair, giving the impression of reprimanding her butler, even though she didn''t intervene to stop him. It appeared to be a calcted good cop, bad cop strategy. "Allow me to deal with this," the butler dered, keeping a firm grip on Rick. "I''ve straightened out plenty of arrogant fools like him." "But, my dear old coot, there''s no need for all this," Rick suddenly grinned, the previous frown reced with a mischievous smile. "I was just about to say how sorry I am... You''ll have to put up with me a bit longer," he told Evelina. He yfully shrugged and added, "I mean, how could I possibly turn down an extra ten million dors?" "Are you being sincere?" Evelina casually got up and approached Rick and the old man. "Why wouldn''t I be?" Rick appeared entirely at ease. "Now, would you mind asking your watchdog to release me?" "Usually, bad dogs who don''t listen to their masters, meet a rather unfortunate end," he quipped. * * * * * [A/N: Do vote, leave ament and support me whatever wayyou can.] Chapter 94: A storm is brewing Chapter - 94 "Listen to me, don''t fall for whatever he might have told you. He''s probably just trying to deceive you," the old butler relented, releasing Rick and turning to face Evelina. "We already have the medicine secured. We can save the mistress without him. We don''t need him." "I''ve made my decision. We''ll pay him 10 million, and he only needs to assess my grandmother''s condition," Evelina remained resolute as she told Geoffrey, "Your only concern is to arrange the money as soon as possible. Everything else, I will take care of that." "17 Million," Rick who had been pushed to the sidelines for a while corrected Evelina, "II wouldn''t say no to the card, but cash suits me better. It''ll help me steer clear of a heap of unnecessary inquiries." "Not a problem," Evelina nodded. Ten million or seventeen, it was all the same for her, "So, when can you leave?" She asked. "Sooner is always preferable. I''ve got a lot on my te," Rick responded with a nonchnt shrug. "In that case, let''s not waste any more time," Evelina said, directing her attention to her butler. "Are the preparations in ce, Geoffrey?" she inquired. "They will be by the time we reach the airport," Geoffrey affirmed with a nod. "I need to pick up my belongings from my room," Rick informed Evelina, "I''ll grab my stuff and meet you downstairs in the lobby." "No need to worry. I''ve already instructed my team to have your luggage prepared. They should be waiting outside with your belongings." Evelina reassured him. And with that Evelina was the first to make a move. Geoffrey was already standing with a coat in his hand, and he helped put it over Evelina''s shoulder. At that moment, Finally Rick paid attention to Evelina. And he couldn''t help but admire Evelina, who appeared as a paragon of sophistication and grace. She stood there, her slender figure elegantly adorned in a cobalt blue one-piece skirt that flowed like a cascading waterfall, shimmering with each step. The exquisite fabric hugged her curves, entuating her silhouette in the most enticing manner. A ck coat, with a satin finish, gracefully draped her shoulders, creating a striking contrast with the rich blue attire underneath. Who would believe him if they heard he just fucked her a day before, out there in the open, under the open sky. "We are leaving," Evelina''s words snapped Rick out of his trance, and he promptly followed her out of the penthouse. Once outside, the two men that brought Rick upstairs to the were standing with Rick''s luggage, panting hard to catch their breath. Seeing them in this sorry state, Evelina frowned. "What happened to both of you?" Geoffrey inquired, his eyes squinting in suspicion. Upon hearing the old man''s inquiry, the first man''s gaze instinctively shifted towards Rick, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. In contrast, the second man, clearly agitated, gnashed his teeth, shot a re at Rick, and used him. "It''s all his fault. He''s the reason for this mess." It was evident that the second man held a significant grudge against Rick. "Whoa there, hold your horses, big boy. What on earth do I have to do with your... erm... intense session?" Rick swiftly defended himself, interjecting before anyone could use him further. "Any Tom, DICK and Harry could see what you two have been up to. Now that you''ve been caught, you''re trying to shift the me to me? No way." Rick''s cheeky y on words made his point clear. "Wha..." Suddenly, a cloud of confusion hung over everyone. "And why are you even denying it? It''s 2023, nobody gets to judge your preferences," Rick said, his gaze fixated on the two men. His implications were crystal clear, "Whether you suck tit or dick. Nobody gets to tell you anything." "Are you out of your mind? What are you bbering about? You think I''m gay?" the second man shouted at Rick, his eyes practically shootingsers. "Nope, I didn''t say that. I just implied. You filled in the box," Rick chuckled. "Enough," Evelina couldn''t bear the banter any longer. "You tell me what happened," she demanded, directing her question to the first man. "It was Mr. Rick''s rabbit," the first man began, trying to sound as humble as possible. "We attempted to capture the little rabbit, but every time he would..." "She," Rick interjected. "What?" "The rabbit. She is a she," Rick rified for the man. "Oh, alright. She... Every time we would try to catch the rabbit, she would slip away from our grasp." The man told Rick and the others. "Wasn''t that rabbit a wild rabbit?" Evelina asked Rick now that she understood the whole story. "Why would it be wild?" Rick looked annoyed, "I never said that." "I thought, maybe..." "So, where''s my rabbit?" Rick inquired of the men. "Please don''t tell me you frightened her off." "Frightened?" The man couldn''t help but chuckle to himself, then turned to look to the side. Everyone followed his gaze and spotted a small, white, utterly adorable fur-ball restingfortably on a chair,pletely rxed and undisturbed. "Well, it certainly doesn''t seem scared," Rick chuckled, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Hey, youzy thing, quit goofing off ande with me," he scolded the rabbit grudgingly. And without hesitation, the rabbit perked up, dashed over to Rick, and hopped onto his shoulder, as if it had been waiting for hismand. "Now that everything''s sorted, can we depart?" Evelina appeared a bit irritated at this point. "I''m not the one holding us up," Rick replied as he took the first step forward. "I don''t like him." "I don''t like him." Simultaneously, the old butler and the other man voiced their disapproval of Rick. They exchanged a nce, their eyes conveying more than words ever could. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Umm..." The door of the ne opened, and Rick descended the stairs with an ted expression, savoring each step on solid ground. As he reached the final step, he spread his arms wide and inhaled a deep breath of the fresh air. Behind him, Evelina gracefully stepped off the ne, followed by her devoted butler. The private jet was a sight to behold. Its sleek exterior glistened in the sunlight, while its polished chrome details drew the eye. The interior exuded opulence andfort, featuring plush leather seats, wooden ents, and a wide range of amenities. The ne was a testament to impressive speed and efficiency, ensuring that travel was a true delight. It took them just a couple of hours and they might have traveled more than a thousand miles easily. Rick couldn''t help but express his admiration. "That was one hell of a ride, girl. Your jet''s a beauty." Evelina gazed at Rick with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes and inquired, "Interested in buying it? I can offer you a discount, and we can subtract the amount from what I owe you." "You''re always in business mode," Rick remarked, pondering the offer for a moment before shaking his head. "I don''t want to speed things up that much," he quipped. Just a few days ago, he had been riding an electric motorcycle. The idea of buying a private jet was a bit too much, even for him. The butler, who had been eavesdropping, couldn''t help but interject. "Indeed, Mr. Ricki. A private jet is hardly suitable for someone like you. It''s good that you recognize your ce." Rick wanted to ignore the butler. He had enough of butting heads with an old man. Thest time he seriously engaged with one, he ended up in a hospital. But will the System let him in peace for once? No. It finally broke its silence. [ Quest: The old man has just been too cocky. Show him that you don''t mess with Gen-Z, without consequences. Time Duration: Next 24-Hours Reward: Cash: 20,000; 1 Face-pping Card ] Rick turned to face the butler, a trace of challenge evident in his gaze. "Oh, now, Geoffrey," he started, a sly grin curling at his lips. "You should be well aware by now that I''m not your everyday Joe. Even your young mistress frequently finds herself under me," Rick said with a wink, his words seemingly carrying other meaning. "She is indeed still a bit green. She may still have a lot to learn. But she will eventually figure out how to handle individuals like you," Geoffrey, raised an eyebrow, his demeanor poised but tinged with amusement. "But you certainly have the spirit, Mr. Ricki, I will give you that." "But, old man, my bigger concern is something else," Rick added, mischief gleaming in his eyes as he challenged the butler''s statement. "Owning a jet doesn''t seem tooplicated to me. Just need to remember to fill it up with fuel, right?" "I will have to get an old dog like you to handle such matters," Rick sighed in feigned disappointment, which didn''t sit well with the old butler. "If only you were willing, it would be much simpler. I don''t want to train a dog from scratch." Rick''s repeated use of the term "dog" seemed to deeply infuriate the old man. No one had ever dared to insult him in such a manner, and his sharp words rendered him speechless. He struggled to find an appropriate response to such uncouthnguage. Fortunately for everyone, a car arrived at that moment,ing to a stop in front of them on the runway. Evelina gestured for Rick to get inside, and the two of them settled into the plush back seats. The butler, though begrudgingly, took his ce in the front passenger seat, and the car smoothly pulled away. The sleek car navigated through the bustling city, smoothly gliding along the broad avenues nked by towering skyscrapers that appeared to stretch endlessly into the sky. Rick pressed his face against the window, captivated by the stunning structures that dominated the busy streets. Skyscrapers pierced the skyline like colossal giants, reflecting the sunlight off their sleek ss facades. Each one seemed to vie for attention, creating an awe-inspiring cityscape. The streets below were a hive of activity, teeming with people bustling along the sidewalks, their steps synchronized with the city''s heartbeat. Rick couldn''t help but marvel at the diverse spectrum of fashion on disy, ranging from high-end designer brands to eclectic street styles. Together, they wove a vibrant tapestry of colors and textures, contributing to the city''s unique atmosphere. Everything looked just too fast-paced. After more than an hour of driving and departing from the vibrant city, they found themselves in the tranquil outskirts. The contrast was stark; the surroundings were noticeably silent. As they continued, the car veered off the main road onto a narrower path. Coming to a halt at a sizable gate, they paused briefly before being granted entry. When the car finally came to a stop and Rick stepped out, the sight in front of him left him utterly baffled. "Is that... a house?" * * * * * Chapter 95: Beloved son-in-law! Chapter - 95 "No way, this isn''t just a house! It''s more like a royal pce or something," Rick eximed, utterly dumbfounded by the colossal mansion before him. In sheer disbelief, he gazed at the imposing structure. "How many rooms are in there?" Rick inquired. Evelina shrugged. "I don''t know, maybe 50, perhaps 60." Geoffrey interjected, with a proud face, correcting them both. "There are 108 rooms," he informed Rick and Evelina. "Whoa... That many? Why on earth would you need so many rooms?" Rick was astounded. "My entire vige could fit inside there." "You live in a vige?" Evelina was taken aback. "Do we even have viges left anymore?" "Well, not exactly a vige, but something simr," Rick rified with a shrug. "How much does this house actually cost? Can I buy it for $20,000,000?" Rick inquired. "Pfft... You wish boy. You can''t even buy a single bathroom in there, let alone this whole mansion for 20 Million. You must be out of your mind, boy," Geoffrey shook his head in disappointment. "It''s quite a shame. You must not have had a very fulfilling childhood," Geoffrey remarked as he stepped forward, taking a ce beside Rick. "Getting impressed by a mere glimpse of our modest house. Peasant." "Your house?" Rick''s eyebrows shot up as he heard the old butler. His hand swiftly moved towards the old man''s waist, gripping his flesh between his thumb and finger and giving him a painful pinch. "Aahhh!!!" The old man Geoffrey yelped, crying out in pain. "You old dog, are you eyeing your master''s property?" Rick scolded the old man, persistently pinching him, "Bad... Very bad." "Ungrateful, disloyal, dogs like you should be dealt with as soon as possible," Rick berated the butler. "Che... Calling you a dog is an insult to the loyal ones." He clicked his tongue in disdain and finally let go of Geoffrey, but not before giving him onest hard twist. "Rick, stop," Evelina swiftly intervened, pulling Geoffrey away from Rick and creating some distance. "Why are you so determined to oppose him?" Evelina questioned, her brow furrowing in puzzlement. "I''m being paid for it," Rick replied, although his words carried a hint of sarcasm despite being truthful. "Why else? I''m assisting you in training your dog," Rick continued, his wordsced with a touch of humor. "Just making sure that no matter how big the balls grow, they always stay beneath the dick." "If this unruly, rabid dog of yours isn''t kept in check, it''ll only bring you more troubles," Rick continued, offering his advice to Evelina. "It''s a good thing that I''m such a generous guy. Otherwise..." Rick left his warning hanging, the implication clear. "Enough, both of you," Evelina decisively put an end to the matter. "Rick, I have brought you here to evaluate my grandmother''s condition, not to insult my staff. I hope you won''t cross that line again." "Then kindly ask your dog to stop barking at me all the time. He might be your dog, but he''s been getting on my nerves from the very start. And I may be new to this mess, but I don''t appreciate being provoked," Rick concluded the argument. Even the rabbit on his shoulder shot an angry re at the old butler, its tiny brain seemingly hatching some devious scheme. Listening to Rick, Evelina shot a disapproving re at her butler. How could she have not noticed that her butler was needlessly provoking Rick at every opportunity? It''s just that she had chosen to overlook it until now. But maybe not anymore. "Bring the luggage," she ordered and then proceeded to lead Rick into the house. ~~~~~ In the midst of the grandeur of the magnificent hall, which resembled more of a royal pce than a typical house, a gathering of people had assembled for what appeared to be a get-together or an extravagant party. The crowd epassed various generations, with lively individuals in their twenties, middle-aged attendees in their forties, and even a few wise elders in theirte fifties and sixties. The hall resonated with the clinking of sses, bursts ofughter, and the unmistakable sound of joyous conversations. Champagne bottles popped, wine sses were raised, and everyone was in high spirits, fueled by the abundance of liquid courage flowing freely. In a swanky corner of the fancy living room, the young crew had totally staked out their own epic party zone. They were straight up cracking up, like rolling on the floor, in hysterics, and having a wild time that only the boundless energy of youth can dish out. Intoxicated, they were totally lit, feeling the high from the thick cloud of drugs in the air, and didn''t give a fuck about anyone else in the room. By the huge firece, a bunch of the older peeps were huddled, deep in lively chats. The main focus was this ssy pair, probably pushingte fifties, decked out in fancy threads. They were beaming, totally into the conversation with the other guests, spreading good vibes all around. An elderly dude, his shaky hands holding a ss of red vino, hollered out, "Here''s to Jack and Michelle!" A bunch of cheers echoed, and the sound of sses clinking filled the room again. "We''ve known everyone in this room since forever," he continued. "Us old school folks have been through it all together. Our first smoke, wild nights with drugs, hitting up the casinos, and some other stuff about the strip clubs, oh boy, we wouldn''t want to tell that to our wives. Hahaha..." Upon hearing the old man''s words, the whole room erupted inughter, and thedies shot their husbands some serious side-eye. "But Jack... Our dear Jack here was always slow on the uptake, ate bloomer. A real mama''s boy. Wouldn''t even take a leak without his mom''s say-so," the old timer teased, and the whole crew burst intoughter alongside him. "Come on, old Joe... we''ve all moved on from that. No need to dig up the past," Jack said, blushing as he urged the old man to stop. "But now, he''s not tied to his mom''s apron strings, not taking orders from his mom. Our buddy Jack is about to step into the big shoes of the former Matriarch and steer the Bloodthorne family to even greater heights. Cheers to you!" Everyone raised their sses in celebration. As the news spread, the whole gang gathered around Jack and Michelle, offering their hearty congrattions. "What''s going on here?" A startled voice cut through the merriment, and all eyes turned towards the doorway. Evelina stood there, a disapproving frown on her face, casting a sudden hush over the room. The room fell into an ufortable silence, and puzzled looks were passed around like a secret code. It was as though the party had hit a sudden roadblock, and awkwardness slithered in like an unwee intruder. "Eve... Evelina?" Michelle who was in the spotlight, the one everyone was celebrating, appeared taken aback and surprised by Evelina''s unexpected entrance. Michelle couldn''t contain her confusion. "Wait, what? Why?" "Yo, isn''t it my dear sister?" A guy suddenly perked up from his spot at the table, his eyes half-lidded, a stoned grin on his face. He was clearly feeling the high of the drugs, "But hey am I dreaming, or are you still alive?" Evelina clenched her fists, struggling to keep her anger in check. "Out..." "Evelina!" Jack intervened, calling her name. "These are all my guests. You can''t be rude to them." "Everybody out, and I''m not repeating myself," Evelina''s firm voice pierced the room, her eyes resolute as she addressed everyone as shepletely ignored Jack. There were a few hesitant nods, but most people felt unsure about ending the celebration on such a tense note. There was an air of tension and confusion. Then, a glimmer of hope surfaced in the room as an elderly couple exchanged a knowing nce. The woman gently pulled her husband''s arm, and the two of them gracefully started making their way towards the exit with a sense of urgency. The actions of the older couple acted as a trigger, encouraging others to follow their lead. Slowly but surely, the room began to empty out. The exodus of guestsmenced, one by one. Even the heavily intoxicated ones stumbled a bit on their feet, but with the help of others, they managed to vacate the living room. One by one, the guests bid their farewells, exchanging promises to reunite soon. The house, once teeming with life just moments ago, now felt increasingly empty. In the end, only a few were left, standing awkwardly in the nearly deserted room. Within a mere five minutes, the room had beenpletely cleared. Evelina, the man, the woman, Rick, and a handful of other servants, along with the elderly butler, were the only ones who remained. Evelina instructed Geoffrey, "Clean everything up. I''m heading to visit grandmother," before announcing her intentions without giving the couple another nce. Jack, his brows furrowed, couldn''t hide his frustration. "Stop right there Evelina." "I don''t know, but now it''s gonna be impossible to look anyone in the eye the next time we meet. All thanks to you." Evelina, having overheard Jack''sment, couldn''t help but scrunch up her nose. "Seriously, Dad? This is about family, not about appearances! Grandma is still with us, and you''re already acting like it''s a celebration of her passing? Way to go, Dad." "What do you mean I am celebrating her passing? She''s my mother too. I don''t need a lecture on how to care for her," Jack crossed his arms, feeling defensive. "I was just trying to build a connection here. Business doesn''t thrive on sentiment alone. But you''ve messed things up for us." The tension in the room was palpable as Evelina and her father engaged in a fierce stare-down. "Is this how the wealthy handle their family affairs? Quite fascinating," Rick, who was standing behind Evelina grinned as he watched the young man stumble and plop down on the table, struggling to stay on his shaky legs. "And who the fuck are you?" Jack inquired, clearly annoyed by Rick''s remarks. "Me?" Rick grinned, pointing a finger at himself. "Good evening, sir. I am your beloved son-inw." * * * * * Chapter 96: Bad Blood Chapter - 96 "Son-inw? What kind of sick joke is this?" Jack''s face contorted with disapproval. "It''s no joke, sir. Or should I call you father-inw?" Rick looked perplexed. "Never mind, we can figure that out in due time." "Young man, you certainly have a sense of humor," this time it was Michelle who chimed in. "But I must admit, I''m a bit puzzled. I''ve never heard of you before." "My dear daughter got herself a boyfriend and I didn''t know about it. That''s actually disappointing," Michelle expressed her disappointment. "Save it, we are not that close," Evelina was not happy with Rick''sment, but she cared even less for Michelle judging from her tone. "She can be a bit moody," Michelle told Rick, not bothered by Evelina''s rude remark, "So, can you fill us in on how you two met? How long have you known each other?" Michelle asked eagerly. "Spill the beans, what''s the story?" "Michelle!" Jack''s voice turned deep and intimidating as he attempted to hush his wife. But thedy seemed unperturbed, waving her hand dismissively. "Come on, let the man speak. Aren''t you curious about your daughter''s mysterious new boyfriend who appeared out of nowhere?" Michelle insisted. "Enough with the stupid gossip. Be quiet," Jack silenced Michelle, clearly not in the mood for such frivolous conversations. "And you, I won''t repeat myself. Who are you, and what are you doing here?" Jack asked, his voice dripped with mounting irritation. Instead of answering, Rick posed a peculiar question. "What''s 3+1?" "What?" Jack was caught off guard by Rick''s unexpected question. "What''s 3+1?" Rick repeated, his tone unwavering. "It''s a straightforward question, right? What''s 3+1?" "Boy you are getting on my nerves, now," the scowl on Jack''s face deepened as he issued a warning to Rick. "At least now you get a taste of how I have been feeling," Rick nonchntly shrugged. "Boy..." Jack started, clearly at a loss for words. "Is this how all wealthy folks act or what? Is your vocabry really that limited?" Rick taunted Jack with a sly grin. "I used to think rich people were all about high-ss sophistication, speaking in fancy, iprehensible ways. But look at you, smashing that myth, breaking the mold, a true Le-Jhund." "No matter how many times you ask, how you ask it, my answer won''t change," Rick stated as he put his arm around Evelina. "I''m here because of your daughter. She wanted me to meet her grandmother. Perhaps she wanted to introduce me to her family." "So how can I hurt your daughter? I had toe," Rick affectionately nced at Evelina and winked, all while looking at her disapproving expression. She clearly wasn''t pleased with his words. "Well, well! You''re already taking such good care of her. I''m feeling a bit envious," Michelle yfully nibbled her finger as she looked Rick up and down, sporting a mischievous grin. "My husband doesn''t look at me the same way anymore." "Too bad... You''re still..." Rick began with a smirk, intending to offer Michelle apliment, but he was interrupted as a few more people entered the room. "Jack? What''s happening here? I thought you mentioned some of our friends wereing. Where are they?" a man inquired as he stepped into the hall. However, his attention was quickly drawn to Evelina. "Evelina... You... You are back?" He stuttered as his gaze shifted from Evelina onto Jack, looking at him with questioning eyes, "You didn''t tell me." "No need to me him. I was a surprise to him as well," Evelina''s unfriendly gaze continued to pierce the new folks was well. The man, the woman behind him and two children who cared little about what what was happening around them, engrossed on their phones. "And where''s Master Garret? I don''t see him," the man inquired, scanning the room. "Oh, Uncle, you''re asking about him already. Is there something you''d like to inquire from him?" Evelina raised an eyebrow, her eyes filled with amusement. "Maybe something like how I''m still alive?" "Evelina! Is this how you speak to your uncle?" Jack reprimanded Evelina, raising his voice. "Don''t forget your manners just because you have a say in a few matters. It won''tst very long." "Blood is indeed thicker than water," Evelina acknowledged, a realization dawning upon her. "You can''t endure a few words against your baby brother." "But Dad," Evelina''s tone suddenly grew icy, her gaze piercing, "Aren''t I your daughter? What have I done for you to actually stoop so low?" Evelina asked. "Mind your words," Jack swiftly responded, "What low? How dare you talk to your family like that?" "Do you want me to spell it for you?" Evelina showed no signs of backing down. "Do you think I''m unaware of what that old bastard was up to?" "Do you think I don''t know why you all sent him with me?" Evelina said as her gaze moved from Jack, Michelle and everyone else in the room. "Why... do you... think that... pig... is not here... with us?" Evelina smirked as she took a step closer to her father with every words she spoke. "He is dead, that''s why." Evelina was mere couple of steps away from her father, looking straight into his eyes. "He is dead? What do you mean?" Who can kill the master?" Jack''s eyes shook, his body trembling, and his brain, not ready to ept what Evelina just said. "You are lying," the man, the younger brother of Jack almost ran towards Evelina, grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards him. His grip was so tight that it elicited a cry of pain from Evelina. "Get your hands off of her," Before Evelina could even react, Rick was already beside her, his hand on the man''s cor. "Who are you?" The man red angrily at Rick. "I am the man who is going to break your arm if you don''t let go of her,"Rick retorted, his voice cold and brimming with anger. "You..." The man began to protest, but Rick swiftly shifted his hand from the man''s cor to his neck, seizing him by the throat. Rick''s fingers tightened around the man''s neck, choking the words right out of him, leaving him breathless. "I told you, let... her... GO," Rick''s voice grew even more menacing, filled with deadly intent. "Is this basic English too difficult toprehend?" His hold on the man''s neck continued to tighten with each passing moment. "He got me... Save me..." "I can''t. I don''t have bullets." "Then hit him with the pan." "Are you fucking kidding me? With the pan? He will puncture me with bullets." "Will you leave me to die?" "Don''t worry, I will avenge you." "..." "..." "..." There was suddenly pin drop silence in the hall. "Are these your sons?" Rick inquired, his tone showing a hint of uncertainty as he nced at the two boys. "Uh... Yes, they... They are," the man replied, momentarily forgetting about the pain, his voice still strained. "You''re a pathetic excuse for a father," Rick remarked with a sense of pity. Their dad was on the brink of being choked to death, and these useless kids were more concerned with their pursuit of ''Chicken Dinner''? "Let go of the girl and I will let go off you. I hope you understand." Rick offered truce without dy. The man nodded and his grip on Evelina''s arm loosened. And just as he let go of her, Rick let go off his man and even helped him stay on his feet as he breathed heavily, gasping for air. "Take it easy, buddy. Breathe deeply," Rickforted Jack''s younger brother, giving him a reassuring pat on the back. Then, he turned his attention to the woman who had arrived with him. "Why are you just standing there like a deer caught in headlights? Go and fetch some water for him," Rickmanded. The woman was taken aback by Rick''s voice, her body trembling as she saw him looking at her. Slowly, as his words registered in her mind, she hurried toward the table, filled a ss with water, and swiftly brought it over to Rick, handing it to him. "Why are you handing it to me? Can''t you see your husband struggling to breathe? Give it to him," Rick found these wealthy folks rather exasperating. Realizing her oversight, the woman promptly gave the ss of water to her husband. He eagerly drank the water, and once he''d caught his breath, he shot a grateful look in Rick''s direction. Once the man had caught his breath, Rick released his hold and stepped away from him. He then turned toward Evelina, cing a gentle hand on her back. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?" "Oh, so now you remember me? Is your bromance done?" Evelina responded with a sarcastic quip. Rick whispered, "Do you want a little spank right now?" as his hand gently trailed down Evelina''s back, eliciting a shiver of sensation that rippled through her body, You have been acting rather bossytely." "Don''t," Evelina attempted to stop Rick. Her heart raced, and her butt clenched when she felt her hand move down. She quickly grabbed his hand, and pushed it away from her, "Don''t even think about it." "Feisty, I see," Rick remarked with a sly grin. He withdrew from Evelina, but not before warning her, "I''ll make sure to get my properpensation for this," Rick whispered in her ear before pulling away. "Please, carry on with your family drama, ''Bad Blood.'' It''s quite the spectacle," Rick added, his toneced with amusement, "I won''t meddle." * * * * * Chapter 97: Family Drama Chapter - 97 "You, what are you doing with her?" Jack when saw Rick and Evelina awfully close, had his ears perked up. "I am just showering my girlfriend with some love. Don''t b so stuck up old man," Rick said and winked at Jack. "Boyfriend? You... Are you her boyfriend?" Jack''s brother questioned, seeking rification. "You arete to the party, uncle... umm...? What is your name again? I don''t think you have introduced yourself yet," Rick asked. "Neither have you. You keep iming to be my daughter''s boyfriend, but who the hell are you?" Jack interjected before his brother had a chance to respond. "Isn''t it impolite to ask someone for their name before introducing yourself?" Rick retorted with a smirk in response to Jack''s question. "So you acknowledge you were rude to my brother?" Jack finally seized the upper hand in his conversation with Rick. "A son-inw can have his moments of rudeness," Rick replied nonchntly, deting Jack''s ego. "Enough with the pointless small talk," Evelina finally had enough and had to step in. She turned to Rick, "And you..." "Come with me to see my grandmother," Evelina instructed Rick as she started to walk away, but Jack halted her. "Where are you taking him?" Jack inquired. "Did you hear her, Father-inw? We''re headed to meet the ultimate boss, your mother, or did you marry into the family like me?" Rick yfully teased Jack. "Listen, boy, I don''t know who you are, but you''re pushing my limits here. Just be quiet... Shut your mouth," Jack warned Rick, his patience wearing thin. "Maybe I struck a nerve," Rick murmured to himself. "He''s going to see Grandmother. He''s here to treat her," Evelina sighed, unable to tolerate Rick''s banter with her family any longer, so she finally disclosed the truth. "What do you mean he is going to treat Mom?" Jack furrowed his brow upon hearing Evelina''s revtion. "How could you make that decision on your own? You didn''t inform me or anyone else about it." "I don''t need to tell anyone anything," Evelina remained unfazed. "Are you out of your mind? How can you allow a nobody, aplete stranger, near your grandmother?" Jack interrogated Evelina, then turned his attention to Geoffrey. "Why didn''t you intervene and stop her?" Jack asked with irritation. "Is this how you take care of your duties?" "I apologize, sir," Geoffrey replied with a nod, maintaining his stoic expression. "I''ve always followed the head of the family''s directives." "And since the matriarch has entrusted miss Evelina with overseeing the family''s affairs, her instructions hold precedence over all others," Geoffrey firmly asserted. "I didn''t realize you were so loyal. Kudos to you," Rickmended the butler. "You might be a stickler, but at least you''re loyal." [Warning - 1: You are not suppose to praise the old butler. If you do that again, you will start to loose rewards.] "But I still don''t like you." Rick quickly said, when he saw the system''s warning. "No matter what, I won''t allow him to get anywhere near your grandmother," Jack asserted with frustration. "No one is seeking your opinion," Evelina retorted, then turned her gaze to Rick. "Are you just going to stand there grinning all day? You seem to be enjoying this a bit too much for someone who initially didn''t want toe." "I was mistaken. I''ve always been a fan of drama," Rick admitted with a shrug. "And when ites to family drama? No one can resist it." "Don''t get too wrapped up in it," Evelina cautioned Rick. "Do what you''re here for and then leave." "I will," Rick agreed. "But not before I see the money first. I want my seven million upfront." "7 million?" Jack''s attention was immediately grabbed by the sum. "Why are you giving him such arge amount of money?" Jack inquired, directing his question to Evelina. "It''s merely a business deal," Rick replied on Evelina''s behalf. "Are you genuinely her boyfriend, or did she hire you to pose as one?" Listening to them, Michelle couldn''t help but voice her suspicion. "Oh, you are quite the sharp one," Rick yfully winked at Michelle, keeping the teasing going. "Stay out of my affairs," But Evelina snapped at Michelle. "Hey, don''t speak to your mother that way," unexpectedly, Rick swiftly came to Michelle''s defense, leaving Evelina and everyone else surprised by his actions. "What did you say?" Evelina inquired, her eyebrows raised as she looked at Rick with questioning eyes. "I mean, I''m just suggesting that you should be a little more courteous to your mother," Rick backpedaled, his tone less assertive. "I already told you not to get too involved. Come with me," Evelina reiterated, choosing not to linger on Rick''sment. "Stop, you haven''t answered me. Why are you paying him that much money?" Jack still persisted with his question, undeterred by the constant useless talk around him. "Actually, that''s not all..." Rick wasn''t finished stirring the pot for Evelina. He was on the verge of mentioning the additional ten million dors she''d pay him for a mere sneak peek at her grandmother. However, his words got stuck in his throat when he saw her ring at him. "Are you suggesting that you don''t want Grandmother to recover?" Evelina inquired, redirecting her question to her father. "What are you implying? Of course, I want that. Stop making baseless usations," Jack quickly backpedaled, hastily defending himself. "Then stop going against me for everything. I am doing it all to cure her," Evelina addressed Jack with a disdainful expression. "While you were busy popping champagne and your son was busy snorting drugs with his friends, I was out there seeking a cure for her. So quit obstructing me at every turn and let me do my thing." "And you do what you are good at," Evelina remarked with a smirk. "What would that be?" Jack inquired, a touch of confusion on his face. "Nothing," Evelina replied with disdain. "Do absolutely nothing. Just go ahead and spend the pocket money I provide, and relish your life without a care in the world. Leave the thinking to me." "You..." Jack was left fuming by Evelina''s words, but he had no recourse. It was the truth that his mother had indeed put Evelina in-charge during her absence. And with that, after delivering a reality check and making her stance clear to them, Evelina turned to depart. Jack attempted to stop her, but she paid him no heed. Since she had chosen to disregard them, Rick had no choice but to forgo the enjoyment of the family drama. He nced at the crestfallen Jack onest time, and his gaze met Michelle''s, who was looking at him with a mischievous stare. He smiled at her, and without uttering a single word, he followed behind Evelina. Now, in the hall, various emotions brewed within the remaining individuals. Jack was simmering with anger, his brother appeared fearful, and his wife seemed bewildered. Meanwhile, Michelle looked at Rick''s departing back as he ascended the stairs, her thoughts inscrutable. The two boys were engrossed in their quest for ''chicken dinner,'' while Jack and Michelle''s son remained sprawled on the table,pletely oblivious to the world around him. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "So... it seems you have a pretty bad rtionship with your family, huh?" Rick couldn''t resist stealing a nce at Evelina as he asked, his tone a blend of curiosity and caution. There was something about her that piqued his interest, although he couldn''t quite put his finger on it. Evelina shot him a sharp look. "Don''t interfere in my family affairs," she rebuked, her voice carrying a hint of irritation. However, Rick wasn''t one to back down easily anymore. Ever since he had acquired the system, something intrinsic within him had transformed. He had never been known for his persistence. In fact, he often gave up on things rather quickly due to deep-seated self-doubt that had held him back from pursuing the things he wanted. But only God knows why he stopped in front of that old man that day. On any other day, he might have felt sympathy for the old man but left him to his own devices. He wouldn''t have meddled. Yet, on that particr day, things were different. But thanks to that chance encounter, he now possessed an incredible system. Whether it was for better or worse, he couldn''t be certain. Nevertheless, he had transformed after that day. He was no longer the timid, antisocial boy. He had be a phnderer, bold and confident ¨C aplete 180-degree shift from his former self. "I mean, are you adopted?" he asked with a grin that bordered on audacity. Evelina''s re could have frozen moltenva. "What''s it to you?" she snapped. Rick, undeterred, let out a nervousugh. "I was just observing, you know? They don''t seem to treat you like their daughter. They didn''t appear to be all that concerned about you. They were too busy enjoying their little party." "And I can''t say you''re particrly fond of them either," he couldn''t help but point out. "Is this how they always are?" Rick inquired, disregarding the exasperation evident in Evelina''s eyes. Evelina attempted to evade his questions, her irritation evident in her voice. "Can you please drop it? Why are you suddenly so concerned about me?" Rick wasn''t willing to let it go. "Why wouldn''t I be? Family drama is intriguing. In fact, everyone''s interested in it. And if they say otherwise, they''re lying." Evelina sighed, running a hand through her hair, "You know, you are quite nosy for someone I barely know," she mumbled. "You also don''t fuck people you barely know," Rick shed her a mischievous grin, "Butsince, you brought me here. Consider it a bonus on top of my payment." "Shsshh..." Evelina quickly tried to cover Rick''s mouth, but he sessfully evaded, "Don''t say that out loud.Someone might here you." "So what? Isn''t it the truth?" Rick shrugged. Evelina sighed, casting a sidelong nce at Rick. "Look, I appreciate you standing up for me and all, but I would appreciate if we rather not talk about my family and that thing, okay?" Rick chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "No problem, no problem at all. I understand," he said, seeking to ease the tension. "You know, family conversations can get messy. Sometimes, it''s better to leave them untouched. And I won''t talk about ''THAT'' either. At least not in front of others." By now, the two of them had already ascended the stairs and made their way across the various rooms. Rooms lined both sides of the long, wide corridor they walked through. When they reached the end of the corridor, they encountered another set of stairs leading downward. They descended these stairs to find themselves in another sizable hall. Rick continued to follow Evelina as they traversed this hall, only to enter another corridor with rooms on either side. It was a massive mansion with seriously a lot of rooms. They eventually halted in front of the second-tost room. "This is it, the moment of truth!" Evelina eximed. * * * * * Chapter 98: Double Trouble Chapter - 98 The door to the room creaked open, and Evelina stepped inside, her footsteps barely making a sound on the sterile white floor. Rick followed closely behind her, taking in the sight of the room filled with machines monitoring various vitals, their soft beeping adding to the somber ambiance. The room felt cold and clinical, with two nurses diligently recording readings from the machines. In the center of the roomy an elderly woman, Evelina''s grandmother, connected to the machines, her eyes closed, and her chest rising and falling with each breath. Evelina walked up to the bed, her steps hesitant, and the nurses noticed her approach. They briefly looked up from their work, acknowledging her presence with nods, and then resumed their tasks. Evelina, her voice hushed, asked one of the nurses, "How is she doing?" Her tone was low and filled with concern. Evelina lingered by the bedside, her unwavering gaze fixated on her grandmother''s fragile form. The room enveloped itself in a hushed stillness, disturbed only by the intermittent beeping of the vignt monitoring equipment. The nurse nearest to her redirected her focus from the array of monitors, responding with a tone delicately bncing empathy and professionalposure, "At the moment, her vital signs are holding steady. We are exerting every effort, but pinpointing the underlying issue remains elusive. She remains in an unconscious state, presenting a considerable challenge." Evelina nodded, her steadfast gaze remaining fixed on her grandmother. She extended her hand to gently sp the frail hand of the elderly woman, sensing a warmth that contrasted with the chilly surroundings. "I appreciate your efforts," she conveyed to the nurse, her voice tinged with somber gratitude. Turning toward the two nurses, Evelina requested, "Could you give us some privacy for a while? I would appreciate some time alone with my grandmother." The nurses nodded, understanding the need for privacy, and adeptly made adjustments to the monitoring equipment before quietly exiting the room. "We''ll be right outside if you need anything," one of them offered before gently closing the door behind them. Now, it was just Evelina, Rick, and her unconscious grandmother in the room, enveloped in a poignant stillness. Evelina stood beside the bed, her countenance a mixture of concern and sorrow. Her gaze lingered on her grandmother, whoy motionless, tethered to an intricatework of machines diligently monitoring every vital sign. Rick, uncertain of the appropriate words, maintained a quiet presence, offering Evelina the sce of undisturbed moments with her grandmother. As time trickled by, Evelina, with a glimmer of hope in her eyes, turned towards Rick and posed a question, "Can you figure out what is wrong with her?" Rick, feeling somewhat out of his depth and realizing hisck of expertise in medical diagnostics, hesitated. He scratched his head, ncing around the room as if searching for answers. "Look, Evelina, I''m not exactly your go-to Dr. Rick, you know. I can''t magically diagnose someone. I mean, I fix problems, but this is a whole different league." "I am not sure if I can be of much help here," Rick helplessly conveyed to Evelina. Evelina''s eyes pleaded with him, "I understand, but I am holding on to that straw of hope. Maybe you will see something that everyone else missed." Rick felt a bit helpless. He had onlye for the ten million dors Evelina had offered to give him for absolutely nothing. How could he discern what was wrong with Evelina''s grandmother? He was not a bloody doctor, after all. Rick hesitated for a moment but then, with a reluctant nod, approached Evelina''s grandmother. He walked over to the bed, stood beside it, and cast a quick nce at the monitoring equipment, as if deciphering its cryptguage. Taking Evelina''s grandmother''s hand, he checked her pulse, giving a serious nod, as if unearthing something profound. He furrowed his brow in a pseudo-intense manner, feigning a thorough examination of her pulse. He then dramatically decided to opt for the ssic eye examination move. Gently opening one of Evelina''s grandmother''s eyes, he peered into it, inspecting it with the precision of a seasoned physician, despite having no real understanding of what he was looking for. Rick went through the motions, mimicking a thorough examination, all the while attempting to buy time as he racked his brain on how to break the news to Evelina that he had found nothing noteworthy. Rick sustained his charade for a few more minutes, masquerading as the medical genius he clearly was not. In his thoughts, he mused, ''This is ridiculous. Why am I even hesitating? She knew well before that I was of no help.'' Evelina observed anxiously, her eyes alternating between Rick and her unconscious grandmother. The room remained in a profound stillness, the sole sounds resonating being the gentle beeping of the monitors. After a few minutes of maintaining the charade, Rick stepped back from the bed, his countenance adopting a solemn expression. Taking a deep breath, as if bracing for the delivery of unfortunate news, he finally admitted defeat. "As I said before, I don''t have the slightest idea what is wrong with her," Rick conceded. Evelina''s face contorted with worry, her eyes filled with desperation. "What should we do?" she implored. "What else?" Rick eximed with an exasperated look. "Call an ambnce or something. Get her admitted to a hospital, and fast. Why are you holding her in this room? Do you want her to..." Just as Rick was on the verge of expressing his inability to do anything more, a sudden ding sound echoed in his mind. It was a notification from the system. Could the system finally be of some help? Well, not entirely. [Hey! Hey! Hey! Time for Double Trouble master. Are you ready?] Rick heard the system say in its Mechanical Voice. [ Quest: Help the pretty Evelina cure her grandmother. Time Duration: 1 week (That''s how long the olddy has left) Rewards: 10x Cash; Aegis of Truth; Cash: $200,000 ] [But hey, that''s not all. There is another quest.] [ Quest: Uncover and spoil the conspiracy around the poisoning of Evelina''s grandmother. Time Duration: 1 Week Rewards: Ero Points: 50,000; Cash: $350,000; EXP: 50 ] [Aren''t you happy master? Rewards are raining. Happy Dhanteras!!] ''Dhanteras?'' Rick was confused, but the rewards were too enticing for him to dwell on the significance of the term. Whatever ''Dhanteras'' was, It must be a good thing no matter how he looked at it. ''So she was poisoned,'' Upon encountering the quest, a revtion dawned on Rick, and maybe Evelina also talked about it, ''If there is a poison, there must be an antidote as well.'' Rick mused, realizing he had an opportunity. "But hospitals can be quite costly," Rickmented, catching the disheartened Evelina off guard, "And the germs... No, we can''t risk exposing your grandmother to them." "So..." Rick paused. "So?" Evelina''s eyes were filled with anticipation. [ 1. Tell her that it will be a lot of trouble. Ask for more money (Temptation - 5) 2. Grab her ass, and tell her you will treat her Grandmother, no extra money. (Temptation + 10) ] "Considering I''m pocketing a hefty ten million, I suppose I''ll have to save your grandmother," Rick spoke with a mischievous smirk. He ced his hand on Evelina''s backside, caressing it softly, taking her by surprise. "But it will take some time. So, we will have lots and lots of time to professionally discuss your grandmother''s condition," Rick leaned in over Evelina''s shoulder and whispered into her ear. "Are you suggesting you can cure my grandmother?" Evelina inquired. Faced with the possibility of a cure for her grandmother, she convinced herself to endure Rick''s lecherous behavior. "I can give it a shot. Nothing on the stone, though," Rick responded with a smile. "So there''s no guarantee," Evelina''s eyebrows arched up. She grabbed his hand, pushing it away from her ass, "I suppose I overestimated you." "No, you didn''t," Rick felt a sense of disappointment when the sensation of those perky ass cheeks was taken away from his hands. In an effort to recover, he quickly made a bold promise, "I will treat your grandmother, no matter what." "Eager to make big promises," Evelina turned and stepped closer to Rick, closing the gap between them. Her face mere inches away from Rick''s, she traced her finger along his jawline and whispered, "Are you sure a little boy like you can keep his word?" Rick grinned, a yful glint in his eyes. "Well, sweetheart, I may be a little boy in your eyes, but I''ve got a big mouth and an even bigger something down there. You have experienced it yourself, haven''t you. There is no surprise how much bite this ''little boy'' packs." He winked, leaning in slightly. "Care to find out?" "Keep your pants tight, little boy," Evelina asserted, her tone unyielding. "Do what you''ve been paid to do and keep your hands away from things that are off-limits to little boys." She teased Rick as she confidently walked past him toward the door. "Follow me; I''ll show you to your room," Evelina instructed Rick, stepping out of the room. "Coming, baby," Rick replied with a yful grin. * * * * * [A/N: Don''t forget to vote, leave ament, send me golden tickets and gifts.] Chapter 99: Geoffrey shown his place Chapter - 99 Rick gestured toward the room adjacent to the grandmother''s, inquiring, "Whose room is this?" Evelina, her gaze following Rick''s finger, responded, "All the rooms, with the exception of this particr one," she noted, indicating thest room in the corridor beyond the one where her grandmother was receiving care, "Are presently assigned to the attending staff overseeing my grandmother''s well-being. These quarters amodate doctors, nurses, and various other professionals essential to her care." "Then perhaps I could stay in this room," Rick proposed. "Absolutely not," Simultaneously, as Rick uttered those words,a stern voice interjected from behind. "And the dog came sniffing for trouble again," Rick smiled with a hint of helplessness. "Shall I inquire about the reason, or are you nning to disclose it voluntarily?" "Hmph..." Geoffrey snorted, hearing Rick''sment, "You cannot stay in that room. It is out of bounds. More so for the likes of you." "Why? Your mother is buried there, or does your father prostitutes himself in that room?" Somehow, it was not about the quest anymore. Now Rick just enjoyed shitting on him. A fiery mix of anger and hurt flushed across Geoffrey''s face, turning it a deep shade of crimson. He fixed a piercing re on Rick, his narrowed eyes radiating a blend of frustration and anger. The clenching of his fists and the tautness of his jaw revealed the inner struggle to maintainposure despite the emotional turmoil brewing within him. In an effort to rein in his temper, Geoffrey took a deep breath before responding, adopting a measured yet forceful tone. "Rick, you may derive amusement from attempting to provoke me, but there are boundaries that should never be crossed. My personal matters are none of your concern, and your crude remarks, beyond being disrespectful, are utterly tasteless. Age shouldmand respect, but it appears youck the basic decency to understand that." "If there''s any decency left in you, young man, it would be wise to focus on your own affairs and contemte the significance of treating others with the respect they deserve," Geoffrey advised with a touch of sternness. "Did I strike a nerve?" Rick smirked. "Your master stayed silent, yet you dare to intervene? You''re practically begging for humiliation and inviting a well-deserved thrashing." "Actually, what he said is true. I can''t permit you to stay in that room," Evelina finally spoke up, interjecting between Rick and Geoffrey. "You too?" Rick expressed his surprise at Evelina''s refusal, not expecting her to deny his request. "This room belonged to thete master. Since his passing, ess has been restricted, allowing only the matriarch entry," Geoffrey added with a smug look on his face, evidently pleased to have support from Evelina "You are aware that all I want is a room closer to your grandmother''s, right?" Rick''s face bore a slight furrow as he tried to convey his genuine intentions. "Enough of your attempts to deceive us. No tricks," Geoffrey asserted, looking down on Rick now that he had Evelina''s support. "A peasant like you might have lucked out once, but pushing your luck against us is ill-advised. You might find yourself engulfed in hellfire." [ 1. Ask for some other room. Try and be considerate. (Temptation + 5) 2. No pussy is above pride. You just casually asked for this room, but now you have to stay in this room (Temptation -5; Ero Points: 10,000) ] "I warned you that this guy would cause you trouble," Rick remarked, casting a disappointed and pitying nce at Evelina. "All I requested was that room¡ªnothing major. You could have simply exined the sentiments attached to it, and I would have understood. No big deal, right?" "But he had to step in ahead of his master, seeking approval like a loyalpdog," Rick shook his head, his disappointment in Evelina''s reliance on her butler evident. "Now, the trouble is yours to deal with." "A straightforward exnation from you, and I would have agreed to any arrangement you proposed," Rick sincerely conveyed to Evelina. "But now, I''m going to make things difficult for you." "Now I only want this room," Rick informed Evelina. "Otherwise, you can say goodbye to ever hearing your dear grandma''s voice again." "And keep in mind, she''s got a mere seven days left before she kicks the bucket." "Rick, you can''t resort to ckmail for every request, holding my grandmother''s treatment hostage. I''m aware that he can..." Evelina began, clearly frustrated by the ongoing conflict between Rick and Geoffrey, with Geoffrey exacerbating the situation unnecessarily. However, in the midst of her irritated retort, Evelina caught onto something Rick had just said, and it suddenly swept the ground from beneath her. "What do you mean, she only has seven days?" Evelina''s eyes widened in shock as Rick dropped the bombshell. "Tell me, damn it! What do you mean by that?" All traces of her cold, uninterested demeanor were blown away. She was visibly shaken to the core. "I don''t think I''ve ever said something I didn''t mean," Rick shrugged. "I always mean what I say." "Don''t y word games with me!" Evelina nearly screamed at Rick. "Tell me clearly. How can you im that my grandmother has only seven days to live?" "How on earth do you know that?" Evelina asked Rick, her voice a mix of disbelief and desperation. With a sarcastic smile, Rick casually replied, "Oh, I have this system, you know? It tells me stuff." Evelina''s patience reached its limit, and she practically pleaded, "Enough of the nonsense, Rick! Tell me, how do you know? Don''t feed me useless excuses." ying the coy card, Rick shrugged nonchntly. "Ah, it''s a secret system. Can''t reveal all my tricks, can I?" Frustration painted Evelina''s face as she snapped, "I don''t care about your tricks! Just tell me how you know about my grandmother!" Rick, now feigning thoughtfulness, scratched his head and said with a twinkle in his eye, "Okay, fine. You caught me. It''s this ancient fortune-telling rabbit I have. You have seen it, haven''t you? It hopped seven times, and each hop signified a day." Evelina, torn between annoyance and concern, threw her hands up in disbelief. "That rabbit? Are you kidding me right now?" Rick, unable to contain hisughter, chuckled, "Hey, it''s a special rabbit. Don''t underestimate it." Growing serious, Evelina looked straight into Rick''s eyes. "I don''t care what your means are and how you know it. Tell me the truth. Can I believe what you just said? Is there really seven days that''s left for my grandmother?" Rick''s demeanor shifted into solemnity, and he nodded gravely. "Evelina, I want to make it clear that I''m not ying games here. I gain nothing from deceiving you. The whole system, the enigmatic rabbit¡ªuse whatever term suits you best. I''m just rying what I''vee to understand. Whether you choose to ept it or not is entirely within your discretion." Although a lingering doubt still tinged her expression, Evelina conceded with a nod of her own. "Alright, Rick. I''ll trust you on this. I can''t afford to dismiss it casually. Just remember, if this turns out to be some borate ruse, there will be repercussions." Evelina shifted her attention toward Geoffrey, her tone carrying an air of authority. "Get the room ready for him," she instructed with a firm gaze. "What? You surely can''t be thinking that he can..." Geoffrey was left bewildered. "Do what you are told to do. When I speak, you obey without thinking," Evelina asserted, her patience wearing thin. This time, she didn''t bother concealing her exasperation. "Understand your role, Geoffrey. You''re just a servant, easily receable." "You are not actually saying that... Because of him..." Geoffrey found himself in disbelief at Evelina''s words. He uttered, struggling toprehend that Evelina could harbor such sentiments, "I''ve been a part of this family for ages ¡ª long before you were even born, long before your father even existed, long before... His words hung in the air, but before he could continue, Evelina ruthlessly cut him off. "But you are, and always have been a servant, Geoffrey. Perhaps your years are catching up with you, clouding your memory," she asserted, her toneced with a frigid reminder of the harsh reality that surrounded their positions in the household. Evelina delivered a blunt message to Geoffrey, her words cutting through the air with an undeniable weight. "Retirement might be on the horizon for you," she dered matter-of-factly. "There are plenty of eager individuals waiting to step into your shoes." With a dismissive gesture, she practically ushered Geoffrey away. "Now, go and prepare the room for him," she ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. "And I don''t want you anywhere near him," she added, pointing decisively at Rick, the implication hanging heavily in the air. "Find someone else to attend to him," Evelina instructed, her voice carrying an air of authority. "His stay with us is more than a brief visit. Now, leave." Her tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Yes... Yes... Young miss," Geoffreyplied with a deferential bow, his body betraying a visible tremor. As he walked away, his once-proud posture seemed to have aged a few days, his head bowed and shoulders slouched. Evelina showed no mercy. In front of her grandmother, the significance of Geoffrey''s countless days of service seemed to diminish to mere insignificance. "Are you satisfied?" she asked Rick, her gaze piercing. Yet, despite her words, there was an underlying discontent in Evelina. Her wariness was palpable. Any inkling of deceit from Rick regarding her grandmother''s well-being could unleash consequences beyond his imagination. Rick, however, couldn''t help but acknowledge the remarkable prowess disyed by Evelina. "You have surpassed my expectations," he admitted genuinely, a note of impressed surprise in his voice. "Now I can think better and try my best to save your grandmother," Rick announced. Evelina, however, approached him with an intensity that conveyed the gravity of the situation. "Trying is no longer an option," she asserted, closing the distance between them. Her eyes bore into Rick''s with unwavering seriousness. "You make a mess of this, and you''ll be spending the rest of your life six feet under. Remember that," she warned, the weight of her words hanging in the air, emphasizing the high stakes involved. * * * * * Q. Should Evelina had been so hard on the butler? After all he did those things to keep Rick in check, and make sure Evelina can have the upper-hand. His intentions were not to harm her. 1. Yes, he deserved it. 2. No, Evelina is a stupid bitch. Chapter 100: Rick and Amanda on the phone Chapter - 100 In the big room, Rick found himself alone and called out, "Hey bunny,e on out. I''ve got something to ask." The master bedroom was huge, all about luxury. A giant bed took over the space, covered in soft pillows just asking for afy night. The room itself was like a fancy picture, with everything showing off how rich it was. The walls had a cool painting, full of colors, making the whole room look like a work of art. The room is filled with fancy touches, like a beautiful chandelier hanging above, giving off a nice, warm light. The furniture is all fancy too, with intricate carvings that make it look really elegant. There''s a super soft rug on the floor, almost like walking on a cloud. And if that''s not enough, there''s afy spot in one corner, with an old-style chair and a bunch of books of all kinds. This special ce manages to mix being cozy with being really artistic, making it a perfect hideout fit for kings and queens. The room truly suited someone who''s the head of a wealthy family. The rabbit suddenly popped up at Rick''s feet, its eyes twinkling as it looked up at him. "What do you want from me, master?" Rick wearily sat on a big chair and stretched his back, staring up at the chandelier. "Hey, let me know if you know anything about that old woman''s issue," he asked, "You sneaked a peak, didn''t you?" "I did take a look, but I''m not good at that, master," the rabbit confessed, its eyes reflecting a sense of guilt as if it hadmitted a significant error. "I''m sorry, master, but I feel like I can sense something off with her, yet I can''t put my paw on it. It''s like it''s on the tip of my tongue, but I just can''t say it," the rabbit exined, frustration evident in its mannerisms. "No need to apologize. It''s not like I''m the one lying in that bed," Rick reassured the rabbit with a smile, letting out a sigh. ''I need to figure out another approach,'' Rick pondered. "Master, if you can figure out the illness and its cure, I can assist you in making the medicine if I have all the herbs needed," the rabbit earnestly offered, a hint of desperation in its voice, eager to contribute in any way possible. "You will? Thank you, little one," Rick expressed gratitude with a warm smile. "Then let me figure out the source of all her problems. We''ve got plenty of time to fix things. No need to rush." "But before that, I need to send a few messages and make some calls," Rick added, reaching for his phone. He had been off the grid for quite a few days, leaving his friends and family in the dark since he departed for Whispering Wends. Rick''s phone was a sea of messages, missed calls, and more. Ignoring the overwhelming notifications, he chose to call Amanda first¡ªhis sweetheart, someone he must have been missing dearly. There were a dozen missed calls and almost fifty messages from her on his phone. Rick phoned Amanda. It rang no more than twice before the call was answered. "Rick?" A voice, uncertain and filled with a mix of relief and concern, echoed through the phone. Wearing a sweet smile that remained unseen over the phone, Rick yfully teased, "Hey babe... Miss me? Did you miss me?" The phone call crackled with a blend of emotions as Rick endeavored to navigate through Amanda''s concerns. Amanda, clearly on the verge of tears, responded, "You... Where have you been? You disappeared without a trace. No message, no call. I don''t even know if you are dead or alive," Amanda''s voice, heavy with worry, pierced through the line. "Hey, slow down," Rick attempted to soothe her. "Why are you killing me?" he joked, trying to lighten the mood despite the gravity of Amanda''s distress. With a touch of sweetness in his voice, Rick responded, "Hey, babe, you know I''m like, unstoppable. Nothing''s gonna touch me." Amanda, however, wasn''t buying it. "You can''t just disappear like that, Rick. I was so scared. Do you know how many times I dialed your number?" "Fine, fine," Rick conceded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. "I guess I was a bit too mysterious this time. My bad." Amanda, unwilling to let him off the hook so easily, shot back,"A bit too mysterious? Are youfucking kidding me?" Rick chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Alright, maybe I went a bit overboard. But you know, absence makes the heart grow fonder, they say." "Rick, did I do something wrong?" Amanda''s voice carried a touch of vulnerability, her concern evident in the question. Rick, sensing the impact of his sudden vanishing act, hastened to reassure her, "Hey, babe, no one did anything wrong. I''m genuinely not in town. I decided to take a little trip to the ''Whispering Wends.''" "Whispering Wends?" Amanda echoed, taken aback by the unexpected revtion. "Yeah, I didn''t mention it because I just needed some alone time. And, just so you know, it had nothing to do with you. I''d heard a lot about Whispering Wends and figured it was time to explore it," Rick exined, offering his reasoning in an attempt to justify the unnned disappearing act. "Look, I promise I''ll make it up to you," Rick said, trying to ease Amanda''s concerns. "You know me, I make spontaneous decisions. I just needed some me-time, and the Whispering Wends felt like the perfect escape." "Just like that?" Amanda''s surprise was evident, "And to be honest Rick, except for your name and number, I practically know nothing about you." "Yeah, just like that," Rick replied, a touch of mischief in his voice. "Sometimes, a man needs a little adventure, you know?" Rick opted to leave theter part of her remark unaddressed, allowing the statement to hang in the air without further exnation. Amanda, her tone softening, replied, "You could''ve at least sent a message. It''s not like I would have stopped you. I was worried sick." "I know, I know. My bad. I promise I''ll make it up to you. Maybe I''ll bring you a souvenir from the Whispering Wends," Rick yfully suggested. There was a brief pause before Amanda chuckled, "Yeah, you better. You owe me big time." "So, how''s your trip going? Do you miss me?" Amanda teased Rick, her tone yful. "Honestly, more than missing you, I''ve been longing for thefy bed," Rick admitted. "Hehehe... you deserve it. Leaving without me means dealing with ufortable sleep and mosquito bites," Amanda yfully jabbed at Rick. "I meant your cozy bed, babe," Rick rified. "I miss snuggling into your bed, feeling your warmth. Your soft skin and those captivating eyes are what I really miss." "Your smile is like a sweet melody, and your eyes, a dance. In your love, I find myself lost, in a sweet trance," Rick recited, his words filled with romantic allure. Blushing on the other end, Amanda eximed, "Smooth talker, Rick. You always know how to make me blush. Stop it." She couldn''t help but giggle nervously at Rick''s charming words. Maintaining his suave demeanor, Rick responded, "You love it, babe. Admit it." "Rick, you''re incorrigible," Amanda conceded, her voice a mixture of bashfulness and desire. "But maybe I do," she added with a hint of yful acknowledgment. Rick, adopting a mischievous tone, yfully remarked, "Incorrigibly charming, you mean. Now, shall we skip the pleasantries and get into some real talk?" Amanda, feigning disapproval, shot back, "Rick, you''re impossible. What ''real talk'' are you even referring to?" Rick, maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere, replied, "Oh, you know, the kind that begins with innocent words but has a way of turning not-so-innocent by the end." Amanda, her breath slightly uneven, chuckled nervously, "You''re treading on dangerous ground, Rick." "ying with fire can be thrilling, Amanda," Rick flirtatiously responded, "and you know, I''m the kind of guy who finds the burn irresistible." "You''re incorrigible," Amanda teased, her tone a mix of amusement and mild protest. "You know, babe," Rick whispered, his voice lowering into a husky tone, "I can''t help but recall the taste of your lips." Amanda, feeling a mix of excitement and shyness, responded, "Rick, you''re being naughty. What if someone overhears us?" "Can''t resist a little mischief, Amanda," Rick teased, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it also makes the mind wander. I want the whole world to know you''re mine." Amanda, trying to hide her smile, replied, "What are you thinking?" Rick, letting out a low chuckle, continued, "Thinking about how yourughter echoes in my mind, and the way your body feels pressed against mine." Amanda, her cheeks flushing, whispered, "You''re such a smooth talker." "Only because I''m talking about something that makes me lose my smoothness," Rick replied with a smirk in his voice. Rick, his wordsced with suggestion, replied, "Close your eyes, babe, and imagine... my hands exploring every inch of your skin." Amanda, caught in the moment, closed her eyes, picturing Rick''s words. "You''re driving me crazy, Rick," Amanda admitted, her voice a sultry whisper. "That''s the idea, babe," Rick responded, his words dripping with desire. "Tell me, what are you wearing right now?" As Rick spun his fantasies, Amanda, in a mix of bashfulness and curiosity, began to describe her attire, "Well, it''s just a simple, tight-fitting dress, ck as the night. Not too short, but enough to leave a little to the imagination." Rick, his words a seductive whisper, responded, "Mmm, I can picture it perfectly. What about your hair?" Amanda, ying along, replied, "Loose, cascading down my shoulders. A little messy, just the way you like it." Rick, seizing the opportunity to elevate the intensity, murmured, "And your lips? Are they as tempting as I remember?" Amanda, feeling the heat rise, whispered, "Soft and waiting, just for you." As their conversation continued in this provocative dance of words, Amanda, despite her initial shyness, found herself drawn into the seductive allure of Rick''s voice. The itch that started in her belly had now spread to more intimate areas, creating a tension that lingered. But just as they were getting to the good part, there was a knock on Rick''s door, and a maid called out from outside. "Mr Rick, it''s time for dinner." * * * * * [A/N: And with that we have reached the 100 chapter milestone. If you are enjoying the story, keep supporting it.] Chapter 101: Ricks Dads girlfriend? Chapter - 101 A knock echoed on Rick''s door, and a voice, monotone yet friendly, called out, "Mr. Rick, it''s time for dinner." Rick, in the midst of an engaging conversation with Amanda over the phone, felt a shift in his mood. The seductive undertones in Amanda''s voice had sparked a certain excitement, he could feel a raging boner in his pants. And just as things were getting interesting, the interruption from the maid threw a wrench into the moment. It wasn''t her fault, of course, but now Rick faced a dilemma. The prospect of attending to certain personal matters down there seemed to have hit a roadblock. If things with Amanda had progressed, he might have managed with his own hand. However, with the dinner interruption, it felt like a nk shot, leaving Rick in a state of mild frustration. "Rick, are you still there?" Amanda''s voice reached out from the other end of the phone, pulling him back from the vortex of his frustrations. "Oh, yeah, I''m here," Rick responded, his tone slightly flustered. Amanda''s concern was evident as she inquired, "What was that voice? Is someone with you? Did they overhear us, Rick? Please tell me you didn''t..." Her words hung in the air, a mixture of curiosity and worry coloring her cautious tone. "No, no, I didn''t," Rick hurriedly reassured Amanda, dispelling any suspicions taking root in her mind. "It''s just room service, checking about dinner," he exined. "Oh!" Amanda''s understanding tone came through, "You are at a hotel? I thought you were out camping in the forest." "I was," Rick began weaving a tale, "but after a couple of days, the hard ground, mosquitoes, and insects got to me. Needed a break, so here I am." He provided his excuse, hoping it would suffice to swindle Amanda. "Sure thing, now you have your dinner, and we''ll catch upter," Amanda instructed, her tone light but with a touch of warning. "But, Mister, it better be just dinner. If I even sense a hint of you cheating on me with someone else, you''ll be in trouble," she yfully threatened. Rick, attempting a light-hearted response, quipped, "And here I thought you might want to join in the fun." However, beneath the jest, aplex swirl of thoughts ensued. His recent encounter with Evelina lingered in his mind; a situation driven by a desperate attempt to save her, yet the line between necessity and infidelity blurred in Rick''s contemtion. Does that still counts to cheating? And actually he did not fuck her for the sake of saving her. In fact he could have saved her without it as well. He just made good use of the opportunity. "Hmpff... You wish," Amanda teased, continuing the yful banter with Rick, her snort conveying a mix of amusement and disbelief. To her, it was all in good fun, never anticipating any of it would turn into reality. Rick, pushing a bit further, probed, "What would you do if I actually did?" Amanda chuckled, dismissing the question with a light-hearted tone, "You don''t want to know, mister." She didn''t borate further, leaving the matter to linger in the realm of jest. "Now, don''t keep them waiting. Enjoy your dinner. Bye..." "Sure, babe. Love you," Rick affectionately affirmed, and with those words, he and Amanda ended their call. Following the conversation, Rick rose from his chair and approached the door. As Rick swung the door open, he was met with a sight that could leave even the mostposed individual momentarily speechless. Before him stood a woman, adorned in a maid''s uniform that could give Cindere a run for her money. The dress, with its daring low-cut neckline, walked the fine line between yful and scandalous. unting audaciously above her knees, the dress exuded confidence. It clung to her curves in all the right ces, leaving just enough to the imagination. However, Rick''s initial excitement was dampened as his gaze traveled up to the woman''s face. Despite her smooth legs, curvaceous body, nice big boobs, deep cleavage, everything was mouth watering for Rick, but just as his gaze moved to her face, the thrill of the moment took a nosedive. While she wasn''t unattractive by any means¡ªabove average, in fact¡ªher facial expression seemed to drain the excitement from the room. Even the alluring voice Rick had heard on the phone was at odds with the rather monotonic expression she now wore. Rick appreciated intelligence and seriousness in a partner, but too much of anything, including ack of liveliness, was less appealing. The stark contrast between her vibrant appearance and her seemingly lifeless demeanor left Rick in a moment of conflicted impressions. "Tell Evelina she doesn''t need to send girls to please me. If she''s interested, she cane herself. Only then will I think about letting her in," Rick stated bluntly to the maid. "As for my dinner, bring it here only. I don''t want to hear your masters crib while I am eating." "Also, make sure someone else delivers the dinner," Rick added, concluding his instructions before closing the door firmly, leaving the maid outside. The girl stood still for a moment, her gaze fixed on the closed door, before eventually turning away and leaving. "Pheww... That was a close one," Rick muttered behind the closed door, feeling a sense of relief. He wiped his forehead, realizing that he was almost sweating cold, and as he looked down at his pants, a noticeable bulge suggested the lingering effects of the seduce of the maid. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Having indulged in a satisfying post-dinner feast, Rick, his belly content with delicious food, eased back in his chair. Browsing through his smartphone''s contact list, he contemted his next call. After a moment''s consideration, he opted to reach out to Emily, a childhood friend. With the decision made, he pulled out his phone and dialed her number. As the phone rang, it stretched into what felt like an eternity, only to be met with the impersonal, automated voice stating, "The person you are trying to reach is unavable. Please try againter." The emptiness of the response hung in the air, leaving Rick momentarily disappointed. "That''s strange," Rick muttered to himself, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. A frown etched across his forehead. "Her phone is usually glued to her hand," he added, a note of concern evident in his voice. Despite the initial setback, he remained determined and dialed Emily''s number again, entertaining the thought that she might have missed the call. The disappointment echoed as the automated voice delivered the same message¡ªno answer. Now, a tinge of worry settled in Rick''s gut. His forehead creased with concern, as he knew Emily well enough to sense that something was amiss. "Wait, today is Friday. Perhaps she''s out partying, drowning herself in beer or something," Rick spected, not entirely convinced of his own theory. Nevertheless, he reasoned, "I will try againter. Maybe she is just busy." Temporarily setting aside his concerns about Emily, Rick recalled another call he needed to make. His father had messaged him a couple of times, urging him toe back home. Additionally, he had mentioned having something important to discuss. Rick dialed his father''s number, tapping his foot nervously as the phone rang. He hoped to hear his dad''s voice on the other end, something familiar to ease his restlessness. After a few rings, doubt crept into Rick''s mind. Maybe, just like Emily, his father wouldn''t answer. Just as he thought about giving up and ending the call, a click broke the silence, signaling that someone had picked up. "Hey, Dad. Sorry for being out of touch. It''s been a busy couple of days," Rick apologized, assuming he would be met with his father''s familiar voice and perhaps some grumbling about not calling sooner. "I remember you saying I should visit soon, but it''s a bit tricky for me to be back home in the next few days," Rick exined to his father, contemting whether to suggest his dade to him. "If there is something important or you''re in a bit of trouble, give me a heads up. I will do my best to get there as soon as possible. But if not..." Rick trailed off, leaving the statement hanging, awaiting his father''s response. But rather than his father''s familiar voice, an unexpected female voice interjected, "Ummm..." The unfamiliar tone caught Rick off guard, leaving him in suspense, wondering who this unexpected presence might be on the other end of the line. Baffled, Rick lowered the phone from his ear and double-checked the number to ensure he hadn''t mistakenly dialed the wrong person. The digits were correct. Perplexed, he wondered who this woman could be. "May I ask, who is this?" Rick inquired, a touch of surprise coloring his voice. The unexpected voice had taken him aback, piquing his curiosity about the unfamiliar woman. It was a tone he couldn''t quite ce. "You... You are not my father''s girlfriend, are you?" Rick asked with a note of suspicion. "Where is my father?" "You... You are... getting the wrong idea," the woman hurriedly corrected Rick, her voiceing through meekly. The air carried a sense of tension as Rick awaited an exnation, unsure of the unexpected turn in the conversation. "I mean... is this your... your father''s phone?" The woman''s voice carried a hint of confusion, apanied by a stammer. "The phone was here on the counter, an... and no one was answering the call, so I picked it up, thinking it might be... important." "On the counter?" "Yeah, maybe... your father... he might have left it in the bar," the woman exined to Rick. "If you want, you cane... and collect it from the bar. I... I can send you the address." The unexpected revtion slowly unraveled. "No, it''s alright," Rick promptly declined the suggestion. "I am actually out of town. I''m sure my father wille and collect it when he realizes it''s missing. Do you mind holding onto it for the time being?" "Any... Anytime, de... dear," the woman responded, her voice carrying a hint of hesitation and stammering. "Did... Did he pay for the drinks?" Rick inquired, concern evident in his voice. "I can send you the money if he hasn''t. No need to... you know, just let him leave if he doesn''t have the money to pay," Rick requested of the woman. "Oh, don''t worry about it. He already took care of the bill," the woman reassured, and relieved Rick. "By the way, are you alright? Everything good at college?" the woman inquired. "Oh yeah, everything is fine. College is just like always, bor..." Rick began to respond, but a frown crept onto his face. "How do you know that I am in college?" He questioned, a sudden realization dawning upon him, stirring a curiosity tinged with a hint of concern. "..." "Hey, answer me. I know you heard me." "..." Beep! Beep! Beep! * * * * * Chapter 102: Finally someone who isnt a woman Chapter - 102 "How did she know I was in college?" Rick pondered with curiosity, a perplexed expression etched across his face, as he tapped the phone absentmindedly against his cheeks. The question echoed in his mind like a persistent whisper "Did Dad blurt it out to thatdy?" Rick thought of a usible scenario. He couldn''t shake off the idea, contemting the unintentional slip of words that might have urred. "Or is thedy hiding something and there is something more to it?" "Dad, what have you been up to?" A ripple of concern surged within him. ~~~~~ "Master, it''s time to rise and shine. Breakfast awaits," chirped the Rabbit, gracefully hopping over Rick''s slumbering form, the soft sunlight filtering through the windows casting a gentle glow. "Why the impromptu chest dance? Can''t a guy catch a break and sleep in for once?" Rick grumbled, attempting to shoo away the persistent rabbit. Undeterred, the Rabbit persisted in its mission to rouse Rick from his dreams. "Master, skipping breakfast is a cardinal sin. They say it leads to undesired plumpness. I don''t want you transforming into a pudgy version of yourself. I quite fancy your current appearance," the Rabbit insisted, its nudges maintaining a insistent rhythm. "Ugh... Why themotion so early in the morning?" Rick grumbled in protest. "You''re a rabbit; your primary job is to hop around, but I''ve been jumping through hoops for days. Can''t I catch a break and sleep in peace for once?" he pleaded with the persistent creature. Resigned to the situation, Rick conjured a handful of herbs seemingly out of nowhere and tossed them towards the rabbit. "Take these and go have your breakfast quietly in the corner. Be a good girl and let me get some shut-eye," he implored, hoping for a reprieve. However, the rabbit remained undeterred. Selecting a choice nt from the herb assortment, it hopped near Rick''s face, attempting to yfully tickle his ear. Rick''s patience reached its limit, and just as he was about to grab the mischievous rabbit by its neck and throw it out of the window, a knock on the door interrupted the impending showdown. "Aghhh..." Rick lifted his neck to cast an annoyed nce at the door, expressing his frustration by aggressively burying his head back into the pillow. Groggily, Rick peeled himself from the bed, his eyes battling against the morning light seeping through the window. The room, adorned with opulent furnishings, hinted at thevishness of his surroundings. A quick nce at the antique clock on the bedside table revealed that it was only nine-thirty in the morning. "It''s still early," he muttered, his steps carrying him reluctantly towards the door. As he swung the door open, the familiar maid from the previous day greeted him, her uniform immacte, and herposed demeanor unchanged. Rick, true to his nonchnt nature, tossed a casual, albeit cheeky,ment in her direction. "Are you here to take care of my morning wood?" Unperturbed, the maid maintained her calm professionalism, responding with a collected tone, "Do you want me to, Mr. Rick?" Without awaiting a response, she gracefully dropped to her knees, hair pulled back, her hand inching towards Rick''s trousers. "I''ve told you, only your beautiful master is worthy of touching that thing down there. Get up," Rick scowled with irritation, prompting the maid to promptly rise and stand before him, her demeanor unfazed by the exchange. Perplexed by the maid''s continued presence, Rick questioned, "Didn''t I make it clear you''re not supposed to attend to me?" "I understand, sir. That''s precisely why I''ve brought someone else for you to meet," the maid calmly rified, redirecting her focus to a young boy standing nearby. Rick followed her gaze, discovering a child d in a diminutive replica of the servants'' uniform, eyes downcast. Confusion yed across Rick''s face as he inquired, "He is?" "He''s here to attend to your needs during your stay," the maid replied. "Rest assured, despite his age, he''s the most proficient among the prospects we''re training. You won''t have any reason toin." bbergasted, Rick eximed, "Are you kidding me? You were about to blow me in front of that kid? Have you lost your mind?" "He''s exceptionally professional," the maid calmly responded. "He wouldn''t disclose anything to anyone." Rick rubbed his temples, struggling toprehend the absurdity of the situation. "Professional or not, this is messed up. I didn''t sign up for this." Despite Rick''s protests, thedy persisted in her exnation, her voice unwavering, "We take pride in our service. This young boy has been meticulously trained to anticipate and meet your every need. You''ll find him discreet and efficient." Struggling to grasp the bizarre nature of the encounter, Rick couldn''t help but express his bewilderment. "This... Are all of you guys this weird? It''s like a circus in here." Thedy, maintaining an air of calm amidst Rick''s confusion, took a moment to rify the situation. "Miss has entrusted us with the responsibility of ensuring your utmostfort during your stay. We''re simply following her instructions to the letter." While the conversation unfolded, the young boy stood silently, his gaze fixed downward, giving the impression of being unperturbed by the peculiar circumstances. Sensing the child''s difort, Rick feltpelled to interject, "Look, I don''t care how ''professional'' he is. I can''t have a kid involved in... whatever this is." Undeterred, thedy maintained herposure and responded, "Mr. Rick, rest assured. If you have any specific requests or concerns, we''re more than willing to amodate them. Our priority is yourfort and satisfaction." Growing increasingly frustrated, Rick threw up his hands in exasperation. "This is insane. I didn''t ask for any of this." Thedy, undeterred and wearing a reassuring smile, responded, "And that''s precisely what we''re providing ¨C an unparalleled experience. I''m confident you''lle to appreciate ourmitment to excellence. Sometimes, the best things happen when we least expect them." Leaning against the bar, Rick nursed his scotch, his gaze sweeping across the room. The dim lights cast a shadow on his furrowed brow, and a subtle frown creased his face when he observed the young boy standing nervously by the entrance. Turning to thedy beside him, her face impably framed by perfectly styled hair, he couldn''t shake off the sense of disquiet that hung in the air. "I don''t care what you think. Do you think I am some kind of a predator? Going after young boys?" Rick''s voice carried a stern edge, his unwavering gaze fixed on thedy. Unfazed, thedy politely shook her head. "No, sir. We are well aware that your intentions are not of that nature. You don''t swing that way. Miss had already informed us about your preferences and assured us of your character." Rick''s frown deepened, confusion etching across his face. "This boy is just here to assist you, nothing else," thedy continued, maintaining herposure. "For any other matter, you can always ask the boy, and he will arrange a suitable candidate for you." A surge of frustration welled up within Rick. "Can you be a little less unreasonable? He''s just a kid. Do you want me to..." His words hung in the air, unsaid but implied. Thedy, perceptive as ever, understood the unspoken threat, a palpable tension lingering in the room. "Don''t let his age mislead you. Our staff begins at a young age, and we provideprehensive training on every aspect... and I mean everything," thedy reassured Rick, a faint, knowing smirk ying on her lips. "No, I''m putting my foot down on this. I won''t entertain any further discussion," Rick dered firmly, drawing a clear boundary. He couldn''t entertain the idea of the young boy acting as a mediator for his desires. "If you insist, sir," thedy acknowledged with a respectful nod. "Do you have any specific preferences for the person who will attend to you?" Rick''s eyes lit up with a mischievous gleam, a sly grin forming on his lips. "I''m thinking someone you know, someone who''s expressive, you know, with more... assets," he added a suggestive hand gesture, subtly conveying his desire. Rick anticipated that thedy would catch his drift and arrange for a woman with curves and voluptuous charm. But just as he was about to seal the deal, the system chimed in his head. A quest had materialized, diverting his attention. [ Quest: Take the boy in, nurture him, and develop him into a great butler. Time Duration: Learning has no limits. Let the follow you to the end. Rewards: None. If you chose to ept the request, you will be given five million dors and it''s equivalent at the beginning of every year; You will also receive 50,000 Ero points at the beginning of every year. So, will you ept the quest? 1. Yes 2. No ] Observing the unfolding scenario, Rick''s eyes glimmered with a sense of contentment. The boy appeared to be a golden goose,ying riches effortlessly into hisp. All this money without Rick having to lift a finger¡ªit seemed like a stroke of unexpected fortune. ncing at the boy, who remained awkwardly stationed in the corner, Rick''s decision became resolute. He was determined to keep the boy by his side, regardless of any circumstances. "Wait a minute, hold up," he interjected, his tone nowced with a lighter, mischievous quality. "You mentioned he''s the best among the best?" Rick sought confirmation, a yful twinkle in his eye. "Yes, sir. I can assure you of that," thedy affirmed with a nod. "Change of ns. This kid stays with me," Rick dered to thedy. An eyebrow arched in a subtle acknowledgment of the unexpected turn. "If that''s what you want, sir. The boy will be in your care," thedy responded, refraining from probing further into Rick''s decision. "Is there anything else you desire?" she inquired. "No, that''ll be all. You can leave," Rick replied, concluding the exchange with an air of finality. * * * * * Chapter 103: Pervert Rick? Chapter - 103 Evelina raised her eyes from the neatly arranged files spread across her desk, her inquisitive gaze fixed on the awaiting maid. "Did he...?" she inquired with a hint of intrigue. The maid, a figure of modest efficiency, nodded in response. "Yes, miss," she confirmed, a subdued urgency in her tone. "Initially, he seemed rather opposed to the notion. However, when I pressed for his preference, he surprisingly insisted on having the boy attend to him." "Is that so?" Evelina, the epitome of poise, considered this revtion with a thoughtful furrow of her brow. After a pregnant pause, she nodded as ifing to a silent conclusion. "Never mind," she finally decided, her tone carrying a subtle note of dismissal. "You can go now." "Miss..." The maid hesitated, lingering with unspoken questions. "Why are you giving him so much importance? He doesn''t seem that reliable." Evelina, seated behind her desk, met the maid''s gaze with a contemtive expression. She leaned back, her fingers inteced, and sighed softly. "It''s because you don''t know him like I do," she exined, her voice carrying a weight of conviction. "He might not look like it, but he is the reason why I am still alive in front of you." The maid''s eyebrows furrowed in skepticism, prompting her to continue, "But..." "You don''t need to pay too much attention to him. Just ensure that ''17'' is doing his job right," Evelina instructed the maid with a tone of authority. "You can rest assured, miss," the maid assured Evelina with a nod, a sense of dutiful determination in her demeanor. "I will keep an eye on him. Then I will take my leave." She made a move to exit, but Evelina halted her with a raised hand. "Also, get some women. Based on the preferences from Rick. They mighte in handy," Evelina added, her voice taking on a matter-of-fact tone as she issued the supplementary directive. "Will do, miss," the maid nodded dutifully but pressed on, "But I don''t think he would be interested in any other woman." "Men might say something, but it might not be entirely true," Evelina smiled with a hint of resignation and waved her hand dismissively. "Just do as I say." "Yes, miss." With that affirmation, the maid gracefully exited the room. "Young boys, huh?" As the door closed, Evelina leaned back in her chair, a subtle surprise flickering across her features. "I didn''t expect that." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Meanwhile, after the maid had departed, Rick ushered the boy back into his room. Striding ahead, Rick settled into the plush confines of a chair, positioned strategically within the room. The boy, in response, came to a halt approximately seven to eight feet away from Rick. Seatedfortably, Rick observed the boy standing before him, hands sped behind his back, his posture subtly leaning forward, and eyes fixated on Rick. It was a stance of anticipation, a silent readiness for instructions yet to be issued. The air hung with a palpable expectation, and the boy stoodawaiting the instructions from Rick. "What is your name?" Rick finally broke the silence, his gaze fixed on the boy. "Seventeen, sir," came the prompt response. "Seventeen? Is there some meaning behind that?" Rick inquired, curiosity tinting his tone. "Yes, sir. We were twenty boys at the orphanage, and I was named seventeen. From what I can think of, it was easy to keep track of us this way," the boy exined, his response delivered with a matter-of-fact rity. "Orphanage? What about your parents? How did they die?" Rick''s inquiry held a sympathetic undertone, a genuine concern for the young boy. "Do you remember anything about them?" "I don''t know anything about my parents, sir. My earliest memories are from the orphanage itself," the boy replied, his expression unchanged, as if the weight of the unknown bore no visible impact on him. "Oh, you poor thing," Rick sympathized, a genuine pang of sorrow in his voice. "Come here." Driven by an instinctive urge tofort, Rick feltpelled to offer sce. Without reservation, the boyplied, walking towards Rick. Unexpectedly, he settled onto Rick''sp, a gesture devoid of hesitation or reservation. "Huh..." Rick''s surprise lingered as he felt the unexpected movement from the boy. The innocent intention of aforting pat had taken an unforeseen turn. ''Never mind, he is just a kid,'' Rick tried to reassure himself, dismissing any inappropriate implications. With a gentle touch, he ced his hand on the boy''s head, attempting to conveyfort. "Everything will be alright," he murmured in a soothing tone. However, the gentle smile on his face froze suddenly in the unsettling realization. "You..." Rick was horrified. The boy with his tiny hands was rubbing them against his thigh, his hands slowly caressing his thighs, and moving up towards his thing. The boy also leaned forward and put his face against Rick''s chest, resting on it. While his hands continued to gently move up, dangerously close to Rick''s dick. And just at that crucial moment, the system chimed again in his head and the pale blue screen appeared in front of him with a quest. [Quest: Let the boy do his thing and relieve you. Time duration: Depends on how long you canst Rewards: Time freeze X 2; Last Long; Ero Points: 100,000; Cash: $1,000,000; Penalty: Unable to speak for the next 24 hours; Your thing down there won''t wake up for the next 48 hours ] [Aren''t the rewards mouth watering? The system is just feeling to generous today. So you don''t need to hold back] ''What the fuck?'' Shock and revulsion coursed through Rick. The system actually was bribing him to take part in such depravity. And the rewards were just too much for just a ''job''. But the one on their knees was the problem. They weren''t of legal age and more than that, they were a boy. "That''s fucking sick," In a swift and decisive move, Rick pushed the boy off hisp, rising abruptly from his chair. The room, once a space of potential trust, now crackled with tension as Rick confronted the shocking reality before him. "What do you think you are doing?"Rick demanded, his breath heavy, anger and disbelief etched across his face as he sought an exnation. "Don''t worry, sir. I have been taught how to please," the boy informed Rick, his words hanging in the air with a disconcerting weight. "I give up," Rick exhaled, a deep sense of frustration and helplessness permeating his voice. The desire to escape, to break free from the absurdity of the situation, manifested in a visceral urge to smash the walls around him. "Just leave and bring me something to eat," Rickmanded with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Why do I have to agree to this? This house is full of psychos. From masters to servants, everyone is a psycho." The bitter realization of the distorted reality grappled Rick. And getting his first orders, the boy was quick to execute it. He left the room with quick steps but still did not look in much hurry. "Master? You don''t look so good," the rabbit emerged from behind the bed, its perceptive eyes fixated on Rick. "You don''t need to know," Rick replied, lifting the rabbit and yfully covering her ears. "These psychos are nothing but a bad influence on everyone." "Not something a youngdy like you should listen," he added, as if shielding the rabbit from the sordid reality that seemed to permeate the house. The fragile innocence of the rabbit stood in stark contrast to the dark undercurrents swirling within the walls of the mansion. "..." Listening to Rick, the rabbit seemed perplexed. Everything Rick had just said seemed to have bounced two inches above its head But since her master had said so, there was no reason to question it. "So what is your n now?" the rabbit deftly changed the subject. "Are we going to stay here for the time being?" "Why not? There is some great food, great money, and if we manage to get that olddy back on her feet, I am thinking of something big," Rick spoke with a mischievous grin that bordered on the edge of something more evil. "Something big?" The rabbit''s long ears perked up in curiosity. "What is it?" "You will know in due time," Rick grinned, the hint of mischief lingering in his expression. "I am going to make some trouble here." "Trouble? Are you being naughty, master?" "Just trying to keep things entertaining," Rick responded, his tone revealing a bit of amusement. At that very moment, a gentle knock echoed through the room. "Come in," Rick responded, and the rabbit, ying its part as an ordinary creature, hopped onto the bed. The boy, ''Seventeen'', entered the room, but notably, there was no tray in his hands. "Where''s the food?" Rick inquired, the pleasant smile that had adorned his face earlier now reced by a stern expression. If he was going to integrate this boy into his ns, the repulsive and unsettling tendencies needed to be addressed and eradicated. "Sir, I am sorry, but the miss has asked for your presence. Your breakfast will be served there with miss," the boy stated with a slight bow in front of Rick. "What does she want from me?" Rick inquired. "I am sorry, sir, but I was not made aware of the reason," Seventeen replied. "Alright, wait for me outside," Rick instructed the boy. "I need to freshen up first." "Certainly, sir," Seventeen nodded and promptly exited the room, leaving Rick to prepare for the mysterious summons from the miss. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Evelina fixed a piercing gaze on Rick, the tension in the room practically crackling. "Have you uncovered anything significant yet?" she inquired, her impatience evident in the creased lines on her forehead. Rick,fortably ensconced in avish dining chair, was partaking in an extravagant banquet that would make even royalty envious. Spread out before him was an opulent assortment of culinary delights, a gastronomic masterpiece that included the sumptuous Lobster Thermidor, the indulgent Wagyu Beef Wellington, a sublime Truffle Risotto, the exquisite Oysters Rockefeller, and a sinfully rich Chocte Souffl¨¦ awaiting its turn as the pi¨¨ce de r¨¦sistance. With each carefully orchestrated bite, he relished the symphony of vors. Each bite was savored with gusto, the rich vors dancing on his pte. Meanwhile, the air hung heavy with Evelina''s frustration, an almost tangible force that heightened the drama in the room. "Mmm, this Beef Wellington is truly exquisite," Rick murmured, his words muffled by a mouthful of the delectable dish, creating a challenge for Evelina to grasp his meaning. Despite the impediment, he continued, "And yes, I did manage to uncover something." Growing increasingly frustrated by Rick''s nonchnt attitude, Evelina pressed him further. "What? Don''t keep me in suspense¡ªtell me!" Finally swallowing his bite, Rick looked up, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "It appears that your circle... you affluent, rich individuals, are a peculiar bunch of deviants. Nurturing young boys to cater to the whims of elderly men. Your family seems to have quite the unconventional tastes." Evelina''s lips tightened with irritation. "I was asking about my grandmother," she retorted sharply, the gravity of her inquiry contrasting with Rick''s seemingly cavalier revtion. Rick, as though a light bulb had just flickered on, nodded with feigned realization. "Ah, yes, that. Well, I would need a starting point, wouldn''t I? You haven''t exactly handed me any clues." Evelina, her patience teetering on the edge, pressed further, "What do you need, then?" Casually, Rick replied, "I don''t know, perhaps her reports or some relevant documents would be a good ce to start." "Fine, I''ll have them delivered to your room," Evelina conceded, her tone a blend of irritation and desperation. "Is there anything else you require, or can you finally get to work?" The urgency in her voice revealed the underlying tension, the weight of the situation pressing down on both of them. Rick dabbed his mouth with a napkin, casually discarding it. "Nothing else for now. I have had my fill. I will be in my room, and if you need me, spare the calls. Juste over, and we can have a heart-to-heart chat." Evelina couldn''t hold back a cautionary note. "Rick, keep in mind that I am bending over backward to amodate your requests, so I expect tangible results from your investigation." The warning lingered in the air, a subtle reminder of the stakes at y and the urgency that underscored their coboration. "Don''t be unreasonable. I''ve been shouting from the rooftops that I''m no detective. You practically lured me into this with a bag of cash, and now you''re warning me about consequences?" Rick sighed, a trace of annoyance evident in his eyes. "Well, money does grant me the luxury of being unreasonable," Evelina retorted, her affluent nonchnce unapologetically asserting itself. "..." ***** Chapter 104: Time to get back to business Chapter - 104 "Master," the rabbit inquired, perching on the edge of the bed, "four days have passed. How much longer do you n for us to remain in this ce?" Ricky on the bed, eyes closed, possibly in slumber. The rabbit, growing impatient, pressed further, "Have you yet discerned the ailment afflicting the elderly woman?" With a measured calmness, Rick responded without opening his eyes, "I am on the verge of it." "How?" voiced the rabbit, a mix of curiosity and concern coloring its words. "I haven''t witnessed you step through this door even once. You nced at those papers briefly, threw them down with a grumble," it continued, its unease evident. "I want to leave, Master. This ce unnerves me. I am confined to this room without even the freedom to roam." Rick, his patience tested, retorted, "It''s your incessant prodding that disrupts my focus." His hand gently pressed against the rabbit''s face, pushing it away as he tried to reim a semnce of concentration. Indeed, four days had psed with Rick making little headway. During the initial pair of days, he maintained an air of nonchnce, seemingly unconcerned about the old grandmother''s ailment. It was a period of rxation, characterized by stretches, culinary exploits in the kitchen, and an intentional indulgence in Evelina''s hospitality. Rick reveled in the luxury of satiating his appetite during these blissful two days. However, on the third day, a shift in his approach unfolded. The allure of idleness was reced by a decision to delve into Evelina''s grandmother''s medical reports. Yet, as he perused the documents, a revtion struck him with an almost palpable force. The pages were filled with what appeared to be serious medical jargon,id out in in English. While Rick demonstrated an adept understanding of the words themselves, their intricate meanings eluded him, leaving him in a state of puzzlement. Theplexity of the information seemed to bounce two inches over his head. Rick''s attempt at deciphering the intricate medical details left him feeling increasingly dizzy. Sumbing to the disorienting effects, he impulsively discarded the reports, as if physically casting away the mental strain they imposed. Despite the setback, a subtle assurance pervaded Rick''s mindset ¨C time was still abundant, with four more days stretching ahead. There was no urgent rush; saving the olddy did not constitute a final quest in his life. The absence of impending penalties provided aforting buffer. Yet, amidst the luxurious backdrop of mouthwatering cuisine experienced over the past two days, Rick also caught a fleeting glimpse of a different realm ¨C a glimpse of hell. His principled stance against engaging in perverted and predatory practices had inadvertently plunged him into an unprecedented state of speech lockdown¡ªa 24-hour gab sabbatical, where silence enveloped him like an unyielding cloak. It was a period ofmunication drought, rendering him more taciturn than a mime on vacation. The challenges of this vocal hiatus became evident in the mundane, day-to-day activities. Attempting to order his morning coffee metamorphosed into a cmity, with the maids staring at him as though he had uttered Parseltongue. Even his rabbit, usually apanion in chatter, regarded him with a suspicious side-eye, thinking he''s gone mute for a bird-brained reason. And the boy, seventeen. Let''s just say he took all the signs the wrong way. He misinterpreted the signs, taking Rick''s silence as cues that led him down entirely misguided paths. Fortunately for Rick, the FBI had note knocking on his door. Yet, that was not the nadir of Rick''s plight. The consequences of reneging on that seemingly absurd quest manifested in a manner that surpassed all prior predicaments. Ahem! Ahem! The quest, still retaining its status as the most preposterous thing he had ever encountered, had ensnared him in abyrinth of tribtions. But for two days, an excruciating 48 hours, Rick found himself wrestling with recurrent thoughts. The notion that, perhaps, just perhaps, he should have reconsidered the quest gnawed at him persistently. Regret danced on the periphery of his consciousness, taunting him with the possibility of alternative choices. As if to add insult to injury, his crown jewels¡ªthose delicate anatomical assets¡ªdecided to orchestrate a disappearing act, leaving him with a malfunctioning southern hemisphere. It was as if his littlepanion had chosen an impromptu vacation, abandoning its post without so much as a courteous farewell. The subsequent 48 hours unfolded as a disorienting odyssey for Rick, akin to a ship adrift without a captain, traversing the deste expanse of despair. His attempts to revive the fallen soldier of his southern hemisphere proved as futile as trying to start a car with an empty gas tank. Fear clenched at his insides, each passing moment unleashing a torrent of ''what ifs'' upon his anxious mind. What if the consequences extended beyond the allotted 48 hours? What if a glitch prolonged this surreal predicament? In the midst of this existential uncertainty, Rick clung to his faith in the system. The silver lining, a delicious and diverse array of food, served as a weed distraction¡ªa form of panic-eating that provided a temporary reprieve. Through sheer determination, he managed to weather the storm, navigating his ship of sanity through the tumultuous waves to a safe harbor. As Rick''s thoughts gradually found a semnce of stability, a spark of realization flickered within him. "What if I asked the system for help?" The idea took root in his mind, germinating from the notion that if the system could discern the intricate nuances of the thoughts and desires of the girls, it should, theoretically, possess the capability to diagnose the ''curse'' afflicting the olddy. ''Hey system. You there?'' Rick called out in his mind. [Everything has a price... Master.] ''But I haven''t even said anything.'' Rick was perplexed by what the system said. [The system knows everything... Master.] ''Do you have to take that pause before saying master? Can you stop doing that?'' [If you want to. Why not.] ''Did you?'' [You only asked me to drop it. I only do what you ask me to.] ''Aghh... You are one incorrigible bastard.'' [For following your instructions? Then the same app,lies to you as well.] ''Leave it. Do you think you can find what is wrong with the olddy?'' [I can''t] ''But didn''t you just say that you know everything?] [I do. But I can''t tell you that.] ''Then what?'' [Just buy what you want from the shop. It has everything.] Getting that information from the system, there was no need for Rick to continue getting trolled by it, Rick promptly made his way to the shop. It was also time for Rick to spend some ero points to buy some permanent skills or weapons. But it was not the priority right now, and also he might want to cross that five hundred - six hundred thousand mark so that he could go for quality. With this strategic goal in mind, Rick delved into the shop interface, scouring through the avable options. As the digital marketce unfolded before him, a myriad of choices presented themselves. 1. Whispering Insight Card: This basic-level card grants a sneak peek into the surface thoughts and general vibes of people around. Time Duration: 1 minute Cost: 15,000 Ero Points 2. Mind Mirage Card: Allows one to delve into the thoughts and memories of a chosen individual for a brief moment. Gain insight into their motivations, fears, and embarrassing childhood moments. Use with caution, as too much mind probing may result in a mental overload. Time Duration: 2 minute Cost: 135,000 Ero points 3. WhizWit''s Wisdom Card: Unleash the basic knowledge genie! Perfect for settling pub debates and trivia nights. Just rub the card and let WhizWit spill the beans on anything from the best pizza toppings to quantum physics. But remember it works only on mortals, and don''t be surprised if ites out as a dud for your question. It is either a hit, or a miss. Usage: 1 time. Cost: 25,000 Ero Points. 4. Curious Oracle Card: This mystical card taps into the wisdom of ages, offering profound insights on any mortal you want. The user can pose moreplex questions and receive answers to anything you could thing of. But remember, it works only on mortals. Usage: 1 time Cost: 40,000Ero Points. Rick looked through the options avable to him and his choice was pretty clear. The first two options were out of the question. There was nothing that they could provide and the second option was just scary expensive. So he dropped them out of his mind. The third option was a gamble, he didn''t want to take. So he quickly bought the "Curious Oracle" card. In fact, he bought two of them just in case. After that he checked his inventory and there they were, 2 cards upying a spot in his inventory. "Time to get to work," Rick quickly sprang from his bed and stood up, ready to leave. [Not going to thank me?] But Rick ignored the system and stepped out of the room quickly. He had to test this thing out. As Rick cautiously peeked out of the room, his gaze fell upon a man d in a sleek ck suit,fortably perched on the sofa, nonchntly flipping through a magazine. Startled, the suited figure raised his eyes from the periodical at the sound of the opening door, fixing his gaze on Rick. "Do you want anything, sir?" "Aahh..." caught off guard, Rick involuntarily emitted a small cry startled, the unexpected presence and sudden address catching him off bnce. With his heart still racing, Rick turned his attention to the unexpected guard behind him. "Seventeen," the boy, stood vignt by the door, in stark contrast to the casually seated figure in the neighboring room. "What are you doing here?" Rick inquired, his curiosity tinged with a touch of apprehension. "I am waiting on you, sir," the boy responded with a respectful nod. "If you need anything, do let me know. No need to trouble yourself." The sincerity in the boy''s demeanor hinted at a readiness to cater to Rick''s needs. "Have you been standing here like this for thest two days?" Rick queried, a perplexed expression on his face. "That''s my duty, sir," the boy responded with unwaveringposure. Rick, incredulous, pressed further, "Then when the fuck do you sleep?" "I am ashamed to say that, but I do take power naps from time to time. But rest assured, I will try to minimize them," the boy replied with a touch of apology. Listening to the boy''s unwaveringmitment, Rick found himself momentarily speechless. What kind of training or indoctrination had forged such dedication? The prospect intrigued him, sparking a curiosity that nudged him toward contemting the possibility of having a group of fiercely loyal individuals at his disposal. The notion lingered in his thoughts, ripe for exploration. "Do you need something, sir?" Seventeen inquired once more, his focus unwavering. "No, I need to check up on the olddy," Rick replied, taking a step into the corridor. He turned to the older guard, estimating him to be in his thirties or forties, and queried, "Do you mind opening the door?" The guard hesitated for a moment, contemting something, but eventually relented, moving to open the door for Rick. Upon entering, a nurse sat by the door, dozing on the couch. The scene mirrored thest time Rick had been in the room, with the old woman lying motionless on the bed. "I want to be alone, take her away," Rick instructed the guard. "Sir, I can''t..." the guard began to refuse, but Rick interrupted him, the weight in his tone brooking no argument. "You wouldn''t want to go against that young miss of yours. She begged me toe and save this olddy. She wouldn''t like you interfering with my job. Or would she?" Rick turned slightly towards the guard, a subtle challenge in his gaze. "I am sorry, sir," the guard mumbled, lowering his head. He promptly woke the half-awake nurse, and the duo left the room, the door closing behind them. "They are a nice bunch," Rick remarked, nodding approvingly as he made his way towards the olddy. Approaching her, he leaned in, intending to discern any subtle sounds of breathing. "Let''s see what you are hiding," he murmured. * * * * * Chapter 105: Trouble is brewing Chapter - 105 Rick stepped into the room, the door emitting a faint creak as it swung shut. In the subdued glow, the feeble silhouette of Evelina''s grandmothery prone on the bed, encircled by a chorus of beeping machinery. Rick bent forward, straining to perceive the rhythmic cadence of the elderly woman''s breath amidst the orchestration of mechanical sounds. Outside the room, pandemonium unfurled among the confused guard, perplexed nurse, and the unwitting young boy ensnared in the unfolding drama. And to top it of, like an approaching tempest, Geoffrey, the butler, materialized in the doorway, his ire emanating palpably through the charged atmosphere. "How could you let him inside the matriarch''s room alone?" Geoffrey''s voice reverberated through the room like distant thunder, causing the guard to instinctively straighten his back under the weight of the butler''s ire. "Mr. Butler," the guard stammered in his greeting, desperately attempting to mount a defense. Just as he let Rick inside the room, the guard wasted not a single second to inform the butler about Rick''s approach. And it took Geoffrey less than a minute to appear in front of them. "Shove your greetings up your ass. What is that boy doing inside?" Geoffrey''s demand sliced through the air, the intensity of his fury palpable. The guard, visibly anxious and shifting his weight nervously from foot to foot, began to exin, "It was the young miss. He informed us that she had granted him permission to visit the matriarch at any time." The exnation hung in the charged atmosphere, a feeble attempt to diffuse the rising tension that lingered like a storm on the horizon. "You fucking imbecile!" Geoffrey erupted, his anger escting to a fever pitch. His hand swung across the air with a thunderous crack, delivering a resounding p to the guard. The force of the blow sent the guard stumbling backward, and in a cruel twist of fate, he collided with the unsuspecting young boy. Despite the boy''s earnest attempts to lend support, the gravitational pull of the falling adult proved overwhelming. They tumbled to the ground in a disarray of limbs, the guard inadvertently crushing down the boy. The nurse, a silent witness to the tumultuous scene, stood stupefied, caught in the crosscurrents of chaos, uncertain of how to navigate the unfolding drama. The room seemed suspended in a charged moment. Indifferent to the tumult he had left in his wake, Geoffrey forcefully pushed the door open, the resulting bang echoing his simmering frustration as he strode purposefully into the room. Unbeknownst to him, Rick maintained his quiet vigil, the outsidemotion yet to prate the cocoon of stillness within. The room crackled with tension, and Geoffrey''s gaze fixed unwaveringly on Rick. "What are you doing here?" he demanded, his voice a low, ominous growl. Casually straightening up, Rick greeted Geoffrey with a nonchnt demeanor, unfazed by the butler''s authoritative presence. "Oh, hi there," he quipped, a sly grin ying on his lips, "Took you long enough to arrive. Are you getting sloppy?" "I am not here for a chat," Geoffrey retorted, his brow furrowing with displeasure. "What are you doing here alone with the matriarch?" "Just checking on the olddy. No harm in that, right?" Rick responded, his words apanied by a seemingly innocent smile that masked an underlying mischief. Geoffrey''s re intensified, suspicion etched across his features. "You think we would believe that? What''s your game, huh?" Rick, with azy grin, responded in a tone that danced on the edge of insouciance, "No game, man. Just ying the concerned visitor." Geoffrey, a man not easily swayed by casual banter, closed the distance between them. "If you''re trying anything funny, I''ll make sure you regret it." "Easy there, Butler. No funny business. Just curious about the health of the rich and famous," Rick retorted, his demeanor remaining nonchnt, a veneer of indifference. Back outside, the guard scrambled to his feet, offering profuse apologies to the now irate Geoffrey. The nurse, still bewildered by the sudden chaos, bent down to assist the young boy, checking carefully for any signs of injury. The boy, however, sported a determined expression, seemingly undeterred by the unexpected tumble. Geoffrey, after issuing a final warning nce at Rick, turned around to leave the room. "Hold on a minute," Rick interjected, disrupting Geoffrey''s imminent departure from the room, "What''s the hurry?" Geoffrey pivoted, his countenance a blend of annoyance and curiosity. "What do you want?" he asked, a furrow forming on his brow. "You didn''t bother asking if I found anything or not," Rick remarked with a sly smirk, "You don''t seem overly concerned about your dear matriarch. Or perhaps you''re just dancing to the tune of your ''young miss''?" "I know you''re just trying to deceive that spoiled brat," Geoffrey retorted, a smirk of skepticism ying on his lips, "I''m not as gullible as she is. Your tricks don''t work on me." "You might think you''ve won, but little did you know, she called me and apologized already. Regardless of your machinations, I''m the one pulling the strings in this house," Geoffrey countered, a glint of triumph sparkling in his eyes. "But that spoiled brat can still clip your wings and leave you stranded on some forsaken ind, starving for a single grain of rice," Before Rick could retort, a cold and intimidating voice sliced through the escting tension. "Miss?" Both men swiveled to find Evelina standing at the door, her arms crossed and her gaze prating. She had overheard the entire exchange, and her displeasure radiated palpably. "Miss? Aren''t I just a spoiled brat?" Evelina''s tone was cial as she confronted Geoffrey, her re sending a shiver down his spine. The room, caught in the crossfire of conflicting emotions. "Young miss! That''s not what I meant. He... This boy... He made me say it. He provoked me," Geoffrey stammered, attempting to deflect me onto Rick. "Is that so?" Evelina raised her eyebrows, her gaze shifting to Rick, "But I am just a spoiled brat, bewitched and fooled by him. Why do you think I will believe anything you say?" "Miss!" Geoffrey tried to exin, but Evelina dismissed him with a wave of her hand. "Leave. I''ll deal with youter," Evelina said, turning her face away, refusing to look at Geoffrey. Dejected, Geoffrey trudged towards the door with heavy steps, his hopes of reprieve dashed. Perhaps, somewhere deep down, he held onto the faint expectation that Evelina might intervene. As he reached the threshold, Evelina redirected her attention back to Rick, her expression unreadable butden with a sense of scrutiny. "What is this? Why are you in my grandmother''s room?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Rx, sweetheart. I''m just here to find a cure for her," Rick responded casually, his shoulders lifting in a nonchnt shrug. "You did bring me here for that, didn''t you? Or was the olddy just an excuse, and you had something else in mind?" He winked teasingly, adding a mischievous ir to his words. "Cut the games and get to the point," Evelina snapped, a hint of annoyance in her voice. Evelina had thought that Rick might turn out to be useful to her, but all he has done is make more and more trouble for her. "What''s the rush?" Rick grinned, a twinkle in his eye. "But you''ll be pleased to know," he paused, savoring the suspense that hung in the air. "I have, indeed, uncovered the reason for your grandmother''s prolonged slumber," Rick dered, relishing the moment as Evelina''s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. "Really?" Evelina''s voice betrayed a mix of disbelief and anticipation, her attention fully captured. "And not just that," Rick continued, drawing out the revtion with a ir for drama, "I also happen to possess a cure for her in these hands of mine." ~~~~~ "Turn off the light. I''m trying to sleep," an irritated Michelle groaned, her words punctuated by a frown as she spoke with her eyes tightly shut. Jack, engrossed in a message he had just received on his phone, disregarded Michelle''s plea and flicked on the lights. "Damn it," Jack muttered, paying no heed to Michelle''s warning as he focused on reading the message. "Get up. It''s not the time to sleep," he dered, rising from the bed and standing up, his urgency evident "What''s going on?" Michelle inquired, attempting to open her eyes, but the light provoked a burning sensation in her sleepy eyes. "Evelina is in Mother''s room," Jack replied, donning a robe over his night suit. "So, what''s the fuss about?" Michelle, unfazed, waved off her husband''s statement and reclined once more. "She has tried to cure her so many times. Nothing has changed. Don''t make a fuss about it;e back and sleep. Michelle, maintaining an air of nonchnce, seemed unfazed, but Jack, observing her carefree attitude, couldn''t help but frown. "It is not that simple this time," he said with a hint of concern. "That boy she brought with her, he is there too, and he has caused quite a fuss." "He has been silent all this time, so why is he causing trouble now? What is he up to?" Jack mused aloud, his thoughts racing. "It can''t be straightforward if he is stirring up trouble now." "Is Evelina the mastermind behind all this?" Jack pondered, his mind swirling with an influx of questions. "It''s not the time to sleep. Get up and..." Jack started to urge Michelle once more, but to his surprise, she was already standing by the door, dressed in her light pink robe, and looking at him. "Are you just going to stand there and gawk? Don''t we need to hurry?" Michelle interjected, opening the door and striding away, leaving Jack a bit confused and staring at her retreating figure. * * * * * Chapter 106: Vampires!!! Chapter - 106 Evelina''s abrupt inquiry sliced through the air as she strode purposefully towards Rick. "What is the cure? Do you have it?" She demanded, her eyes searching his face for any sign of assurance. "You want me to arrange things for you?" Evelina urgently asked. "What do you want in return? Where can I get those things from?" Evelina pressed on, her determination palpable. "Where can I procure the requiredponents?" Evelina bombarded him with a rapid session of inquiries, each one adding to the weight of the unfolding conversation. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the rapid-fire interrogation continued. "Answer me," Evelina pushed Rick for an answer when he remained silent. "Aren''t you curious what made your grandmothery there as dead as a log?" Rick asked. "That''s forter," Evelina answered Rick back, "I need her to wake up first. That''s the priority," Evelina told Rick. "If you say so," Rick nodded in agreement, "But the truth remains. I''ve unraveled the mystery of why your grandmother lies lifeless on that bed." Just as Rick poised to disclose the remedy to Evelina''s grandmother''s condition, an unexpectedmotion erupted from outside the room. "Seems like your well-wishers have arrived," Rick observed, a sly smirk ying on his lips, and a furrow formed on Evelina''s brow. Outside the room, a gathering had formed¡ªJack, Michelle, Jack''s younger brother, and his wife stood assembled Jack''s furrowed brow betrayed his confusion as his attention shifted to Geoffrey, who stood resolute alongside the guard and nurse. Unperturbed by Evelina''s earlier rebuke, Geoffrey began recounting the presence of Rick and Evelina in the room where the elderly grandmothery. Following Evelina''s forceful expulsion, Geoffrey wasted no time in alerting both Jack and his brother to the unexpectedpany in the matriarch''s quarters. Though he refrained from delving into the specifics, the mere mention of Evelina and Rick''s proximity sent a palpable ripple of unease through everyone in the house. In rapid session, the household members gathered outside the old woman''s room, their expressions etched with a collective anxiety that hung in the air. "They''re inside, master," Geoffrey informed Jack with a respectful nod, the weight of his words further heightening the tension. Jack''s concern deepened, and he interrogated, his voiceced with a blend of worry and frustration, "What could they possibly be doing in there at this hour? And how could you allow a stranger into Mother''s room?" The gravity of the situation etched lines of concern across Jack''s face as he sought answers in the dimly lit hallway. Geoffrey, sensing the rising tension, exined with a tone of regret, "It was young miss''s instructions. I was helpless against her." Jack''s frustration grew evident, and his expression hardened. He turned towards his brother with a determined resolve, stating, "Young miss this, young miss that. Evelina has crossed her limits this time. We need to do something about her and the boy." Jack''s brother, Martin, shot a furious nce at Geoffrey, his brother''s loyal servant. The intensity in Martin''s eyes betrayed his anger as he demanded an exnation from Geoffrey. "Instructions or not, you should have known better. What''s happening in there?" Geoffrey, attempting to ease the escting tension, quickly offered an apology. "I apologize, Master Martin. It appears the young miss has some matters to discuss with this man." Jack, visibly frustrated, ran his hands over his temples, a gesture of exasperation. "Matters? In mother''s room at this hour? Exin yourself, Geoffrey. I need to understand what''s going on." Geoffrey released a heavy sigh, his gaze shifting between Jack and Martin, both awaiting an exnation. "She insists he possesses information regarding the Matriarch''s condition. To be specific, something about a cure," he divulged. The word "cure" triggered a transformation in Jack''s expression, his anger morphing into a blend of skepticism and his eyes narrowed as he looked at Geoffrey "A cure? What does she know about a cure, and who is this man?" Jack asked. Geoffrey chose his words meticulously, sensing the delicate nature of the situation. "I believe to have heard those words from the boy himself. He insisted on personally examining Madam," he exined. Martin''s gaze shifted nervously towards Jack, a subtle apprehension in his eyes. However, Jack silenced any potential interjection from his brother with a raised hand. Jack pressed for more details, his frustration evident. "But why the need for a visit at this hour? And why weren''t we informed?" His inquiries hung in the air, demanding answers. Geoffrey, disying a tinge of weariness and weakness, released another sigh. "It''s a lengthy tale, Master Jack. The young miss was insistent, refusing to entertain any exnations I tried to provide. These old bones pale inparison to the young blood." Martin''s countenance turned stern, anger etched across his features. "We can''t simply allow anyone to assert they have a cure without proper verification. We need to get to the bottom of what''s happening," he asserted. Michelle, ever the voice of reason, interjected, "First, let''s see what''s going on in there." With Jack taking the lead, the group entered the room where Rick and Evelina were deeply engrossed in a discussion about the mysterious cure. "What''s happening here?" Jack demanded, his eyes narrowing at Rick, the authority in his voice cutting through the tension in the room. Rick, seemingly unperturbed by the tense atmosphere, casually leaned against the wall. "Easy there, big guy. I am just here to assist your mother. No need to get all riled up," he remarked with an air of nonchnce. "I don''t recall asking for your help," Jack retorted, his skepticism evident in his tone. "I am not here for you. I am here because for her," Rick pointed at Evelina, who stood with a conflicted expression, still notpletely over what Rick told her and the potential solution Rick imed to bring. "And after carefully looking at your mother, I have discovered what ails this olddy. Well, apart from ungrateful and money grubbing brats around her," Rick taunted the bunch, "And I might also have a cure," Rick continued, maintaining hisposure and confidence in the face of the room''s palpable tension. Martin, who had been silently observing the exchange, stepped forward. "Is this true, Evelina? What''s going on?" He inquired, seeking rification from Evelina. But Evelina found herself too ensnared in her own thoughts to respond to any inquiries, her mind a tumultuous sea of confusion. So shepletely disregarded her uncle''s attempts to engage her and left him to clench his teeth in frustration. "Why should I ce any trust in you, you bastard? What guarantee do I have that you''re not just deceiving my daughter?" Jack''s disapproval manifested in a deep frown, his skepticism palpable. "Jack, let him present his case," Michelle interjected, breaking her silence from her position behind Jack. A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she appraised Rick, yfully biting her lip. "Perhaps he genuinely is packing something nice." "I most certainly am," Rick chuckled, his smile taking on a lecherous quality as he nced at Michelle and yfully winked. "Curious to take a peek?" "Direct your gaze at me, not her," Jack demanded, firmly nting himself between Rick and Michelle. "Take it easy, man," Rick retreated slightly, raising his hands in a cating gesture. "I was merely engaging in the fine art of conversational jujitsu in response to her perfectly innocent inquiry. And let me be the bearer of the bad news here- she''s a more astute observer than you give her credit for. Your curses, your questions, your verbal jousts ¨C it''s all so textbook, so kindergarten-level predictable. ''Scoundrel.'' ''Why, oh why?'' ''How in the name of pickles?'' h... h... h..." Rick yfully needled Jack, Evelina''s dad, his voice adorned with a hint of mockery. Jack squinted, "Are you mocking me?" Rick winked, "And you can''t even figure that out. You are the Shakespeare of simplicity, my friend, with a side of yada... yada... yada." "No wonder your daughter wears the pants in this house. You would not be able to get your dog outside to bark, if not for your daughter holding the leash on him," Rick sneered, directing a pointed smirk at Geoffrey, who stood just beyond the conversation''s reach. Geoffrey winced at the audible jab, his ears reddening with embarrassment as his fists clenched tightly. "You... You have got some nerve saying those words to my face, boy. But don''t think you can divert my attention," Jack dered, his toneced with a threatening undertone as he squared up to Rick. "Let me make this clear¡ªif you are feeding us a load of nonsense, I won''t care if you are friends with my daughter or not. I will have you buried in some pigsty before you can blink." The intensity in Jack''s gaze matched the gravity of his words. "Still stuck in the same predictable loop. Firstly, I am not your daughter''s friend or boyfriend," Rick rolled his eyes dismissively. "Let''s set that straight. We do share some history, but nothing that overshadows the fact your daughter brought me here, and it''s purely a business deal." He nonchntly shrugged. "And yes, I happen to know what is wrong with your mother," Rick dropped a bombshell, "But I doubt you actually want that." "Are you being truthful?" Martin, Jack''s younger brother, interjected before Jack could formte a response, his eyebrows shot up. "Martin?" Jack called out, arching an eyebrow in surprise. "Uh, I apologize," Martin stammered, taking a step back. "Ah, the big brother asserting himself?"Rick chuckled. "But let me answer your brother. I do have a cure for her." "But making the cure will be a challenge," Rick spoke, injecting a yful note into his tone, "I mean, how can a mere human like myself even hold a candle to you..." "Vampires" * * * * * Chapter 107: Amethyst Mist Chapter - 107 "What did you say?" Evelina''s jaw dropped, and her eyes widened as if she had just witnessed a unicorn tap dancing in roller skates. Rick''s nonchnt words shattered her mental freeze, and suspicion, like a mischievous cat, crept into her gaze for the first time in their peculiar friendship. "Hmmm... I know you want to know what gave it away?" Rick pondered with exaggerated seriousness, his pale skin practically glowing in the dim light. Evelina shot him a look that could curdle milk, but Rick''s mischievous grin held its ground. "Maybe your pale skin," he suggested, winking at her as if sharing a secret that only the undead truly understood. Evelina sighed, torn between disbelief and amusement. "Don''t lie!" Jack barked at Rick, his nerves visibly doing the cha-cha. Until now, Rick had been nothing more than an entertaining annoyance that Jack had to tolerate. However, the air had shifted, and now he was looking at Rick as a threat. Rick leaned in, his eyes gleaming with a blend of mischief and something eerily unsettling. "Well, Jack, my friend, life''s full of surprises, isn''t it? Embrace the pale." "You couldn''t be implying that just because of our pale skin," Michelle''s surprise echoed through the room like a ricocheting ping-pong ball, bouncing off everyone''s bewildered expressions. Even the onlookers outside the room, save for the almost-dead old woman and the wide-eyed boy, were caught in the gravitational pull of shock, "That''s too farfetched of a guess don''t you think?" Rick, however, seemed to relish in the dramatic tension. "Maybe not just because of the pale skin of your darling daughter," he drawled, drawing out the suspense like a skilled magician preparing for a grand reveal. The collective irritation in the room was palpable, hanging in the air like an unwanted guest. "Think about it, though," Rick continued with a theatrical flourish. "Pale skin, deep red lips, and those shiny teeth. I mean, even the men? Either you guys are secretly K-Pop stars in disguise, or the other choice is... And believe me you guys are no K-Pop star." "Who are you trying to fool?" Rick finally dered with an air of disdain, his gaze sweeping over Jack and Martin as if he''d just uncovered their well-guarded secret. "Why don''t you just paste it on your forehead and make it easy for all of us?" Martin''s patience, like a frayed rope, finally snapped. "Stop lying to us!" he snapped at Rick, teeth gritted in frustration. "No one has ever been able to find out about us if we didn''t want them to." Rick, undeterred by Martin''s re, smirked with the satisfaction of someone who had just uncovered a hidden treasure. "You know, I''ve been dropping hints like breadcrumbs, and I''m pretty sure of it now," he teased, locking eyes with Martin. "You men in this house might just be the most stupid bunch in this house." A collective tension filled the room, as Rick reveled in the awkward pause he had orchestrated. "You just confirmed it with your own words," he continued, his smirk widening as Evelina and Michelle turned their sharp gazes on Jack and Martin. It was as if a light bulb had flickered on above their heads, and Martin suddenly realized that everyone had been masterfully dancing around the truth. Vague words, neither admitting nor denying, had been the order of the day. Rick, seemingly the puppet master of revtion, attempted tofort the beleaguered men. "But don''t be too downhearted," he offered with a sly grin, as if handing out constion cookies. "I wasn''t actually in doubt. I knew you guys were vampires." Evelina, caught between relief and curiosity, softened her gaze. "How long have you known?" she inquired, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions and a myriad of unspoken questions. Rick, ever the enigmatic showman, leaned into the mysterious allure. "Let me keep it a secret. Suspense is sexy," he dered with a smirk, leaving Evelina''s question dangling in the air Truth be told, Rick had been blissfully ignorant of Evelina and her family''s vampire status. The revtion only dawned on him about fifteen or twenty minutes ago when he casually strolled into the old woman''s room. Everything took a wild turn when he decided to y his newly acquired skill card on the ailing old woman, hoping to learn more about her mysterious ailment. Little did he anticipate that this seemingly frail and wrinkled figure in front of him was, in fact, a vampire. A dying vampire, to be precise. In the heat of the moment, propelled by a cocktail of curiosity and adrenaline, Rick impulsively cashed in Ero points for three additional cards, deploying two of them in quick session. It was as if a fog had lifted, and suddenly, the enigmatic pieces of the puzzle fell into ce right in front of him. His eyes widened, and his hand instinctively moved up to his neck, nervously rubbing his nape. The stark reality hit him like a ton of bricks ¨C he was perilously close to bing a living blood bank for a house teeming with vampires. The audacity he had unted just moments ago now felt like a precarious tightrope walk on the edge of a supernatural abyss. In the brief span before the butler made his entrance, a whirlwind of permutations andbinations churned through Rick''s mind. The potential scenarios yed out like a chaotic mental chess game And now here he was, trying to get as much of an upper hand as possible. But he had also opened his inventory, and was ready to pull out the only weapon he had, the Six venomous needles he had bought before entering the Whispering Wends. They were small and deadly, Rick just hoped that along with the venom, they were made of silver as well. "Hell with your suspense. Tell me who sent you here?" Martin''s patience was on a razor''s edge, and he sprang into action. In a blink, he moved with a speed that defied thews of normal human capability. Rick found himself abruptly caught in a vice grip, Martin''s fingers wrapped firmly around his neck. With a swift and forceful motion, Rick was propelled backward, colliding with the wall with an echoing thud. The suddenness of the assault left the room frozen, the air heavy with tension. Evelina, however, was the first to break the stillness. "Don''t kill him!" she cried out, her voiceced with rm. A hushed silence settled over the room after Evelina''s plea, the only audible sound being the collective inhales and exhales of those present. "Are you talking to me?" Rick''s voice sliced through the stillness like a rogue note in a symphony, catching everyone off guard, everyone but Evelina. "Don''t do it," she implored, her eyes locking onto Rick''s. "Good thing you stopped me there, if not this motherfucker would have been waiting for your grandmother in hell," Rick retorted, a smirk ying on his lips as if he had just cracked a dark joke Rick''s provocative words hung in the air like a dark cloud, and the room''s attention pivoted to Martin, who had seized Rick in a vice grip. However, the anger etched on Martin''s face had morphed into sheer horror. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his eyes darted downward, revealing the menacing presence of a long needle pointed threateningly at his throat. Its tip hovered perilously close to the delicate territory of Martin''s neck. The origin of the needle remained a mystery, materializing out of thin air, and it froze millimeters away from Martin''s Adam''s apple. The room collectively held its breath, caught in a tableau of uncertainty and imminent danger. "Can you please let him go?" Evelina''s voice cut through the tense atmosphere, devoid of concern and delivered with an icy calmness. "I don''t want my grandmother''s carpet soiled. It will be too much hassle to resist the blood." "Oh, you guys drink each other''s blood as well? Isn''t that cannibalism?" Rick''s smirk persisted, the needle still menacingly close to Martin''s throat. "Blood is blood. Even if it belongs to someone like him," Evelina remarked, her gaze casually drifting toward her uncle Martin as if discussing the weather, "Just let him go." "I am not holding him back. He can always let go of me and back off. But this dumb bastard of a vampire can''t even think that," Rick shook his head, a condescending tonecing his words. "All he had to do is let go of my neck and run away with his tail between his legs." "Let him go," Jack intervened, his teeth gritted. "Martin!" Rick had wielded the weapon of humiliation with precision, verbally pping each member of the room since the moment he swaggered in, leaving them speechless in the face of his audacity. Now, he hovered just a few millimeters away from turning his audacious banter into a deadly reality, threatening Jack''s brother. The room simmered with Jack''s seething anger, a cauldron of emotions on the verge of boiling over. Hearing Jack''smand, Martin slowly released his grip on Rick''s neck, cautiously stepping back. Throughout this tense exchange, Rick maintained his enigmatic smile, making no move to hinder Martin''s retreat. "Well, that was exhrating," Rick remarked, twirling the needle between his fingers with a casual nonchnce. "Nothing like a bit of sibling rivalry, huh?" Evelina''s re bore into Rick, her irritation palpable. "Enough with the theatrics. If you have something useful to say or do, spit it out." Rick, seemingly unfazed, casually pocketed the needle, adopting a nonchnt demeanor as he sauntered toward the center of the room. "Alright, alright. No need to get your fangs in a twist." He raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Would I ever y tricks on you? I''m hurt." "What is wrong with my grandmother?" Evelina cut to the chase, her impatience reaching critical levels, "You have just been doing side talk all this time. And I am reaching my limit here." Rick surrendered to the direct approach with a dramatic ir. "Alright, no beating around the bush," he dered, waving his hand like a magician revealing a not-so-magical trick. "Your grandma has been having some deadly poison as her seasoning. To be more precise ¨C it''s the Amethyst Mist. Turns out, it''s like vampire kryptonite, especially for thedies of the fanged variety." * * * * * Q. Should I fasten up the seat belt? 1. Yes, Definitely. 2. No. I like the process. Chapter 108: Spraying the Rat out Chapter - 108 Evelina''s face scrunched up in confusion, her frown taking on a life of its own. "Amethyst Mist?" she queried, her skepticism evident. Rick, with a sly grin, sidled up to Evelina''s mother. "Surely you''re familiar with the majestic Amethyst stone, right?" "Isn''t it used for jewellery?" Martin''s wife, who has been silent from the moment she walked inside the room suddenly spoke up. "Oh, We have got a jewelry expert among us, folks!" Rick gave her an exaggerated look of mock surprise. Then he shook his head in disbelief, clicking his tongue. "Then why would you tie the knot with Captain Oblivious over there?" he quipped, pointing an using finger at Martin. "Rick!" Evelina bellowed, her voice slicing through the air with a really sharp words, catching Rick mid-divert. "I know! I know!" Rick spun around faster than a cat discovering aser pointer, locking eyes with Evelina. He shed a smile so reassuring, even therapists would take notes. "I was getting there. Amethyst, my dear, is like a purple gem in the vast essory store of life. It''s not your run-of-the-mill stone; it''s like the James Bond of gemstones. High in demand, but rarely anyone get to see it. And of course, Rich people are not counted." His gaze ricocheted across the room, like a pinball bouncing off the walls of everyone''s attention. "But for humans," Rick continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that could rival a secret agent briefing, "Amethyst is like the secret sauce in your dead grandmother''s situation. Someone sprinkled it on her, and suddenly everything just works. Because, for vampires, it''s a different ball game. It''s their Kryptonite, their Achilles'' heel, their ''oh no, I forgot my umbre on a rainy day'' kind of situation. You catching my drift?" Evelina squinted at him, one eyebrow raised like a skeptical cat judging the authenticity of a scratching post. "That''s not right," Evelina shook her head with skepticism evident on her face "We have enough jewelries in this house, rings, nes and what not. And a good chunk of it must be made of that Amethyst stuff. Never once has anyoneined, or did we feel anything amiss," she interrogated. "That is because neither of you have been in long, direct contact with them, nor have you taken a bite out of fashion," he exined with the solemnity. Evelina''s eyes widened, her disbelief hanging in the air like a cartoon thought bubble with blinking neon lights. "And what''s that supposed to mean? My grandma never wears any essories. So, are you suggesting that she is secretly munching on gemstones? Are you stupid? Have you lost your marbles?" Evelina scoffed, her doubt now wearing a tinfoil hat of incredulity. "You are stupid. Your whole family is a bunch of stupid," Rick sarcastically told Evelina, "Did you, like, conveniently forget what I just dropped? Amethyst Mist, my dear. Your grandma''s sipping on that poison, courtesy of Amethyst Mist." "Amethyst, the vampire kryptonite," Rick started breaking it down, "I am not saying it is as dramatic as a holy cross or garlic in those cheesy movies that get vamps all soggy from a mile away. And it''s definitely not like silver that''s like, ''bam, you are dead'' instantly." "It is more like a turtle vibe, you know? Slow and steady, just cruising under the radar," Rick shared "Amethyst Stones, man, they might be trouble, but they are kinda limited in their ways." "But what if someone turns that stone into, like, some sneaky ninja substance that sneaks into your body? Imagine having a daily dose, just a smidge each time. It''s like a slow-cooked recipe for a natural farewell, isn''t it?" Rick dropped the bomb on Evelina, and she was left staring, lost for words. "So, are you telling me that someone has been sneakily slipping this stone into my grandma''s routine?" Evelina shot back, her eyes freezing over, "Because I don''t see any signs on her, and the reports areing up clean." "Figuring that out is your job,dy. I am no doctor deciphering all that gibberish," Rick shrugged nonchntly, "You can buy into it or not; it is your call. But, you know, it is what it is." "If you want me to be your truth fairy, you will need some evidence, right?" Evelina furrowed her brow. "I got a deal for you," Rick dangled a carrot, "I can give you the cure. Give it three days max, and your grandmother, will wake up like there is no big deal." "Miss, I have been telling you since the first day that he has been fooling you all this time. He has been pulling the wool over your eyes, and now he is spinning some wild yarn," Geoffrey chimed in, his tone serious as ever, joining the conversation. "That''s right," Martin finally broke his silence, his eyes narrowing as he contemted the ominous possibilities. "What if he is orchestrating a scheme to make us unwittingly poison our own Mother?" Rick, leaning against the wall with a devil-may-care grin, let out a chuckle at Martin''s skepticism. "Ah, Martin, my friend, trust is the bedrock of every enduring rtionship. Sometimes, you''ve got to take a leap of faith. Besides, I am not exactly reveling in being here either. I would much prefer lounging on a sun-kissed beach, surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women I would be sipping on cocktails, while they suck on something else." He added, punctuating his words with a sly wink in Evelina''s direction. Martin''s frown deepened, suspicion etched across his features. "I can''t shake the feeling that all of this is just a distraction for some ulterior motive of yours." "Something else? I''m already cashing in dors for my curative efforts," Rick retorted, his disinterest in Martin''s conspiracy theories evident in his nonchnt demeanor. "Rained? How much money is she paying you?" Martin''s curiosity peaked as he probed further, captivated by the financial aspect of the arrangement. "That..." Rick began to respond, ready to divulge the lucrative details, but before he could spill the beans, Evelina interjected, halting the conversation in its tracks. "Don''t let every Tom, Dick, and Henry throw you off track. Tell me how my grandmother got poisoned," Evelina demanded, her voiceced with urgency, a tone that brooked no nonsense. Rick, undeterred by the interruption, raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "I can''t help but be curious about your priorities, Evelina. Your grandmother doesn''t seem to be a top concern for any of you." "Things are not always a straight line," Evelina replied cryptically, offering no further exnation. "You are eager to expose the one who poisoned your grandmother, aren''t you?" Rick mused, his mind working through the possibilities. "You''re probably thinking, what if they decide to target you next? Is that what''s bothering you?" "If they could reach your grandmother, you are certainly not immune. An easy target, perhaps," Rick concluded, his deduction hanging in the air like an unspoken truth. And Evelina''s silence became a tacit confirmation, the weight of the unaddressed fear echoing in the room. "I can''t pinpoint exactly how, but I have a feeling it has to be something in this room," Rick mused aloud, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a detective''s focus. With a methodical determination, Rick left no stone unturned¡ªquite literally. Drawers were yanked open, their contents spilled out and scrutinized in the quest for hidden clues. Books and magazines neatly lined up on shelves found themselves flipped and examined, their pages rustling under Rick''s rapid search. The once pristine bed, a haven of repose, became andscape of upheaval as Rick probed every nook and cranny of the bedding. Geoffrey, the loyal butler, could hardly contain his frustration as he witnessed the disarray unfolding in the room. "Sir, this is highly inappropriate. We can''t just ransack the ce!" he protested, attempting to interject reason into the chaotic search. Evelina, however, silenced Geoffrey with a gesture. "Let him do what he needs to do, Geoffrey," she dered, her eyes fixed on Rick. Unfazed by the butler''s objections, Rick continued his methodical sweep through the room. Drawers were pulled open, their contents inspected with precision. Books and magazines were examined, their pages scrutinized for any hidden secrets. Finally upon Rick''s bted arrival at the dressing table, a realm of sophistication unfolded before him. The meticulously arranged tableau boasted an array of beauty products and essories, forming a mosaic of elegance that whispered tales of mour and mystique. His discerning gaze canvassed the tableau, each item a potential harbinger of secrets waiting to be unveiled. As his eyes traversed the curated collection, Rick''s attention became ensnared by a singr object¡ªa resplendent bottle of perfume that stood out with its alluring purplish hue. With a slow and deliberate movement, Rick picked up the bottle. He turned it in his hands, observing the y of light through the ss. The contents seemed innocent at first nce, but Rick''s instincts told a different story. There was a subtle malevolence to the purplish liquid. With a grin that radiated triumph, Rick moved towards Evelina, the bottle cradled securely in his hand. The ambiance crackled with an unspoken revtion as he closed the distance, the perfume bottle now a pivotal prop in the unfolding narrative. "Looks like you are going to find that rat sooner than anticipated," he quipped, his voiceced with abination of amusement and vindication. "Look at this," Rick handed the perfume bottle to Evelina, urging her to inspect its contents closely. "What is this?" Evelina inquired, her eyes narrowing as she examined the contents. Evelina examined the bottle, peering into the purplish liquid. Less than half-filled, the empty space was shrouded in a mysterious purple mist. At the bottom, tiny shimmering pieces caught her eye. Rick leaned in, his voice a conspiratorial whisper. "That, my dear, is the infamous Amethyst Mist¡ªthe poison that has your grandmother in a deep slumber." Evelina''s eyes widened with a mixture of shock and realization. "But how? And why would someone do this?" Rick leaned against the nearby wall, crossing his arms. "Someone close enough to have ess to her room and skilled enough to slip this into her belongings. As for the ''why,'' well, that''s something you might want to figure out." "As for who," Rick paused as he looked at everyone in the room with suspicious eyes. "For that, you need a list of anyone who might have been in close proximity to your grandmother. People who could have tampered with her belongings or had a motive to harm her," Rick exined. Geoffrey, unable to contain his frustration, interjected, "Sir, you''re implying that someone in this household is responsible for poisoning the mistress. I can assure you¡ª" "I don''t need any assurance," Rick grinned. "But trust me, it is time for us to catch a rat." * * * * * Chapter 109: This house of yours Chapter-109 Evelina clenched her fists, restraining the urge to yank at her hair in sheer frustration. "Could you please cease with the endless exaggerations?" she implored, her voice tinged with exasperation. "All this grandiose talk, and yet I find myself empty-handed. Your incessant boasting is wearing thin on my patience." "What more do you expect from me? Are you some kind of deranged lunatic? I disclosed the unsettling truth about your deceased grandmother as per our agreement." A sharp retort escaped Rick''s lips. "But no, I went above and beyond by offering you the antidote without charge," Rick stated, his tone tinged with incredulity. His gaze bore into Evelina, a furrow forming on his forehead. "I even went so far as to point out the probable culprits you should focus on. What else do you demand from me?" Rick''s frustration boiled over, and he shot Evelina a scathing look. "Are you utterly incapable of figuring out who the hell did it? Should I hold your hand through the entire process?" His words wereced with contempt, emphasizing his exasperation. "How can this fucking deaddy entrust the business to someone as intellectually deficient as you?" The room hung heavy with Rick''s disdain as he continued his verbal assault. "And it''s not a recent revtion. Oh, no... no... no... I have long been aware of your intellectual shorings. Throwing away millions of dors to aplete stranger as if it''s pocket change?" "It''s a fact that you are nothing more than a pampered child who stumbled upon a fortune, clueless about how to handle it." The words lingered in the air, painting a stark picture of Evelina''s perceived ipetence. Rick''s tirade continued unabated, his wordsshing out like venom, but Evelina''s response was far from the expected fury. Instead, a subtle smile adorned her face, almost teetering on the edge of a smirk. Caught off guard by her unexpected reaction, Rick furrowed his brow, his frustration deepening. "What''s so amusing?" he demanded, scrutinizing the smile ying on Evelina''s lips. Evelina met his gaze with a raised eyebrow, her smile morphing into a wry expression. "Do you believe my indifference to money stems solely from being a spoiled brat?" she retorted, her toneposed yet edged with a hint of challenge. Rick, unyielding in his demeanor, responded matter-of-factly, "And what else could it be?" The air crackled with tension as the two locked eyes, each holding their ground in this verbal duel. Evelina''s smirk widened, a spark of amusement dancing in her eyes as she countered Rick''s barrage with a revtion of her own. "Did it never cross your mind that perhaps all this wealth is but a mere drop in the ocean for me? Every breath my grandmother takes is far more precious than this trivial amount. I expended a fraction of my fortune with the sole purpose of safeguarding our lives," she asserted, the self-assuredness in her voice cutting through the tension. "And, as you can see, my decisions have borne fruit. I emerged unscathed from that perilous forest, and you''ve swiftly concocted an antidote for my grandmother. Not a single misstep on my part." Evelina''s tone took on a sardonic edge as she continued, "You know, considering all you''ve done so far, a few million dors seems like an absurdly low price to pay. I could be squeezing you for so much more," she taunted Rick, a hint of mockery in her voice. "Even if you multiplied the amount by ten or a hundred, it would still be a paltry sumpared to the value of a single strand of my hair." The room resonated with the irony of her words, underscoring the vastness of Evelina''s wealth. "You don''t seem that bald to me," Rick felt as if Evelina had smacked him on his face, he quipped, attempting to salvage a semnce of dignity. Evelina''s response, however, was swift and cutting, shattering Rick''s attempt at levity. "Perhaps you struggle with counting after six or seven zeroes," she shot back, delivering a verbal blow that left Rick momentarily flustered to Evelina and her family''s enormous wealth. Caught off guard, Rick struggled to find his footing. "Are you suggesting that all the money I''ve requested from you is..." he began, his uncertainty palpable. Evelina, nodding knowingly, cut him off, "Now don''t drag it any longer. Tell me how you obtained knowledge about the poison and who orchestrated the poisoning of my grandmother," she demanded, her tone now devoid of amusement. Rick, still reeling from Evelina''s revtions, maintained a measure of secrecy. "How, I won''t disclose," he admitted, his demeanor a mix of guardedness and shock. "But as for who, that''s rtively easy to deduce." His words hung in the air, a cryptic promise of forting revtions. "Amethyst Mist doesn''t affect humans," Rick continued, his tone shifting to one of analytical consideration. "So, it''s highly improbable that any human in your employ would be aware of its potential as a poison for your grandmother. It''s not impossible, but the likelihood is slim." Leaning in, Rick''s demeanor shifted abruptly. "On the other hand," he continued, his tone lowering, "when Amethyst Mistes into contact with a vampire''s body..." In a sudden, swift motion, he seized Evelina''s arm, a surprising boldness in his actions. "It can be stingy." His movements were decisive as he sprayed the purplish mist onto her wrist. The room filled with the fragrance. "Ehh..." Evelina''s body shivered involuntarily, and her nose crinkled as a subtle, stinging pain emanated from her wrist. "Are you attempting to poison me?" Evelina demanded, her voice now icy and resolute. Rick, however, responded with an exaggerated shock on his face. "Are you out of your mind? Now that I''ve discovered you''re a golden eggying chicken, why on earth would I want to kill you?" His tone dripped with sarcasm as he dismissed the notion with theatrical incredulity. "I already mentioned that small amounts are harmless. In fact, if administered correctly, you might even develop a tolerance to it," Rick exined, his words carrying a nonchnt assurance. Rick, undeterred by Evelina''s skepticism, conjured a honey bottle seemingly out of thin air. "What I''m about to demonstrate is how to detect if you''ve been poisoned by Amethyst Mist," he announced with an air of theatricality, the honey-filled bottle cradled in his hands. With a fluid motion, Rick poured a generous amount of honey onto the same spot on Evelina''s wrist where he had earlier sprayed the mysterious perfume. The sweet liquid mixed with the lingering fragrance, creating an unusual concoction. "You could have shown it on my grandmother, instead of experimenting on me," Evelina, her initial protest stifled, couldn''t help but watch with a mix of curiosity and apprehension as the honey interacted with the Amethyst Mist. But her words stuck in her throat after what Rick did next. Evelina recoiled in disbelief as Rick, in a bizarre and unexpected move, leaned forward and put his mouth over her honey-covered wrist. The sight was unsettling as he sucked the honey into his mouth, and with his tongue, proceeded to lick her wrist clean, extending the act up to her elbow. The room fell silent, the only sound being the ufortable spectacle unfolding before them. Once the initial shock wore off, Evelina, her eyes ring with a mix of surprise and anger, yanked her hand away. "Let go!" she snapped, her voiceced with irritation. "What on earth do you think you''re doing?" Her teeth gritted in frustration as she awaited an exnation. Rick, undeterred by her outrage, licked his lips and responded with a nonchnt air. "Your family has a peculiar habit of incessant questioning¡ªwhy, what, and how. Why not take a look at your wrist first?" he suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Evelina''s eyes widened in rm as she gazed down at her wrist, discovering the presence of a disconcerting purple patch where Rick had applied the Amethyst Mist and licked the honey. Fear crept into her voice as she turned towards Rick. "What is this?" she inquired, a hint of trepidation in her tone. Rick, still wearing a self-assured smile, exined, "That, my dear, is the litmus test for the poison." His words hung in the air, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "Now, if you check your grandmother''s wrist and neck, I''m confident you''ll find traces of the poison there. Surely, you wouldn''t like me licking your grandmother would you? It''s best you handle it yourself." "Your grandmother has been seasoning herself with a perfectly blended poison," he elucidated, his words carrying a weight that settled heavily in the room. "She might have experienced the pain, but chose to overlook it. Judging by the remaining contents in the bottle, I''d venture to say it''s been happening for quite some time. Whoever orchestrated this was patient¡ªpatient enough to wait at least ten years for your grandmother to sumb." The mention of a decade startled Evelina, prompting her to seek rification. "Ten years? What leads you to that conclusion?" she inquired, her voice a mix of disbelief and concern. Rick tossed the bottle towards Evelina, who caught it with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "This bottle was manufactured ten years back," he dered, his gaze wandering towards the dressing table. Behind it stood a ss cupboard, a meticulously arranged disy of perfume bottles and various essories. Evelina''s eyes narrowed as she examined the bottle, her mind racing toprehend the implications of such a revtion. Meanwhile, Rick, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, mumbled to himself, "But how did it not go bad? Could it be like wine?" Rick, dismissing the peculiarities of the perfume''s longevity, focused on the aspect of time. "And who can wait this long?" he questioned, his tone contemtive. "For a regr human being, ten years is an eternity. Few can suppress their resentment or resist the impulse to act on it for such an extended period." "But..." Rick trailed off, a meaningful look directed at Evelina. "It''s different for us," Evelina finished his sentence, a tacit acknowledgment of a shared understanding. "Exactly," Rick nodded knowingly, his gaze steady. "That is why... The one responsible for your grandmother''s long sleep is likely among your family." "Well, most likely. I have to add that just in case," he added, a note of caution. "Anybody here?" she suddenly called out, breaking the gravity of the conversation. "Miss," Geoffrey stepped forward, eager to respond, but Evelina swiftly stopped him in his tracks. "Not you," she dered, her gaze now fixed on the door. Outside, the guard and the nurse were caught in the act of eavesdropping. Startled by Evelina''s sudden attention, the nurse nervously nudged the guard inside, causing him to stumble awkwardly into the room. Evelina, taking charge of the situation, directed the guard, "You, get me as much honey, and..." Her expression soured as she turned to Rick, "And human saliva, as possible. Hurry it up." Rick, apuding her newfound assertiveness, chimed in, "Way to go, girl! You''re finally leading from the front. Good for you." With a mock salute, he added, "Now, if you don''t mind, I will take my leave." Evelina, not missing a beat, questioned Rick''s departure. "Where are you going?" she inquired, a note of suspicion in her voice. "My job here is done," Rick nonchntly shrugged, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "I was just supposed to sneak a peek at your grandmother. Everything else is alreadyplimentary from me." "Now that I''ve done more than what I was asked to do, give me my money and close the deal," he demanded. Evelina, however, wasn''t ready to let him off the hook. "You haven''t yet cured my grandmother," she pointed out. "I wasn''t supposed to," Rick replied with another shrug. Cutting to the chase, Evelina pressed, "What do you want to cure her?" "This house of yours." * * * * * Chapter 110: My way or the highway Chapter - 110 "I find myself captivated by the charm exuding from this modest dwelling of yours," Rick dered without a hint of hesitation. "Huh?" But there was nothing but confusion on everyone''s face. No body could make out ant meaning to what Rick said. "I want this house of yours," Rick blurted out without hesitation. "What?" A collective gasp escaped the lips of the those present in the room, leaving not only Jack in a state of shock but also managing to freeze Michelle, Martin, his wife, and even Geoffrey, their eyes widening in shared disbelief. "Someone said that I couldn''t even afford a bathroom in this humble abode of yours," Rick innocently looked at Geoffrey, reminding him of the exact words he spoke when he first arrived with Evelina and Geoffrey, "Well, now I am curious to see if I can snag the whole darn ce." His words even jogged Evelina''s memory of that scene, and a slow burn of anger started building within her. She shot Geoffrey a look with bloodshot, ring eyes. This time, she was genuinely furious. Rick had crossed a line with Evelina. It did not matter to her if Rick saved her, or that she had sex with him in the middle of nowhere. While there might have been a fleeting sentiment or a willingness to overlook the nonsense he spewed, Rick had now crossed a boundary he shouldn''t have. In the midst of his jesting, he dared to covet something profoundly cherished by her¡ªthe very ce that held the memories of her entire childhood. "There''s a mighty thin line between being funny and being downright audacious," Evelina spat out, her wordsced with seething anger. "And, congrattions, you''ve already marched right past audacious." As the tension in the room hit its boiling point, Rick couldn''t resist adding a dash of mischief to the mix. "You know, saving a life isn''t a walk in the park. How about, in exchange for my heroic efforts, you just sign over this fancy house of yours? Seems like a fair trade, doesn''t it?" Evelina shot him a look that could melt steel, fury emanating from her narrowed eyes. "You''ve got some nerve, Rick." But Rick just shed a sly grin,pletely unbothered. "Oh,e on! No need to be so uptight. Just having a bit of fun here." Jack, unable to contain his anger any longer, exploded. "Geoffrey, catch that bastard!" he barked, his face turning a shade redder. "I''m dealing with him myself." "I couldn''t care less! He''s messing with our family, and there''s no way I''m letting him stroll away," Jack dered, his determination palpable. Martin, Evelina''s uncle, chimed in, throwing his weight behind Jack. "Absolutely. This guy is trouble, and we can''t afford to let him roam free." Rick, reveling in the fear he''d sown, couldn''t resist pushing further. "Come on, Martin, just a moment ago, I practically had you chatting with Yamraj. Already wiped that from your memory? Need me to pencil in an appointment with Chitragupt?" Martin hesitated, taking a cautious step backward, clearly rattled by the ominous words that had just escaped Rick''s lips. Still trembling, he managed to stammer out, "Your threats... They are not going to work on me." But Rick wasn''t easing up. He shifted his focus to Jack, the so-called family enforcer. "Come on, big guy. Time to step up for your family and deal with the viin." However, Jack, did not budge, he stood frozen, courage ying hide and seek with him. A sneer crossed Rick''s face. "Figured as much." His eyes then fixed on Evelina, cutting through the chaos with a calm that contrasted sharply with the tension. "So, what''s the n? You want the cure for your grandma or not?" Evelina, seething but determined, shot back, "We already gave her the Elixir. It is supposed to work." Rick chuckled dismissively, "Sweetheart, that vial is just greasing the wheels. It won''t do squat. Might as well have given her a one-way ticket to the afterlife." As if right on cue, the room erupted into pandemonium. The olddy convulsed as if possessed, her body twisted and contorted in a grotesque dance of agony. rms went off and in no time, a horde of nurses charged in, trailed by a squad of doctors, turning the ce into a chaotic frenzy. The atmosphere became tense as medical professionals frantically worked to stabilize the old woman. The doctors pushed everyone including Rick out of their way. The scene was straight out of a medical drama¡ªdoctors shouting orders, nurses scrambling, and the family paralyzed by the unfolding tragedy. Meanwhile, the olddy''s body trembled and wriggled in pain. Except for the doctors, everyone just stood rooted to their spot. After constant and exhausting efforts from the doctors and nurses, the olddy''s tormented body eventually found stillness. Yet, a disconcerting sight greeted those present¡ªa thick silver liquid seeping from her mouth. The room held its breath for a moment, the only hint of life in her body was the faint movement in her chest. The doctors, sweat beading on their brows, exchanged tense nces. Then, atst, a collective exhale of relief filled the air as signs of life flickered in the olddy. "I didn''t think it would kick in at just the right moment," Rick, casually observing the chaos he had orchestrated, couldn''t help but sh a cynical smirk. "Looks like she''s hanging in there, but for how long? Time''s ticking, and lucky for you all, I''ve got the magic solution." Caught in the tumult of desperation and anger, Evelina confronted Rick, "Are you not going to give me the medicine?" "Why not?" Rick leaned in, his voice dripping with a sinister edge. "It is simple. I want your house. Hand over the deed, and you will get the antidote. Fair deal, right?" Evelina''s eyes sparked with fury. "You are out of your mind if you think I will give you my house." Rick smirked. "Well, maybe you should have done a better job in putting the leash around your dog," he quipped, turning his attention to Geoffrey, "Get me my money first, then we can chat about Granny dearest. Now, it is either My way or the highway." With those ominous words, Rick swaggered past Evelina and the rest, pausing at the doorway. "I will be in my room. Just a friendly reminder; don''t show up without the money. And to jog your memory, it''s seventeen million." Leaving Evelina to stew in the weight of her debts, Rick exited the olddy''s room, slipping into the adjacent one. The boy, nonchnt amid the chaos, positioned himself by the door, seemingly indifferent to the turmoil unfolding in the olddy''s quarters. ~~~~~ Rick stormed out of the chaotic room, leaving behind the distressed family grappling with their own fears. As he entered his room, he called out, "Hey, Fluffball, where are you?" In response to his call, the room''s atmosphere lightened as a cute, fluffy rabbit emerged from beneath the nket on Rick''s bed. The rabbit blinked its eyes, still drowsy from its nap, and gazed at Rick with a mixture of curiosity and sleepiness. Pulling a chair and plopping down in front of the bunny, Rick smirked mischievously, "You wouldn''t believe the chaos I''ve stirred up, little one." The rabbit tilted its head, silently asking, "What happened?" "Well, I doubt you would get it," Rick didn''t spill the beans to the Rabbit about the chaotic scene in the olddy''s room. But he had another card up his sleeve that he figured the Rabbit might assist with, "Ever heard of Celestial Frostfire Nectar?" The rabbit responded by cing its paws on its head, cutely rubbing it¡ªa clear sign it was deep in contemtion. After a brief moment of pondering, the rabbit''s eyes lit up with realization. "Oh, I know! It''s used to counter poison with a hot nature, like the element ofva and fire." Rick raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. "Well, aren''t you a little genius, Fluffball. Now, spill the beans, do you know how to make it?" The rabbit seemed a bit perplexed, scratching its fluffy head. "Funny thing, it just sort of popped into my head. But yeah, I think I have got the recipe." Rick leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "Alright, spill the tea. What things do I need to get?" The rabbit pondered for a moment, then suddenly seemed to have an epiphany, "It''s alling back to me. To make Celestial Frostfire Nectar, you essentially need Luminara Frostleaf, Mandrake Roots, and Ashwagandha. Apart from that you need in small quantities things like Cinnamon, ck pepper, Pig skin, Milk of a goat which has given birth no more than one month back..." And just like that, the rabbit rolled out another dozen items for Rick. Listening, Rick raised an eyebrow. "Exotic indeed. But seriously, where on Earth do I get my hands on this stuff?" The rabbit tapped its chin in a cute disy of contemtion. "I''m not entirely sure about the goat milk, pig skin, and a couple of others, but the main acts are covered. We''ve got the Luminara Frostleaf, Mandrake Roots, and Ashwagandha¡ªall plucked fresh from that forest. I did the honors myself." "You did?" Rick grinned from ear to ear as he eyeballed the rabbit. He couldn''t care less about the herbs snagged from the Whispering Wends. He stored them just for the sake ofpleting the quest and in hopes that they might be usefulter. "All of them," the rabbit bragged, puffing its chest out with pride. "Then can you make that medicine? That Celestial Frostfire Nectar," Rick asked the rabbit with hopeful eyes. "I..." The rabbit was about to answer, but shewas cut short by an unexpected knock on the door. **Knock! Knock! ***** Chapter 111: Necessary Evil Chapter - 111 The door groaned open, and in sauntered Evelina, oozing confidence with every graceful step. Geoffrey, ying second fiddle, shuffled in behind her. Rick, lounging in his chair with all the nonchnce of a cat, nced up at Evelina, a sly grin ying on his lips. Still, getting up from his chair, and greeting her was clearly too much effort for him. "Well, well, well! Look who decided to grace us with their presence early," Rick teased, readjusting in his seat, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. Evelina shot him a dissatisfied frown, clearly unimpressed by his cheeky banter. She turned toward Geoffrey and gesturing to him. Geoffrey, following her unspokenmand, exited the room and soon returned with two other servants, each pushing a trolley. The contents of said trolleys had Rick''s eyes widening with unabashed interest. Yet, what caught Rick''s eye, however, wasn''t the servants but the glittering content on their trolleys¡ªcold, hard cash. A mischievous glint danced in Rick''s eyes as he ambled over to the trolleys, practically salivating at the sight of the wealth before him. With an eager grin, he snatched up a stack, a neat bundle of $100 bills, examining it with the kind of satisfaction only money could induce. Rick even took a moment to savor the distinct smell of crisp banknotes. Inhaling the fragrance of freshly minted dors, Rick couldn''t suppress his grin. "Ah, the sweet scent of sess." caressing the green paper in his hands. Evelina, her countenance etched with unfiltered displeasure, dispensed with pleasantries, "This is $20 million. It''s more than what you asked for. The extra amount is for the antidote. Give it to me, and then you can get lost." Rick continued to smile as he let the stack of bills fall back onto the trolley. Well, well, isn''t someone feeling extraordinarily generous today? Desperate for that antidote, are we?" Rick, enjoying the power y, leaned against the trolley, nonchnt. "But you know, Evelina, money isn''t everything. Sometimes, it''s about the experience, the journey, the thrill of the¡ª" Evelina''s stern expression halted his rhetoric. "Cut the theatrics, Rick. The money is in your hands. Now, fulfill your end of the bargain." Rick''s chuckle lingered in the air like an unwee guest. "Sure, sure, no need to hurry. But, you know, there is a little hup." Evelina''s eyes narrowed. "What problem?" "I have been thinking," Rick said, leaning against the trolley, "this antidote business¡ª it''s quite a tricky thing. Takes time, resources, and let''s face it, the market for mystical cures isn''t exactly booming..." "Enough with the excuses, Rick," Evelina interjected, her tone slicing through the air. "I don''t have the luxury of time for your borate charades." Rick''s chuckle danced in the air, relishing the unfolding drama. "Okay, okay. No need to let your silk panties get all wet." Taking a moment to gaze at the trolleys overflowing with cash, Rick affected an air of contemtion. "You know, I have developed a liking for this ce. Maybe I will stick around for a while." Evelina''s eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "Don''t push it, Rick." "Come on, Evelina, ease up. This covers all the money you owe me. We haven''t even delved into the price of the cure for your grandmother yet," Rick chuckled, thoroughly enjoying the power y. "Face it, sweetheart, you need me. I am that Necessary Evil in your life." "But I will be taking this, thank you very much," Rick said, picking up a stack of bills and tossing it in the air. Evelina''s frustration radiated palpably as she demanded the antidote from Rick. "Cut the games, Rick. Just hand it over," she snapped, her irritation slicing through the charged atmosphere. "Or else I might have to..." Her threat hung in the air Rick, seemingly unaffected, responded with a sly grin. "And what if I don''t, hmm?" he teased, relishing in Evelina''s growing vexation. Evelina''s frown deepened, her face contorting with exasperation. Rick, persisted in ying the jester. "Come on, Evelina, what''s the worst you can do? Enlighten me." His taunting tone hung in the air, daring her to reveal the limits of her frustration. [ 1. Continue twisting Evelina''s arm. And she will hate you (Temptation - 40. Love: -1) 2. It''s time to bend a bit. Tall tress often get uprooted in storms. (Temptation +15, Ero Points: 2,000) 3. Just take the money and leave. (Temptation - 20) ] A sly grin yed on Rick''s lips as he thought, ''Well, would you look at that? The system''s decided to show a rare streak of kindness,'' In truth, he had discerned the undercurrent of desperation in Evelina''s voice from the moment she stepped into the room. The recent ordeal with her grandmother had undoubtedly rattled her to the core. He was about to stop pushing her to desperation, even if the system did not ask him to. Even for someone attempting to embody a less-than-savory persona, there were boundaries he wasn''t willing to cross. ckmailing someone over their dying rtive, he knew, was a descent into pure malevolence. As the palpable desperation painted across Evelina''s features became undeniable, Rick finally allowed himself a theatrical sigh. With an exaggerated expression of pity, he gently ced a hand on her shoulder. "Okay, okay. No need to put a brave front in front of me," he quipped with a smirk. "But let me be straight with you, sweetheart¡ªI don''t have the antidote just yet. I need to make it." Evelina''s brows furrowed in confusion and a hint of anger. "You don''t have it? So, was everything you said just a facade?" Her voice betrayed a mix of perplexity and frustration "I never imed to have the antidote," Rick shrugged nonchntly, his shoulders lifting in a casual gesture. "I merely asserted that I knew what could cure her. And I stand by that," he dered with an air of confidence, maintaining his poker face. Evelina''s suspicion lingered, her gaze scrutinizing Rick. "Are you genuinely telling the truth, or is this another web of deceit you''re spinning?" she questioned, a note of skepticism coloring her words. Feigning innocence, Rick gently cupped Evelina''s face, his expression a blend of mock sincerity. "Why, my dear, would I ever lie to you? Especially when you look so adorable with that ''I need an injection'' expression?" Caught in the crossroads between annoyance and a reluctant amusement, Evelina huffed audibly. "You better not be pulling another stunt," she warned, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. Still maintaining his hand on her chin, Rick offered a reassuring smile. "I promise, no stunts this time. But, darling, I need something from you before I whip up that antidote for your grandmother. And that''s where youe in." Evelina, wariness etched across her features but curiosity evident in her gaze, shot back, "I am not giving you the house, if that''s what you''re after." Chuckling, Rick shook his head. "No, no, no. This time, it''s not about the house. I will deal with your grandmother about that. But you see, darling, the antidote won''t make itself. I need ingredients, and you''re going to help me get them. Evelina, her annoyance now mingling with intrigue, raised an eyebrow at Rick''s proposition. "What do you need?" Maintaining his mischievous grin, Rick leaned in conspiratorially and whispered, "First, we need a phoenix feather. Next, a sprinkle of unicorn tears. And, of course, a dragon scale for that extra kick." Evelina''s eyes narrowed in disbelief. "Are you out of your mind?" "Look at your face," Rick couldn''t contain hisughter, the mischievous glint in his eyes amplifying. "I am just messing with you. I need some herbs, roots, and magical nts¡ªeasy stuff. Nothing from the enchanted realms, I promise." Hisughter echoed through the room, the tension momentarily broken by his yful admission. Rick ambled over to a nearby table, seizing a pen to meticulously list out everything the mysterious rabbit had conveyed. Once satisfied, he handed the list to Evelina, who took it and gave it a quick once-over. "Pig Skin?" Evelina furrowed her brows as she perused Rick''s inventory of items. "Don''t judge me. It''s the recipe," Rick quipped with a nonchnt shrug, a yful grin dancing on his lips. Evelina, still skeptical, shot back, "And how long will it take for you to provide the cure once I manage to arrange all these items?" Her tone held a mix of impatience and doubt, demanding a straightforward answer. "Can''t guarantee anything. I might seed on the first try, or fail even on my hundredth," Rick admitted to Evelina, honesty permeating his expression. It was a half-truth; at this point, Rick wasn''t entirely certain if the Rabbit could deliver. He was banking on the promise the Rabbit made earlier ¨C that he would create an antidote if Rick could extract information about it. "Alright, you will have everything in front of you by night," Evelina nodded, signaling for Geoffrey to proceed with the task at hand. Geoffrey began to make his way out, but Evelina halted him abruptly. "Leave it. I will do it myself this time," she dered, a flicker in her eyes. "Miss?" Geoffrey looked puzzled, his confusion evident. "Don''t ask. I will take care of it," Evelina responded dismissively, not bothering to delve into the details. "Do whatever you have to, but make sure everything is perfect to the ''T''," Rick instructed, a seriousness overtaking his demeanor. "When I talk about the milk of a goat, it should not be pregnant for more than a month. Otherwise..." Rick halted mid-sentence, offering a warning to Evelina. "You don''t have to worry about it. You just need to get me the antidote. Otherwise..." Evelina interrupted, this time issuing a warning of her own to Rick. "I will, just don''t get me killed in my sleep," Rick jested with Evelina, though his gaze shifted subtly toward Geoffrey, injecting a hint of unease into the room. * * * * * Chapter 112: Unfolding [1] Chapter - 112 The roomy cloaked in an imprable darkness, the only illumination emanating from the ethereal glow of the moon as it spilled through the window, casting a feeble light on the scene. Rick, oblivious to the nocturnal proceedings,y sprawled across the bed, ensnared in the clutches of deep slumber. Surprisingly, the rabbit had found an oddlyfortable perch atop his stomach, its tiny form rising and falling with each rhythmic breath of its humanpanion. As the clock struck past midnight, the door groaned open, an eerie creak slicing through the silence. A mysterious silhouette slipped into the room, moving with the grace and precision of a seasoned ninja. The intruder, a figure shrouded in shadows, advanced with careful steps, ensuring that the floor beneath remained undisturbed. The enigmatic figure surveyed the surroundings with an air of caution, eyes darting around the dimly lit chamber. With a vignt gaze fixed upon the peacefully slumbering Rick, the intruder took a moment to assess the situation. Satisfied that the room held no unexpected guests or prying eyes, the silhouette was revealed to be none other than Martin, Evelina''s uncle and Jack''s younger brother. Squinting in the muted moonlight, Martin confirmed that Rick was deeply immersed in his dreams. Nodding to himself, he proceeded to glide noiselessly towards the bed. As Martin approached the bed, a curious twist of amusement yed on his lips as his eyes fell upon the rabbit''s peculiar sleeping posture. With its stomach facing the roof,its legs were syed out in odd angles, an unintentional disy of flexibility that elicited a bemused reaction from Martin. Suppressing a chuckle, he couldn''t resist muttering to himself, "What on earth is wrong with that rabbit? Looks like it''s auditioning for a yoga ss." His focus then shifted to Rick, still blissfully unaware of the nocturnal visitor. Martin reached into the inside pocket of his jacket. With careful precision, he navigated the room, mindful not to disrupt the rabbit''sically contorted repose. As Martin drew closer to the bed, an unintended mishap urred. His foot connected with a small toy lying on the floor, setting it in motion with an unpredictable trajectory. The room echoed with the unexpected bounce, causing both Rick and the rabbit to stir. The rabbit''s ears moved, for a moment, scaring Martin, but fortunately, they resettled into their respective realms of sleep. Just as Martin was about to make his way close to Rick''s headside, the rabbit, seemingly roused by the subtle disturbance, sat up on Rick''s stomach, fixing Martin with a gaze that radiated curiosity from itsrge, beady eyes. Martin froze in ce, a realization dawning upon him ¡ª he now had an unexpected audience to his ndestine activities. Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, Martin hesitated for a fleeting moment before revealing a small, sharp knife that glinted menacingly under the moon''s silvery light. His white eyes, reflecting the eerie glow, remained fixed on Rick as he stealthily approached the bed, an air of sinister intent cloaking his every movement. Each step Martin took was calcted, his intentions shrouded in dubious motives as he hovered near the oblivious Rick. The knife in his hand gleamed ominously as he readied it, prepared to strike at any moment. The room, a silent witness to the unfolding drama, hung in an oppressive stillness, the air thick with the palpable anticipation of a sneaky attack. Just as Martin poised the knife for a swift strike, the rabbit, seemingly aware of the impending danger, exhibited uncanny speed. In a surprising twist, it twisted its body and released a stream of something that sparkled under the moonlight. The liquid sailed through the air with an almost mystical quality, hurtling straight for Martin''s face. Surprised, Martin recoiled, instinctively moving his face away from the oing stream. In a reflex action, he shed the knife through the air, hoping to ward off the unexpected assault. However, to his profound astonishment, the knife passed harmlessly through the sparkling stream, leaving Martin bewildered and confounded by the surreal nature of the encounter. In the split second that followed, the rabbit''s sparkling stream found its mark,nding squarely on Martin''s chest and soaking him from head to toe. The substance possessed an otherworldly glow, transforming Martin into a surreal figure that seemed to have stepped out of a fairy tale. Martin stood there, dripping and utterly befuddled. The rabbit, perched on Rick''s stomach, regarded him with what could only be described as a triumphant expression. The room, which had been charged with suspense just moments ago, now presented a bizarre tableau, featuring a wet and disoriented Martin alongside a mischievously grinning rabbit. A pungent odor, unmistakable and unpleasant, assaulted Martin''s nostrils as he became acutely aware of his soaked state. The repugnantbination of anger and dizziness swirled within him, intensified by the overwhelming smell that clung to his once-dry jacket. His eyes, now aze with fiery rage, darted down to the sodden fabric clinging to him unpleasantly. The dampness served as a visual of the humiliation he''d just experienced. The anger within him surged, overwhelming any semnce of reason and recing it with an unrestrained fury. Gritting his teeth, Martin''s simmering rage turned into a burning desire for vengeance. His zed eyes fixed on the rabbit, which had caused this indignity. The knife, still clutched tightly in his hand, became a tool of impending retribution. With unsteady steps, Martin advanced towards the rabbit, a sinister glint in his eyes. He raised the knife, the moonlight reflecting off its gleaming de. The room, once a haven for quirky moonlit antics, now crackled with tension. However, as Martin prepared to strike, an unexpected warmth spread across his chest. At first, it was a soothing heat, almostforting. But soon, the warmth escted, turning into an ufortable burn. Confusion and pain twisted Martin''s features as he grappled with the sudden change. The room filled with the acrid scent of burning, adding anotheryer to the bizarre sequence of events. The heat on his chest intensified, and Martin couldn''t ignore the growing difort. Unable to resist the pain any longer, Martin''s gaze shifted downward to his chest. His eyes widened in disbelief as he beheld a surreal sight. The fabric of his jacket was melting away, revealing his pale, bare skin underneath. The moonlight illuminated the bizarre transformation, casting an eerie glow on Martin''s melting attire. His shirt disintegrated like wax under a scorching me, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. A mixture of shock, pain, and embarrassment flickered across Martin''s face as he grappled with the reality of his disintegrating jacket. The once intimidating Martin now stood in the moonlit room, reduced to a state of undress by an unforeseen, mystical force. As Martin''s jacket dissolved under the bizarre effects of the rabbit''s mystical urine, an unforeseen consequence unfolded. The liquid, which made contact with Martin''s exposed skin, triggered an rming reaction. The once indestructible vampire, believed to be immune to various mortal ailments, now found himself subject to an unexpected and agonizing transformation. A searing pain surged through Martin''s body as his flesh began to burn and rot. The mythically resilient vampire, ustomed to a life unencumbered by such mortal afflictions, now writhed in torment. His anguished cries pierced the air, echoing the room that had moments ago been filled with the tension of impending revenge. The urine, a force unbeknownst to Martin, had initiated a chain reaction on the vampire''s otherwise invulnerable skin. The once-paleplexion now bore the brunt of an otherworldly assault, as if subjected to an inferno of mythical proportions. The unexpected turn of events left Martin in a state of shock and vulnerability. His attempts to resist the pain were futile as the burning sensation intensified, each passing moment bringing a new level of torment. The room, once a stage for quirky moonlit encounters, was now witness to a vampire''s struggle against a mystical force. The rabbit, chilling on Rick''s stomach like it''s no big deal, watched the whole vampire meltdown with total detachment. The whole situation was just too absurd ¡ª a vampire getting wrecked by what seemed like harmless bunny pee. It was like a reminder of how wild and unpredictable the mystical world could get. While Martin was busy screaming his lungs out, that rabbit stayed cool as a cucumber. The night, which had kicked off with someone trying to go after the rabbit, turned into this crazy show where the hunter became the hunted. All thanks to the mysterious mojo of a seemingly normal rabbit. In the middle of all this supernatural chaos, Rick stayed knocked out, blissfully unaware of the freak show happening on his stomach. The room, lit up by the moon, was the stage for this bizarre twist in the tale. The so-called vampire invincibility was no match for the weird forces at y. In the quiet of the moonlit room, Martin''s screams were like a haunting reminder of what happens when you underestimate the magical powers of a rabbit and its peculiar stream. Martin was seriously losing it, thanks to that cursed rabbit pee. The supernatural torture was driving him nuts, and he just couldn''t take it anymore. So, in a pretty messed-up move, he grabbed the knife he had originally prepped for Rick. With this creepy determination in his eyes, Martin went all in, slicing into his own flesh. The knife glinted in the dim moonlight as he went to town on himself. Every cut made this gross squelching sound as the vampire skin gave in to the de. Bits of rotting flesh just fell to the ground, painting a seriously messed-up picture of the agony Martin was going through. The room, which used to be quiet except for his cries, now looked like a horror show brought to you by a rabbit''s messed-up magic. The whole ce reeked of blood and that nasty burning flesh stench, turning the scene into a freaky mix of horror and surreal craziness. Martin''s quest for revenge had backfired big time, thanks to underestimating the rabbit''s mojo, and now he was stuck in this seriously messed-up self-torture. While Martin was going all medieval on himself, the rabbit just chilled on Rick''s stomach like it was watching some twistededy. The power dynamic had flipped big time, and Martin was caught up in a nightmare of his own making. Rick, still snoring away, was blissfully clueless about the whole circus happening around him. The moonlit room, now tainted with the stench of blood and decay, became a stage for the unexpected fallout of messing with the mystical vibes of what seemed like an innocent rabbit. "Never thought you had it in you," someone sneered at Martin while he was going full-on psycho, slicing into himself and desperately trying not to scream, all while letting out muffled groans. The mocking voice continued, "You''re a real man, Martin." With sweat pouring down his face, Martin looked up and locked eyes with Rick, who was giving him this creepy smile. Suddenly, Martin''s heart did a little panic dance. Sure, Martin was on a mission to off Rick, but the truth was, he was kind of terrified of the guy too. Whatever went down in his mom''s room turned out to be one hell of a shocker. Martin hade here to end Rick, but now he was the one inching closer to turning into a human porcupine. Talk about a plot twist. "You... You knew all along... Hiss," Martin hissed in pain as he sliced off another chunk of his flesh right above his stomach. The corrosion was spreading, but Martin was banking on the fact that cleanly cutting it off would put a stop to the nasty crawl. And lucky for him, if he would cut off the flesh cleanly, the spread would stop. The crimson stains of blood and fragments of Martin''s own flesh adorned every conceivable surface¡ªhis body, garments, the flooring, and the bed itself. The macabre disy resembled a disturbed art instation, where the visceral agony suffered by Martin served as the unsettling medium for this grotesqueposition. The visual impact of the disarray in the room was both horrifying and surreal, painting a vivid picture of the self-inflicted ordeal and the consequential aftermath. "That you were behind poisoning of your mother. Pretty much yeah," Rick with his elbows supporting his head gotfortable on the bed, "Or that you wille to permanently make me asleep tonight. I had a hunch." "How did you¡­" "Know?" Rick chuckled, "Easy. Your not-so-bright big brothercks the brains to pull off something like this solo. You, my friend, y the fool, and that''s a whole different game." "But guess what?" Rick continued smirking, "There''s someone even slicker than you pulling your strings, convincing you to waltz into my room and y assassin. It''s like one boss over the other, and another one pulling the strings over that. It''s a nutty pyramid scheme, man." "But to get yed by Geoffrey? Your own butler? What did he bribe you with? Offer you Jack''s head?" Rick mocked with a throat-slicing gesture, "That''s some serious brotherly love. I might shed a tear." Martin, still processing this bombshell, stammered, "How the hell do you know all this?" His brain was fried, and he nearly forgot about the whole ''my-flesh-is-burning'' situation. "I''ve got a little informant," Rick said, smirking as he patted his rabbit on the head, "Would you believe it if I said Geoffrey spilled the beans?" "He could never," Martin shot back, his bloodshot eyes wide with pain, "He promised me that after Jack poisoned our mother, we''d get him out of the picture. He promised me..." "You''re just another gullible pawn with good acting skills, huh? You yed Martin''s game, and now you''re crying because he pulled a fast one on you, tossing you into the lion''s den?" Rick shook his head, disappointed. "The only thing you''ve got on Jack is your acting chops. If only you''d used that talent for something worthwhile. Instead, you''re begging your niece for a measly few million, and now you''ve chopped that hand too." Rick looked at Martin with pity, "Think she''ll still bankroll you? Or will she see you as the backstabber who tried to off her old man?" "Or maybe she''ll be pissed that you couldn''t even do the one thing she expected from you?" Rick said, raising an eyebrow. ***** Chapter 113: Unfolding [2] Chapter - 113 "What? Did you honestly believe she was oblivious?" Rick shot Martin a disdainful look, his expression bordering on disbelief. The implication was clear; in Rick''s eyes, Martin was nothing short of aplete imbecile. It became increasingly evident why the elderly woman had entrusted Evelina with handling all affairs. ''Her sons,'' Rick thought, a condescending tonecing his words, ''are a collective assembly of dimwits.'' His raised eyebrow entuated the incredulity he felt towards the ipetence of Evelina''s family. ''One grandson of hers was entangled in the clutches of addiction, while the other two,'' Rick scoffed, ''wouldn''t bat an eye if someone strolled up and decided to chop their ding-dongs, as long as they got their precious ''Chicken Dinner.'''' As Rick reflected on the sheer ineptitude of Evelina''s rtives, he couldn''t help but marvel at the unfolding spectacle of their inadequacy. The question lingered in his mind: could there be more of them, equally oblivious and utterly clueless, lurking in the shadows unbeknownst to Rick? While Rick expounded on the family''s shorings, Martin wore a ghastly expression. Confusion, perplexity, and a nk stare dominated his features. His mind seemed to be a chaotic battleground. Unbeknownst to Rick, Martin had continued his self-inflicted ordeal, carving into his chest with a grim determination, each incision adding to the macabre tableau of his internal turmoil. Rick''s words reverberated in the air,peting with the nightmarish scene ying out before him. The room itself seemed to warp, distorting reality as Martin''s consciousness swung between the horror of his own brutal actions and the unsettling truths revealed by Rick''s cynical narrative. In this surreal tableau, Martin stood as a living embodiment of madness, a testament to his plunge into the abyss. His chest, now a grotesque canvas, showcased the aftermath of his self-inflicted muttion. What was once a pristine torso had be a horrific disy of carnage. Strips of flesh hung like macabre ornaments, connected only by frayed sinews that trembled with each agonizing breath. The floor beneath him bore witness to the relentless descent of his blood, forming small pools that mirrored the brutality of his internal struggle. Amidst this gruesome spectacle, bone fragments peeked through the torn tapestry of flesh, stark and white against the backdrop of visceral horror. The metallic scent of blood hung thick in the air, mingling with the acrid aroma of sweat and the palpable aura of impending doom. The room itself seemed to recoil from the grotesque dance of life and death, as if tainted by the unspeakable acts that had unfolded within its walls. In the middle of this crazy messed-up situation, Rick was ying it cool, like he couldn''t care less, but you could tell he was secretly freaking out inside. His face was this nk te, hiding the fact that he was probably about to puke any second. The dude''s forehead was practically a disco ball of sweat, catching the moonlight and shining like he just ran a marathon. Lucky for him, Martin was too busy getting lost in the words Rick was spinning, totally clueless about how messed up Rick was feeling. So, leaning into the shadows, Rick kept spinning this wild story about the Bloodthrone family''s dirty secrets. His smirk was like, "Can you believe this crap?" as he spilled the beans on their messed-up pyramid scheme family drama. "Your rtives, my man, are the real-life version of a pyramid scam," Rick chuckled. "You instigated your brother to poison your own mother, and you were given a carrot by your mother''s butler ¨C your servant, for god''s sake ¨C that he will kill your brother. Who, in turn, seems to be working for the current miss of yours to get rid of her own father. And who knows, your butler might be aiming to kill your niece in the shadows," Rick spected, his words hanging in the air like an indictment of the Bloodthorne family''s chaos. "Man, Martin, your family drama is like a dysfunctional circus," Rick snarked, shaking his head as he took in the chaos with a disapproving look. "Is your family in some decline or something?" Rick mused, squinting as he tried to make sense of the messed-up web of lies and backstabbing holding the Bloodthrone crew together. "Living under your roof sounds like a survival game, everyone wing and plotting for their slice of the drama pie," he chuckled, the tension in the air thick with the smell of family feuds. Then, with a mischievous glint, Rick tossed a wild idea into the mix. "Wouldn''t be shocked if your wives were pulling some strings too, orchestrating things behind the scenes," he teased, his words lingering like a dark cloud over the room. "How long are you nning to keep twiddling your thumbs? Want me to off him before you make a move?" Rick''s voice shattered the calm of the night, echoing loudly. "Using someone else''s de to deal with your problem. Gotta admit, it''s a slick move, but you might want to spare the guy doing you a solid, don''t you think?" "Who the hell are you talking to?" Martin freaked out, taking a quick step back, eyes scanning the surroundings. The quiet that followed Rick''s words pressed down on Martin like a ton of bricks. Time dragged on, each tick of the clock cranking up Martin''s nerves. Then, out of the blue, footsteps broke the silence, and Martin snapped to attention, eyes glued to the door. It swung open, and in walked two figures ¨C Evelina and Geoffrey. "You?" Martin looked at Evelina and Geoffrey in anger. "What''s going on here?" Evelina''s entrance sliced through the tension like a de, her sharp tone cutting through the dimly lit room. Beside her, Geoffrey stood with an air of calcted innocence, a silent aplice in the unfolding drama. "Just a cozy family gathering, my dear," Rick greeted with a devilish grin, his words dripping with sarcasm. "Your loving uncle here was just indulging in a bit of self-expression. Call it an avant-garde art project." Evelina''s discerning eyes darted from Rick''s smirking face to the tableau of horror that her uncle had be. A mixture of blood and agony painted the scene before her. She took a moment to absorb the grotesque sight, her expression an unreadable mask of detachment. Turning her attention to Martin, Evelina''s voice sliced through the air, devoid of any concern for her uncle, "Is this true, Uncle Martin?" Her words hung in the stifling atmosphere, demanding an exnation for the madness that had enveloped her family. "He did this to me!" A shaky finger extended from Martin''s blood-stained hand, usingly pointing at Rick as he attempted to deflect responsibility for the gruesome spectacle before them. "Don''t be so modest, Martin. I was merely providing some artistic inspiration for your self-improvement journey," Rick chuckled, his tone saturated with sarcasm as he dismissed Martin''s feeble attempt at me-shifting. Evelina, unswayed by the absurdity of Martin''s usation, shifted her piercing gaze to Geoffrey. "Did you have any knowledge of this, Geoffrey?" Geoffrey continued his act of feigned innocence, his head shaking earnestly. "No, Miss. I just heard amotion and rushed to investigate." Evelina''s patience wore thin, her no-nonsense attitude taking center stage. "Enough of the nonsense in this house," she snapped, her eyes narrowing. "Geoffrey, assist Uncle Martin to the infirmary immediately." Geoffrey nodded dutifully and approached Martin, who continued to shoot daggers at Rick with a mixture of resentment and pain etched on his face. "Come, Sir. Let''s get you the medical attention you need," Geoffrey urged, guiding Martin away from the room''s macabre scene. As they exited, Rick couldn''t resist onest sardonicment. "If you ever crave more family bonding tips, you know where to find me. Always happy to contribute to the Bloodthrone family''s personal development." Meanwhile, Evelina chose to ignore the departure of her uncle, her attention now solely focused on Rick. The room felt charged with an unspoken tension as she regarded him with a gaze that revealed aplexity of emotions. Under his scrutinizing eyes, she felt an exposure that went beyond the physical; it was as if her thoughts and vulnerabilitiesy bare before him. She heard everything Rick told Martin, and those words reverberated in her mind, shaking her to the core. Evelina''s mind raced, a maelstrom of conflicting emotions and revtions. Her carefully orchestrated n, conceived in the shadows with only her grandmother and Geoffrey privy to the intricate details, now seemed vulnerable to the unforeseen dynamics ying out within her own family. The realization that her uncle and father were ndestinely conspiring against her grandmother, and potentially against her as well, sent shockwaves through the carefully constructed walls of her scheming mind. "I must say, I''m surprised by how intimately acquainted you seem to be with the intricacies of my family," Evelina remarked, her raised eyebrow a subtle expression of curiosity and suspicion. "It appears there''s a ratherpetent and covert informant within these walls," she added, her gaze flickering towards the seemingly oblivious rabbitfortably nestled on the bed with Rick, blissfully ignorance. Rick, genuinely surprised by Evelina''s apparent calmness in the face of betrayal, couldn''t help but voice his astonishment. "I can''t believe you''re keeping Geoffrey and Martin in cahoots, even after knowing that he double-crossed you," he remarked, eyebrows raised in disbelief. Evelina''s response was a wry smile that carried a hint of resignation. "Geoffrey is a necessary evil, just like you," she stated matter-of-factly, her gaze steady and unapologetic, "And it''s your word against his, no proof." "Necessary evil, huh?" Rick chuckled, his amusement evident. "Well, I must say, I''m not exactly ttered to be in such esteemedpany," he added, a smirk ying on his lips. "Care to tell me more?" Rickasked. * * * * * Chapter 114: Unfolding [3] Chapter - 114 Rick leaned back on the plush cushions, his eyes fixed on Evelina as he posed the question that had been nagging at him for weeks. "Care to enlighten me on why Geoffrey is a ''necessary evil''?" Evelina, her gaze drifting into the distance as if revisiting a trove of memories, began to unravel the enigma that was Geoffrey. "Geoffrey," she started, her voice a subtle dance between secrecy and revtion, "is a living paradox, a spectral guardian of our deepest secrets. He''s not merely a servant; he''s an unsung custodian of the tapestry of our lives, intricately woven with threads of ndestine affairs, covert dealings, and the asional scandalous rendezvous." The room seemed to embrace Evelina''s words, the dim lighting casting shadows that flickered with the weight of untold stories. She continued, her words lingering in the air like a captivating melody, "There isn''t a family saga that Geoffrey hasn''t been privy to, a ndestine affair he hasn''t stumbled upon, or a betrayal he hasn''t tacitly witnessed. He moves through the corridors of our existence with a quiet omniscience, an observer who has be an integral part of the very fabric that binds the Bloodthorne legacy." As she spoke, the ambiance in the room thickened with a sense of mystery and intrigue. Rick, now fully engrossed in the revtion about Geoffrey''s ndestine role in the Bloodthorne family, propped himself up on his elbows, his curiosity ignited by the depths of Evelina''s revtions. Rick pondered for a moment, his lips curling into a bemused half-smile as he processed Evelina''s revtion. "So, he''s the curator of the family''s dirtyundry, huh?" His eyes danced with a blend of intrigue and amusement, like a detective presented with a case file full of tantalizing mysteries. "I''ve witnessed my fair share of family sagas, but this feels like a whole new level. What sort of scandals are we talking about here?" Evelina''s gaze met Rick''s, and in that exchange, it was as if the weight of generations'' worth of secrets momentarily flickered in the depths of her eyes. She took a breath, her voice lowering conspiratorially. "Picture everything your imagination can conjure, and then venture into realms you likely haven''t fathomed. Affairs, betrayals woven with the finest threads of deception, ndestine deals that could make or break legacies, and skeletons so deeply tucked away in the family closet that not even the resident rats have stumbled upon them." Evelina delved further into the murky depths of family intrigue, her words carrying the weight of unspoken truths. "Not just the stark contrasts of ck and white, but everything in between, etched in shades of shame and ambition," she elucidated. "Geoffrey is privy to the hidden intricacies ¨C He knows whose marriage was a facade, who embezzled from the family coffers, and whose offspring might not be as legitimate as they im." Rick''s eyes sparkled with a mix of fascination and amusement as he absorbed theyers of scandal within the family. "So, it''s like a real-life soap opera," he remarked, the sly curve of his lips suggesting a newfound appreciation for the theatricality of their revtions. "And what if someone dares to cross Geoffrey?" Rick probed, his imagination painting scenes akin to a suspenseful thriller. Evelina''s response carried a note of caution. "Geoffrey is not one to easily forget or forgive. Cross him, and you''ll find yourself ensnared in a web of consequences, each strand meticulously woven with the threads of retribution." Rick arched an eyebrow, his genuine curiosity evident in his questioning tone. "And you''re sharing all this with me?" he asked, a hint of incredulity coloring his words. Evelina''s response was a solemn shake of her head. "It doesn''t matter," she exined. "You, at this moment, know more than perhaps anyone else in thisbyrinthine family." A smirk yed on Rick''s lips. "Impressive. But isn''t it a risky game, allowing someone to hold such power over the family? What''s to prevent him from bing the puppet master, pulling strings for his own benefit?" "He is already pulling a lot of strings," Evelina told Rick, "It is not easy." Seatedfortably on the bed, Rick regarded Evelina with a sly grin. "So, are you nning to ignore the treacherous waters of double-crossing and scheming just because he happens to know afew secret?" Evelina''s expression remained stern as she responded, "Certainpromises are inevitable for the sake of the family. And, much like you, Geoffrey possesses a wealth of knowledge that binds him to us." She continued, her voice carrying the weight of familial duty, "The ties between our family and Geoffrey are woven in the fabric of blood. Coboration with our enemies is not an option for him, and, in turn, we are obligated to safeguard Geoffrey and his lineage in the years toe. This blood bond is a legacy passed from one family head to the next, and only the current matriarch¡ªmy grandmother¡ªholds the power to sever it." "Whatever that blood bond is, I don''t know," Rick said, leaning back in his chair, a devilish smirk ying on his lips as Evelina unraveled the intricate details of her family''s binding predicament. "So, you''re stuck with Geoffrey and his puppetry until your grandmother decides to break this blood bond thing?" Always inclined towards mischief, Rick couldn''t resist maintaining his smirk as he suggested, "But I can take care of him for you, you know. No blood bonds tying me down. Of course, it mighte at an extra cost." Evelina, standing at the threshold of a tangled web of family intricacies, found herself caught in the crossroads of uncertainty. Rick''s proposal, though tantalizing, presented a moral dilemma. The notion of severing ties with Geoffrey appealed to her on a practical level, yet there lingered an emotional bond¡ªa connection that transcended theplexities of their present situation. The weight of familial history and the intricacies of the blood bond held her in a quandary, torn between the allure of Rick''s offer and the loyalty ingrained in the very essence of their family ties. Despite considering Rick''s proposal to eliminate Geoffrey, Evelina found herself ensnared in aplex tapestry of conflicting emotions. The allure of getting rid of Geoffrey was undeniably tempting, especially considering the suspicions surrounding his potential involvement in her poisoning. However, a substantial stumbling block loomedrge¡ªthe emotional tie between Geoffrey and her grandmother. Geoffrey, over the years, had evolved into an integral figure within the intricate dynamics of the family. In the aftermath of Evelina''s grandfather''s passing, Geoffrey had assumed a crucial role in maintaining order and stability within the household. His dedication to the family surpassed the boundaries of a mere servant; he had emerged as a steadfast pir of support during challenging times, preventing the family from descending into the abyss of chaos. The bond they shared was not easily severed, and Evelina found herself torn between the desire for retribution and her grandmother. After a moment immersed in thebyrinth of her thoughts, Evelina slowly shook her head, as if trying to dispel the thick haze of conflicting emotions that clouded her mind. The weight of the decision hung in the air, palpable in the room as she finally broke the silence. "I''ll defer to my grandmother''s wisdom to settle this tangled affair. Your task is clear; procure the antidote," she dered, the resonance of her resolution echoing within the walls. Rick, lounging with a nonchnt ease on the edge of the bed, responded to her decision with a casual shrug, hisid-back demeanor undisturbed by the gravity of the situation. A subtle smirk yed on his lips, revealing an air of confidence that seemed to dance with a hint of mischief. His eyes, however, remained fixed on the small, furry form of his rabbit, a silent observer in the unfolding drama. "Your call," he said, the words carrying a weight of eptance, "But you know, my offer stands regardless." The glimmer of a challenge lingered in his gaze as he added, "And as for the antidote, you can count on having it in your hands by the first light of tomorrow morning." Evelina, her resolve etched across her features, nodded in affirmation. "I''ll hold you to that," she asserted, a flicker of determination in her eyes as she pivoted away from Rick, striding purposefully toward the exit. The door whispered shut behind her, leaving Rick alone in the room with his drowsypanion, the rabbit. Azy yawn escaped the small creature as it stretched in its slumber-induced inertia. Rick, maintaining his easygoing demeanor, leaned in as if sharing a secret with his furry confidant. "Now it''s up to you, buddy. The sooner you make it, the earlier we can hit the road." The rabbit, seemingly unbothered by the gravity of the unfolding drama, responded with a nonchnt shift in its sleep. "As for me, I will just r..." Rick stretched his arms, ready to climb up the bed, but he has jolted by the ding sound. Ding! [Quest time] * * * * * [A/N: If you are reading the story, take a moment to write a review orment down below if you have any suggestions. Because with this chapter, we havepleted 200,000 words.] Chapter 115: Rick has the cure Chapter - 115 [ Quest: Help Evelina take over the Bloodthorne family Time Duration: 3- Months Rewards: Cash: $20,000,000; Ero Points: 500,000; Elemental Mastery skill; Harry Potter fan? Ever heard of the invisibility clock? Yes, the one that dumbass had no idea how to use. You will get that, not to cheat death, but to peep on bathing MILFS. ] "Help her take over the Bloodthorne family?" The mere suggestion echoed in his mind, and he couldn''t escape the gravity of its implications. His brow furrowed in contemtion as he mused aloud, "Wouldn''t that venerable olddy willingly relinquish control of the family affairs to Evelina once she learns the truth? That girl practically got raped trying to save her." Rick was confused. As he pondered further, a revtion struck him like a bolt of lightning. "Perhaps the system expects me to expedite the process," he mused, the pieces of the intricate puzzle falling into ce. The elderly matriarch, upon awakening, would likely feelpelled to pass the torch to Evelina. However, the road to familymand was fraught with peril, and the murky waters needed cleansing. "The olddy may be ready to surrender, but she will need to pave the way for Evelina, clean house, rid the family of the treacherous rats," he surmised. A shrewd smile yed on his lips as he foresaw a timeline stretching ahead, a tapestry of intrigue and maniption. "It will take time, perhaps a span of a couple of years," Rick continued, his mind already devising the intricate steps of the impending power y. Meanwhile, Evelina will just have to y the second fiddle all this time." "This is seriously amazing," Rick mused, relishing the sheer power coursing through his veins. The notion that a single decision could either build up or tear down a formidable family of mythical creatures left him buzzing with excitement. "I owe you one, system," he muttered with a smirk, acknowledging the unseen force that had thrust him into this exhrating game. Snuggling into the coziness of the bed, a wide grin stretched across Rick''s face. His mind was aze with scheming thoughts on how to deftly manipte the grandmother into bequeathing her vast fortunes to Evelina. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ As Rick stirred from his slumber the following morning, he found the Rabbit already perched beside him, looking all eager. It extended its furry paws toward him, cradling a mysterious dark brown pill. "Master, here, take this," the Rabbit chirped, its enthusiasm palpable. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Rick squinted at the offering. "What is it?" he mumbled, his voice still carrying the weight of drowsiness. With a gleam of excitement in its eyes, the Rabbit proimed, "Celestial Frostfire Nectar." Rick had invested in the beast speaking skill before plunging into the enigmatic depths of the Whispering Wends. And yesterday, the skill expired, but Rick decided to buy it again. The ability tomunicate with the Rabbit proved not only useful but strangely endearing. It had be second nature for Rick to hear the rabbit''s voice rather than decipher its cryptic gestures. The morning sun cast a warm glow across the room as Rick, with a mix of skepticism and amusement, held the celestial frostfire nectar pill in his hand. Its dark, brownish color didn''t exactly inspire confidence, and Rick eyed it suspiciously. Turning his attention to his ever-enigmaticpanion, the Rabbit, he couldn''t resist questioning the source of this mystical remedy. "Where did you pull it out from exactly?" Rick inquired with a raised eyebrow, a twinge of concern in his voice. The Rabbit, with an unexpectedly coy demeanor, averted her gaze, ears turning a shade of pink. "You... Master," she stammered, "Surely you know, you shouldn''t ask ady this question." Rick''s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?" he eximed, both shocked and amused by the unexpected response. The idea that the Rabbit might have some ndestine method of producing magical remedies was both baffling and strangely fitting for the surreal situation he found himself in. "Anyway," the rabbit chimed in, her fluffy ears turning a shade of pink as she handed the pill to Rick with a shy smile. "You gotta dissolve this little guy in methanol and have the olddy sip on it. She should be up and about in an hour or so," Rick exined. And before Rick could wrap his head around the odd instructions or fire off any more questions, the rabbit pulled off a swift disappearing act. Out the window she went, leaving Rick alone with the enigmatic pill. "Huh?" Meanwhile, Rick was left utterly perplexed first think in the morning. He watched the Rabbit dash off, and then he turned towards the pill in his hand. A bemused grin yed on his lips as he pondered the absurdity of the situation. "Guess you don''t ask ady about her remedy sources. Mental note taken," he chuckled to himself.. Rick thought and got up from the bed. He put the pill on the table without any care and precaution and walked inside the bathroom to freshen up. With the nectar pill now resting on the table, Rick decided that some personal grooming was in order before dealing with theplexities of magical potions andatose grandmothers. He strolled into the bathroom, seemingly unfazed by the surreal nature of the situation. As he freshened up, a myriad of thoughts crossed Rick''s mind, "Guess this is what happens when you get mixed up with a dangerous family drama that too with vampires," he mumbled to his reflection in the mirror. Strolling out of the bathroom, with the towel wrapped around him, Rick''s gaze lingered on the pill. He allowed his eyes to dance over it for a prolonged moment, a silent contemtion brewing within him. Eventually, he broke the silence with a resigned exhale, muttering, "It''s not like I am going to pop it into my mouth," his trademark nonchnce woven into the words. Soon after getting dressed, and with the pill now cradled in his palm, Rick swung the door open, stepping into the corridor that led to the olddy''s room. As expected, Seventeen stood sentinel outside, an unyielding figure in the grand tapestry of the mysterious setting. "Hey, Seventeen," Rick greeted with a casual tilt of his head. "Good evening, sir," Seventeen replied, his voice a monotone melody devoid of any discernible emotion. Thed''s countenance remained a mask of stoicism, his gaze fixed on an unseen horizon, as if the happenings of the present held little sway over him. "Do you require something?" he inquired, his words devoid of inflection, as if the very act of conversing was a mechanical routine. In response, Rick offered a nod of acknowledgment, a subtle signal that he had grown ustomed to Seventeen''s unyielding demeanor. "Go fetch Evelina, will you? Let her know it''s time," he instructed, his tone carrying a sense of purpose that cut through the enigmatic air. Seventeen, without uttering a single additional syble, executed a slight bow, a disy of deference that seemed more programmed than courteous. His movements were deliberate, each step calcted, as he turned on his heel to carry out Rick''s bidding. Left alone, Rick took a deep breath, and opened the door for the old Matriarch''s room and went inside to wait for everyone else. A minute or twoter, the entrance swung open once more, and Evelina gracefully stepped into the room, Seventeen in tow ¡ª silently shadowing her every move. The room began to fill as the ensemble gathered, each member finding their designated space. Jack, his demeanor marked by a well-worn leather jacket, shed a smirking acknowledgment from a discreet corner. Michelle, adorned with vibrant hair and an array of piercings, assumed a casually defiant pose, leaning against the wall with arms crossed. In the familial dynamic, Michelle and Martin''s wife exchanged subtle nces, an unspokennguage flowing between them, a shared understanding that eluded the rest. Finally, Geoffrey materialized,pleting the tableau The ambiance in the room took on a serious note, thanks to the doctors and nurses bustling about in their white coats, their expressions matching the gravity of the situation. Breaking through the awkward silence, Rick injected a dose of casual humor, saying, "Finally, the gang''s all here. Alright, everyone, thanks for showing up. We are all aware of why we are gathered, right?" Jack, never one to beat around the bush, retorted, "Cut the crap, Rick. What''s the deal? Why did you call us here?" Rick, adopting an easygoing shrug, replied, "Hey, don''t look at me. I didn''t ring any of you up, except maybe your daughter. So, if you are clueless, me your squad of ipetent rats for not squeaking in your ears." Evelina''s frown deepened as she scolded Rick, "Can you stop getting distracted for once?" Rick, feeling the weight of usation,ined, "Why do you always me me? I am always on the receiving end of your family''s verbal diarrhea." An air of tension lingered until Evelina decided to assert control, her voice cold and intimidating, "Enough. Everyone just shut up." Michelle, attempting to diffuse the atmosphere with her pleasant voice, innocently remarked, "But no one is speaking, dear," only to be met with a sharp re from Evelina. "Have you gathered us here for your useless gibberish?" Evelina''s expression mirrored the angst that seemed to have shadowed her since her return. With a triumphant gesture, Rick raised his fist, dering, "All done." "Your grandmother''s life? It is in my hands." * * * * * [A/N: Ipleted a milestone yesterday, and Webnovel blocked my book the same day for a whole 24 hours. I hope it won''t stop you guys from keeping up the support you guys have shown me.] Chapter 116: Grandmother finally takes the medicine Chapter - 116 Finally Evelina could not take it anymore, in a swift movement, she moved towards Rick and swung her arm. In his defensive reflex, Rick misinterpreted Evelina''s intent, assuming she was after the pill. His hand moved swiftly, evading what he thought was an attempt to snatch the pill from him. But before he knew it, Evelina had actually struck him in the back of his head. She actually just wanted to p him and did not even look at the pill in his hand. "Why are you always so theatrical? Can''t you be serious for once?" Evelina asked. "Did you just hit me?" Rick''s eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to face Evelina, his hand instinctively rubbing the spot where he had been struck. "Did you seriously hit me?" "I did, so what?" Evelina retorted, her defiance unwavering. "I am already older than you. I can do whatever I want and punish naughty little brats like you." "Little brat? Fuck you," Rick cursed, the sting of the unexpected p fueling his anger. "Where is all your confidenceing from? Till yesterday you were like a scared littlemb, walking on eggshells around me. And now look at you." Rick''s surprise was palpable. "You made me understand, ''BOY''. There is no need for me to live a suffocated life, always in fear," Evelina, undeterred by Rick''s outburst, stepped closer, her voice lowering to a whisper, "I can be whoever I want, however I want." Ding! [Love: +1] Rick scratched his head in bewilderment when the notification popped up, ''Love point acquired?'' He furrowed his brows, thinking, ''Wait, I don''t remember any quest or choice rted to this.'' And with that with confusion in his eyes, Rick turned to look at Evelina and quicklyopened the system. [ Name: Evelina Bloodthorne Age: 28 years Carnal Calibrator: 65/100 Romance Radar: 01/10 ] The Romance Radar had indeed increased for Evelina, and even her Carnal Calibrator was at 65. But Carnal Calibrator was something Rick had watched go up and down plenty of times, so he was not that concerned about it. But this was the first time, Romance Radar, something more concrete had gone up just like that. [Why are you being paranoid? Not only the choices from the system, but your own choices affects the people around you] [You are your own person, you know] ''If I wanted condescension, I wouldd have requested it. So, thanks but no thanks. Can we have some quiet for a bit?,'' Rick quickly shut the system up, but his tiny bit of doubt has been cleared. Rick, rubbing the back of his head, regarded Evelina with a mixture of astonishment and irritation. "You could have just asked me to be serious, you know. Didn''t need to resort to violence." "I just needed to shake you out of that dramatic mindset of yours," Evelina, undeterred, crossed her arms and shot back, "Sometimes a p is the only thing that gets through your thick skull. Maybe youwill start taking things seriously now." "Whatever," Rick dismissed the topic with a nonchnt wave, flinging a small, dark brown pill in Evelina''s direction, where she deftly snagged it from the air. Evelina looked at the pill and there was a surprised frown on her face, "What is this?" "It''s the cure for your grandmother," Rick replied, "Mix it up in methanol and give it to her. Trust me, shewill be back on her feet in no time." Evelina''s brow furrowed as she epted the pill from Rick''s outstretched hand. Her eyes moved from the dark brown capsule to Rick, and a puzzled frown crept onto her face. "Do you even know what methanol is?" she questioned, her tone t and devoid of emotion. "It''s poisonous if you don''t know that, even for vampires. Are you trying to kill my grandmother?" Rick hesitated, his confidence momentarily shaken by Evelina''s pointed inquiry. "Well, yeah, I am aware," he admitted with a touch of uncertainty. "But hey, it is the cure, or at least that''s what I have ''read''. What can I say?" Evelina''s skepticism grew deeper, and she gave Rick a long, assessing look, mulling over his words. After a beat of silence that seemed to stretch, she decided to shake things up, "Hang on a sec," she said, pivoting away from Rick. Rick observed as Evelina waved down a passing guard. The guard, all stone-faced, ambled over, ready for whatever she needed. Evelina''s voice remained t as she spoke to the guard. "Get me some Methanol." With a nod, the guard vanished, leaving the room hanging in suspense. Rick squirmed, now that he thought more about serving Methanol to the old granny. Meanwhile, Evelina had nowpletely made her mind.Evelina, seemingly unfazed, held her ground, waiting for the guard''s return. The tension hung thick in the air. Not too long after, the guard came back, clutching a bottle of Methanol like it was the secret sauce to life. Evelina snatched it from him, not bothering with a nod or a "thanks." Her attention was a one-way street aimed straight at the job. She pivoted back to Rick, Methanol cradled in her grip. "Okay, tell me, how much Methanol do we need?" she quizzed, her tone a tline, an emotional desert. At the sound of Evelina''s query, Rick''s eyes did the whole widening routine, like a light bulb flickering to life. It hit him square in the face - he forgot to ask the Rabbit about it, and the furry informant was in too much of a hurry to give him any hint either. Urgency mmed into him, and he fumbled for an answer. ''Damn it, I totally spaced on asking the Rabbit about that,'' Rick admitted in his frustration-soaked mental monologue. "I, um... don''t have a clue." Rick told Evelina. Evelina''s expression remained unchanged, her gaze unwavering. "So, we are just supposed to guess, huh?" Rick scratched his head, a nervousugh escaping him. "Yeah, I guess so. I mean, this is the cure, but I don''t have a manual or anything." Evelina sighed, her frustration palpable. "Great. Just great. We are ying a guessing game with my grandmother''s life." Under the palpable weight of Evelina''s skepticism, Rick took a stab at ying the reassuring card. "Hey, I understand your hesitation. It''s a bit of a shot in the dark. But if there''s even a slim chance that this Methanol thing can make a difference for your grandma, wouldn''t you want to take the chance?" Evelina''s stare intensified, her eyes digging into Rick''s soul for any hint of sincerity. "And what if it backfires? What if it ends up making things worse?" Rick''s shoulders slumped, a helpless vibe oozing from his casual shrug. "Look, I don''t have all the answers. I am just trying to make the best call with the cards we have been dealt." Evelina, still holding the bottle of Methanol, stared at Rick for a moment, contemting the choices before her. Finally, she spoke, her voice steady but tinged with hesitation. "Fine. We will do it. But if anything goes wrong, it''s on you." The room fell into a tense silence as Evelina poured the murky brown Methanol solution into a ss, the dissolving pill transforming the liquid into an unsettling mixture. Her eyes flickered towards her family, a momentary hope lingering that someone might intervene, that someone might stop her from going through with what felt like an audacious act. Yet, all she found were encouraging smiles, silently pushing her to carry out the desperate attempt. With a resigned sigh, Evelina approached her grandmother, the ss of Methanol clutched tightly in her hand. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes meeting those of the olddy lying on the bed. There was a hint of vulnerability in Evelina''s expression, a silent plea for understanding, as if she sought permission from her grandmother for the unconventional remedy. Opening her mouth, the olddy remained still, her frail form vulnerable to the choices being made. Evelina slowly poured the Methanol into her grandmother''s mouth, the liquid disappearing into the aged body. The room held its breath, the weight of uncertainty pressing on everyone present. As the seconds stretched into minutes, the room remained silent, the only sound the muted breaths of those waiting. The olddyy motionless on the bed, and doubt crept into the minds of those who had pinned their hopes on this unconventional cure. "Is she dead?" Michelle''s voice cut through the silence, a question tinged with anxiety and fear. Evelina, her eyes shing with a mixture of frustration and worry, turned her re towards Rick. "Don''t use me," Rick protested, his voice defensive. "There was always some amount of risk. We didn''t have a guarantee." Evelina, frustration evident in her expression, walked towards her grandmother. Her steps were slow, hesitant, each one echoing the anxiety in the room. As she approached the bedside, she tried to gauge any sign of life in the olddy. Reaching out, Evelina attempted to feel for her grandmother''s breath. The room held its breath with her, the collective tension almost suffocating. Just as Evelina''s hand hovered close to her grandmother''s chest, a sudden movement startled them all. The olddy''s eyes shot open. ***** [A/N: Second day of Ban :(] Chapter 117: Old Lady kicked the bucket Chapter - 117 The elderly womany still, her once-closed eyes snapping open with a suddenness that belied her age. Despite the shock, an eerie silence enveloped the room, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of a nearby clock. Evelina, momentarily taken aback, felt a chill crawling up her spine as she observed her grandmother, whose gaze remained fixed on the ceiling, unyielding and unblinking. As Evelina hesitated, but took a step towards her grandmother, a palpable transformation swept over the elderly woman. The whites of her eyes expanded, pupils constricting to pinpricks, creating an unsettling contrast against the murky depths of her gaze. In a macabre turn of events, the olddy''s eyes rolled back, revealing an otherworldly purplish hue that seemed to defy the natural order. A surge of panic seized Evelina.With a mixture of fear and urgency, she called out to her grandmother, the wordsced with genuine concern that echoed in the hushed room. "Grandmother!" Evelina took a tentative step forward, her initial shock giving way to a determination to understand and help. However, before she could reach her grandmother''s side, the elderly woman''s body contorted with a disturbing grace, arching like a bridge. Groans of agony escaped the old woman''s lips, each sound a visceral manifestation of the mysterious forces at y. She writhed in anguish, as if her very being was caught in a cosmic struggle, leaving Evelina paralyzed with a mixture of horror and helplessness. The sudden turn of events brought a flurry of activity as doctors and nursing staff rushed into the room. They attempted to approach the olddy, but her violent fit proved too overwhelming. She threw her arms around, resisting any attempts to restrain her, and the room filled with the sounds of her anguish. The doctors, faces etched with concern, struggled to control the olddy''s convulsions. Despite their best efforts, her body continued to writhe in pain. The atmosphere in the room shifted from relief to one of tension and despair. A surreal transformation gripped the room as a purplish mucus, began to ooze from the pores of the olddy''s body. It flowed like an ominous river, covering her face and neck in an unsettling hue. The once-familiar contours of her clothes absorbed the same disconcerting shade, creating a nightmarish tableau. It was without a doubt a disgusting sight. Evelina, paralyzed by the grotesque unfolding, stood rooted to the spot. Her eyes widened with a mixture of disbelief and horror as the gravity of the situation sunk in. The thought of believing Rick already beginning to haunt her. Rick, who had been an silently observing from the sight, felt a knot tighten in the pit of his stomach. The unforeseen consequences left him grappling with a disconcerting silence. The inner turmoil of indecision churned within him, contemting whether to discreetly slip away from the unfolding nightmare or confront the disturbing aftermath of their misguided actions. Seventeen, ever unmoved by emotions, observed the chaos with his usual stoic demeanor, a silent witness to the unfolding tragedy. The nursing staff and doctors, despite their expertise, were left powerless in the face of the olddy''s violent reaction. The room became a battleground between medical professionals and the uncontroble spasms that seized the elderly woman. Evelina, snapping out of her initial shock, attempted to approach her grandmother once more, her voice trembling with desperation. "Somebody, do something! Help her!" But the doctors were already trying their best. Soon, the air was thick with the stench of despair as the purplish mucus continued to ooze from the olddy''s body, staining everything it touched. The tumult within the room reached its tragic climax as the olddy''s convulsions abruptly ceased, leaving her limp form to slump onto the bed. The once-chaotic struggle yielded to an unsettling stillness, transforming the atmosphere into an eerie and heavy silence. A couple of machines, their screens disying vital signs in fluctuating patterns, emitted a deep, loud, and continuous beeping. The ominous sound pierced through the stagnant air, serving as a haunting reminder of the abrupt cessation of the violent fit that had ensnared the elderly woman just moments before. Evelina, grappling with a mixture of shock and overwhelming emotions, attempted to steady herself by reaching for the bed. However, her strength betrayed her, and she crumpled to the floor. Tears welled in her eyes, mirroring the cascade of emotions that surged within her. The harsh reality of the situation crashed over her like an unforgiving tidal wave. The worst nightmare she could have envisioned had unfurled before her eyes, leaving her in the devastating aftermath. She had fought through deception, betrayal, and encounters that defied the bounds of imagination¡ªall undertaken with the singr purpose of finding a cure for her grandmother. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the culmination of her efforts became a harrowing spectacle as she stood witness to her grandmother''s painful death. Meanwhile, Rick, caught in the throes of confusion couldn''tprehend what had gone wrong. The pill, meticulously concocted by the enigmatic rabbit and requisitioned through the seemingly infallible system, was intended to be foolproof. The system, a paragon of reliability, had never faltered before, and the rabbit, with its undeniable cuteness, seemed beyond doubt. ''Methanol?'' A revtion struck Rick with the force of a sudden epiphany, ''It has to be it. It was too much.'' On the other hand, Jack''s countenance bore the marks of a conflicting storm, a tapestry woven with threads of both a tentative smile and underlying sorrow. His face became a battleground for an internal conflict that yed out in subtle nuances, each expression wrestling with theplexities of the moment. The desire to smile, warred with an inherent hesitancy to openly disy any emotion. In stark contrast, Martin''s features wore a surreal shock, as if the day he had long dreamt of had materialized before his disbelieving eyes. The culmination of years of anticipation and yearning had thrust itself upon him in an unexpected twist of fate. The opportunity to im his rightful ce nowy before him, an unforeseen turn of events that left him suspended in a state of profound disbelief. Michelle and Martin''s wife stood shoulder to shoulder, their hands tightly sped in a gesture that betrayed a gleeful alliance. A shared secret agenda had woven a thread between them, evident in the unapologetically joyous smiles that stretched from ear to ear. In stark contrast, Geoffrey lingered in the periphery, an isted figure in the room. His gaze remained fixed on the motionless form of the olddy, offering no insight into the maelstrom of thoughts that might be churning within his mind. His face, an inscrutable mask, revealed no emotion, leaving onlookers to wonder about the enigma of his intentions. He watched as the doctors, in a desperate race against time, engaged in vigorous attempts to revive her, their movements synchronized as they jumped up and down on her chest. As the relentless march of time continued its unyielding pace, a palpable sense of inevitability settled in the room. The doctors, their faces etched with tension and apologies, reluctantly conceded defeat in their desperate attempts to revive the olddy. A collective resignation settled over the medical team. With hesitant movements, the doctors slowly retreated from the bedside of the now lifeless matriarch. Each of them hoping that someone else would step forward to bear the burden of delivering the bad news. Finally, as a heavy silence enveloped the room, one doctor mustered the courage to break the news. "With a heavy heart, I will have to say that the old matriarch is no more. She passed away at 10:47 AM in the morning." The doctor''s words hung in the air, a solemn promation that shattered the fragile silence and sent ripples through the room. The absolute stillness that followed gripped every person present, each grappling with their own cascade of emotions in the wake of the devastating revtion. Evelina, her tear-filled eyes now aze with a fierce anger, slowly lifted her gaze from the floor. In that charged moment, her eyes found Rick, and with a sudden and unexpected burst of energy, she moved swifter than anyone had anticipated. Her movement eclipsed even the memory of Martin''s earlier attempt to confront Rick. Without a moment''s hesitation, Evelina''s hand shot out, seizing Rick by the neck with a visceral intensity. Her expression, once a canvas of grief, was now contorted with a seething hatred. "It is all because of you," Evelina used, her words cutting through the tense silence like a de. Rick, acutely aware of the intensity of Evelina''s anger, possessed the physical capability to evade her grip, maybe even mount a counter-attack. Yet, as he met her tear-filled eyes and witnessed the storm of turmoil etched across her face, a decision ripened within him. Instead of resisting, he chose to remain still, allowing her to unleash the torrent of emotions that had been building within her. "I will give you 10 minutes," Rick said with a heavy sigh, his voice carrying the weight of resignation. "Curse me, hit me. Do whatever you want. But after that, I won''t be this kind." The atmosphere in the room tightened as Rick''s words lingered, setting a countdown to an impending confrontation. Evelina, still tightly gripping Rick''s neck, appeared torn. "Ummm...Why does it smell so much?" * * * * * Chapter 118: The Christ Awakening Chapter - 118 "I will give you 10 minutes," Rick said with a sigh, his voice resigned. "Curse me, hit me. Do whatever you want. But after that, I won''t be this kind." A palpable tension gripped the room, intensifying with each passing moment as Rick''s words lingered in the charged atmosphere. Evelina''s fingers, entwined around Rick''s neck, seemed to tighten involuntarily, her burgeoning desire to throttle him escting with every recollection of her grandmother''s plight. The onlookers, a motley crew of witnesses, observed the unfolding drama with a blend of trepidation and fascination. Jack, his countenance etched with disbelief, struggled toe to terms with the abrupt absence of his mother. Meanwhile, Martin sported a subtle smile, a glint of satisfaction gleaming in his eyes as he savored the unfolding chaos. Michelle and Martin''s wife stood side by side, sharing knowing nces that conveyed gleeful satisfaction, their smiles betraying any pretense of concern for the dead, old Matriarch. Geoffrey, ever the stoic observer, maintained his usual impassive demeanor, his gaze unwavering as he absorbed the unfolding drama without a hint of visible emotion. The room, ensnared by the palpable tension surrounding Evelina and Rick''s impending confrontation, was abruptly shattered by a voice that sliced through the dense atmosphere like a sharp de,manding attention. "What is this stinking smell?" The feeble, bewildered voice reverberated through the room, catching everyone off guard. Every gaze in the room swiveled toward the source of the unexpected voice, and a collective gasp escaped those present as the old matriarch of the house, Evelina''s grandmother, slowly removed the oxygen mask. Blinking in confusion, she surveyed the assembled family, her frail form embodying unexpected resilience. The room, previously frozen in shock, underwent a swift transformation into a tableau of disbelief. Doctors, nursing staff, Evelina, Rick, and the rest of the family stared at the old woman as if witnessing a miraculous apparition. The matriarch, who had mysteriously returned from the brink of what everyone believed to be her demise, found herself in a room filled with a diverse array of expressions. Her gaze swept across the faces of those who had mourned her, their disbelief and astonishment mirrored in her own lingering confusion. A subtle furrow adorned her brow as she absorbed the palpable bewilderment that enveloped her surroundings. Evelina, who had maintained a tight grip on Rick''s neck throughout this surreal turn of events, slowly released her hold. Her eyes widened in a kaleidoscope of emotions, ranging from disbelief to unbridled joy. The tears that had welled up in her eyes now teetered on the edge of cascading down, yet this time, they bore witness to the overwhelming relief and astonishment that pulsed through her. "Is... Is that a ghost?" Michelle stammered, her voice carrying the weight of uncertainty as she sought answers amid the surreal atmosphere. Ding! [ Quest: Don''t forget to take revenge for what just happened. You cannot let anyone to just shit on you. Even if it is someone with a pussy. Time Duration: 1 - Day Reward: Depending on your performance. System will judge you. ] [Don''t try to go easy on the girl. Your taunts and actions will determine your reward.] So, right in the middle of this crazy Christ-likeeback of the old Matriarch, Rick gets hit with a quest. He was suppose to let go of Evelina, thinking that she is heart broken from her dear grandmother''s demise, but now that the old witch is alive, and the system had given his go, there was no need to hold back. After the initial shock subsided, Evelina, overwhelmed with joy and relief, made a move to head towards her grandmother, eager to embrace her tight and assure herself that the olddy was indeed alive. Evelina, determined to approach the resurrected matriarch, found her path abruptly blocked as Geoffrey swiftly intervened. With a calcted urgency, he deftly pushed Evelina aside, positioning himself protectively by the matriarch''s side. His voice rang out in a tone that carried a formal air, adding an unexpectedyer to the already charged atmosphere. "Matriarch," Geoffrey called out, his wordsced with a measured formality that echoed through the room. Despite her weakened state, the matriarch disyed resilience, her eyes locking onto Geoffrey''s with a mixture of fatigue and appreciation. A faint smile yed on her lips as she acknowledged his presence. "Since when did you be so formal with me, Geoffrey?" she inquired, her words carrying a touch of humor. "Mary," Geoffrey affectionately called her by her name, a hint of warmth infusing his voice. Evelina, positioned on the sidelines, couldn''t help but frown at the unexpected disy of loyalty from Geoffrey. His sudden protective stance and familiar address to the matriarch stirred a sense of unease within her. Maintaining his usualposed exterior, Geoffrey seamlessly continued the conversation with the matriarch, skillfully diverting her attention. It was a subtle maneuver, a strategic attempt to keep Evelina at bay, preventing her from approaching and potentially unraveling the truth thaty beneath the surface. However, Evelina, sharp and perceptive, saw through the charade. She discerned the calcted nature of Geoffrey''s actions, realizing that he was employing this moment to ensure she didn''t have the opportunity to speak with her grandmother. He did not want Evelina telling the Matriarch about his supposed double-crossing. As Geoffrey and Mary engaged in what seemed like a casual conversation, the dynamics in the room shifted dramatically. While the two conversed with a familiarity that hinted at a deeper connection, an undercurrent of mourning and realization began to permeate the atmosphere. The family members, Jack, Martin, Michelle, and Martin''s wife, found themselves grappling with a range of emotions as they witnessed the scene unfold. They could not believe that their mother actually pulled it through, pouring cold water on their ns. For Jack, the sight of Mary interacting sofortably with Geoffrey triggered aplex mix of emotions. Confusion, disbelief, and a growing sense of betrayal simmered beneath the surface. He felt his hands shaking as he thought about getting exposed for his involvement in his own mother''s poisoning. He knew his mother, she would not let it slide, even if it was her son. Desperate, he turned to look at his brother, who was the one that nted this idea in his head. Martin, arguably the most conflicted soul in the room, wore an expression that betrayed a tumultuous mix of guilt and anxiety. The revtion unfolded, exposing a sinister plot he had meticulously orchestrated, bringing him agonizingly close to the realization of his twisted goal. In the shadows, he had maneuvered his brother into poisoning their own mother,id out meticulous ns to dispose of his sibling, and sinisterly contemted the fate of his unsuspecting niece. The pieces of his malevolent puzzle were falling into ce with rming precision. The taste of impending sess lingered tantalizingly on the tip of Martin''s tongue, the culmination of a sinister n he had been carefully nurturing. However, just as he was poised to savor the fruits of his meticulously crafted scheme, an unforeseen interference, in the form of an unexpected stranger, emerged and mercilessly incinerated the metaphorical tree he had been cultivating with malicious intent. Now, faced with the smoldering ruins of his designs, Martin found himself cornered, left with no recourse but to pivot swiftly and shift the me onto his unwitting brother. The heat of usations regarding the poisoning of their mother loomed ominously. On the flip side, Michelle and Martin''s wife found themselves involuntarily sping each other''s sweaty palms, the tangible tension between their hands betraying an unspoken connection. No one could guess what was going in through their minds, but the shock and horror with which they looked at each other was enough to answer many questions. Meanwhile seventeen walked towards and somehow he had gotten a warm towel in all this chaos and was waiting on Rick while he massaged his swollen neck. Rick watched Seventeen quietly standing beside him as he did not care about themotion around him. As Rick watched Seventeen stand there nonchnt, Rick thought that Seventeen was still not ready enough. He couldn''t be singly focused on one thing while ignoring the rest? That was unbing of a butler. A butler must have four eyes, looking at everything, observing everyone. The room, now filled with a facade of celebration and joy, witnessed a gathering around the old matriarch. The air buzzed with feigned tears, artificial wishes,ughter that echoed with a forced cheerfulness, and a semnce of relief that seemed more like a performance than genuine emotion. The authenticity of the moment had been overshadowed by the tangled web of conflicting motives and unspoken truths. Rick, observing the charade unfold, couldn''t escape the sense of dissonance in the room. The joyous reunion felt staged, each smile and expression veiled by ayer of uncertainty and hidden agendas. As the matriarch happily chatted with everyone, Rick''s attention was diverted by the familiar chime of the system. [ Quest: They don''t seem that happy. Why don''t you disrup... Interrupt their union? Time Duration: 15 - minutes Reward: 2 Lottery Spins ] ***** Chapter 119: Antidote? Chapter - 119 [ Quest: They don''t seem that happy. Why don''t you disrup... Interrupt their union? Time Duration: 15 - minutes Reward: 2 Lottery Spins ] "Ahemm..."The room, once filled with the strained echoes of forced celebration, fell into a hushed silence as Rick cleared his throat. All eyes turned towards him, and even the old matriarch, who had been engrossed in the scripted joy of the moment, directed her gaze at Rick. With a sly smile ying on his lips, Rick took a few confident steps towards the old matriarch, parting the sea of artificial cheerfulness that surrounded her. The family members, initially taken aback by this unforeseen interruption, found themselves creating an unwitting pathway for Rick, their expressions osciting between the realms of curiosity and a subtle undercurrent of apprehension. As Rick closed the distance to the old matriarch, an irrepressible sense of delight enveloped him, like a performer relishing the spotlight on a grand stage. His movements, a careful blend of casual nonchnce and purposeful intent, spoke of a man who understood the power of presence. Upon reaching the focal point of attention, he positioned himself squarely in front of the venerabledy, locking eyes with her and letting a mischievous twinkle dance in his gaze. "Hey there, ma''am," Rick greeted with a whimsical flourish, tipping an imaginary hat as if he were a character from a bygone era. His voice, infused with a subtle note of yfulness, cut through the ambient tension. "I''m the gentleman who''s here to collect a debt." The old matriarch, momentarily caught off guard, responded with a mixture of confusion and intrigue. Her features, etched with years of wisdom, morphed into a quizzical expression as she regarded Rick. "Debt collector, you say? Well, aren''t you a surprise," she replied, her tone regaining its formalposure, a marked shift from the unexpected banter that had permeated the atmosphere. Rick, the smirk still ying on his lips, nodded with an exaggerated mock seriousness. "Oh, indeed, ma''am. Your ount''s overdue, and I''m here to settle the score." A ripple of uncertainughter traversed the family members, a collective response echoing the uncertain tides of amusement and confusion. The old matriarch, her initial perplexity now reced by aposed amusement, fixed Rick with an indulgent smile. "My dear, I''m afraid you must be mistaken. I don''t recall having any outstanding debts." Her response, delivered with a blend of elegance and reassurance, resonated through the room. Rick, savoring the absurdity of the unfolding moment, leaned in a bit closer, his voice now a conspiratorial whisper that added ayer of intrigue to the spectacle. "Oh, but ma''am, this isn''t your typical debt. It is a debt of life," Rick yed with his words, the theatricality of his tone heightening the enigma. The old matriarch, after a measured moment of contemtion, couldn''t contain a melodiousugh that seemed to dance through the air, her refined demeanor remaining steadfast. "A debt of life, you say? Well, you certainly have a unique way of approaching matters. But I assure you, dear, we don''t owe any such depth." Rick, thoroughly enjoying the banter, raised an eyebrow in a manner that suggested an appreciation for the verbal sparring. "Fair point, ma''am. But wouldn''t you agree that sometimes we all need a reality check?" His words hung in the air, yfulness in his tone. The room, still wrapped in the remnants of an unwarranted tension, bore witness to the weight of the unexpected conversation between Rick and the old matriarch. Sensing the need to diffuse the palpable unease that clung to the air like an invisible mist, Evelina took it upon herself to step into the spotlight. "Grandmother," Evelina''s voice cut through the lingering tension, a deliberate effort to redirect the focus. "This is Rick. He''s the one who helped me out when things got tough. And he''s the guy who brought the cure for my condition." The old matriarch, her gaze transitioning from Geoffrey to Rick, wore a subtle surprise on her face. Her eyes traced the contours of Rick''s features, attempting to reconcile the unexpected revtion with the ongoing familial drama. In this moment of revtion, she regarded Geoffrey, who seemed to be avoiding her eyes, with a quizzical look, as if silently demanding an exnation for theyers ofplexity that were unraveling before her. As Geoffrey''s attempt to evade her gaze became increasingly apparent, the old matriarch, disying a resolute stoicism, fixed him with an unwavering stare. Her eyes held his for a prolonged moment, as if demanding answers from the depths of his conscience, before she redirected her attention to Rick. "Thank you, Rick," the old matriarch uttered, her voice stripped of its usual yfulness and warmth. The air now carried an unexpected formality, and an underlying hint of something that bore a resemnce to anger. Without turning towards Geoffrey, she continued, her words cutting through the charged atmosphere, "Make sure to appropriately reward the gentleman here," her reference to Rick delivered with a tone that suggested amand rather than a suggestion. Geoffrey nodded in agreement, his expression remaining inscrutable. However, before Geoffrey could make a move, Rick, never one to shy away from a moment, injected a dose of levity into the scene. "Hey, hold your horses there," Rick interjected with a grin, his tone light but firm. "I appreciate the sentiment, but let''s not jump the gun. I didn''t exactlye here for a reward." The room, now fixated on the unfolding exchange, held its collective breath as Rick and the old matriarch engaged in a subtle power y, each maneuvering with a calcted finesse that added an extrayer of intrigue to the familial drama. The old matriarch, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly, regarded Rick with a raised eyebrow, a silent challenge echoing in her expression. "Oh, really? And what, may I ask, brings you to our little family gathering?" Her question hung in the air, a rhetorical prompt. Undeterred by the tension thickening in the room, Rick leaned in with a conspiratorial smile that hinted at a secret dance of motives. "Well, ma''am, didn''t I just say I had a debt to collect." The old matriarch, her tone taking on a stern edge, countered Rick''s assertion. "Young man, our family is not one to take anyone''s debt." Rick, maintaining his smirk, looked at the old matriarch with a mockingly exaggerated expression. "Well, maybe you have been asleep for far too long." The old matriarch, now visibly irritated, began to assert herself once more, but Rick, the unabashed provocateur, interrupted her with a ir of audacity. "But we won''t talk about your debt for now. I am going to sit on your chest for a few more days enjoying your hospitality," Rick dered as he turned around to leave, his parting words delivered with a touch of whimsical menace. "Get well soon." With that, Rick sauntered away, leaving behind a room suspended in a peculiar blend of confusion. And Rick walked out of the room, a nonchnt whistle escaping his lips as he strolled away. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Grandmother!" Evelina was the first to speak as soon as Rick walked out of the room. Eager to exin the situation, she took a step forward, but Mary, the old matriarch, halted her with a show of her hand. "Geoffrey, ask everyone to leave," Mary spoke, her voicemanding, but she avoided meeting the gaze of her trusted butler. "Mother!" "Grandmother!" Evelina and the rest of the family called out in unison just as they heard the old matriarch, only to be met with another decisive shutdown. "Geoffrey!" Mary tried to assert, her voice still weak but carrying an undertone of authority. With that word, a heavy silence descended upon the room. Dejected and with a myriad of thoughts weighing on their hearts, Evelina and the others, one by one, slowly walked out of the room, leaving behind an atmosphere tinged with unresolved tension and a sense of unspoken restraint. After everyone had left and the room was finally emptied, Mary and Geoffrey remained as the sole upants. With a deliberate step, Geoffrey moved towards the entrance of the room and closed the door, shutting out the prying eyes and curious ears of the rest of the household. Once the door was closed, he turned to face the room, standing at the entrance with an air of silent dedication. "So, do you care to exin?" Mary asked, her frown deepening as she looked at Geoffrey. The pleasant smile that once graced her face had vanished, reced by an expression of stern inquiry. "Mary!" Geoffrey responded, his eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions. His usual emotionless demeanor was gone, reced by a mixture of relief and a subtle helplessness. "I don''t care about our union," Mary stated, her frown deepening as she observed theplex emotions ying on Geoffrey''s face. "Where the hell is the antidote?" she demanded, her tone cutting through the air with a sense of frustration. ***** [A/N: If you are reading the story, take a moment to write a review orment down below if you have any suggestions.] Chapter 120: Rick Exits Evelinas house Chapter - 120 Rick has just loungedfortably on the bed, pulled out his phone when the room''s tranquility was shattered by Evelina''s dramatic entrance. Her eyes were aze with fury, and she eximed, "What the hell was that all about? Why would you sprout all that nonsense?" Rick, feigning innocence, looked up and innocently asked, "What did I do?" Evelina pointed an usatory finger at him, her frustration palpable. "Don''t you dare act innocent with me. I know you inside and out." Rick, ever the cheeky one, couldn''t resist a mischievous grin. "Well, from what I remember, I was the one actually inside of you. Very deep, I might add." Evelina''s anger intensified, and she warned, "You..." Her body trembled with frustration, but Rick interrupted with a lecherous chuckle, "Don''t ever bring that up. Ever." Rick attempted to exin himself, "But you were the one who¡ª" before he could finish, he caught sight of Evelina''s no-nonsense face and wisely decided to zip his lips. "Why did you have to blurt out all that nonsense in front of my grandmother? She just woke up. She did not have to know. Whatever the deal was, it was between us, and I have fulfilled my end. And now you have done yours as well. End of story," Evelina scolded Rick as he sat there, looking like a cat who just knocked over a vase. "Our cooperation ends here," Evelina dered with the finality of a judge delivering a sentence. "There is no need for you to extend your stay here." Rick, wearing his best wounded-puppy expression, looked hurt, "Come on! After all that I have done, are you going to break the hand that fed you?" "I did not expect that from you," Rick shook his head in disbelief. "But I am not an irresponsible person like you. I will see to it that your grandmother is fit and running before I take my leave," Rick said with a smirk, turning his attention back to his phone as if he had just proimed himself the hero of the household. "You... What is going on in your mind?" Evelina''s eyebrows furrowed in irritation. "Let me tell you. Whatever game you are nning, you won''t be able to seed, however much you try." She crossed her arms, ready to face whatever mischief Rick had up his sleeve. "My grandmother won''t fall for your tricks," Evelina asserted, eyeing Rick with confidence. "She has dealt with hundreds like you throughout her life," Evelina continued, her smirk growing, but it froze in ce when she realized Rick waspletely engrossed in his phone. "Are you listening to me?" Evelina asked, trying to reim his attention. "Hmmm..." Rick finally looked up from his phone, nonchntly responding, "I think I will take you up on your offer. Since you say my job here is done, I will take my leave." With that, Rick stood up, as if announcing the end of his grand performance. "Ehhh?" Evelina was taken aback. ''What the heck?'' This was the only thought in her mind. "I know you will be disappointed to see me leave, but it is time for me to go," Rick turned and called out to his rabbit, "Wake up, sleepyhead. Time for us to make a move." And just like that, Rick started stuffing his stuff. "Hold up!" Evelina eximed, her eyes widening as if she had just been zapped by a cosmic awakening ray, "Where are you going so suddenly?" Evelina asked. "Sudden? Me?" Rick quipped without turning around, relishing the melodramatic atmosphere. "My dear, you did utter the magic words¡ª''Please leave.'' I''m just adhering to your request, ying the part of the chivalrous exit artist." Evelina, still tangled in the webs of sleep, managed a perplexed, "What?" "Now, be a good sport and summon me a car, would you? Oh, and while you''re at it, prep the private jet, the one we casually soared in on," Rick directed Evelina, his tone as nonchnt as a cat napping in the sun. "I''m sure you''ve memorized my life story by now." "I am sure you know all about me, so you know where I am flying to," Rick didn''t sound bothered saying that. He knew that Evelina and her family was rich and powerful enough to even know the size of his underwear if they wanted to. He had been staying with Evelina''s family for days now, they had plenty of time to do a background check on him. Despite his attempts at suave sophistication, Rick couldn''t escape the reality that he was still a mere mortal,cking the power to erect an imprable fortress around his personal affairs. Evelina, her skepticism undeterred, eyed Rick with a healthy dose of disbelief. "Seriously?" she probed, unable to fathom whether his departure was a grand charade or a genuine exit. Rick, with a poker face that could rival a seasoned card yer, pivoted towards Evelina, adopting a tone that hovered between jest and sincerity. "Keep this up, and you''ll be sending all the good men running for the hills. Must you be so suspicious all the time?" he teased, his expression deadpan. "Now, my dear, shoo...make the necessary arrangements. I''ll be out there in a mere five minutes. Shoo!" With a swift, theatrical gesture, Rick ushered Evelina out of the room, shutting the door in her face before she could muster a retort. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The familiar faces from the previous soir¨¦e awaited him in the grandiose space where the initial festivities had unfolded. Evelina, her parents, her uncle and aunt, and the somewhat redundant sprouts stood in attendance. However, this time, the cast expanded to include Evelina''s grandmother, a venerable addition to the ensemble. Standing dutifully behind her was Geoffrey, attending to her every need. "Ah, the gang''s all here!" Rick dered with a casual ir, acknowledging the assembly. He turned his attention to the old matriarch with a mock bow of respect. "Even the esteemed matriarch graces us with her presence," he greeted with faux formality. "Are you certain you should be gallivanting around so soon? I practically yanked you from the court of Yamraj, you know. We wouldn''t want my efforts to be in vain," he teased, eyes twinkling with mischief. The olddy responded with a gentle smile, her voice carrying the grace of age, "Thank you for your concern, Mr Rick, but I am all well now. Thanks to you, of course." Rick, maintaining an air of nonchnce, responded to the old matriarch''s gratitude with a casual shrug. "No need for thanks. Just doing the job I was handsomelypensated for," he dered with a self-assured grin, giving a subtle nod to the financial aspect of his heroic endeavors. The old matriarch, unfazed by his attempt at modesty, nodded appreciatively. "I''ve heard the tales," she acknowledged. "Regardless, it pales inparison to what you''ve done for me. I was hoping you might stay a while, allowing me the chance to repay the favor." "Ohe on, no need for you to worship me like that," Rick, with an air of false humility, waved off the suggestion. He quipped, a smug expression ying on his face as he attempted to strike a pose of down-to-earth modesty. Hearing him act so cocky all those in the room almost fell on the ground, and the old matriarch''s face could not help but twitch. "If you insist, Mr. Rick," the old matriarch managed to utter, a hint of amusement in her tone. "May your journey back be as safe as your wit is sharp." "I will," Rick, nodded and then, turned towards Evelina after acknowledging the old matriarch''s well-wishes. "Have you made the preparations, darling?" he inquired with a nod, a sly smile ying on his lips. But before Evelina could respond, unexpectedly, Jack''s voice rang out, breaking the flow of Rick''s exit performance. "Boy!" Jack called, catching Rick off guard. "Don''t get too familiar with my daughter." "Good grief, you nearly gave me a heart attack, old man," Rick eximed, dramatically cing a hand over his chest in mock distress, "You have such a beautiful wife." His attention then shifted to Michelle, Jack''s wife, and with a mischievous wink, he remarked, "You, my dear, are a vision of beauty." However, Rick''s theatrics took an unexpected turn as he turned back to Jack, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "But you, my friend, are like a cactus," he dered, and Michelle couldn''t help but let out a chuckle at the absurdparison, earning her a disapproving re from Jack. "I''ve said it before," Jack ground out through gritted teeth, "Don''t mess with me." "But I wasn''t even talking to you," Rick protested, feigning innocence and tilting his head. "I was addressing your daughter. You jumped in like an overexcited, overprotective father. Especially..." "Especially when you know you want her dead," he concluded with a devilish grin, dropping a verbal bombshell that left the room in stunned silence. "I will kill you," Jack, consumed by rage, threatened Rick with lethal intent, his anger threatening to erupt into a violent storm. "Enough," However, before the tempest could fully unleash, a harmonious duet of authority resonated through the room. Both Evelina and the old matriarch intervened simultaneously, their synchronized voices slicing through the tension. And the room went silent as Evelina and the old matriarch looked at each other. "Oohhh! This is going to be fun," Rick chuckled as he sensed the tense atmosphere in the room. However, Evelina, quick on her feet, offered a hasty apology to her grandmother. "I''m sorry, grandmother," she uttered, seizing Rick''s arm with a firm grip and briskly guiding him out of the turbulent scene. Meanwhile, the old matriarch observed the abrupt exit with narrowed eyes, her thoughts veiled in mystery. * * * * * Chapter 121: Emily in the hospital Chapter - 121 The rhythmic thud of Rick''s worn boots echoed like a sluggish heartbeat in the narrow stairwell, as if each step carried the weight of a thousand bad decisions. His already hunched shoulders seemed to develop a second hunch as he approached the summit of this Everest of apartmentplexes. Surely, there had to be a universal rule against torturous staircases; he considered drafting a petition as he ascended. The legality of such architectural sadism baffled Rick. Who in their right mind permitted these towering structures without mandatory elevator instations? Hisplex did boast an elevator, a grand disy of modern convenience that had a knack for ying hide-and-seek, conveniently hiding away when he needed it the most. ''Stupid tallplexes with their stupid, non-functioning elevators and the universe conspiring against me,'' Rick thought to himself. Nevertheless, Rick''s spirit was unyielding, much like a rubber chicken in a hurricane. Perseverance was his middle name, or at least it should be. His grueling stair climb transformed into an impromptu workout routine. He patted himself on the back for turning a potential cmity into an opportunity for cardiovascr triumph. "Cardio? Check, check, check," Rick mentally ticked off, even though this wasn''t the kind of cardio he had in mind. His dream workout featured a woman, a bed, and perhaps a dash of lovey-dovey tunes. But, thanks to recent adventures with Evelina, it seemed like, at the bare minimum, the bed was just a suggestion for achieving peak cardiovascr performance. When ites to cardio, Rick couldn''t help but sneak a peek at the pad across from his own. It had been a solid week¡ªan eternity, really¡ªsince hest locked eyes with the gaze that could shoot daggers, especially in his direction. Thinking about making a bold move, Rick pondered giving a light knock on the door of the sand-washed door. But then, a sudden revtion hit him like a funky breeze as he raised his arm: he desperately needed a shower. The stench wafting from the lift of his arm smacked him right in the face, serving as a fragrant reminder that cleanliness was a top priority before facing Emily. Retreating at warp speed into his own crib, Rick carelessly dropped his bag at the entrance and made a beeline for the bathroom. Engaging in a ballet of disrobing, he ditched the day''s attire and delved into the mysteries of personal hygiene. Soon enough, steam filled the room, and Rick emerged, reborn and primed for socializing. Sneaking into the bedroom, Rick''s focus was hijacked by a fluffy surprise snuggled inside his jacket. Crouching down with the finesse of a man on a mission, he gently peeled open his jacket, revealing a little fuzzy head peeking out. "Time to bounce, little buddy," Rick cooed, encouraging the rabbit to hop onto the bed. "I''ve got a schedule to keep, you know." Unfazed by Rick''s urgency, the rabbit hopped onto the bed with an air of nonchnce, as if it had more pressing matters than adhering to its human''s timetable. Once the rabbit had imed the throne at the bed''s center, Rick stripped off the remaining evidence of his day and aimed straight for the shower. Positioning himself under the jet massager, the unrelenting force of water yed superhero, untangling all the knots in his back and shoulders. Standing firm in the water barrage, he schemed up various ways to get under Emily''s skin. Imagining ways to make those dark eyes of hers ze with both fire and brilliance. After wrapping a towel around his waist, Rick strolled out only to find the rabbit knocked out cold on his bed. Moving through his room with stealthy, easy motions, he gathered the essentials. Approaching Emily''s door with the swagger of a man who had it all figured out, Rick soon found himself standing dumbfounded in front of her apartment for a good ten minutes. No response, no matter how hard he knocked or shouted. Maybe she took a quick break or something. Not knowing how to upy himself, Rick decided he might as well get something for her. But what? Flowers? The mental image of her unceremoniously tossing a bouquet into the trash halted that idea. It seemed like a floral waste of effort. Condoms? A sly grin crept across Rick''s face at the thought. However, he quickly dismissed it, realizing it might be a tad too forward. There was no need for a scenario where his manhood faced peril simply for attempting a peace offering. Scented candles? Scented lube? Scented oil? The scented theme, it seemed, was not the solution. Each option was vetoed with a resounding "nope." Frustrated, Rick decided to take matters into his own hands, or rather, boots. With a final, somewhat half-hearted kick to Evelina''s door, he waited in suspense. No response. He sighed, resigned to the fact that perhaps today wasn''t the day for reconciliation. Descending the stairs like a man on a mission, an idea sparked in Rick''s mind. Beer. Not just any beer¡ªEvelina''s preferred brew. If Emily had qualms about the brand, he could rx, crack open a cold one, and bask in the serenity of a solo six-pack session while she vented about whatever was bothering her. It was a win-win, or at least apromise with a refreshing twist. Rick was a step away from leaving theplex when someone called out for him. He had half a mind to ignore whoever that was, but unfortunately for him, the beefy hand on his elbow, pulling him back, couldn''t go ignored. Summoning every ounce of irritation and exasperation, Rick turned to face his interrupter, making sure his discontent was etched across his face like a roadmap of annoyance. The guard, realizing he might have overstepped, removed his hand and shrunk back, hoping to avoid the full force of Rick''s displeasure. Unfortunately for him, that beady stare was like a spotlight, and he had no choice but to step into it. Rick, impatiently tipping his chin as a silentmand for the guard to hurry up with whatever nonsense was about to be uttered, was greeted with a timid exnation. "I just wanted to ask what happened." Rick, already on the edge of irritation, snapped back, "And I''m supposed to have the answer?" The guard, looking like a deer caught in the headlights of Rick''s annoyance, stammered, "I mean¡­ it''s been a few days, so¡­" He attempted a nonchnt shrug, but it fell t. If Rick''s patience had been a fragile vase, it shattered into a thousand pieces. "Is there something important you want to discuss, or do you just stop everyone on their way out to ask what happened?" The words dripped with sarcasm. "You don''t know?" The guard opened his mouth to speak, but a buzzing in Rick''s pocket caused him to hold up a hand, stopping whatever the guard was about to spill. Another surge of annoyance filled Rick when he heard his phone ring. Rick answered the phone without even seeing who it was "What do you want?" Rick growled into the receiver. Whatever response Rick anticipated, it wasn''t what came next. The words that reached his ears felt like a sucker punch to the gut, knocking the wind out of him. A heavy silence followed his question, and then it hit him¡ªhard. He swayed, desperately reaching for something to steady himself. The annoyance and irritation that had defined him moments ago evaporated, reced by a far more sinister sensation. His knees buckled, unable to bear the weight of the news he had just received. ck spots pirouetted in his vision, threatening to take over. A part of him almost wished it would, wished he could stop fighting for every breath his lungs desperately needed. Yet, in that suspended moment between despair and surrender, Rick clung to the phone, to reality, and to the harsh truth that had just unraveled his world. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ''She is okay. She is okay,'' Rick muttered like a desperate mantra, ''She has to be okay.'' Rick''s steps faltered as he approached the lone person sitting on the metal chair in the waiting room. The man didn''t seem to acknowledge his presence. He had his eyes closed and his head tipped towards the ceiling. Almost like he was in prayer, and no mortal ident could disturb him. But that didn''t deter Rick. Rick decided to announce his entrance. He pushed the door open, banging it against the wall. The serene man, was left startled, opened his eyes and slowly turned towards Rick. The man, the stoic statue with an expression, finally decided to acknowledge his son''s presence. Not a single emotion dared to dance across his features. It was like trying to read a rock ¨C challenging and utterly unproductive. "You are here?" The man told Rick. "Dad, where is she?" Rick spoke, ignoring the man''s question and asked. The man on the phone and in front of him was actually his father. "She..." Rick''s father looked at Rick and then turned his attention towards the ss window to his right,"Emily... She is in the ICU," * * * * * Chapter 122: Olivia Clarke Chapter - 122 A palpable tension hung heavily in the air, suffocating the waiting room that stood sentinel outside the foreboding gates of the Intensive Care Unit. Rick''s eyes,den with worry and desperation, fixated on the blurry, transparent window, each passing second stretching like an eternity, his vignce unwavering, as if fearing to blink and miss the faintest glimmer of life that might emanate from beyond. Within the sterile confines of the ICU, Emilyy ensnared by an intricate web of medical apparatus. A sinuous tube, akin to a lifeline, snaked its way into her pallid countenance, orchestrating theborious rise and fall of her chest. An invasive IV needle punctuated the delicate skin at the crook of her elbow, a slender conduit leading to a trio of translucent bags suspended from an unyielding stand. The lighting in the ICU was low, as though conveying to everyone that the situation is grim and no one should dare hold on to any hope. The audible cadence of the venttor, its beeps and hums, permeated the thick silence, audible even to those lingering in the corridor, reinforcing the oppressive stillness that gripped the space. Suddenly, the door groaned in protest, yielding to a cautious intrusion that shattered the eerie stillness. Rick''s gaze pivoted to discern the neer. A woman emerged, her entrance marked by a hushed serenity, her every step generating a nearly imperceptible reverberation upon the antiseptic tiles beneath. The hue of her hair was a striking shade of pink, and her physique exhibited a pronounced curvature in precisely the most fitting locations, bringing a new definition to the term voluptuous. The expanse of her broad shoulders that smoothly went down to a curvy chest, making its way to a slim waist and then popping out into full hips. Basically, her whole look was attention-grabbing. In the simplicity of her attire, there was a sophistication that transcended the mundane. in clothes adorned her frame, yet they served as an unassuming canvas, allowing the maturity and beauty of her presence to shine through. Her gait exuded a rare grace, a respite from the hurried shuffle that surrounded her. Clutched in her hands were towels, held with a grip that hinted at an underlying tension, nails pressing into the yielding fabric as if seeking sce in the tangible. Suddenly as he was lost in the beauty of the woman, Rick found himself nudged back to awareness by the gentle touch of his father, "Rick, she''s speaking to you." The woman''s eyes, mirroring the concern etched on her countenance, met Rick''s gaze. Despite the weight of the circumstances, a sigh of relief escaped her lips as she managed a weak smile. "Rick, you''re here," she uttered, her tone a delicate blend of courtesy and gratitude, "It''s a good thing you''re here." "Mrs. rke," Rick greeted, acknowledging the woman in front of him. Olivia rke, Emily''s mother, cast a weary gaze over thebyrinth of machines enveloping her daughter. The creases on her forehead appeared more pronounced this time, etched by the relentless worry that shadowed her maternal features. In her tired green eyes, Rick discerned the reflection of an exhaustion that was more than anything he could imagine. The past few days had undoubtedly been a grueling ordeal, a relentless pendulum swinging between hope and despair. Emily, in Olivia''s world, was not just a daughter but the sole thread connecting her to a fractured family. The remnants of kinship were marred by the absence of Greg, Emily''s father and Olivia''s spouse. His existence was reduced to a haze of inebriation, rendering him incapable of contributing to society, let alone the well-being of his own family. As Rick observed Olivia, his attention was momentarily arrested by the intricacies of her appearance. Outwardlyposed, Olivia carried the weight of her responsibilities with a stoic grace. Yet, her eyes betrayed the turmoil within, a silent storm raging beneath a facade ofposure. The vibrant green orbs, once filled with life, now seemed drained of vitality, their luster extinguishing with each passing minute, as if the very act of waiting eroded the remnants of hope within her. Rick felt a knot tighten in his stomach, looking at the state Olivia was in, "How... how is she?" His words tiptoed out, as if voicing them might crystallize the harshness of the situation. Olivia''s response was a somber gesture toward the hospital bed, where Emilyy ensnared by the cold machinery. Her gaze remained fixed on the indistinct view beyond the ss, a silent sentinel to the ongoing struggle within those sterile walls. "The doctors say she''s still not out of the danger zone," she revealed, the weight of those words lingering in the tense atmosphere. Her eyes, heavy with the burden of the days that had passed, dropped to the sterile floor. Unshed tears glistened, threatening to betray the stoicism she fought to maintain. "It''s been tough, Rick. The ident was days ago. Doctors say she''s stable for now, but¡­" The sentence hung in the air, a void waiting to be filled with the unspeakable. Feeling the palpable distress radiating from Olivia, Rick reached out instinctively, his hands enveloping hers with a mechanical certainty. The towels she clutched became a conduit for the shared vulnerability. "Where is Mr. rke?"Rick had to ask even though he knew the type of person that bastard was. "Greg? Huh... Hehas not been much help. He spends everything I earn on alcohol and gambling. I don''t know how we''ll manage the medical bills," Olivia confessed, her voice cracking. Rick''s jaw clenched involuntarily. While Olivia''s family struggles were no secret to him, the gravity of this particr situation stirred an inexplicable rage within him. How could a father remain so callous in the face of his own daughter''s dire condition? Greg was never a good husband to Olivia, but one might expect a shift in behavior when faced with the critical health of his own child. However, that expectation was swiftly dashed. His daughternguished in the hospital, yet there was no trace of paternal responsibility in him. Greg rke was still a useless motherfucker, a worthless piece of shit. And from the looks of it, he wanted that title till the day he died. Why Olivia still put up with him was a mystery to everyone involved. Rick took a moment to collect himself before cing aforting hand on Olivia''s shoulder, "We''ll figure this out, Mrs. rke. Emily will get through this." Olivia managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Rick. Really." But Rick grappled with a torrent of questions swirling in his mind since his arrival. He yearned to confront his father about the intricacies of it all, but the words hung in his throat, stifled by an insurmountable barrier. Now, with Olivia present, the opportunity presented itself anew, though he hesitated to burden the already distraught woman. She seemed teetering on the brink of tears from the moment she crossed the threshold. Rick wished desperately for a way to alleviate the weight on her shoulders. Perhaps, he mused, he could shoulder the burden of the mounting bills? "Mrs. rke," he began cautiously, mindful not to sound overly clinical. Carefully, he extracted the towels from her grasp, cing them with deliberate gentleness on a cold metal chair. "How... How did this happen?" The moment the inquiry hung in the air, regret wed at Rick. He could see the floodgates open in Olivia''s eyes, a torrent of tears cascading down her pallid cheeks. She could no longer suppress the anguish that had gripped her, the sobs escaping from her mouth as her hands moved instinctively to shield the raw emotions convulsing through her body. Behind him, sensed his father''s tentative movement behind him, a feeble attempt to offer sce to Olivia. Swiftly, before any intervention could ur, Rick enveloped her in a tight embrace. He could practically hear the hushed gasp escaping her, well aware that his impulsive action was an anomaly in his usualposed demeanor. In the embrace, Olivia''s initial shock dissipated rapidly, giving way to unrestrained emotion. Her sobs resonated with an intensity that mirrored the pain and anguish she harbored. Rick clung to her, a pir of support as she poured out her despair onto his chest, her whispered promises of Emily''s well-being and assurances of a brighter future hung in the air, each wordden with uncertainty. As Rick contemted the profound unfairness of the situation, a frown etched itself onto his lips. He caught his father''s gaze, and the older man''s visage mirrored the shared sorrow that weighed heavily upon them all. After an ufortable silence that lingered a moment too long, his father sighed and excused himself. "I will go check with the doctor, see if there is anything more he has to say." As his father receded into the distance, Rick''s gaze lingered on the departing figure. And his embrace around Olivia tightened, pulling her more towards his chest. * * * * * [A/N: I hope you are enjoying the story.] Chapter 123: Olivia told Rick everything Chapter - 123 Rick''s arms enveloped Olivia like a warm, reassuring nket, providing a sanctuary for her turbulent emotions. He couldn''t help but smile as her sobs gradually transformed into inaudible gasps. The dampness from her tears on his shirt was a small price to pay for the warmth he felt. As the minutes ticked by, Olivia''s tumultuous sea of emotions seemed to calm to a gentle ripple. Reluctantly, Rick released his hold, but aforting hand lingered on her shoulder, a silent promise that he was there for her. Olivia, however, was more interested in inspecting her shoes, as if they held the answers to the universe in their worn soles. "I''m really sorry about that. I didn''t mean to¡­" she mumbled, her words like a hesitant melody, stealing nces at the wet spot on Rick''s shirt. With an easygoing chuckle, Rick reassured her, "No harm done. My shirt is a certified tear sponge. Very absorbent." A hint of a smile yed on Olivia''s lips, and she finally dared a quick peek into Rick''s eyes. "Thanks," she whispered, her gratitude mingling with a shy glimmer of amusement. "It''s okay," Rick said with a twinkle in his eye, giving her shoulder an encouraging squeeze. "Feel better?" Olivia nodded, her gaze still evading his, like a mischievous cat avoiding eye contact after a yful escapade. Just as she mustered the courage to speak, her words were ambushed by an unexpected coughing fit. Rick seeing that quickly reached out and patted Olivia''s back, trying to bring an end to the coughingmotion. "How about I get you some water, hmm?" Rick suggested, swinging open the waiting room door. He could feel Olivia''s gaze burning on his back. When he turned the corner, he glimpsed a spark of hope in her bloodshot eyes, like a flickering candle desperately seeking refuge. In a whirlwind of efficiency, Rick returned within a minute, iming his seat beside Olivia on the trusty metal chairs. He presented her with a paper cup. Olivia took the cup from Rick''s hand and drank the water from it without dy. The cold water finally brought some relief to her hoarse throat. Meanwhile,Rick, now fidgeting with the ends of the metal chair, grappled with the looming question in his mind. Should he broach the topic now or let the air settle a bit more? The curiosity gnawed at him, but he also didn''t want to risk Olivia unraveling again. Just as he decided to postpone the inquiry, Olivia beat him to the punch. "I''m okay, Rick." Her fingers gently pressed into his forearm, a reassuring gesture that seemed to echo through the waiting room. Sensing his hesitation, she nudged him forward with a soft smile. "You can ask what you want to." Rick''s breath escaped in a sigh, a mixture of relief and anticipation swirling in the air. Leaning forward, he fixed her with an intent gaze, one knee hitched up on the chair, ensuring she felt the weight of his undivided attention. "How did it happen?" Rick inquired, his voice measured, the urgency palpable. "What happened to Emily? Tell me theplete story." Olivia, steeling herself, drew in a deep breath, her eyes betraying the storm of emotions beneath the surface. "Last Friday, around mid-night, I received a call. I was asleep at that time. It was someone from the hospital. They told me that Emily was admitted to the hospital. I demanded answers, but they offered only ominous silence. All they insisted was that I rush here. They said it was critical," She paused, as if the mere recollection of what happened a few days back. She put the cup again against her lips and took a long sip, eyes momentarily evading Rick''s probing gaze. She emptied the cup and leaned forward to put the empty cup on the floor beside her leg. Rick, sensing the need for aforting touch, ced his hand gently on her knee, trying to reassure her. "It was all too sudden and my mind went nk," Olivia looked at the ss window of Emily''s ICU in front of her. "Greg," she continued, her voice a delicate bnce of vulnerability and strength, "Was nowhere to be found. I tried reaching him, but I couldn''t get through. And even if I did, I knew it would be pointless. When is he ever sober? My best bet is that the fucker is currently lying face-first in some gutter." Anger shed through her features before simmering down, but it did not gounnoticed by Rick. Olivia''s voice wavered as she continued, the raw edges of her vulnerability exposed. "I didn''t know what to do. I...I wasn''t able to think. So, I called your father. He¡­ He calmed me down a little and told me to meet him at his ce. He''s the one who brought me here." A fragile smile flickered across Olivia''s face, a fleeting expression of gratitude before her eyes betrayed the resurgence of overwhelming emotions. "There was just so much blood, Rick. So, so much," she confessed, her words heavy with the weight of the traumatic scene. "We got here just as they were wheeling her into the operating room. They wouldn''t start without a deposit. And I¡­ I... Oh God, this is so embarrassing." Her hands covered her face, as if shielding herself from the shame of the ordeal. "Mrs. rke, it''s okay," Rick reassured, his grip on her knee offering a grounding presence. "You can take your time." "Thank you, Rick. It''s just¡­ I didn''t have the money on me. When I saw the amount, I almost broke down because I didn''t have that kind of money right away. Maybe if I sell some of my jewelry or mortgage the house or something, then perhaps¡­ And they said we had to pay before they start operating. But..." "But... She had lost a lot of blood, Rick, and she was fighting for every breath. I needed to do something quick. So, when your father offered to pay, I couldn''t say no. And I can''t thank him enough for it. I just¡­ I just need some time to figure out how to make the rest of the payment," Olivia confessed,ying bare the financial dilemma that added anotheryer of stress to the already harrowing situation. "We''ll figure something out about the bills," Rick assured, his tone unwavering. "What about Emily? How is she? Was the operation a sess?" Rick asked. Olivia''s sniffling punctuated the heavy silence that hung in the room. "The doctors said the operation went well, but she''s still not out of danger. It was her head that suffered the most impact, and they haven''t been able to stop the internal bleedingpletely. I don''t know when she''ll wake up. No one knows. These damn doctors aren''t saying anything." Underneath the grief, anger simmered, a potent undercurrent to the prevailing sadness. It mingled with Olivia''s words, a vtile blend of emotions that refused to be contained. Rick absorbed the information, his nod a silent acknowledgment of the gravity of the situation. Yet, there were still uncharted territories in this narrative. "But how did Emily end up in the hospital in the first ce? If you don''t mind me asking." Olivia''s fingers fidgeted with the tissue, a fragile anchor in the storm of her emotions. "We didn''t know at first. After they brought her out from the Operation Theater, the cops came. They asked a couple of questions. Just the basics. When did west see her. Where was she headed. All that. Apparently, she was at some party, and she slipped from the balcony." "The doctors said they found traces of alcohol in her system." Olivia told Rick, her voice distressed. "But something didn''t feel right. Emily doesn''t¡­ She wouldn''t¡­" Olivia''s voice trailed off, a heavy sigh left her mouth. Helplessly, she changed the topic, "I need to figure out a way to pay the rest of the hospital bills. Clearly, that drunk bastard isn''t going to help. Instead, he''ll probably find some way to make our lives even more of a disaster. I swear, I don''t know how we are going to get through it." Rick''s lips curled up in a smile as he witnessed Olivia''s cute outburst for her husband. He could picture her frustration. It almost bordered on cute the way she searched for creative words to insult that man. At least, it diverted her mind from Emily''s critical condition. When Olivia eventually ran out of words, Rick offered aforting pat on her back, breaking the tension. "I''ll go check on my dad. Try and get some rest, yeah?" Rick suggested, his words carrying a gentle reassurance as he left Olivia to her thoughts. Nodding, Olivia reached for her bag, the rustle of its contents echoing in the otherwise silent waiting room. As Rick stepped out, the door closing behind him, the facade of a reassuring smile he had worn for Olivia dissolved into a contemtive frown. His features contorted, reflecting the weight of his thoughts ***** Chapter 124: Father and Son Chapter -124 Rick approached the reception at the hospital and was d the area was empty. The faster he could get this over with, the better. He cleared his throat, garnering the receptionist''s attention. "Hi, I''m Rick. I''m here for Emily rke''s bills," he said. The nurse, acknowledging his presence, engaged with herputer interface, producing the pertinent information. "Indeed, Emily''s medical bills," she affirmed. After a series of keystrokes, she ryed theprehensive sum, articting. "The aggregate amount stands at $43,450. And if you want we have some payment arrangements are at your disposal, also installment options. Additionally, I can assist you in navigating through a potential health insurance coverage if you have any. Would you prefer to explore these alternatives?" Rick, momentarily taken aback, observed the array of brochures adorning the counter. Unperturbed the nurse did not wait for Rick''s reply, the nurse started delving into the details of the diverse ns avable, each tailored to amodate different options for payment. As she delved into the specifics, she retrieved informational brochures and extended them towards Rick. However, sensing a saturation point in the information flow, he intervened by lifting a hand and gently shaking his head, "No need for that. I''ll pay in full," he said, making sure there was no more room for discussion. The nurse, slightly taken aback by the unequivocal response, arched an eyebrow, attuned to the a typicality of such a straightforward decision. "Are you certain? We do acknowledge the substantial nature of the sum, we do offer alternatives to facilitate a more manageable settlement," she ventured, seeking reassurance. "I am sure. I''ll take care of it. I will settle the ount in its entirety," Rick nodded, signaling the conclusion of any further negotiation. The nurse, registered Rick''s decision with a few additional clicks, "Very well, if that is your preference," she acquiesced. As Rick extracted a substantial stack of banknotes from his pocket, he conveyed, "Furthermore, kindly refrain from approaching the patient''s mother for any financial matters. Kindly take note of my contact information; should any financial inquiries arise, pleasemunicate directly with me." In response, the nurse assented with a nod, proffering a sticky note and pen for Rick''s convenience. "Certainly, we will reach out to you if the need arises. Your cooperation is appreciated." With swift efficiency, Rick transcribed his contact number onto the proffered note. Simultaneously, he meticulously counted the currency notes, shifting them between his hands. Without faltering, he reiterated, "Allow me to reiterate, please abstain from involving Emily''s mother, Olivia, in any financial correspondence. Direct all such matters to me." The nurse duly recorded Rick''s contact details in the hospital''s system, assuring him, "Understood. Rest assured, we will apprise you promptly should any further financial obligations emerge." Just as Rick handed the money to the nurse, his father arrived at the reception area, a puzzled expression on his face. "Rick, what brings you to this ce?" His scrutiny shifted to the mary notes being exchanged, prompting him to inquire further, "How have youe by such a substantial sum?" Rick met his father''s gaze. "Saved up from my job," he replied, unwilling to go into further details. His father scrutinised Rick, his eyes searching Rick''s face for any tells. ''Something is fishy. His job isn''t that morous to save up such an amount.'' He raised his eyebrow, a silent sign to Rick that he wanted more information. His father, with a dismissive roll of the eyes, remarked, "You may have forgotten, but you ceased seeking money from me long ago. It seems improbable that you could amass such a sum independently." Now, that irritated Rick. "Dad, I''m not a kid anymore. I know how to make proper financial decisions." Still not convinced, his dad pressed ahead. "That still doesn''t give me a solid answer as to how you got so much money. And that too on hand." "Is it so hard to give me an exnation?" His father asked. Rick decided to give an excuse, "A friend''s father is into stocks. He gave me some tips, and I made some good investments." He shrugged, acting like it was no big deal, and also willed for his father to drop the interrogation. Rick''s father, though finding it hard to believe, didn''t push it further. His son was growing up; perhaps it was time to stop prying into his affairs. ''Rick is big enough. He knows how to stay away from trouble. At least, I hope he does.'' As Rick pocketed the remaining money, he nced at his father. "Anyway, enough about that. How have you been?" he asked, attempting to shift the focus. His father lost in his thoughts, seemed startled by the question. "Oh, I''ve been... good. Managing somehow." Rick didn''t miss the hesitation in his father''s tone. "Good to hear. Now, what did you want to talk about?" He tilted his head in question. Confusion was evident on his father''s face. "What do you mean?" "Dad, you left messages and calls, saying you have something important to discuss. You don''t remember?" A flicker of realisation crossed his father''s face. "Oh, right, right. Ipletely forgot about that, you know, with all that''s happening." Rick said nothing and waited for his father to bring up whatever he wanted to talk about. His father hesitated, not meeting Rick''s gaze. He opened and closed his mouth a few times, unable to form the desired sentences. Rick furrowed his brow. "Is there something on your mind, Dad?" He could see his dad struggling to bring up the topic, but Rick couldn''t understand why. "Yes, the thing is¡­ You see." Again, his dad jumbled his words and mumbled some curses to himself. Rick grew more and more suspicious. Rick, with a slight frown, said. "Take your time, Dad. What''s going on?" The older man sighed. There was a clear burden on his shoulders that Rick was clueless about. "I... I don''t know how to say this," he murmured, his always upright back slouching a little. Rick, now more intrigued than concerned, said, "Just spit it out, Dad. Whatever it is, I''m sure we can handle it." His father nodded, but the words still didn''t seem to work themselves out in his head. Rick waited for a few more seconds, expecting some sort of exnation, but his father didn''t seem to be giving him any answers. "Are you in some sort of trouble?" Rick finally asked when his dad didn''t reply. "Are you having some sort of financial issue?" It didn''t seem like it. Especially considering that he was the one who paid the first deposit. It could also be that it created a dent in his savings. His father quickly shook his head. "No, no. I''m fine. More than fine." Rick wasn''t done guessing. "Debts? Did you borrow from someone you aren''t supposed to?" "No that''s not it..." Rick''s father had a difficult expression on his face. Rick hit his next shot, whispering, "Are you gambling? Did you lose all your money because you don''t knowthe first thing about gambling?" "That''s not it either," His father stopped him and shook his head. Though he was smiling, Rick was sure he saw something akin to regret in his eyes. "No, Rick, nothing like that. It''s just... something¡­ Something else." "You don''t have to face anything alone, Dad. You can tell me, you know. Just because we''re in a hospital doesn''t mean you can let your stress levels control your blood pressure every which way. " His father chuckled softly, and Rick was d he was able to diffuse the lingering tension. "I can assure you, I''m not interested in being the next one on a hospital bed." He sobered up soon enough and with a serious expression said, "I''ll tell youter. Not when Emily is like this, and Olivia is going through so much. It''s not urgent, and I don''t want to add to the stress. We''ll talk when things have calmed down a little." That did nothing to alleviate Rick''s suspicions, but he agreed. "Alright, Dad. But once things settle down, we''re having that talk." His father managed a small, grateful smile. "Deal." As they turned back toward the ICU, Rick couldn''t help but think his father was hiding something big from him, but he agreed with one thing his father had said. Right now, all focus should be directed towards Emily and her fast recovery. The door opened, revealing Olivia lying on the metal chairs, covered by a thin nket. Rick couldn''t take his eyes off of the innocent face resting on a couple of towels as a makeshift pillow. All the worry she held seemed to dissipate as she slept, and Rick was d she was able to get a few moments of peace in this moment of uncertainty. Just as Rick was about to sit beside Olivia''s feet propped on the metal chair, a received a prompt from the system: [ 1. Make sure Olivia''sfortable, take her back to her house. (+10 Temptation) 2. Offer Olivia shoulder. (+5 Temptation) 3.Mind your own business and stay away. (-10 Temptation) ] Chapter 125: Rick making a move? Chapter - 125 Rick''s eyes narrowed as he stared at the pale blue screen in front of him, his lips turning upwards in a smirk. A choice had presented itself, something he was waiting for. It had been a while since he encountered a prompt, and he sighed in relief as he read through the sentences. The system was not dead yet. [ 1. Make sure Olivia''sfortable, take her back to her house. (+10 Temptation) 2. Offer Olivia shoulder. (+5 Temptation) 3. Mind your own business and stay away. (-10 Temptation) ] Rick''s attention shifted to Olivia, who was sprawled out on the cold, metal chairs in the waiting room. His dad sidled up, speaking in a low voice, "Olivia hasn''t set foot at home for days. She has been here, right by Emily''s side, the entire time. She hasn''t changed her clothes or taken a moment for herself." Rick ran a hand through his hair, a worried crease forming on his forehead. "Dad, I''ve noticed. She''s been a rock, but she is pushing herself too hard. She can''t keep at it like this." Dad nodded knowingly, "I have tried telling her, but she is not budging. Thinks she has to be glued to Emily''s side every minute." Rick kept his eyes on Olivia, his concern deepening. "I get it, Dad. Emily means the world to her. But if Olivia crashes and burns, she won''t be any good to Emily. We have got to get her to take a breather, even if it''s just for a little while." Dad sighed in agreement. "I am totally with you, Rick. But getting her to see reason? That''s the tricky part. She has got it in her head that she can''t leave Emily''s side, no matter what." Rick let out a thoughtful hum, the solution ying out like a neon sign in his mind. "Dad, it''s crystal clear. We''ve got to make her see that it''s perfectly fine to take a breather. Emily needs her at full tilt, and that means getting some shut-eye." "Maybe we can help her in this, you know? Take shifts being with Emily so Olivia doesn''t feel like she is ditching her, leaving Emily alone," Rick proposed. Dad nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he processed his son''s idea. "I will talk to her, Dad. We''ve got to make her understand that looking out for herself is as crucial as being Emily''s rock," Rick dered, determination etched on his face. In theory, the idea was golden, but Rick couldn''t shake off the feeling that convincing Olivia might be an uphill battle. And who could me her? It was her daughter hooked up to the machines in the hospital room. But determined, Rick strode over to Olivia, dropping to his knees in front of her. Softly tapping her shoulder, he leaned in, his face inches from hers. The hum of the venttor from the ICU provided a delicate background noise in the waiting room, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Rick''s gaze lingered on Olivia, peacefully asleep on the ufortable, hard metal chairs. After a few taps, Olivia jerked awake with a suddenness that almost resulted in her bumping her head with Rick''s. Confusion and surprise painted her wide-eyed expression as she quickly sat up, scanning the room with a mix of concern and rm, bouncing her gaze between Rick and his father. "Is everything okay? How''s Emily?" Olivia questioned, hastily pushing the thin nket from her shoulders and straightening up. Rick, ever the calm presence, ced aforting hand on Olivia''s shoulder. "Everything''s okay, Olivia. Emily is fine," he reassured, his voice gentle and soothing. The tension in Olivia''s features began to loosen, and a relieved exhale escaped her lips. Yet, the sleep-induced fog still lingered in her eyes, making her appear slightly disoriented. "Emily is really okay, Olivia. Sheis resting now," Rick reiterated, aiming to dispel any lingering worries. "But speaking of rest, there is someone else who needs a bit of downtime right now." Rick''s dad took a big inhale, gearing up with Rick to convince Olivia gently. "Hey, Olivia, seriously, you have been holding yourself in this waiting room for days now. You haven''t even gone home for a quick recharge or a change of clothes. You have gotta take care of yourself too, you know?" Olivia nced at Rick''s dad, her worry all over her face. "I can''t just bail on Emily. What if something goes south when I am not around?" Rick edged a bit closer, his concern matching the worry in his eyes, as he took Olivia''s hands in his, "We totally get it, Olivia. You are Emily''s mother, you care about her the most. But you''re not doing anyone any favors running on fumes. You need a break, even if it is just a short breather." She shook her head, eyes glued to the closed ICU door. "I can''t just rx when she''s in there, fighting for her life." Rick pressed on, "Olivia, we are not saying abandon her. Just a temporary handover. Take a break, catch some sleep, and let us take care of her for a bit. We will be right here, and if anythinges up, you will be the first to know." Rick''s dad let out a sigh, "We see you, Olivia. Emily lucked out with you in her corner. But taking a quick pause doesn''t mean you are cking. It means you''re making sure you can keep rocking it for her in the long haul. We are not going anywhere, and if there is any change in her condition, you will be the first to know." Olivia hesitated for a beat, eyeing Rick as if she could see right through his words. But Rick, wasn''t giving up. "Come on, Olivia, you are not alone in this. We are here to back both of you,''" he said, a serious glint in his eyes. "Standing with you, does not mean just for the sake of saying it. It means looking out for each other too. I promise, nothing is going to happen to Emily on our watch. And you will be back by her side before you know it." Olivia, however, wasn''t buying it. Her shoulders were doing a slow, ufortable creep up to her ears. "Rick, seriously, it is not that simple. Anything can happen, and Emily needs me glued to her side right now. I appreciate the offer, but I can''t leave her side." Rick sighed, throwing in a nod for good measure. "Like seriously, we are not banishing you to thend of no return, Olivia. Just a quick breather, you know? Shower, have a warm meal, take a small nap. It will be like hitting the reset button, I swear." As if on cue, a ping echoed in Rick''s head, and Rick''s eyes darted to the blue screen once more. The system, had given him two options as well. [ Assure Olivia of the hospital staff''s capability. Downy the urgency for her presence. Help her understand that taking care of herself is vital for Emily''s recovery. (Temptation +5) There is always Reverse psychology. Tell Olivia that she can do whatever she wants to. They are no one to tell her anything. She is a strong, independent woman. She can even look like a mess in front of Emily when she wakes up. (Temptation +10, Ero Points: 5,000) ] "Olivia, I understand," Rick began, as he sighed, "You are a strong woman with independent thoughts. We are no one to tell you what you should or should not do. You can even be a mess in front of your daughter. Not like we care." And it struck a bone. Olivia looked torn, the struggle evident in her eyes. Rick''s words have left her trembling. After a brief hesitation, she nodded reluctantly, agreeing to take a short break. As the decision settled, Olivia turned to Rick''s father, a weariness present on her face. "Can you take me home, John? I just need a change of clothes, and I will be back soon." Before his father could respond, Rick interjected, "Olivia, I will take you home. It''s not a problem." He turned to his father. "Dad, do you have any issues staying at the hospital for a bit longer?" Rick''s father appeared a bit confused by the unexpected offer but agreed. "I can stay. You take care of Olivia." With a nod of gratitude, Rick turned his attention back to Olivia. Without wasting a second, he gently helped her to her feet, providing the support she needed. As Olivia gathered her belongings, Rick helped her carry her bags and guided her to the door. "I will be back soon, Dad," Rick reassured his father. Olivia followed him as they left the waiting room. As they made their way out of the hospital, Rick kept aforting arm around Olivia''s shoulders, guiding her through the corridors. She turned to him, a genuine appreciation in her tired eyes. "Thank you, Rick. I don''t know what I would have done without you." * * * * * Chapter 126: Rick and Olivia together Chapter - 126 The chilly night air wrapped around Rick and Olivia like a familiar hug as they stepped out of the hospital. Olivia let out a little shiver, hugging herself and rubbing her arms over her clothes in an attempt to ward off the cold. Rick felt her walking behind him and stopped so she could catch up. She looked around, her head darting this way and that. When she spoke, her eyes didn''t meet Rick''s. "Maybe we should take a bus. It''s a long ride, about five hours, but we could reach home by midnight." She nodded to herself, and then, in a voice so low she might as well be speaking to herself, she said, "Plus, it might be cheaper." Rick said nothing about thetter, his focus more on her shivering body. A warm smile curved on his lips. Unexpectedly, he put his arm around her, side-hugging her, pulling her closer. Olivia was taken aback for a moment, a soft pink taking over her cheeks appearing on her cheeks. Her blush redder the more she felt Rick''s warmth spreading over her. She looked up at Rick, but he stared straight ahead, leading her with a confident stride. Following him without protest, Olivia stole asional nces at Rick. She felt her body trembling, a tingling sensation in her chest. In theforting embrace of Rick, Olivia discovered an unspoken warmth that enveloped her, a subtle yet undeniable sensation that she relished without putting it into words. The unexpected closeness between them became evident as she nestled closer under his protective arm, her head finding a natural spot beneath his chin. The realization of their surroundings dawned upon Olivia only when they came to a halt, prompting her to cast a puzzled gaze around. It was then that she noticed they were situated in a parking lot. Perplexed, she turned to Rick and inquired,"Rick, what are we doing here?" Rick didn''t say much; instead, he gently guided Olivia towards a sleek Range Rover in front of them. "Is this your car?" Olivia asked, looking reluctant as she hesitated and nced back at Rick. But Rick, maintaining his characteristic silence, wordlessly opened the door and gently ushered Olivia into the plush interior of the Range Rover. However, Olivia, caught off guard, instinctively resisted the subtle nudge. She turned her neck inquisitively towards Rick, seeking an exnation, but he remained focused on his actions, providing no verbal reassurance. Closing it behind her, he walked around to the other side entering the driver''s seat. Olivia''s confusion only grew the longer the silence continued, and when he started the engine, she couldn''t contain the barrage of questions from spilling. Their families had known each other for years, and both had grown up in an environment where luxury cars were a rarity. Olivia couldn''t help but express her surprise. "Rick, when did your family start affording such a big, luxury car?" Rick remained silent, focused on the road as he drove away from the hospital. Olivia''s questions filled the car, but Rick seemed to be intentionally avoiding the topic. Instead, he nced at her with a mysterious smile. The city lights danced on the car''s windows as they cruised through the night. Olivia, still curious, asked, "Rick, seriously, what''s going on? Why this car?" He finally chuckled, breaking his silence. "It''s just a little upgrade. Got this recently." Olivia''s eyes widened in surprise. "Upgrade? This is more than an upgrade, Rick. This is like a leap into a different league. What happened?" "I remember your father bought one of those electric bikes for you when you got into college," Olivia said, "So how did you..." Olivia did notplete her words, but it was more than enough to imply what she meant. Rick sighed, dramatically, "Why do you women have so many questions to ask? Can''t you all just enjoy instead of nitpicking the small details?" Olivia however was not satisfied with his beating around the bush, but decided to drop it for the moment. It was clear Rick wasn''t in the mood to give any answers. She instead said, "Well, congrattions on the new car." Rick grinned, acknowledging the well wishes. "Thanks. And thank you for gracing it with your presence." He nced at her and gave her a slow wink, all the while a confident grin filling his lips. As the sleek Range Rover smoothly departed from the bustling city lights, a gentle lull settled within the confines of the car. Olivia, feeling a sense of restlessness, began to fidget in her seat, absently wringing her fingers in various patterns. All though she wanted to, but she still could not wrap her head around the whole Range Rover. It was just too big and expensive for that. That kept making her steal nces when he was not looking. Even now, as his eyes stayed glued on the road in front of them, she couldn''t help but turn to her left and stare at him. At his fingers on the steering wheel, at thezy elbow he rested on the armrest. Restlessness consumed her, and she needed a distraction. Before she could stop herself, the question spilled from her lips, "Okay, tell me the truth, did you win the lottery or something?" Rick, responding with a chuckle, turned towards her, a teasing smirk ying on his lips. "Or something. What do you mean, Mrs. rke?" he retorted in a tone that carried a hint of taunt and sarcasm. So instead of Olivia, he called her Mrs rke. Olivia eagerly anticipated an exnation from him, but he remained tight-lipped, offering no further details. "Or something," she mocked, her curiosity growing. "Are you mixed up with the mafia now or what? It''s all so vague." "Come on, Mrs. rke," Rick responded with an exaggerated ir, a smirk ying on his lips. "Can''t a man keep his secrets?" Olivia wrinkled her nose in disbelief, gazing out the window. "Man? Secrets?" she muttered under her breath. "You''re just a kid in front of me," Olivia teased, studying Rick''s confident expression. "Believe it or not, I could still twist your ear, and you would spill everything like a parrot in no time." Hearing Olivia''s jest, Rick couldn''t help but want tough. She did have a certain hold over him, even now. Yet, times had changed. He was no longer the six-year-old kid who sumbed easily. With a swift and deliberate move, he turned towards Olivia, casually cing his arm behind her and leaning forward. His face hovered close to Olivia''s, and he locked eyes with her, a mischievous glint in his gaze that caught her off guard. "I am not the innocent little kid you remember anymore," Rick spoke slowly, his voice husky, setting Olivia''s heart racing. "Ehh..." Olivia''s heart quickened as Rick''s unexpected move caught her off guard, prompting her to instinctively attempt to retreat. Rick''s smile widened as he observed her reaction, and it made Olivia feel like burying her head in the ground like an ostrich. What was with her response? She scolded herself mentally, trying to make sense of the sudden flutter in her chest. "You... Look at the road ahead. We... We might get into an ident," Olivia weakly mumbled, deliberately avoiding locking eyes with Rick. "As you say, Mrs. rke," Rick grinned, leaning back and refraining from further teasing. Once Rick shifted back, Olivia straightened in her seat, falling silent. Rick''s enigmatic demeanor had doused her curiosity like a bucket of cold water, leaving her pondering the unspoken words between them. Rick observed the waning spark of enthusiasm in Olivia''s eyes from the corner of his own. He didn''t want her to retreat into thebyrinth of her thoughts again, but the challenge was finding a topic that wouldn''t tread on sensitive ground. He had nothing pleasant to talk about. If he talked about Emily, it was going to be a heartbreak. And if he talked about her douche-bag husband... No... He could not talk about that either. No, that was an absolute no-go zone, a minefield ready to explode. Frustration bubbled within him. And what the fuck was wrong with the system? Why was it not giving any help to him? Seriously, the system can be a bit frustrating at times. "Um... Mrs rke..." After much thought, Rick decided to speak. He was sure if he could manage to speak anything at all, the conversation can easily flow between them. But to his surprise, when he turned toward her, he discovered that she had sumbed to the gentle embrace of sleep. Her lips formed a delicate ''o,'' and the sporadic traffic lights cast a soft, ethereal glow on her face. A surge of affection swelled in his chest as he gently reached over to tuck a stray strand of hair away from Olivia''s face. Her cheek twitched ever so slightly at his inadvertent touch, and a contented sigh escaped her parted lips. He couldn''t help but steal nces at the captivating woman with the striking pink hair beside him. * * * * * Chapter 127: Rick and Olivia [1] (18+) Chapter - 127 Olivia continued to sleep the entire way home, not making a sound. The soft hum of the engine and the gentle sway of the car probablyforted her. Rick stole nces at her as he drove, under the moonlight, she seemed so soft. So innocent. Her features, usually etched with worry, now seemed peaceful in the quiet of the night. As they reached Olivia''s house, Rick parked the car and turned off the engine. He didn''t immediately wake Olivia. She barely got any rest as it was; she needed to sleep, and they had enough time on their hands. He took a moment to watch her. Hershes fluttered against her cheekbones as she mumbled something in her sleep. After a while, Rick shifted his attention to his phone. He had still not told Amanda that he was back. So he quickly pulled out Amanda''s contact and typed a quick message letting her know that he was in the city. [Hey] [How have you beendy? Miss me?] [Just letting you know I am back in the city. But there has been a family emergency so won''t be able to meet today.] [Call you tomorrow.] And just like that, Rick quickly sent a few messages to Amanda. Just as Rick pressed send, he sensed movement beside him. Olivia stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Rick quickly pocketed his phone and turned toward her with a warm smile. "Hello there, Mrs. rke," he said, the corners of his lips lifting. "Sleep well?" Olivia blinked, momentarily disoriented. She looked around, realizing they were parked in front of her house, and then panicked. "Oh, God! Did I sleep the entire way?" Rick nodded, his gaze holding a mixture of concern and care. "Yeah, I didn''t want to disturb you." Rick didn''t know what to expect, but he sure did not expect to see pure panic in Olivia''s eyes. She ducked her head, tucking her chin in, as her cheeks turned into an adorable shade of pink. "Thank you so much, Rick. And I''m so so sorry¡­ You offered to drive me, and instead of keeping youpany, I fell asleep like an idiot." "Hey, it''s okay." He reached over and held her chin delicately between his fingers, forcing her to look at him. "Besides, I don''t mind the quiet." Lie. He hated driving when it was too quiet. He could never quite tell when he would just doze off behind the wheel. Noise kept him awake. But he didn''t mind the quiet when he was around Olivia. Those stolen nces at her sleeping figure gave him the energy to keep driving. Noticing how close their faces were, Rick cleared his throat and reached into the backseat, retrieving a cup holder with a steaming cup of coffee. "I got you some coffee. Figured you might need a pick-me-up after everything." "Coffee? But we should get in first," Olivia''s eyes widened in surprise, and leaned back away from Rick. "Just rx. Warm yourself up a bit first," Rick pushed the coffee in Olivia''s hand. Giving her the coffee, Rick leaned back in his seat, watching as Olivia cautiously took a sip. A slow hum left her lips as she gulped down the coffee. They sat infortable silence, with Olivia taking slow sips of her coffee and Rick tantly staring at her, unable to hide his adoration. She didn''t really notice how his gaze was stuck on her. With her eyebrows furrowed, she just kept staring ahead, here but not really here. Rick could imagine the storm brewing behind her eyes. Her daughter in the hospital, the cops clueless, her husband drunk and delirious, finances all up in the air, and who knew what else. The least Rick could do was get her a cup of coffee, provide her with some quiet and keep herpany. All too soon, Olivia jerked in her seat as if remembering something, and reached for the door handle. "We should go in. I''ve already taken so much of your time. I''ll just grab a few things and be right¡ª" Rick gently ced a hand on her arm, halting her movement. "Rx. Take your time. Finish your coffee first." Olivia hesitated, ncing between Rick and the cup in her hands. "I don''t want to waste more of your time. Also Emily¡­" Rick''s grip on her arm loosened, and he nodded understandingly. "I understand, Mrs rke. I do. But before you rush off, let''s just take a breather. Yeah? I know it''s been a tough night, and sometimes just sitting around doing nothing really helps." Olivia wasn''t convinced, but the more Rick held her stare, the faster she crumbled and settled back into her seat. [ 1. Let Olivia leave. Her heart is restless. (Temptation -5) 2. Put your hand slowly on her thighs. Send butterflies through her chest (Temptation +15) ] She gave Rick a small, timid smile, and in return, he shed her a bright grin. He rested his hand on her knee, keeping a careful watch on her expression. Olivia gasped softly but made no move to push him away. Her skin was so warm, and Rick couldn''t help but rub circles onto her bare skin with his thumb. Then, there was that satisfied hum again as she took another shaky sip of her coffee. Rick threw all caution out of the window and allowed his hand to move higher, bunching up the hem of her dress till his hand rested on her mid-thigh. He could feel her breathing turn faster, and that just encouraged him to squeeze, relishing the soft skin beneath his fingertips. He caressed her thigh, goosebumps raised below his touch, and his fingers slid inward to cup her inner thigh, the warmth emanating from her too addicting not to indulge in. Olivia''s palm covered Rick''s suddenly, and Rick''s entire body froze. He was just about to stop and apologize profusely for getting so carried away, when he noticed that Olivia did press pause, but she didn''t push him away. When she spoke, her voice was thick with uncertainty, but she pushed through, "Rick, you and your dad¡­ You don''t know how much you''ve given me. There''s probably no way I can ever thank you." Her fingers threaded with Rick''s from behind, and she pressed her legs together, trapping his hand. With his free hand, Rick tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear and said, "You''re family, and it''s our duty to help family." Olivia''s lips fell into a graceful smile before she turned front, staring at her house. She heaved in a huge breath through her nose and let out a shaky exhale. She turned to Rick once more. "Come with me?" How could he ever say no? "Of course." The two of them got out of the car and walked side by side on the pathway leading to the front door. Rick itched to take Olivia''s hand in his, desperately wanting some of that warmth back, but he knew maintaining a bit of distance was appropriate. For now, at least. As Olivia and Rick stepped into the house, a strong sour smell engulfed them from all sides. The front door was ajar, and the flickering light from a lone bulb barely illuminated the room. The air was heavy with the pungent odour of alcohol, and in the centre of the chaos sat a bald man, Olivia''s husband, drowning himself in booze plopped on the dis-coloured couch. Greg''s eyes, zed and barely coherent, shifted from the ring television to Olivia and Rick. The lines on his forehead deepened as he tried to focus on their faces. Olivia''s usually soft features contorted into a heated re at her husband. "Greg, we need to talk," Olivia''s voice trembled with anger and annoyance. She approached the table, and Rick was half sure she would break a beer bottle on his head. Greg''s response was a slurred mumble, and it wasn''t until Rick neared him that he understood what he was saying. "Get me some ice first." His gaze pointed usingly at Rick, who stood with his hands twitching, desperately wanting to punch a hole through his bald head, "And why is this kid here?" Olivia''s eyes welled with frustration, but her voice was firm when she said, "Greg. Our daughter is in the hospital. The hospital! Do you even know that? Huh? Do you! All you do is drink all day and then pass out. Rick and his father helped me. Show some respect." Greg''sughed, bitter and tinged with resentment. "Helped? Yeah, right. I see how his father looks at you. Always hovering around, pretending to care." Rick, though tempted to respond¡ªmostly with his fists¡ªchose to remain silent. Olivia, her patience waning, shot back, "This is not the time for your drunk delusions. I''m already stressed about Emily. I don''t need you adding to it." Greg''s tone grew louder, each word dripping with venom. "Always Emily, always some excuse. I know what''s going on. Fuck! Get me the fucking ice you bitch." Olivia''s frustration reached a breaking point. "Are you fucking serious? Do you have any sense left in you? If you did, then you would sober up and meet me at the hospital. And if you can''t, then stay out of my fucking way." Greg stood up and bellowed, "You think I''m the problem? Everything I do, I do for this family But you?." He pointed a shaking finger at Olivia. "You onlyin,in,in. Ungrateful witch." Olivia threw her hands up. "For heaven''s sake, please. Please, tell me what you did for this family. You lost your job thanks to your drinking. You almost gambled away the roof over our heads. And whatever little I earn, you steal it and blow it away on more drugs and drinks." Greg squinted, trying to focus on Olivia. "A man needs his time. What would you know?" Then, his unfocused re turned to Rick. "What are you standing there for? Go, get me some ice." Rick blew a silent breath, reigning in his temper. This wasn''t his fight to partake in. Olivia sighed, and all the anger seemed to dete in her. This was an everyday instance, and on this particr day, she didn''t really have the energy to continue this back and forth. She turned and was headed toward the staircase when Greg called out for her. "Bitch! Where you going?" She ignored him and continued. "Come back here." When she still didn''t give him the time of day, he roared and stood up. But he lost his bnce and his knee hit the table. With nothing to grab onto, Greg''s arms iled before he fell to the ground. Olivia gasped and stared in horror at her unmoving husband on the floor. She rushed to where Greg was. She was about to bend and reach for him when the sound of harsh snores filled the room. Seeing his pathetic state sprawled on the carpet, Olivia scoffed before turning to Rick. Rick rubbed slow circles on Olivia''s lower back and spoke softly, "I''m sorry you have to go through this." Olivia turned her body to face Rick''s, her eyes locked on Rick''s hooded ones. She nodded. "It is what it is. I''m sorry you had to see all that." [ Kiss Olivia right there and let her know what you want. (Temptation +25) Ignore all your feelings and proceed with just friendliness (Temptation -10) ] Rick didn''t need even a moment to contemte what his choice would be. His eyes drifted to her plush lips. How soft would they be? How desperate would they feel when his lips would press against them? Without thinking, he grabbed Olivia''s full, luscious hips and pulled her to him. She gasped, and her hands rested on his chest, bracing herself. His lips dropped to hers, and barely grazed them¡­ Rick probably should''ve thought this through. He should''ve used his head that was atop his neck to think for once. Olivia pushed him away and looked at him with what could be described as barely contained disgust. "What on Earth is wrong with you, Rick?" she yelled. [ 1. Apologize and pull back (Temptation -50) 2. Tempt Olivia that it was just a one-night thing (Temptation +15) ] Rick should''ve taken this opportunity to apologize and told her all the stress was making him lose his wits. But wouldn''t that be lying? He was done lying and walking on eggshells around her. She felt the same. He was sure of it. That reaction she had to him in the car was proof. "Why are you fighting this?" he said calmly. "Are you serious?" she scoffed. "I have watched you grow up. I looked after you when you were a toddler. Fuck. I can''t believe this is happening." She moved away from him to pace in the living room, her fingersing up to massage her temples. He went after her and blocked her path, forcing her to face him. "Forget about all of that. Forget about all our shared past. Forget about the rest of the world. Right now, think about me as some man you just met. Would you allow me then?" "Jesus, Rick!" She pushed his chest to get him to move, but he caught a hold of her wrists. "Let me go! Let me¡ª" "Tell me you don''t want this," he whispered, inching his face closer to hers. "Tell me if I were just another man, you wouldn''t want me." "It doesn''t matter." She stopped fighting against his hold and just stood still, meeting his imploring gaze. "Because you are not another man, and I can''t look past this." "It''s just one night, Mrs rke." They were so close now that when she exhaled, her breath fanned his mouth. "No one has to know. No one. I promise." Her resolve seemed to crack. Rick could see the walls slowly crumbling, so he prodded more. "I can make you feel so good, Mrs rke," he spoke directly into her ear, lips touching her earlobe, "I can make you feel things you''ve never felt before. I can make you forget. Just one night. It will only be between the two of us." Olivia sucked in a sharp breath and pushed Rick back so that she could face him. He saw the indecisiveness clouding her head, ''One night?'' she thought firmly, her handsing up to rest on his chest. Rick''s lips fell into a smile. "One night," he repeated. * * * * * Chapter 128: Rick and Olivia [2] (18+) Chapter - 128 Rick''s tongue darted out and grazed Olivia''s lower lip. He shivered at how sweet she tasted, and he knew he wouldn''t be able to hold back. Not anymore. Olivia''s fists unclenched, and her nimble fingers reached upward for his face. Her soft palms caressed his jaw, while Rick''s hands wandered further below, taking two handfuls of her ass in each palm. When she moaned, Rick took his chance and plunged his tongue deep into her mouth, relishing how submissive Olivia turned out to be. She let him fuck her mouth with his tongue with no qualms, and with thescivious moansing out from her, Rick knew he wasn''t about to be disappointed with what was about to follow. As their tongues moulded together, Rick''s fingers had a mind of their own as they slowly drew the hem of Olivia''s dress up until it bunched up around her waist. Rick let out a silent grunt as he massaged the plush skin of her ass. So fucking perfect. So fucking delectable. Olivia softly sucked on Rick''s tongue, her hands still cupping Rick''s cheeks as her hips ground into his own. Slowly she drew back, a string of saliva joining their lips. Hershes fluttered as she looked down, her handsing back to rest on his chest. Rick''s grip on her didn''t rx one bit, instead he mped down on her round bum, and pushed his hardening length toward her stomach. She had to know how hard she made him. "Rick," she whispered. "We can''t. It''s not¡­ It''s not¡ª" Her words ended in a moan when Rick''s lips trailed from her mouth to her neck, slightly biting the juncture between her neck and shoulder. "Your mouth and body are saying two different things, Mrs rke," he murmured against her sweet skin. She tipped her head back, giving more ess for Rick to do as he pleased. "B-But¡­ Greg?" Rick pulled back suddenly, and Olivia stumbled forward. He red at Olivia''s red tinted face. "Do not take his name," he growled. "You understand me? He does not know how to fucking take care of a woman." Rick turned to point his seething eyes at the unconscious man on the carpet when a devilish smirk appeared on his face. "But he will learn." [ 1. Let go of Olivia. (Temptation -50) 2. Undress Olivia (Temptation +5) ] He grabbed Olivia with rough hands and yanked the dress over her head, leaving her shivering in nothing but a ck bra and matching panties that fit her in all the right ways. She covered her chest with her arms. Her head whipped to Greg''s unconscious body and then back to Rick. "This is a bad bad idea, Rick. It''s still not toote." Rick resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He understood her situation. He really did, which was why he knew this one night would be a wee reprieve to all those nights battling the uncertainty. He could make her feel so good. Why couldn''t she understand that simple fact? Ding! [ Target Information. Name- Olivia rke Age - 43 years Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 (Soaking Wet Pussy) Romance Radar - 00/10 Body Count - 1 Sexual Preferences - Has only had sex with her husband. Never been satisfied with her sex, but there has been no preference. Kinks - Has once watched hardcore sex, and it has been on her mind. Feelings - She is exhausted both physically and mentally because of her husband and Emily''s situation. She is vulnerable at the moment. ] The information appeared in front of Rick. But he was too caught up in the moment to actually care about what was written on the pale screen in front of his eyes. He dropped the dress on the floor and took a step towards her. She took a step back. And Rick froze in his spot. Great. Now, she made him feel like a predator. He needed another approach. "How long has it been, Mrs rke?" He folded his arms across his chest. "What?" she asked. "How long has it been since thest time you had sex?" Her mouth fell open at his question. "I¡ªI¡ªWha-What? How could you ask that?" "That long, huh?" Rick smirked. "No wonder you''ve seemed to have forgotten how good it feels. The euphoria at the end of that well-earned release." He stepped closer, and she didn''t step back. "The little pinpricks of pleasure mixed with pain dancing over your skin that makes you forget everything. Even your own name." "My name?" Olivia breathed in a daze as Rick towered over her, grabbing onto her waist with gentle hands. "It makes you feel alive. There''s a reason the French call it a little death. It''ll feel like you''ve taken a trip to heaven and back." He slid a finger under her panties to rub at her clit and Rick could feel how dripping wet she was. And to think she really was going to resist Rick and his charms. Rick''s hands then went up to pull her bra down to reveal plump, round breasts that spilt from the fabric. Silky, smooth skin gave way to pink, hard nipples that just begged for attention. And attention he would give. Rick didn''t waste any time to get his mouth acquainted with the hard nub as Olivia moaned long and deep, her fingers holding on to Rick''s face. Rick sucked hard on her nipple, tugging the bud with his teeth and then soothing over with his tongue. His hand kneaded the other one, pinching and pulling, drawing out all kinds of sounds from the pink-haired woman. When her nipple was sensitive, red, littered with hickeys from his lips and dripping with his saliva, he moved on to the other one to dole out the same treatment. All the while, Olivia squirmed beneath his touch, fingers tugging at the hair on his nape. Rick had pulled the bra straps and had pushed it down so that it was bunched up right underneath her breasts, pushing them up and making them look even more swollen. Satisfied with the way her breasts were effectively marked and defiled, Rick then guided her toy down on the table. He kneeled in front of her and spread his rough palms over her smooth belly and sides, over her thighs, and under her knees. He spread her legs wide open and settled between them, sitting back on his ankles to view the perfect scene in front of him. Her entire body was flushed red, and she hid her face in her shoulder, her chest rising and falling in fast intervals. Rick pulled apart the triangr fabric between her thighs to reveal her little pussy. With his index finger, he pressed directly onto her clit, and Olivia''s back arched on the table. His finger slid down and pushed past her slippery folds. She was so wet, his finger was drenched within seconds. "So wet, huh, Mrs rke?" Rick speared his finger in and out, adding another digit and continuing the movement till Olivia was a writhing mess. "Your husband is right beside and look at you spread open for another man. Such a naughty little thing." He spread butterfly kisses all over her inner thighs. "But only for me. Right, baby?" Rick was half sure, this was the moment she was going to p him. Whack him with all her might thanks to his filthy mouth, and stubborn persistence. A deep rumble emanated from Rick''s chest and he removed his fingers, threw her legs over his shoulders, and dived face first into that tight cunt. His tongue pressed on her clit while two fingers again pushed inside, curling them towards him. Both of Olivia''s hands were in Rick''s hair, tugging them as her toes curled beside his head. Rick could tell Olivia was close, her entire body shuddered beneath him with eachnguid lick. Her breath came out in ragged gasps until the dam broke and she spilled into an abyss, a bright expanse of spasms and waves that swept over her until her body weakened and her cries became groans. Her body became limp in his arms. Pliant and satisfied. But Rick wasn''t done with her. Oh no, he wasn''t even close. He crawled up, over her body and his palms began kneading her thick breasts again. His mouth hovered over Olivia''s, tongue casually dipping inside to give her a taste of herself. There was an erotic feel to how she waspletely naked and at his mercy while he was yet to shed a singleyer of clothing. The powertrip was almost mind consuming. Rick unbuckled his belt and unzipped his jeans, pushing his jeans and boxers to his knees. His steel-hard erection brushed against Olivia''s inner thigh, and she let out a silent mewl. He guided her hand to his cock, and with slow movements she glided up and down his length. "Feel that, Mrs rke," he said over her mouth. "Feel how hard it is? All that is because of you and your sexy body." Olivia hummed, her eyes fluttering closed. She could not reply anything to him. His hands wed at her breasts, hard enough for her eyes to fly open. Rick''s hand ovepped Olivia and he dragged his length up and down, teasing her. Moans again flew from her mouth in wanton desire. She pawed at his ass, trying to pull him closer, but she forgot that the one in control here was not Olivia. It was Rick. He smirked, staring at her withscvious eyes. "Want me to fuck you nice and deep, Mrs rke?" "Ummm..." Olivia moaned, words not getting out of her throat. "Say it, baby." "Don''t, Rick. Please." Olivia barely managed to say. "Please what?" He growled and positioned himself. "It is still not toote. Rick, let..." Olivia still had a somewhat clear mind and wanted to resist but Rick took her by surprise. With one smooth thrust, Rick barelled inside Olivia and gasped at the tight suction all around him. So much heat, and such a tight fit. Heat bubbled beneath his belly button, dragging long, rabid groans from his chest. Olivia whined and writhed at the fullness consuming her while Rick focused on noting right there and then and ending all this build up in a matter of seconds. Olivia wrapped her legs around Rick in an impulse and Rick''s face inched upwards to catch Olivia''s lips in a heated kiss. All too soon Rick was moving, thrusting in and out of Olivia''s tight cunt. Olivia ground her hips against him, meeting him thrust for thrust. A garbled mess of moans dripped from both of them, warming the air between them. Rick pulled back to stare at the woman beneath him. Her pink hair stuck to her nape with sweat, her breasts bounced with each hardened push Rick gave, her lips were parted in one long, ecstatic moan. Heaven had never felt this sweet. The table where Greg was drinking not too long ago was now rocking with their violent movements, and Rick wondered whether it was only a matter of time before it gave out. He didn''t have to contemte on it much as Olivia pulled him to her chest, and Rick''s gaze drifted for a millisecond to the side where Gregy. Rick watched his face twitch, and he let out a soft groan that interrupted the snores. Following Rick''s gaze, Olivia too turned to the side and she gasped when she saw Greg bringing one hand up to cover a ear. "Rick," she gasped which turned into a moan when Rick hit her spot the right way. "S-Stop. We¡­ We should stop." Again, her mouth and body said different things. Rather than forcing Rick to stop, she arched her back and forced Rick to go deeper. The tendons in her neck stretched as she looked at her husband once more and came apart on Rick''s cock. Watching her unbridled pleasure, nothing stopped Rick froming right after. Colours floated behind his eyelids, as his hands touched Olivia everywhere he could. He fell on top of her, trapping her beneath him with his bodyweight. The both of them panted as they came down from their highs, and Olivia held Rick''s jaw, molding their mouths for one more sweet kiss. ****** Chapter 129: Rick and Olivia [3] (18+) Chapter - 129 Once the primal cravings had been satisfied, Rick and Olivia found themselves in a more rxed state, delving into the delightful journey of discovering each other''s bodies. Making their way to the cozy master bedroom upstairs, they took turns in bringing pleasure to one another. In the tranquil atmosphere of the room, the subtle exchange of nces and tender touches spoke volumes. Their exploration was not rushed, but rather a leisurely dance, guided by the rhythm of their shared intimacy. Right now, Rick was on the bed, back straight, while Olivia knelt on the floor between his parted legs with his cock in her hands. Her hands stroked his length as it stiffened and grew in her palm. The harder Rick got, the bigger he got, and Olivia looked at him as though he were fucking mesmerizing, Her face moved in, dropping in hisp to lick around the curve of his fat head, and Rick witnessed her eyes roll to the back of her head. She was enjoying this almost as much as he was. She opened her mouth wide and sucked on just the tip, and then spread soft, sweet kisses on the rest of his length. Then again, she would open her mouth wide and suck him just a bit deeper this time before repeating the whole process once more. Rick prided himself for his patience and will to stay absolutely in control in certain scenarios, but this woman right here was driving him crazy. Driving him crazy with pleasure. He wasn''t sure how long it would take for his patience, which was already dangling by a thread, to snap. Olivia''sshes fluttered nervously as she looked up at him, big eyes screaming of innocence and Rick felt something unleash in him. He grabbed her hair and pushed down, effectively sinking her mouth into his smooth, now rock-hard dick. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her mouth was open so far wide to amodate him. The scene looked so wrong yet so right. Rick felt like he was defiling something sacred. Her eyes found his, and Rick''s jaw was locked so tight his teeth could snap at any moment. He pressed down on her, the head of his cock just touching the back of her throat as he relished the tears streaming down her cheeks and the saliva that dripped down the sides of her mouth. Just a second more, and he released her. She shot back up, coughing and sputtering, catching her breath, but that was only for a moment before she dove back in. Running her warm tongue along the underside of his erection, she bobbed down and let him touch the back of her throat. An audible groan left Rick, and that fuelled Olivia to push deeper, forcing the gag reflex out of her mind and letting the tip push even further back. "God¡­ Fuck," Rick croaked, his fingers gripping Olivia''s hair. Sliding her hands up Rick''s thighs, she held them open and used her excess spit as lube to work her mouth up and down. The sounds they were making were obscene, and it drove Rick fucking wild. Olivia mewled on his cock and throated as best as she could, sucking around his girth. Rick''s wide chest fluttered, and heavy pants spilt from him as he closed his eyes and tipped his head back. Olivia moaned around his dick once more, sucking hard and reaching for his balls. She squeezed them hard and just enough for Rick to lose all semnce of control. Rick was pretty sure he looked lust drunk at that moment, with his bottom lip chewed raw, eyelids drooping low, and his heart pumping wildly behind his chest. For all the aloofness and innocent act Olivia held up on the outside, the woman sure knew her way around a cock in the bedroom. When every muscle in his body coiled up, and Rick knew he was close, he pulled her mouth off his cock and yanked her by the arms in hisp. With one smooth thrust, he glided into her wet, weing cunt, already dripping with his seed. Olivia threw her head back and worked her hips, rotating and grinding them as she worked hard to reach an orgasm of her own. She was lost in the feeling of pleasure down her pussy. The resistance and shyness she showed earlier was all gone now. She just wanted to let it all out. Rick couldn''t help but stare at her in amazement. The lonemp that flickered light in the small bedroom seemed to entuate all the hickeys and bite marks Rick had left on her smooth neck and breasts. His hands went to her ass, kneading and massaging them, marvelling at how his big hands could grab such handfuls of her thick globes. Smack! His hand pped against one ass cheek and Olivia fell forward, moaning and gasping through her breaths. Another. And her arms flew to his shoulders, her face hidden in the crook of his neck. She likes this, Rick thought, kneading the abused flesh some more. "Well, well, well, Mrs rke. Aren''t you quite the naughty, wanton slut in the bedroom." Olivia just moaned in response, her mouthtching onto Rick''s skin as he pped her ass some more. Smacking it and then kneading it to relieve the pain before smacking it again. He was sure his hands would''ve left dark red prints on the silky smooth flesh and oh how he was tempted to see it. But first, he had a job to do. Rick pushed his hips upwards, scratching at Olivia''s G-spot with his dick. Olivia''s entire body shuddered as she started to move on his cock, lifting and dropping her hips in quick session. Her breasts bounced with her movements, and Rick''s mouth watered seeing those beautiful mounds. He took one nipple into his mouth and sucked hard on the already abused bud, bringing out even more moans from Olivia. Her hands on his nape kept him firmly stered to her chest while she continued to bounce on his cock. Rick was close, the heat in his stomach turned into a zing inferno and all his muscles coiled up. He bit down on Olivia''s breast and came inside her with a quiet groan. She continued to move above, milking out every single drop from him till she couldn''t anymore. Olivia''s hands came to Rick''s cheeks and she guided her lips to his, moaning as Rick''s tongue invaded every inch of her mouth. Taking this momentary distraction, Rick stood up, his semi-hard cock still in her, and flung her on the bed. Olivia giggled, a lovely sound and Rick would''ve admired it had it been some other time, but he was a man on a mission now. He grabbed her thigh and flipped her onto her stomach, gripping her hips, he forced her onto all fours so that her ass was visible under the light. Bright red fingerprints glowed under the dim light, and Rick''s cock twitched to full hardness. He gave a few more hard smacks on her ass cheeks, staring in awe at the bounce in them each time he smacked it. Olivia''s hands had given out, and she sobbed into the sheets with lust-filled delirium while her ass was in the air. Rick could see the slimy liquid that coated her thighs. He scooped it up with a finger and pushed it back into her wet, used pussy, before thrusting his cock back into her. He pulled on her hips, so that she was braced on her hands again. Leaning over, he spoke right into her ear, "Hands and knees, my needy little slut. Now I''m going to fuck you like an animal." Olivia was beyond the level ofprehension, and whatever reply was on her tongue was lost in the fog of lust and pleasure as Rick barreled inside her with unforgiving thrusts. Rick showed no mercy as he pounded her into the mattress, chasing that sweet release he knewy at the end. All the while, Olivia fisted her hands into the sheets and begged for Rick to go harder, faster, deeper. He had the pleasure of fucking her for just one night, and he''d be damned if he wouldn''t make the most of it. He''d worship her the way she deserved, and as promised, he''d make her forget all her woes for these few hours. So when she demanded something from Rick, he had no choice but to oblige. And when they were both done and exhausted and every muscle in their body cried for relief, they would go at it again and again and again. Because for this one night, they weren''t Rick and Olivia, two individuals who had known each other for years. They weren''t two people whose rtionship would be considered taboo by most. For this one night, they were just two humans trying to help each other forget what the other meant to them. ***** Chapter 130: Rick and Olivia [4] (18+) Chapter -130 The sun rays peeking through the thin curtains woke Rick. He jerked awake, taking in his unfamiliar surroundings, till slow recollections of the night before flooded him. He fell back on the pillows and swept a hand by his side. The other side of the bed was empty, and for a moment, hey there, reminiscing about the events of the previous night. The memories invaded his mind, leaving him with a sense of disbelief¡ªhe slept with his first love. Holy Shit! He ran his fingers over the space where Olivia might have slept, a smile ying on his lips. The realisation of the shared intimacy lingered in the air, the feeling of her soft skin under his fingertips. He took a deep breath, hoping to capture the lingering fragrance of Olivia''s presence. He got up, grabbed his boxers and jeans and left the room, searching for a certain pink-haired woman. As he trudged down the stairs, he detected the scent of a fake flowery cleaning product. The hall was now devoid of all ofst night''s events. The beer bottles and take-out containers that were littered on the floor when Rick pushed them off the table to make way for Olivia were now all missing. Even the table was now shining after a good wiping and bare. Everything looked normal. Fresh, Except for the unconscious body that stilly face down on the carpet, polluting the calmness with its dull snores. Rick scanned the room, searching for Olivia, and heard faint noises emanating from the kitchen. Making his way towards the kitchen, Rick was met with Olivia''s back. She was d in a loose, in grey dress that went past her knees, and her attention waspletely on the stove where fresh pancakes were simmering. Her hair was still kind of damp, and these tiny water droplets were doing this slow dance, making a ssh on the grey dress she had worn. It was like a low-key domestic masterpiece, and for some reason, it hit Rick right in the feels. There was this odd calmness bubbling up inside him. Closing the distance, Rick approached Olivia from behind, his footsteps almost silent on the clean floor. With a swift, gentle motion, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her into an embrace. The unexpected contact sent shivers down Olivia''s body, and she gasped in surprise. "Good morning," Rick''s whispered greeting gently caressed Olivia''s ear, sending a shiver down her spine. Yet, despite the intimacy of the moment, an invisible barrier seemed to hold Olivia in ce. Turning slowly to face Rick, Olivia''s deliberate movementspelled him to release his embrace. Her head hung low, shielding the turmoil within from Rick''s probing gaze. The events of the previous night lingered, and Olivia grappled with the internal struggle of assigning me. However, she resisted the urge to unload it all onto Rick. Rick, obvious to Olivia''s inner turmoil, continued, "Last night was¡­" Olivia didn''t want to face him as he finished that sentence, so she turned back to the stove and flipped the pancakes, cringing as she noticed the almost ckened circles on the pan. Rick chuckled behind her. "Yeah. I don''t have the words to describe it either." Olivia forced down the flush that crept up on her face. How the hell did she ever agree to it? And with Greg right there, under the same roof. He was right beside when Rick¡­ No. No thinking about that for now. She ted the burnt pancakes, turning off the stove and shoved past Rick, who was too busy running his hands up and down her sides to notice the tension oozing off of her. She flung open a top cupboard, bringing out an almost empty bottle of maple syrup, and pushed both, the te and the syrup into Rick''s hands to keep them busy. "Mrs. rke, I must say, waking up to a breakfast like this is quite the unexpected pleasure after our adventurous night," Rick remarked, a mischievous grin ying on his lips. Nonchntly, he ced his te on the table, generously coating his slightly burnt pancakes with a cascade of syrup, all while skillfully avoiding any mention of thatthey were burnt. Meanwhile, Olivia inhabited a realm distinct from Rick''s lighthearted banter¡ªone saturated with the hues of guilt and regret that colored each of her contemtions. Her fingers betrayed her inner turmoil, restlessly fiddling while she patiently awaited the gradual drip of coffee from the machine, her back towards him throughout. "Last night was something else, huh? Totally wild. If you ask me, I think it did you good. Got your mind off a lot of things. Plus, that wasn''t the only thing that got off. Don''t you agree?" Rick said around a mouthful. Olivia gripped the counter, her fingers pressing into the chipped wood, until she felt indents form in her palms. "It''s just pancakes. Nothing wild about pancakes." "You and me both know, I''m not talking about the pancakes. Although, I have to say, these are pretty good." Olivia swallowed down her scoff. This boy! With shaky hands, she held the coffee cup, bringing her lips to the rim and taking a slow sip. The hot bitterness sliding down her throat did little to alleviate the tension that radiated from her. Tension that Rick did not seem to pick up on. "What? You''re just going to stand there and ignore me?" Rick asked. Despite the harsh words, there wasn''t any malice in his tone, just in curiosity, "Act like I''m invisible?" "Can we not talk aboutst night?" Olivia pleaded, her voice barely audible. "Please." Unlike her, Rick did not conceal his scoff. "If you''re not in the mood for talking aboutst night, I don''t mind refreshing your memory with some repeats." Olivia almost choked on her coffee at his brashness. Anger bubbled inside her. Pure, unbridled anger. How could he talk about her like that? Like she was some whorehe stumbled upon in the dark corners of the city, picked up from the streets. Olivia had watched him grow up for heaven''s sake. Where had all his damned manners vanished off to? Yet, the rage simmered down. Deep down, Olivia knew it was a smokescreen for something else. Guilt, the real culprit, hiding beneath the bravado. How did I let this happen? She thought to herself, setting down her coffee cup, the bitterness no longer soothing. ''How did I turn so weak? It''s all his fault. Him and his wandering hands. Asking, no, demanding for what I couldn''t give.'' Olivia tried to me Rick. Her mind raced with thoughts of the previous night, with Rick demanding things she couldn''t give. But with each attempt to shift the me onto him, a wave of self-beratement crashed over her. It wasn''t a one-man show; she was a willing, albeit conflicted, participant in the whole mess. She wished she could convince herself otherwise, but the truth gnawed at her. She snuck a peek at Rick form over her shoulder. He was leaning against the opposite counter, arms crossed and gaze stuck on her. Oh God! And what about Greg? He was right there when they¡­ when they¡­ Fuck, she couldn''t even say it aloud. Olivia knew her marriage was on the rocks. It had been so for a long time. But she was never one to go back on her vows. Yet, here she was. Laying in bed with a man who was not her husband. And not just any man. A boy who she watched grow up. Why did she ever agree to this? What would Rick''s father even think if he got to know? The man was helping her in ways she could never repay him, and to thank his generosities, she slept with his son? Someone who was her daughter''s age! Emily! While Emily was fighting for her life in the ICU, she was here spreading her legs and moaning like a cheap whore. Her poor, baby girl would have been expecting her, Olivia''s mind drifted to her daughter, left waiting and needing her mom. Olivia''s hand raised to cover her mouth. I don''t deserve to be a mother. Before she could burst into tears, Rick turned her around and tugged her towards him. His strong arms wrapped around her waist and embraced her close to his chest. Olivia hated the way she relished the familiar warmth that he exuded and promised herself that she would put an end to this. She would thank Rick and his father and send them home. This was her battle, and she would somehow find a way to pay all the bills. She didn''t want to face Rick and his father and drown in guilt every time, she had enough on her te as it was. Lost in her own whirlwind of feelings, Olivia barely noticed when Rick leaned in. Instead of pushing him away, she found herself frozen, her body betrayed her, epting everything that came for her. ***** Chapter 131: Olivia and Greg Chapter -131 Olivia remained utterly still, frozen in ce, as Rick''s lips made contact with hers. The unexpected kiss left her eyes widened in a mixture of surprise, shock, and uncertainty, casting a fog over her already scattered thoughts. The world surrounding her blurred into insignificance as Rick persisted in his unexpected advance, catching herpletely off guard. The undeniable warmth of his lips against hers sent a palpable jolt through her senses. Her mind swarmed with screaming voices spelling out Push him away! But she didn''t. She didn''t want to. It didn''t matter that their deal extended this flirtation for just one night. It didn''t matter that what they were doing was wrong. Because even if it was wrong, it didn''t feel like it. His soft lips on hers felt right. So so right. So Olivia just stood there, with her hands gripping the counter behind her. Her fingers pressed hard into the chipped wood, and she forced them to remain there. She knew if her hands were free, they would have a mind of their own and roam Rick''s hard chest. She wanted to feel the roughness of his stubble under her fingertips, the soft hair on his nape and his firm biceps. But no. None of that. She wouldn''t let herself get carried away. This was thest kiss she would allow. Thest touch. It was over all too soon. Rick pulled back as they both caught their breaths. His lips were red, and his cheeks were flushed a light pink. Olivia knew her condition wasn''t all that different. The room spun, a whirlwind of conflicting emotions engulfing her. The taste of him lingered on her lips, a sensation that left her both exhrated and terrified. Rick, however, seemed unfazed by the storm he had unleashed. A sly grin yed on his lips as he teased, "Well, Mrs rke, that''s one way to start the day, don''t you think?" Olivia, still catching her breath, shot him a disapproving look. "Rick, we shouldn''t have¡ª" Before Olivia couldplete her sentence, Rick leaned in once more, his eyes radiating a hunger that sent shivers down her spine. The charged atmosphere crackled as their lips were on the verge of meeting again, only to be interrupted by a sudden noise ¨C a loud groan echoing from the hall, shattering the intimate moment. Startled, Olivia swiftly pushed Rick away. Her hands fumbled to readjust her disheveled clothes, panic and guilt evident in her eyes. A warning nce was shot in Rick''s direction as she turned on her heels, hastily making her way out of the kitchen, leaving him behind in the wake of their interrupted connection. Outside, Greg held his head, cursing in pain. As he saw Olivia approaching, a frown creased his forehead. The confusion in his eyes was evident as he took in her flustered appearance. Tension enshrouded the thick air as Olivia and Greg locked eyes. Meanwhile, Rick was left alone in the kitchen, the shock of Olivia''s re and hostility still haunting him. A myriad of emotions crossed his face¡ªconfusion, anger, desire, and perhaps a tinge of regret. He ran a hand through his hair, contemting the consequences of his impulsive actions. Greg rubbed his temples, trying to alleviate the pounding headache that throbbed behind his eyes. His gaze bore into Olivia, a mix of surprise and irritation evident in his voice as he inquired, "When did you get back?" Olivia, covering up her guilt, said, "Last night, Greg. Don''t tell me you didn''t notice." Then she scoffed, noticing his nk expression, a certain relief flooding through her. Greg didn''t know. He didn''t have the slightest clue. Greg just grunted in response. Rolling her eyes, Olivia added, "Well, of course, you don''t remember. How could you? Your only talent in life seems to be drinking until you pass out. I''m sure¡ª" "Shut your mouth, woman. Your constant chatter is thest thing I need right now," Greg grumbled. Olivia, typicallyposed, couldn''t contain her frustration any longer. "When will you ever be in the mood? When are you going to step up and act like a husband and a father?" "I do enough, you ungrateful woman!" Greg exploded, his anger palpable. He then pressed the heel of his hand against his temple, attempting to regain control. "Yeah, I''m so grateful that you took money from me to indulge in your vices in some darkened gutter. Thank you so very much," Olivia retorted, her wordsced with bitterness. "And this is precisely why I do that ¨C to escape from you and your constantints," Greg shot back. Olivia''s frustration reached a boiling point, her voice echoing through the room. "How dare you?" she screamed, feeling the weight of resentment in every word. Despite doing everything for the family, she couldn''t shake the injustice she perceived. Her thoughts immediately turned to Emily, still battling in the ICU, while Greg remained unharmed. Oh, what she wouldn''t give for Greg and Emily to switch ces. "You give a fuck about us," she said, trying to keep her voice from trembling. "Emily is in the¡ª" "I told you to shut your mouth!" Greg yelled and grimaced, clutching his head. "Now, make yourself useful and get me something for this headache." Olivia shook in ce. Her entire body was racked with anger, and it was almost as if steam would push out from her ears. "Do you have any self-respect left?" Greg red at Olivia, threatening with his eyes that bad things would happen if she didn''t follow what he demanded. "I said¡ª" "Shut the fuck up!"Olivia''s voice thundered through the room. Greg, normally ustomed to a calmer Olivia, stood frozen. Her outburst was unprecedented; she had never directed such intensity toward him, even during their most heated arguments. As far as he was concerned, shecked the courage to do so. "You fucking, good-for-nothing, stoned loser. Why did I ever marry you? Emily is in the hospital right now, and look at you. Drugged out of your mind, reeking of cheap booze and half unconscious. You absolute pig." "Mind your fucking words, bitch!" Greg tried to stand, but his knees gave out, and he fell back onto the couch. Olivia''sughter rang through the room, devoid of joy, carrying instead a sharp, cruel edge. "You, you fat imbecile," she sneered, her contempt dripping from every word. "To think I should ever be afraid of you. You''re nothing but a weak, pitiful mess, Greg. It was sheer luck on your part and my sheer will that held this family together for so long. I thought¡­ I thought¡­" Her voice faltered as she reminisced about the countless moments she clung to the hope that Greg would be better. She had envisioned a future where he might not be a good husband, but at least a decent father. Day after day, she nurtured that fragile hope, desperately wishing for a positive change. Yet, it was a hope she could no longer bear to carry. The weight of disappointment had finally crushed it. "Wait till I get my hands on you, Olivia. I promise it won''t be pretty," Greg growled menacingly. But Olivia, undeterred, emitted a disbelieving scoff. "I''m done with you and your empty threats, Greg. Screw you." Olivia found herself catching her breath, exhaustion washing over her as the heated argument with Greg finally subsided. This relentless back-and-forth was precisely why she dreaded conflicts with him. The emotional toll left her drained, making it challenging to regather herposure afterward. With Emily in the hospital, looming bills casting a shadow over her, and the addedplexity of the situation with Rick, Olivia yearned for nothing more than to cocoon herself in a nket, seeking sce in the escape of sleep. What proved most frustrating was Greg''s failure to grasp that Olivia had reached a point where his hollow threats held no sway. How he would bash her skull in or how he would throw her out of their house to teach her a lesson, or how she was supposed to be the pliant wife and listen to everything he said and bear everything he did. In the heart of the tumultuous exchange between Greg and Olivia, Rick found himself ensconced in the kitchen, keenly attuned to the escting tension that crackled in the air. Each uttered word seemed to add fuel to the fiery animosity between the two, and Rick couldn''t help but absorb the palpable hostility that hung in the atmosphere. Once Greg''s threats turned more and more violent, he couldn''t stand back as a spectator anymore. Shouts and usations continued to echo in the hall when he walked in and made his presence known. He took both Olivia and Greg by surprise. The room fell into a momentary hush. Greg, with a scrunched nose, finally managed to collect the words. In that charged moment, a question pierced the uneasy silence. "What the heck are you doing in my house?" Greg demanded, his tone a mix of confusion and frustration. * * * * * Chapter 132: Secrets everywhere Chapter -132 Rick stood his ground in front of Greg, undeterred by his venomous re. Greg on the other hand, looked like his eyeballs were about to pop out by how intensely he was focusing his wrath on Rick. "Are you deaf or something?" Greg spat, the venom in his voice enough to make a cobra jealous, "What the fuck are you doing in my house?" "Oh no, no¡ª" Rick, cool as a cucumber, just shrugged, leaning against the door frame of the kitchen and crossing his arms, "¡ªmy hearing is quite good, thank you. I was just wondering¡­" He deliberately didn''t finish the sentence and chuckled inwardly at how Greg leaned forward in his seat. Curiosity mixing in with his irritation and anger. "Wondering what?" Greg grumbled, his impatience practically oozing out. "Just wondering if this is your signature wee or if you reserve this royal treatment for special asions," Rick quipped, pretending to inspect his nails. "You ain''t my damn¡ª" "And seriously, bro, not even a drink offer?" Rick interrupted, giving Greg the side-eye. "How could you be such a miser even after leaching off your wife? Man, you have got to be a loose pussy to actually take such a pounding from me and not able to retort. Poor you." Olivia mped her hand over her mouth, and Rick was pretty damn sure he caught a chuckle sneaking through. "You¡­" Greg puffed up his chest, aiming to flex some muscle from his throne on the couch, "Olivia, what the hell is this bastard doing in my house?" Olivia, caught in the crossfire, was all wide-eyed and fish-mouthed, searching for words that seemed to be ying hide-and-seek. Her gaze sneakily turned towards Rick as she suddenly felt her words stuck in her throat, not sure what to say. How to exin? And Rick couldn''t help but think it was oddly cute. "Rick," Olivia quickly looked away from Rick''s face as she harshly looked at Greg but still tried to defuse the situation, "Mind your words." "What!" Greg frowned, "Are you requesting him?" Rick rolled his eyes. "Are you seriously this pig-brained? She is in factasking you to zip it up." "You have some nerveing to my house and talking to me like this, boy." Greg spat out the word boy as though it were vermin for just existing in his vocabry. Not that he had such a ster vocabry to start with. Rick straightened up. "And you have some nerve threatening your wife in that way. Do it again, and we''ll see where you end up." Greg''s breath turnedborious the more he red daggers at Rick. "Mind your own fucking business. "And you," he said, addressing Olivia, "Ungrateful woman. You still want to defend him? Are you even listening to what he is saying to me?" He still clutched his head with one hand, and Rick had a hard time taking anything he said seriously. "God, you really are hare-brained," Rick sneered. "She''s not defending me, you dim-witted fuckface. She is just tired of defending you." "What did you call me?" Greg roared and tried to stand up, but Olivia was quick to scream a Sit your ass back down loud enough, and Gregplied. "No, Rick," she said. "He''s right. I am defending you." When she nced at Rick, the gratitude in her eyes was visible. "You and your father have done more for me in these past few days than what this pig has done in our entire marriage." "Pig? How dare¡ª" "Get out," she said calmly. "Get out, and don''t make me repeat it." Rick stared in fascination at the scene in front of him. He was quite sure Olivia was about to kick him out instead of Greg, what with all the teasing and flirting he was up to in the morning. He wasn''t about toin now about this change of events. "This is my house as much as yours," Greg argued. "Oh, please. I have been paying the rent for the past year and a half. The lease is in my name. Now," she sped her hands in front of her. "You know where the door is." "What the hell is wrong with you? Are you cr¡ª" "Don not make me call the cops, Greg." She raised a brow. "I know what kind of shit you''ve got here at home, and I also know where you''ve stored all of it." He scoffed. "You are bluffing." "Only one way to find out." Olivia grabbed thendline receiver and brought it to her ear. This time, Greg''s knees worked, and he stood up, "Alright, alright, I will leave." She held the receiver to her ear and tipped her chin to the door. "Fine. But don''t think this is over, you bitch." He stomped out the door and mmed it, the door frame rattling in his wake, "And you boy. I will take of you and that father of yours soon." "Well," Rick pped his together and rubbed them, wiggling his eyebrows in Olivia''s directions, "Let''s continue where we left off, shall¡ª" Olivia cut him off hastily. "I''m going to get ready. You can take a shower if you want. The water takes a little while to heat up, though. We can leave for the hospital after that." Without waiting for a response, she pushed past him and jogged up the stairs. She shut the door for good measure and leaned against it, blowing out air through her mouth. The confrontation with Greg had given her a slight adrenaline boost, numbing all her emotional turmoil, but now that it all ended, everything came flooding back to her. She sagged against the door, holding her head in her hands. Just a few moments of reprieve, was that too much to ask? She was able to get Greg to leave. Sure. But he''d be back. This wasn''t the first time she was kicking him out. She knew the drill. He''d go missing for a couple of days, and then he''d be back looking worse than before. He would steal money from her purse, they''d have another fight, and then again he''d go missing. It was a never ending cycle. And that adrenaline boost managed to sober her up and get her head straight. Make her resolve strong enough for her to push back Rick''s advances. And this break would help her to get her emotions in check. But that was a battle for another day. Right now, she needed to think about Emily, and her well being. Right now, Emily needed her. Physically, mentally and emotionally. And Olivia would rather be damned than not give her baby girl everything she needed. Now the only obstacle was surviving a five hour drive. With Rick. Alone ~~~~~ The car hummed along the road, the only sounds the soft purr of the engine and the distant rush of passing traffic. The afternoon sun beat down on thezy cars passing on the highway. An awkward silence settled between Rick and Olivia, like an unspoken acknowledgment that neither would start a conversation unless absolutely necessary. After what felt like an eternity, Rick finally broke the silence. He had just cleared his throat, and Olivia flinched at the sudden sound of his voice, her nerves still on edge from the confrontation with Greg. Rick, however, seemed oblivious to her difort, offering a reassuring smile. "Rx, Olivia," he said, his tone gentle. Olivia nodded, attempting a small, appreciative smile in return. The tension in the car didn''t dissipate, not one bit but she did appreciate Rick''s attempt to soothe her nerves. As they continued driving, Rick''s gaze shifted briefly from the road to Olivia. He seemed to hesitate before bringing up a seemingly unrted topic. "Hey, do we have a tenant at my house?" Rick asked, his tone nonchnt. Olivia furrowed her brows in confusion. "What tenant?" Rick exined, "Yesterday, when I drove past, I noticed the lights were on. I thought maybe Dad rented it out or something." Olivia''s surprise was evident in her wide-eyed expression. "You don''t know?" she asked. Rick shook his head, waiting for her to enlighten him. A conflicted expression crossed Olivia''s face. She opened her mouth to speak but hesitated, her words hanging in the air. Finally, she shook her head slightly. "Never mind. Your father will tell you." Rick furrowed his brows, his curiosity piqued. "Tell me what? What''s going on?" Olivia sighed, ncing out the window. "It''s not my ce to say. Let your father exin." Rick''s persistence kicked in. "Come on, Olivia. Don''t leave me hanging. What don''t I know?" A brief silence ensued, Olivia contemting whether to disclose the information or not. Eventually, she shook her head, her lips forming a firm line. "I think it would be better if you heard it from your father. Otherwise there might beplications." Rick, sensing Olivia''s reluctance, decided not to press further. He turned his attention back to the road, a thoughtful expression on his face. Olivia, on the other hand, fidgeted in her seat. She managed to keep it from Rick, but she couldn''t help but wonder how Rick would react when the father and son eventually had a talk about it. * * * * * Chapter 133: No Foul Play? Chapter -133 Rick''s father sat in solitude within the stark waiting room, his gaze fixed somberly on the sterile white walls stretching before him. The untouched cup of steaming coffee sat forlornly beside him, a silent testament to the weight of his thoughts. "Hello? Are you still the there?" A soft, pleasant voice at the other end of the phone snapped him out of his thoughts. "Yeah," he cleared his throat. "Sorry. Got disconnected there for a bit. So Rick did note homest night. I thought maybe he would, but never mind. I will talk to him soon. You don''t need to worry. I will take care of everything." Just as he was trying to focus, the door creaked open with Rick and Olivia strolling in. Rick''s father did a double-take before ending the call he was on with a brisk, "I will call you back." He quickly rose from his seat, grabbing the coffee cup from the seat beside him, a mix of relief and anticipation evident in his eyes as he turned his attention to Rick and Olivia. "Rick," he said, his voice carrying both warmth and concern. "Olivia, I hope you had a good rest." Olivia nodded appreciatively, a small yet sincere smile ying on her lips. "Yes, thank you. It really helped out a lot." Her gaze momentarily flickered towards Rick, who stood fixated on the circr ss window, his thoughts seemingly lost in the room where Emilyy. The memories of a passionate night with Rick flooded Olivia''s mind, but she swiftly pushed them aside, focusing on the present. Rick''s attention finally shifted from the window, and he mustered a faint smile in response to his father''s greeting. "Yeah, a bit of rest did wonders," he admitted. Rick''s father gestured towards the coffee machine tucked in the corner. "How about some coffee? It''s not the finest, but it gets the job done." Olivia declined, shaking her head, her focus returning to Emily''s room. Meanwhile, Rick weed the offer, appreciating the potential distraction that a warm cup of coffee could provide in this tense atmosphere. As Rick''s father carefully poured a steaming cup of coffee for his son, Olivia couldn''t help but feel the heavy atmosphere in the hospital waiting room. She anxiously inquired, "So, any updates? Has there been any improvement?" A weary sigh escaped Rick''s father as his gaze flickered towards the ss window. "No, not yet. The doctors are doing all they can, but it''s still a waiting game," he replied, his voice carrying the weight of uncertainty. He hesitated, choosing his words carefully, not wanting to extinguish Olivia''s fragile hope. With a solemn nod, he ced the freshly poured coffee in front of Rick. Taking the cup, Rick''s unchanging expression remained fixed on Emily, whoy inside the ICU. His father motioned for Olivia to take a seat, settling beside her. The two shared a silent conversation, eyes reflecting the unspoken fears and concerns they couldn''t voice. Meanwhile, Olivia stole furtive nces at Rick, who seemed rooted in ce in front of the ICU door. His unmoving figure heightened the tension in the room. Her gaze shifted from Rick to the window, each passing moment adding weight to her already heavy heart. She knew whaty beyond that door, her daughter unmoving in a sterile hospital bed, connected to machines that monitored every heartbeat and breath. She had memorized by now the venttor that caused the delicate rise and fall of Emily''s chest. So much love spilt from Olivia for her daughter. Olivia just had to close her eyes and she could see crystal clear, all the good times they''d shared¡ªtheughter, the dreams, the special moments that had carved a space for themselves in time, and the ones they were yet to create. Each flutter of Emily''s eyshes held a lifetime of memories, and Olivia clung to the hope that thoseshes would open to a world that desperately needed her light. Yet, Olivia knew she had to tread carefully. Emily was not yet out of danger. Anything could go wrong, and she''d need to be prepared. She hated the thought, but she would need to learn how to live without Emily. Her daughter would want that. Fear etched lines on Olivia''s face, her brows furrowed as she wrestled with the uncertainty of whaty ahead. But no matter what, she''d be there for Emily, and they''d face whatever challenges arose together. The pain would always linger, but she held onto the belief that, in time, one day, it wouldn''t sting as much. As Olivia''s gaze remained fixed on the ss door, she silentlymunicated with her daughter, sending waves of love and strength, hoping that, somehow, Emily could feel the unwavering support that surrounded her and just wake up. Right then, the door to the waiting room swung open with a resounding creak, breaking the hushed tension that had settled among the upants. In marched two uniformed men, their authoritative presence immediately drawing the attention of everyone present. Olivia, anxiously awaiting news, sprang from her seat and hurried toward them. Standing before the one with greying temples and a wearied countenance, she urgently addressed him. "Officer Martin," she eximed, her voice betraying a mix of concern and impatience. "What are you doing here?" The officers nodded in acknowledgment, and Martin, with a solemn expression, replied, "Ma''am, we need to talk to you." Rick''s father, sensing the gravity of the situation, joined Olivia at the forefront, his eyes filled with apprehension. "What is it, officers?" Olivia, her nerves palpable, fired off a barrage of questions. "What happened officers? How did Emily end up here, did you find out?" Martin took a deep breath, exchanging a meaningful nce with his colleague before proceeding. "We''ve gathered information from witnesses and pieced together the sequence of events." His gaze softened momentarily, preparing them for the distressing news that would follow. "Emily attended a party at a boy named Roy''s house. It seems there was a considerable amount of alcohol consumed during the gathering." Rick''s father''s brows furrowed deeply, etching worry lines on his forehead. He couldn''t help but interject, his voiceced with concern, "Alcohol? Was Emily drinking?" The officer responded with a solemn nod, adding gravity to the already tense atmosphere. "Yes, it appears so. Witnesses mentioned that she went upstairs for reasons unknown, and that''s where the unfortunate incident urred. She slipped off the balcony and fell." Olivia''s eyes widened, registering shock, and her hand instinctively clutched Rick''s father''s arm for support. "Why would she go upstairs alone? What was she doing there?" The officers exchanged nces, their expressions betraying the uncertainty of the situation. "That''s not entirely clear. It seems Emily might have been searching for, you know... a washroom. That is a usible reason at the moment, based on the information we have gathered." The second officer, a younger counterpart to the aged Martin, chimed in, creating a stark contrast in the room''s atmosphere. "It seems most of the partygoers were downstairs at the time. There were only a few people on the balcony, and by the time they realized what was happening, it was toote." Olivia''s eyes brimmed with tears, the weight of the tragic revtion settling heavily in the room. Rick''s father took a deep breath, attempting to steady his voice, "And you''re certain there was no foul y? No one pushed her?" Officer Martin''s solemn expression betrayed the weight of the news he had just delivered. "All indications point to it being a tragic ident," he stated, his voice a low murmur that echoed through the room. His eyes, worn and tired, spoke of the countless scenes of sorrow he had witnessed in his career. "We''ve conducted preliminary investigations, and there''s no evidence of any intentional harm." Olivia, standing on unsteady legs, felt the ground give way beneath her as if the world had slipped out of its orbit. Her hand trembled uncontrobly as she reached for a nearby chair, copsing onto it with a desperate need for support. Palms pressed against her quivering lips, she tried to stifle the gut-wrenching sobs that threatened to escape. Streams of tears traced a path down her cheeks, mirroring the torrent of emotions flooding her heart. Rick''s father, sensing her overwhelming despair, immediately sat down beside her. With a gentle touch, he wrapped an arm around Olivia, pulling her into aforting embrace. Silent, shuddering sobs wracked her body, and she clung to Rick''s father as a lifeline. All this while, Rick continued to stand away from everyone else, staring right at the officers, trying to notice any change in their expressions. He did not their words that Emily might be heavily drunk. He was actually the one who knew her very well. That girl wouldn''t mind exchanging her liver for a carton of beer. But... And right then, there was a chime in Rick''s head, the system has woken up for the day. And it was for a quest. [ Quest: Find out what really happened that night Time Duration: 24 hours Rewards: Ero Points: +10,000; Cash: $300,000; Lottery Spin: 1 ] Chapter 134: Foul Play Chapter - 134 [ Quest: Find out what really happened that night Time Duration: 24 hours Rewards: Ero Points: +10,000; Cash: $300,000; Lottery Spin: 1 ] A frown formed on Rick''s lips as he stared at the quest. Right now, no matter how enticing the rewards looked, the Quest actually confirmed that the officers were lying. And before he could think it through, he called out to the police officers who were just about to step outside the waiting room. With long strides, he trod across the room and reached their side. "Did you interrogate Roy Kent?" Rick questioned, loaded with skepticism and an undertone of usation. The younger officer clicked his tongue, not appreciating how Rick was doubting their abilities. "And you are?" he said, raising an eyebrow and sizing Rick up. Olivia spoke up from her seat on one of the waiting chairs. "He''s Rick. Emily''s friend." Before Rick could fire another question, his father''s hand mped down on his shoulder, and he said, "Rick, it would be better if you calmed down." "Dad, let me handle it," Rick gently shook his father''s hand off and gave him a look that said I got this. He faced the officer again and asked once more, "Did you interrogate him?" The younger officer opened his mouth to bark an answer, but Martin beat him to it. "Look, Rick. We''re not amateurs. We know what we''re doing." "Still didn''t answer my question," Rick said calmly. He forced himself to level his voice. Thest thing he needed was to be put behind bars for misconduct. "Of course we did," the younger and more irksome officer retorted, apanied by an eye roll. "We spoke to him at the party." "He''s not involved in this, Rick," Martin interjected, shooting a sidelong nce at his partner. "He was too shaken up to talk. Still he provided a detailed ount of what happened that night, and it checks out." Rick absorbed the situation with a decisive nod. "So, you''re telling me you didn''t actually interrogate the guy?" The younger officer shot him a skeptical look, squinting as if questioning Rick''s intelligence, "Are you dense or what?" Rick raised an eyebrow, his confusion evident. "What did I miss something? I thought asking questions was part of an interrogation. Did I say something out of line?" "You asked him a couple of questions as if he was a bystander and not the actual host of the party. You didn''t call him to the precinct for an interrogation. Correct me if I''m wrong, but you did doesn''t quite count as interrogation." "Look, kid." Martin stepped forward, a no-nonsense expression on his face, his hands instinctively moving towards his belt. Rick''s gaze flicked to the holster securing Martin''s gun, just a hair''s breadth away from his pinky finger. "We''ve already taken statements from everyone at the party. They''re all practically kids. Dragging them down to the precinct for a formal interrogation would just spook them unnecessarily. We''ve had a chat with every single person present, and they''ve all given us the same story. Emily got drunk, she wandered out to the balcony, and she had a tragic fall. It''s as simple as that ¨C an ident. No more, no less." Martin spoke, his voice getting deeper. The younger officer shot Rick a skeptical look, "How the heck do you even know Roy Kent?" he inquired. Suppressing an urge to roll his eyes, Rick sighed inwardly at the apparentck of thoroughness in the officers'' investigation. "Roy, Emily, and I are all in the same ss," he replied, his patience being put to the test. An exchanged nce passed between the two officers, a silentmunication that Rick found mildly amusing. The younger one, now with a hint of diminished irritation, pressed on. "So, were you at the party?" The officer asked, trying to inquire. Rick stared at both of them for a good long while. Martin had said the two of them spoke to everyone present at the party. Were they sure they spoke to everyone present? Knowing Roy Kent, Rick was sure the dude would have had a stash of illegal goods hidden in that mansion of his. Yet, the cops hadn''t dragged him to the station. So, either the cops had overlooked a crucial detail, or a deliberate decision had been made to avert their gaze from the truth. Rick couldn''t shake the nagging feeling that it was thetter, especially given the high-profile nature of the incident involving Roy Kent. And Kent''s family couldn''t afford idents of this magnitude tarnishing their properties. Unless these officers were rminglyx in their investigation, there had to be a ndestineyer to this unfolding mystery. A cynical shake of Rick''s head betrayed his growing suspicions. "No, I wasn''t around. I had been out of town for a while, just getting back yesterday." The visible release of tension in Martin''s bulky shoulders was almostical, as if his entire muscr frame exhaled the breath it had been holding. If there had been any lingering doubt in Rick''s mind something fishy was going on, now he was sure that these officers were hiding an important piece of information. "Ma''am," Martin turned to Olivia, offering a single nod. "Since we''ve conclusively deemed this an ident, we''ll be wrapping up the case shortly." They turned to leave, this time a certain rush was in their steps that didn''t go unnoticed by Rick. It seemed as if they couldn''t wait to get out of here. "Wait!" Interrupting their hasty exit, Rick detained them once more. The younger officer shot him an impatient "What do you want now?" but Rick maintained hisposure. "Roy''s surname is Kent. Correct?" Rolling his eyes, the officer barely concealed his irritation. "If you''re already aware, why bother asking?" "Why thank you for your question, officer. You see, the thing is¡­" He angled his body, so he could address his father and Olivia as well. "I have a very nagging suspicion at the back of my head that the two of you¡­ No, no, that''s not right. The entire police force is covering this up because of hisst name." "What the fuck are you on about?" The younger officer shot an aggressive nce and took a menacing step forward, but Martin swiftly restrained him. "I''m telling you..." Rick''s eyes bore into the officer, and he advanced with an equally threatening stride toward the duo. "Just because Roy Kent happens to be the mayor''s son, it feels like you, your precinct''s captain, and the Chief are all hell-bent on wrapping up this case ASAP. I can''t shake the feeling that you''re overlooking something, officers. Or maybe, you''re deliberately turning a blind eye to it." A heavy silence settled in the room, and even the short-tempered officer mped his mouth shut. Olivia''s chair creaked as she pushed herself to her feet, an urgent need to distance herself from the dubious men in the room and their sinister machinations. She found sce by the window, a vantage point overlooking the hospital''s courtyard adorned with an expanse of vibrant greenery. The unsettling realization that Roy Kent, scion of the mayor, might be enmeshed in Emily''s tragic ident struck her like an unexpected tempest. Casting a scrutinizing gaze at the officers present, Olivia discerned a subtle unease etched across their countenances, as if they were aplices to concealed motives. Hesitation, palpable and pervasive, hung thick in the air. In Olivia''s mind, questions swirled around like a whirlpool. Was Emily''s fall truly an ident, or was there something more to it? The very fact of Roy Kent''s involvement added ayer of mystery to the entire ident¡ªif it could even be called that anymore. The mayor''s influence loomedrge, and Olivia couldn''t shake the feeling that justice wouldn''t be served without a fight. The atmosphere in the room grew tense as the police officers exchanged uneasy nces, acutely aware of the potential consequences that hung in the bnce. If this got out to the media, that was it for their careers and lives. This was why they had tried so hard to close the case as soon as possible. If that damned protocol stating that if alive Emily''s statement would serve as the final verdict wasn''t present, the case file would''ve been shelved by now. Martin had busted his ass, poured his heart and soul into persuading the judge that even if Emily were to awaken, her ability to provide aprehensive ount of the events would be severelypromised by her debilitating brain injury. Now, this boy hade and ruined all his efforts. Rick''s piercing gaze swept across the room, his eyes moving over each face before finallynding on Olivia''s. The need to uncover the truth was of utmost importance now. Emily''s fate was no ident. Something had happened that night. Something that didn''t involve a simple trip and fall. Rick knew he was treading on water, but he''d be damned if he didn''t find out what really transpired that night. Even if that was thest thing he ever did. * * * * * Chapter 135: Ricks father is suspicious? Chapter -135 This time, when the officers turned to leave, no one stopped them. As the officers made their exit, a heavy silence enveloped the room. They didn''t have much to say on their way out, rather, their heads were hung low as they exited with Rick ring at their backs. Once the door closed behind the officers, Olivia''s voice quivered with uncertainty as she turned to Rick, seeking confirmation. "Is what you said about the boy''s father true?" Rick''s father, sensing the tension in the room, exchanged a concerned nce with Olivia. Rick, however, maintained a calm exterior. "Yes, he is the mayor''s son. But it doesn''t mean we won''t get justice for Emily." Olivia pressed for more. "But what if they try to cover this up? What if we can''t fight against their influence?" Rick''s gaze softened, and he approached Olivia, his touch aforting anchor on her shoulder. "We won''t let that happen, Mrs. rke. I may not have all the answers right now, but together, we will figure it all outr. We won''t let anyone sweep Emily''s case under the rug." Rick''s father wore a concerned expression, his brows furrowed in deep contemtion. "Son, we really don''t want to stir up trouble. This situation is already difficult, and considering their high-profile status, involving them could potentially make things worse. Are you absolutely certain it''s necessary?" "So what if Roy''s father is the Mayor?" His tone carried a touch of cockiness, but as he noticed his father''s surprised gaze, he quickly sought to reassure him, "Look, I get it. It sounds extreme, and I know Roy''s father is a powerful man. But if there is any chance they are trying to cover something up, we shouldn''t be the one rolling in front of them. I don''t want Emily''s case to be dismissed just like that." Olivia heaved a weary sigh, her shoulders bearing the weight of tension. "Rick, this town is small, and we are not someone to take on someone as powerful as the mayor. It could all blow up in our faces. All I want is for Emily to get better. After that... After that..." Her words trailed off as a lump formed in her throat, stifling further expression. Rick''s father interjected, injecting a note of caution into the conversation. "I get your concern, Rick. But we have got to be strategic about this. We don''t want to make enemies we can''t handle. There is got to be a better way to ensure justice for Emily." Rick''s gaze shifted from his father to Olivia. With a measure of gentleness in his eyes, he spoke, "I understand where you''re bothing from, and I don''t want to escte things unnecessarily. But trust me, I know what I am doing. I won''t do anything stupid." Unease lingered in the air as Olivia and Rick''s father exchanged nces. The tension, evident, but unspoken, hung between them like a heavy fog. Despite the difort, they did not speak further into the matter. Suddenly, Olivia jolted, breaking the silence that had settled in the room. Her gaze fixed on Rick, a mix of concern and curiosity in her eyes. "Don''t you have sses to attend? You should get going." He just blinked at her, ignoring the frown on his father''s face. Olivia''s voice was gentle but firm as she looked at Rick. "Rick, you should go. We will handle things here. There is not much you can do right now." Rick hesitated, his eyes searching Olivia''s for a moment before ncing at his father. "I understand, but I think it is in everyone''s interest for me to stay. Call it a gut feeling, but I can''t shake the sense that those officers might make an unwee return." His father nudged him towards the door. "Son, Olivia is right. You need to focus on your studies. I am already here if they show up here. I was already taking care of everything before." Rick let out a heavy sigh, his thoughts consumed by anything but university. Especially now that he got it confirmed that Roy motherfucking Kent was involved in this. But there is also an opportunity for him to stalk Roy and find out why Roy or maybe someone at the party would actually do that to Emily. "Alright, I will go, but promise me call if anythinges up," Rick said as he gently put his hand on Olivia''s arm and squeezed her arm tight. "We will. I will text if there is anything I need your help with," Olivia said as she hesitatingly and slowly pushed Rick''s hand away, her gaze momentarily flickering towards Rick''s father, who observed the scene with a stern expression. Rick''s touch on Olivia''s arm didn''t go unnoticed, prompting an uneasy pause. "Rick, you should leave before it gets toote," Rick''s father interjected, his voice carrying a tone of edginess. "I am going. You take care as well dad. And tell me what that important matter is when you have time," Rick smiled at his father, but still did not let go of Olivia''s arm. He softly squeezed her arm again onest time before he finally turned around and walked out of the room. Rick jogged down the hospital steps and gave onest long look at the hospital building. He shook his head and walked to the parking lot. The engine gave a sharp whir as he started the car, and soon, he was merging in with the other vehicles on the road. When he was gliding on the highway, his phone buzzed, and he saw Amanda''s name shing on the screen. With a casual flip of his wrist, he answered, "Hey." "Rick, where are you? You''re not at the hospital, are you?" Amanda''s voice poured through the phone. Rick smirked, "No, not at ¡ª" Amanda''s curiosity knew no bounds. "Is it a friend? Or family? I don''t remember you mentioning it. Did you mention it?" Rick tried to answer. "Oh, it''s a¡ª" Amanda, undeterred, fired off another question, "Is it serious? Can I help in any way? I know some doctors. Specialists. If you need their numbers, let me know." "I will, I will. Thank yo¡ª" Amanda persisted, "By the way, if it''s a friend, do I know him. Or is it a¡­" Amanda''s voice turned low and serious. "...her?" Rick sighed, and stopped trying altogether. But Amanda, the relentless interrogator, didn''t quite get the hint, "Oh, don''t worry about thatst question. I was just testing the waters. So spill it." Amanda kept firing questions like a rapid-fire quiz show host, blissfully unaware that Rick had thrown in the towel on responses.When finally, she needed to take a breather, it hit her, "Rick? Rick, are you there?" With a grin, Rick confessed, "I am here." "Then why the radio silence? Cat got your tongue?" "Nah," Rick chuckled. "You''ve got it on loan right now. I''m just here for moral support." Amanda snorted, and Rick''s face lit up with a fond smile. "Such a smart-ass," she said. "Don''t worry you can do all the talking right now. When we meet, I will show you how to plug that chatty mouth of yours. Will see how much talking you can do with my big hard cock inside your mouth." he tacked on with a scious tone. Amanda''s face turned beet red as she absorbed Rick''s words, and stuttered a bit when she spoke next, "If you''re cocky attitude is still intact, then everything''s probably okay." A long and tired yawn followed after. "Night shift again?" Rick asked. "Yeah. It''s fucking brutal, I swear." "Take it easy, girl. Why work so hard?" "Yeah, I''ll manage. I will be home in about an hour, and then it''s home and straight to bed," Amanda replied, her toneced with exhaustion. "So, what''s going on with you?" "Nothing much. On my way to my university. I have been away for a week, so that was nice, now it''s back to the usual routine." He did appreciate the break. It was nice to break the montonity for once. Speaking of university, he had almost forgotten about Megan. There was a quest he''d gotten just before he left. Now, was the perfect time to crack that mystery and also it would get his mind off of Emily and Olivia for sometime. "Yeah tell me about that spontaneous trip of yours," Amanda said. "Alright, I''ll leave you to it. Catch youter!" Rick ended the call, and flung his phone on the passenger seat. ~ About an hour after she had ended the call, Amanda walked out of the elevator and walked to her apartment. Just as she was fumbling to enter the pass code, she heard a thud from inside her apartment. It was a faint sound, almost like a whisper. Her heart quickened its pace as she stepped cautiously opened the door a smidge and peeked in, her gaze swept across the doorway, trying to see if the sound wasing from inside. With slow movements, she slipped a hand inside and towards the stand ced right beside the door. Her fingers curled around the handle of an umbre and with a deep breath, she pushed open the door and took a step in. * * * * * [You can check all the character arts here in one ce: https://bit.ly/masteroflust] Chapter 136: Brewing Trouble all around Chapter - 136 Amanda''s heart quickened its pace as she stepped cautiously opened the door a smidge and peeked in, her gaze swept across the doorway, trying to see if the sound wasing from inside. But as she sneaked inside her apartment, the fear and anxiety in her eyes was reced by shock. There he was, lounging on her couch like he owned the ce, a mischievous grin on his face. Amanda furrowed her brows, holding an umbre in her hand, more out of habit than necessity. "Rick? What are you doing here? I thought you had ss." She had just spoken to Rick an hour ago, and he was supposed to be at college. However, the sight that greeted her was far from the expected. Rick''s eyes widened dramatically at the sight of Amanda, and he quickly jumped to his feet. "Whoa, whoa, hold up! What''s the deal with the umbre? It is the notorious umbre-wielding bandit. Are you robbing me?" he eximed, feigning fear. Amanda blinked, utterly confused, "Umbre-wielding bandit? Are you high or something?" Rick threw his hands up in mock surrender. "Don''t hurt me! I surrender all my belongings!" Amanda stared at him, utterly perplexed. "What? No, Rick, I''m not robbing you. Why would I rob you with an umbre?" Rick pointed at the umbre as if it were a dangerous weapon. "I''ve seen movies, Amanda. Criminals use all sorts of things. Umbres, canes, you name it!" Amanda couldn''t help butugh at the absurdity of the situation. "Rick, you''re being ridiculous. I just came back from the hospital. What are you doing here anyway?" Rick grinned mischievously, adopting an over-the-top scared expression. "I was hiding from the menacing umbre-wielding bandit! But now that you''re here, you caught me." Rolling her eyes, Amanda decided to y along. "Alright, criminal mastermind, what have you got to offer in exchange for your safety?" He began rifling through his pockets. Rick dramatically reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled bill. "Here, take my money. I''m giving you all my valuables! Take the dor. Just spare me, oh mighty bandit!" Amanda burst intoughter, taking the bill from his hand. "Oh, great. A whole dor. I''m rich now." Amanda couldn''t help but join in the theatrics, pretending to inspect her newfound treasures with exaggerated seriousness. "Hmm, not bad, not bad. But I think I''ll need more." Rick grinned mischievously, getting into character. "What do you want, mydy? Food, money, my car, or perhaps the most precious of all, yours truly?" Amanda burst intoughter again, doubling over. "Your car? Umm... That is not so exciting. But you? Hmm... Now that''s an offer I find tempting." Rick struck a pose, hand over his heart. "Consider me all yours, oh mighty bandit. Just let me live to tell the tale." "C''mon Rick. Now seriously. Why are you here?" Amanda asked. Rick shed a charming grin, leaning in forward, "Well, you know, college can be overrated. And spending time with my favorite little girl is way more appealing." Amanda scoffed, crossing her arms. "Little girl? Seriously? I''m not your little anything, Rick." "And..." Amanda''s eyebrows shot up at Rick''s exnation, skepticism evident in her expression. "You skipped college just to spend time with me? Seriously, Rick?" Rick chuckled, undeterred by Amanda''s objection. He reached out, cing his hand on her cheek and rubbing it gently with his thumb. Amanda''s heart raced as Rick''s hand gently cupped her cheek, sending a tingling sensation through her entire body. "Rick!" She couldn''t help but let out a soft moan, his touch causing her to momentarily lose herself in the moment. Her eyes closed, savoring the feeling of his fingers against her skin. "Rick, what did you...?" Amanda began, her voice trailing off as she realized she couldn''t quite articte her thoughts. The touch of Rick''s hand had left her momentarily stunned. Rick continued to rub her cheeks, his tone teasing. "There, there, my little girl. No need to get all worked up. Just enjoy the moment." Just as the intensity of the moment peaked, Rick pulled away abruptly, leaving Amanda with a mix of reluctance and confusion. She opened her eyes, searching Rick''s face for an exnation. His mischievous grin only added to her perplexity. "What the... Rick?" she eximed, a mix of frustration and anticipation in her voice. Rick chuckled, enjoying the effect he had on Amanda. "Rx, Amanda. No need to get all worked up. I''m just here to hang out, not dive into you too deep," he said with a sly smirk, his eyes dancing with mischief. Amanda blushed furiously, realizing the implications of Rick''s words. She yfully hit him on the chest, trying to push him away. "Rick, seriously? You can''t just mess with people like that!" But Rick, being Rick, wasn''t about to let the opportunity for some yful banter slip away. He caught her hand mid-air and pulled her closer, causing her to crash into his chest. Amanda looked up at him, her eyes narrowing with a mix of annoyance and curiosity. Rick grinned down at her, his tone teasing. "Hey, no harm in a little fun, right?" "Besides, I made some food for you. Let''s eat and chat." Rick said as he wrapped his arm around Amanda. Amanda raised an eyebrow, her initial frustration giving way to curiosity. "Food? What kind of surprise is that?" Rick smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Just trust me on this one. It''s a taste sensation." "And if you you need something more, let me know,"Rick smirked as he teased Amanda, "I can spice things up a bit for you, you know?" Amanda smirked, her yful side resurfacing. "Spice things up? Is that what you call it?" Amanda sighed, still slightly flustered from the unexpected encounter. "You''re impossible, Rick. Fine, let''s eat, but keep your hands to yourself." Rick chuckled, leading Amanda towards the kitchen. "No promises," he replied with a wink, "You know, thepany of a charming individual. Nothing for sure what you might end up doing to a handsome guy such as me." Amanda smirked, unable to resist Rick''s charm even when he was being cheeky. "Charming, huh? More like a pain in the ass." Rickughed, taking a sip of his drink. "You love it, though. Admit it." Amanda couldn''t deny the truth in his words. "Maybe a little," she conceded, a small smile ying on her lips. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ A man stood on the narrownding of the apartment building, peering through the dimly lit corridor at the door of an apartment. His fingers tapped on the railing as he fumbled for his phone in his pocket. After a moment of hesitation, the man pulled out his phone, swiped to unlock, and dialed a number. The phone rang a few times before a gruff voice answered on the other end. "You better have a good reason for calling me," the voice growled. The man cleared his throat, "The girl just went into her apartment." There was a pause on the other end, and then an irritated sigh. "And? What''s the big deal? Why are you bothering me?" The man nced at the apartment door and lowered his voice, "I thought you should know." The voice on the other side sounded impatient, "Was she alone?" The man took a deep breath, "I have been following her for over a week. She rarely leaves her ce except for work and the hospital. And except for those working at the hospital, she does not meet with anyone?" There was a moment of silence, then the person on the other end began to pant heavily, breathing like a wounded animal. "Alone, huh?" "Tell me. Was there any guy with her?" the voice demanded, the tension rising. "No guy," man replied. "Fuck! Fucking Fuck Shit"The person on the other end erupted in anger, "Damn it." The man stayed silent for a while as he let the person on the other side went his anger. After the person was done cursing for a while, the man spoke up again. The man asked, "Do you want me to bring her over to you? I could grab her if you want." "Don''t you fucking dare to order me," The person on the other side exploded, "Don''t you think! Just do what I told you to do and don''t run your damn brain! Got it?" And the person abruptly ended the call, leaving the man staring at his phone. He sighed, feeling the weight of the situation, and turned his attention back to the apartment door. On the other end of the line, the person tossed his phone aside. He was in a dark, dimly lit room, the only source of light emanating from a half-empty bottle of whiskey on the table. With frustration etched on his face, he took a swig from the bottle and turned his attention to the figure lying on the bed. The room smelled of stale cigarettes and strong perfume. A girl, naked, disheveled and bruised,y there as the person took another gulp of alcohol. With a sudden burst of rage, he pped her hard on her naked buttocks. "Ahh" The girl cried out, a mix of pain and pleasure, the sound filling the room. "Damn it, man," he muttered under his breath. The girl, seemingly unfazed, looked up at him with a twisted smile. "Enjoying yourself, huh?" he sneered, taking another swig from the bottle. She chuckled softly, "You know I do. C''mon, punish me harder." * * * * * Chapter 137: Rick going to Ray, to find Roy Chapter - 137 Rick gripped the steering wheel as he drove through the bustling city streets, his mind racing with a whirlwind of thoughts. The lunch date with Amanda was a brief task done in the midst of a more pressing matter ¨C finding out who had hurt Emily. The system had pped him with a 24-hour deadline, and he had already burned through 5 hours of that ticking clock.The clock was ticking, but Rick seemed oddly unfazed by the looming 24-hour deadline the system had given him. The image of Emily lying on the venttor bed, connected to machines, barely hanging to her life loomed in his mind. Whoever had messed with her was about to get a taste of their own medicine. Rick clenched his jaw, his grip on the steering wheel tightening. The traffic moved at a snail''s pace, much to Rick''s frustration. He mulled over the limited information he had about Roy, the key to solving the mystery. The university seemed like a dead end at this point since Roy was probably long gone. "Alright, Rick, think. Where would Roy be hiding?" Rick muttered to himself, eyes darting around the moving city scape. "Where would Roy be?" Rick mumbled, running a hand through his hair. "Definitely not at the library, that''s for sure." His gaze focused on the rear view mirror, and a n started forming in his mind. "If it is Rick I am sure..." A sly grin spread across Rick''s face as he thought it through, "That guy''s probably partying it up somewhere. But I have to find out where? That''s the challenge." Rick did not know much about Roy except for the fact that he was the gut Emily had a crush on. She spend hours and hours talking non-stop about him whenever the two of them met up for drinks at his apartment. It was hard for Rick to Emily that time, but somehow after getting the system. In about two weeks, he actually didn''t care. In fact he would hardly think about Emily, let alone his unrequited love for her. In fact, Rick wanted to find Roy, but somehow finding him felt like doing it for Olivia rather than Emily. He did not want Olivia to have this lump in his throat all her life. "Club or some hotel?" Rick''s car made a sharp turn, heading towards the city''s nightlife district. He chuckled to himself, thinking about Roy in the middle of a wild party, "Some hotel room in an orgy." The sun was setting, casting a warm glow on the city, and the nightlife was just beginning toe alive. Rick cruised down the neon-lit streets, scanning the area for any signs of revelry that might lead him to Roy. Rick''s brain kicked into overdrive, and a he suddenly had an idea. He reached for his phone, quickly dialing Ray''s number. Rick was sure Ray would know about Roy, no matter what. Ray wasn''t very popr in the college, just like Rick, but Ray had a knack of mixing with the right crowd, and knowing everything that happened around them. "Yo, Rick! Where the fuck are you man?" Ray''s voice came through the phone, apanied by the distant thump of bass and the mor of a lively crowd. Rick smiled hearing his only friend''s voice from the other side, "Hey, Ray! Just the man I needed. Where are you? And what is all this noise?" Ray''s voice crackled with excitement. "Man, it''s crazy! You should be here. Music''s pumping, drinks flowing. It''s a party!" Rick chuckled, imagining the scene on the other end of the line. "Sounds like a st. Listen, you seen Roy around? I''ve got some business with him." There was a momentary pause, and Rick could almost see the cogs turning in Ray''s head. "Roy? Yeah, he was here a while ago, tearing up the dance floor. Haven''t seen him in thest few minutes, though. What''s up?" Rick''s mind raced with possibilities. "Perfect! Keep an eye out, will you? Let me know if he shows up again. I owe you one, Ray. And yes, send me the location to where you guys are." Rayughed, the sounds of the party still audible. "Gotcha, Rick! You owe me a drink next time. Good luck with whatever is going on." ~~~~~ Rick approached the massive iron gate of the Kent family mansion, eyes narrowing at the imposing structure. He couldn''t help but feel a mix of determination and disbelief. "The nerve of Roy," he muttered to himself, ncing at the ornate namete beside the gate ¨C the Kent mansion. "The Fuck he has some balls," As he stepped inside, the scene was nothing short of chaotic. Drunken zombies stumbled around,ughing, dancing, and stumbling on their feet.. Rick couldn''t shake the pang of envy that hit him as he watched couples making out on the grand staircase. He shook his head, refocusing on his mission. "I could''ve been doing that with Amanda," he mumbled, pushing through the crowd towards the mansion''s entrance. Inside, the mansion was alive with pulsating music, the beat reverberating through the walls. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and the energy of a wild party in full swing. Rick navigated through the crowd, feeling like a fish swimming upstream against the tide of intoxicated partygoers. The grandeur of the mansion''s interior was juxtaposed against the chaos unfolding within. Rick''s eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of Ray amidst the sea of dancing bodies. And just like the mansion, the party was loud as well ¨C the expensive decor, the gleaming chandeliers, and the impressive staircase. The staircases all around were somehow the spot for every boy and girl in the party to entangle like snakes, their tongues exploring each other''s mouth. Amidst the cacophony, Rick finally spotted Ray, standing near the window, his eyes on the dance floor with a drink in hand. Rick pushed through the crowd, determined to get some answers. "Ray! You''re a lifesaver, man!" Rick greeted him, trying to be heard over the thumping music. Ray turned, a wide grin breaking across his face as he noticed Rick. "Rick, my man! You made it! Wee to the party!" Rick chuckled, exchanging a quick bro hug with Ray. "Yeah, yeah, all that aside. I need to talk to you about Roy. Where is he?" Ray took a sip of his drink, ncing around the room. "Roy? Oh, he''s around here somewhere. Having the time of his life, as usual. What''s up? Look at the party that bastard has thrown. He has been throwing a party almost daily since that Emily episode." Ray said but just as he got to Emily, his words turned more to a deep sigh. "Emily is why I am here," Rick''s expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing. "We need to talk about what happened with Emily. It''s not something that can be brushed under the rug, and it''s definitely not party material." Ray''s face fell for a moment, the seriousness of Rick''s tone registering. "Rick..." Rick crossed his arms, "Ray, this is serious. Emily is in the ICU. This can''t wait. Where''s Roy?" Ray sighed, recognizing the urgency in Rick''s voice. "Fine, fine. He''s upstairs. But don''t do anything stupid man. We can''t afford it." ~~~~~ Rick weaved his way through the pulsating crowd, leaving Ray to his drinks in a corner and embarking on a mission to locate Roy. The thumping bass reverberated through the mansion, the rhythmic beats guiding Rick''s steps as he scanned the sea of partygoers. Unable to spot Roy among the chaotic dance floor downstairs, Rick decided to try his luck on the upper levels. He ascended the grand staircase, the distant sounds ofughter and revelry echoing in the opulent halls. Rick''s determination fueled his search as he went from room to room, hoping to find a clue to Roy''s whereabouts. The first few rooms were empty, the thumping music seeping through the walls as Rick pressed on. However, as he moved farther down the hall, the ambiance of the party took on a more passionate tone. He passed by rooms where couples were entwined in passionate embraces, lost in the ecstasy of the moment. Rick couldn''t help but shake his head with a chuckle, excusing himself politely each time he inadvertently stumbled upon a private rendezvous, not wanting to disturb their crazy love making, but those guys were so busy fucking their brains out they did not even notice the spectator enjoying their show. "Guess love knows no boundaries, even in the middle of a wild party," he mumbled to himself. For a brief second he could not remember Olivia. Fuck, the did it in front of her husband, right there at the dining table where Gregy drunk. The scenes around him ranged from romantic to downright wild, and Rick couldn''t help but feel a mixture of amusement and disbelief. "This Kent mansion has seen it all, apparently." As he reached the room at the end of the hallway, Rick''s curiosity intensified. His instincts told him that he might be closing in on Roy. He approached the door cautiously, cing his ear against it to catch any sounds from within. Just as Rick was about to knock, a tap on his shoulder startled him. He turned around to find a member of the mansion''s staff ¨C a waiter, holding a tray of drinks. The man regarded Rick with suspicion. "What are you doing here?" the waiter asked, eyeing Rick up and down. Rick grinned, thinking on his feet. "Oh, hey! I''m Roy''s friend. He called me up, said there''s a real show going on in here. You know how it is!" The waiter''s expression shifted from suspicion to mild amusement. "A show, huh? Well, don''t make a mess. I''ve got a job to do." "No worries, mate. I got it covered," Rick said, epting the tray from the waiter. With a cheeky wink, he added, "I''ll take it from here." * * * * * Chapter 138: Roy, a girl, a boy and Orgyy Chapter - 138 Rick swung open the door with a dramatic bang, holding the tray filled with alcohol and drugs clutched tightly in his hand. His intention was to confront Roy, but what he stumbled upon was a scene that left him utterly stunned. The tray in his hands almost slipped away, spilling the alcohol and drugs, as he took in the shocking sight before him. The room was a total madness pit, a crazy scene that made Rick seriously reconsider some of his life choices. Smoke, a mix of cigarette and vape clouds, practically punched him in the face as he walked in. It was like a sizzling concoction of smellspeting for attention. Around a dozen people were crammed into the ce, all wrapped up in this wild, hedonistic disy. It wasn''t just your regr chaos ¨C it was a full-blown carnival of indulgence. The smell was so strong it hit Rick like a freight train. He stood there, eyes wide, taking in the whole debauchery unraveling before him. All those in the room weretangled up in an orgy that could give the wildest fantasies a run for their money. Bodies were just going nuts, a crazy dance of pleasure. Moans and the sound of skin smacking together created this bizarre symphony in the air. On beds scattered around, the girlsy with their asses up in the air, and the guys were riding the enthusiasm train like there was no tomorrow. It was like a scene out of a wild dream or a not-so-family-friendly carnival, but there they were, living it up in all its chaotic glory. With their asses pointed upward, the rhythmic sounds of bodies colliding creating an almost surreal soundtrack. Naked bodies intertwined, riding the waves of ecstasy like crazed rabbits in a mating ritual. In the midst of the madness, Roy stood out. He was at the center of the room, locked in a passionate embrace with a naked girl. The girly beneath him, their bodies moving with unrestrained vigor Roy had a wild look in his eyes, with his cock moving inside the girl''s pussy, Rick could see Roy thrusting vigorously, grunting every time he pushed his cock inside the girl. Their bodies moved with fervor, His balls pping against the girls pussy the room filled with pping sounds of their bodies. But what caught Rick off guard was the additionalyer of intensity ¨C a boy embraced Roy from behind, their lips locked in a fric kiss and the boy''s hands roaming freely over Roy''s body. Rick''s eyes widened, a mixture of shock and disbelief washing over him. The room seemed to pulsate with the intensity of the scene unfolding before his eyes. He cursed under his breath, struggling toprehend the sheer audacity of the situation. "What the¡­" Rick cursed under his breath. His voice barely audible over all the moaning and grunting of pleasure surrounding him. He couldn''t tear his eyes away from the spectacle, the tray in his hand forgotten for a moment. Rick stood frozen in his spot, the shock of the wild scene unfolding in front of him slowly giving way to a surreal sense of horror. The room, filled with writhing bodies and the thick haze of smoke, seemed like a decadent nightmare that defied all reason. The shock and disbelief held him in ce for a moment, unsure of how to react to the unexpected revtion. It took Rick a few breaths to regain hisposure, but as he did, his eyes met Roy''s. The moment of recognition on Roy''s face was unmistakable. The intense make-out session with the boy came to an abrupt halt as Roy broke the kiss, squinting through the haze to get a clearer view of the uninvited guest. Roy''s brow furrowed in a drunken frown as he tried to process the unexpected intrusion. "Who the fuck are you, and what the hell are you doing here?" he slurred, his eyes struggling to focus on Rick. Rick, still holding the tray filled with alcohol and drugs, couldn''t help but revel in the chaos he had unintentionally unleashed. He smirked as Roy cursed, seemingly too inebriated to recognize him. The irony wasn''t lost on Rick ¨C Roy, the orchestrator of this debaucherous gathering, now flustered by an unexpected visitor. Roy''s blurry gaze squinted even further as he attempted to focus on Rick. "You, hurry up and close that damn door. And where''s the fucking drug? Move it!" Roy''s tone conveyed a sense of urgency, his irritation escting. Roy''s irritation escted as he saw the tray in Rick''s hands. "Hurry up you idiot! And bring me that drug. Pronto!" Rick''s smile widened as he began to y along with the charade. With deliberate slowness, he closed the door behind him, taking measured steps toward Roy. The room, a kaleidoscope of entangled limbs and hedonistic fervor, seemed oblivious to Rick''s presence. Roy, still caught in a haze of intoxication, failed to register Rick''s face. The urgency and irritation in Roy''s voice only fueled Rick''s amusement. He took a moment to savor the chaos, the surrealness of the situation hitting him like a tidal wave. As he approached Roy, the room''s upants were too engrossed in their own pleasures to pay any attention to the unassuming interloper. Rick marveled at the fact that he could be a fly on the wall, witnessing the debauchery without being noticed. Rick, still smiling, slowly approached Roy, navigating through the tangled bodies of the orgy. The room was a cacophony of moans,ughs, and the asional p of flesh on flesh. Roy''s request for the drug only added to the bizarre nature of the encounter. Roy, oblivious to Rick''s true identity, gestured impatiently for the drugs. "Hurry up, you fucking moron! I don''t have all night." Rick chuckled inwardly, reveling in the irony. "Sure thing, boss. Here you go." He handed the tray to Roy, who eagerly took it without a second nce. Roy''s attention quickly shifted back to the ongoing spectacle in the room. "Now, get lost. We''re in the middle of something here. Roy, now armed with the bottle of rum and a packet of drugs from the tray, didn''t waste any time in expressing his desire for Rick to leave. His movements were harsh, his words even harsher, as he gestured for Rick to vacate the room. Rick, unfazed, took a step back, observing the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Roy, clearly inebriated, his body wobbling under the influence of alcohol, wasted no time in cracking open the bottle of rum with a force that suggested a desperate need for escape. Wasting no time, Roy put the bottle in his mouth, drinking directly from the bottle. As the liquid amber poured down his throat in one continuous gulp, the burn leaving a trail of heat in its wake. Watching the audacity with Roy gulped the Rum, Rick couldn''t help but feel a twinge of burn in his own throat. Just witnessing it made Rick feel the goosebumps. The party raged on, the room pulsating with an intoxicating mix of music, moans, and the heady scent of smell. Roy took a big mouthful of Rum before tossing the bottle on the bed as he licked his lips in satisfaction. The room seemed to spin as Roy, with shaky fingers now attempting to tear open the sachet of drugs. Roy, now lost in the haze of indulgence, attempted to open the sachet of drugs with trembling fingers. Each failed attempt only fueled his frustration, and Rick found himself caught between amusement and concern. After a few fumbling tries, Roy finally managed to tear the sachet open, and the white powder scattered across the bed. The white powder coated not only Roy''s shaky hands but also the naked back and ass of the girl in front of him. The room was filled with a potent mixture of arousal and chemical stimtion. Roy, like a man possessed, in a manner leaned forward with the hunger of a starving beggar stumbling upon a long-awaited meal,dived forward, as he put his hand over her bare ass cheeks and buried his face between between her ass cheeks. His tongue darted out, licking and sniffing the spilled drug from the girl''s naked asshole. The unexpected act sent a shiver down Rick''s spine, a mix of shock and disbelief. Roy began licking and sniffing like a hungry dog, not caring if Rick was still there or notwatching him. The white powder had covered the girl''s whole backside, from her back to her asshole. And Roy was in no mood to leave a single trace of his white powder. "Ahh!!"The girl, seemingly unperturbed by the unconventional turn of events, moaned in response to Roy''s vigorous actions. Her body trembled, and she clutched the sheets beneath her, lost in the throes of ecstasy. Rick couldn''t help but cringe at the spectacle, unsure whether to intervene or retreat from the surreal scene. But there was no doubt that scene in front of him however cringe and unsavory it was. Rick could feel the boner in his pants get hard. It was like the best seat in a live-action porn where every fetish was being satisfied. ***** [If you are reading the story at this point, don''t forget to leave a review,ment and if possible gifts. They help me, as well as the story] Chapter 139: Kidnapping Chapter - 139 Rick''s initial amusement morphed into a peculiar cocktail of disgust and frustration as he bore witness to Roy''s circus of bizarre, drug-fueled escapades. The bizarre spectacle of Roy snorting the drug off the girl''s naked back had long worn thin. It was clear that any attempts at questioning or getting answers in this state were futile. Roy was lost in a haze of intoxication, oblivious to the world around him. As Roy continued his enthusiastic journey into the absurd, Rick couldn''t help but feel like he was a spectator at the weirdest sideshow in town. The girl, in her own world of bliss, seemed to think she''d stumbled into a pop-up pleasure paradise. The girl, lost in her own world of pleasure, seemed oblivious to anything beyond the ecstasy coursing through her veins. Roy, on the other hand, was too deep into the haze of substances to register the outside world. As Roy continued his frenzied performance, Rick realized that it was high time for him to step into the spotlight of intervention. It was the perfect opportunity for Rick to execute his n, and he needed to extract information from Roy. However, questioning Roy in his current state was a futile endeavor. Rick needed a more controlled environment, away from the prying eyes and ears of the mansion''s inhabitants. Rick pondered his next move, Rick couldn''t help but feel a sinister smirk curling on his lips. The absurdity of the situation had pushed him to a breaking point, and an idea, mischievous and bold, started to bubble up in his mind. Looking at Roy, still immersed in his unconventional pursuit of pleasure, Rick chuckled to himself, "Well, I guess I am upgrading my job title to kidnapper. What a career move!" Rick''s grin grew wider as he thought about the absurdity of snatching Roy, even if just for a little while. It seemed like the perfect n to shake Roy out of his blissful daze. It was a gutsy move, but in this bizarre scenario, Rick figured it was the only way to cut through Roy''s foggy state and get some answers. Stepping closer to Roy, Rick took a deep breath and prepared for the audacity of his n. He grabbed Roy by the shoulders, trying to pull him away from the girl who seemed too blissed out to notice. Roy, his eyes zed and unfocused, stumbled back, a mixture of confusion and irritation on his face. "Come on, Roy, we''re taking a little detour. Just you and me," Rick dered, his toneced with determination. Roy, still grappling with the remnants of his drug-induced haze, mumbled incoherently, "Detour? Scram whoever the fuck you are" The drunk Roy pushed Rick way with whatever strength he could muster but couldn''t even move Rick one inch, "Get lost." Rick sighed, thinking, "Life would''ve been so much simpler if Roy had just gone along with it." Navigating through the party was like tiptoeing through a minefield of tipsy partygoers, and thest thing Rick wanted was a parade of curious onlookers. There were too many drunk loose canons in the party in full swing. He scratched his head, contemting how to smuggle Roy out without turning heads. Amidst all the craziness, a light bulb went off in Rick''s head. Boom! He suddenly remembered he had this super cool skill ¨C The Disguise Skill.It was the perfect moment to put it to use. If he could momentarily alter Roy''s appearance, it might just be enough to slip past the crowd unnoticed. As he contemted this, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation. It had been a while since he had checked his stats, quests, and inventory ¨C It must have filled up quite a lot since thest time he checked. In a swift motion, Rick pulled out the Disguise Skill card from his inventory. This card was a masterpiece, seriously. Intricate doodles and engravings all around, with a star of the show ¨C a giant, bushy mustache. It seemed bothical and mysterious at the same time. "Ah, the Disguise Skill," Rick muttered to himself, a devious smile ying on his lips. He looked at Roy, who was still in a blissful haze, and thought about the most inconspicuous disguise he could conjure. Focusing his thoughts, Rick thought about the desired transformation in his mind before crushing the card. A sudden burst of light emanated from the crushed card. The sudden brightness startled everyone in the dimly lit space. The revelers, lost in the throes of pleasure, were abruptly pulled from their intoxicated haze. With squinted, drunk eyes, they turned toward the source of the light, their blissful activities interrupted by the unexpected disruption. As the light subsided, a transformed Rick emerged from the glow. His body had grown bulkier, adorned with more defined musclesshaping his form into that of a more imposing figure. The clothes he wore had changed into a ck and white butler''s uniform,plete with a ssic bow tie. Rick''s face underwent a radical change ¨C an older visage with a long, sharp jawline, visible wrinkles, and a long gray beard apanied by a big, bushy mustache transformed him into an unrecognizable figure. The room fell into a stunned silence as partygoers tried toprehend the sudden change. Rick reveled in the sess of his disguise, the altered appearance rendering him virtually invisible to those who had been caught in the throes of the party. But just as the light vanished. They wasted no time to get back to business as the room once again filled with moans and grunts. Roy, who had been blissfully unaware of Rick''s ns, looked up with a drunken gaze. "Who the hell are you?" Rick had the look of absolute confusion on his face. Rick, now fully immersed in his role, adopted a deep, authoritative voice befitting a butler. "I am your humble servant, sir. I''m here to ensure you have a most splendid evening." Roy squinted at Rick, utterly confused. "Splendid evening? What''s that supposed to mean? And where''s the other guy who was just here?" With a little bow, Rick chimed in, "Oh, don''t worry about him, sir. I, your super-duper devoted butler, am here to be your personal wish-granter." "Shall we go somewhere else sir?" Rick asked again with a smile. "Fuck off! Can''t your blind eyes see that I am enjoying myself?" Royshed out the old butler Rick. "But I am here to help you experience the ultimate ecstasy. Beyond drugs, beyond pussy," Rick still acted humble and tried to persuade Roy, "Well, sir, I am your friendly butler, aren''t I?" "What can be better than a pussy old bastard. Bugger off before I smash your head open and snort your brains instead of this," Roy said as he looked at the naked ass of the girl covered in white powder and smacked it hard, which sent the white powder flying in air. "Jeez, I''ve been too nice to you," Rick eximed, reaching his breaking point. He gave the boy, who was clinging to Roy, a solid kick. The boy somersaulted off the bed with a startled yelp, the boy was sent tumbling down the bed. The boy cried out in rm but before anything, before he couldprehend the situation, the boy crashed onto the floor like a falling star, fading into darkness faster than he could say. Darkness engulfed in front of his eyes. It was all so fast that before Roy could react and look at his beloved boy lover on the floor, Rick grabbed him by the shoulder and pulled him away from the girl. As his cock was pulled out of the girl''s pussy with a jolt, the girl fell forward on the bed and Roy was suddenly on his feet, standing by Rick. Roy''s head also stared to cleara bit. Ignoring Roy''s feeble protests, Rick guided him toward the door. The room''s upants were too immersed in their own indulgences to pay much attention. Rick took a quick nce around, ensuring that his impromptu kidnapping wouldn''t attract unwanted attention. Roy tried to pull back but he had no energy in his arms and they stumbled into the hallway. Closing the door behind them. "Where are you taking me?" Roy slurred, his steps unsteady as they moved through the dimly lit corridor, "Fuck! Do you know who my father is?" Rick couldn''t help but let out a chuckle, finding the entire situation as amusing as a cat chasing its own tail. "Oh, I am well-acquainted with your family tree ¨C your dad, your granddad, and let''s not forget the shining star, your dear old mom. Word on the street is she''s quite the hot item." "You motherfucker!" Hearing Rick, Roy tried to punch him but before thezy drunk could even touch Rick, Rick hit Roy at the back of his head. And Roy was suddenly lying on the floor, head t on the floor. "Why am I so good?" Rick grinned as he looked at Roy lying unconscious on the floor. * * * * * Chapter 140: Rick, Roy and Romance under the sky [1] Chapter - 140 "Aahh!" Roy''s eyes shot open as he jolted awake, a sensation of drowning overwhelming him. His gaze darted around in confusion, his face moving rapidly as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. The sudden rush of cold air sent shivers through his wet body, and he became acutely aware of water dripping from his hair. Blinking against the disorientation, Roy''s eyes scanned the unfamiliar scene. He was stark naked, and his attempts to move revealed that his hands were securely strapped to a chair. The fast-paced movement of his head only intensified the sense of disorientation. Anxiety and fear crept over him as he took in the bizarrendscape ¨C a deste tnd dotted with few trees here and there, with only a glimpse of stars breaking through the cloudy sky. The realization hit Roy like a bucket of ice-cold water ¨C he was strapped to a chair, his hands bound, and he waspletely exposed. Panic set in as he tried to make sense of the situation. Where was he? How did he end up here? The tndscape offered little in the way of answers. Roy''s heart pounded in his chest as he struggled against the restraints, the severity of the situation sinking in. Another chilly gust swept over him, intensifying his difort. Roy couldn''t shake off the feeling of vulnerability as he sat there, exposed and restrained in the middle of nowhere.His wet hair clung to his forehead, and the cold droplets trickled down his face, adding to his difort. Just when Roy thought the situation couldn''t get any more bewildering, a voice echoed from behind him. The sudden sound sent a jolt of fear through him, and his butt hole couldn''t help but tighten and squeeze more into his body. "Well, look at that. My young master is awake," the voice echoed from behind him. The voice carried an air of authority and amusement. He tried to twist his neck to get a glimpse of the speaker, but the restraints limited his movement. Roy''s eyes widened in fear as he strained to see who had spoken. The source of the voice remained hidden, adding an extrayer of dread to the already perplexing situation. The term "young master" sent a chill down his spine ¨C who was addressing him, and why? Roy stammered, his voice betraying a mix of confusion and fear. "W-where am I? Who the hell are you?" The voice chuckled, a low and sinister sound that seemed to surround Roy. "Oh, we are in a special ce. No need to get your panties in a twist, my dear young master. We are here for a little chat, you and I." Roy''s eyes widened, a sense of dread settling in. "Chat? Where am I? What do you want?" "A ce where questions get answers, and answers lead to more questions. As for who I am, well, that''s not important right now. What is important is what happens next,"The voice remained calm, almost amused. Roy''s mind raced with possibilities, each one more unsettling than thest. He struggled against the restraints, desperation setting in. "Let me go! I haven''t done anything!" The unseen figure stepped into Roy''s line of sight, revealing a silhouette against the sparse backdrop. "Oh, you have done plenty, my friend. But we''re not here to discuss your past sins. We are here for something recent." Roy''s mind raced with possibilities. Was this some sort of twisted prank or a vengeful act? He struggled against the bindings, his eyes darting around in search of an escape route. Roy''s fearden voice trembled as he demanded answers, "What do you want? Let me go. Otherwise, my father won''t let it slide. My father..." The mysterious voice interrupted Roy''s frantic plea with a dismissive tone, "Your father is the Mayor of the city. He can mobilize all the police force with the snap of his fingers. Yada... Yada... Yada..." The moon emerged from behind the clouds, casting an ethereal glow on the figure standing behind Roy. "Everyone in the city fucking knows that," As the moonlight''s silver glow illuminated the scene, it revealed the person''s identity, a twisted grin spread across the disguised old man''s face. It was none other than Rick, who had cleverly utilized the Disguise Card to transform into the ominous figure. The moonlight added a dramatic touch to the revtion, casting shadows that danced across Rick''s wrinkled face. The Disguise could hold for a continuous 7-hour stretch after activation, and Rick had already spent 5 of those hours. It has been 5-hours since Rick "kidnapp...". Ahem... escorted Roy from his mansion. With the unconscious Roy without even an underwear on his body over his shoulder but his face covered with a towel on his head, Rick climbed down the stairs. The party was absolutely wild, reaching its peak in a frenzy of excitement. Bottles were popping open left and right, and booze seemed to be flowing more over bodies than into sses. Boys were even getting creative, taking shots of booze off girls'' bodies, and everyone was dancing to the thunderous beat of the music. And so no one actually paid attention to an old man with a naked boy on his shoulder whose face was actually buried in the old man''s groin. It was actually such a easy way out of the house. A few drunk girls giggled, and some boys jeered, but overall, nobody really cared about the naked boy''s identity. In the blink of an eye, Rick found his way to the exit, eager to make his escape from the lively chaos. However, his ns hit a snag when a staff member, the same one who had delivered booze and drugs to Roy''s room, intercepted him. "Hey, you! Hold up," the staff member called out, putting a pause to Rick''s exit. Rick halted, a scowl forming on his face. He turned slowly to face the staff member, the wrinkles on his face adding an extrayer of intensity to his re. "What do you want?"Rick''s deep, threatening voice cut through the music as he inquired. Caught off guard, the other guy couldn''t help but feel a chill under Rick''s sharp, intimidating gaze. He took a step back, nervously stammering, "Uh, who are you? And, uh, who''s that?" He pointed a shaky finger at Roy, who was slung over Rick''s shoulder, unconscious. "He is my young master," Rick answered, his tone still intimidating that could chill a room. "Your young master?" The man looked at Roy from top to bottom, his naked butt gleaming under the pulsating party lights. "Who are you to ask me about my young master?" Rick snapped, seizing the man''s cor and yanking him close. Their faces almost touched as Rick sneered, "Stick to your own damn business, you idiot. Cross me, and I''ll smash your teeth in. You''ll be sipping through straws for the rest of your sorry life." With that ominous warning hanging in the air, Rick forcefully shoved the trembling waiter backward. Without uttering another word, he swaggered out of the house, leaving the stunned waiter behind in silence. ~~~~~ Now only 2 hours remained and Rick had to make it quick. So as to not get found out by Roy, his father or their men. "Now, now, young master Roy, no need to bring your daddy into this," Rick chuckled, his disguised appearance adding an eerie touch to the moonlit scene. "We''re here for a little chat, just you and me." Roy''s eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the sight of the old man who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. The shock on his face was palpable, and his mind raced to make sense of the situation. "You? How is this... What the hell is going on?" "What kind of sick game is this?" Roy asked. Rick, maintaining the guise of the old man, chuckled with a twinkle in his eye. "Surprised, aren''t you, young master? Now, let''s cut the theatrics. I have got questions, and you are going to answer them. No more dodging, no more games." Roy, still strapped to the chair, struggled against the restraints. "Questions? What questions? I don''t know what you''re talking about." Roy''s fear shifted to bewilderment as he struggled to make sense of the situation. "What could my father possibly be hiding from me?" Rick circled around Roy, his tone conspiratorial and hushed. "You''re a smartd, Roy. I''m sure you''ve heard the rumors, whispers about some shady dealings, secret affairs, and a whole lot of dirtyundry your daddy''s been hiding in the closet." Roy''s eyes narrowed as he tried to gauge Rick''s sincerity. "Rumors? I don''t believe it. My father is an upstanding man. There''s no way he''s involved in anything like that." Rick, maintaining his facade as the mysterious old man, chuckled knowingly, "Oh, Roy, my young master, you are in for a shock. But I am a fair man. I will give you a choice ¨C you can either walk away right now, forget all about this little chat, and return to your cushy life. All you have to do is answer me what I want to know. Trust me." "Or you can stay here for the rest of your life. And soak in this glorious view forever," Rick leaned in, his weathered face inches from Roy''s as he gestured towards the sky, "But it will be from six feet under the ground." Roy''s eyes darted nervously, caught off guard by Rick''s direct approach, "I... I don''t know anything about my father''s business." "But I never said anything about your father''s business. You are the one serenading your powerful old man." Rick''s expression darkened, his disguise concealing the storm of emotions beneath the surface, "I want to know about our Emily. Now young master, don''t test my patience. We have got two hours for you to spill the beans." * * * * * Chapter 141: Rick, Roy and Romance under the sky [2] Chapter - 141 Rick towered over Roy''s shivering frame as he sped his hands in front of him and asked with a voice as cold as ice, "What happened to Emily that night?" Roy tugged on his restraints, and Rick rolled his eyes. Did this idiot really think he had a chance? Rick grabbed a handful of Roy''s hair and yanked it back. He leaned down till his nose almost touched Roy''s. Roy could see the murderous fire raging inside the old man. Fire that would consume Roy in whole if he didn''tply. "Listen up, you little shit of a young master," Rick growled. "Don''t think you have a chance to escape, because you don''t. The only way you''re leaving this ce is my mercy extends to you. Understand?" Roy whimpered and his eyes brimmed with tears. Just a couple of hours ago, he was at home. He was at home and was surrounded among friends. How did he get here? How did no one notice him being taken? Someone had to be looking for him, right? He was the mayor''s son, people couldn''t afford to let him go missing. Maybe if he stalled¡­ Yes, he''d just need to stall for the little bit, people were out there looking for him. He knew it. The old man pulled harder, and Roy knew if he pulled any harder, he''d have a painful bald patch right on top his head. "I said, do you understand?" Rick, disguised as the old man seethed, "Young master?" Roy choked out a sob and nodded. His wrists burned from the metal chains chafing his skin, and he shivered under the old man''s re and the cool breeze. "Good," Rick, like a gentle old man, patted Roy''s head like he were a dog and stood back up. "You are a quick learner, young master." "Now, Let''s try that again, shall we? What happened to Emily that night?" Rick was all smiles as he asked again. "She¡­ She fell off." Roy answered, his voice stammering. "How?" Rick asked again. "I... Idon''t know," Roy tried to back away from Rick. But like lightening, Rick''s hand flew across Roy''s cheek. Roy felt that sting all the way to his toes, and his body trembled like a leaf in the wind. His cheek throbbed, and the pain brought a fresh wave of tears in his eyes. "How did she fall off? I won''t ask again." Rick spoke softly, his voice grating against the quietness of their surroundings. Thick droplets spilled down Roy''s cheeks, as he huped and said, "Sh¡ª She was drinking, and she must have wandered up. I don''t know. Please, please, let me go. If you want money, I''ll tell my father. He''ll pay you. How much ever you want. Just please, let me go." "Shut the fuck up," Rick snapped, "Stop crying like a dying pig. You still don''t know what pain is. Answer my fucking question. " Rick relished the way Roy''s entire face nched, his bottom lip wobbling as he held in his sobs. "Now, where were we?" Rick spoke. "Ah, yes, you were lying about how Emily drank and wandered up the balcony. Continue. And once you are done with your lies, can we get to the truths? With your permission, of course, young master." "I am not lying. I swear. She got drunk, and slipped from the balcony. That''s it. That''s all I know. Please let me go. Please." Rick erupted inughter. His broad, hunched frame shook with violent shakes as he howled and yelled to his heart''s delight. The barrennd with it''s smooth, rustling wind echoed his roars, magnifying them to exorbitant levels. "You foolish boy," he said in between howls. "Do you think you begging will help your case?" He shook his head, and sobered from his high. "But I am d you didn''t spill the truth," Rick sneered, his lips curling into a menacing grin. "Now, it is my turn to enjoy myself." Abruptly, a set of pliers materialized in his hand as if from nowhere. Roy''s eyes locked onto the cold, steel instrument in Rick''s grip, and his blood went cold with the shine that fell on the pliers. Roy had procured the pliers through the system, but these were no ordinary, run-of-the-mill tools. Oh no, these had thin, t tips¡ªperfect for extracting the truth, especially for plucking out a bad boy''s nails if he wasn''t being a goody-good boy. Rick''s grin widened, and the ominous atmosphere thickened. It was clear that the impending ''fun'' was going to be anything but pleasant. Rick forcefully inserted the pointed object beneath Roy''s right index finger, ensuring Roy''s wrist remained firmly gripped in his other hand, "I yed nice, young master. I really did. Look at my face. I am not lying to you." "I even gave you a chair and everything to make youfortable. But boys like you don''t know how to appreciate the good stuff," Rick looked at Roy with regret dripping from his face. He pushed the pointed end further, firmly mping down on Roy''s neatly trimmed nail. A sharp cry escaped Roy''s lips, his throat convulsing as he screamed in agony as he screamed his lungs out. With just a flick of the wrist, Rick ripped the nail from the bed, and Roy shook in the chair, his head thrown back as more tears poured down. Rick stood there with a wicked grin, relishing the horrifying screams that echoed in the room. "You had your chance to talk, young master. Regrettably for you, I am left with no choice but to get my hands dirty," Rick said, nonchntly dismissing the gravity of the situation, "Hushh... God forgive this sinner''s soul." Roy fought desperately, jerking his head backward and clenching his fists. Rick had to forcefully pry open Roy''s fingers, resulting in blood staining Rick''s impably neat butler attire. Rick then ced the pliers below Roy''s thumb and pushed it again further below the nail. Just a tiny bit. And the pain made Roy''s mouth open in an evesting scream which actually gave Rick a new avenue to pursue. Rick stuffed the plier in his mouth and went for the silver filling on his second tost wisdom tooth. Rick''s fingers dug into Roy''s jaws, forcing them open wider as he shook the plier from side to side, slowly pulling the filling from where it was drilled into. Blood flooded Roy''s mouth and when he sputtered, it flew into Rick''s face. With one final tug, it came off, and Rick almost stumbled back. The blood from Roy''s mouth spilled from the edges and onto his chest. He was crying, screaming, and tugging at his wrists. Rick brought out a handkerchief from his pocket, bunched it up and stuffed it in Roy''s mouth. He couldn''t allow the bastard to die by choking on his own blood. Oh no, Rick wasn''t done with him. Also, all that screaming was giving Rick a headache. Muffled groans disturbed the silence around them as Rick contemted on what to do next. Roy''s big eyes were blown wide as he stared at Rick, fear coating every centimeter in them. The next thing he bought from the system was an eyeball extractor. Passing it from hand to hand, he inched closer to Roy''s trembling frame. Roy''s eyes fell to the extractor in Rick''s hands and then to his face. Pleading groans left him when Roy grabbed at his face, thumb and index finger widening his eye. He ced the edge of the extractor right underneath the eyeball, and that was enough for Roy to start squirming. This was going to get real messy. And Rick looked forward to every single second. After all, he had just begun. ~~~~~ Sweat dripped from Rick''s brow and he swiped at it with the back of his hand, leaving a smudge of red on his forehead. Roy was nothing but a half-concious corpse at this point. With nail deprived fingers, an empty eye socket, three missing teeth, broken nose, broken toes, and hundreds of thin slices running up and down his forearms, and thighs, Rick didn''t think there was more this stubborn fucker could handle. And he was almost out of time. With a mere twenty minutes ticking away until his clever disguise would lose its magic, Rick felt the pressure mounting. Time was running out, and he had to move swiftly. But there was a crucial element to this n - that pampered, entitled jerk needed to be wide awake for it to work. Stepping away deliberately, Rick took a moment to cleanse his blood-stained hands on the fabric of his trousers. Methodically, he wiped the traces of crimson from his face and beard, all while expertly taming his disheveled hair into a semnce of order. He tipped Roy''s chin back so he was looking up. As he swept back his sweat drenched hair, he spoke to himself, admiring his work, "Aahh... I overdid it." * * * * * [A/N: I hope you are enjoying the story so far. Support the story and leave a review] Chapter 142: Rick, Roy and Romance under the sky [3] Chapter-142 "Please, old man, I don''t know what you want from me, but I can''t take it anymore," Roy sobbed, blood mixing with his tears as he struggled against the restraints. "Just let me go. I won''t tell anyone about this. I swear." Roy felt his world unraveling, his world crumbled on him, the physical onught from Rick, pushing him to the brink. Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the blood that seeped out from his wounds. His hands, still bound to the chair, trembled as he begged Rick, the disguised old man, for mercy. "You still got a voice, huh?"Rick, maintaining the facade of the old man, observed Roy''s anguish with an unreadable expression. The moonlight cast a haunting glow on the scene, emphasizing the desperation etched on Roy''s face, "You are one tough, son of a bitch, young master." It wasn''t about Roy flexing his muscles or proving his toughness; it was Rick''s calcted move that kept the guy alive and well. Rick, in a fit of rage, didn''t hesitate to drop a substantial number of Ero points to ensure the stubborn fellow''s survival. He bought a dozen of low level, elixirs to keep the bastard alive and kicking from the system''s marketce. Rick bought the Verdant Vitality Serum from the system. Derived from the essence of ancient Sylvan Trees, this serum enhances the body''s natural healing abilities. When ingested, it stimtes the growth of new cells, knitting together wounds. And Each of the bottle cost him 3,500 Ero points. But Rick was so angry that he didn''t really care about spending a few thousand of his precious Ero points. On the other hand, Roy''s eyes or should we say the leftover eye, once filled with defiance, was now swollen and bloodshot from the relentless stream of tears. The moonlitndscape reflected the torment etched on his face, every drop a testament to the shattering of his illusions. The disheveled strands of his wet hair clung to his forehead, mingling with the blood that now stained his face. Roy could barely feel the taste of salt mixed with the metallic tang of blood in his mouth. Roy''s anguished pleas echoed in the dimly lit room, his face contorted with fear as he begged for mercy. Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the dirt on his cheeks. "Please, have mercy. I''ll do anything, anything you say. I won''t breathe a word. Just let me go back home," he pleaded, his voice quivering with desperation. Roy, unable to withstand the physical and emotional torment, whispered through sobs, "I promise, I won''t remember any of this. Just let me go, please." Roy''s desperate pleas for mercy hung in the air, but Rick, still disguised as the ominous old man, looked down at him with a devilish smirk. "I know what happened to Emily," Roy stammered, his voice barely audible over the wind that carried his pitiful cries. "I..."Betweenbored breaths, Roy managed to croak out, "I know... I know what happened to Emily. Just let me go, and I''ll tell you everything." Rick''s smirk widened, a sinister dance ying on his lips as he addressed Roy with a bone-chilling tone, "I don''t want to know, my young master. I am starting to enjoy it now. Hang on a bit more. I have a few more things to try," Rickughed, the sound echoing through the destendscape like a twisted luby. Roy, teetering on the precipice of unconsciousness, struggled to summon the strength needed for coherent speech. His mumbled words were a desperate plea, ast-ditch effort to share information that could potentially spare him from further agony. Rick, leaning in with a perverse sense of curiosity, strained to capture the fragments of Roy''s whispers. Panting and barely audible, Roy struggled to form coherent words. With great difficulty, he mumbled something about Emily, his voice barely rising above a tortured whisper. The words hung in the air, a macabre revtion that left Rick intrigued and unsettled. "Emily... She... She..."Roy, on the verge of losing consciousness, mumbled something through his battered lips. His words were almost indecipherable, a feeble attempt tomunicate the haunting truth he held within. Rick, with an air of nonchnt intrigue, leaned in, his sharp eyes fixed on Roy''s weakened form, "Speak up, young master. Is that ast wish I am hearing? Sorry, but I can''t hear you." His words dripped with a subtle threat, veiled beneath a veneer of sophistication. Rick, frowning beneath his disguise, asked Roy to rify, "Now you are stretching a little too much young master. I don''t have whole day. I have got more important matters to attend to. My preparations for the main course cannot be dyed." Roy, teetering on the brink of consciousness, struggled to articte the damning truth. The words were a mere whisper, barely audible to Rick, "Emily... she''s dead." Rick''s eyes, seasoned and weathered, widened in response, etching deeper lines of astonishment onto his artfully concealed countenance. He couldn''t hide the shock that flickered across his features. "Dead?" he muttered, almost to himself, before turning back to Roy, "What do you mean, dead? Speak, you bastard!" Rick couldn''t keep pretending any more. But Roy, barely holding himself together, had lost too much blood. The energy to speak, to let the words escape his battered lips, eluded him. Frowning beneath his disguise, Rick demanded, "What was that? Speak up, damn it! What about Emily?"Rick, growing frustrated, shook Roy violently in a desperate attempt to extract the information he sought. "Speak, you idiot! What the hell happened to Emily?" Rick barked, his patience wearing thin. He pulled a belt from his pants in a swift motion, the metallic buckle glinting ominously in the moonlight. Without warning, Rick started hitting Roy mercilessly with the belt, each strike punctuated by Roy''s agonized screams. The blows rained down on him, and with each one, Rick demanded answers about Emily''s fate. Roy''s screams echoed through the destendscape with each brutal strike of the belt. Rick, driven by a manic determination, demanded answers with every merciless blow. The sound of flesh meeting leather and the guttural cries of pain created a symphony of horror that seemed to punctuate the destion. "What''s going to happen with Emily?" Rick yelled, the strikes punctuating each word. The atmosphere was charged with tension and brutality as the moonlight bore witness to the sadistic interrogation unfolding in the forsakenndscape. Roy, battered and broken, gasped for breath between agonized screams. But Rick did not stop. He did not want to stop. And the merciless beating continued, a relentless barrage that seemed to extract both pain and fragments of the horrifying truth. Rick, frustrated by theck of a coherent response, continued his relentless assault. "What''s going to happen with Emily? Speak, you son of a bitch!" The blows continued, the metallic snaps of the belt against flesh creating a twisted scream of agony. Roy''s screams echoed through the destendscape, each cry punctuated by Rick''s increasingly manic demands for information. The savage assault finally came to an end, a brutal symphony of violence that seemed to stretch into eternity. Rick stumbled backward, his chest rising and falling withbored breaths. In his hand, he clutched the belt, now tainted with the grisly aftermath of Roy''s blood and torn flesh, hanging limply from Rick''s hand. Roy, slumped in the chair like a lifeless puppet, had ceased his groans and grunts. His battered body seemed to hang in a grotesque tableau of agony, the only audible sound the ragged wheezing of his breath echoing in the deste environment. As the brutality subsided, a heavy silence descended upon the scene, a sharp contrast to the earlier cacophony of pain and suffering. The moon, an indifferent spectator to the horrors below, cast an eerie glow upon the twistedndscape, adding an unsettling ambiance to the aftermath. As the eerie quiet settled, Rick took a couple of deep breaths, savoring the taste of the sadistic conquest. With a deliberate and calcted motion, he leaned forward, fingers closing around Roy''s battered face. He grabbed Roy''s swollen and bloodied face, turning it towards him. "What''s going to happen with Emily?" Rick demanded, his toneced with a blend of impatience and anticipation. The question hung in the air, a haunting reminder of the purpose behind the merciless assault. In the eerie stillness of the night, Roy slowly roused from what seemed like a lifeless state. His swollen eye creaked open, revealing a painful and defiant scene. His lips curved into a smirk, showcasing bloodstained teeth in a grotesque grin. A sinister chuckle slipped through his battered throat, followed by words that sent shivers into the destion. "That bitch is going to die today," Roy dered with a twisted satisfaction, his voice a sinister melody that echoed in the destion, "Hehehe... That slut''s days are over." The words hung in the air, a chilling promation that seemed to reverberate through the silentndscape. Rick, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected response. * * * * * Chapter 143: Chaos everywhere Chapter - 143 Rick''s patience reached its breaking point, and he demanded answers from Roy with a stern gaze. "What the hell do you mean?" All he got in response was a sinister grin from Roy. Without hesitation, Rick''s fingers intertwined with Roy''s hair, and he forcefully yanked his head up. "Speak up!" He barked, his eyes narrowing beneath the guise of the old man. Roy, still wearing that disturbing grin, erupted into a maniacalughter that resonated across the destendscape, shattering the fragile tranquility that lingered in the air. The mixture of blood, sweat, and tears on Roy''s face, coupled with his psychotic cackle, sent prickled Rick''s nerves. The agony Roy endured seemed to have unleashed a madness that Rick struggled toprehend. In the blink of an eye, Roy mped his mouth shut, fixing Rick with a gaze that conveyed pain and defiance. One remaining eye, blown wide open, met Rick''s stare with an intensity that spoke of unyielding spirit. His jaw, now locked, gave his expression a stoic quality, while his lips formed a determined, thin line. A nasty gash swallowed up half his eyebrow above the empty socket, and blood dripped down the side of his cheeks and fell from the tip of his chin in a narrow stream. It seemed like even if Rick enforced more pain on his beaten-up body, there was a good chance he wouldn''t feel it anymore As the echoes of manicughter faded, Rick, his teeth gritted in a simmering anger, demanded an exnation from the battered and bloodied Roy, "Had your fill, you sick fuck? Now talk." Roy savored the moment, a wicked glint in his eyes as he rhythmically clicked his tongue, "You old man. You stupid, senile, poor old man. I don''t know who you are..." He coughed then, spitting out blood and a couple of shatteredremains of teeth on hisp. "But did you really thought you had everything under control, didn''t you." Rick''s eyebrows furrowed. "The fuck you on about?" "You see, while you are here giving me such go¡ª" More coughs sputtered out from him. He breathed in deep lungfuls of air, only to exhale it in more guttural coughs. Did he puncture a lung? When he sobered, with more tears streaming down one side of his face, he continued. "Such goodpany. Emily''s having a lovely visitor dolling out the same delightful treatment." Rick''s hands turned into fists at his sides, and he forced himself to keep hisposure. Only till Roy finished talking. Only till then. Because after that, Roy was a dead man. "Now, that lovely visitor is not a barbarian like you," he said. "All he needs to do is add a little extra potion to put poor, slutty Emily to rest. Simple as that." Rick lost a smidge of his control and roared, "Don''t y games with me, Roy!" Roy, with just as much vigour, screamed, "Don''t think you''re in a position to make demands!" And once more, he was reduced to violent coughs, racking his entire broken frame. "What is he going to give her," Rick demanded. He only got more coughs as a response, and he hit Roy''s back harshly, forcing him to stop. "Answer me." "Patience, old man," Roy sneered. "Just a little something something that will help her rest forever. But of course the angonizing pain wille first. First a little tingle in her toes and fingers. Slowly it will move up her arms and legs, and that''s when she''ll feel the fire burning inside her veins. Scorching, hot fire burning her from the inside out. Poor girl won''t even know what''s happening. And when the potion reaches its fullest extent, when it gets to her brain." Roy closed his eye, and a slow, wolfish smile tore through his busted lips. "It will be glorious." His words dripped with sadistic satisfaction, and the repulsive grin etched on his face reflected the disturbing picture of the impending horror. "Oh, I forgot," Roy spit another mouthful of blood as he showed whatever remained of his broken teeth, "He might enjoy that sultry body of hers before putting a hyphen on her life line. He is quite a loving man you know." Roy just looked at Rick with a chilling grin. "So, old man, did you like my n?" he sneered. Without uttering a word, Rick reached into the folds of his robe and pulled out a needle from the system¡ªa venomous needle he had acquired during his trip to Whispering Wends. "Aaahhh!!!" With a swift motion, Rick plunged the needle into Roy''s thigh Roy''s maniacalughter turned into agonized screams as the venomous substance began its malevolent work. Purple lines snaked across Roy''s thighs, a gruesome visual of the venom spreading through his body. Rick, maintained a coldposure, and stepped back as Roy writhed on the chair, his body jerking this way and that. His veins bulged and expanded as the venom pushed its way through the thin tunnels. "Wha¡ªWhat is happening?" he asked, following the purple lines as they raced across his torso. "Oh my dear, dear boy," Rick said in mock constion. "You were so excited about the treatment Emily is about to receive, I only though it fitting for you to have the same luxury." "No," Roy shrieked. "No. You''re lying." Exclusive content from m,v lem|p,yr Rick simply shrugged. "Say what you will, young master. You''ll soon experience the fire in your veins, as it takes over your heart. Your insides will burn in a sad pile of pain. And you will do nothing but bear it and ride it through until you are nothing but a rotting corpse in the middle of nowhere." "And don''t worry. It won''t be over soon. My love and care for you young master transcends heaven and earth. I love you... I love you to the moon and back." Rick gently caressed Roy''s cheek with affection. "And this love you will experience for the next seven hours. So don''t forget to miss me with every breath of yours that is remaining." ~~~~~ A man entered the room at the end of the hallway with a tray in his hand, again with alcohol and drugs. Mrs Patterson had sent him to check up on the rave going on and whether or not anything more was needed. Some of the housekeepers wanted to clock out for the night, and the man was among them as well. The manmented this part of the job everyday. He was the housekeeper, but most days he felt like Roy Kent''s babysitter. He sighed to himself as he prayed to the gods above that the next party was a couple of nights away. There was only so much vomit he could clean in a week. When after a thorough circle of the room, squeezing in between the gyrating bodies and passed out adults on the floor, he still couldn''t catch ahold of the young master, panic had set in. He hurried back to the kitchen already dreading what was to follow. Mrs Patterson, the head housekeeper, eyed him as he scurried inside the kitchen, "What is wrong? Does the Young Master need something else?" The man shook his head and braced himself against the counter. "Young Master is not here." "What do you mean? Where is he then?" eximed Mrs. Patterson, her stoic expression contorting to one of worry. "I checked the living room, his room, his bathroom, even the study! He is not there!" The man said, pulling at his fingers. "He can''t just vanish into thin air!" One of the kitchen staff, joined in. She dropped the knife on the cutting board. "Come, we will go search the other rooms. One of you go to the garden and check. Check if his car is still here." The servants, the maids, and even the cooks everyone hurriedly moved from room to room, whispering amongst themselves in hushed tones. The tension escted as more staff members joined the search, their footsteps echoing through the wide corridors. Doors were opened and closed with a sense of urgency, the once immacte mansion now a scene of disorder. Amidst the chaos, the butler, Mr. Thompson, approached her. "We have searched every inch of the mansion, and there is no sign of Young Master Roy." Mrs. Patterson''s expression darkened when she said, "I think we will have to call the mayor immediately. We need to inform him about this." ~~~~~ The beeping and humming of the venttor and heart monitor filled the silent space of the ICU ward as Olivia sat by Emily''s bedside, her eyes fixed on her daughter''s still form. Olivia''s hand tightened around Emily''s when a man walked in with a white coat. Olivia looked at him, puzzled. "Umm... Doctor? Why are you here?" she asked, eyeing the stethoscope around his neck and the pristine cks he wore that didn''t have a single wrinkle on them. "Hello Mrs rke," The man met her gaze with a calm demeanor. "I am here to check on Emily," he stated, his tone unwavering, almost bordering on boredom. "But the doctor..." Olivia raised an eyebrow, her concern evident. "The doctor just left now. What is the need for another check so soon?" The man''s lips curved into a smile, his eyes holding a glint of mystery. "Sometimes, a second look reveals what the first may miss." Olivia''s brow furrowed. "I don''t understand. Do you want to run more tests?" "Tests?" The man''s smile persisted as he said, "Yeah, something like that. But I might have to use my own means." "But don''t worry. I am quite good at my job," The man ced his hand on Olivia''s shoulder and smirked, "You won''t have a chance toin." ***** [A/N: Support the story and leave a review] Chapter 144: Rick! Where are you? Chapter - 144 A sudden shrill sound broke the tranquility the luxury suite had promised and Mayor Kent groggily tore himself from the young, luscious woman he had his arms around. His hand searched for his phone on the nightstand, knocking things out of the way to get to it. When he saw the caller ID, fury unfurled through him as he answered. "Do you have no sense? See the fucking time before you call." He jammed his face again between the woman''s plush breasts where he had it before the fucking butler ruined his night. The woman''s nimble fingers, tipped with bright red and sharp nails caressed his hair. "Who is it, baby?" she crooned. Thompson''s fearful voice came from the other end. "S-Sir, a problem has urred." "Out with it, Thompson. I don''t have the entire night," Mayor Kent snapped. It was nearing two in the morning, and this idiot had the audacity to disturb him. "Young Master Kent is missing," he said. More like he speed ran through so that the sentence sounded like onerge word, "Youngmasterkentismissing" But the mayor heard him loud and clear. He detached himself from the woman and sat up, his attention peaking. "And you are sure of this? Have you searched the mansion grounds? The garden?" "We have, sir. He is not on the property." "Fuck," he grunted, running a hand through his hair. This boy of his was shortening his life span by the day. "Alright, I am on the way. Don''t call the cops just yet. Wait for my signal." Without another second to waste, he cut the call, and reached for the robe hanging from the bedpost. The beautiful, lithe woman flung a leg over his, straddling him and stuffed her tits into his face. "Baby," she whined. Her silky voice that Mayor Kent usually found incredibly sexy was now downright irritating to his ears. She ground her hips on hisp, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Don''t tell me you''re leaving me alone for the night." She pouted, and there went the mayor''s patience. But the mayor was in no mood, hepushed her off hisp, and with hurried motions grabbed his clothes to get dressed. He needed to find that boy of his. And once he did, he was going to strangle Roy himself. ~~~~~ Rick''s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as he navigated through the barrage of cars in traffic. The continuous press of his hand on the horn reflected the urgency he held within him. He leaned on the horn, urging the blocking vehicles to move to the fucking side. The building blurred as Rick weaved through the traffic, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. Impatience drew lines on his forehead as every red light became an irritation that trailed a long line of expletives. He vowed to blow up every slow-moving car that acted as a barrier to his destination. Rick''s foot pressed hard on the elerator, the engine roaring in response as he was thrown back in his seat. He nced at the dashboard clock, each passing second intensifying the knot of anxiety in his stomach. From both sides, drivers and pedestrians alike made faces as he flew down the road. In the midst of all the honking chaos, Rick''s mind only raced with thoughts of Olivia and Emily. The hospital loomed in the distance, he was close. Just a little more. He swerved, manoeuvring with recklessness, as he inched closer to the hospital, to Olivia and Emily. ~~~~~ The waiting room was quiet for the night save for the soft conversation Olivia and the man cloaked in a white coat engaged in one corner. "I am sorry for dragging you outside," Olivia said, fidgeting with her fingers. "I didn''t want to disturb Emily. I know she can''t hear what we are saying, but¡­" She trailed off, not wanting to further exin how, in her head, Emily was just sleeping and not in aa. "I understand, Mrs rke," the man said with a suspicious grin. "Now, what was it you wanted to ask me." Olivia''s suspicions only grew the longer she was forced to be in his presence. She had used the pretext of having a couple of questions regarding Emily''s health to usher him outside. She didn''t like the way he had stared at Emily, and her hackles only rose more as she took in his politeness. There was something off in the way he carried himself. "Right. Uhm¡­" She fidgeted some more as she thought up something to stall. "All the doctors here aren''t giving me direct answers. Everyone just says to wait and watch. I don''t get it. Can you or can you not treat her? Will she ever wake up? When will she wake up? When can I take her home?" Once opened, the flood of questions didn''t seem to halt, and Olivia''s incessant worry overtook all her other senses. "Easy, Mrs rke," the man interrupted her, bringing his hands up in front of him as though he were cating a frightened critter. "I am sure you have a lot of questions, but I am afraid the answers aren''t quite clear yet to even us doctors. The human body is a mysterious thing, and we haven''t had enough time yet to understand the intricacies of it all. We are trying our best to treat Emily, and I can assure you none of us are leaving any stone unturned." The caring tone he used when he spoke managed to sway Olivia. In her distressed state, all she wanted was for someone to tell her that Emily will be alright. Though this man hadn''t done that outright, she was satisfied that the doctors were doing everything in their power to help Emily get better. How foolish of her to ever doubt this man. Worry was making her see things that weren''t present. "I am sorry, Doctor, but I did not catch your name." "Abraham," the man said gruffly. "Thank you, Dr. Je¡ª" The waiting room door creaked open and a nurse entered, followed closely by Rick''s father. The nurse halted in her tracks, and her eyes took in Dr. Abraham. She cocked her head to the side as Rick''s father asked her what the matter was. "Who are you?" she asked. The question was pointed at the man in the doctor''s coat. The man just eyed the nurse, his features hardening and a deep frown taking over him. Olivia answered for him since he didn''t seem to be in a hurry to answer. "This is Dr Abraham. He came to check up on Emily." "Dr Abraham?" The nurse looked confused. "I don''t remember a Dr Abraham working here." Then to the man, she asked once more, "Are they switching doctors? Dr Sharma is the one treating Emily. I wasn''t informed that there was a switch." Olivia looked at Rick''s father for rification, but he seemed just as confused as her. "Ahhh... I knew it won''t work,"The man, noticing everyone''s gaze on him, chuckled softly. The quietness of the waiting room was almost deafening now as the man''s eerie stare swept across each one of them. "Good, you got here," he said, walking towards the nurse. All the politeness and soft tones he used were gone Missing. "This pretending thing was starting to get on my nerves. It''s not really my style." Then with one swift move of his hand, he grabbed the nurse''s head and mmed it into the beside wall. She copsed into an umoving heap on the floor. Sirens rang in Rick''s father''s head, and he attempted to get to the door, but the man was faster. The disguised doctor grabbed the back of cor and yanked Rick''s father to him. With one sharp blow to the face, Rick''s father too couldn''t hold on to consciousness. Olivia was quick to move and was almost sessful in sounding the fire rm. She was just about to pull the lever, when the man pulled her by the hair and flung her on the waiting chairs. Olivia hit her head against the edge of the arm chair. Her vision blurred as she lifted her head, and looked at the looming figure headed towards the ICU door. All she knew was that she couldn''t allow it. She pulled herself up and stretched an arm forward, dragging herself across the floor. Her head throbbed under the weight of a thousand bricks and red spots danced in her vision. But she carried on. She couldn''t let him get to Emily. Her feeble fingers curled around the man''s ankle, and he looked down, a belligerent sneer on his hard as rock face. "Please," she begged, her voice trembling. "Not Emily. Spare her. Please, I am begging you." "Mmm, I like the sound of you begging." He crouched low, and traced the blood dripping down the side of her temple. "Don''t worry. I won''t keep you waiting for a long. You are one fine item to enjoy," The man supposedly Dr Abraham licked his lips. "But I have to get the trouble out of the way." He stood up and rammed his boot to the side of Olivia''s face. Olivia slowly began to loose her conscious as her grip weakened around his leg. ''Rick. Where are you?'' * * * * * Chapter 145: Can Rick save Emily? [1] Chapter - 145 The tip of the boot hit Olivia right under the eye, and she was catapulted, fingers releasing her desperate grip on the man''s ankle. A jolt of pain surged through her cheek, rising upwards till her head throbbed. With blurry eyes, she reached a hand for the man who had already entered the ICU, and all she could manage was a soft, ''No'' before she sumbed to the darkness. "Phew... She is a cougar alright. Won''t even share me with her daughter," The man looked behind as smirked as he watched Olivia fall unconscious. But just then, steady footsteps grew louder and louder as Rick ran through the narrow corridor and pulled open the door to the waiting room. He was first met with the limp body of his father right in front of the door. A nasty gash pulsed on his forehead, above his eyebrow, but he was still breathing. There was also a nurse a little to his left, and she tried lifting herself up with her forearms, mumbling something groggily before again copsing. Rick noticed Olivia on the floor near the ICU and crouched at her side. A purple bruise had formed on her right cheek and was starting to swell. There was also a cut on her cheek and a little blood was oozing out of the cut and her torn lip. Rick''s hand gently moved towards Olivia''s face and he caressed her lip and wiped the bloods off her lip with a frown. He then put his thumb in his mouth, tasting her blood like a crazed, obsessive lover. Rick stood up and looked around the room one more time. They all will survive, whoever did it, did not want them dead, or at least he was in a hurry not to.So they were not here for them, but... And Rick''s eyes trailed towards Emily in the room. And there he was, the man Rick knew was there to kill Emily. Leaving behind Olivia and his father behind, Rick walked forward. Rick pushed open the door to the ICU and leaned against the door jamb, his foot preventing the door from closing. He crossed his arms in front of his chest and just stared at the assortment of instruments the man had spread on a cloth on the bedside stand. Scalpel, mps, needles, forceps, and much more. Meanwhile, the man raised his hands to the light and filled a syringe with some liquid from a vial. The man, hearing the creak of the door, turned to face the unexpected intrusion. "Ah, seems like we have got one more guest to join the party," he sneered, a twisted smile ying on his lips. Rick gestured to the vial in the man''s hands and said, "What you got there, old man? Looks fancy." The manughed, a chilling sound that echoed through the silent room. "None of your business, boy. Now, don''t disturb me. "If you know what is good for you, you will stay silent in that corner till it is your turn." Rick took a step forward and kicked the door closed. "Why? Can''t work with distractions? Am I that tempting?" "Didn''t know even assassins swung that way. You have opened my eyes." The man put down the syringe and the vial and pushed his hands into the coat''s pockets. "No. I don''t. But luckily for me, I am good at my job. That is sending big mouths like you to meet your maker." Rick scoffed. "Too bad this distraction¡ª" he gestured to himself with a hand "¡ªis pretty stubborn. And read that as pretty and stubborn." The man rolled his eyes. "Last warning, kid. Step aside, and I promise I will make it painless. Interfere, and you will be begging for me to kill you by the time I am done." A notorious grin spread across Rick''s face. "I would love to see you try." The man''s eyes flickered with annoyance. "You are so fucking naive. This matter doesn''t concern you, anyway. Look, I am telling you it''s best you go unnoticed by whoever hired me, or else it will be your death." Rick, smirking, shot back, "For someone who is supposed to be so dangerous, you sure do talk a lot, Doctor. Is this your M.O.?" The air crackled with tension as Rick and the disguised doctor faced off in the ICU. In two wide strides, Rick lunged for the man just as he raised his arm, his fingers gripping onto a scalpel. Rick caught his wrist as it came shing down on him and bent it. The man let out a choke and another grunt when Rick jammed his fist into his face. Rick mped down on the man''s wrist and wrenched the scalpel from his hand, the metal object ttering on the tiled floor. The man stumbled back, holding on to his eye, and this time, when Rick pulled his fist back tond another punch, the man grabbed onto Rick''s neck with both hands and yanked him down, his knee mming into Rick''s nose. Rick heard a sharp crack as pain blossomed from the top of his nose and spread to the corner of his eyes and forehead. He grunted and rained down punches to the man''s gut till he let go of him. The moment the man''s hands left him, he retreated and went for the waiting chair beside the ICU room door. With both hands, he picked it up and hurled it at him. The man sidestepped the chair effortlessly, massaging his wrist. "Is that the best you can do?" he taunted, a sly grin ying on his lips. Blood gushed out from Rick''s nose, dripping down his lips and chin. The sharp pain made him a bit light-headed, but the fuzziness cleared up when he saw the man heading towards him with the scalpel once more in his hand. The man swung his arm, aiming for Rick''s throat, and Rick barely managed to step back, the sharp end of the scalpel creating a thin slice on his cheek. The man continued his assault, swinging his arm faster and faster, and Rick backed up, narrowly missing it each time. Rick found a window when the man faltered for a millisecond, and he kicked the man straight in the chest. Growling, the man staggered back, finding his bnce. "You think you can protect her?" the man sneered as Rick tried to find weapons in the sparsely stocked ward. "Your attempts are useless, boy. ept defeat, and I will show you mercy" Rick''s eyes snagged on an empty IV stand in the corner. "There isn''t much weight to your ims as well? Too much for being good at killing, man. I am still alive, and I am still standing." He moved slightly to the left, inching for the stand as the man continued to bber. Visit m,v le,mpyr today The man''s eyes glinted with amusement. "Your mouth is amusing. I must say I am impressed. Too bad I have to kill you." The man rushed towards Rick with the scalpel raised high just as Rick grabbed the IV stand and swung it right at the man''s face. The end hit the man''s cheek, and he lost his bnce, falling sideways to the floor. Rick swung it once more. This time, it hit the man''s back as he tried to crawl away. Once more, Rick raised the stand above his head and brought it down on the man, only for the man to grab onto the other end and pull. Rick stumbled forward and tripped on the smooth surface,nding face-first on the hard ground. But he was quick to break the fall with his hands. The man might not show it on his face, but he was starting to lose his cool from the inside. The boy looked like an ordinary, no threat ant, but the boy had managed to avoid every strike of his, although barely, but he did avoid him. The man pushed Rick to his back and straddled him, his hands going straight for Rick''s throat. Rick struggled against the man''s hold, throwing punches into the air as the man leaned back, avoiding all of them. "You''re nothing but a delusional child who thinks he can win against everything," the man snarled. The cor of his white coat was stained with droplets of red as blood dripped from the various scratches on his cheek from when the end of the IV stand pierced through his skin. "Should''ve stayed down when I told you to." Gasping for air, Rick struggled to rise. His hands tried prying the man''s hands away, but the man held on with fervour. Rick''s eyes darted this way and that, the heels of his shoes slipping against the smooth tiles. Just then, from the corner of his eyes he felt a metallic reflection in his eyes. The scalpel was just inches away. If only Rick could get to it. He stretched his arm for it just as the man pressed down even harder, ridding Rick of hisst breath. The tips of his fingers touched the cold edge, and Rick slid the scalpel further into his grip. Rick aimed to stab the man''s neck, but the man dodged. He was able to get the man''s arm, at least. "Fuck you bastard," The man caught off guard, yelled out a curse and wobbled off of Rick, clutching at his arm. Rick coughed and sputtered and stood up, seeing whites in his vision. He swayed when he got to his feet and watched as the man''s face contorted while yanking out the scalpel lodged in his flesh. Rick blinked hard, chasing away the dizziness, and forced himself to focus. The man, with an air of superiority, spat, "Surrender, and I promise I''ll make your end painless." "h... h... h... Thanks, but no thanks, old man. I won''t show you the same courtesy," Rick growled, forcing every bit of energy left in him to lunge at the man. Ricknded a blow right at the man''s gut. The man doubled down due to the sudden force and gasped for air. Rick grabbed the extra IV tubes from the bedside stand and curled them around the man''s throat, tugging as hard as he could till the man struggled for each breath. The man''s arms iled, alternating between grasping at nothing and wing at Rick''s thighs. In a sudden motion, his hand reached for the IV bag hanging from the stand and tore the stic. The saline liquid arced through the air, and Rick was momentarily blinded by the burning sensation. The man, gasping for breath, seized the opportunity and staggered away to create distance. Rick squeezed his eyes shut and pressed the heels of his palms over his eyelids. His eyeballs felt like they were on fire. The burn got worse the more he rubbed his wounds. Rick had to pry his hands away and slowly blinked open his eyes to see a blurry figure limping towards Emily. Rick reached out for the man, his eyes seeing double as he stumbled forward, but the man had already plunged the syringe into Emily''s vein. "Don''t!" * * * * * Chapter 146: Can Rick save Emily? [2] Chapter - 146 "Aghh!" Rick''s anguished cry echoed in the room, reverberating with the intensity of pain coursing through his body. Gasping for breath, Rick summoned thest remnants of his strength. With a determined effort, heunched himself toward the assant, his vision blurred and senses dulled by the agony. In his blind pursuit, Rick''s chin collided with the intruder''s shoulder, intensifying the pain that already wracked his body. However, driven by a surge of adrenaline, he seeded in throwing the man away from Emily. The man staggered backward, desperately trying to regain his bnce after the unexpected shove. Rick, on the other hand, leaned on the bedframe to maintain his bnce and forced his burning eyes to stay open on the man on the floor. The metallic tang of blood lingered in his mouth. He must have bitten his tongue when he banged his chin. Rick stood between the man and Emily''s body on the bed, spitting out the blood pooling in his mouth. He turned to Emily and noticed the way her skin had started to darken where the syringe was plunged in. The man, clutching his wounded arm, shot Rick a malevolent re as he stumbled to his feet. "You just don''t know when to quit, do you?" he sneered, the corners of his mouth twitching with pain. Rick, wiping blood from his broken nose and mouth, managed a wry smile coupled with bloody teeth. "Persistence is a virtue, they say. But you probablydon''t know much about virtues." The man''s eyes narrowed, and with a sudden burst of aggression, he lunged at Rick, a pair of forceps in his uninjured arm. Adrenaline surged through Rick, and he blocked the man with his entire body, shoving him back. "You''re a stubborn one, I''ll give you that," the man grunted, his movements calcted despite the pain. He feigned a punch to Rick''s face, attempting to catch Rick off guard. Rick, however, was quick to parry the attack, andnded a blow to the man''s gut, and when the man doubled down, he elbowed his back. "I''ve been through worse than an inexperienced hitman with a scalpel." Rick retorted. The man chuckled, a sinister sound that reverberated in the silent ICU. "Worse, you say? You still haven''t seen me at my worst." Rick, seeing the man''s bloody state and bruised face almost burst intoughter. But the man''s aggressive fists, swung, aiming straight for Rick''s broken nose, and Rick jumped back, narrowly dodging it. The man didn''t deter and continued his assault. He swung his fist again, and went for Rick''s throat, Rick shifted his head to the side as the man''s knuckles met air. Rick''s mind raced, searching for a window to make his move. The man, sensing Rick''s retreat, pressed forward with renewed aggression. "Give up, boy. Don''t make it harder than it needs to be." Rick, ducking under a menacing swing, shot back, "Why? Tired already, boomer?" Rick found a window between when the man raised his fist and dropped his guard. He took his chance and hefted his fist, but the man just blocked his parry, linking his arm through Rick''s andnding blow after blow on his side. Rick grunted, pain shooting up his entire torso. He was sure the man had torn through something. Blinking through the pain, Rick seized a momentary opening and grabbed onto the man''s other man, twisting it till the man cried, and he heard a slight snap. He kicked the man in the chest and slumped against the wall, clutching his side. The man grabbed onto his broken arm, holding it close to his body as he sent a seething re Rick''s way. Rick blinked back the tears that sprung in his eyes from the burn of the medicated saline water. As the man struggled to stand up, Rick grabbed the tray on the bedstand where the man had stored all his medical instruments and mmed it against the man''s head. The man flopped back down, yelling out expletives and groans. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck you, boy." The man clutched the back of his head and let out a blood curdling scream. Rick grabbed his own head, drowning out the man''s annoying screams. It was giving him a headache in addition to the one that was already growing at his temples, thanks to his blurry vision, cuts on his face, and severely broken nose. He limped to grab scalpel off the floor where it had fallen, and just as he bent down to pick it up, he felt a surge of pain explode from his thigh. He dropped down on one knee, clutching his leg. Wetness spread through his fingers as he prodded around the area. The handle part of the forceps stuck out from his flesh, his jeans turning a dark brown as blood seeped through the fabric. The man gritted his teethas Rick shot him a disgusted re. "Stay down," he repeated. Rick just bit his already-abused tongue and swallowed the screams threatening to tear out of him as he ripped out the forceps, his hands a bloody mess. He threw the forceps away, and they skittered across the floor into a corner, leaving behind a bloody trail. The pain was blinding, and he struggled to stay on his knee. Using the bedframe for support once more, he hauled himself up. Blood flowed down his legs, dripping onto the once pristine floor. The man still writhed on the floor. One arm bent at an angle, and the other drenched the sleeve of his white coat in his blood. He watched as Rick loomed over him. With a sudden and forceful kick, Rick swiftly expelled the arrogant expression that had adorned the man''s face. As a result of the impactful blow, abination of saliva and blood scattered in an arch, embellishing the floor with its gruesome disy. And the man coughed, spitting out more blood along with bits of teeth. Rick nudged the man with his shoe to roll onto his back and pressed each knee into the man''s biceps, keeping him there. The man''s hands were palm up as though he were surrendering. Blood seeped like a river from the man''s head, and Rick could hear the soft drip drip as it pattered against the tiles when the man raised his head to face Rick. "You''re just dying the inevitable," the man hissed, a predatory gleam in his eyes. Even after all the assault, the man didn''t seem to have any fear in him. "If you kill me, someone else will take my ce to finish the job." "Then, I''ll kill him, too," Rick snarled. The manughed, blood gurgling in his mouth. "Then, another one will take his ce." Rick opened his mouth to answer, but the man beat him to it. "Sure, sure, you''ll kill him, too." The man eyed the syringe in Rick''s hand, nearing him. He gulped. "But how many will you kill? Hmm? There wille a time when you can''t anymore. Word of advice, boy: don''t interfere in matters that aren''t your own. And don''t mess with people who have money." "Keep your advice to yourself, old man." Rick jammed the needle into the man''s skin, not quite breaking it but putting enough pressure for fear to finally sh in the man''s dark eyes. "Those who can hire me, can hire dozens like me," The man''s eyes almost crossed as he attempted to nce at Rick''s thumb pressing down on the plunger, "I am not thest." "Hired by whom? Roy Kent?" The man''s eyes shot up to meet Rick''s. "When you have the answers, why do you bother asking?" "I wasn''t asking, dumbass," Rick pressed down his knees onto the man''s biceps till he cried out in pain as he smirked, "What if I just kill that bloke? Then who wille?" The man red, his disdain evident. "You think it''s a walk in the park to off the Mayor''s only son? You''re out of your mind," he sneered, his breath heavy. "Easy? Maybe, Maybe not. Well, you would have heard the news. But it is toote for you. Your lifeline ends here," Rick grinned, his smirk packing enough menace to send shivers down the man''s spine. "You are of no use to me." Rick stabbed the man''s neck, pressing down so hard that even the blunt edge of the syringe managed to break through the man''s skin. Then, he pulled back his hand back, syringe still in his grip yanking out the man''s flesh. He did it again. And again. And again. Repeating the process till the white coat the man had on him could never be white again. The man screamed and struggled and cried, but those fear-stricekn screams just propelled Rick to carry on. When finally the needle broke, but the man still had the energy to cry, Rick just tossed the syringe and leaned back to get the forceps. He continued stabbing the man. On his neck. On his chest. On his stomach. On his thighs. His knuckles turned white, grabbing onto the forceps with all his might lest they slip. Blood sttered across Rick''s face, and soon the blood dripping off his chin wasn''t just his own. When finally the man''s struggles ceased to have power, Rick jammed the forceps into the man''s eye, and only then did the man turnpletely still, his iling hands turned limp beside his head. Rick left the forceps in the socket, and vaguely brushed his palms over his jeans, cleaning away the blood. He rolled off the man''s stiff body and onto his back. Closing his eyes, he stretched out his arms and legs. He needed a second. "Fuck! It is so hard to get used to," * * * * * Chapter 147: Emily saved Chapter - 147 Ricky on the floor, unmoving, his back against the door. He looked at the blood, the broken ss and the violent mess that covered the room. He looked at the body of the man, blood constantly seeping out of his chest. He felt nothing seeing the man lying in a filthy pool of his own blood. A pool that only seemed to grow bigger and bigger as time passed. The blood travelled across the tiles and snuck into the edges, where it would stay for longer. The forceps stood upright in his eye. Rick had made sure to push it in deep. Whichever poor soul was responsible for removing it was going to have a tough time. The white coat he had worn now bore no semnce of being white. It had turned into a dark red, forever stained with the hitman''s stupidity. Emilyy still on the bed, unaware of the chaos around her. One of her IV bags had arge cut in it, and it hung from the stand with a big hole. The machines that helped her breathe and checked her heart kept beeping quietly, seeming like nothing was out of the ordinary. Rick didn''t know exactly what the man had injected into her. But from Roy''s incessant babble, he knew she wouldn''t make it if he just stayed on the floor, doing nothing. He pushed himself up, ignoring the pain that seemed to overtake his very soul. He staggered towards the bed, reaching for her hand. He felt a faint pulse, and he sighed in relief. She was alive. But for how long? The area where the man had plunged the syringe was turning into a dull grey, and her veins seemed more pronounced as the greyness just spread further up her arm and also down to her wrist. He searched for any sort of flicker of pain on her face. There was nothing. She continued to look at peace as though she were just sleeping. Rick remembered the system, the shop had items that had given him powers and abilities beyond his imagination. He knew they would help him now. He opened the system, scrolling through the pale, translucent screen. He opened the system''s shop, looking for something that could help him. He saw a lot of options, but one caught his eye. The Whispering Insight Card and the Curious Oracle Card. He read the description. [ Whispering Insight Card This basic-level card grants a sneak peek into the surface thoughts and general vibes of people around. Usage: 1 time Cost: 15,000 Ero Points ] But that wouldn''t be enough. He still needed to find out how to undo the effects of whatever the man injected. He scrolled some more and found what he needed. [ Curious Oracle Card This mystical card taps into the wisdom of ages, offering profound insights on any mortal you want. The user can pose moreplex questions and receive answers to anything you could think of. But remember, it works only on mortals Usage: 1 time Cost: 40,000 Ero Points. ] Among all the options, Rick found the above two the one actually usable to him. He wasn''t sure if the ''Whispering Insight Card'' would help, so just in case he bought the tried and trusted ''Curious Oracle Card'' as well. He spent 55,000 Ero Points and received the cards in his hands. He knew they were worth it. He used the Whispering Insight Card first. He held it in his hand and asked the question in his mind. ''What did the man inject into Emily''s body?'' He waited for an answer. An answer appeared in his mind in a soft and gentle voice. He heard the name of the poison. Zephyr. A rare and deadly toxin that was designed to kill slowly and painfully. [It travels through the veins and arteries and attacks the nervous system, causing spasms, seizures, paralysis, and, once it reaches the heart, death. It had no known antidote and was almost impossible to detect. It was a weapon of mass destruction, used mostly by assassins.] Rick swayed on his feet. He, too, was losing blood by the second. His leg throbbed under his weight, and his eyelids drooped. He shook his head and narrowed his eyes to focus. First, he needed to take care of Emily, then he''d take a nice, long rest. Emily twitched just then. A soft shudder passed through her that didn''t go unnoticed by Rick. He needed to act fast. He used the other card, the Curious Oracle Card. He held it in his hand and asked another question in his mind. ''What is the antidote to cure Emily from the poison?'' Another answer appeared in his mind in a deep and authoritative voice. He heard the name of the cure. Neb Syrum. [Neb Syrum is the antidote to counteract the effects of the poison Zaphyr. A rare and miraculous substance that was designed to heal any wound and disease. It stimtes the immune system, causing regeneration, restoration, and rejuvenation.] [It had no known side effects and can be easily found in the ck market. But master we know you. There is no way you have connections in the under ground market. Geez, you were a virgin a couple of weeks back. Huh... Good thing a good for nothing boy like you have me to take care of a dumb...] "Enough..." Rick''s legs almost gave up, and the system''s barrage of insults made him dizzy. He didn''t even have the strength to get offended. Rick''s shoulders sagged, and he didn''t realise the breath he was holding all this way. There was a way to save Emily. There was a way to heal her. He used the system again, searching for the cure. He found it in the shop, and good thing for the current Rick, it wasn''t that expensive. It cost 50,000 Ero Points. But it didn''t matter, he would have bought it if there was an extra zero. Emily was the priority here. He used the system onest time before his body might give up, spending 50,000 Ero points. And just like that like always, a syringe filled with a golden liquid appeared in his palms. Without wasting any time, he plunged the syringe into Emily''s body his hands trembled as he plunged the syringe into Emma''s pale skin, just above where the man had injected the poison. He pushed the plunger and injected the cure into her bloodstream. He watched as the golden liquid flowed through her veins, coursing through them. Emma''s fingers clenched the edges of the bed sheets, nails digging into the fabric as the antidote began its merciless work. Sweat beads formed on her forehead, glistening like tiny diamonds under the hospital lights. Her chest rose and fell with erratic breaths, the air struggling to find its way into her lungs. Rick''s heart pounded in rhythm with hers, his eyes locked onto the woman he fought so desperately to save. The lines of pain gradually softened, reced by a fragile calm. He saw the greyness slowly recede from her skin, like a fog lifting. He saw the colour return to her cheeks, her lips, her eyes. He sighed another breath of relief. Emily would be alright. His eyes finally turned as he stared at the floor. There was still some space where the blood didn''t reach. The blood of the man who had tried to kill Emily. He wondered how cruel Roy Kent was to want Emily dead. But it doesn''t matter. Roy must have been dead by now. And there was hardly anything that could connect Roy''s death to Rick. Maybe he could sit there for a while. He just needed toy down for sometime, then he''d be good to go. He was tired, and hurt, and confused. All he needed was some rest and some peace, just for a little while. Just as he was about to move, the door creaked open softly, and Olivia entered with barely audible footsteps. Dried blood covered the entirety of one side of her face, starting from her temple. On the other side, a nasty purple bruise decorated her cheek, swelling so much that her eye was barely visible. He saw her look at the man on the floor, the man who had tried to kill Emily. He saw no sign of recognition or remorse in her eyes. She was impassive and stoic when she sidestepped around his body and the blood. Then, she rushed towards Emily, her hands outstretched as she grabbed Emily''s hands and dropped her head in Emily''sp. Rick watched as Olivia sobbed, clutching Emily''s hands. He heard her whisper words of love and apology. He moved back, giving the mother and daughter a moment of privacy, but his eyes never left the two of them. More specifically, it never left Olivia. Rick continued to watch as she rose and pressed her lips against Emily''s forehead, her hands caressing Emily''s hair. Just watching her brought a sense of calmness in him. The pain faded and he was able to focus on something else for once. Focus on the woman of his dreams. "Rick." He heard the soft way his name was uttered, and his head bounced up. Olivia stood in front of him. Her hands fidgeted with themselves as always, but her teary eyes were filled with a determination Rick couldn''t quite ce. She extended her arms, and Rick, of course, couldn''t help but lose himself in them. * * * * * Chapter 148: Rick cock-blocked (18+) Chapter - 148 [ Hidden Quest: Save Emily. Olivia desperately wanted you to save Emily. Progress: Quest Completed Quest Reward: Temptation: +75 Love: +1 Ero Points: +200,000 10 X Fortune''s Favor: The host''s luck is greatly improved, leading to increased chances in gambling and life. ] Ding! The system''s trademark sound rang in Rick''s hand and a questpletion notification appeared in front of his eyes. It was a quest he had no idea about. So, his actions have such an effect as well? And then another [ Target Information. Name- Olivia rke Age - 43 years Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 Romance Radar - 01/10 Body Count - 2 Sexual Preferences - There has been no preference. But you have ignited a fire inside of her. Kinks - Has once watched hardcore sex, and it has been on her mind. Feelings - She is vulnerable at the moment. Her adrenaline is high. Her body is giving up, but her heart and her pussy is itching. You have managed to imnt yourself in her heart. ] Rick felt a surge of heat in his veins as he looked into Olivia''s eyes. He saw the same hunger and desperation that he felt, the same need to escape the reality that was thrust upon them. He didn''t care about the bruises and cuts on his face, the sting in his thigh, the blood covering every inch of him¡ª blood that might or might not be his¡ª or the pain in his ribs. He only cared about her. And he cared about how much he wanted her. Everything else be damned. When he leaned his head forward by just an inch, Olivia met him for the rest of the way. They kissed hard as if they were trying to forget the trouble around them. His leg wobbled from where blood continued to pour out from the wound. He would need to get something to stop the bleeding, at least. But with Olivia clinging to him as if he were herst breath, stopping the bleeding was thest thing on his mind. Rick was careful not to jostle the cut on her forehead. It had almost closed, but still he didn''t want to reopen any more wounds. Physical or mental. Olivia, on the other hand, did not show him the same gentleness. Her hands clung to him, holding him to her. Gripping him so hard that if she didn''t, he might vanish into thin air. And he almost did. That wretched man almost took away Emily and Rick from her. More tears swelled up in her eyes. She pressed her eyelids closed and kissed Rick even harder to chase away all those thoughts. A metallic tang filled both their mouths, and neither of them could say from whom it hade. They only cared about how the other felt in their arms. Rick held her tight, feeling her soft body against his. She ran her fingers through his messy hair, feeling his strong face. The kiss was full of different feelings like they did not care about anything else. Rick''s breath came out in sputters, and his nose throbbed like someone had ripped it clean off his face, but he''d dared not stop. Not now when Olivia was finally giving herself over to him with no restraints. He felt her gentle lips and rxed. If he concentrated only on her for long enough, the pain would disappear. They kissed in sync like they were one. They did not feel the pain anymore, only the want that propelled them further. They did not want to let go like they were afraid of losing each other. They didn''t care for the rest of the world. The mixture of salt and iron on their tongues intensified, and it only made this moment all the more real. It made them feel alive. Rick pressed his lips against her neck, a gentle exploration that sent shivers down Olivia''s spine. His hands, firm yet tender, seized her hips, drawing her into an embrace that felt almost electric. In the heat of the moment, Rick pulled her close, as close as two souls entwined in a passionate dance. Olivia''s delicate fingers traced the contours of his back, a deliberate dance of sensation, sidestepping his tender side. Each touch, each heartbeat, was filled with desire and yearning. It was almost like she could feel his pain, and her soft caress was the balm that could take all the aches away. It was like she was his own personal. To get addicted to and to heal him. Olivia was the first to pull back, and as she brought her big doe eyes to meet his, Rick''s breath stalled. She knew what they had done, and she did not regret it. Not one bit. There was no hesitation in those eyes. There was just gratitude and adoration and relief. She tipped her head up as if demanding another kiss. Who was Rick to say no to that? Rick kissed her again, and he felt free. This time, there was no gentleness, no holding back, and no careful, probing touches. Rick threw caution to the wind, and pressed his hands to her ass, hauling her close. Olivia hitched one leg over Rick''s hip, opening her legs, andpletely handing herself over to Rick to do as he wished. And just for that, he''d worship her for all days toe. He lifted her dress up to her waist, all the while his tongue dove into her mouth repeatedly. He swallowed down her moans, as he fucked her mouth, her soft tongue gliding against his as it were made just for him. He bit down on her lip, tugging it and mentally rejoiced at how she whined at the sudden pleasurable pain. Rick slid his hands down to grab handfuls of her plump ass. He massaged the round flesh and ground against her, his own cock straining against his zipper. His fingers dipped under her panties to properly grab onto her, and she melted in his arms. So willing. Sopliant. Rick guided her to the nearest wall and pressed her against it. His entire body trapping hers, and even if she wanted to escape, she couldn''t. Not that she seemed to want to. One hand came in front to massage her dripping wet pussy. His index finger swirled over her clit, and she cried out. Rick was quick to smash his mouth over hers, drinking down her moans. He pushed his finger her, and groaned when he felt her tight walls mp down on him. "Touch me, Mrs rke," he whispered over her lips, his desire evident, "I want you to." Olivia responded with a subtle nod, her hands quivering as they skillfully unbuckled his belt, popped open the buttons of his jeans, and slipped inside. To her surprise, he was already leaking profusely. Her fingers caressed him gently, tracing a path of pleasure that seemed to ignite every nerve in his body. Rick''s breath caught, and the intensity built with each stroke. She stroked him once, twice, and Rick felt like he was about to blow. The dryness was almost painful, but the pain just brought more pleasure, and more pleasure just brought about a euphoric sense of flying that he never wanted to get rid of. He bucked his hips against Olivia''s touch, and she threw her head back, biting her lip and stifling more of those delicious moans as Rick added another finger. His fingers moved in tandem with her stroking as he alternated between pressing down on her clit and fucking her senseless with just his digits. Olivia squirmed and gasped and when it became too much, she dropped her head on his shoulder. "Rick," she moaned. "I need you inside me." Sirens rang in Rick''s head, but he mped them down. "Mrs rke¡ª" "Now, Rick. Please." Olivia looked into Rick''s eyes, almost pleading him. That did it. Rick moved back, removing his fingers from her, the same time Olivia let go of him. Just when he reached and tugged Olivia''s panties down her knees, he heard a soft creak and looked to the side to see the source. "Rick!" He was met with his father''s face, dazed and confused. It was as if time had slowed down, and he was experiencing everything in slow motion. He watched as his father''s expression changed from tired to wide-eyed to disgusted and then finally settled on shocked. "Ehh..." Olivia stood frozen in his tight grasp, a barely audible gasp escaping her lips, that would have gone unnoticed, but Rick heard her. Rick felt the urge to release her, to guide his father outside and find a quiet ce to unravel the tangled mess that had unfolded. Yet, the bewilderment and dread mirrored in his father''s eyes suggested that coherent conversation might be a distant hope. But he was quick enough to stand in front of Olivia. Instinctively, he positioned himself in front of Olivia, shielding her from his father''s gaze. He couldn''t bear the thought of his father witnessing Olivia in such a state. Olivia was almost naked, her panty still in Rick''s hand. In that moment, Rick looked at his father not as his ''Dad'' but as any other man, and Olivia as his woman. "Dad," Rick spoke with a frown, "What are you doing here?" * * * * * Chapter 149: How to Explain? Chapter - 149 The ICU was a mess. The floor was covered with blood and ss, IV standsy broken, and the machines were blood-soaked and beeping. The man who had tried to kill Emilyy dead on the floor, a pair of forceps sticking out of his eye. Emily was still on the bed, unconscious but alive, thanks to Rick''s quick action. She also had a certain glow on her skin. The cops had arrived, along with the hospital staff and doctors. They had sealed off the room, were investigating the scene and had taken statements from Rick, Olivia, Rick''s father, and the nurse, who had all been injured in the fight. Doctors and nurses were treating their wounds and moved them to the waiting area just outside the ICU. Olivia demanded that she wouldn''t be separated from Emily for even a second, and no one was in the mood to argue with a stubborn Olivia. They could see Emily through the window, but the cops didn''t allow them to go near her. Olivia sat on a chair, looking at Rick''s father. He was sitting on the opposite end of the waiting room, looking at the floor. Nurses loomed over them both, bandaging their wounds. There was tension in the air and silence. Olivia didn''t know how to exin what had happened or why she had followed them. She didn''t know how to tell him the truth or if he would believe her. A wave of guilt and regret, mixed with fear and confusion, swarmed her. It was all her fault. Everything. She never should have let Rick drive her home that day. She never should have sumbed to Rick''s charms. She wished she could undo it all, but she knew it was toote. Meanwhile, Rick''s father was lost in his own ocean of emotions, ranging from shock and anger to pain and disappointment. He couldn''t believe what he had seen. He couldn''t believe that Rick and Olivia were just in the throes of exploring each other, dancing on the edge of passion. And probably they would have gone much further had he not barged in. How long had this been going on? How long was he kept in the dark? He wished he could forget it all, but he knew it was impossible. Unable drown in his thoughts any longer, Rick''s father stood up suddenly, and made his way to Rick. Rick''s attention shifted between Olivia and his father as he took both their anxious expressions, andnded on his dad as he walked towards him. Nurses and doctors fussed around him, cleaning his wounds, and stitching up his cuts. When Olivia expressed her wishes to stay close to Emily, he too put his foot down, saying he wasn''t going anywhere. He had kept a close watch on his dad''s reaction to that, but received nothing but impassiveness. Rick father looked on as a doctor was bandaging Rick''s thigh. A blood bag, and an IV drip were attached to his arm. Multiple bloodied ragsy on the floor surrounding Rick, and his shirt was torn open to prod at his sides. Rick''s father had escaped with just a couple of butterfly stitches for the cut on his cheek. Rick, on the other hand, sported a big bandage over his broken nose, and also a ck eye thanks to it. Blood had dripped onto the floor, below the chair where he sat. Most of iting from his leg where he''d been stabbed. When thest nurse left Rick, saying she will fetch him some electrolytes to drink, Rick''s father moved forward. He reached his son and put a hand on his shoulder. "Rick, are you alright?" Rick looked at his father and nodded. "I am fine, dad. I will be okay. What about you?" "I am alright. It''s just a cut." His father shrugged. "No concussion, I hope." His father shook his head. "No. No concussions. Just a bit..." But Rick''s father could not say any further than this. Rick nodded. "Good. That''s good." He stared at his father expectantly, waiting for him to bring the topic up. If his father wanted answers, then he just had to ask the right questions. Rick''s father opened his mouth to say something, but then thought better of it, and retracted his hand from Rick''s shoulder. Olivia, sensing the rising awkwardness between the two, joined them, standing opposite to Rick''s father. He wouldn''t look her in the eye, and her shoulders sagged even more. Guilt over weighed Olivia. Rick''s father had been nothing but kind and generous to her and Emily, and to thank him, what had she done? She slept with his son. What of woman did that make her in his eyes? Rick''s father seemed toe to an agreement within himself and turned to leave, but Rick caught his wrist, forcing him to stop. "Dad," he said. "About what you saw¡ª" "Are you Rick?" a uniformed officer stood in front of him, a condescending sneer overtaking most of his features. "Yes, that''s me," Rick said. "You''reing with us to the station," he said, and rested his hands on his belt. "And why''s that?" Rick asked calmly, not making any move to get up. "You''ll know it when you get there," the officer spat and reached for Rick''s arm. Rick''s father stepped in between and forced the officer to back up. "He''s not in a condition to go anywhere. Wait for a few days, or if you want, you can perform your interrogation right here." "Fine by me." The officer turned towards the ICU room door and yelled. "Yo, Jones. Wanna m the charges on this punk?" A hefty officer who clearly ate too much and moved too less joined the group. "Why notI''d be d too, Jenkins. We''re looking at murder, attempt to murder and damage to hospital property." Jenkins, facing the trio, jabbed a thumb in Jones'' direction. "Hear that? That''s give us more than enough grounds to drag him to the precinct." Rick''s father was the one to speak up. "It''s called self defence. That killer was trying to kill Emily. And he would have if Rick didn''t intervene. Also, attempt to murder? What attempt?" Jenkins was the one to reply. "He injected the patient with a serum of some kind. If the hospital staff didn''t reach her in time, she would''ve a one way ticket to upstairs." Olivia interjected. "That wasn''t Rick! It was that horrible man. He wanted to kill Emily. Rick was the one who saved her. How can you just dump all these false charges on him?" "Bullshit," Jenkins'' spat, moving closer to Rick and got in his face. "He''s lying." "We have spoken to the doctors. They said they found puncture wounds on that girl''s arm. This bastard¡ª" "Enough, officers!" Rick''s father yelled, silencing all in the room. He rarely ever raised his voice, but on the rare asion he did, everyone better made sure to pay full attention. He shoved Jenkins back, and stepped between the officers and Rick. "My son is not a murderer. He is a good person and aw abiding citizen. That man on the floor there tried to kill Emily for reasons we are still not aware of." "Rick did all he could to prevent him from hurting Emily. When it turned into a fight, my son had no choice but to defend himself. In that process, the man was killed. My son is innocent. Do you hear me?" Rick''s father desperately tried to make the police officers understand. But they clearly didn''t care. Jones mmed Rick''s father instead, "Shut up, old man. You don''t know anything. You''re just trying to protect your son, because you''re supposed to." Olivia, who had been silent until then, couldn''t take it anymore. She faced the officers, her eyes zing. "Enough. Enough of this nonsense. You have no evidence, no proof, no motive, nothing. You''re just harassing us, because you have nothing better to do. You''re wasting our time, and yours. You have no right to keep us here, to use us of something we didn''t do. You have no case, and you know it." Rick, who had been listening to the whole exchange, decided to speak up before his dad or Olivia said something and got themselves arrested. "Alright, enough. You have no grounds to detain us. You have no probable cause, no warrant and all the evidence points to an act of self defence. You have vited our constitutional rights, our human rights and our civil rights. So before you speak up, I would advice you to rethink your words. You get me?" "Look, you punk¡ª" "Don''t make me sue you, officer." Rick turned his sharpened re to Jones, who just didn''t know when to shut up. "I have the time and money to take this to court. And I will win. But I don''t think you will be so lucky." The officers looked at him, stunned. Rick didn''t look any threatening with half his face bandaged, but if he was confident enough to threaten armed officers, then he was capable enough to see his threat through. They grumbled, but left them with a promise to visit again once Rick was better. Rick slumped back into the chair, and leaned his head back against the wall. All the pain medication they had given him were making him sleepy, but he needed to talk to his father before he passed out. He forced himself to open his eyes and called out for his dad just as he turned to leave. "Dad. What you saw¡­ Me and Olivia... Mrs rke¡ª" "You don''t have to exin anything. It''s your life and it none of my business. True... I am a bit fuzzy in the head. But..." "I trust you enough to take care of it. This is not something I want to have a part in. Just keep Greg in mind when you make ns to take this¡­ this whatever is going between you two... This rtionship I don''t see a future ahead." With that, Rick''s father left the waiting room and the door closed with a soft click. * * * * * [A/N: I believe the story is going at a fine pace. Do you want me to speed up?] Chapter 150: Rick is now a Superhero Chapter - 150 Amanda walked into her apartment carefree, humming a tune from her favourite musical. Her feet ached from being on her feet all day in the hospital, and she was looking forward to a rxing evening. "Ahhhh!!" Amanda''s melodious hum turned into a surprised yelp, and she teetered on the edge of a stumble as she waltzed into her living room Rick was sitting on the couch with his leg on the table, all rxed, munching an apple. He waved when he saw her enter. He had tossed on a leather jacket to cover up his tattered shirt, but his jeans were torn and bloody. His face and arms were covered with bandages and bruises. He looked like he had just escaped from a war zone. "Amanda, hey! You are finally home," he said cheerfully, "Come on now. Be a good wife and make me something good." "Rick? Wha.... What are you doing here?" Amanda looked at Rick in surprise. She was about to throw anything she got her hands on, but seeing Rick, she controlled herself real quick. "What happened to you?" But her questions still hung in air, when her eyes finally had a good look on Rick. Dropping her bag and running to him. She hugged him tightly, her head bumped into his bandaged nose, and he winced. "Ow, ow, ow, easy there, tiger. I am a little sore, you know." Rick cried out in pain. "Oh shit. I am so sorry. Are you okay?" Amanda pulled back but lost her bnce and held on to his thighs to keep herself from falling on Rick. "Fuck Me God!" Rick let out a groan as her fingers dug into his stitches, "Fuck me babe! You are killing me." "I am so sorry, Rick." "Amanda, babe, easy. Ie in peace." He grabbed her arms and guided her to sit beside him. "Oh, I''m so sorry, Rick. I am just so worried. What happened to you?" Rick smiled and kissed her forehead. "I missed you, babe. But you know, I am busywith work and stuff." "Work? What kind of work? Weren''t you in college?" "But looking at you. Are you a secret agent or something?" Amanda asked, half-joking. "Seeing all those bandages, it''s probably true." Rickughed nervously. "Something like that. Yeah, you could say that." But then suddenly he received a prompt from the system. [ Tell Amanda That she doesn''t need to know. (Temptation +0) You are a superhero (Temptation +5) Tell her the truth. But she will get jealous (Temptation -5) ] Looking at the options in front of him, Rick looked around the room, avoiding her eyes and pretending to be coy. "Listen, Amanda, I have to tell you something. It''s kind of a long story, but I think you deserve to know the truth." Amanda tilted her head and regarded Rick like a curious little puppy. "Okay," she said slowly. "What do you want to tell me?" Rick took a deep breath. "Well, you see, Amanda, I''m not really a normal guy. I''m actually a..." He paused just for the sake of it. "Superhero." Amanda blinked. "A superhero?" Rick nodded. "Yes, a superhero. You know, like in the movies. I have superpowers, and I fight crime and save the world and stuff." Amanda stared at him, trying to process what he was saying, "Hahaha...Rick, are you serious? You expect me to believe you?" Rick nodded again. "Of course, I am serious, Amanda. Why would I lie to you?" "Wow!" Amanda looked at his wounds and his clothes. "So, you are telling me that you got all these injuries from fighting bad guys?" Once more the system helped him answer. [ Tell Amanda An evil doctor was trying to capture her, and Rick defeated him just to save her. (Temptation +10) The workers of a bank were held hostage, and Rick saved them. (Temptation +5) There was an ident on a bridge, and children were stuck in a bus. Rick was the one who helped them escape. (Temptation +5) ] Rick knew what his choice would be. Rick nodded for the third time. "Exactly. You see, Amanda, there''s a secret organisation of evil viins who are plotting to destroy the world. They have a base in a remote ind, where they have built a giantser that can vaporise anything." "They also have an army of robots, ninjas, and sharks withsers on their heads. They are led by a man named Dr. Evil, who is the most evil person in the world. He hates everything that is good and beautiful, especially you, Amanda. He wants to kill you because you are the source of my power." Amanda gasped as she sarcastically looked at Rick, "Dr. Evil? He wants to kill me? How does he even know me?" [ Tell Amanda The doctor is obsessed with Amanda. Because he knows you are a naughty girl. (Temptation +15) The doctor wanted to kill Amanda to hurt you. (Temptation +5) Amanda is just one of many the doctor wants to kill because she holds special powers. (Temptation -5) ] Rick shrugged. "I don''t know, Amanda. He''s evil. He knows everything. He hacked into my phone and saw your picture. He became obsessed with you. He sent me a video message where he threatened to kill you unless I surrendered to him." "He said he had a bomb nted in your apartment, and he would detonate it if I didn''t show up at his ind by midnight." Amanda acted like she was genuinely scared, she yed along with Rick, "A bomb? In my apartment? Is it here? Oh God, Rick, we need to get out of here." Rick swallowed in a chuckle and held her hand. "Don''t worry, I have taken care of it. We are safe." "Oh Rick! What would have I done without you." Amanda stared at him in horror as she whispered. "What did you do?" Rick smiled and squeezed her hand. "Don''t worry, Amanda. I did what any superhero would do. I defused the bomb, went to the ind, infiltrated the base, fought my way through the robots, ninjas, and sharks, confronted Dr. Evil, destroyed hisser, and escaped in the nick of time. That''s how I got these wounds. But it was worth it, Amanda. Because I saved you. And I saved the world." Amanda looked at him with admiration and awe. "Wow, Rick. That''s amazing. You''re amazing. You are a hero." "You are my hero," she said, literal stars sparkling in the depths of her eyes. Rick just grinned at her, feeling a mix of guilt and amusement. He couldn''t believe Amanda would y along with him. He wondered how long he could keep up this charade, how long he could fool her. He decided to have some more fun with her, to see how far he could push her. He pulled away from her and smiled. "Thanks, Amanda. You''re amazing, too. You''re the best thing that ever happened to me." The system helped Rick to further prank Amanda. [ Tell Amanda You have a special power that helps you walk through solid objects like walls and doors. (Temptation +10) You have a teleportation device that can take you anywhere.I even use it to get into your house. (Temptation +10) She is still in danger and the two of you have to run away together. (Temptation +10) ] He reached for his jacket and took out a small metal device, it was his car key. He covered the buttons with his fingers. "Hey, Amanda. Do you want to see something cool?" Amanda nodded eagerly, "What is it?" Rick held up the key and pressed a button. "This, Amanda, is a teleporter. It can transport me anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds. I use it to get to my missions and back. It''s very handy. I even use it to get into your house." Amanda gasped. "A teleporter? That''s incredible. How does it work?" Rick shrugged. "I don''t know. It''s prettyplicated. It involves quantum physics and wormholes and stuff. I don''t understand it myself. I just know how to use it." He pressed another button, and the device beeped. "See, Amanda? It''s ready to go. The choice is up to you. Where do you wanna go?" "I don''t know! Surprise me." The system beeped again and provided Rick with some options. [ Take Amanda to Ram Setu, the symbol of eternal love (Love +1) Las Vegas, and we won''t sleep (Temptation +10) Venice, and we can escape (Temptation +10) ] "How about Ram Setu? The symbol of eternallove. Or we can go to Las Vegas. And we won''t sleep. Or we can escape to Venice. No one will know." Rick asked Amanda, "Just tell me, and I will take you there." Amanda looked at him with wonder and excitement. "Ram Setu? Never really heard of that. Isn''t Paris the city of love?" "You want to go to Paris?" Rick nodded. "I can take you to Paris. Just like that. All you have to do is hold my hand and say yes." He extended his hand to her and smiled."What do you say, Amanda? Will youe with me?" Amanda hesitated for a moment. She had started to have some doubts in her head, a nagging voice in her head that told her Rick was just ying with her. But maybe he really mean it. It has been anything but normal since the moment she had met him. And finally her heart won as she gracefully and hesitatingly reached for his hand and said, "Yes". Rick grinned and pulled her close to him. "Awesome. Let''s go then. Hold on tight." He pressed another button, and the device beeped again. "Ready, Amanda? Three, two, one..." He paused and looked into her eyes. When she stared at him with those round, ssy eyes, he jerked on the couch, startling her, and mimicked an explosion with his hands. "Rick! What the hell?" He burst intoughter, dropping the key and hugging her tightly. "I am sorry. I am so sorry. You were just so adorable." Amanda blinked, confused and shocked, which then quickly turned to annoyance. "Rick! Ugh. You''re the worst. I actually knew you were... Ughhh... But I thought... " She struggled against his grip for a little while, but when she realised he wasn''t about to let her go, she just hid her face in her hands. Rickughed harder, seeing her pout. "Aw, I am sorry. I just wanted to make youugh." "You must think I am such an idiot, don''t you?" she mumbled from behind her hands. "No, no, I don''t." He pulled her hands down to look at her. "I think you are tired after taking care of patients the entire day, and what you need is somepany and a goodugh." He brought her hands to his lips. "I just want to take care of you." She detangled their hands and cupped his cheek. "Right now, you''re the one who needs to be cared for." Rick leaned forward till his lips hovered over hers. "Then take care of me, baby." * * * * * [A/N: I hope this chapter was good enough to be the 150th.] Chapter 151: Rick and Amanda [1] (18+) Chapter - 151 Amanda scooched along the couch until she was right between Rick''s legs, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. Hershes fluttered as her hands reached out to undo his belt buckle and pull the bloodied jeans down his knees. She tugged too hard, and Rick flinched, putting his hand over hers. "Oh my God, I''m so sorry." Amanda was quick to retract her hands. "Are you alright?" "Perfect, Never been better," Rick said through clenched teeth. "Don''t stop." "Rick, are you su¡ª" Amanda didn''t want to be the reason for Rick''s another set of bandage "I''m fine. Don''t stop. I want this. I want you." "Okay." Amanda nodded, biting the corner of her lip. She gently slid his jeans over the bandage, and her soft fingertips glided over his skin in the surrounding area. She lowered her head, nting delicate kisses along the sensitive skin of his inner thigh, just above the carefully wrapped bandages. Moving gradually upward, her kisses grew more daring. Rick threw his head back and stretched his arms by his side, resting them on the couch. He spread his legs wider, making more space for Amanda. "This is one way to soothe me from the pain." Rick moaned, a hint of a yful smile ying on his lips. She inched forward, pressing open-mouth kisses over his clothed cock. Her nimble fingers were quick to free it from his boxers, and she wrapped her hand around his cock, giving it one long, slow stroke from the base to the tip. Under the caress of her hand, his arousal responded eagerly, growing even more rigid. Amanda''s gaze fixed on him as if his cock held a mysterious allure, her eyes taking on a dreamy quality. A subtle flush tinted her cheeks, and her bottom lip found itself gently caught between her teeth, adding an extrayer of anticipation to the charged atmosphere. Amanda leaned in, her movements slow and deliberate. With a sly look, looking up at Rick through hershes. She ran her tongue along the tip, her eyes meeting Rick''s with a sultry gaze. Rick couldn''t look away, captivated by the tempting disy. Rick stared right back, taking in thescivious sight in front of him. She continued to lick and stroke his shaft, teasing him. She pressed more delicate kisses along the length of him but did not open her mouth wider than to take in just the head. She sucked on it, tonguing the slit and moaning as she tasted the first drop of precum. "Uhmm!" Lost in the moment, she moaned softly, savoring the essence of him. Rick, unable to resist, tangled his fingers in her hair, pulling her head away from his crotch. "Such a tease. You''re driving me wild," he whispered, his hand moving to cup her cheek and then sliding down to cradle her chin. With a yful grin, he used his thumb to part her lower lip, releasing it from her teeth. "Let me see what that angelic mouth of yours can truly do, darling." The moment he let go of her, she dove onto his cock, taking him all the way to the back of her throat in one go. She held him there and breathed through her nose. She closed her teary eyes and clenched her throat. Rick watched as saliva dripped from the side of her lips. This was what he loved most about Amanda. Her cock taking skills were on par with none. And her gag reflex practically being non-existent made her mouth equivalent to heaven. She slowly moved back up, hollowing her cheeks, and again dove back down. Her warm tongue ran along the underside of his cock. Her head bobbed up and down as she picked up speed, and the moment she felt Rick''s thighs tighten, she slowed again, dragging out his impending release. Amanda released her grip, allowing a fleeting smile of ethereal delight to grace her lips as she gazed at him for a heartbeat. With a gentle yet purposeful motion, she sensually traced her fingers up along his cock, guiding it towards his abdomen, and thenvished attention on his balls. She massaged one as she sucked on the other, and Rick could just sit there, taking it all. His hands caressed her hair, her nape, her cheeks. But he wanted more. He wanted to feel her. All of her. Rick, lost in the intoxicating sensations, could only surrender to the pleasure. His fingers tenderly explored the strands of her hair, the curve of her neck, and the warmth of her cheeks. Yet, an undeniable desire burned within him¡ª an ache for more, for the entirety of her being. With a gentle but insistent pull, he brought her up by the arm. A hint of confusion danced in Amanda''s eyes as she tilted her head, awaiting his next move. Rick, his voice a breathymand, directed her, "Stand up. Let me see you. Undress for me." Amanda gracefully rose from the couch, a seductive smile ying on her lips. Slowly, she peeled off her top, revealing a hint of anticipation in her eyes. Her pants followed suit, leaving her in nothing but a snug pair of panties. Thecy, white bra she wore hinted at the allure beneath. With each step towards Rick, the atmosphere thickened with desire. He, sprawled on the couch, had discarded his jeans, and the air buzzed with an electric tension. Rick, watching Amanda''s every move, shook his head slightly, a yful challenge in his eyes. "Uh uh. All of it, baby. Let me see you," he teased. Amanda, with a coy smile,plied. The sp of her bra surrendered to her touch, letting the fabric cascade down her shoulders. Rick couldn''t help but admire the way her ample breasts moved, a mesmerizing dance as she shimmied out of her underwear. He extended his hand, a silent invitation. Amanda, with a shy yet eager expression, took his hand, as if this were the first time he was seeing her naked. Rick helped position her the way he wanted. She kneeled over him on her hands and knees, her pussy in his face and his cock in hers. He licked anguid stripe over her wet cunt, pressing his tongue onto her clit. Amanda moaned loud and clear, and he could feel the vibrations on his cock. He pressed a finger inside, smoothly gliding through the wet folds. He maintained a steady rhythm, moving his finger in and out of her, keeping his tongue firmly pressed against her clit as Amanda matched his strokes. Her wet heat drove crazy with lust, and he had to concentrate to not immediately blow. The pain medications helped him forget about the incessant pain, reducing it to just a dull throb, and it also helped him reach a euphoric state with the barest of touches. They hadn''t even gotten to the main event and he was feeling the tightening in his balls. Amanda''s toes curled beside his head as he added another finger, scissoring her. He curled his fingers, and she shot up, her back arching as a string of babbles spilt from her mouth. "Fuck, Rick. T-That''s s-so good. Don''t stop." Rick smirked and with his other hand, smacked her eyes, enjoying the way it jiggled under his assault. "I thought I asked you to put that mouth to use," he said. She bobbed up and down his length, increasing her pace and it acted like a silent request for Rick to hurry up as well. The faster she went, the faster Rick would reach his climax, and the faster Amanda could have her sweet sweet release. Rick added in another finger and squeezed one ass cheek. "C''mon baby, fuck yourself on my fingers." Amanda moaned and rocked over him, her ass pushing out to meet his thrusts, all the time his cock was situated deep in her throat. Rick''s breath came out in ragged gasps, and his entire body coiled, his thighs tensing as his orgasm tore out of him and he came on Amanda''s tongue. She tried swallowing his load, but there was just so much of it, that it leaked from her mouth and onto his crotch and down his balls. He moved his fingers faster and pressed his thumb to her clit, and soon she too spilled into an abyss. Her soft body spasmed and twitched above him as she weakened. Her body turned limp as Rick removed his fingers from her, and she dropped down onto him, letting out a happy sigh. Rick let her catch her breath while he did the same. But before he could regain some of his strength, she again got on all fours and began cleaning up the mess she made. She licked his pubic hairs, devouring the cum that had spilt, she sucked on his balls and thighs, not leaving a single drop. Her appetite was truly insatiable. When she was satisfied with her cleanup, she turned around and crawled over Rick, shoving her tongue down his throat and giving him a taste. Amanda''s sexual proclivities knew no bounds, and Rick could only be d she didn''t hold back just because he was injured. As they kissed, Rick took Amanda''s hand and guided it down to his cock once more. He wrapped both their hands around his shaft and pumped a few times, coaxing it back to hardness. Once, he was nice and erect, Rick smacked Amanda''s ass, a loud, resounding p that echoed in the empty living room. "C''mon, baby," he said into her mouth, squeezing both her ass cheeks. "Show me how you will ride this dick." * * * * * [A/N: This is a 4-Part chapter series. You can read them all together. Meanwhile, do continue supporting the story] Chapter 152: Rick and Amanda [2] (18+) Chapter - 152 Rick''s grin zed like a slow-burning fire, perfectly mirroring the hunger in his eyes and the eager pulse of his desire. Amanda couldn''t help but catch her breath, a shiver of anticipation coursing through her as she pressed herself against him. "You''re so fucking beautiful, Amanda," Rick murmured between breaths, his wordsced with a hunger that matched the rhythm of their bodies. "I can''t wait to be deep inside you, to feel every inch of you against me." He lifted a hand to trace the line of her jaw with a knuckle, a tender touch amidst the rising heat. Amanda''s yearning surged to new heights as she moved sensuously atop Rick, a maic force pulling them closer. His gaze, sharp and possessive, locked onto her, making it impossible for her to tear her eyes away. It felt like Christmas, and Amanda couldn''t wait to get her hands on the prize¡ª Rick''s rock hard tool. With a subtle hint, she tugged on his jacket, and Rick responded with a knowing smile. Fingers skillfully unbuttoned his shirt as he lifted his torso, just enough to take off the jacket and shirt. Her fingers traced the contours of his chest, teasing his nipples with the gentlest touch as Rick drew in a sudden, deep breath. A soft growl rumbled in his chest, his hands firmly gripping the insides of her thighs, pushing them apart. Amanda increased her pace, almost taking in Rick''s cock, but he smacked her ass. "Stay still, or I might have to make you," he warned, his voice a seductive murmur. Amanda gasped at the promise, a long, low moan escaping her lips. Her hips instinctively lifted, aching for more contact. Rick''s hands slid around, cupping her wless ass, kneading and massaging it. "Rick, please," she pleaded, her desire palpable. She craved him, needing the connection on a primal level. When Amanda locked eyes with him, his gaze seemed lost, consumed by a passion bordering on obsession. He pulled Amanda down to cover his body with hers, kissing her wildly. He raided her mouth mercilessly, their arms and legs tangling and writhing, taking in the exquisite pleasure of intimate contact. Rick hummed softly, savouring every nibble on his lower lip, revelling in the pleasure Amanda willingly bestowed upon him. Her hands traversed thendscape of his torso, a sensual journey over the hills and valleys of his abs and ribs. Even the memory of bruised ribs faded into the background, eclipsed by the soothing balm of her touch. Amanda delicately pulled away, her eyes locked onto his with an intensity that spoke volumes. Her head bowed slightly, loose tendrils of hair cascading over her shoulders and concealing her breasts. Between the strands, the firm peaks of her nipples made a subtle appearance, teasing Rick''s senses. His gaze lingered, captivated, before his thumb found its way between them, gently exploring her clitoris with a tender touch that heightened the sensual atmosphere. "Mmmh," A low, throaty moan escaped Amanda''s lips as she surrendered to the exquisite pleasure coursing through her. The mere touch of Rick had her falling forward, lost in a world where she couldn''t seem to get enough of him. Her hands found support on rigid arms, fingers pressed t against the armchair just above his head. With a hunger evident in his actions, Rick seized the opportunity, his lips closing around the tender swell of her breasts. The heat of his mouth engulfed her, and he sucked with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine. Amanda, caught in the throes of ecstasy, couldn''t help but mewl in response to the pleasure cascading through her. When she attempted to regain herposure and sit up, he bit down gently, a move that sent waves of delight through her, making her arch back and her pelvis instinctively thrust forward. It was a dance of desire, and Rick knew exactly how to lead. Rick, usually captivated by the sight of Amanda''s reactions, was lost in his own world this time. His eyes were closed, his face a canvas of pure bliss. Rick suspected it was the result of the pain medication flowing through his system, ''Ahhh¡­ It must be Morphine. God bless the nurse.'' "Touch yourself, Amanda, touch your breasts." A hushed murmur floated from Rick''s lips, barely audible to Amanda in their close proximity. His voice, strained and raw, beckoned her. If she weren''t so close to him, she wouldn''t have heard him. Drawn by the desire to please Rick, Amanda''s fingers found their way to her breasts. Cupping them tenderly, she responded to his suppressed groan with a newfound eagerness. Her touch became more deliberate, fingers kneading and squeezing, as she revelled in his appreciation. She kneaded and squeezed and heard Rick''s appreciative groan. It spurred her on, and she ran her hands all over her chest and breasts, pushing them together before she started on her nipples. Encouraged by Rick''s response, she allowed her hands to roam freely, tracing the contours of her chest and pushing her breasts together. As she focused on her nipples, the sensations heightened, causing her to close her eyes involuntarily. However, Rick''s growl snapped her back to attention. "Eyes open, Amanda!" hemanded, his grip on her ass tightening as his thumb entered her. Though her eyelids drooped under the excess stimtion, she kept her gaze fixed on him. And as if listening to her inner voice, Granting her unspoken wish, Rick shifted his hold, supporting her with one hand on her hip. His erection prodding for attention at her entrance. Her breaths came out in sputters as Rick plunged into her, right to the hilt. He didn''t wait for her to adjust; without hesitation, he began moving, his strokes slow and deliberate, reaching deep within. Amanda moved with him, a rhythmic dance on hisp, meeting every thrust with an eager bounce. His fingers curled into her hair, gently but firmly holding her in ce. Rick, consumed by desire, lost himself in the sensations of the moment, savouring the connection with her. Feeling the urgency, he adjusted his hips, eager to explore every inch of her. Guiding Amanda''s hand, he brought it back to her breasts, a silent invitation she eagerly epted. Her fingers yed sensuously with her own flesh, heightening the pleasure for both of them. Rick watched with an appreciative gaze, relishing in the visual feast of her desire. As Amanda''s body began to tremble, Rick reached for her, capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. In amanding yet tender tone, he urged, "Come for me, baby." Amanda, caught in the moment, surrendered to the pleasure, her grip tightening around him as her nails lightly grazed his sweat-kissed chest. The intimacy between them intensified. Rick was quick to follow, the tightness consuming him from within, and emptied himself into her depths. He tugged her to him, spreading kisses on her sweaty cheeks and neck. He wrapped her in his arms and rolled them to their sides. Amanda nuzzled her face in her chest, mewling as he held on to her tighter. In the sultry embrace of entwined bodies, they reclined, gazing at each other in silent awe after their passionate reunion¡ªsatiated and content. A lingering moment unfolded, pregnant with desire, before Amanda''s voice broke the hush. Her eyes fixated on Rick''s bruises. "Rick¡ª" she started, but he hushed her with a kiss, drowning her words in the heat. "Are you¡ª" Amanda attempted again, only to have her words devoured by his lips, eliciting a yful giggle from her.. "I already know what you are gonna ask," he whispered, he kissed her cheek, the corner of her mouth and chin. His lips mapped a tender journey across her face. Rick understood the unspoken lovenguage of Amanda''s affection, anguage that required no words. His kisses acted as a sweet silencer, reducing the cascade of questions she was about to unleash. Moving from cheek to mouth, he said, "I don''t wanna hear it," his breath warm against her skin. The tip of her nose felt the brush of his lips, followed by a delicate caress of her eyebrow. "I don''t wanna talk about it anymore. I am good now that we are together," he confessed, his words a soothing balm. He continued the sensual trail, nting a kiss on her temple and retracing his path to her waiting mouth, where their kiss deepened Amanda soon forgot what she was going to ask and just enjoyed the attention Rick showered her with thoroughly. When Rick was certain that she waspletely sated he broke away and brushed the hair off her face. "You hungry?" The question is nothing but innocent. His gaze, on the other hand, is everything but. Amanda''s eyes widened at his seduction. Her limbs were equivalent to jelly, and she wasn''t sure how much energy she had left in her before she would pass out right here on the couch. Meanwhile, Rick''s hand roamed up and down her entire chest and torso, starting at the space between her breasts and then moving down, a finger dipping into her navel, and then stopping right below where she was the most sensitive and again back up. Just like Rick expected, she was rocking to his touch, her eyes closed, tear-stainedshes fluttering against her cheeks. He leaned closer to her and whispered over her mouth. "Don''t know about you, baby, but my hunger for you is insatiable." "Me too, Rick," she whined, and her eyes flew open as she flung her thigh over his and guided his awaiting erection into her once more. "Only for you, Rick," she moaned, pressing herself against him till he waspletely sheathed. "Only you." * * * * * [A/N: This is a 4-Part chapter series. You can read them all together. Meanwhile, do continue supporting the story] Chapter 153: Rick and Amanda [3] (18+) Chapter - 153 Rick was quick to pull Amanda into him, driving himselfpletely inside her. Her hands went around him, and ran along his sculpted back, easily gliding around the slick curves. Rick continued to rock inside her in slow,nguid thrusts, panting in her ear. She couldn''t resist as her wandering fingers dipped lower and grabbed his firm behind. His eyes switched from glowing to stormy in a heartbeat as looked down at Amanda. "Insatiable little thing, aren''t you?" he rumbled. His words were inmmatory, but the tone liquefied Amanda''s insides, and her eyes fluttered closed, so drawn to him, so needy. When she reopened them, she reveled in the sight of Rick being momentarily thrown off bnce by the profound lust mirrored in her gaze. Rick made a feral, guttural sound, and in an instant, he was on Amanda, lifting her up from the couch, still buried deep inside her, and driving her back against the wall. He kissed her with an urgency that left both of them winded. His mouth was all over her face, kissing, sucking, licking, biting. His assault was intense, a ferocious exploration of her body. His hands mirrored the passion of his lips, exploring every inch of her skin he could reach, rubbing, moulding, scorching. Amanda reciprocated as hard and as fast as she could. Rick''s lips brushed against her ear, a teasingbination of nips and licks that brought her closer to the tremors within. "Damn, Amanda, I can''t get enough of you. Never freaking enough!" His arms encircled her hips, lifting her ass gently. Amanda understood the not-so-subtle hint and wrapped her legs around him. "Yes!" she hissed her demand as he drilled into her with swift, passionate thrusts. A persistent finger slipped between them, skillfully applying pressure to Amanda''s clitoris. Amanda''s senses were so overwhelmed that all she could do was hold on for the inevitable shattering. His head bent to her chest where his tongue swiped across her corbone¨Cworshiping her. His mouth worked a hickey on her skin, and heat built up in Amanda''s core. Amanda surrendered herself to the rising heat as she arched her head back, wholly immersed in the sensations coursing through her. Rick answered with actionsand skated his lips over to her breast, first milking then biting her nipple, sendingpounding darts to her groin, and it was all Amanda could take. She splintered into a million pieces, forgetting herself, only aware of Rick pulsing wildly inside her. Waves of pleasure surged through her, creating an intoxicating blend of sensations that centered in her core. Amanda''s world narrowed to the electrifying connection with Rick, and she lost herself in the overwhelming intensity of the moment. Holy fuck! Was it always like this? So intense? Amanda was catching herr breaths, Rick''s face in her neck with her arms holding him there. He helped her stand and then spent long moments looking at her like he was seeing her for the first time. Amanda, still caught in the aftermath of pleasure, tried to recall if anything had ever felt this intense. Rick lingered, his gaze lingering on her, appreciating every inch. The intimacy between them extended beyond the physical, a connection that went beyond the heated encounter Amanda felt the drops of cum leaking down her thighs and pressed her legs together, preventing the stickiness from escaping her walls. Rick noticed this and pushed back her hair. "Come. Let''s take a shower," he said, tugging on her wrist as he pulled her to the bathroom. Rick stood watch as Amanda showered behind the ss door of the shower cubicle, putting on a deliberate show for him. Thanks to his bandages, he''d need to put off taking a shower unless Amanda was interested in rewrapping all his wounds. In the quiet intimacy of the room, Rick couldn''t help but wonder if Amanda would extend an invitation, yet he hesitated, unsure whether revealing his vulnerabilities was the epitome of allure. But, even if she did offer, Rick reckoned that it would be the opposite of sexy, and he wasn''t looking forward to Amanda seeing just how deep his cuts ran. Not yet, at least. He was supposed to wipe himself down with the wet cloth he had in his hands, but seeing Amanda caress her nipples while looking directly at him, the only good his hands did was to move downwards and stroke his half-erection. Amanda joined him soon after, dropping down on her knees and blowing him till he shot his load deep into her throat. Being the good girl she was, she swallowed everyst drop, then helped him with the wet cloth. When she had a towel securely wrapped around her wet body, and Rick had one around his hips, he walked her backwards, slowly and into the bedroom until Amanda felt the bed behind the back of her knees. Rick''s lips trailed a symphony of kisses across her flushed skin, each touch igniting a trail of desire. Yet, in the dance of their passion, his lips deliberately avoided hers. It was as if an insatiable hunger guided his every move, and he was on the brink of proving it by making the soothing bath she had just taken useless. Amanda became aware of the distance between them. Rick''s body was bowed forward, covering her with surprisingly chaste kisses, but nothing else was in contact. Amanda reached up to pull him closer. Lightning-fast hands moved to restrain her, catching both wrists and folding them away securely behind her back. "Please, just touch me," her plea carried the weight of longing, a vulnerability reserved exclusively for Rick. The mere presence of him had the power to unravel her into a tapestry of need. "Tell me, Amanda," his voice, a velvet promise, teased her senses, "What is it that you desire?" Nothing made her hotter than Rick''s seductive voicemanding, coaching or teasing her. Just hearing it sent a powerful shiver vibrating through her. As her nipples contracted into tiny hard points of longing, she struggled against his hold. "I want you." His grip flexed and tightened, and then he smiled against her chest. "I was hoping for some specifics, but you know how much I like it when you resist me."His voice was low, almost humming, as he wiped his stubble softly around her breasts¨Che knew that she couldn''t break free and would go wherever he wanted her to. She struggled some more, this time a little harder, putting the weight of her body behind it and deciding to y him at his own game. "I want you to lick me," Amanda said slowly, enunciating every syble."Lick my nipples and bite them ¨C hard." Read thetest tale on M-VL-em|p,yr He sucked in a hard breath that Amanda took that moment to try tugging her hands free. "I want your hand to trail down my breasts, my belly and find out how ready I am for you." Even to her own ears, she sounded husky, deprived. Rick didn''t let go of her hands, but his hot mouth found the tight bud on her breast. He flicked his tongue over it and blew softly so it was as taut as it would go, only to leave it and move on to its twin. Amanda mewled her protest and arched her back, offering them to him. A hungry growl let her know that she was on the right track. He nipped at the tip, just enough to drive her desire deeper. He ripped the towel from her body, watching as water droplets hugged every inch of her bronze skin. Rick turned Amanda and pushed her onto the bed, the mattress bouncing as shended with a soft thud. Her excited squeal was followed by his growl, "Arms up!" He stalked after her, over her back to secure her with the entire length of his firm body. Amanda immediatelyplied, stretching her arms above her head and grabbing hold of the edges of the headboard. Blood pounded in her ears, the flush of arousal glowing on her skin. "Good girl," Rick said on a harsh exhale. He wrenched the towel from his hips and tossed it on the floor. One knee pushed up between her legs, and the bandaged one rested just outside her thigh. He supported his weight on his elbows so that he was close to Amanda. Rick hovered over her back, close for Amanda to feel his warmth, but not enough to touch her. The sensation was sublime. She felt his breath on her as well as the aura of energy and heat radiating from him. Every sense she had was screaming for attention, but he was luxuriating in torturing her. Amanda writhed underneath him, pushing her pussy against his knee to entice him. "Please, I want to feel you stretch me." Another low hum from his throat had tingles racing wildly up and down her spine. His tongue traced the goosebumps on her back, and one hand snaked beneath her, finding her wet folds and the swollen parts therein. The sensation rocked through her body, and she cried out his name. "Let me hear you, baby." It was a hoarse whisper close to her ear before he sank a long finger into her. "Rick, please, I need you." Amanda let go of all her inhibitions. If Rick wanted her to plead, then she would if that meant she''d get what she wanted. "You never disappoint, Amanda. Feel how wet you are for me." He rubbed her slickness between her folds and over her clitoris, then pulled his hand from underneath her. Strong hands bracketed her hips and lifted them up so she was on her knees with her ass in the air. Amanda''s chest was t on the bed, hands still gripping the headboard like her life depended on it. His breathless words of encouragement only made her want him more. Rick positioned himself at her entrance, where he gently rubbed his erection along the slippery length of her pussy. "You are so beautiful." His fingers flexed around her hips, and then he released one hand to smack her ass. Hard. Rick marveled at how the flesh jiggled and left behind a perfect red print of his five fingers. He massaged the abused skin before pping it again. "Riiiickk!" The sound ripped from Amanda''s throat, raw and unedited. "Look at this tight ass. Fuck, I want in, baby." Rick surged forward, his erection nestling perfectly between her ass cheeks. Amanda gasped at the sudden intrusion and moved away, but Rick grabbed her hips and pulled her back. She moaned as he rotated his pelvis and moved up and down her crease, the tip of his cock just nudging into her hole the slightest bit. "C''mon, baby," he growled, gripping her hips hard enough for bruises to form. "Say yes for me." * * * * * [A/N: This is a 4-Part chapter series. You can read them all together. Meanwhile, do continue supporting the story] Chapter 154: Rick and Amanda [4] (18+) Chapter - 154 "Rick," Amanda softly nibbled on her lip, a hint of uncertainty in her gaze. Sensing her hesitation, Rick eased back, his hands on her hips loosening as her body seemed to fold in on itself. "I... I''m not entirely sure," she murmured, embarrassment painting her cheeks as her head dipped forward. Rick settled back, giving Amanda the space to turn around. As she faced him, she drew her knees up to her chest, arms encircling them. Hiding her face between her knees, she created a cocoon of vulnerability, and Rick couldn''t help but find it utterly charming, an innocence just waiting to be explored. "What''s on your mind?" Rick inquired, his fingers tenderly running through her hair. "I don''t think I want that," she mumbled, still not lifting her head to look at him. He noticed how her cheeks, ears and neck turned even more red in embarrassment, "I am sorry, I don''t think I will like it." "Liar,"Rick shed a teasing grin and let his fingers cease their gentle caress, choosing instead to weave through her hair and gently tilt her head up to face him. "Come on, you can''t fool me," he said. Amanda''s full lips push out in a pout. "No. I¡ª" "Darling, I can read your bodynguage like a book." His hand smoothly transitioned from her hair to cradle her cheek. Sure, he''d noticed the way she responded to certain touches, when his hands were on her ass or whenever his fingers slid along her crease, and her moans were the loudest. But the system truly confirmed it for him. "Don''t lie to me. Tell me what is wrong. Why are you hesitating?" "I..."Her eyes turned big and doe-like, and she pped his hand away to hide her face within her arms once more. She mumbled something that Rick couldn''t catch. He inched in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "What was that?" "I''ve never done it before," she confessed. "What? You mean, anal?" She nodded, her face still concealed. Rick nonchntly shrugged. "Well, neither have I." Surprisingly, her interest was piqued. "Really?" Again, Rick casually shrugged. "Yep. But I''m curious to give it a shot." Amanda''s teeth trapped her bottom lip, abusing it even more. "I don''t know if I''ll be good at it. I, too, want to try it, but¡­" "It''s alright, Amanda. I promise I''ll make it memorable for you. And also¡ª" he dropped his voice an octave and moved closer so his lips hovered right above hers "¡ªit''ll be even wilder than your sexiest dreams." Amanda let out a surprised gasp, and Rick noticed the exact moment when all her uncertainties started fading away, reced by an overwhelming desire. Reaching behind her, Rick found the lube stashed in the bedside drawer - a little something he had picked up for her. Dropping the bottle onto the bed, he let his hands explore Amanda''s thighs, sliding up and down with a tantalizing touch. "Get on your hands and knees, sweetheart," he whispered. Amanda, with a subtle quiver in her body, nodded. She gracefully shifted into position, turning onto her stomach and arching that gorgeous rear into the air as she propped herself up on her hands and knees. "Damn, yes," Rick murmured with admiration, running his hands appreciatively over her backside. Amanda shivered as he nted a soft kiss on one of her voluptuous cheeks, subtly prying it aside to sneak a peek at her little pink asshole. "Mmmm," she purred as his kisses increased, and he inserted a finger into her wet, waiting pussy. Slowly, Rick trailed his tongue along her cheek, kissing her gently on the tailbone before moving back down, just grazing the crease of her ass. Amanda knew what he was about to do, and Rick could tell she was aching with anticipation. "Do you know what I''m going to do now?" Rick asked,ying another wet kiss on her tender flesh. It was better that he spoke her through whatever they were about to do. Hopefully, her nerves would settled down. "I..think so," she managed to say. Rick nted another kiss on Amanda''s ass,this time lingering on the soft warmth of her inner cheek, eliciting a delightful moan of pleasure from her. His tongue danced lightly over the delicate contours. "Oh, that feels amazing," she eximed, ovee with pleasure at the sensation of his wet touch on her sensitive area. "Enjoying it?" Rick inquired, using one hand to gently part her ass-cheeks apart as he slid another finger into her pussy. "Mmm..." Amanda moaned long and loud, and Rick took that as an affirmative. Rick smiled to himself, silently thanking his good fortune as his tongue zed a trail from Amanda''s pussy to her ass, leaving a line him glistening wetness in its wake. She gasped once again as he touched her hole, lightly stroking it with soft, gentle licks. "Spread your ass for me, baby," Rick said, giving her a light p with the palm of his hand. Without any further encouragement, Amanda reached back with both hands, lewdly pulling her cheeks apart as her face ttened against the bed. "Good girl," heplimented before spearing her tight ass with his tongue. Amanda''s ass reflexively tightened. He pushed his fingers in as far as they could go and began to wiggle his tongue up her ass. Her howls of pleasure were muffled by the bed sheets as he continued to orally vite her hole. Her body was shaking and shuddering as he withdrew his tongue from within her and began giving her long wetps before rimming her with a circr motion. When Amanda''s moans grew loud enough that Rick was sure she was losing herself to the act, he said, "I am going to insert a finger now." Read more tales on NovelFire-l-em,py-r Amanda just nodded, tears of bliss streaming down her face. Her hands still held on to her ass cheeks, spreading them apart for Rick and putting on a show just for him. Rick poured a generous amount of lube on his fingers and rubbed them. Reaching down her nacked body, he slid his middle finger between her supple ass cheeks and began to massage her tight little pink knot. At the feeling of something touching her sensitive ass, Amanda moaned against the pillows. Encouraged by her response, he hooked the finger into her tight hole, pulling back towards himself. A coughing sound erupted from Amanda''s throat as her body lurched back, hips rocking against his finger. Rick continued the anal assault, even adding another two fingers to her virgin asshole. After a few more minutes of fucking Amanda with his fingers, Rick slowed down and began to tug his fingers out of her well-stretched ass. He watched with joy as her tight hole clenched back up as his fingers slipped out. "Are you ready?" he asked, testing the waters by running my fingers over her dripping ass. "You have no idea," she said, looking back over her shoulder at Rick. Atst, the moment they had both been waiting for had arrived. Trembling with anticipation, Rick took the bottle of lube and squeezed out a liberal amount into his hand. He then coated his cock with the slippery substance as he gazed down at Amanda''s tight little hole, winking in anticipation as well. "Try to rx," Rick suggested, cing the head of his cock at her entrance. "And y with your clit. It''ll be easier that way." Amanda took the advice, reaching between her legs to touch herself as he rubbed his cock up and down the crack of her ass, smearing her hole with lube. Then, using one hand to open her ass wider, he pushed the head against that tight puckered ring, feeling her open up beneath him. His fingers had loosened her up a little, so it was no difficult task to slip the head of his dick past her tight ring. "Oh yessssss," Amanda cooed as she felt her hoke stretch to amodate his cock before mping down tightly. "How does it feel?" Rick asked, slowly pushing more of him into her hungry hole. "Fucking great!" she gasped in response. Her inhibitions were all in overdrive, and her quivering shoulders didn''t escape Rick''s gaze. Using both hands to stabilise her body, he pushed forward, watching as Amanda''s hole slowly swallowed his cock. The deeper he went, the faster her hand moved on her clit, causing her body to shake slightly. He was about halfway in when he withdrew his dick and plunged forward again, this time sinking all the way to his balls. Amanda moaned and squealed as Rick filled her ass with cock and then started to slowly fuck her. "Oh God!" she howled, clenching. "That feels so fucking good! Don''t stop! Don''t ever stop!" Rick reached around under Amanda''s body to cup her firm breasts in both hands as he buried his dick inside her. She even pushed backwards into him, forcing his cock even deeper into her ass. Rick groped her tits as she squirmed under him, her hungry ass sucking at his cock. He pinched her nipples in between his fingers as she increased the pace on her clit. He could hear her breathing bing moreboured as she dropped her head down to the bed, gasping and moaning. Amanda pushed herself back on his dick, pressing her soaking wet pussy against his aching balls as her body shuddered through an intense, longsting climax. As it subsided, Rick slowly resumed fucking her ass with long, gentle strokes. "Are you doing okay?" he asked. "Yes... Don''t Stop," Amanda mumbled a string of jumbled sentences, "Fuck me harder. I want you." Amanda''s words sent Rick right to the edge and he could feel myself nearing the point of no return. As his body tensed, Rick knew there was just one thing he''d need to trulybust. He withdrew from Amanda''s body, flipped her so she was on her back, and quickly reentered her dripping wet and waiting asshole. Rick kissed Amanda, fucking her mouth with his tongue. With his mouth still on hers, he hoarsely said, "Call me Daddy." Amanda''s eyes widened, and her bottom lip wobbled, as though the word was just on the tip of her tongue but something held her back. Rick''s thrusts grew harder, and as Amanda pressed on her clit, working herself up to another orgasm, Rick grabbed both her wrists, holding them above their heads. Amanda whined and thrashed against his hold, wanting him to set her free. "Call me Daddy, and I will let youe, baby," he said, pummeling her ass with his cock. Amanda shook her head, but her eyes screamed her submission. Rick just had to get through her embarrassment. "C''mon, Amanda. Don''t you want toe? Hmm? Just say it. One word." He pushed into her harder, his heavy balls hitting her pelvis with each thrust. And just as he felt the familiar warmth bloom in his lower stomach, he heard it. "Daddy." It was barely a whisper, and with the pping sounds filling the room, Rick was sure he had imagined it. But then it came again. "Fuck me harder, daddy." "Christ," Rick groaned and his movements had turned almost violent. His grip on Amanda''s wrists tightened and Amanda arched her back meeting him for each thrust. Spurred by how reckless she''d turned Rick with just one word, Amanda continued to speak, driving Rick crazy by the second. "Come in me, Daddy," she purred. "Come in my ass. Fill me good, Daddy." That was all it took for Rick to burst free. Spurts of hot cum sted deep into her ass, and Rick continued to pump his cock inside, shoving his load deep inside her body. Amanda opened her mouth in a lewd moan, loving the way Rick pulsed inside her. Losing all the strength in his body, Rick fell on top of her, his breathsing out in harsh pants. He closed his eyes and just took the feeling of euphoria that slowly took over every sense of his. He''d definitely need a moment to bounce back from this mind-blowing sensation. And with Amanda''s soft fingers running through his hair, he gave in to his fatigue and lost himself to the sense of flying. * * * * * [A/N: This is the end of 4-Part chapter series. Read them again in one go and let me know if you liked them. Also, continue supporting the story] Chapter 155: Rick spills some beans Chapter - 155 Rick''s senses were abruptly jolted awake by the vibration of his phone, and he groaned as he fumbled to locate it. An internal plea echoed in his mind, hoping this call wasn''t another urgent emergency. His bleary eyes squinted at the screen, revealing his father''s name. A sudden wave of guilt and anxiety washed over him ¨C he hadn''t anticipated his father reaching out, especially after the chaotic events of the previous night. Reluctantly, he epted the call, attempting to infuse his voice with a nonchnt air. "Hey, Dad. What''s going on?" His father''s voice crackled through the phone, a mixture of concern and weariness evident. "Rick, how are you? And where are you?" The questions hung in the air, loaded with unspoken implications. "Ummm... I am okay, Dad. Just taking it easy at my ce," Rick fibbed, crossing his fingers that his father wouldn''t discern the muffled sounds of shifting sheets emanating from beside him or catch wind of Amanda''s gentle snores in the background. "Are you sure? You sound tired. Perhaps it would be a good idea to return to the hospital and allow the doctors to conduct another examination." Rick''s father spoke, expressing his concern. A heavy exhale escaped Rick''s lips. His father''s concern loomed, magnified by the cmity of the previous night. The effects of the pain medication were gradually fading, and Rick found himself bing acutely aware of every pang, throb, and smarting sensation throughout his body. "Dad, really, I am okay. It''s just a minor thing. I have got my medicines handy. I''ll manage, promise." "Nothing? Rick, you got stabbed. That''s not nothing," his father snapped. A pang of difort flickered through Rick. He hadn''t intended to stir up his father''s emotions. Rick was well aware that his father remained on edge, especially after witnessing him and Olivia together. All he wanted was for his dad to give him a chance to exin before jumping to conclusions. "Anyhow," his father interjected, switching the subject just as Rick had anticipated, "I have got something to share with you..." " "I am heading back home." Rick''s father finally spoke. Rick experienced a sudden jolt of surprise. The notion of his father departing so swiftly caught him off guard, especially considering Emily hadn''t yet woken up. Their families had always been tight-knit, and given his dad''s recent support for Olivia, Rick assumed his father would stick around until things settled. "Going back home? Why? What''s the matter?" Rick inquired, curiosity etched on his face. "Nothing''s wrong, Rick. I just need some time. I need to get better, and my head keeps hurting all the time." A surge of guilt swept over Rick. He could sense his father wasn''t being entirely truthful. The real reason lingered in the air, in to see, even if his dad wasn''t ready to confront it. "Alright, son, I''ll catch up with youter. Got a lengthy drive ahead of me," his father dered, and before Rick could interject, he swiftly appended. "I do hope you''re careful seeing how Greg might not take too well to this new development between you and Olivia." With that, his father cut the call and left Rick reeling in the aftermath. Rick stared at his phone, a bunch of irritating emotions consuming him all at once. He was sad that his father was leaving, angry that he was judging him, guilty that he was lying to him, and scared that his father wouldn''t ept his love for Olivia. Well, he wasn''t actually worried about the his father epting him and Olivia. Rick knew that if he could have a normal conversation with his father, one that did not end with a warning or a goodbye., he could exin everything and his father wouldn''t need to be so wary about it all. Exhaling heavily, he stowed his phone away. Shifting his gaze, he observed Amanda, nestled in peaceful slumber within the cradle of his arms. Her beauty, untouched by awareness, painted a picture of innocence, oblivious to the tempest within Rick''s thoughts. An unwee realization dawned upon him. During the short time he''d known Amanda, the only activity they''d ever indulged in was fucking. He knew he was only with her because she was convenient, and also because she was avable, which really was not fair to such an amazing woman. He gently moved her hair away from her face and kissed her forehead. He felt a surge of affection and gratitude for her. She was kind, loyal, supportive, and understanding. She never asked him for anything, neverined, never pressured him. She was always there for him whenever he needed her, and didn''t question whatever he wanted from her. She was his friend even though they didn''t really talk about stuff that truly mattered. Rick knew she deserved better than him. He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her closer. He wanted to make it up to her, to show her how much he appreciated her, how much he cared for her. Maybe he could take her out for dinner, to a nice restaurant, somewhere romantic, somewhere the food was sublime and the atmosphere was tranquil. Perhaps he could buy her a gift, something special, something she liked like some expensive piece of jewellery? Women liked jewellery, right? Taking a trip to somewhere nice was not a bad idea, either. He could take her to somewhere rxing, like a resort or fancy ind. Rick knew that any of these ideas would work, but he also knew that they were not enough. They were just superficial gestures, there wasn''t any care behind them. Maybe they could just stay at home, and Rick could draw her a nice, luxurious bath,bined with the most expensive fragrances he could find. He would give her a massage after, let her rx and be pampered. Just then, Amanda woke up. She opened her eyes and smiled at him, snuggling in closer to him, she said, "Good morning, handsome. Sleep well?" Rick smiled and kissed her between the eyebrows. "Mornin'', beautiful. I slept well, thanks to you." Amanda kissed him properly on the mouth, morning breath be damned. "I''m d. You looked so tiredst night. How are you feeling now? We need to get something in you, so you can take your dose." "Fret not, my dear. I am the epitome of robust health, like a stallion in its prime," Rick shed a mischievous grin, "I am sure my stamina fromst night''s performance attested to that." Amanda yfully jabbed a finger at his side, relishing in the satisfying twitch that crossed Rick''s face. A triumphant smirk imed her features. "Stallion, you sayhuh? That jab seemed to hit a nerve, or was it a rib?" "Okay, you got me there. Anyway, forget about all that. You wanna do something?" Rick said, trying not to embarrass himself. Amanda raised an eyebrow. "Do what?" "Something fun. We don''t really do anything together except have sex." Amanda cocked her head to the side. "I was under the impression that whatever was between us was limited to just that." Rick''s fingers drew circles on her naked back, relishing in how her skin raised with goosebumps. "Yeah, but who knows? You might like mypany outside of the bedroom. Like that date. And of course, after the date we can continue." Amanda''s lips stretched into a wide grin and she turned in Rick''s arms. She flung a leg over Rick''s hips, and rested her head on her palm. Rick stared at the way her luscious breasts jiggled in ce. They were the perfect size, not too big that they sagged, nor were they too small to not notice. Just the right size that whenever Rick held them, they would not fit in his palms, but were no basketball either. Ahhhaa... And the softness. Amanda had a body to quite literally die for, or maybe even kill for. Full hips, petite waist, strong, beautiful thighs that felt absolutely like heaven to be in between, a sexy corbone, perky breasts, and a butt that had everyone wondering how it was natural. She ran her smooth fingers over the fuzz on his chest. "I don''t mind even if you don''t want to take it further, you know. I like having sex with you. Your touch, it makes me¡­" She trailed off thinking of the right word. "Crazy?" Rick supplied. "Electrified," she said. "Like I am totally charged up whenever you touch me. Like I want to be good for you. Want to be everything you think about for the rest of the day." "I am d you feel that way, but really, I wanna do something more with you ''Manda. I want to show you that I truly care." Amanda bunched her eyebrows in thought, and then said, "We have known each other for quite a while now, but I stillknow nothing about you. Tell me something about yourself." Rick smiled, there were a lot of things he could tell her. And a lot of things she did not need to know. So, if she wanted something real from Rick, she''d have to work for it. Rickced his fingers at the back of his head on the pillow. "Shoot your questions, baby. I''m all yours." * * * * * Chapter 156: It always comes down to just one thing Chapter - 156 Amanda pondered for a good while, letting her thoughts do a little dance before deciding to waltz into conversation. But even after some mental choreography, she found herself stuck in the hesitant shuffle of not knowing where to start. Sensing her hesitation, Rick, always the social dance partner, gave her a nudge. "Just ask the first thing that pops in your head. what do you want to know?" Amanda opened the floodgates of inquiry, her words bubbling forth like a giddy stream, "Anything. Everything. Where do youe from? What do you do? What do you like? What do you hate? What are your dreams? What are your fears?" Rick chuckled, appreciating the enthusiastic barrage of questions. "Whoa there, Amanda! That''s quite the rapid-fire round. Do you really have time for this grand interrogation?" Amanda nodded with infectious eagerness, her eyes gleaming, "I have all the time in the world." Rick felt a warm sensation in his chest. He liked the way she said that as if he was the most important thing in her life. "Alrighty then, let''s rewind to the start," Rick began, a grin ying on his lips, "I am still in college. Final year and majoring in Business Management. I am not actually from Willowbrook. I grew up in the outskirts, near the countryside. It''s a small town, very quiet and peaceful. My family is still there." Amanda, fully engaged, shed a curious grin. "Sounds pretty nice. Do you ever get homesick?" "Yeah, every now and then. It''s the quiet I miss the most. The city can get very loud at times." Rick looked a bit nostalgic as he spoke. Amanda smiled and said, "Do you visit often?" Rick did a casual shoulder shuffle. "Eh, every now and then. But enough about me, let''s flip the script. Spill it ¨C what''s the deal with nursing? What sparked that me?" "Would it be too clich¨¦d if I said it''s because bing a doctor is too much work?" Rickughed and pulled her closer. "Didn''t want to study too hard?" "No, that''s not it. I like helping people, and nurses have this natural charm that just makes you want to listen to them, you know?"Amanda admitted, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She absentmindedly shook her head, causing her bangs to tumble into her eyes. "Gosh, I''m babbling. Ignore me; my brain''s on vacation or something." But Rick, always the smooth talker, casually swept that misced strand behind her ear, "Nonsense," he dered with a grin. "You are the whole package ¨C kind, brainy, and treat for the eyes. Bet your patients hang on to your every word." Adding a dash of mischief, he yfully gave her rear end a gentle pat. "For more than one reason, I am sure." But Rick didn''t really believe her reason of bing a nurse, ''Helping people? What a joke?'' He thought. Amanda couldn''t resist a good eye roll, giving Rick''s chest a yful shove while letting out a giggle. Rick responded by wrapping his arms around her shoulders, smoothly pulling her to lie half on top of him. In this cozy cocoon, they soaked in the blissful warmth of each other''spany. Amanda was the one who broke thefortable silence. "Have you ever been in love?" she asked, her cheek resting on his chest. Rick paused. He knew the answer to that question, but when he opened his mouth, his phrasing got all twisted. Noticing Rick''s reluctance, Amanda was quick to add, "You don''t have to answer if you don''t want to. I won''t judge or anything. I was just curious." Rick tightened his hold on her and rolled her on top of him. Her perky, taut nipples rubbed against the fuzzy hair on his chest, and he couldn''t say he didn''t enjoy the feeling of her plush breasts brushing against him. So much so that his blood began flowing south. "It''s alright," he said, sliding a finger down her spine and relishing in the goosebumps left in its wake. "Just don''t know if I''ll be stroking your jealousy further." Amanda pretended to be offended. "Jealous?" She cocked a brow, "Of what? Of who?" Rick yed with her hair and said, "Well, you know, I do have a friend who is a girl. Someone close. Someone who I''ve known for a long long time. Some might even call her my girlfriend." Amanda suppressed a sneer as she said, "Oh, really? And who is this girlfriend of yours?" Rick continued to y with her hair, feeling the soft strands as it slipped from his rough fingers. "Jealous much?" She jerked forward so that Rick''s cock sat snuggly between her ass-cheeks. She didn''t miss the hitch in Rick''s breath. "Why would I be jealous? You''re here, waiting to fill me up again instead of staying with your girlfriend. I''d say she''s the one who should be jealous. " Rick didn''t bother to y along any longer and smashed his mouth against her waiting one. He roughly shoved his tongue in and delighted in the way she was eager to suck in it while she ground on his full erection. When they pulled back, Rick didn''t let her move far. With his lips still barely touching hers, he whispered, "Forget about all the other girls, baby. No one can change how you''re my first in so many ways. "My first kiss." He kissed her forehead. "My first time." He kissed the tipe of her nose. "Heh... Even my first time ever doing anal." Rick moved to kiss her lips, but she moved in thest second, hiding her red-tinged cheeks in his chest. The sudden jerk sent a jolt up Rick''s bruised ribs and he winced. A movement that didn''t go unnoticed by Amanda. "Oh, shit, I''m so sorry. I forgot. Are you okay?" Amanda was quick to apologise. Rick nodded and waved a hand. "I''m fine, don''t worry. It''s just a scratch. It doesn''t hurt that much." "Rick, you''re sweating." She scooted back, sitting on her haunches, and brushed her gentle fingertips over the purple bruises that coated one side of his torso. "This looks pretty bad. Maybe we should go to the hospital, just in case. There might be internal bleeding." "There isn''t," Rick gritted out, working on evening his breathing. "The doctor said it''s just some minor internal bruising, nothing to be worried about. I''ll be fine." "Are you sure?" Amanda had that guilty, worried look on her face again. "Afterst night¡­ I mean, you''re already injured, and I¡­" She trailed off, and her eyes darted to the side. "I''d hate to be the reason you''re in pain." "Hey!" Rick tilted her chin to face him. "You can''t hurt me. I''m fine, really. The meds are just wearing off, so I''m a little sore, but other than that¡­" Rick pointedly looked down to where his throbbing erection bulged against his boxers. "But if you''re really feeling that guilty, I wouldn''t mind being taken care of one more time." Amanda got the hint and freed Rick from his boxers, stroking upward, her thumb brushing the slit. Rick tipped his head back and just revelled in the warmth her hand brought about as she expertly glided her palm up and down, creating a rhythm. Amanda knew Rick''s tells well enough by now that she could predict exactly when Rick was about to explode, and just as he teetered toward the edge, she stopped her ministrations, instead ying with his balls underneath. As much as Rick loved her teasing, right now, he was in the mood to sink deep inside her. Ignoring the sting on his side, in one swift move, he flipped them so that he was between Amanda''s legs, hovering over her. His hand reached in between, thumb pressing on her clitoris. Amanda''s back arched, her lip thoroughly abused by her teeth as she bit down so hard, Rick was sure she could taste blood. Two fingers dove past her slippery folds and stroked her core. Amanda''s thighs as they squeezed Rick''s hips. Her head thrashed from side to side as her pleasure became too much to handle. "So fucking wet for, huh, baby?" Rick cooed, slowing down his pace and allowing Amanda to breathe. "So needy. Always up for a nice, hard fuck, eh?" "Only you for you, Rick," she moaned when Rick pushed the crown of his dick inside her. Slowly, bit by bit, he dove inside her, both of them groaning as lust filled every crevice in their bodies. Amanda''s ankles crossed over his lower back, and she lifted her hips up slightly to allow him to go deeper. She''d expected him to be in a frenzy this morning, fuck her like he always did: fast and unforgiving. But this time, he went slow. Deep, sensual thrusts that sent all of her senses into overdrive. She wed at his back, moaning into his ear about how good he felt. It wasn''t long till euphoria had taken over the both of them, rendering them immune to all the worldly distractions and leaving them at mercy to the slow rhythm of their lovemaking. * * * * * Chapter 157: Gloria is back Chapter -157 Rick hadn''t really expected to stay at Amanda''s for so long, but one thing always led to another, and his departure continued to be pushed back. By the time he made his exit, it was nearing ten in the night, and the roads were almost empty with everyone tucked safely into bed. The slow lull of the car engine threatened to put him to sleep, so to distract himself, he thought back to all that he and Amanda got up to the entire day. After spending the entire morning and part of the afternoon in bed, Amanda called in sick and asked for a coworker to cover her shift for the day. Like always she had a night shift. But Fuck! Rick didn''t let her rest. So, there they were, with all the time in the world, getting to know each other''s bodies like it was the first time. Rick was like a ninja, always finding a way to cozy up to her whenever the chance popped up, making sure to explore every nook and cranny. It was a bit exhausting, but who could resist when things got all warm and cozy inside? And he would''ve continued had it not been for Amanda''s pouty face peering up at him as they cuddled on the couch, some cheesy Netflix rom ying on the tscreen that neither of them really cared about. It was the perfect Netflix and Chill. "I seriously don''t get how you have so much stamina," she groaned, pushing out her bottom lip for added effect. They were waiting for the dinner they had ordered, which would technically be their first meal of the day, not counting the mini snacks they''d munched on to keep their energy up. "I am hustling on my feet all day at work, and still, my back is waving the white g while you are over here breaking records. Not cool. I seriously can''t keep up with you." Rick couldn''t help but let out augh and nted a sweet kiss on Amanda''s hair. "Maybe I should consider getting some extradies on the side, what do you think? You get your much-needed rest, and I get to satisfy my wild side. Win-win, right?" Amanda raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Sure thing. The more girls, the lighter your wallet''s gonna feel. Get ready to go broke, Mister." She yfully patted his cheek. "Don''te crying back to me when you are t broke and can''t even afford to pay rent." Rick brought his hands up to his chest, his face contorting in mock horror. "Ouch, you''re saying my unequivocal charms aren''t enough to woo the female popce? You wound me, girl." Amanda gave Rick a thoughtful look and then shrugged, saying, "Yeah, that is exactly what I am saying." "Oh, you,e here." Rick grabbed her hips and began tickling her, catching all her soft spots until she was aughing, quivering mess, begging for mercy. Just when Amanda thought she might pass out fromughter, the doorbell rang, saving her from any more tickle torture. Dinner was here. Rick insisted on doing the dishes after they were finished, and Amanda didn''t fight him on it. Rather, she enjoyed seeing Rick so domestic as she sat on the counter and watched him load up the dishwasher. "You sure you can''t stay the night?" she asked again, hoping he''d say yes and they could continue where they''d left off. Rick, being all responsible, shook his head, "As much as I''d love to extend this party, I gotta bail." He wiped his hands on a dish towel, leaving it to dry before nting his hands on the counter, one on each side of Amanda''s hips. Amanda pouted, "But why, though? It''s like midnight already. You can totally crash, wake up early, and bounce. No biggie. I don''t like the idea of you driving sote at night." Rick, with a grin, replied, "As touched as I am by your worry, I''m not in need of a bedtime story just yet. Plus, my eyesight still has atwenty-twenty vision." Amanda pped his chest lightly. "You know I don''t mean it that way." "I know, I know," Rick said, trapping her hand against his chest. "Remember that girlfriend I told you about?" Amanda nodded. "She''s been in an ident and is admitted in the hospital. She''s very close to my family, and it came as a surprise to all of us. I want to be there for her mother. She doesn''t have anyone else at the moment." Rick, obviously, was not about to go into the details of his rtionship with Olivia, but he did want to provide some form of the truth to Amanda who had been nothing but kind to him. "Okay," she said sadly. "Where is she admitted? I might know some nurses there who can help her feel morefortable. Just let me know her name and I''ll see what I can do." "You''re angel, darling," Rick said, kissing her forehead. "Her name''s Emily, and she is admitted at Willowbrook General." Amanda nodded,mitting the information to memory when she noticed the bandages on Rick''s nose once more. Though, the swelling in his eyes had decreased, the purple-ck bruises hadn''t faded as much. "What about your injuries, Rick? Are you sure you are in the condition to drive?" "I''m absolutely fine, babe. You know me. I have nerves of steel." Amanda skillfully ignored his cockiness. "If it hurts anywhere, don''t act too macho and hide it. Internal bleeding sometimes does not show up immediately, but that does not mean all is fine. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, immediately call me or 911. Okay? Thest thing I need is for you to go into septic shock." "Fine. I promise, I won''t act macho, ma''am. Happy?" Amanda just let out a nonmitted hum when another question popped into her head. "How did you get hurt, anyway? Did you get in a fight with anyone?" And this was where Rick had to make a move. "Amanda, sweetheart, it''s gettingte, and I have to go, okay? I''ll see you soon." He left her in the kitchen to go get his jacket, but she was hot on his trail. "Rick," she called, concerncing her voice. "You know you can tell me anything, right? I won''t judge you. Lay it all out." "I know, babe." He slid his arms into the jacket, a littlefort in the fabric, "And I will exin everything to you. Just not right now." He shot her a lingering look, blew a kiss, and left. The shrill ringtone of his phone jolted him from his reverie, and he made a mental note to change that fucking tune. Rick nced at the dashboard, seeing Gloria''s name pop up. Ugh, that woman just didn''t know when to quit. For the past two weeks, it was like she had his number on speed dial, probably trying to hush him up about whatever almost went down at the store. Truth be told, not much really happened that day, but if that call hadn''te in at thest moment, who knows what might''ve gone down. Rick managed to dodge her calls most of the time, but she just wasn''t catching the hint. She fucking can''t take a hint. And the worst part of it all, nothing really happened that day, but had that call not arrived at thest moment, Rick wasn''t quite sure the situation remained the same. But as it was, they had been disturbed which led to a very big mistake being dodged. Why couldn''t thatdy just sleeping dogs lie? Seeing as running was clearly not working in his favour, Rick sucked in a breath and pressed the green button. "Glo¡ª" "Thank fuck," Gloria breathed through the receiver. "Finally! You answered. What took you so long?" "What do you want, Gloria?" Gloria''s voice hit a high note, practically shattering ss as she yelled, "What do I want, you hijo de puta? Seriously, what do you think I want?" Rick winced, hoping that somehow squeezing his eyes shut would ease the pounding in his temples. "Aye co?o, I need you to freaking answer me!" Rick threw his hands up, exasperated. "What do you want me to say? I''ve already sworn I won''t spill the beans to anyone, but for some reason, you''re not buying it. So, what''s the n here?" "You think I''m gonna trust a gringo like you? Not happening." Gloria tly refused on Rick''s face. Rick let out a heavy sigh, feeling like he was caught in a whirlwind of a conversation he didn''t sign up for. Honestly, he doubted there would ever be a good time for a chat with Gloria, "Look, I have said what I had to say. Now, if you don''t believe me, I can''t help it." Gloria, however, wasn''t ready to let it go. "You can and you will," she hissed. "Meet me tomorrow at¡ª" "Nope," Rick interjected. "Tu madre!Are you stupid or something?" This woman always managed to push Rick''s managed. "Gloria, I have my own personal shit to deal with here. I don''t have time for you and your bullshit?" "Then make time! I don''t care if your mother is on her deathbed. You areing tomorrow to¡ª" "I said no." With that Rick cut the call, effectively cutting off whatever spanish curses Gloria threw at him. He knew she wouldn''t leave him this easy, but just for one night, he needed his peace intact. Tomorrow, everything can go to hell if needed. * * * * * [ A/N: Gloria is back. Q. Should she? 1. Yes 2. No ] Enjoy stories on m_v lem|p-yr Chapter 158: Old foes emerging Chapter - 158 As the car idled along the roads, two men sat in silence. The one in the passenger seat had turned so red, seething with anger, that he would''ve put the ripest of tomatoes to shame. Meanwhile, the man driving wondered if all his suppressed anger would cause a stroke. Wouldn''t that be something? At least, that way, he could escape this hellish man beside him who was no better than a pompous asshole. The passenger princess in question was Zack, who was fuming. He couldn''t believe his eyes. This pathetic excuse of a man was supposed to spy on Amanda, his ex-girlfriend, and report any signs of her seeing someone else. But what did he get in return? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And to think he spends so much money on these fuckers. For freaking days, this dude''s been lurking around Amanda''s crib, ying delivery boy, pretending to be a plumber, even pulling a Jehovah''s Witness act. Like, seriously? He''s snapped hundreds of pics of her damn door, window, balcony, and even her frigging trash can. But guess what? Not a single soul, besides Amanda, has set foot in or out. This gig is driving the guy up the wall. Every mundane move Amanda makes is like nails on a chalkboard, and he''s about ready to Hulk-smash something. But no matter how many times he tells his boss the same story, Nothing out of the ordinary and no suspicious visitors either, Zack wasn''t satisfied. And now his boss was pissed at something that was out of his hands. Which in turn made him pissed. Zack was beyond pissed with theme excuses the guy was throwing his way. He''d spelled it out crystal clear¡ªno if''s, and''s, or but''s. If Rick showed up, he better get a heads-up pronto. But no, Mr. Oblivious over here imed it was just the delivery dudes and some random secretary who''d graced the building. That just didn''t sit right with Zack. The unease was eating at him like a swarm of angry bees. Screw waiting around for answers, he thought. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands and visit Amanda himself. He drove to her apartment, the man in tow, parked his car across the street, and waited. He didn''t have to wait long. Within minutes, he saw Rick walk out with Amanda in tow. She looked radiant, wearing a simple red oversized T-shirt and a smile. Zack felt a pang of jealousy and regret. He wondered if she still thought about him the way he thought about her. And explode he did, not having to cool his jets for too long. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife. Zack was about ready to tear the ce down if he had to. Zack''s blood went from simmer to full-blown boil in a hot second. There it was, the gut-wrenching sight that fueled the mes of his rage. Rick, that sleazy bastard, wrapped both arms around Amanda''s waist and kissed her passionately. Amanda kissed him back, giggling and nuzzling his neck¡ªit was like a punch to Zack''s gut. Seeing them all loved up sent him into a fury. Was this some sick joke? Amanda, that bitch never let Zack near her like that, and now she is ying tonsil hockey with this clown? The audacity! It was a p in the face, a kick to the gut. Did the slut have no damn self-respect? As the wheels of the car rolled on those almost deserted roads, Zack''s agitation went off the charts. Frustration oozed out of him like a toxic fog. Couldn''t believe what he was witnessing. And then, boom, he snapped. Couldn''t take it anymore. He shoved the poor schmuck next to him out of pure, unbridled anger. The guy''s head collided with the window, a satisfying thud echoing the storm inside Zack''s mind.The man contained his snarl, knowing having Zack had his quirks. Zack leaned forward, adjusting his legs when he suddenly caught a whiff of something. "Why does your car smell like tacos? Are you eating tacos while you''re supposed to be working, you fat fuck?" The man resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "It''s an air freshener, boss. It helps with the stress." Zack snorted, smacking the back of his head. "Pleasant scents? Tacos? Seriously? Are you stupid or something?" The man couldn''t believe he was being lectured on the choice of air freshener in his own car. "It''s just a scent." Zack smacked the back of his head once more, and the man was seriously considering swerving into amppost or something. "It''s distracting, you stupid fuck," Zack said. "Do you have any sense left it in you?" Don''t push him out. Don''t push him out. Don''t push him out. The man had to take in three deep breaths before he spoke. "I''ll change it, boss." Zack turned his lip. "And can you drive any slower? Or are you trying to set a new record for the world''s most sluggish getaway driver? It''s like we''re in a race with snails and we''re losing to snails," he snapped, his eyes shooting daggers at the road. "Alright, boss." The man sighed, gripping the steering wheel tighter, and pressed harder on the elerator. "I think it''s best you rx, boss, it''s not¡ª" Zack scoffed. "Rx? How can I rx, you dumb bitch, when that fucker Rick was at Amanda''s ce the entire fucking night, stealing her away from me? I specifically told you to keep an eye on them. I fucking paid you for that! What the fuck have you been doing?" The man shot him a sidelong nce. "I''ve been doing exactly what you asked, boss. I lurked near her house like you asked. I even took pictures like you asked. Nothing was out of the ordinary." This wasn''t even his specialty, he was usually called when someone needed some teeth knocked out. Or some limbs broken. He wasn''t made for lurking in the shadows. He was never one to blend well with his surroundings. But this fucking dickhead didn''t understand how hard he was working. "Your job is to make sure Amanda stays away from Rick, and what do I see the moment I arrive? That fucking cunt had the audacity to fuck her." Zack screeched, getting into the man''s face. "He fucked her! And you, a worthless piece of shit, fucking dozed off. What the fuck are you even useful for?" Zack shoved him some more, raining blows on him. The man cleared his throat, and subtly wiped off the spittle from his cheek. "Look, boss. You''ve seen the photos. This guy, Rick, he never showed up before. If he did, I would''ve told you. This is the first time I''m seeing him." Zack''s face twisted into a scowl so nasty it could curdle milk. "First time!" he roared, delivering a punch to the guy''s gut that felt like it came straight from hell. "If you weren''t such a useless piece of crap, Rick would be history, and Amanda would be back in my damn arms, begging for forgiveness. But no, you''re a pathetic excuse for a hitman who can''t get a single job right." Dive into more chapters on m-vlem|p-yr The poor sap winced, clutching his side like it was a lifeline. "I''m sorry, boss. Every time I staked out the ce, that bastard never showed." Zack scoffed, a venomous blend of anger and disappointment on his face. "Never showed? You dumbass, you were too busy blowing through my cash and getting your rocks off to notice anything. How the hell would you know if Rick even breathed in her direction?" The man nced at Zack, swallowing down his anger. Zack had been calling him all sorts of derogatory terms for so long that now it was starting to get on his nerves. He had to remind himself that punching Zack would not bode well with his future. Now, even the man itched to break something of Rick''s. That bastard was causing him so much stress even his taco air freshener wasn''t helping. It would be his honor to eliminate Rick. As Zack continued to fume, the man couldn''t help but feel a mix of sympathy and sadness. No, that wasn''t true. He was feeling a mix of murderous rage and irritation. He had been stuck in the middle of this chaotic n from the beginning, and it was starting to take a toll on him. He could feel that stroke grow nearer and nearer with every word Zack let out. "Look, boss," he said, trying to keep the peace. "I get it. You''re upset, but taking it out on me won''t change anything. You need to focus all your anger on Rick. That would be better." That earned the man a nice blow to the cheek, and he had to shake away the sudden dizziness to keep his eyes on the road. Good thing Zack punched like a twelve year old boy, else the man''s daydream about crashing into amppost would''ve be reality. "I will focus my anger where I want," Zack spat. "And you''ll sit here and take it, like the stupid little fucker you are." Zack continued to simmer in his frustration, taking it out on the man on assion. The man focused on the road, trying his best to ignore Zack and hoping they''d reach their destination soon without any more thoughts about homicide. * * * * * Chapter 159: Hell with my father Chapter - 159 The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor flickered, casting a sterile glow on the tiled floor. The air smelled of antiseptic and some sort of detergent, a heady mix that clung to his skin and made his head hurt. Rick made his way through the sterile corridors of the hospital, his footsteps echoing against the linoleum floors. The weight of the situation bore heavily on his shoulders as he approached the ICU ward, where Emilyy in a fragile state. He''d just taken his meds in the car¡ªa bitter cocktail of painkillers and antibiotics. The stitches on his leg pulled with every step, a reminder of that bastard plunging in the forceps. His ribs felt like they were encased in a vise, and the dull ache in his chest threatened to swallow him whole. As he neared the entrance, two stern-faced policemen materialized, their uniforms crisp, their eyes scanning him with suspicion. Rick''s pulse quickened. He wasn''t the enemy here, but their scrutiny made him feel like one. As Rick approached, the officers stepped forward, their eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Hold up there, buddy. Where do you think you''re going?" one of them grunted, crossing his arms in a gesture of authority. Rick nodded, his gaze flickering towards the entrance of the waiting room. "Hey, hey, rx guys. I know her," Rick said, his voice hoarse. "Emily. I was here till now, I just stepped out for a while. No need to get all worked up." The Two stern-faced policemen stood guard outside the entrance, scrutinizing everyone who attempted to enter. The shorter officer exchanged a nce with his partner. "I understand, sir. But it''s protocol. We''re checking everyone before we send them in." Rick''s frustration simmered. He was tired¡ªphysically and emotionally. The pain was growing and that conversation with Gloria left him irate and now these officers were adding insult to injury. Just as Rick braced himself for a potential interrogation, the waiting room door swung open, a familiar voice cut through the tension like a beacon of hope. "Rick? Is that you?" And there she was¡ªOlivia. Pink-haired, eyes tired but kind. She stepped out of the waiting room. Olivia''s voice cut through the tension, and suddenly, the world narrowed to just the two of them, and Rick''s heart skipped a beat. He turned to see Emily''s mother emerging from the ICU ward, her eyes red-rimmed from tears yet filled with a glimmer of relief at the sight of him. "Olivia!" Rick eximed, a mixture of gratitude and concern coloring his tone. "Thank goodness you''re here. These guys were about to give me the third degree." Her touch was gentle as she guided him past the vignt officers. "It''s alright, he is with me." The cops looked at each other, then nodded. They stepped aside, letting Rick and Olivia pass. With Olivia''s support, Rick breezed past the policemen and into the ICU ward. Inside, the sterile environment was filled with the quiet hum of medical equipment and the subdued whispers of nurses as they tended to Emily''s needs. Olivia ushered him to take a seat on one of the metal chairs, and sat down beside him. Rick settled onto a metal chair beside Emily''s bedside, his gaze shifting to the monitors that disyed her vital signs. Olivia hovered nearby, her eyes filled with concern as she turned her attention to Rick. Read more chapters on m-vl-e-mpyr "Rick," she began, her voice soft, "how have you been holding up? Any pain? Should we call the doctor?." Rick offered Olivia reassurance, Rick''s lips curved into a wry smile. "Well, Mrs rke, I''ve survived worse. These are just a couple of scratches. Nothing I can''t handle. But I appreciate your concern." Olivia''s eyes softened. "You are a tough one, Rick. Still, I can''t help but worry." Rick smiled at her, basking in the glow of her concern. Neither of them said anything, but Rick could sense Olivia had a topic in mind. He waited for her to spill, but the silence then turned to awkwardness as Rick just stared at Olivia fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Rick struggled to find the right words to ease the awkwardness that settled between them like a thick fog. Olivia couldn''t handle the tense silence anymore, and said, "I am sorry, Rick. What your father saw¡­ I should''ve been more careful. I am so sorry. I don''t know what I was thinking. Oh God, what must he think of me now?" [ 1. Apologise to Olivia. Console her (Temptation +5) 2. Praise Olivia and flirt. (Temptation +10) 3. Curse your own father. Make Olivia feel special (Temptation +20) ] The soft and pleasing sound of the system rang in Rick''s head as he looked at the choices in front of him. This made things just so easy for him. "Hey, no need to apologize, Olivia," Rick said, his tone casual despite the weight of the conversation. The third choice was tempting, but Rick couldn''t just curse his own father. "I am young, dumb, and full of... well, you know. And you, on the other hand, can easily pass for a school girl. "And it''s not like my old man didn''t have his fair share of scandals back in the day." Olivia offered a small smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. "I suppose so," she conceded, her voice tinged with regret. "But still, your father must have been disappointed in me. After all, I''m old enough to be your mother." Rick chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ah,e on, Mrs rke. Age is just a number, right?" Olivia''s cheeks flushed at Rick''s yful teasing, though she quicklyposed herself. "Well, regardless, I''m sorry for any trouble I may have caused," she said, her tone sincere. "I just hope your father isn''t too upset with you because of me." [ 1. "Hell with my father. Why are you so hung up on him?" (Temptation -5) 2. Ask Olivia to take responsibility then. (Temptation +5) ] "And hey, now that my old man''s got a bone to pick with me, maybe you should take over my responsibilities," he teased, his tone light and teasing. Rick waved a dismissive hand. "Dad will get over it. Don''t worry about him too much. You already have a lot on your te." His gaze locked with Olivia''s. "Besides, you have got better things to keep you distracted.." Olivia blinked, caught off guard. "Better things?" Rick leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "Yeah. Now, that dear old Dad''s pissed off with me, there''s no one to take care of me. Maybe you should take over where Dad left off¡ªkeep an eye on me." Olivia''s heart fluttered, she rolled her eyes, though there was a hint of amusement in her expression. "Oh, I don''t think I am quite ready for that," she replied, her voice tinged with mock exasperation, "Besides, I have enough on my te with Emily right now." Rick''s grin turned big. "Oh, Mrs rke, I think you''re more than qualified." He traced a finger along the edge of her hand. "In fact, I''ve got a whole list of responsibilities you could handle." Olivia''s pulse raced. "Like what?" "Well," Rick drawled, "First, you could make sure I take my meds. Maybe even feed me chicken soup when I''m feeling down." His gaze dipped to her lips. "And if I get lonely, you could keep mepany." Olivia''s cheeks flushed. "Rick, not the time. No ying games right now" He bumped her knee with his, "Who said anything about games? You''re the only bright spot in this dreary ce. And I''ve always been a fan of bright spots." Rick leaned in even closer, his lips almost brushing against Olivia''s ear. "You know, Mrs rke, all this time I''ve been thinking about all the things we could do to pass the time in this hospital." Olivia''s breath hitched. "Rick, we can''t¡ª" [ 1. Back off. Make Oliviae on you. (Temptation +5) 2. Kiss Olivia on her cheeks. Tempt her. (Temptation +10) 3. Give up. You have other things to worry about. (Temptation -5) ] "Can''t?" Rick''s voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Or won''t?" She shifted ufortably in her chair. "Rick, you''re recovering. We need to focus on your health." He chuckled, the sound sending shivers down her spine. "Health, schmealth. But if you''re really concerned, let me tell you what the doctor prescribed. It''s a three step recovery n. Step one, find a nicefy bed. Step two, find someone who can fluff my pillows and keep mepany. And step three¡ª" "Step three?" Olivia raised an eyebrow. Rick''s eyes darkened. "Step three involves a lot less talking and a lot more¡­" He trailed off, letting the innuendo hang in the air. Olivia''s heart raced. "Rick, we can''t¡ª" "Who says we can''t?" His fingers grazed her wrist, and Olivia''s breath snagged in her throat.. She nced at the ICU door, half expecting the nurses to burst out. "Rick, we are in a hospital. People are¡ª" "People are busy saving lives," he interrupted. "And we are just two lonely souls, stuck in this room together." Olivia''s mind raced. She''d told herself just before Rick arrived that whatever had happened between them was a thing of the past. They would forget about it and move on. But Rick''s yful gaze was tempting her to throw caution to the wind. "You are trouble, Rick," she whispered. He grinned. "The best kind of trouble." And then, without warning, he leaned in and kissed her¡ªa soft, lingering kiss on the cheek that left Olivia dizzy and wanting more. When he finally pulled back, Olivia''s cheeks were flushed. "Rick, we can''t¡ª" "Who says we can''t?" he repeated, his lips dangerously close to hers. "Besides, Mrs rke, I told you I have got a whole list of responsibilities for you. Starting with¡ª" "Starting with what?" Olivia thought of escaping. "Rick! D¨®nde carajo est¨¢s?" Just then, the waiting room crackled with tension as the door swung open. In walked a woman¡ªa force of nature wrapped in sun-kissed skin and confident stride. The police officers trailing behind her seemed like mere shadows against her vibrant presence. "No need," As soon as Rick saw the woman, he was quick to stop the officers and gestured for the officers to let it be. He knew this woman. He wished he didn''t at the moment, but unfortunately, he did. Olivia''s eyes widened. She, on the other hand, did not know the woman, but her gaze was drawn to the stranger''s striking features. Her Latina heritage was evident in every curve of her face. The warm tan of her skin spoke of sun-drenched days, and her dark, lustrous hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall. High cheekbones framed her expressive eyes¡ª eyes that shimmered with a mix of mystery and desire. Rick, propped up on the metal chair, looked equally surprised. His vulnerability wasid bare, and Olivia sensed a history between them. The woman''s anger crackled in the air, and Rick''s helplessness hung like a storm cloud. "Gloria!" Rick''s voice cracked, but whatever he wanted to say next never made it out as the room suddenly resounded with the sound of a p. * * * * * Chapter 160: Ricks life is a complete mess Chapter - 160 Just as their conversation began to drift into more flirtatious territory, the door to the ICU ward was flung open with a loud bang, causing both Rick and Olivia to startle in surprise. A woman entered the room, her expression tense and determined, followed closely by two police officers. "Rick!" the woman called out, her voice filled with urgency and maybe some anger as well. Join us at m-v le mpy_r The police officers moved to intercept her, their hands reaching for their weapons as they attempted to restrain her. Rick raised a hand in a calm yet authoritative gesture, signaling for them to stand down. "It''s okay, officers. Let her through," Rick said firmly, his tonemanding yet reassuring. Reluctantly, the police officers nodded and stepped aside, allowing the woman to approach Rick and Olivia. The woman who swept into the ICU ward seemed to possess an otherworldly beauty, as if she had stepped straight out of a painting. Her skin, kissed by the sun''s golden rays, glowed with a radiant warmth that spoke of her Latina heritage. Each step she took was fluid and graceful, as if she moved to the rhythm of an invisible melody. Her hair, a cascade of midnight ck, flowed like a silken waterfall down her back, catching the light and casting shimmering shadows across the room. It framed her face like a halo, entuating her finely sculpted features. High cheekbones, full lips painted a deep crimson, and eyes the color of liquid chocte that held within them a world of secrets and untold stories. It was her eyes that captured Olivia''s attention the most ¨C deep, expressive pools that seemed to hold within them a myriad of emotions, from mystery to desire. As she entered the ward, the air seemed to shift, charged with an electric energy that crackled around her like static. Every eye turned to follow her, drawn in by the maic pull of her presence. She exuded an aura of confidence and self-assurance, as if she knew she belonged in this room, in this moment. For a brief moment, time seemed to stand still as she paused, her gaze sweeping over the assembled faces with a frown ying at the corners of her lips. As the mysterious woman approached Rick, her presence seemed tomand the very essence of the room. With every step she took, her aura exuded an undeniable sense of confidence, drawing all eyes towards her like a ma. Olivia, observing from the sidelines, couldn''t help but feel a twinge of curiosity mixed with unease at the sight. Who was this enigmatic woman, and what connection did she have to Rick? Olivia couldn''t shake the feeling that there was something significant about her presence. Olivia couldn''t ce the woman''s face, couldn''t recall ever seeing her before, yet there was an undeniable tension in the air that suggested a deeper connection between her and Rick. Sensing Olivia''s confusion, Rick shot her a reassuring nce, his eyes silently urging her to trust him as he turned his attention back to the woman before them. Rick''s heart, on the other hand, pounded in his chest as he faced the wrathful gaze of the woman named Gloria. He could sense the tension crackling in the air, a palpable energy that seemed to hang between them like a storm on the brink of eruption. "C¨®mo te atreves!" she eximed, her voiceced with venom as she berated Rick for his actions. "How dare you show your face here after what you''ve done!" Gloria''s lips curled into a sneer as she took a menacing step closer to Rick, her gaze piercing into his soul. "Now, you''re going to pay for it." "Gloria," Rick began, his voice tinged with apprehension, but before he could finish his sentence, the room resounded with the sharp sound of a p. The force of the p sent a shock-wave through the room, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. Rick''s cheek stung with the impact as he recoiled, his eyes wide with shock. Gloria''s palm stung, the echo of her p reverberating through the room. Olivia, wide-eyed and frozen, stood witness to the sudden eruption of tension. Rick smirked¡ªa maddening twist of his lips that only fueled her anger. Rick had been avoiding her for weeks, ever since what happened in the store that day. Gloria had tried to reach him, to warn him not to breathe a word about their shared secret. But he remained elusive, not answering calls or voice mails or texts. Now, in the waiting room, Gloria''s frustration boiled over. She had tracked him down, cornered him, and unleashed her pent-up rage. "Pendejo! How dare you ignore me? And you have the audacity to cut the call on me?" The tone she used angered Rick, his smirk contorting to a frown. He was no pushover, and it was high time she knew her ce.. His eyes bore into hers, a dangerous glint lurking beneath the surface. His voice turned low and menacing. "Listen carefully, Gloria. Don''t think you cane in here and raise your voice at me. I don''t work for you anymore, so know your limits and leave without causing anymore problems." "Know my limits? Joder a tu madre." Gloria crossed her arms and stepped forward, tilting her head to look at Rick, daring him to do his worst. "You don''t scare me." Rick sneered, deepening his re till the corner of Gloria''s lip twitched. "You''re out of your depth. I''ve seen things that would make your pretty little head spin," he rumbled. Gloria''s confident facade slips away bit by bit, her eyes betraying the frozen smirk still on her face. Rick took a step forward, in response she took a step back. "So far, I''ve yed nice and haven''t told a soul about what almost happened that day." He continued to step into her space and Gloria continued to try to increase the distance between them. "But don''t think I''ll allow myself to be stepped all over. Raise your voice or hand at me again, and the whole world will know what you were up to with a helpless employee at your store. Someone who was on your payroll." Gloria fisted her fingers, grasping at the fabric of her pencil skirt. She looked away, unable to face Rick''s menacing re and whispered, "Nothing happened." Rick hummed. "Maybe, but that''s not what I''ll be saying." Gloria shut her eyes tightly, not willing to think about whether or not Rick would follow through with his threat. Thest time she''d seen him, she couldn''t tell if he had truly seemed this dangerous. She had been the one wanting to corner Rick, but right now, Rick was the one who got her trapped with her back to the wall and tongue-tied. She could feel Rick''s warm breaths on her cheek and it took everything in her to not show just how vulnerable she was feeling on the inside. Right then, the door to the waiting room flung open and it hit Rick''s back. He crowded up against Gloria and craned his neck to see who the fuck it was. Zack and the man entered, surveying the room only to find Olivia standing in the centre with her head cocked to the side as she regarded the two strange men who barged in without a care. Zack stared at her, confusion written all over his face, and then he turned to the man who was mirroring his expression. Zack''s eyes narrowed, and he jabbed a finger at the man. "Where the hell is Rick?" Zack growled, his voice gravelly. "He was supposed to be here." The henchman scratched his head, his brow furrowing. "He''s supposed to be here," he mumbled. "Okay, then where the fuck is he?" Zack screeched and Olivia was about to tell him to have some manners and lower his voice as they were in a hospital, but the man responded before she could. "Maybe he went to the restroom?" the man suggested. Zack smacked the back of the henchman''s head. "Do you even have a brain? You can''t do one fucking job properly, you useless dipshit." The man rubbed the sore spot and looked to the ground, his blood boiling. This Rick was ruining his life. Why was he such a difficult man to find? No matter how hard he tried, he always evaded him. It was like Rick had a sixth sense for figuring out that he was looking for him, and never allowed him to get too close. He just needed to get his hands on him, and after that nobody on God''s green Earth would ever recognise Rick ever again. "How am I supposed to know everything?" The man rubbed the back of his head, "Fuck! I am going to lose many brain cells." "Find him you fucking idiot," Zack said, pping him, "Or I will fucking blow your brains out." The man instantly panicked and straightened up, ignoring the sting on his cheek. "What? Boss, but why? I did as you asked." "Oh really? And what is it that you''ve done? Smoke ten packs a day, and throw all your money at booze and whores. Is that what I told you to do?" Zack screeched. His voice was really beginning to annoy Olivia, but every time she wanted to say something, the other man would get in the way. "I¡ªI watched Amanda like you told me to. I even took photos and everything," the man argued back, hoping Zack wasn''t truly serious about blowing his brains. But he was Zack, he could do anything. Zack wasn''t entirely wrong about him. He had actually spent all the money on a range of vices, so technically, he was broke and didn''t quite have anything to return. In fact, he was hoping to ask for some money after finishing off Rick as a reward for a job well done. "I specifically instructed you to tell me when Rick arrived at Amanda''s ce." Zack jabbed a finger in the man''s face. So close that he almost poked the man''s eyeball. "And what did I have to do at the end? I had to personallye and do your fucking job!" Zack let out a loud scream of frustration that pricked every thread of patience Olivia had cultivated. She couldn''t help it any longer, and before the other man could respond, she said, "Gentlemen, I think¡ª" "Shut your trap, woman," Zack snapped. That did it for Olivia. "Hey, asshole! Try talking to me like that one more time, and let''s see if you can keep your tongue." She crossed her arms and red at him. This ill-mannered man-child clearly didn''t have the manners needed to live in society. In Olivia''s eyes, he was no more than a caveman who cleaned up well. "Do you know who the fuck you¡­" Zack didn''t actually pay much attention to Olivia earlier because of Rick and the fucking dickhead. But now that he turned to look at Olivia, he could n''t even look at her face. Because her massive melons got all his attention. In fact he could not even tear his eyes away from her big breasts. His tongue unconsciously licked his lips, craving for some milk. But the man was boorish enough not to appreciate the beauty. He asked, "Have you seen a boy?" Olivia raised a brow, her expression contorting to one of confusion. Zack face-palmed and smacked the man''s head once more. "You have no sense. Absolutely none." Then he faced Olivia and said, "Is that how you fucking talk to ady? ''I will fucking kill you,'' The man rolled his eyes, and Olivia just looked even more confused. Meanwhile, Rick, who was hidden behind the door, all this time, silentlyughed at just how stupid the two men were. He would''ve revealed himself earlier, especially after the way one of them spoke to Olivia, but she handled it pretty well herself. The woman had guts, he had to give her that. But now, it was time to relieve everyone of their misery. He pushed away from Gloria and stepped to the side,zily strolling to the centre of the waiting room. "Hey, fes!" he called out and waited for them to turn around. "Looking for me? * * * * * The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 161: Rick cuckblocking others Chapter - 161 "Where the hell is Rick?" Zack growled, his voice low and menacing as he scanned the room for any sign of his target. The other man shifted ufortably, his eyes darting around the room as he struggled toe up with a suitable answer. "Uh, I don''t know, boss," he stammered, his voice trembling with fear. "Maybe he''s... uh... hiding?" Zack''s scowl deepened at the man''s feeble response, his patience wearing thin as he struggled to contain his mounting frustration. "Hiding? Hiding from what, exactly?" he snapped, his voice rising in anger. "We''re here to beat the shit out of him, not y hide and seek!" The other man flinched at Zack''s outburst, his eyes widening in fear as he realized the gravity of the situation. "I-I''m sorry, boss," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don''t know where he could be." Zack let out a frustrated growl, his fists clenched at his sides as he fought to rein in his temper. "Useless," he muttered under his breath, his gaze darkening with rage. "Absolutely useless." As Zack''s anger boiled over, heshed out at the other man, his fists flying in a flurry of blows as he unleashed his pent-up frustration. The other man yelped in pain as he stumbled backwards, desperately trying to defend himself against Zack''s relentless assault. With each passing moment, the tension in the room reached a fever pitch, threatening to spill over into outright violence. Rick and Gloria, still hidden behind the door, exchanged bewildered nces as they watched the chaos unfold, unsure of how to intervene. The room descended into chaos as Zack and the other man engaged in a heated brawl, their voices rising in a cacophony of curses and shouts. Olivia watched on in stunned silence, her eyes wide with disbelief as she witnessed the bizarre spectacle unfolding before her. Finally, Zack turned his attention towards the other person Zack saw in the room. His voice low and menacing as he was about to address Olivia, "Did you see a..." As Zack''s gaze fell upon Olivia, he was momentarily taken aback by her beauty. Her eyes held a depth that seemed to draw him in, and for a moment, he forgot why he was there. But then, the memory of his mission came crashing back, and he hardened his resolve, steeling himself for what was toe. "... boye... through here?" Zack asked, his tone still gruff but very less demanding as he fixed Olivia with a piercing stare. Olivia''s breath caught in her throat as she struggled to find her voice, her mind racing with fear and confusion. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out, her throat constricted with anxiety. "Come on, woman, spit it out," Zack growled. This time he was a bit loud. His patience wearing thin as he red at Olivia with increasing frustration. Just as Olivia was about to respond, Rick emerged from behind the door with a smirk on his face, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "What''s the rush, Zack?" he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Can''t handle a little conversation with ady?" "Trying to intimidate a beautiful woman like Olivia? You should be ashamed of yourself," Rick spoke shaking his head, "Woman like her should be treated like jade beauty. You should be afraid to break her." Rick looked at Olivia with his eyes fixated at Olivia, ignoring Zack totally. Zack''s brow furrowed in confusion and anger as he turned his gaze towards Rick, his eyes narrowing with suspicion. "You think you''re funny?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "You may be able to talk a big game, but we both know you are nothing but a coward." Zack''s eyes narrowed in annoyance as he turned to face Rick, his fists clenching at his sides. "Hiding behind a woman like always," he spat, his voiceced with contempt. "Finally trying toe out of the shadow?" Rick''s lips curled into a mocking grin as he met Zack''s re with unwavering confidence. "Coward? Me?" Rick chuckled, his grin widening into a smug smirk as he met Zack''s re with amusement, "Nah...Just passing through, mate," he replied nonchntly, his tone casual despite the tension crackling in the air. "But it looks like you could use a little help with your interrogation skills." Zack bristled at Rick''s mocking tone, his anger simmering beneath the surface as he struggled to maintain hisposure. "I don''t need your help," he snapped, his voice tinged with frustration. "I can handle this on my own." Rick raised an eyebrow in amusement, his smirk never faltering as he leaned in closer to Zack, his gaze piercing and intense. "Sure you can, mate," he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But it looks to me like you''re floundering." Zack''s jaw clenched with anger as he fought to control his temper, his nostrils ring with eachbored breath. "You think you''re funny, don''t you?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous. Rick shrugged indifferently, his smirk never wavering as he regarded Zack with a cocky grin. "Just stating the facts, mate," he replied casually, his tone unapologetic. "But if you would rather make a fool of yourself, be my guest." Zack''s face flushed with rage as he red at Rick, his fists trembling with suppressed fury. "You are a real piece of work, you know that?" he spat, his voice seething with contempt. Rick chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he leaned back against the wall, his posture rxed and carefree. "Guilty as charged," he quipped, his tone yful despite the gravity of the situation. "But hey, at least I am entertaining." As the tension between Rick and Zack reached a boiling point, Olivia watched on in stunned silence, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to make sense of the chaos unfolding before her. She had never seen anything quite like it, and she couldn''t help but wonder how it would all end. Zack is taken aback, he looks at Rick, then towards Olivia and squinting his eyes asked, "You fucker. You cuckblocked me and yet you are enjoying both Amanda and this woman at the same time?" "Why would you care? If I fuck Amanda or some other chick? Hehe... You are not getting anyone no matter..." Rick grinned and looked down towards Zack''s groin, "It isn''t rusting down there, is it?" Zack''s face flushed with anger at Rick''s taunts, his fists clenched at his sides as he struggled to contain his rising temper. "You think you''re better than me, Rick?" he seethed, his voice trembling with rage. "You''re nothing but a pathetic excuse for a man." Rick''s grin widened into a smug smirk as he stepped forward, closing the distance between them with deliberate purpose. "At least I am not the one who gets off on beating up defenseless men," he retorted, his voice dripping with contempt. "You are alright buddy. I know he could be a bully, and shit. I didn''t actually want to acknowledge him first. But..." Rick shook his head. "But you are alright, right?" Rick asked again. "Yeah... I am. Thank..." The man nodded, and was about to thank Rick, but stopped midway, when he saw Zack ring at him. Zack''s face contorted with fury at Rick''s words, his hands balling into fists as he fought the urge tosh out. "You are gonna regret that, Rick," he snarled, his voice barely above a whisper. "I will make sure of it." The vibe in the hospital room was getting thicker than grandma''s oatmeal. Gloria and Olivia knew nothing, looking clueless as heck, while Rick had his eyes locked on Zack and his sidekick. Dude was all focused, like he hadser beams shooting out of those eyeballs, aimed straight at Zack and then doing a quick scan over to the goon. Even though the odds were stacked against him like a Jenga tower about to copse, Rick was cool as a cucumber, probably thinking he could handle these two clowns with one hand tied behind his back. He shot Zack a smirk that could have melted butter, and man, that just ticked Zack off even more. Zack couldn''t handle it. He was expecting Rick to be quaking in his boots, pleading for mercy like a lost puppy, but nope! Instead, Rick was grinning like he just won the lottery, tossing insults around like confetti at a party. It was driving Zack nuts! That smug mug of Rick''s was like a punch to the ego, and Zack wasn''t having any of it. "Alright, that''s it! I have had it up to here with you, you jerk! Today, you''re getting what''sing to you," Zack seethed, ring at the man with pure disdain. "Beat him till he''s seeing stars! Show him who''s boss, so he''ll think twice before messing with me again!" "Ha! You think you are tough, huh? Bring it on, big guy! Let''s see what you''re made of!" Rick taunted, his cocky grin only serving to infuriate the already enraged man even more. The guy was practically fuming with fury after Zack had insulted him and cut him off on the road. And when Rick had the audacity to add insult to injury, it was like adding fuel to the fire, pushing him right over the edge. "Say your prayers!!!" The man yelled out loud, and jumped towards Rick. * * * * * Chapter 162: Rick vs Zack [1] Chapter - 162 "Alright, you big lug, show me what you got!" Rick taunted, eyes zing with defiance at the towering man, a total dimwit in his book. The guy was already seething, Zack''s reckless driving and insults had lit the fuse, but when Rick joined in with his own jabs, it was like throwing gasoline on a fire. The goon was a ticking time bomb, his whole body vibrating with fury like a live wire. His face was a raging inferno, flushed red, and he was sucking in air like a drowning man. His veins bulged, his knuckles turned white as he balled up his massive fists. "Hraa", With a primal roar, he charged at Rick, fists swinging like wrecking balls. But Rick, as cool as a cucumber, saw it alling. He sidestepped the punch with the grace of a dancer, leaving the goon iling and off bnce. The goon careened forward, smashing his head into the door behind Rick with a sickening thud. "Ahhh!,"The goon let out a guttural scream, a mix of anger and agony echoing through the room. His eyes zed with fury as he locked onto Rick, who stood there with that infuriating smirk stered on his face. Pain throbbed in his knuckles, but it was nothingpared to the insult he felt, watching Rick effortlessly sidestep his attack. His blood boiled, nostrils ring as he ignored the ache in his head, fueled solely by rage. With a primal roar, he hurled himself at Rick, heedless of any strategy or finesse. His only focus was on pounding his adversary into the ground, fueled by raw, unadulterated fury. As his feet heavily pounded the floor he rushed towards Rick with his head lowered and arms pumped like piston, like a charging bull. This was what his pea sized brain excelled at - brute force. Rick, as always, was lightning quick, dodging the goon''s wild swings with effortless grace, and with a swift, resounding crack, he delivered a spank to the goon''s rear end that could''ve echoed through the ages. The force of it sent the enraged wrecking ball hurtling forward, a force of destruction fueled by pure, unbridled fury. Zack, unfortunate soul caught in the path of this human battering ram, was bulldozed to the ground with a gut-wrenching thud, the impact reverberating through the very bones of the building. The scene unfolded like a chaotic symphony, with bodies crashing and limbs iling in a grotesque dance of violence. Amidst the chaos, Rick''s voice cut through the madness like a sharp de, his words dripping with a potent mix of authority and exasperation. "You two are making a damn mockery of yourselves," he bellowed, his voice carrying the weight of a thousand thunderstorms. "iling around like a pair of toddlers throwing a tantrum. Have you forgotten where you are? This ain''t no back-alley brawl; it''s a goddamn hospital, for crying out loud!" His eyes zed with a fierce intensity as he surveyed the wreckage before him, "If you''re still itching for a scrap," he continued, his tone dripping with challenge, "Find meter, and I''ll dly show you what a real fight looks like. Your father will not disappoint you." Rick''s taunt was like salt on their bruised ego. Zack was not ready to leave yet, not without beating Rick, not without humiliating him to the point where he would beg for his mercy. He thought Rick has been lucky so far and his goon can still bit him. Rolling on the floor in pain, he kicked the goon. "Get up and finish him! Don''t miss this time!" "Yes boss!", the goon said inboured breath and got up from the floor. He positioned his arms and then took a swing, but Rick quickly countered andnded a powerful punch on the goon''s face. The goon groaned in pain. He stared at Rick with shock and disbelief. When he first saw Rick, he was sure that either Rick would get scared and beg for mercy or he would be on his knees in seconds, but the exact opposite was happening. His ego shattered after Rick''s punchnded on his punch. He was shaken and kept staring at Rick with burning anger. "What? Are you going to cry now? Oooh! Is the big baby going toin to mama now?" Rick taunted the goon which angered him even more. The goon, even more determined, tried to smash Rick''s face. Rick, quickly picked up an empty tray and blocked the blow and hit the goon''s face with the tray. Blood started to flow out of the goon''s broken nose and mouth. Seeing his goon getting beaten by Rick, Zack was getting angry and restless. While Rick was focused on the goon, Zack thought he could take Rick from behind. He moved behind Rick, but before he could make a move Rick swung his arm back to sucker punch the goon buthis elbows hit Zack''s face and broke his nose. "Damn it!" Zack''s cry of agony echoed through in the room. Rick chuckled darkly, a twisted smirk ying on his lips. "Aw, poor baby''s hurting already? I am not even trying and you guys are already bleeding. This is not fun! Come on, try harder!" Zack''s blood boiled at the taunt, his adrenaline pumping, drowning out the pain. Without a second thought, he lunged at Rick, his fists clenched tight. "Get him, Zack! Knock his teeth out!" someone shouted from the sidelines, their voice muffled by the intensity of the brawl. Seizing the opportunity, one of Rick''sckeys aimed for a devastating blow. Muscles tensed, heunched himself forward, aiming for Rick''s gut. But in a split-second maneuver, Rick spun around, dodging the attack with a calcted ease. The force of the kicknded squarely on Zack''s back, sending shockwaves of agony rippling through his body. He crumpled to the ground, the air knocked out of his lungs in a guttural wheeze. "Fuck!" "Sorry boss! I didn''t mean to¡­" The guy stammered out, his voice trembling. "You absolute prick! Deal with him already!" Zack spat through clenched teeth, each word a growl of agony. With a snarl, the guy swung around to face Rick, rage boiling beneath his skin. "Wasn''t me, pal, me it on someone else for a change," Rick smirked, a glint of defiance in his eyes. The guy lunged at Rick, fingers wing for his throat, but Rick reacted fast, delivering a swift kick straight to the guy''s junk. The guy doubled over, groaning in agony as pain shot through him. "You just don''t know when to quit, do you? Take the L and scram!" Rick barked, adrenaline coursing through his veins. Yet, the guy refused to relent, grabbing hold of Rick''s leg with a death grip and yanking him down with a force that sent Rick crashing into Zack. "Shit! Son of a bitch!" Zack howled in pain. As Rick tried to scramble to his feet, the dude yanked him clear of Zack''s grasp. Snatching up a stray tray, he had this wild look in his eyes, like he was about to go all berserker on Rick. But Rick wasn''t having any of it. He snagged an IV dripper stand in a split second and swung it like he was aiming for a home run. WHAM! That tray-wielding maniac''s head got a brutal taste of metal, and the sound was like a symphony of chaos. Dude stumbled back, seeing stars and hearing bells like he just stepped into a heavyweight boxing match. He staggered around the room like a drunken sailor on a rocky sea, bumping into walls and knocking over equipment. Meanwhile, Rick was shaking off the daze, trying to regroup. But that psycho wasn''t done yet. Oh no, he had to go and make things even worse. He sauntered over to Zack, who was already in agony, and stomped on his hand with a sickening crunch. Zack howled like a wounded animal, copsing to the ground in a heap of pain, while the man just sat there. "Tell me Zack! Why are you actually here? Do you have a humiliation kink? Youe up to me again and again only to be humiliated. Be honest with me, you are enjoying being humiliated, aren''t you?''Rickughed at Zack. "And this guy? This poor idiot, does he have the same kink?", Rick continued taunting Zack and his goon. The man got up from the ground, not yet ready to surrender and prepared himself to attack Rick. "Aw! You are so cute when you are angry. Are you ready to go through all this pain for Zack? Do you really love him that much?" Before Rick could finish, the man charged towards him in an insane rage. He lunged a kick but Rick got hold of his leg and flipped him down. "Why don''t you understand dude? Just give up!" Rick gave a hard kick to his stomach and to his head to make sure he stayed on the floor. Meanwhile Zack got up, controlled his pain and was ready to attack, with a delusion that he could still defeat him. He picked up a syringe and rushed towards Rick to stab him. But he stumbled on the IV dripper and went crashing on to the ground with a loud thud. For a moment, silence followed. And soon, Zack squirmed in pain. Rick turned to Zack. "Dude! Today is not your day. Just get out of here and forget everything. Even if you beat me, Amanda will note back to you. She has already moved on. So, it is for the best if you get out of here and move on with your life." While Rick was trying to reason with Zack, the goon got back again. Pumping with adrenaline and sheer anger, he forgot pain and reasoning. He rushed towards Rick and kicked him in the back. Rick tumbled and fell on the ground but quickly collected himself and got up. "Okay, assholes. Seems like you won''t listen to reasons. I tried toreason with you but you seem to be brainless morons!" The man charged again, Rick picked up the tray and smashed his face. The man ignored the pain and madly swung his arms. Rick got down and began hitting his knees. It didn''t take long to bring the mad brute to his bleeding knees. The man, still in vain, tried to grab Rick but he easily got out. Rickughed! "Don''t you understand! You are defeated! You are done ! You should have given up!" And he stomped his hands with his legs . The man''s painful cry echoed through the room but Rick was felt no empathy towards him. After he was done he Rick grabbed him by his hair. "Get ready for a long nap!" He kicked his gut and then gave a swift kick to his head. The men crashed to the ground with a thud. * * * * * Chapter 163: Rick vs Zack [2] Chapter - 163 After the turbulent episode, silence spread across room. But the thick air of the room was still filled up with suffocating tension. The brute, finally tired and defeated,id still in the floor, in a puddle of his own blood. Rick, after sending the brute into a temporary sleep, sat nearby catching his breath. Thedies, stood still in corners, frozen in shock and fear. Gloria was terrified of the violence and fury of Rick. She no longer wanted to bother Rick and was searching for a way to get out of the room as soon as possible. Olivia was clueless and shocked. She didn''t know who the men were or what their intention was. For a moment, she feared about Emily. But now she was just confused. And Zack, was almost shaking in fear and utter disbelief. Previously he thought Rick was some weak-ass average college kid, who was acting like a smart-ass Infront of Amanda. He thought beating Rick would be as easy as peeling a ripe banana. And with the brute by his side, he was confident and imagined that Rick would be beaten quickly and he would beg for his mercy. But after seeing how effortlessly he demolished the man, how violent and furious he can get, Zach started to fear for his own fate. Zack''s heart pounded against his chest like it was trying to break free. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he tried to decipher what was going on. He stole a nce at Rick, who sat there like a statue, eyes shut tight, probably trying to summon inner peace or something. But Zack knew better than to trust calm in this chaos. Suddenly, Rick''s eyes flickered open, and Zack''s stomach dropped like an elevator with a snapped cable. He could feel the tension in the room rise, suffocating him like a thick fog. Every nerve screamed danger, and Zack''s mind went into overdrive, frantically searching for an escape route. His eyes darted to the hulking mass of a man lying unconscious nearby. Zack''s muscles tensed, bracing for the inevitable. He couldn''t help but wonder, ''What''s this lunatic gonna do to me?'' Panic surged through him like an electric shock as Rick slowly rose to his feet. Zack''s breath caught in his throat, his whole body trembling with fear. He knew Rick was up to something, and it wasn''t going to be pleasant. The room seemed to shrink around him, closing in like the walls of a ustrophobic nightmare. Desperation wed at Zack''s mind, urging him to think, to find a way out of this nightmare. His thoughts raced like a rat in a maze, searching for any glimmer of hope. And then, like a bolt of lightning, an idea struck him. ''Maybe I can threaten my way out of this mess,'' Zack thought, clinging to the faintest thread of hope. With trembling hands and a racing heart, he prepared to y his hand, ''Bloody shit''. Zack hated it. "Look! You¡­, you don''t know me. You don''t know my father!" Zack finally decided to try the old and trusted route.He controlled his breaths and heart beats and tried to sound imposing and threatening. "You think this is over? You just have beaten one man. And¡­ and I can summon an army of them." Zack''s voice quivered as he tried to muster some semnce of intimidation, but it fell t, like a deted balloon. His words sounded more like a scared kid trying to scare off a bully, and he knew it. "And you better noty a finger on me. My old man? If anything happens to me, he''ll hunt you down like a dog." He nced at Rick, hoping to see a flicker of fear or hesitation, but Rick remained as stoic as a statue. Attempting to sound confident, Zack forced out augh. "You don''t know who you''re messing with. My dad''s got some serious pull. Cross me, and you''ll regret it. But hey, I''m feeling generous. I can let bygones be bygones. We can bury the hatchet, you and me." "And don''t you dare do anything to me. If anything happens to me, my father wille after you!" Zack checked for Rick''s response but Rick was actingpletely indifferent to him. He tried tough to sound intimidating, "You don''t know my father, do you? You will soon find out if you don''t stop. But I can let bygones be bygones and bury it all." "I can even take you under. You won''t have to worry about money or women ever," Zack started throwing his offer, "Amanda? This woman? That woman? I will make them spread their legs for you," Zack said pointing towards Olivia and Gloria. Explore hidden tales at m,v l''e-NovelBin But Rick was still silent. And his nonchnt-ness scared him even more. His heart began to beat faster and faster and he was full sweat all over. Rick slowly began walking towards a table, without paying any attention to Zack. He reached the table and focused on a tray which was on the table. "Hmmm! Surgical instruments! What are they doing here in the ICU? Shouldn''t be they in the surgery room? Someone might have put them here by mistake. Speaking of mistakes and being in the wrong ce, what the fuck you were thinking when you came to the hospital? You brought a man here? You wanted a fight in the hospital?", Rick stared at Zack who was trembling and shaking. "You cheat on Amanda, and when she leaves you and moves on, you try to force her to be back with you?Didn''t you learn your lesson in the store? Was shitting all over yourself wasn''t enough for you? Now do you want to bleed all over? You want to show off how much of a man you are, yet you brought a goon with you. You fucking idiot!" Rick spoke calmly, shifting his focus towards the surgical instruments againand started going through them. He began inspecting them by checking their sharpness. "Forceps? Nah... Not needed. Hmm... I don''t what even know what these are? Wire cutters? Too smalls¡­" Ricks murmured in a low voice while checking the instruments. Zack looked around searching for a way to escape, but he saw nothing expect his forthing pain. Each passing moments felt like ages to him. His gazes frantically darted across room hoping for something. But he found himself trapped by Rick. He saw the doors and debated whether he could go for them and escape. But a feared lingered inside him, if he failed what if Rick would do something worse. Meanwhile Rick''s search for his required tool came to end. "I don''t know how to use scalpels properly and whoa! Scissors¡­, scissors! They will be perfect!", Rick let out a pleasant yet crazyugh. Rick looked towards Zack while he clicked the scissors in his hands.Zack looked at Rick with fear as the clicks hit his ears. "You know why all of this happened? Because you are a dumbass. You are a dumbass who thinks with his dick. You cheated on Amand because your dick was itching! Then when she left you, you couldn''t just let it go." "No! Irrespective your mistake and Amanda''s decision, your dick told you that she is still yours and you won''t be a man anymore if she left you. You troubled us in the store, you brought a fucking fight to the hospital, just because you wanted to show off how much of a man you are!", Rick sounded and pissed at tired. "Now as we have diagnosed that it is the source of all your problems, we should perform a little surgery. What do you say? You know, like a doctor removing a tumour, I would remove your dick. And then you will be fixed!", Rick exined in a deep and calm, yet threatening voice. He sounded like a mad scientist exining the impending fate to his doomed subjects. His eyes focused on Zack. Zack saw the madness and anger in Rick''s eyes and he starts sweating like a melting ice. He saw nothing but terror and prayed that someone would stop Rick. He looked around the room. His gaze shifted towards thedies and he pleaded them with his eyes to stop Rick. But they seemed frozen in shock. Rick clicked the scissors once again and took a step towards Zack. "No! No! Just leave me!" "What? Are you afraid? Don''t you worry. The scissors and quite sharp. It will be quick and you won''t feel much pain. And even if anything goes wrong, it won''t be an issue. After all we are in a hospital right?", Rick startedughing like a maniac. Hisughter echoed through the room and they drummed fear inside Zack''s heart, "I will just dump you on some bed." "Please¡­ please¡­ please don''t! I will go away. I won''t bother you anymore. I will even forget Amanda. I promise¡­ I swear!", Zack''s pleas for mercy fell from his lips like desperate prayers to a deaf god. In those final moments, it was as if he finally saw the light, promising to vanish into thin air, to forget about Amanda, to do whatever it took to survive. But it was too little, toote. His words hung in the air, thick with desperation, but they seemed to bounce off Rick like pebbles against a tank. There was no mercy in those cold eyes, no flicker ofpassion. As Rick''s heavy footsteps echoed on the ground, closing the distance between them, Zack''s whole body shook with terror. Each step felt like a death knell, a countdown to his own demise. "Fuck!" Zack trembled in fear. His ears were defeated by the clicking sound of the scissors and Ricks footsteps. For the first time in his life, he realised his mistake, but he also realised that it was toote for forgiveness. He felt like the world around him was ending, he was cornered and darkness was engulfing him, his fate was no longer in his hand. * * * * * [A/N: Do support the story if you are enjoying it, and unlock privilege chapters. It helps me to continue writing.] Chapter 164: Rick vs Zack [3] Chapter - 164 "ck, ck, ck¡­!" Rick''s footsteps echoed through the silent room as he slowly marched towards Zack. As soon as the sounds reached Zack''s ear, they sent terror rippling through him and chest pounded like the drum beats of impeding doom. Each passing moment felt like eternity to him. And as Rick clicked the scissors, his fears grew tenfold. Zack saw the angel of death in ce of Rick. He saw the scissors as if they were scythe. Death hade to take soul and deliver punishment. He realises all the unjust he had done but he realised it was toote. His pleas were already being ignored by Rick and he feared there was no escape. His body began trembling and in thosest moment his flight moment kicked in. In a desperate attempt he turned away from Rick and slowly began to crawl. "Where are you going? There is no escape!", Rickughed as he was getting closer to Zack. His words were true. The direction he was moving towards was blocked by walls and the doors seemed unreachable at that point. Zack somewhat had realised his inevitable fate yet he wanted to dy it as much as possible. He continued crawling away as his heart raced and body twitched in fear. He wished the wall was a magical door which he can escape Rick forever and didn''t event turn around to see, see where he was as he was approaching him. Rick''s intentions were uncertain. Although Zack was fearing for the worst, he himself did not know what was he going to do. Maybe he was just going to scare the shit out of him and leave him with a terrorizing warning. Rick was just about to approach Zack, he put forward his leg for the final steps. But before he couldnd his foot, he was obstructed, he stepped on something round. Rick stumbled on the brute, who was still lying bloodied and unconscious, his ankle twisted. Rick stumbled forward, losing his footing with a sudden crash. Time seemed to slow as he toppled over, but thankfullyinstead of crashing to the ground, hended on the unconscious goon with a thud. A faint cry echoed in the room, growing louder with each passing second. As Rick tumbled down, his grip on the scissors he was clutching tightened. And his handnded right on Zack''s ass as he was desperately trying to make a run for it. Talk about bad luck! The des went slicing straight into Zack''s asshole, prating through the small hole, as it widened with every centimeter the scissor explored the inside of Zack''s smelly guts, turning his escape n into a painful, butt-stabbing disaster. For a moment, Zack was frozen in shock, his face turning redder than a ripe tomato and tears welling up in his eyes. Then, all hell broke loose. He started wailing like a banshee, screaming for his mommy and cursing up a storm at Rick. "Ouch! Ooh! Ahh!!! Mummy... Save me... Rick, you absolute jerk!" Rick, meanwhile, couldn''t help but chuckle at the ridiculousness of the situation, "Oops. Didn''t quite n on that," he muttered, a cruel smirk twisting his lips. Zack''s cries only seemed to fuel his amusement. "But you know what? Maybe you had iting," Rick quipped, shaking his head at the absurdity of it all. [Ding!!! You are awesome master] [ Hidden Quest Completed!!! Quest: Humiliate your dear friend Zack yet again Quest Reward: Ero Points: +15,000[+100,000 for the way you did it. I am impressed] Cash: $ 300,000 Lottery Spin: 1 Standard Spin ] Rick looked at the notification in front of him and ten towardsZack, amused by his fate. He sat for a moment, catching his breath, he processed what just happened, and was relieved that it was finally over. After moments he focused on the pending task. He turned and looked towards Gloria. She was there in the corner, standing still in shock and utter disbelief. And she was terrified of Rick. After seeing all the violence that happened and how Rick was almost unbothered by it, scared the hell out of Gloria. She was breathing as much as possible and as fast as possible, thinking she shouldn''t havee here at all. She was still uncertain of the fate of the goon and Zack and was thinking that Rick murdered them. Now she wanted to apologize to Rick and get out of there as soon as possible, but seeing how unhinged and angry Rick was at Zack, she didn''t want his attention until he calmed down. And Olivia was there too. She was standing in the corner. She was shocked and disturbed from the fight but she was finally relieved that it was finally over.She feared the worst , remembering the fate of the man who attacked Emily. She also thought that the two men, lying on the floor were dead. She thought of approaching Rick and checking upon him. But Rick turned and walked towards Gloria. Although he wasn''t furious anymore, there was an air of doubt around Rick''s intention. Just mere moments ago he calmly exined how he was going to cut down Zack''s part, and now he was lying unconscious. So, his calmness now meant nothing. Gloria started shaking in fear, and Olivia dreaded with concern that Rick was going to kill Gloria. She saw how the police acted before, when he was just and reasonable, and now if he kills or hurts an unarmed Gloria, they won''t leave him. "Rick, dear! Please stop! Think what you are doing! You don''t need to do this, not to her!", Olivia tried to breath sense into Rick. "Rick, I beg you not to do this. Please! For our sake¡­.", she pleaded him. Rick understood Olivia''s concern and gave her an understanding and determined look. "Olivia, please stay out of it! I know how to handle her. Just wait and see." Rick reached Gloria and suddenly put his hand beside her. Gloria''s breath with was growing faster and her heart which was beating like an rm pauses for moments. She closed her eyes fearing the worst. Seconds passed and when nothing happened, she opened her eyes again. She saw Rick staring at her. His gaze did have neither anger nor hatred yet she was still afraid. "Por favor d¨¦jame ir! I will go way and won''t bother you ever again!" Gloria spoke, her voice almost pleading. She finally gathered enough courage to plead for mercy. "And I am really sorry for the troubled I caused you. It was my mistake that Ipletely misunderstood everything and didn''t trust you at all. But please give me a oportunidad. I will go away and will never bother you again. Lo juro!", Gloria let out all she could in a single breath. She looked at Rick, waiting for him to show her mercy but his expressions stayed the same. But Rick still kept looking at Gloria and after a moment leaned in closer to her. Gloria felt his heavy breaths on her face. Rick saw her eyes shaking and tearing up, he saw her lips trembling in anticipation. And this made Gloria''s condition even worse. She couldn''t look into his eyes anymore and neither she could bear this closeness. Her chest was rocking with fear and she wanted to move away as much as from him. But stuck between his hand and the wall, she had no option of escape. Rick chuckled at her. "You wanted to get away from me now? Didn''t I tell you that I was in tight spot? Didn''t I tell you that I won''t tell anything or do anything about what happened that day? To be honest nothing happened that day. But you did not believe me, you made up everything inside your head and came here to trouble me." Gloria still uncertain, what was Rick going to do, looked at him with guilt in her eyes, pleading for forgiveness. But Rick, perhaps had a different idea for her. Rick raised his hand to her face, which scared Gloria for a moment. But Rick casually brushed away a strand of her hair which was blocking her eye partially. "Tell me... You want me¡­ You long for me don''t you! There was nothing between us yet you made up stories and ideas. I promised I won''t discuss it again but you kept troubling me about it. You act all angry and hateful, but it just a ploy to get closer to me! Is not it? You actually want something to happen." Rick spoke, blowing on Gloria''s face, and it set her body trembling. Gloria didn''t dare to answer. She just wanted everything to end so she can go away. "You want to feel me on your juicy lips, you want me to dive inside you dark eyes, you desire for me, yet you cannot confront your true feelings. ", Rick ran his fingers across her face as he felt her breath and looked inside her eyes. But gradually he shifted his tone. "So, tell me Gloria, did you see everything what happened here?", Rick questioned. Gloria looked at Rick with confusion. But as she realised he was determined for an answer, she answered "Yes". "And did you see that the guys attacked first?" Gloria had no control of herself. Feeling pressured and cornered by Rick, she just nodded. "And I did what I did for self-defence. Yes?" She nodded again involuntarily. "And when the police will inquire you will you answer the same?" "Yes", Gloria answered, fumbling due to fear. "Then I will give you what you desireter. Your reward." ***** Chapter 165: Ricks Modus Operandi Chapter -165 The ICU was once again shrouded in a chaotic mess of police tape and evidence markers, like some twisted d¨¦j¨¤ vu from hell. The air crackled with tension as officers swarmed the scene, faces grim with the weight of the situation. It was like a sick joke yed by fate, a cruel irony that spat in the face of logic. Here they were again, in the same damn ce, dealing with the same damn scenario. It was almost as simr to the morning. The attackers came to the same ICU, fought with the same man, and again the attackers were dead, with the same excuse of self-defence. They were yet to get any clue or even the identity of the dead man from the morning and now another, exactly simr case was staring at their face. They marked and tagged all the evidences. And were discussing among themselves. "What a freaking day, huh? We are back in the same damn spot, surrounded by the same damn faces, dealing with another mess!" "Tell me about it! And the excuse? Self-defense again! I am not buying it, are you?" "Hell no! This time that son of a bitch isn''t walking away scot-free." "You know, I swear I have seen that dead dude somewhere before. Maybe on a case or something. Can''t quite put my finger on it, can you?" "No, but if what you are saying is true then we will find out about him quickly, unlike the guy from the morning." "Anyway, why would Zack Warner attack him? He attracted trouble once in a while , but how is he connected to him? Why was he visiting him in the hospital? I don''t think Zack is connected to the patient either." "Do you think it was nned all? Zack''s father Marnus Warner owns a big constructionpany, and when you are that rich and powerful, you sort of attract enemies and heat. Poor guy! You work hard all your life and you cannot even enjoy your sesswithout troubles." "Poor guy?" The officer frowned when he heard his pal, "Come on, no need to lick his when he is not even here. We all know what he is into." "Whatever! This time the bastard has to spill the truth. His excuses won''t work again." The officers finally finished marking the evidence and got up. They prepared themselves to approach Rick. They marched towards Rick, as they formed their questions and Rick also made-up him mind as what to answer. "So, here are we again! Another murder! Are you going to lie again and say this was an act of self-defence?" "What do you mean lie officer? What happened here was exactly an act of self-defence." "Um huh! What were you defending yourself from? You don''t seem to be hurt at all from this" "Are you saying that I should have just stood there and waited for them to hurt me?", Rick answered without a care. "From what we saw, both of them were unarmed. Yet you seemed to have used a weapon. And given that they didn''t hurt to at all, do you think you could have acted with less force?" [ Tell the officers thatyou did what you think was right in the heat of the moment (Cash: $10,000) So what if he did that? They don''t have any proof to link the incident to them (Cash: $100,000) Offer to settle everything outside (Cash: $110,000) ] ''I am not giving shit to anyone for free,'' Rick was going to hold on to his money. "So what if I did that? Not that you cannot prove anything," Rick leaned forward and with a smirk whispered into the officer''s ears. "That is not for you to decide! You will have toe to the station with us and we will investigate and decide what exactly happened," The officers were taken aback for a moment. But it didn''tst long, and they couldn''t help but angry. "So, are you trying to arrest me? Under what charges? You can clearly see it was for self-defence" "No, we are not arresting you. We just need few answers and rifications from you." "If that so, I can legally deny toe with you. You have no right to take me with you" "Listen here you little sh¡­!" One officer almost lost it but heposed himself. "Look, don''t make it difficult for us and we won''t make it difficult for you! You help us and we will help you." "What do you mean difficult for me? Are you threatening me officer? I don''t think that is allowed legally." One officer''s face turned bright red as his anger was reaching the boiling point. He looked like he was going to erupt like a volcano and scream obscenities at Rick but he was held back by hispanion. "Look we don''t have time for bullshit! Either you wille with us now, we can take you into our custodyter, legally! And if we decided to do that you won''t like that. We can legally cause you so much annoyance that you can''t even imagine. So, stop acting like a jack ass ande with us." Rick tried him best but the officers were adamant not letting him go. And without his dad present, no one was standing against the officers. Seeing the determination of the officers, this time Rick decided to go with them. There was no point in denying the inevitable. Olivia also tried her best to stop to officers. She exined and reasoned with them but the officers were in no mood to listen her. Finally, she also realised that she cannot do anything. "Don''t worry, Rick, I will call your father and exin him everything! He surely will find a solution!" "No, Olivia! No need to worry him anymore. He already got too much in his mind. I will handle this myself!" Rick informed the officers that he was ready to go with them. "And you two are alsoing with us." The officers signaled Olivia and Gloria. "We want a detailed ount of what exactly happened here with all the angles. We don''t to miss any details" Rick quickly came into the defence of Olivia, "But officer! Emily, her daughter is in the ICU. And she needs to be by her side. She can''t leave the ICU. And you saw what happened in the morning right? Someone needs to stay here!" "Okay but we are taking her." The officer said pointing at Gloria. Even if they wanted to, taking Olivia with them was going to be hard and scandalous. Rick remained impassive, his silence a heavy weight in the room. Gloria''s protests fell on deaf ears as the officers brushed past her, ignoring her pleas for help. She shot a desperate nce at Rick, her eyes begging for assistance, but he remained stone-faced, unmoved by her distress. Her frustration boiled over, a mix of fear and anger swirling inside her like a storm. For a moment, she felt a fleeting sense of safety in the presence of the officers, but that soon turned to resentment towards Rick. "Cabron, hijo de puta, hijo de mil padres", Feeling a surge of defiance, she unleashed a stream of curses in Spanish, her words dripping with venom as sheshed out at Rick. Each syble was a dagger aimed at his indifference, a release of the pent-up anger that had simmered inside her for far too long. As they were escorted into the station, the atmosphere grew heavier with every step. They were made to sit in the interrogation room. The interrogation room felt like a cage, trapping them with its sterile walls and harsh lighting. Gloria''s eyes darted nervously around the room, her difort palpable as she was seated ufortably close to Rick. She constantly tried to distance himself from Rick. "I don''t want to sit with his bastard. You cannot keep me here! I need mywyer!", Gloria protested, her voice rising with each word. But her pleas fell on deaf ears, drowned out by the authority of the officers. "I know nothing. I have no connection to this. Please let me go!" Gloria continued to speak. And hearing her, Rick couldn''t help but nce at Gloria, his surprise evident in his eyes. "Damn,dy, that''s a quick turnaround," he thought to himself, a hint of disbelief coloring his expression. "Quietdy!" The officer finally had enough ans tried to shut up Gloria. "You know what? You better let me call mywyer. I won''t say a single word with out mywyer present. I know you cannot do this. I know my rights. This is illegal." All of Gloria''s rambling went in vain as no one paid attention to her. The police officers finally presented their summary of the incident and began to question Rick. "So, Mr. Rick you what were you doing in the hospital in the first ce!" "The patient Emily and her mother Olivia are my close friends. So, I was there to support them." "Can you give us an ount of what happened in the morning?" Rick calmly exined all that happened in the morning. "You are saying the you don''t know the man? You tried to save your friend and he attacked you. And his death was an ident which happened due to self-defence?" "Yes, officer that is correct." "So, what about tonight? Did you know the assants?" "I only knew Zack. I don''t know the other guy." "And how did youe to know Zack?" "We checked and saw no history between you two." Rick became silent and went into a dilemma. He didn''t want to involve Amanda. "Mr. Rick? We want to know how you know Zack Warner. Can you answer?" "I wouldn''t say I knew him very well. We just had a little misunderstanding that is all." "And what was he doing in the hospital? Was he there for you or anyone else?" "I believe he was in the hospital to attack me. He came there with a goon and was threatening me. Then both of them tried to attack me. You can ask her. She was there and she saw everything" Rick looked at Gloria as he answered. Gloria refused any reaction and was quick to turn her face away. The officers chuckled. "A little misunderstanding?A misunderstanding led to all this?You want to believe that your little misunderstanding, whatever it was, led to such violent fight and resulted in murder." "Yes officer, that is the truth", Rick acted as he was telling theplete truth. "Bullshit! I think you are lying to us about Warner. And you are also lying to us about the morning incident." "You were hired by a rival or enemy of Marnus Warner to harm his son. You lured him to the hospital, where he arrived with his body guard. Then you attacked him. You thought you can im self-defence because it was hospital, don''t you?" The officer smiled in confidence, "I think I figured out your modus operandi. You are a contract killer. You lure your targets into hospitals and then kill them there so it would be easier for you to im self-defence." "I have figured it all out, you bastard. You can''t sneak your way outside." ****** [A/N: If you are reading the story. Do continue to support my work] Chapter 166: The Dominatrix [1] Chapter -166 In the serene confines of themissioner''s office, a gentle breeze danced through the crack in the window, causing a solitary paper to flutter gracefully in its wake. The room exuded an air of authority, with polished oak furniture and shelves lined withw books, yet softened by the warmth of ambient light filtering through heavy curtains. Amidst the organized chaos of paperwork, two figures upied the space, engaged in quiet conversation. The man, a figure of steadfast resolve, sat behind the imposing desk, his gaze focused yet inviting. In a tender embrace, their bodies intertwined as they danced the dance of intimacy. The man held the woman close, her warmth enveloping him as they pressed together. Their kisses were passionate, their tongues exploring each other with fervor. With her breasts pressed against his chest, they shared the heat of their desire. Their lips parted, still tingling from their kisses. He tenderly stroked her soft, red lips before gently sliding his thumb into her mouth. She moaned softly in pleasure, her eyes closing as she savored his touch. Sucking gently on his thumb, she began to move against him, feeling the heat building between them with each movement. "Ummm..."With each tender touch, thedy''s senses ignited like a slow-burning me, her body responding eagerly to her lover''s caresses. A soft, involuntary moan escaped her lips, a testament to the electrifying sensations coursing through her. She surrendered to the intimate dance of their desires, her every nerve awakening to the exquisite pleasure unfurling within her. Witnessing her response, the man felt a surge of satisfaction ripple through him, his own arousal intensifying with each gasp and shudder she emitted. His fingers traced a path of tantalizing anticipation, exploring every curve and contour of her body with reverent care. From the delicate slope of her chin to the inviting valley between her breasts, he navigated her form with a practiced touch, savoring the softness of her skin beneath his fingertips. "Hmmm! Ahhh!", thedy hummed inbored breath as she felt tingles in her chest. The man stared to move his fingers round across thedy''s voluptuous breasts, which made her sigh in pleasure. He cupped her breasts, felt them up properly and then began pressing them slowly. As thedy started letting out little moans in pleasure, he began massaging and kneading them intently. As thedy surrendered herself to the heady bliss of their shared intimacy, her breath caught in her throat, her chest rising and falling in sync with the rhythm of their passion. Each touch, each caress, sent ripples of pleasure cascading through her, building towards an exquisite crescendo of sensation. With each gentle press and tender squeeze, she felt herself drawing closer to the edge of ecstasy, her body aching to be consumed by the mes of desire. The touches sent pulses of pleasure across thedy''s body, making her feeling electrified and making her go crazy. With her meaty bottoms pressed against the man''s crotch, she began moving faster and faster. The man now couldn''t control his primal hunger anymore as he saw two meaty and beautiful papaya hanging before him. He pulled her breasts closer to his mouth and began sucking and nibbling on them, feeling the warm and tender meat inside his mouth. He got greedy and tried to take them whole inside him, but his mouth was no match for their tremendous size. Instead, he shifted focus to her perky and erect nipples. He circted his fingers over them, then proceeded to pull them and twist them. cing his lips over the nipples, he felt their stiffness and ced his teeth on them. As he bit and pulled them, thedy gasped in pain. Her eyes teared up as she tightly grabbed him, almost pushing her nails onto his back. After taking a deep breath, she got up from hisp and got on her knees, and looked into the eyes of the man, aching in desperation, yearning for more. She ced her hands over his pants. She rubbed and yed with his crotch, while looking into his eyes, which were desperate by each passing moment. Sensing his desperation, she wanted to tease him more, to make him beg her. She broke the eye contact and ced her head over his bulge and put it inside her mouth. "Linda! Please stop teasing me and do it already.", the man begged as his breaths got heavier with anticipation! His eyes casted pleading nces, beseeching for her touch. She yfully smiled at him, giving a nod as she removed the belt and pulled his pants down. She held his penis, caressed it, slowly. "Let''s get you ready", she whispered in a sultry tone. "Yes, please!", the man begged in desperation. She grabbed his balls and rubbed them with her palm as she yed with his penis. "Hmmm! Ahhh", the man breathed in pleasure as he felt her touches electrifying him. As his penis started to gain length, thedy slowly began stroking it. As soon it reached full mast, she increased her rhythm. "Stop your teasing!", the man shifted his tone to a demanding one and pulled thedy''s head on to his crotch. She yfully smiled at him while running her finger on his dick, " Oh! Can''t you wait a bit longer?Trust me and I will give an explosive ending." The man grunted in anticipation, he thought it was better to let her do it in her style. She held the dick straight, and cupped the balls in her other hand. She ran her tongue across his full length, sending shockwave across his body. He let out gasp and moans as she licked him like a popsicle. As she continued in increasing speed, the balls felt tightening, and the penis began twitching. "Baby, I am going to¡­", in a deep and passionate voice, filled in eagerness and desperation the man eximed. As she knelt before him, thedy pleaded, "Not yet, darling, just a little longer." With eager anticipation, she ced her lips delicately on the tip of his member, teasing him with the tip of her tongue. The man, struggling to maintain control, couldn''t help but twitch in response to her tantalizing touch. Finally, she decided it was time. With a confident motion, she took his entire length into her mouth, her lips tightening around his base as she began to move her head with an increasing rhythm. She enveloped himpletely, her mouth reaching all the way to his base. Their eyes locked, both filled with burning desire as they edged closer and closer to the brink of ecstasy. But just before they could reach their climax, an unexpected interruption shattered the moment. "Tring¡­ Tring¡­ Tring¡­", The shrill sound of the phone ringing pierced the air, causing thedy to startle in surprise. Lost in her efforts to please her partner, the sudden noise jolted her out of her reverie. Her brain went offline for a second and in confusion she almost bit off the penis "Ahhh!", the man let out a painful cry. "Oh, my fucking god!". His face was scrunched up as he jumped in pain holding his penis. She realised her mistake and quickly backed off. "Sorry, I¡­." "You slut! You whore! What did you do?" "Sorry boss, it was an ident!", thedy tried to apologize. "Shut up you stupid bitch. How could you? You should have been careful", the man took a small break to let out a painful moan and then again continued his profanities. "You cheap piece of dumb slut¡­" But thedy picked up the phone which was still ringing and man suddenly went silent, with holding all his pain, suffering and anger inside. Thedy wiped her mouth and answered the call. "Hmm!'', she nodded her head. "Hm, yes, sure! Themissioner is here, wait a second.", she nodded again in agreement with the caller and passed the phone to the male officer. The man, seething in pain and anger, aggressively answered the phone. "Yes, I am themissioner.Who are you?" Soon his tone took a drastic change. Angered disappeared from his face now being reced fear and concern. Ignoring his pain, he stood up straight and began to answer the phone obediently. "No, sir! No." "No." "Yes, sir!" "Yes, sir, he is in our custody. Don''t worry, I will personally take care of him." "Yes, I will make sure of it." He was acting like an obedient teacher agreeing with his teacher and promising to follow each of his orders. "Who is on the phone I wonder? Who can make themissioner act like this? Must be someone very powerful!", thedy wondered as she stood beside and saw themissioner getting tensed up over the phone call. Themissioner sighed and breathed in relief as the call ended. His forehead was full of sweat and he was lost in himself thinking about something. At that moment, he had actually forgotten about the pain in his almost chopped off cock. Thedy waited for themissioner to answer but he stood still and a tense silence followed. Getting ufortable, thedy broke the silence. "Why are you so tense? Who was it on the phone?" Thedy officer asked. Themissioner stared at thedy in anger. His nostrils red up as he almost burst in anger. His lips trembled before he shouted. "Why am I tensed up? Why do you think? Marnus Fucking Warner called he meant business." "Marnus Warner from Warner Constructions?" "Yes, Marnus fucking Warner form Warner Constructions. Some fucker has sent his son into the ICU and has killed on of his guys. The guy, someone named Rick, is in our custody and Marnus wants me to personally take care of it." "Yeah, if he is in our custody, why is he angry. And why are you bothered by him anyway? Are you on his payroll or is he ck-mailing you?" Thedy looked a bit confused at the weird behaviour of his boss. And hearing her, themissioner began tough loudly mocking thedy officer as if she was dumb blonde. "Why am I afraid of him? Linda, you are such a dumb whore! You have no idea who he actually is do you?" Themissioner rebuked thedy officer. And Linda, thedy officer stared nkly at themissioner,ughing like an idiot. "He doesn''t need to pay me or even ckmail me. He can just make a phone call and make my life or the whole city hell. He is very well known among the underworld. This construction business is merely a front. He is a far worse man that you can even imagine." Themissioner stoppedughing and changed in to a serious mood. "And when someone hurts them or their friends and family, they don''t get satisfied with just police action! This Rick guy has sent his only son into the ICU. He won''t just watch and wait for Rick to be punished by thew." "He wants him to suffer, he wants him to be tortured as he felt pain in every corner of his body, he wants him to bepletely destroyed. His phone call was a request¡­, more of an order to do you quietly ourselves. If we won''t do it or fail to do so, then he will have to get involved and it would be hell lot worse." A brief silence followed where both themissioner and Linda got into thinking. "Don''t worry! I promise you I will handle it myself.", Linda replied with a mischievous smile as she tried to caress themissioner''s face. "You?" Themissioner dodged her hand, "Do you think I will let you?" "Come on, darling," Linda smirked, looking at themissioner, "You know I can be a lot moredominating." Themissioner thought for a while before nodding towards her, "Just don''t make any mess and keep it as quiet as possible!" ***** Chapter 167: The Dominatrix [2] Chapter - 167 Tension crackled in the air of the cramped interrogation room, thick with usation and stubborn resolve. Rick sat like a stone in the face of the officers'' mounting frustration. They hurled questions and usations like grenades, but he just sat there, cool as a cucumber, repeating the same damn story over and over. "Listen up, officers," Rick said, his voice steady despite the storm raging around him. "I''m telling you straight: it was self-defence. I didn''t go looking for trouble; trouble came knocking on my damn door." The officers red daggers at him, their patience wearing thinner than tissue paper. They wanted a confession, a slip-up, anything to nail this guy to the wall. But Rick wasn''t budging, and it was driving them insane. They hated his guts, no doubt about it. His smug demeanor, his unwavering confidence¡ªit grated on theirst nerve. Although they had made up their mind about Rick being a criminal and hated his cocky attitude, they didn''t have any clue or proof to prove that Ricky was guilty. But deep down, they knew they were grasping at straws. They didn''t have squat on Rick, and it burned them up inside. Frustration boiled over as they exchanged nces, silently acknowledging their defeat¡ªfor now, at least. Rick might have won this round, but they weren''t about to let him off the hook that easily. Gloria, on the other hand, kept hammering on about herwyer, driving the officers up the wall with her relentless demands. "Just spill the beans already! We just want the truth, no need for all thiswyer drama. We aren''t pointing fingers at you," one officer implored, exasperated. But Gloria wasn''t budging. "I have got zilch to do with whatever went down there. I swear, I am as clueless as a goldfish." The officers exchanged incredulous nces. "So, you were there, but you didn''t see squat? Are we supposed to believe they tripped over their own shoces?" one retorted. "Can I please speak to mywyer?" Gloria snapped, her patience wearing thin, her frustration simmering just below the surface. With a collective sigh, the officers threw their hands up in defeat. It felt like they were stuck in a never-ending loop of madness, banging their heads against a brick wall with no hope of breaking through. The door crashed open like a thunderp, making Gloria jump out of her skin. In marched a female officer, all business and authority, her gaze slicing through the tension in the room like a hot knife through butter. The other officers snapped to attention, a ripple of respect and deference spreading through the air like wildfire. Gloria''s heart sank as she took in the stern expression on the new officer''s face. She could practically feel the intensity radiating off the woman, sending shivers down her spine. But Rick? Rick just lounged there like he owned the damn ce,pletely unfazed. "Good day Sergeant Swan! Is there any problem?" The officers saluted the Sergeant. "Not yet," LindaSwan replied, her voice as sharp as a knife. "But I need this room. Clear out, and take thedy with you. I will handle him." The other officers exchanged wary nces. It wasn''t every day their no-nonsense sergeant barged into an interrogation, and something about her presence sent a chill down their spines. But they knew better than to question her authority. She and themissioner... With a nod, they ushered Gloria out of the room, leaving Linda alone with Rick, a sense of foreboding lingering in the air like a storm on the horizon. ~~~~~ As they stepped out into the open air, Gloria''s fingers danced across her phone screen in a frantic rhythm, desperately trying to summon help from herwyer. The urgency in her movements spoke volumes, each tap echoing the panic pounding in her chest. Meanwhile, back in the room, Linda prowled like a lioness, her gaze piercing through Rick''s facade withser-like precision. "Who the hell do you think you are? You really believe you can spin a tale and we''ll just swallow it hook, line, and sinker?" Linda''s voice dripped with sarcasm, a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. Rick remained cool as a cucumber, his words dripping with honeyed deceit. "I''m just telling it like it is, Officer. I acted in self-defense. I''m as innocent as a newborn babe. Look at this face... Do I look like a guy who''d harm a fly?" "Naughty boy..." Linda''sughter sliced through the tension like a knife. "Oh, you''ve got jokes, huh? Keep spinning those lies, but let me tell you something, sunshine. Fairy tales might work on kids, but they won''t fly with me. And I''m here to make damn sure you own up to your dirty deeds." "You think you can y innocent? We both know the truth. And I''m here to make sure you pay for your crimes. I''m here to ensure that justice is served." Linda licked her lips, looking at Rick like she was her prey for ughter. "I am going inflict pain in every inch of your body and break your bones. I am going to make sure you understand your mistake." Feeling the seriousness of Linda''s thread and seeing blood in her eyes, Rick realised he was under serious threat. Thinking she was in a big understanding, Rick tried to clear the confusion. "Sorry, officer but I have done nothing wrong. As I have told it again and again, it was an act of self-defence." Lindaughed like a maniac, she looked at Rick gritting her teeth. "I am going make your cute face bleed. I am going to crush your fingers, break your hands! I am going to make your can''t stand-up! Let''s see then if you will be singing the same song!" Rick figured she had made her mind. It didn''t seem like she was punishing him just because of the crime he was used of. He knew something else was at y. "Do you have something against me personally, officer? I don''t think you are doing this because you thing I am guilty. And even if I was guilty, which I am clearly not, you cannot threaten me like this." Rick couldn''t help but askin curiosity. "You think you know everything? You think you are so smart? I will make every inch of your body scream, and no one can stop me. Do you understand?You think you can do whatever you want then lie and act smug. I am going to show you the consequences, I am going to punish you and fuck you up!" She locked the interrogation room from inside and turned off the cameras. She removed her uniform and stood in her tank top, stretching her muscles, showing she meant business. The tank tops tightly grasped her, highlighting her meaty breasts. But Rick was more focused the hunter she had pulled out, and was whipping it in the air to induce fear. "Now I will show you what pain feels like!" She whipped the hunter, which swung just near his face and he could feel the sh of air on his face. But before he could blink, she whipped the hunter again and hit his chest. He grunted in pain. Good think that after getting the system, his mental and physical strength has increased dramatically. So apart from the slight prick and tinge of pain, he felt nothing more. Still, he almost felt the urge to hit her smirking bitch face, but thinking the consequences of hitting an officer inside a police station, he held himself back. "Are you going to cry? But I have just started", sheughed like a maniac, enjoying the pain on his face. She whipped the hunter again, hitting his face. Before he could feel and caress the spot, she whipped the hunter with force and speed. Itshed on Rick''s gut, making him fall from the chair on the ground. "Ahh!", Rick groaned. "This is just the beginning! I am going to make you my little bitch!" Linda was already high with just the thought of how she was going to torment Rick. She stepped on Rick''s fingers and a smile spread across her face. Rick tried to move his hand away, but she suddenly lifted her feet and kicked his crutch. "Uhh!", in mix of pain and anger Rick''s face grew red. "I like the way you moan! I am going to make you do that a lot!", sheughed as she felt intense pleasure from his pain. She took a step back and swung the whip. At this point, Rick was seething in anger. The pain was nothing to him, he couldn''t stand her arrogance and bitchy attitude. And before the whip could hit him, he got hold of it. "Hmm!", thedy chuckled. "The more you protest the more I will hit!" She tried to pull the hunter away from his hand but Rick held it tightly. She again tried and grunted. But this time Rick pulled the hunter from her hand.The momentum also took Linda down who fell over Rick. "Ha!", she shouted in annoyance. "You are going to pay for this". She was about to get up and prepare to hit Rick again. But a sweat rolled down from her cleavage and fell on Rick''s mouth and suddenly the system shed before his eyes. [ Master. What will you do? Get away from Linda and try to escape [Cash: $2,500,000] Get on her and teach how pleasure and pain feels like [Ero Points: +25,000] ] [Aren''t you tempted? Lose... Master?] Rick saw the option and possibly for the first time, he couldn''t be more clearer on what he wanted. As Linda was trying to get up, he held her back. "Hmm! Let me go you bastard!", she threatened Rick as she struggled to escape his arms. "Let me go or you will see!" But Rick had made up his mind. With a swift movement, he shoved her to the ground, the force knocking the breath out of her lungs. Pinning her down, he pressed her hands firmly against the unforgiving earth, his grip like a vice. "You enjoy a little pain, huh?" His voice dripped with malice as he tightened his grip on her arm, twisting it just enough to elicit a pained cry from her lips. She winced, her voice trembling with agony. "Stop..." Leaning in closer, his breath hot against her ear, he taunted her. "You know what gets me going? That sweet sound of yours when you''re in pain. And I''ve got some ideas to make you scream even louder." Her struggles only seemed to fuel his sadistic pleasure. With each gasp for air, her chest heaved, her breasts rising and falling with the rhythm of her desperate breaths. "Damn, what a sight," he chuckled darkly, his eyes fixated on her chest. "And they''re practically begging for attention. Should I start there?" His grin widened as he lowered his hands to her breasts, his touch sending shivers of revulsion down her spine. She fought against him, her protests falling on deaf ears as Rick reveled in his cruel dominance. ****** Chapter 168: Rick and Linda [1] (18+) Chapter - 168 Rick flipped the script like a seasoned pro, sending Linda crashing to the floor with a force that knocked the wind out of her. Before she could even catch her breath, he pounced, pinning her down with a grip like a vice, trapping her beneath him. Linda fought like a wildcat, thrashing and twisting, but it was like trying to break free from a steel trap. The interrogation room, with its thickyers of soundproof ster, became their own personal hell, sealing them in with no hope of escape. "Let me go, you son of a bitch! You have no idea what I''m capable of," Linda spat, her voice strained with effort as she strained against his hold. But Rick was beyond caring. What started as a desire for revenge had morphed into something darker, something twisted. Now, as he pressed his weight down on her writhing form, he found himself relishing the sensation of her body beneath his. [How long are you going to be that good guy, lose... Master?] [ Quest: Rape the bitch Time Duration: 1 hour Quest Reward: Ero Points: +30,000; 1 vial ofHarmony Honey Penalty: If you fail to rape her, Your dick will disappear for 48 hours. And don''t expect that you will get a pussy instead. You will piss from where you drink. Yuck! Even Ifeel disgusted. ] He buried himself in her struggles, reveling in the power he held over her. Linda''s skin glistened with sweat, her breathing in ragged gasps as she fought against him with everything she had. But it was no use. Rick was in control now, and there was nothing she could do to stop him. "I will tell themissioner about it. He won''t spare you bastard." Linda''s threat hung in the air like a storm cloud, crackling with the promise of vengeance. She mustered all her strength to raise her hand, ready to deliver a stinging p, but Rick''s grip on her wrist was like iron, holding her back from unleashing her fury. Instead of striking, he surprised her by pressing his lips gently against her trembling hand. His words dripped with sinister amusement as he taunted her, his voice a chilling whisper in the tense atmosphere. "Do you really think your little threats will matter? By the time you get to themissioner, it''ll be toote. You''re in over your head, sweetheart. How are you gonna protect yourself from someone like me?" In a fit of frustration, Linda spat at him, her disdain etched on every line of her face. Rick''s anger red as he wiped away the spittle, his grip tightening on Linda''s wrist as he delivered a vicious p that echoed through the room. The impact left a stark imprint of his fingers on her pale skin, a cruel reminder of his dominance. But Linda refused to cower in submission. With a primal scream of defiance, sheshed out, her hand connecting with Rick''s cheek in a resounding p. Her eyes zed with fury, bloodshot and wild with rage. Rick''s smile widened, unfazed by her retaliation. With calcted cruelty, he continued to exert his power over her, his actions like a predator toying with its prey. He traced a path down her trembling arm, his touch invasive as he undid the first button of her shirt, exposing the tantalizing hint of cleavage beneath. The tension in the room was palpable, thick with the weight of fear and anticipation. Linda''s heart raced as she braced herself for whatever twisted games Rick had in store, knowing that she was at the mercy of a true monster. "You prefer tight bra, hmm¡­ pretty enough," Rick''s words slithered out like venom, dripping with cruel amusement as he toyed with Linda''s vulnerability. She felt a surge of disgust and helplessness, trapped in his twisted game. A sick grin twisted Rick''s lips as he reveled in Linda''s obvious loathing. Her hatred only fueled his twisted pleasure. "I''ve always dreamed of someone looking at me with such fire," Rick muttered, a dark chuckle escaping his lips. His fingers traced a wicked path along the curve of her neck, down to the tantalizing hint of her cleavage. Linda''s bra felt like a prison, its tight embrace only adding to her torment as Rick undid another button of her shirt. His eyes gleamed with unholy excitement as he drank in the sight of her taut, aroused breasts. The mere sight of her nipples, straining against the fabric, sent a surge of primal desire coursing through him. With a cruelugh, Rick thrust a finger into Linda''s mouth, forcing it deeper until she gagged and choked, saliva dribbling down her chin. The taste of her fear only fueled his sadistic pleasure, and he relished every moment of her suffering. Linda was literally begging to spare her body, but Rick was loving it. He had made up his mind to prove those bastards, he wasn''t but has be a criminal for real now. "You bitch, co-operate with me or else I''ll fuck you badly. Scared? Ha ha! You should! Because now ill show you what a real criminal can do, when his threshold of tolerance reaches its peak.", Rick''s voice sliced through the air like a razor, dripping with venomous threats. His words were like a punch to the gut, leaving Linda gasping for breath, her heart pounding in her chest. He leaned in close, his breath hot against her skin, his teeth grazing her neck like a predator about to strike. Linda''s whole body tensed, every nerve screaming in protest as his tongue traced agonizing circles on her bare flesh. "No¡­.!!! Leave me you asshole. Just leave my neck¡­. Aah¡­", Linda cried. "What happened baby? Didn''t you like this touch? Now suffer this pain and see how it feels to be punished for no reason.", saying this, Rick started biting her neck at his worst, ripping off her flesh. Blood dripped down her neck. "Aaaaah...", Linda yelled with tears in her eyes. She could see the hell on Earth itself. Rick''s fingers dug into Linda''s cheeks like ws, forcing her mouth open as he invaded it with his tongue. She gagged, her breath stolen from her lungs as tears streamed down her face, mingling with the damp ground beneath her. "Leave me you bastard..! The moment I break free from your grip, I''ll make sure you pay," Linda managed to spit out, her voice strained with anger and fear. Rick ignored her threats, relishing in her suffering. With a cruel smirk, he yanked at the straps of her bra, leaving angry red marks on her shoulders before abruptly releasing them. Linda winced, the pain radiating through her body like fire. She couldn''t endure much more of this torture. Desperate to defend herself, she sank her teeth into Rick''s hand, but his grin only widened in response. He looked down at her, his eyes gleaming with malice as he continued his torment, each moment stretching out like an eternity of agony. "You can''t even imagine it, baby doll,"Rick''s words dripped with a sickening mix of desire and menace as he yanked down Linda''s bra, exposing her to his hungry gaze. Her breasts, now fully revealed, seemed to taunt him with their forbidden allure, ripe for his taking. With a greedy gleam in his eyes, Rick reached out, his hands trembling with anticipation, and cupped one of the soft mounds firmly. He squeezed it roughly, relishing in the sensation of flesh yielding beneath his touch. "Aahh..."Linda''s response was a symphony of pleasure and pain, her moans filling the air like a siren''s song. Meanwhile, there was a knock at the door. But before she could protest or call for help, Rick silenced her with a menacing threat, his hand mping over her mouth like a vice, "Don''t you dare do that, else I''ll fuck you to death", pressing her boobs with another hand. "Tell them the damn interrogation going just peachy if you wanna keep breathing," Rick snarled, his voice dripping with menace as he forced Linda to lie. With a trembling voice and tears welling in her eyes, Linda shouted out the fabricated words, her anger barely masking the fear coursing through her veins. "Who the fuck is it? Do you want to fucking die in my hands? Leave us the hell alone," she spat, knowing she had no other choice. But Rick could see right through her facade, and he wasn''t about to let her get away with it. With a swift, brutal motion, he pped her across the face, the sound echoing through the room like a gunshot, "Dominating, huh? You like the pain don''t you. Let me help you enjoy it?" Linda turned away, her cheek burning with pain, but Rick wasn''t finished yet. With a sickening hunger in his eyes, he descended upon her, his hands groping at her body with a ferocity that made her skin crawl. As he ravaged her, Linda''s cries of agony mingled with desperate pleas for mercy, but Rick was beyond reason. He unbuttoned her pant, and slipped her hand inside them his fingers tracing the contours of her cervix from above the panty. "Ah¡­.. hold it¡­.run¡­. it¡­.oh yeah ¡­.", She moaned like she had never felt this pleasure before. Always she used to please themissioner. But someone pleasing her, was her first time experiencing it. Linda''s moan encouraged Rick to carry on. "Leave me you bastard. If themissioneres to know about it, he will make sure you spend your entire life behind the bars.", Linda barked in pleasure. "Your words don''t match with what your face is showing me. And you are trying to threaten me with some bald guy? Tell me the truth. You are fucking him, right?", Rickughed. "What if he sees his whore is begging to be fucked tothe guy he wants dead," Rick continued. At this moment,Linda''s phone rang. It was themissioner on the other side. "Stop... It''s themissioner," She signaled Rick to stop for a while, motioning her hand, and trying to push Rick away. But instead of pulling away fromher, Rick sat on her belly, and kept pressing her nipples. Linda couldn''t help but moan and cry in pleasure. "Hello, sir¡­..", Linda''s voice shivered in pain. "Aren''t you done torturing that guy, you slut?", Themissioner asked from the other side, his tone flirty. "You already know I... How good I am at my job... Just g... give me some time and I will make him beg... Uhmm... I will have him begging," Linda answered with pauses in between her words. Her lips and rolling her tongue on it, as Rick smooched her neck. ***** Chapter 169: Rick and Linda [2] (18+) Chapter - 169 After Linda ended the call, Rick''s gaze bore into her like a hungry predator, his eyes burning with both desire and resentment. He couldn''t shake off the bitterness towards themissioner who had unjustly thrown him in jail for the sake of some shady underworld figures. "What did the bastard told you?", Rick asked her sitting on her chest. His weight was emptying the nerves from inside her body. She was groaning in pain. But clenching her teeth against each other, Linda gazed at him. "He threatened to torture you until you are begging for mercy, motherfucker," she spat defiantly, a mixture of anger and fear coursing through her veins. But Rick wasn''t in the mood to hear nonsense. Rick''s grip tightened on her naked shoulder, sending a jolt of pain through her body. "Don''t you ever speak to me like that again, or you''ll regret it. You won''t be able to show your face to anyone without a hijab," he warned, pping her boobs mercilessly. "Agghh!!!" Linda let out a sharp cry of pain, her voice filled with anger and determination, "I will kill you asshole, once I get out of this room.", she threatened, her eyes shing with fury. Feeling the weight of his body pressing down on her, Linda''s skin flushed with heat as she struggled beneath him. Every movement sent waves of agony through her body, as if her bones were on the verge of breaking. Desperately searching the room for a way to escape, Linda''s gazended on a nearby table. Her mind raced, searching for something heavy to use as a weapon against Rick. Maybe a rod, or any other instrument that could give her a chance to break free from this suffocating situation. Her eyesnded on the hunter she had brought with her, initially intending to use it against Rick. Now, it seemed fate had twisted against her, leaving her trapped and defenseless. Fueled by a mix of anger and frustration, Linda''s resolve hardened as she plotted her next move. Caught up in his own twisted amusement, Rick taunted her with a sinisterugh. "What''s got your attention, sweetheart? You want me to torture you more?" He kicked her while she was down, then straddled her thighs and pinned them in ce. "Ow!" Linda cried out, feeling the sharp pain shoot through her body. Once again, she found herself at the mercy of Rick''s cruelty, her eyes brimming with tears of fury as she red up at him. "I swear, I''ll get you for this," she growled through gritted teeth. "Aw, sweet Linda, looks like I''ve got you right where I want you again," Rick taunted, tossing his weight onto her and pressing her down. Linda''s pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears as Rick reveled in his newfound power over her. With each blow, Linda''s cries grew louder, her once pristine white shirt torn to shreds by the relentless onught of Rick''s blows. Exhausted and in agony, Linda could do nothing but endure as Rick continued to unleash his fury upon her helpless form. He now threw the hunter on her back. Her white shirt were ripped in just five to six wars of hunter. She was groaning in pain. Her voice was getting soar because of continuous attacks on her restless body. As her white shirt became stained crimson with blood seeping from her shoulder, Linda seemed to withdraw, unresponsive and utterly drained. "I''m not feeling this anymore. Let''s mix it up," Rick remarked, his tone softening. "Sorry, I''m not some kind of monster. Let me make it up to you." With gentle care, he turned her to face him. Undoing the zipper of her pants and releasing the top button, Rick couldn''t contain his excitement at the sight of her ck embroidered panties. "Wow, what a sight! A beautiful pink pussy. Just looks a bit more wide then I would have dreamed of. You surely made many guys happy," he eximed, eagerly sliding them down her legs, the fabric clinging stubbornly to her knees. Groaning in pain,Linda gazed at him with half-lidded eyes, her expression unreadable. "What do you think, I''m going to do next? Have you any idea? At least you can guess baby," Rickughed making fun of her. With a mischievous grin, Rick parted his lips wide, gently cupping her entire pussy in his mouth, his touch sending shivers throughout her body. Rick eagerly delved his tongue into the warm, moist folds of her pussy, his mouth watering with anticipation. Linda, unable to resist, ran her fingers through his hair, lost in the sensation. "Ah, damn it, get off me, you bastard," Linda cursed, her words a mix of frustration and desire. Despite her protests, Linda couldn''t deny the growing hunger within her. Rick''s touch sent shivers down her spine, igniting a fire of excitement deep within her core. She trembled with anticipation, torn between her duty as ady officer and her primal urges. But she was thedy officer who could not bend down in front of a criminal, whom she has been ordered to torture. Desperate to break free from his grasp, Linda struggled against Rick''s advances, her limbs thrashing in a futile attempt to loosen his grip. But her efforts were in vain, as she found herself powerless against his seduction. Rick, sensing her inner conflict, took advantage of the situation, continuing to tantalize her with his touch. He reveled in the intoxicating blend of pleasure and torment that he inflicted upon her, relishing in the sight of her struggling against her own desires. Rick was now in a tit for tat moment, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. He teased Linda''s pussy with his tongue, savoring every moment. At times, he gently grazed his teeth against her, while other times he plunged deep inside, swirling his tongue like he was savoring a sweet treat. Linda''s senses were aze with excitement as her arousal grew. Her pussy grew wet with desire, unable to resist the seductive touch of Rick. Slowly, she released her grip on Rick''s hair, yearning for more as she let out soft moans of pleasure. "Ahhh..." Linda couldn''t help but moan in ecstasy.Rick, reveling in the moment, decided to taunt her. "Are you enjoying it, you whore? Does that bald bastard satisfy you like this? Tell me, who''s better: him or me?" he teased, adding a yful edge to the sensual moment. Rick yed the tantrums to make fun of her. Linda found herself drained of all energy, unable to muster a response beyond soft moans as she closed her eyes.Linda''s hands fell on the ground easily. Her body was weak enough to position herself in a rxed state. Meanwhile, Rick eagerly indulged in the sweet nectar of her pussy, savoring every drop of fluid and secretion. Linda doesn''t like getting fucked by her enemy, but she can''t control herself from getting seduced by him.He satisfied his desires while Linda surrendered to the seductive sensations, unable to resist despite her inner conflict. Breathing heavily, Linda''sbored breaths filled the air with a palpable intensity. Each exhale carried with it a sense of surrender and arousal. "Have you had your fill for today, or are you still craving more?" Rick teased, noticing her pale, drained expression. Linda, drenched in sweat, wore an emotionless mask as she paced restlessly, unable to shake off the sensations coursing through her. "I don''t think we''re quite there yet, darling. But guess what? I''ve got a surprise in store for you. Ready for it? Not quite yet, sweetheart. Just hold on a sec," Rick said with a grin, rising from his seat and stretching his muscles. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Rick fired up the system, eager to add some extra spice to the moment. Browsing through the virtual store, he pondered his options, his mind buzzing with anticipation. And then, like a bolt of inspiration, he knew exactly what to get. With a sly smile spreading across his face, he happily spent a modest 500 Ero Points from his treasure trove, acquiring the perfect item. In a sh, arge crimson candle materialized in Rick''s hand, casting a warm, inviting glow in the dimly lit room. The air, once heavy with the scent of metal and blood, now filled with the sweet aroma of roses, creating an atmosphere ripe with possibility. Rick took a slow, deliberate breath, a sly grin ying on his lips as he closed the distance between himself and Linda. She felt a surge of fear, rendered speechless by his intimidating presence. He leaned in, his nose hovering over her like a curious detective, exploring her scent. With gentle hands, he lifted her legs, examined her hands, and tugged at her clothes in search of something. "Noticing those lips, I''d bet you''re a smoker," he remarked with a teasing edge, his tone a mixture of warning and amusement as he attempted to retrieve the lighter. "So don''t make this difficult, sweetheart, or else I will have to start teasing you again." ***** Chapter 170: Rick and Linda [3] (18+) Chapter - 170 In the blink of an eye, arge crimson candle magically appeared in Rick''s hand. The heavy, metallic scent that once lingered in the air was reced by the sweet fragrance of roses, creating an atmosphere ripe with anticipation and possibility. Rick took a slow, deliberate breath, a mischievous grin dancing across his lips as he closed the gap between himself and Linda. She felt a rush of apprehension, rendered speechless by the maic pull of his presence. Leaning in close, he hovered over her like an inquisitive explorer, his senses intoxicated by her scent. With gentle hands, he traced the curves of her legs, explored the contours of her hands, and yfully tugged at her clothing in search of something elusive. "Those lips of yours give you away," he teased, his voice a yful blend of warning and amusement as he reached for the lighter. "I''d wager you''re a smoker, aren''t you, sweetheart? So let''s not make this any harder than it needs to be, or I might just have to start teasing you all over again." "What are you thinking to do with me, you bastard? Are you nning to kill me? I swear you won''t be spared after doing that. I will hang you to death, you bloody psycho,"Linda managed to spit out between clenched teeth, her body wracked with pain and fear. Rick approached her slowly, his breath hot against her skin as he took in every inch of her exposed form. She whimpered, both from the agony of her injuries and the touch of his hands. "Who do you think drove me to this?" Rick demanded, his eyes burning with intensity as he pierced through Linda''s facade of strength. "But tell me, what do you thinkes next?" With a trembling hand, Rick traced the path of an unlit candle along her body, causing Linda to gasp in silent agony as her body trembled uncontrobly. She felt like a helpless animal, unable to escape his grasp. "Have you hadenough of this torture? Come on, no I want more of you, more of your pain, more of your screams. Come on, yell at me. Curse me. Hit me to death. Where are your words of torment? Where are your egoistic shallow mind now? Come on! Wake up and torture me ", Rick wasughing at her. As Rick chuckled to himself, reveling in the reversal of fortunes, he couldn''t help but grin like a fool. His gaze shifted to Linda, barely clinging to life, and he clenched his teeth, "But I will not spare you for what you bastards tried doing to me." Rick came closer to Linda to look for a lighter. "I know you might have the lighter with you, you torment giver. So, pass it to me without any second thoughts.", saying this, Rick explored each and every corners and turns and contour of her body, in search of the lighter. Rick''s touch ignited the mes of her scars, sending shivers down her spine. Each caress seemed to awaken a dormant energy within her, a flicker of life amidst the darkness that surrounded them. As Rick''s hands roamed over her bare skin, she couldn''t help but respond, moving her body in sync with his touch, a dance of desire and desperation. But his words cut through the moment, a cruel reminder of the reality they faced. "Why are you floundering like a fish out of water? Missing your bald boyfriend already?" Rick taunted, hisughter dripping with scorn. "He can''t satisfy your cravings like I can. Your desires are too wild for him to handle." With each insult, Rick''s actions grew more aggressive, his touch turning from tender to torment. He twisted her nipple, drawing a sharp gasp of pain from her lips, and pressed his weight against her, trapping her beneath him. But even as he inflicted his cruel punishments, his hands continued to explore her body, tracing the curves of her back and the swell of her hips. And when he slipped his hand into her pocket, she held her breath, her heart pounding in anticipation. As Rick retrieved the lighter, a flicker of defiance sparked in Linda''s eyes. She had been hiding it all along, a small act of rebellion against the oppressive system they lived in. And now, as Rick smirked triumphantly, she knew that their game was far from over. She braced herself for what wasing next. Rick lit the candle, the me flickering softly as he patiently waited for the wax to liquefy. Once it had melted to his satisfaction, he brought the me closer to Linda''s skin, the gentle heat making her shiver in anticipation. With a delicate touch, he let the molten wax drip onto her neck, each drop sending a shock of sensation through her. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, trickling down her face and tracing the curves of her naked body, entuating her contours. Linda''s breath hitched as she tried to stifle a moan, her lips trembling with pleasure and pain alike. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she copsed onto the floor, her body trembling with the aftermath of sensation. Her soul felt like it was hovering on the edge of consciousness, her skin tingling from the burns inflicted by the candle. In that moment, Linday there, caught between pleasure and pain, her body aze with sensation as her very essence seemed to hang in the bnce. Her body seemed to exude vulnerability, a silent plea for mercy. Rick''s nostrils red as he hungrily breathed in her scent, craving more with an insatiable appetite. His thirst for domination was unquenchable, fueled by a dark desire for control. But Linda had reached her limit, her spirit battered and bruised. She moved with the grace of a wounded animal, seeking sce, searching for a sanctuary where she could find refuge, where she could find someone to trust. Rick''s cruel actions had left Linda''s sense of self-worth shattered, her pride trampled by his merciless hands. Just when she thought she had endured the worst, fate had another torment in store, using Rick as its instrument of pleasure to further inflict pain upon her. And just when Linda might have thought that nothing worse could have happened to her, the system had other ideas for Rick to torment Linda with the pleasure. [ Quest: Enough ying with the wax. Why don''t you shake her insides Time Duration: 5 Minutes. Rewards: Ero points: 1000, +2 Lottery Spin Penalty: The system will put a vibrator up your ass. And will see how you enjoy it. ] "Oh... I will have to spend a few more," Rick chuckled to himself, reopening the store with a wicked grin. With a swift gesture, he selected his prize, a sleek vibrator beckoning to him from the screen. "I''ll take this, thank you," he said with a smirk, reaching out to im the vibrator, eager to delve deeper into the realm of pleasure and pain. He took the vibrator from the system and then turned towards his darling Linda. "Darling, are you scared? Trust me you will enjoy it''s rhythm, it''s shakiness, it''s torment, it gives the best massage in the town.", Rick teased her breaking soul. He went to her face, senses his breath and pressing her boobs.With a yful smirk, he gently caressed her curves, sending shivers down her spine. Then, with a flick of the switch, he activated the vibrator. As the buzzing sound filled the room, Linda''s mind raced with excitement and anticipation. All she could do was surrender to the sensations, lost in a whirlwind of pleasure and ecstasy. With a yful grin, Rick trailed the vibrator along her skin, eliciting a symphony of moans and gasps from Linda. She writhed and squirmed,pletely at the mercy of the He then moved the vibrator over her thighs, and then her belly and then over her breasts. Linda was crying madly, without any screams because she didn''t have any energy left with her. Rick now rotated the vibrator on her pussy. It was the peak of torture he could give her. Linda cried in distress. "Take it baby. Take it as much you want.", saying this, Rick elerated the intensity of the vibrator. He moved the vibrator over her pussy to and fro, hither and thither over her body and then back to the pussy. She was rolling on the floor in defense, but it was of no use. Rick was still full of energy. He was enjoying her expressions, her pain, her helplessness and her restlessness. "Baby, are you alright? I know I''m a bitscary but trust me I''m the best monster you will ever meet in your entire life. So, take the best of this opportunity you have got. Ha ha", saying this, Rickughed madly licking her body like a football. Linda groaned in pain. She was even lifting her eyes up to look at Rick. "Oops, I think I hurt the girl of that baldmissioner to the peak. Now I''m scared. Oh holy lord! Please save me from his rage.", Rick tried all sorts of nonsensements to tease her rtion with the officer. "Do you really like him? Really? Ha ha, he don''t match your standards darling. I mean just look at you, how sexy you look naked wrapped in this ck bra and panty, and whole of this torn outfit. Ha ha . Bad luck!", Rick pinched her boobs and pped it hard. "It won''t be bad if I say I enjoyed a lot and I''m in need of more.", Rick said, clenching his teeth in anger. "I am loving it, torturing a whore like you.", Rick gazed at her. Linda was looking at him with hatred in her eyes. Tears were dried over her face, spreading her makeup all over. She was looking like an evil witch. "What are you looking at? That bald also calls you whore, right? Because you are one darling.", yelling at her, Rick pped her face. Linda closed her eyes turning her face to the left. Her hairs were spoiled with dust and wet with tearswhich rolled back from her face. "A bitch like you has no authority to stare at me like this. Do you want more pain?", Rick pulled her hairs from her head. Linda screamed in pain.Her head lifted up with pressure. "Calm down, calm down. Sshhhh!! Don''t cry.", Rick wiped off her tears. Rick acted a psycho. His wish to torture Linda was getting sessful. Each tears rolling down her cheeks was satisfying his soul. ****** Chapter 171: Rick and Linda [4] (18+) Chapter - 171 Rick ravished Linda from behind as she crawled on the floor like a hungry crocodile, her body yearning for more. "Where do you think you are going, darling? We''re not finished yet. I need you," Rick purred, pulling Linda towards him with a sensual tug. With a gentle yet firm touch, Rick guided Linda onto the interrogation table, her hands trembling as she stopped herself at the edge to avoid any further injury. Chuckling at the sight before him, Rick couldn''t help but tease Linda, though shecked the energy to respond in her defense. "Does that baldmissioner even know how to satisfy you? Can he fulfill your desires like I can?" Rick taunted, his hand caressing her hip before delivering a yful p. "Today, I will show you what real passion looks like." With a confident yet tender grip, Rick lifted Linda into his arms and threw her down on the table, ready to fulfill her every desire. "Open your pants you whore.", Rick ordered her and chuckled, "Oops, sorry I forgot. It''s okay, let me do it for you bitch.", saying this, Rick pulled off her pant. Linda waspletely naked. Her pink pigmented pussy was clearly visible to Rick.Rick ogled her, looking like a kid in a candy store. "Damn! Your pussy looks delicious, sweetheart. And you''re already wet," Rick remarked, running his fingers over her folds. "Honestly, I feel the same about every pussy." Linda let out a soft moan, unable to resist the sensation coursing through her body. Despite her disdain for Rick and his crude behavior, his touch had a strange effect on her, melting her resistance like butter in a hot pan. She knew she shouldn''t give in to him, but the temptation was too strong to resist. Rick opened his belt following his pant. He took out his erged, erected, hot dick. He eased his sizable shaft into her eager pussy, moving with a rhythm that made Linda''s cries of pleasure fill the room. With each thrust, he delved deeper into her warmth, sending shivers down her spine. With a wicked grin, Rick toyed with Linda''s firm, sensitive breasts, teasing and tormenting them until she was aching with desire. He relished in the way her nipples responded to his touch, turning a flushed shade of crimson as he manipted them. The sensation of Rick''s firm grip on her curves sent Linda spiraling into ecstasy, her body pulsating with pleasure. As he pounded into her with increasing intensity, she felt herself reaching new heights of sensation. Suddenly, Rick changed position, flipping Linda over to expose her supple backside. Gazing upon her inviting rear, he couldn''t resist the urge to explore further. With a sense of awe, he put his hand on Linda''s firm ass, his thumb rubbing against her asshole. "Uhmm..." A shiver spread through Linda''s body as Rick slowly pushed his thumb inside her tight, puckered opening, marveling at the sight before him. Linda''s cry of pain mingled with pleasure as Rick prated her forbidden entrance, each thrust pushing her to the brink of bliss. Lost in a whirlwind of sensation, she surrendered herselfpletely to the pleasure of their intimate encounter. "Ahhh....", Linda screamed in pain. She was blubbering. While Rick fucked her pussy with his long hard dick, he continued pushing his thumb inside her ass. With a passionate intensity, he mmed her head against the table, her cheek grazing the smooth surface as her hands found purchase on its edges, anchoring her to the moment. Each thrust brought her closer to ecstasy, her chest meeting the table with a rhythmic urgency. A sharp smack echoed through the room as Rick''s hand met her flesh, leaving behind a crimson imprint that contrasted against her flushed skin. Linda''s silent screams reverberated within her as she surrendered to the intoxicating blend of pleasure and pain that Rick offered. As Rick approached his peak, his essence spilled into her, filling her with a warm, pulsating release. Copsing against her, his body slick with sweat, he reveled in the euphoria of their passionate union, savoring every moment of their raw connection. After catching his breath, Rick tenderly trailed kisses along her back, her shoulders, her supple curves, reigniting the mes of desire with each caress. With renewed vigor, his arousal surged once more, his desire for her insatiable. Turning her towards him, Rick''s eyes sparkled with anticipation as he posed the question, a mischievous grin ying on his lips. "Ready for round two?" he whispered, his voice dripping with desire. Linda''s response was a soft sigh, her eyes closed in blissful surrender, her body primed for the next wave of pleasure that awaited them. "Okay let''s do something exciting before making out again.", saying this, Rick stood up to bring the left over candle and lighter. He ignited the candle once again with the lighter. And brought the burning candle close to her. He rotated that candle over her body once again and poured the melting wax on her body. Linda begun to crawl again, she was in pain.She tried to avoid it but Rick was a merciless soul. "Alright, it''s done. Since I have satisfied you. Now it''s your turn baby.", Rick showed his erected penis to her, Linda stared at it with her rotating eyes. "Do you want to touch it? Do you want to feel it? Take it baby. Come on hold it! Ahhh .", saying this, Rick ced his dick in Linda''s grip. Linda could feel the warmth of his erected dick. The size of the dick was so big, that Linda could not hold her yearn. Her weakness turned into strength after gazing at Rick''s big penis. Linda swirled her hands on his penis. She was now enough of holding her highs. She was wet. She was dying. She was yearning to have him. Linda gripped his dick, capping it entirely in her hands. His dick was shaking in erection. It was as hot as hot spring. "Do you want it?", saying this, Rick pushed her back on the table, with her head hanging outside the table, and body lying on it. Rick rushed to the other side of the table in desperation. His dick was hanging from his scrotum, closer to Linda''smouth. Rick pulled her hairs down,Linda moaned in pain. He then squeezed her cheeks, to open her lips. As she opened her mouth, her lips separated. He inserted his dick inside her mouth. Linda could barely breath, as he inserted his dick deep inside her mouth up to her throat. It was hurting her throat. Linda was gagging and oozing out saliva from her mouth, dripping down through the corners of her mouth. "Aaaah¡­ ohhhh ¡­. Yeah... yes¡­ baby ¡­.. do it ¡­.. do it ¡­.. do it fast ¡­..", Rick moaned in pleasure. Rick left her hairs and rested his hands on the table. Linda took the rest from there by herself. She licked his dick rotating her tongue on it, back and front, up and down. Rick was at his highs. He was moaning in pleasure. Linda kissed the top of the dick, eating his pre cum. She licked all of it until it turned out dry. His dick was dancing in the rhythm of Linda''stongue. She baited his penis, leaving him to die in pain. Rick grasped her hairs in excitement. He pulled her head through her hairs, to and fro, inside and out. He fucked her mouth until she starved to breath. Her nose turned pale. Linda''s mouth turned red and sweaty. She was not liking it, but was not even hating it too. It could be felt from her gestures. Linda was no more screaming or protesting back. But she was supporting Rick in whatever he did. Rick wanted a wild and bad sex with her. He wanted to make it a memorable day for him. While Linda didn''t know what Rick was going to do next, as she was weak enough to imagine anything. Both of them were mad into each other, wanting to kill each other fucking harshly. Rick pulled out his dick from her mouth. Linda was relieved. "Ohh¡­. Ahhh¡­. Mmmmmm .", Linda sighed a relief. "How was the taste of my pre cum baby? Do you want to taste my cum? Do you?"Rick''s words slithered out of his mouth like venom, dripping with malice and cruelty. Linda could barely breathe, her throat constricting as she gagged on his vile taste. Tears streamed down her cheeks, mixing with the bitter taste of humiliation. His member slid in and out of her mouth like a weapon, a cruel dance of dominance and degradation. Linda''s senses were overwhelmed, her mind screaming for release from this nightmare. Then, with a cruel thrust, he released his vile essence into her mouth, forcing her to swallow the bitter concoction of his lust. The rest he callously spewed across her face, leaving her feeling dirty and vited. "Look at me, you slut. What the hell you are looking on the floor?" Rick spat, yanking her chin up with a grip like iron. His nails dug into her skin, leaving angry red marks in their wake. He pressed his shaft between the soft mounds of her breasts, the weight of his body bearing down on her like a suffocating nket. Linda''s mind reeled with disgust and fear as shey half on the table, her body trembling with revulsion. Rick loomed over her, a grotesque figure of dominance and control, his actions a cruel mockery of humanity. And as Linda hung suspended between agony and despair, she prayed for an end to the torment that had be her existence. * * * * * Chapter 172: Oops!! Chapter - 172 "RICK...¡­.." The sound of the door mming open sent shockwaves through the interrogation room, rattling the equipment and interrupting Rick and Linda in the midst of their passionate embrace. Rick''s heart lurched as he turned towards the sudden intrusion, his mind racing toprehend the unexpected scenario unfolding before him. Caught in apromising position, Rick and Linda froze, their guilty pleasure abruptly halted by the unwee visitors. Linday sprawled on the table, while Rick stood by her side, his dick prated deep inside her pussy. In the doorway stood Gloria, her expression a mix of shock and disgust. Beside her loomed a tall, imposing figure, a Sheik-like presence exuding authority and disdain. And trailing behind them were the two officers, familiar faces who had unwittingly left Rick and Gloria alone in this very room. Gloria''s disbelief was palpable, her features contorted with revulsion at the sight before her. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined Rick sinking to such depths of depravity. Gloria''s voice pierced the tense air, cutting through the chaos like a knife. "Qu¨¦ demonios est¨¢s haciendo aqu¨ª, bastarda?" she spat, her eyes aze with fury. "Do you evenprehend the mess you''ve made? Do you have any clue where this is headed?" Rick stood there like a statue, his expression vacant, as if he''d checked out of reality altogether. Meanwhile, Linday sprawled across the table, herbored breaths filling the room like a haunting melody. Each exhale seemed to echo the gravity of the situation, a reminder of the stakes at hand. "You idiot! Do you even realize how much I''ve sacrificed for you?" Gloria''s voice cracked with frustration. "I have been out there, luchando contra los malditos mosquitos. Trying to scrape together enough to get you the bestwyer money can buy. And this is how you repay me?" But Rick remained unmoved, his stance defiant, refusing to acknowledge the gravity of his actions. In his mind, he was some kind of hero, blind to the havoc he''d wreaked. Gloria''s anger boiled over, a whirlwind of emotions threatening to consume her. With a final re, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Rick to face the consequences of his actions alone. "Gloria, wait!", The man also followed her from behind. [shback] Gloria slipped out of the interrogation room, leaving Linda to her twisted devices. Linda, with a gleam in her eye, was gearing up to put Rick through the wringer, her toolbox of torment at the ready. She was practically salivating at the thought of asserting her dominance over him. With a devious smirk, Linda flicked off the cameras, plunging the room into darkness. Meanwhile, Gloria took a seat on a nearby bench outside the interrogation room, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Rick''swyer. As she sat there, Gloria couldn''t help but rey the chaotic scene between Rick and Zack in her mind. "What the hell is this guy up to?" she muttered to herself, frustration evident in her voice. Rick had beenying low for weeks, only to resurface in a brawl with a mobster''s son. But despite her reservations about Rick''s character, Gloria knew deep down that the altercation wasn''t premeditated. It was a matter of self-preservation. "I guess I gotta help him out," Gloria sighed, grappling with her conflicted feelings towards Rick. "Even if I don''t particrly care for the guy on a personal level." With a heavy heart and a sense of duty weighing on her shoulders, Gloria resolved to do whatever it took to ensure Rick got a fair shake. As Gloria rose from her seat, her heels clicking against the polished floor, her mind raced with thoughts of her impending legal battle. She needed herwyer now more than ever. But as she moved to check if he had arrived, fate had other ns. Out of nowhere, a man came hurtling through the police station like a bull in a china shop, crashing right into Gloria. Her frustration boiled over instantly. "Can''t you see I am standing here? Are you blind or just in stupid?" she snapped, her annoyance palpable. The man, rubbing his head where they collided, struggled to regain hisposure. With a sheepish nce, he met Gloria''s gaze, and her breath caught in her throat. It was like a bolt from the blue. "Oh my God, Qasim! Is that really you?" Gloria''s shock reverberated through the air, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Yeah, unfortunately it''s yours truly," Qasim replied, straightening out his rumpled suit with a wince. Qasim Qureshi, bold andrger than life, stood before her in his trademark ck suit and turban, like a modern-day sheik. Despite his disheveled appearance, there was an air of confidence about him, a sense of power that seemed to emanate from every pore. Running a chain of petrol pumps, Qasim was no stranger to the world of business, his empire stretching across the country like a spider''s web. He was a force to be reckoned with, a man of influence and stature, and seeing him here, in this unexpected ce, sent shivers down Gloria''s spine. Qasim, a wealthy man in his middle age, enveloped Gloria in a tight embrace, his concern palpable in the way he held her. Gloria gently pulled away, her brow furrowed with confusion. "What''s going on? Why are you here?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "Luckily, thewyer called me and let me know you were here. Now spill it, what happened? Why are you stuck at the police station?" Qasim''s worry for his beloved wife was palpable. Gloria ced a calming hand on his arm, trying to soothe his nerves. "I am fine, really. Don''t get yourself all worked up, honey. You will give yourself a heart attack." "Okay, okay, but seriously, why are you here?" Qasim pressed, his confusion growing by the second. Gloria sighed, a heavy weight settling on her shoulders. "I didn''t choose to be here. I got dragged into this mess because of someone else''s screw-up. I swear, if I hadn''t wandered into that ICU, I would be kicking back at home right now, stuffing my face with sushi," she muttered under her breath, frustration evident in her tone. "What? Then why are you here?" Qasim under heard her. So he pardoned her. "It''s nothing much. It was a misunderstanding. It will be sorted. Waiting for mywyer to handle the rest," Gloria ignored and hided the truth from him. Hearing her, Qasim nodded as he knew he could ask questionster. He trusted his wife. And just as at that moment, a man dressed in ck, rushing and huffing came running to them. "Fuck you are finally here¡­ What took yourzy ass so long?" Gloria cursed. [shback Ends] As Gloria left the interrogation room, the atmosphere was thick with shock and disbelief. All eyes turned to the two figures slumped on the table, their bodies glistening with sweat, the aftermath of a tense confrontation. With a slow, deliberate movement, Rick rose from his seat, straightening his shirt with practiced ease. But then, in a bold and unexpected move, he shed his clothes, standing before thempletely naked. The air in the room crackled with a mixture of astonishment and unease as Rick''s erect member protruded proudly. The onlookers couldn''t help but steal nces, their own insecuritiesid bare as theypared themselves to Rick''s impressive disy. It was a surreal moment, one that left them feeling exposed and vulnerable. Rick''s gaze remained unwavering, unashamedly meeting the eyes of those around him. His confidence was palpable, as if daring anyone to question his audacity. "Anyone interested?" Rick''s voice cut through the tension like a knife, his offer hanging in the air like a taboo temptation. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for someone to break the silence. With a casual shrug, Rick added, "Don''t worry, I''m versatile. I can y both sides of the field." His gaze lingered on the female officer, a smirk ying at the corners of his lips. "Do you want it?" Rick''s crude disy sent a shiver down the spine of everyone in the room. The officer, clearly ufortable, averted her gaze, trying to shield herself from the lewd sight. "Disgusting¡­", the officer gazed away awfully. But Rick, he justughed like a madman, reveling in his own twisted sense of power. With a smirk, he casually retrieved his pants from the corner of the interrogation room and slipped them on, drawing all eyes to him like moths to a me. As he cinched his belt tight, Rick couldn''t resist a taunt. "Seriously, folks, never seen a stud like me before?" His chuckle filled the air, but the room remained eerily silent, each person unwilling to engage with his delusional bravado, "Come on guys, I''m feeling like a celebrity." Everyone diverted their gaze here and there to avoid him. Rick mmed on Linda''s hip, who was still lying on the interrogation table unconsciously.Rick''s brutal action sent shockwaves through the room, jolting everyone out of their stupor. Linday motionless on the interrogation table, a silent victim of Rick''s aggression. "Leave her, you bastard!" one of thedy officers spat out, her voice dripping with anger and frustration. Rick''s twisted smirk only widened as he approached, his gaze fixated on the officer who dared to challenge him. "Oh, darling, if only you''d arrived sooner to protect your friend. But s, you''re toote," he taunted, his wordsced with malice. Another officer couldn''t contain his fury, lunging forward to grab Rick''s cor. "Don''t you dare do that!" he growled, his voice thick with rage. Rick''sughter echoed through the room, chilling everyone to the bone. "Oh, I''m shaking in my boots. Please, forgive me," he mocked, his movements fluid as he danced around the room like a demented puppeteer pulling the strings of his victims. The officers stared at him helplessly clenching their teeth against each other in rage and disgust. ***** [A/N: If you are reading this, don''t forget to support my work] Chapter 173: MotherFcukers! Chapter - 173 As Rick made his way out of the interrogation room, his mind still reeling from the tense encounter, he identally collided with a man dressed in sharp ck suits. "Ouch..." Rick muttered, rubbing his shoulder as he tried to regain his bnce. He collided with a man. But Rick was quick to grab the man, preventing him from taking a tumble to the ground. Despite the pain throbbing through his body from the earlier altercation, Rick stood tall, his pride refusing to waver. With scars crisscrossing his body, oozing blood and dirt, Rick''s toughness was undeniable. He wore his battle wounds like badges of honor, each one a testament to his resilience. "Hope you''re not too banged up," Rick quipped, attempting to lighten the mood with a hint of bravado. "My college buddies used to joke that I''m made of rocks. Guess they weren''t wrong, huh?" He shed a crooked grin, determined to show his strength even in the face of adversity. Thewyer, unfazed by Rick''s attempt at humor, offered a reassuring nod. "I''m fine," he replied calmly, his demeanor unwavering in the midst of chaos. The man, a stranger to Rick, quickly identified himself. "I''m yourwyer," he stated matter-of-factly. "Miss Gloria has hired me to handle your case." "You can leave from here. I will see rest of the paper works,"Thewyer''s words were like music to Rick''s ears, a sweet melody he''d been longing to hear for days. With a grateful smile, he patted thewyer on the back, feeling a rush of relief flooding through him. "Wow, what incredible news! Thank you so much, buddy. I owe you big time," Rick eximed, his gratitude pouring out in waves as he embraced thewyer, a gesture of thanks mixed with a touch of genuine warmth, a side of him rarely seen. Turning to the officers in the room, Rick couldn''t resist a mischievous grin. "Hey, where''s our belovedmissioner hiding? Got some business to attend to," he teased, a yful glint in his eye. The officers shot him angry res, clearly not amused by Rick''s antics. Undeterred, Rick continued his yful banter, leaning casually against themissioner''s desk. "Well, well, looks like the big man''s not in. No worries, just let him know Rick sends his regards," he chuckled, making himselffortable in themissioner''s chair, crossing his legs with an air of nonchnt confidence. The atmosphere in the police station was tense, like a coiled spring ready to snap at any moment. Male and female officers alike red at Rick, their expressions etched with frustration and anger. Some clenched their fists, itching to unleash a world of hurt on him, but they knew their hands were tied. With grim resignation, they watched as Rick taunted them, his words dripping with mockery. He reveled in their powerlessness, relishing the moment as if it were some twisted victory. "Guess this is goodbye, my lovelyrades," Rick smirked, hisughter ringing out like nails on a chalkboard. "Can''t say it''s been a pleasure, but hey, you certainly know how to make a guy feel wee. Just remember, if I ever darken your doorstep again, it''ll be a bad day for all of you. No need for exnations, you''ve seen the show." Hisughter echoed through the room, a chilling sound that sent shivers down the spines of those present. With a final bang on the table, Rick rose to his feet, straightening his clothes with an air of superiority. And just like that, he strolled out of the police station, leaving a trail of chaos and frustration in his wake. The officers exchanged nces, their faces a mix of relief and lingering resentment. Outside, Rick walked out of the police station, and it was way past the midnight. As Rick watched Gloria and Qasim disappear into the night, a pang of regret gnawed at him. Despite his tough exterior, he couldn''t shake the feeling of gratitude towards Gloria for helping him escape the clutches of thew. But it was toote. She was gone, and all he could do was curse himself for not expressing his thanks sooner. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, Rick dialed Gloria''s number, hoping for a chance to convey his gratitude. But the phone rang unanswered, not once but twice. Frustration bubbled up inside him, but he knew he had to let it go. Gloria was already gone, and there was no way of reaching her now. With a heavy sigh, Rick scrolled through his call logs, searching for any sign of recent contact. His eyesnded on a familiar name: Olivia. Suddenly, memories of Emily flooded his mind, and he felt a surge of urgency to reach out. Dialing Olivia''s number frantically, Rick''s heart pounded in his chest as he waited for her to answer. When she picked up, her voice rushed out in a torrent of concern, bombarding him with questions about his well-being and safety. Rick couldn''t help but feel a flicker of warmth amidst the chaos, grateful for Olivia''s unwavering support in his darkest hour. "Are you okay? Where are you Rick and who were those boy? Is he alive? Are you fine? Is the inspectors torturing you?" She was hurriedly speaking, out of her concern for Rick. Rick''s mind was already a whirlwind of thoughts, and Olivia''s incessant questions only added to his confusion. "Hold on Olivia, I''m fine and will you stop over responding? Tell me how Emily is? Is she fine?" Rick attempted to cate her, his voice strained with the effort of keeping calm amidst the chaos. "Yeah, she''s alright, but..." Olivia hesitated, a weighty pause hanging in the air like a thick fog. "But what? You know you can tell me anything," Rick reassured her, his tone softening with genuine concern. Olivia was like family, and he needed to know everything about Emily. "Her body took a beating. She''s in the middle of a blood transfusion right now," Olivia finally disclosed, her words heavy with worry. Rick''s heart sank at the news of his childhood friend''s condition. The tension in the room seemed to double as he processed the gravity of the situation. "But she''s gonna pull through, right?" Rick asked, a note of desperation creeping into his voice. "Yeah, Rick, she''ll be okay. You can go see her tomorrow. For now, just try to get some rest," Olivia reassured him, her voice a soothing balm amidst the storm raging in Rick''s mind. As Olivia''s words sank in, Rick felt a small measure of relief wash over him. But beneath the surface, the tension still simmered, his thoughts a tangled web of worry and uncertainty. [ Quest:Now it has been dragged for long. Save Emily. And you can''t save her from something bought from the system. Time Duration: 15-Days (Time Emily has left) Quest Reward: 1 pair of Boots of Swift Travel; 1 Vial of Memory Upgrade Penalty: If you can''t even save your friend, Is there a point of any love in your life? Amanda will forget about you. ] ''What the fuck? Can''t even use the system?'' Rick was bbergasted to see the quest that had suddenly appeared in front of his eyes. ''And what''s with the penalty? Amanda will forget me? How can you be so cruel to me. Aren''t I your master you fucking parasite?'' "Rick?" Rick''s thoughts were interrupted when he heard Olivia from the other side of the phone. "Yeah... I am here... Don''t worry about Emily. Everything will be okay. Don''t worry." Rick consoled Olivia. "Umm...Olivia, please, don''t breathe a word of this to my old man," he murmured, his tone heavy with a weight she couldn''t quite decipher. "I know. You know you can count on me," Olivia replied, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves. "Thank you," and with a sigh, Rick ended the call, the thought of flirting with her feeling hollow and distant amidst the turmoil swirling in his mind. Deciding to seek sce in the simple joys of life, Rick made a detour to a nearby children''s park. As he entered, the sounds ofughter and y enveloped him like a warm embrace, momentarily easing the burden on his shoulders. Finding a quiet bench overlooking the bustling yground, Rick sank down, Rick whispered to himself, a wistful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I wish I could go back to those simpler times." ~~~~~ Meanwhile, in the dimly lit halls of the police station, a tense atmosphere hung heavy in the air, like the calm before a raging storm. Seated at their desks, the female police officers exchanged worried nces, their murmurs filling the otherwise quiet room. The unexpected turn of events from a few minutes ago had left them on edge, their minds racing with unanswered questions. Suddenly, the heavy wooden door creaked open, and themissioner strode in, his presencemanding attention. With a thud, he dropped his bag on the front desk before making his way over to the group of female officers. "Where are the guys? Off for a lunch break en masse?" Themissioner''s voice was calm, but there was a hint of curiosity in his tone as he surveyed the room. The officers exchanged nervous nces, their hearts pounding against their ribcages like trapped birds. They knew themissioner was unaware of the unfolding situation, and the thought of facing his wrath sent shivers down their spines. With a lump in her throat, one of the officers finally spoke up, her voice trembling slightly. "Um, sir, there''s been a... uh, development. We''re still sorting things out." Themissioner raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on each officer in turn. He could sense the tension in the air, the unease radiating from the women before him. But for now, he remained in the dark about the impending storm that threatened to engulf them all. "I asked where are they?" Themissioner''s voice boomed through the station, a thunderous warning that something had gone seriously wrong. The air crackled with tension as thedy officers exchanged worried nces, their gestures directing themissioner''s attention toward the interrogation room. With a sense of urgency, themissioner quickened his pace, his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat of dread. As he burst into the room, his worst fears were confirmed in a horrifying tableau. Linday sprawled on the table, stripped bare and unconscious, a vulnerable figure in the midst of a den of wolves. The male officers, supposed guardians of thew, surrounded her like predators, their eyes gleaming with sinister intent. All the male officers surrounding her , were staring at her and one of them was touching her private parts. They were enjoying themselves, taking advantage of the opportunity they got by chance. A sickening rage boiled within themissioner as he took in the scene before him. These men, entrusted with upholding justice, had be monsters, reveling in their abuse of power. "What the hell do you think you are doing, you sick bastards?" Themissioner''s voice cracked with fury, his words a thunderous, "You motherfuckers." ***** [A/N: Try my new story: A Tale Of Retribution: Will Make Everyone Beg For Forgiveness. It is a magic-fantasy story] Chapter 174: Angry Commissioner and Suspicious Qasim Chapter - 174 "Move away from her, you motherfuckers,"As themissioner stormed into the room, his presence was like a thunderp in a silent night. The male officers froze in disbelief, caught off guard by his unexpected arrival at such an ungodly hour. Without a word, themissioner swept aside the clutter on the table with a force that sent objects flying in all directions. His eyes fell upon Linda''s motionless form, stripped bare and unconscious, and a surge of anguish and rage coursed through him. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as he hastily covered her exposed body with whatever clothes he could find strewn across the floor. His anger burned like a wildfire, turning his vision red with fury. Seeing Linda lying naked and unconscious, his soul came out of his body for a second. His eyes were filled with tears and his anger turned it to red. He frantically wrapped her body with her clothes lying down on the ground. And turning his gaze towards that particr male officer, he yelled, "How dare you touch her? And whoid her in this condition? Who gave you the permission to touch her, you motherfuckers?" His words were punctuated by a swift kick that sent the officer sprawling to the ground, the force of the blow echoing through the room like a gunshot. In a fit of rage, themissioner seized his belt andshed out at the offenders, each strike fueled by righteous fury and a burning desire for justice. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife, suffocating the officers as they took involuntary steps backward, their fear palpable in the air. Their heads hung low, avoiding eye contact as if it could shield them from the storm brewing in themissioner''s wrathful gaze. Not a single word dared to escape their lips, silence their only defense. Then, like a thunderp, themissioner''s voice shattered the oppressive stillness, each curse word a bullet aimed straight at their trembling hearts. He grabbed one unfortunate officer by the cor, his grip vice-like, his eyes aze with fury. "Tell me motherfucker, who dared to do this to my girl?" Themissioner''s voice was a growl, dripping with venom, "Or I will have totear you all apart, limb by limb." ''But we didn''t even get tofuck her,'' The officers felt wronged whenthey heard themissioner curse them non-stop. But before they could protest, themissioner''s hand swung out, the crack of his palm against flesh echoing in the cramped room. The p reverberated through the air, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. As the officer recoiled from the blow, themissioner''s gaze swept the room, searching for his elusive target. "Where the hell did that bastard go?" His voice boomed, a thunderous roar that sent shivers down their spines, "Where is the boy?" The male officers, apanied by their female counterparts, stood frozen in ce by the door, their heads bowed in submission to the storm of rage swirling around them. Themissioner''s voice cut through the tension like a knife, slicing through the thick silence that hung in the room. His eyes zed with fury, scanning the faces of the officers before him, demanding answers. But the room remained eerily quiet, as if everyone had suddenly forgotten how to speak. Themissioner''s patience wore thin, his frustration boiling over like a pot left unattended on a stove. Linday motionless on the table, her unconscious form a stark reminder of the violence that had erupted moments earlier. Blood trickled from her wounds, staining the fabric of her clothes, a chilling tableau of pain and suffering. Despite the chaos unfolding around her, Linda seemed to find sce in the warmth provided by her clothes, a smallfort in the midst of turmoil. Themissioner''s gaze hardened as he grabbed hold of one of the officers, his grip like a vice around the man''s cor. His words were sharp, biting, as he demanded answers, his voice tinged with barely contained rage. "Speak up, damn it!"themissioner clenched his teeth, and baiting his tongue he questioned him. The officer''s voice quivered as he delivered the news, his whole body shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. "Sir... sir, you won''t believe it. The dame who got dragged into the station with that scumbag? She pulled some strings, hired herself a hotshotwyer, and we had no choice but to let him walk," he stammered, his words punctuated by nervous gulps, "And that boy is also the one responsible for Sergent''s... this state..." You could practically see the guy''s heart pounding in his chest, his breathsing in short, ragged bursts. It was like he was running a marathon without even moving. Themissioner''s face darkened with fury, his eyes shing like lightning in a storm. "You mean to tell me you let a rapist stroll out of here scot-free? Without even giving me a heads-up?" he thundered, his hand shooting out to deliver a resounding p across the officer''s cheek. The officer''s head snapped to the side from the force of the blow, the imprint of themissioner''s fingers burning like a brand on his cheek. Pain and shock mingled in his eyes, but he didn''t dare protest, "He raped ady police officer and you let him go?" The officer''s head titled to the opposite side. The p was so enormous that it left the imprints of themissioner''s fingers as a outline, on his face. Amidst the chaos and pain, one brave officer managed to find his voice. "But sir, we didn''t have any concrete evidence. The sergeant shut down the cameras before anything could be recorded," he exined, his words strained with frustration. Themissioner''s brow furrowed in disbelief. "But you found him alone with her, didn''t you?" he demanded, his voice tinged with anger. "Yeah, but it wasn''t enough," another officer interjected. "Hiswyer argued it could''ve been consensual. You know how it goes, everyone''s got their kinks." "Kinks?" Themissioner''s voice trembled with a mix of emotions¡ªanger, regret, resentment, frustration, and fear all swirling together in a turbulent storm. Who knew better than him about her kinks? "He''s the one who put Marnus Warner''s kid in the hospital! And what did we do? Let him walk?" Themissioner''s words hung heavy in the air, thick with shock and horror. "Now his father will fucking skin us. You bloody fool, how could you make such blunders? Who gave you the authority to release him, in my absence", saying this, themissioner grabbed the hunter that was in his sightand started beating every officers there irrespective of the gender. Themissioner was an evil monster. His dense moustaches were like a treacherous jungle, housing many lice. He always used to itch his beard and moustache, in an annoying manner. He even sometimes used tob his overhanging beard. He was barking like a dog, simr to his personality. Themissioner on the other hand was also angry at them for letting that shit happen with his girlfriend, Linda. The grudge against Rick which was now his personal, for he tortured his girlfriend; the frustration of helplessness and the fear of Marcus Warner. All his feelings blended together to addplexity to his rage. He shouted and yelled like a psychopath and continued to throw hunter on the officers, leaving them with scars and tears. Suddenly, there was a siren outside the police station and themissioner had to stop his hunter there. He ran outside the ce, vacating the interrogation room holding Linda in his hand. There was the ambnce. Heid her down on the ambnce''s stretcher. Directing the driver of the ambnce to the city hospital; themissioner signaled a warning gaze to the rest of the officers, who were standing behind, waiting for his departure. After the ambnce left for the hospital, the officers sighed a relief. They were waiting for the next earthquake going to hit them, after themissioneres back. ~~~~~ Gloria and Qasim cruised down the highway in their sleek Lamborghini, the engine purring beneath them like a contented feline. Qasim, with his signature lisp, had the rap tunes sting through the speakers, bobbing his head to the beat as he maneuvered the car with ease. Gloria''s gaze drifted beyond the speeding scenery, lost in abyrinth of her own thoughts. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions, her expression distant as she wrestled with unseen demons. Feeling the weight of Gloria''s silent turmoil, Qasim eased off the elerator, shifting in his seat to reach for her hand. He gently entwined his fingers with hers, his touch a silent reassurance amidst the storm raging within her. "What''s on your mind, darling?" Qasim inquired, turning her chin to meet his gaze, concern etched in his features. Gloria attempted a smile, but it faltered, a mere facade to mask the chaos brewing beneath the surface. "Estoy bien querido. Just lost in thought," she replied, her voice strained with the effort of maintainingposure. But Qasim wasn''t fooled. He could see through her facade, the tension radiating from her like a beacon in the night. His brow furrowed with worry, his instincts urging him to delve deeper into her troubled mind. "Who was that guy back there? You looked really shook up about him. Is there something you''re not telling me?" Qasim probed gently, his toneced with confusion and concern. Gloria hesitated, her gaze flickering away before meeting his once more. The truth hovered on the tip of her tongue, but she could not manage to say it. Gloria sat there, her mind racing as she tried toe up with a story that would satisfy Qasim''s prying eyes. For a moment, she was tongue-tied, the weight of his gaze bearing down on her like a spotlight. But then, with a forced smile, she began to spin her tale. "Well, you see, Rick... he''s just a part-time worker at the store. A verdadero amor, always lending a hand with my stuff," she said, carefully choosing her words to paint Rick in the best light possible. Qasim''s skeptical stare didn''t waver, though, and Gloria felt the pressure mounting. "Now what?" she asked, trying to sound nonchnt despite the panic bubbling beneath the surface. Qasim didn''t hold back, bombarding her with questions. "What was Rick doing at the police station? You said you got dragged in there because of someone else''s mistake. Was he that someone?" Discover hidden stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin Gloria''s frustration simmered as she struggled to maintain herposure. "Well, you see, it''s not exactly what you think," she began, her voice tight with tension. "Someone in Rick''s family was really sick. I went to the station to check on them." Qasim''s expression softened slightly at her exnation, but his doubts still lingered like a stubborn shadow. "That''s mighty kind of you," he conceded, his tone cautious. "But what happened thatnded you both in prison?" Gloria''s voice trembled as she recounted the chaotic scene in the ICU chamber. "Um, it fue loco. Seriously crazy. A bunch of guys barged in like they owned the ce, all riled up and ready for a brawl. They had some beef with Rick, I guess, and things escted real quick." She nced nervously at Qasim, hoping her exnation would be enough to ease the tension. "So, they started throwing punches, and Rick, well, he wasn''t about to back down. It was self-defense, you know? But, uh, things got messy. I don''t even know if those guys made it out alive." Qasim let out a sigh of relief, his grip on the steering wheel loosening slightly. "Thank the heavens you''re okay," he muttered, pressing down on the elerator as if eager to put some distance between them and the nightmare they''d just escaped. Gloria''s shoulders sagged with relief as she settled back into her seat. "So, where to now? This isn''t the way home, is it?" she asked, brow furrowing in confusion as she realized they were veering off course. Qasim shot her a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "It''s a surprise," he said cryptically, turning the car down a dimly lit alleyway that seemed to lead into the depths of the city. ***** Chapter 175: [Bonus Chapter] Richie Rich type of Rich Enjoy new stories from m-v l''e|-NovelBin Chapter -175 With the taste of victory still fresh on his lips, Rick stepped onto the main road, his stride filled with purpose and confidence. The adrenaline from his confrontation with Linda in the police station still coursed through his veins, fueling his determination. Despite the tattered state of his clothes, remnants of the hunter''s strikes, Rick couldn''t suppress his grin. His n was simple: hitch a ride and put some distance between himself and the chaos he''d left behind. Yet, as he extended his thumb hopefully, the empty road seemed to mock him. The early hour offered slim pickings in terms of passing taxis, and those that did pass seemed to speed up at the sight of his disheveled appearance. Rick''s frustration mounted with each passing minute. He kicked at a loose stone on the sidewalk, his mind racing with impatience. *Come on, someone''s gotta stop,* he thought, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in his bones. Just as Rick was about to give up hope, he spotted a yellow taxi approaching in the distance. Without hesitation, he stepped into the street, arm outstretched, willing the driver to notice him. The screech of tires filled the air as the taxi skidded to a halt, narrowly avoiding a collision with Rick. The driver''s face twisted into a mask of fury as he flung open the window, his tirade of curses filling the morning air. Rick held up his hands in a gesture of apology, but the driver''s anger showed no signs of abating. "What the hell do you think you''re doing?!" the driver bellowed, his face flushed with anger as he thrust his head out of the window, veins pulsing with fury. Rick''s heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "I need a ride," he dered, his voice steady despite the tremor of uncertainty rippling beneath the surface. "Are you trying to get yourself killed, you idiot?!" the driver shouted, his wordsced with venom. "Get out of the road before I run you over!" Rick took a step back, his heart racing with a mixture of fear and defiance. "Hey, I''m just trying to catch a ride," he said, trying to keep his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Look, I know I''m not exactly the picture of respectability right now," Rick conceded, his palms raised in a cating gesture. "But I''m in a bind, and I promise I''ll make it worth your while if you just give me a lift." The driver''s expression softened slightly, though the hostility lingered in his eyes. "Well, you''ve got a funny way of doing it, kid," he grumbled, reluctantly unlocking the taxi doors. "Get in before I change my mind." With a sense of relief flooding through him, Rick climbed into the backseat of the taxi, the tension of the encounter slowly dissipating. As the taxi pulled away from the curb, Rick couldn''t help but let out a breathlessugh. "Where to?" The driver looked at Rick through the Mirror and asked. "Takshashe," Rick replied as he gotfortable on the back seat. The driver''s eyebrows shot up in surprise as Rick uttered his destination. "The University?" he repeated, disbelief coloring his tone. "You sure about that, man? I ain''t one to judge, but..." Rick''s eyes remained closed, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "Yeah, the University. Just take me there, okay? I have my clothes there, and I need to grab them. Don''t worry. I will make it worth your while, I promise." The driver hesitated, concern etched on his face. "But..." "Come on man. Isn''t the customer god? Why are you questioning your god so much? Just drive..." Rick sounded annoyed, and this almost took the driver by surprise and he could not do anything but continue looking at Rick, ''What the Fuck did this hobo just say?'' ~~~~~ With his eyes closed, Rick finally decided to look at the system which he had been avoiding for a while now like some illegitimate bastard which the system was actually, but still it was his bastard and he needed to give it a look sometimes. And sure enough as Rick looked at the system with some intent this time, he saw a bunch of notifications ready to be read. Looking at the sheer number, Rick couldn''t help but admire himself for doing a good job. He opened the notifications and started going through them one by one. There was no big surprise for him there. It was all aboutpleting quests, rewards for the choices he made and of course that extra bit of Cash that he always gets after having some action. And that cash actually made him feel a bit like a gigolo to be honest. Not that he wasining or anything. But he did feel like that. Once he had thoroughly reviewed the notifications, he turned his attention to his personal information, something he hadn''t tended to in quite some time. [ Host''s Name: Rick Smith Age: 22 years (Expected: 106 years ; Limit: 125 years) Gender: Male Cultivation Level: Mortal (63%) System Level: 1 Experience (EXP): 10000/10000 (Lust System Update avable) Skills: --- Summons: 1 Sexual Encounters: 4 Harem: --- Quests in Progress: 4 ] With a triumphant grin splitting his face, Rick''s eyes roamed over the screen, relishing the sight of his achievement. "A century," he murmured, the words dripping with satisfaction. "Now that''s something worth boasting about." "Now it is no longer a dream... 100 years of being surrounded by women, 100 years of indulgence, 100 years of extravagance, and 100 years of boundless wealth to spend," Rick''s body quivered with excitement as he contemted the prospect of living a life filled with such opulence, free from any cares in the world. The thought of a century filled with opulence and pleasure sent shivers down Rick''s spine, igniting a fire of anticipation in his veins. "A hundred years of just... everything," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper. Tears of joy almostpricked at the corners of his eyes This was what he was hopeful about thest time he checked his system and finally he had achieved that milestone. But as Rick''s gaze shifted to another part of the screen, his excitement waned, reced by a hint of disappointment. "Hmm," he muttered, brows furrowing slightly at the modest number disyed under his sexual encounters. "Only four?" A pang of dissatisfaction gnawed at him, the realization sinking in that perhaps he hadn''t been enjoying himself to the fullest extent. "Seriously? Just a lousy 4? Nah, that ain''t gonna cut it." He knew he had to step up his game, raise the stakes. And what the hell was up with this so-called harem? He didn''t even have one chick, let alone Amanda. "Does Amanda not love me or what?" The question gnawed at him, like a pesky mosquito buzzing around his head. It seemed like there were more mysteries in this damn game than answers. But then, his attention shifted to the Ero Points. Rick figured he''d be rolling in dough by now, his score skyrocketing past the million mark. Yet, when he nced at the screen, disappointment washed over him like a cold shower. "777,320," he muttered, the number ring back at him mockingly. Sure, it was a decent chunk of change, but it didn''t quite match up to his expectations. Still, he couldn''t deny that it was a hell of a lot better than where he started. But there was nothing he coulddo about it now but work harder. Rick shook his head in amazement. "System give me a few quests you know, don''t be such a g," he mused. Still it was better than having nothing, and with that, Rick opened his inventory, which seemed to be growing every second yet, Rick was not using anything from it. It was aplete and utter waste of a thing. Rick''s eyes widened as he nced at his cash reserve, the sight of all that green sending a thrill through his veins. It was like a drug, intoxicating and irresistible. And this time, oh boy, he wasn''t disappointed. Before himy a jaw-dropping, mouth-watering sum of $3,282,500. He couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement coursing through him as he stared at the numbers on the screen. Just a while ago, he''d hit millionaire status, but now? Now his wealth had practically doubled. And let''s not forget about those 209 gold bars sitting pretty in his possession. That was another 14-15 million dors just waiting to be cashed in. "Freaking hell," he muttered under his breath, ''Fuck, I need to get my act together.'' Rick then looked at the other stuff in his inventory. There was 1. 1 vial of Exotic Aphrodisiac; 2. 1 Shadow step skill card; 3. 1 Master of Disguise skill card; 4. A Tent; 5. Mirrored Mirage Barrier; 6. 17 X Wooden Crates[ He picked them up from the chamber in the cave]; 7. 1 X Wooden crate[ He bought a wooden crate from the system and filled it full of treasures that were with the gold bars]; 8. 6-Needles (He bought them before entering Whispering Wends); 9. 7 X Talisman; 10. 1 Dagger; and a couple of odd things. That was actually from before. But it had new items there as well. And because of which, the inventory now had no space left. 1. 1 - face-pping card; 2. 10X Cash; 3. 10X Fortune Favours; 4. Aegis of Truth; 5. 1 - Vial of Harmony Honey "This isn''t going to happen," Rick shook his head, "I need to put these things to good use." ''Ding!'' [System Update!] Chapter 176: Tyler, it is him again Chapter - 176 ''Ding!'' [System Update!] Rick felt a buzz in his mind, a familiar sensation signaling the arrival of something significant.The notification red in Rick''s mind like a siren in the dead of night. He nced at the interface only he could see, the system alerting him of an impending update. Finally, after countless battles and endless quests, his experience points had hit the coveted 10,000 mark. His heart raced as he nced at the message blinking insistently on the interface of his mind''s eye. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of grinding, his experience points had hit the coveted 10,000 mark. "About time," Rick muttered under his breath, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursing through his veins. He''d been waiting for this moment, working tirelessly to level up and unlock new abilities within the system. [For the next 48 hours, you won''t be able to use any other function of the system other than the inventory. Do you wish to continue?] As the notification popped up, Rick''s racing heart which was racing with anticipation suddenly almost dropped dead. The update would require 48 hours toplete, during which time he could only rely on the system''s inventory? No shop? It was all he wanted? "Seriously?" Rick muttered incredulously, his mind spinning with uncertainties. He had grown ustomed to thefort of his system. Now, he was being forced to relinquish thatfort? Discover more content at m,v l''e-NovelBin [Yes, that''s the deal] The system chimed in, its voice echoing in Rick''s mind with an air of finality. [For the next 48 hours you will have to be all alone my master. Without me. Will you miss me?] With a deep breath, Rick looked at his inventory. Scanning through the array of options at his disposal, Rick actually felt that he had quite a lot of stuff in his hand tost 2 days. He can surelyst 2 days without the system? Right? "This better be worth it," Rick muttered, his voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. But deep down, he knew there was no turning back now. He hade too far to let this opportunity slip through his fingers. [Oh it will be. So are you ready?] [Yes] [No] And with that, Rick went ahead and chose the [Yes] option. [System Update Initiated. For the next 48 hours, you won''t be able to ess many of the system functions] [But don''t worry. I love you master! So here''s a small token of love from my side. Love you loser Master...] And with that, suddenly in the blink of an eye, something pink and dotted materialized in Zack''sp, sending shockwaves through the taxi. The driver, who had been sneakily eyeing Rick, nearly lost control, swerving the vehicle dangerously close to the neighboring car. "What the hell was that?" The driver''s voice cracked with a mix of fear and confusion as he shot a wide-eyed nce at Rick. "Where the hell did thate from?" He gestured towards the mysterious object now resting in Rick''sp, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as if bracing for another unexpected event. Rick''s expression remained unreadable as he examined the peculiar garments that had seemingly dropped out of thin air. A loose-fitting pink shirt adorned with tiny polka dots, paired with matching baggy trousers. Thebination was... unique, to say the least. The driver couldn''t contain a chuckle, his initial terror giving way to amusement. "You some kind of fashion-forward grandma or what?" He quipped, hisughter easing the tension in the air. "Damn, man, you got some seriously weird taste." Looking at the clothes,he totally forgot to freak out. Rick''s outburst ripped through the air like a thunderp, a sudden explosion of rage. "Shut up.... Fucking shut up... You Fucking Prick of a bastard, SHUT UP!" His voice boomed, echoing off the walls of the cramped space. Every syble dripped with anger,ced with a bitterness that seemed to seep into the very air around them. The driver, caught off guard by Rick''s sudden eruption, recoiled in surprise, hisughter fading into nervous silence. He shifted ufortably in his seat, unsure of how to react to this sudden storm of fury. Rick''s fists clenched and unclenched at his sides, the muscles in his jaw tight with tension. His face burned with indignation, flushed red with the heat of his anger. It was clear that he was seething, but the target of his rage remained a mystery. Was it the system, once again betraying him with its cruel tricks? Or was it the driver, theannoying driver,ughing right at his face ~~~~~ The taxi screeched to a halt in front of the university''s main entrance, the sound echoing through the bustling campus. As the door swung open, Rick emerged with an air of effortless cool, sporting shades and rocking a bold ensemble of pink polka dot baggy clothes. Despite his initial anger, Rick had reached a point where he had nothing left to lose, and he was going to make damn sure everyone knew it. Striding confidently across the campus, Rick made a silent vow to seize every opportunity that came his way, whether it was good or bad. After all, as the saying goes, any publicity is good publicity, right? And sure enough, Girls were looking at him, with all the eagerness in their eyes. Rick couldn''t but smirk as he saw one of the girls staring at him in a flirty way. It did give him a hard on, but Rick was on the mission, to find Megan, his homeroom teacher. Rick''s senses were on high alert as he navigated the familiar college grounds, a sense of urgency propelling him forward like a man on a mission. With painstaking precision, Rickbed through every nook and cranny of the campus, his determination unwavering. The crowded cafeteria was his first stop, a bustling hub of activity filled with chattering students and the aroma of food wafting through the air. Amidst the sea of faces lost in conversation, Rick''s gaze was sharp, darting from one table to the next, searching for a glimpse of Megan. The rhythmic cadence of his footsteps echoed through the hallways as he moved from building to building, his purposeful stridemanding attention. Each step seemed to punctuate the tension in the air, a palpable urgency that set him apart from the casual passersby. As he scanned ssrooms andmon areas, Rick''s focus remained unwavering, his determination burning like a me in the darkness. Every nce was calcted, sometimes distracted, but he relentlessly pursued his quarry through thebyrinthine corridors of the college campus. His quest led him to the library, where the hushed whispers of diligent students filled the air. Rick''s eyes darting from one upied study table to another, searching for a familiar face. Rick even adjusted his gaze at the book racks and each girl with long hairs, taking books in her hand. He stared at them in a flirty way to hide his curiosity and purpose. The college garden, witnessed Rick''s persistent search. He observed students engaged in some "serious discussions" under the shades of ancient trees. But Megan was still nowhere to be seen. Rick cursed silently as he navigated through thebyrinth of his thoughts. Each twist and turn in this quest seemed to lead him further into a maze ofplexity. "Where the hell is this Megan hiding?" he muttered under his breath, frustration boiling just beneath the surface. Suddenly, his train of thought collided with a flesh-and-blood obstacle, and Rick stumbled forward, knocking into a girl who appeared out of nowhere. "Oops, my bad," he muttered, rubbing his forehead where it had met hers with unintentional force. The girl, a whirlwind of papers and books, quickly bent down to retrieve her scattered belongings, her movements frantic with haste. "No, no, let me help," Rick insisted, crouching down beside her and scooping up the stray documents before she could protest. "It''s fine, really. I''ve got it," she replied, her voice rushed and breathless as she attempted to gather her things. But Rick persisted, handing her the items he''d gathered with a gentle insistence. As he looked into her eyes, a spark of recognition flickered in his mind, a glimmer of hope that she might be the elusive Megan he''d been searching for. The girl shifted ufortably under his gaze, her unease palpable in the air between them. "Can I... can I go now?" she asked, her voice tinged with nervousness as she reached out for her belongings. Rick hesitated for a moment, still holding onto her documents as if unwilling to let her slip away. His desperation hung heavy in the air, a silent plea for answers hidden behind his searching eyes. With a final nce, Rick reluctantly released his grip on her belongings, watching as she hurried away, leaving him alone once more in his quest for truth. "Hello, I Said can I go?", the girl raised her eyebrows and frown on her face. "Oh yeah." Rick left it. The girl immediately disappeared from his sight. Rick wanted to follow the girl, but... With a sinking feeling in his chest, Rick''sst hope rested on the lecture hall. He quickened his pace, determination fueling his steps as he made a beeline for the ssroom. Entering the lecture hall, Rick''s eyes swept over the rows of empty seats, disappointment gnawing at him as Megan''s absence loomedrge. But he wasn''t ready to give up just yet. He decided to wait a little longer, clinging to the hope that she might still show up. Minutes ticked by like hours, each second stretching into eternity as Rick wrestled with his impatience. Just as he was about to throw in the towel, a figure appeared in the doorway. The girl''s entrance was like a breath of fresh air in the stagnant room, her presencemanding attention as she greeted the professor with a polite smile. Rick''s curiosity piqued as she handed a slip of paper to the professor. His heart skipped a beat as the professor called out a name, "Tyler," the sound echoing through the silent room like a thunderp. "It''s him again." ***** Chapter 177: Empty the inventory Chapter - 177 The girl sauntered into the room like a breeze blowing through a stuffy attic, her mere presence stirring the air and drawing every eye in the room. Even Rick, usually unfazed, couldn''t help but feel a pang of curiosity as she approached the professor with a polite smile, a slip of paper sped delicately in her hand. As she handed the paper over, Rick''s interest piqued, like a detective catching wind of a new lead in a cold case. His heart skipped a beat when the professor''s voice boomed out a single name, "Tyler," the sybles hanging in the air like a heavy fog. Tyler. The name reverberated in Rick''s mind, stirring up memories he''d rather forget. He''d crossed paths with Tyler before, and it hadn''t ended well. "It''s him again," Rick muttered under his breath, a knot of tension tightening in his gut as he watched the scene unfold. The professor''s expression shifted, a mixture of resignation and annoyance shing across her features as she addressed Tyler. It was clear that she did not really like the brightest star of her ss being called out so suddenly. Still, she could not do nothing against Megan. Rick saw his chance and seized it, slipping out of his seat and trailing after Tyler like a shadow in the night. As Rick tailed Tyler and the girl across the bustling college campus, he made sure to keep a safe distance, ducking behind corners and blending in with the crowd. He knew this ce like the back of his hand, having prowled its corridors before. Navigating through the throngs of students, Rick couldn''t help but feel a pang of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. The pirs, the pathways, it was all too familiar. Memories flooded back as he trailed behind Tyler, his senses sharp, his mind racing with anticipation. Finally, they reached the section of the campus that housed the enigmatic room. Rick''s heart quickened as heid eyes on the imposing gates once again. It was like stepping back in time, the same gate, the same mystery waiting beyond. As Tyler and the girl approached the guarded door, Rick cursed under his breath. "Damn useless guard girls. They are always standing here," he thought, frustration simmering beneath the surface. How was he supposed to slip past them and uncover the secrets hidden within? Rick crouched low, his back pressed against the cold stone pir, barely daring to breathe as he watched the scene unfold before him. The main doorway loomed like a portal to another world, shrouded in mystery and secrecy. The two girls stood sentinel, their gazes scanning the surroundings with unwavering focus. They seemed oblivious to Rick''s presence, their attention consumed by something deeper, something hidden. With each step Tyler took towards the door, Rick felt a twinge of anticipation ripple through him. There was something about the exchange of nces between the girls, a flicker of recognition in their eyes, that set his senses on edge. What secrets did they share? And what role did Tyler y in all of this? [ 1. Time is running faster, get some gadgets to faint these girls. 2. Talk to them, divert them and faint them. ] Rick curious to know about the mysterious room and mysterious things happening behind the ssroom raised much more with time. With a sense of purpose, Rick essed the system and acquired items to faintthe guards. The system blinked in front of his eyes, and he had an option to choose from many items. Rick chose some napkins, spray and anesthetic solution from the items present in the system. Rick got them in a very less dors. Equipped with his newfound tools, he approached the guards, skillfully diverting their attention. The guards stared at them, while he walked towards them in an exciting manner. "What are you doing here? Don''t you know this ce is not for students? It''s a restricted area of the campus. Leave.", the woman guards said him with a cold gaze. "Prettydies, I am here for a walk. This building of college has always been mysterious and unrevealing. Can I know what''s this building famous for, to keep us distant?", Rick asked them, throwing tremendous questions. The guards exchanged a knowing look, their expressions unyielding. One of them, a cocky grin on her face, shot back, "Why don''t you take your stroll somewhere else before we decide to call in some backup?" Rick''s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He knew he couldn''t keep up the charade for much longer. Without missing a beat, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small crystal and raised it towards the girls. But just as he did so, the girls backed away and got battle ready to fight. With a nonchnt shrug, Rick addressed the two women, his tone as smooth as silk sliding over ice. "Hey there,dies, don''t get your knickers in a twist. It''s just a little trinket for a couple of beauties like yourselves." The girls exchanged uncertain nces before turning their attention to the glimmering object in Rick''s hand. Indeed, it was a dazzling crystal, catching the light with a mesmerizing sparkle. "But if you don''t like it, then what use is this rock?"Rick''s voice dripped with casual indifference as he casually let the crystal slip from his fingers. It plummeted towards the ground, a moment of suspended anticipation hanging in the air. The girls moved instinctively to catch the falling stone, but they were too slow. With a sickening crash, the crystal shattered upon impact, releasing a swirling crimson mist that billowed outwards like an ominous fog. As the mist enveloped them, the girls recoiled in sudden difort, their faces twisted in confusion and rm. A chorus of sneezes erupted from their throats, the sound echoing through the once-quiet hallway like a warning bell. One by one, the girls slumped to the ground, unconscious and defenseless, their bodies no match for the mysterious power of the mist. Rick watched with a triumphant grin, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins as he surveyed his handiwork. "This Mirrored Mirage Barrier actually works," Rick grinned, "Now they will be lostin their own wondend." "Looks like it''s time to uncover the secrets of this little gem," he mused to himself, a wicked chuckle escaping his lips as he prepared to delve deeper into the mystery thaty before him. ~~~~~ Thedy guards crumpled like marites with their strings cut, their bodies hitting the ground with a sickening thud. A pungent odor filled the air, seeping into the room like a toxic fog. The girls choked on the acrid scent, their senses dulled and their muscles betraying them as they sumbed to its effects. Everything around them blurred into a hazy nightmare, shadows dancing in the periphery of their vision. Desperation wed at them as they tried to scream for help, to alert anyone within earshot of the danger lurking outside. But their voices were feeble whispers, drowned out by the suffocating grip of the solution. Limbs turned to jelly, bnce forsaken, their minds a swirling vortex of confusion and fear. Each blink felt like an eternity, eyelids heavy as lead, struggling against the weight of unconsciousness threatening to engulf them. With a final burst of adrenaline, they stumbled towards the door, their bodies betraying them with every step. And then, like puppets with their strings cut, they copsed onto the unforgiving ground, their chests heaving with the effort to breathe in a world spinning out of control. Rick''s ingenious n had worked like a charm. With a satisfied smirk, he nced back at the two unconscious guards slumped outside the sealed gates, proof of his sess. They were out cold, thanks to his makeshift anesthesia. He leaned in closer to the door, his eyes narrowing as he tried to peer through the keyhole. Squinting and contorting his face into a determined expression, he strained to make out the scene inside. But it was all a blur, like trying to watch TV through a thick fog. "Damn it!" Rick muttered under his breath, frustration bubbling up inside him. He tapped his foot impatiently, his mind racing for a solution. If only he could get a clearer view of what was happening on the other side. Then, like a lightbulb flickering on in a dark room, an idea struck him. "Maybe the system can help," he mused aloud, the words barely escaping his lips before the holographic interface blinked into existence before him. But as he tried to ess it, he cursed inwardly. "Useless right now," he grumbled, realizing it wasn''t going to be of any help in this situation. Like a desperado eyeing thest bullet in his gun, Rick turned his attention back to his inventory. And there it was, gleaming like a beacon of hope amidst the chaos: the Shadow Skill step. It had been gathering dust, untouched, but now seemed like the perfect time to unleash its potential. The System update was something that has helped him empty is inventory. So without wasting any time he grabbed the Shadow Skill card. * * * * * [A/N: Read my new Magical story: A Tale Of Retribution: Will Make Everyone Beg For Forgiveness] Chapter 178: What is Megan upto? [1] Chapter - 178 [Shadow Skill Card] [The Shadow Skill card as its name suggests, embodies the essence of stealth and cunning, allowing the bearer to move undetected through shadows and darkness. The card once used intertwines shadows, with a dark hue that seems to absorb light, hiding the user.] [The primary ability of the Shadow Skill card is to grant the bearer temporary invisibility, rendering them unseen by both human and non-human entities. When activated, the card envelops the user in a cloak of shadows, effectively camouging them within their surroundings. This allows the user to bypass obstacles, evade enemies, and gather valuable information without raising suspicion.] [In addition to invisibility, the Shadow Skill card enhances the User''s agility and stealth, enabling them to move silently and swiftly through any environment. Whether traversing crowded streets or sneaking through enemy territory, the bearer can glide effortlessly, leaving no trace of their presence behind.] [While the Shadow Skill card primarily focuses on stealth and evasion, it also heightens the User''s senses, particrly their perception of light and darkness. This heightened awareness enables the bearer to anticipate potential threats, detect hidden dangers, and navigate through dimly lit areas with ease.] [The invisibility granted by the Shadow Skill card isa nifty little trick up your sleeve in the world of gaming. It''s like slipping on Harry Potter''s invisibility cloak, but with a timer ticking away your precious minutes of stealth. Once you activate it, you''re like a ghost, slipping through the cracks, unseen by all. But here''s the catch: that invisibility ain''t gonnast forever. Nope, it''s got an expiration date of fifteen minutes, and after that, poof! You''re back to being as visible as a neon sign in Times Square.] [If you wish to pause the shadow skill, you only need to tell us. And when you wish to be visible again, the system is at your disposal let the system know.] [Before fifteen minutes, make every second count, you can use it to it''s full limitation, because once that fifteen-minute mark hits, it''s like the clock striking midnight at Cindere''s ball,you need to run to save yourself.] Rick''s heart raced with excitement as heid eyes on the information about the Shadow Skill card. It was like hitting the jackpot after a long streak of bad luck. Finally, something in his inventory that wasn''t just collecting dust. Without a moment''s hesitation, he crushed the card in his hand, unleashing a swirling ck mist that danced around him like a dark serpent. It was both exhrating and unnerving to watch as the mist enveloped him, melding with his form until he was one with its shadowy embrace. With a newfound sense of confidence, Rick decided to put his newfound power to the test. With each step, the mist swirled and shifted beneath his feet, cloaking him in an otherworldly shroud of invisibility. As he approached the ssroom door, Rick felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins. The anticipation was palpable as he silently turned the handle and slipped into the room, the mist swirling around him like a protective barrier against the unknown. With each cautious step, Rick navigated through the dimly lit room, his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat. As Rick stepped further into the room, his senses were assaulted by a whirlwind of sights and sounds, like stumbling into an alternate reality. What he expected to be a ndestine meeting or some covert operation turned out to be something entirely unexpected. The room stretched out before him, vast and cavernous, filled to the brim with an eclectic array of objects and activity. It was like stepping into a fever dream, where the rules of reality seemed to bend and twist at every turn. Rows upon rows of desks lined the space, facing a raised tform where a lectern stood proudly, overshadowed by a massive projection screen. The air buzzed with the low hum of conversation, a cacophony of voices blending together in a strange symphony. As Rick''s eyes scanned the room, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of disorientation wash over him. This wasn''t just any lecture theatre; it was a veritable hive of activity, alive with the energy of a thousand secrets waiting to be unraveled. "What in the world is going on here?" Rick muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the din. His mind raced with questions, each more baffling than thest. Why was the room so crowded? What were all these people doing here? As he took in the scene before him, Rick noticed something peculiar. The walls that once divided the space into separate ssrooms had been torn down, creating an expansive canvas for whatever madness was unfolding within. It was as if the very fabric of reality had been stretched to its limits, revealing a world beyond imagination. Rick''s senses prickled with unease as he sensed an eerie atmosphere settling over the room. Something was definitely off, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was stumbling into the middle of something he shouldn''t be. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the unexpected sight before him. Female lecturers, faces he recognized from his time at the university, huddled together in secretive conversation, theirughter tinged with mischief. Girls bustled about with trays in hand, their movements purposeful yet elusive. But it was Megan who drew Rick''s attention like a ma. There she was, amidst the whirlwind of activity, her presencemanding and enigmatic. Rick couldn''t help but wonder, "What is she doing?" His mind buzzed with questions, each one vying for attention as he tried to piece together the puzzle before him. What could possibly be going on in this dimly lit room? And why was Megan at the center of it all? As Rick''s gaze fell upon Megan seated at her desk, a sense of foreboding washed over him. She was surrounded by a small entourage of girls, their heads bent in concentration as they scribbled furiously under Megan''s watchful gaze. The desk itself was a cluttered tableau of mysterious objects, their significance lost in the shadows. Rick''s curiosity burned like a me in the darkness, urging him to step closer, to unravel the secrets hidden within this ndestine gathering. But something held him back, a primal instinct warning him of the dangers that lurked beneath the surface. In contrast, Megan''s posse of girls shot smirks at the boys like they were nothing but fodder for the ughter. They ruled this room, their eyes gleaming with a predatory gleam as if they were queens and the guys mere ves awaiting their fate. It was enough to send shivers down the spines of even the toughest dudes. Amidst this power y, Megan herself sat with an unreadable expression, her thoughts a mystery to everyone else. Whatever schemes were brewing behind those cool eyes, one thing was crystal clear: it spelled trouble for the nerdy boys in the room. On her orders and directions, the girls were prepared fully, they headed towards the boys one by one and stuck thosebelled papers on their shirts front pocket. Rick''s brow furrowed in confusion, a whirlwind of concern and curiosity swirling within him. He couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off, that these kids were up to no good, far beyond the realm of ordinary mischief. "This doesn''t sit right with me," Rick muttered to himself, his thoughts a jumble as the cloak shimmered with a faint red glow, hinting at the cloak''s hidden power. "What''s taking these clowns so long? I don''t have all day," Rick grumbled impatiently, a hint of amusement coloring his frustration. Waiting was never his strong suit, especially when time was ticking away like sand in an hourss. Rick''s curiosity piqued as he watched Megan orchestrating what seemed like a peculiar selection process. With a keen eye, she arranged the boys in a row, each positioned ording to their looks and demeanor. It was like she was handpicking a team of heartthrobs, guys who were already campus legends with their charisma and swagger. Discover more content at m,v l''e-NovelBin The chosen ones, a motley crew of tall, skinny nerds from the college, stood awkwardly in line, their difort palpable. They were the cream of the crop, the top pedigree of the college, yet here they were, looking like deer caught in headlights. Rick couldn''t help but chuckle to himself as he surveyed the scene. "Is Megan seriously picking one of these guys to tie the knot with? And what''s with all the nerdyCasanovas in the lineup?" he mused, amused by the sight of the usually smooth operators looking like lost puppies. But his amusement quickly turned to concern as he noticed another row forming beside the boys''. Girls. Standing there with a mix of nervousness and anticipation, they mirrored the boys'' unease, adding an unexpected twist to the whole affair. "Is Megan ying matchmaker now?" he mused, scanning the lineup with amusement, "Or is it some sort of sex racket?" ****** [A/N: 300,000 words milestone crossed] Chapter 179: Megan, the Queen [1] Chapter - 179 Rick slipped into the ssroom like a ghost, his movements as silent as a whisper. He hugged the darkness like a second skin, his senses sharp, every nerve tingling with anticipation. His eyes, trained by years of cautious observation, scanned the room with the precision of a hawk on the hunt. As he took in the scene before him, Rick''s breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. What he saw sent a jolt of electricity down his spine, igniting a fire of curiosity within him. Among the motley crew gathered in the shadows, Rick spotted a surprising sight: his college professors, all female, their presence casting a mysterious aura over the room. But that wasn''t all. Mixed in with them were girls from every corner of campus, a diverse array of faces from freshmen to seasoned seniors. And to add anotheryer of intrigue, Rick recognized a few familiar faces from his own ss, their presence only deepening the enigma. With each passing moment, the tension in the air grew thicker, suffocating Rick like a heavy nket. His mind raced with questions, each more urgent than thest. But it was the boys in the room who caught Rick''s attention the most. They stood huddled together, their expressions a mixture of fear and apprehension. Rick''s eyes scanned their faces, noting the fear etched into their features, especially Tyler, the most brainiac of the bunch, who looked like he had seen a ghost. But it wasn''t just the boys that grabbed Rick''s attention. No, it was Megan, their homeroom teacher, who seemed to hold some mysterious sway over the situation. There was something off about her demeanor, a subtle undercurrent of urgency that set Rick''s instincts on edge. Rick watched with growing curiosity as Megan leaned in to whisper something to a couple of girls standing nearby. The girls nodded in silent agreement before springing into action, passing out slips of paper to each of the boys with a sense of urgency that couldn''t be ignored. Rick leaned in, trying to catch a glimpse of the mysterious messages, but they were shielded from his view. The tension in the room crackled like electricity as the boys received their instructions, their faces a tableau of confusion and dread. Rick couldn''t shake the feeling that something big was about to go down, and whatever it was, he had a front-row seat to the chaos. Once the distribution wasplete, Megan rose from her seat, the room seemed to hold its breath, every eye glued to her figure. She moved with a smoothness that made Rick''s heart skip a beat, her curves weaving a hypnotic spell, her hips swayed seductively as she made her way towards the group of trembling boys quivering like leaves in a storm. A smirk danced on her lips, a silent promise of something wicked brewing in her mind. Rick couldn''t tear his gaze away, his curiosity piqued by Megan''s calcted movements. What game was she ying, and what secrets did those slips of paper hold? He knew he had to unravel the mystery, no matter the cost. Megan''s presence was electric,manding the attention of everyone in the room. It was as if she held the strings, orchestrating a symphony of fear and desire. Rick could feel the tension crackling in the air, thick and palpable, wrapping around them like a suffocating nket. Standing before the trembling boys, Megan exuded a raw power that sent shivers down Rick''s spine. Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light, daring them to defy hermand. With a subtle gesture, Megan beckoned the boys forward, her movements dripping with authority. Rick''s heart hammered in his chest as he waited, the anticipation building to a fever pitch. Megan''s voice sliced through the air like a knife,manding attention and respect from every corner of the room. Rick felt a chill creep down his spine as her words dripped with a menacing undertone, sending a shiver down his spine that he couldn''t shake off. "Gentlemen," she began, her voice low and powerful, each syble carrying the weight of authority. "Today, we''re gonna y a little game. A game where I call the shots, and you follow orders. Got it?" The boys exchanged nervous nces, their eyes wide with apprehension. Rick''s heart pounded in his chest like a jackhammer as he hung on Megan''s every word, unable to tear his gaze away from her piercing stare. Megan''s smirk widened into a predatory grin as she watched the boys squirm under her gaze, relishing in the fear that radiated off them like heat from a furnace. "Don''t be shy, boys," she taunted, her voice dripping with malice. "Come on over and let''s have some fun." But the boys remained rooted to the spot, paralyzed by terror and uncertainty. "Fine, if you all are going to y it hard, I might have to take things in my own hand,"Megan''s smirk stretched across her face like a twisted grin from the depths of hell, radiating dominance like a queen of darkness. Her words dripped with venom, each syble a sharp de slicing through the tension that hung heavy in the air. Rick could practically taste the fear swirling around him, thick and suffocating.He could feel the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end as she asserted her control over the room. "I will call out a number, and whoever it is better step forward. And trust me, you don''t want to see what happens if you don''t." With a deliberate stride, Megan made her way to a nearby table, her hand grazing ominously against its surface. Rick strained to see whaty on the table, but he could not. But he knew one thing, whatevery on that table couldn''t be anything good. In a split-second sh of movement, Megan''s hand shot out like a bolt of lightning, snatching up a sleek ck leather hunter from the nearby table. With the fluid grace of a seasoned warrior, she swung the hunter through the air, the crack echoing like a gunshot in the tense atmosphere of the ssroom, causing every boy''s spine to stiffen with dread. The boys, already teetering on the edge of their nerves, visibly flinched at the sharp sound, their faces twisting in a cocktail of fear and anticipation. Even Rick, usually cool as a cucumber, felt his heart thundering against his ribs as he braced himself for the impending storm. "I HOPE I AM CLEAR ENOUGH," Megan''s voice cut through the tense silence like a knife. Her gaze swept over the assembled boys, her eyes glinting with a dangerous edge.She could see the fear etched on the faces of the boys, their eyes darting around nervously as they waited for her next move. Megan''s gaze swept over the room. The ssroom fell silent, every pair of eyes turning to each other in silent spection. Then, with a calcted move, Megan called out a number: "10." A hushed silence fell over the room as every pair of eyes turned to one another, trying to decipher who among them bore the fateful number. One boy, his body tense with apprehension, seemed to shrink into himself, his gaze fixed on the floor. Megan''s demand for the boy with number 10 to step forward was met with deafening silence. Rick watched as the boys hesitated, none willing to be the one to face Megan''s wrath. As the seconds stretched on, Megan''s irritation simmered, her fingers tightening around the pointer, knuckles white with tension. The defiance in the air was thick enough to slice with a knife, and Megan''s patience wore thin like paper in a storm. A flicker of irritation danced across Megan''s features, a storm brewing behind her eyes as she clenched her jaw, a primal instinct urging her to assert dominance. With a sudden, savage movement, she brought the hunter crashing down onto the floor once more, the resounding crack splitting the silence like thunder. The shockwave rippled through the room, a tangible force that sent the boys recoiling instinctively, their fear painted across their faces like a canvas of terror. But one figure remained rooted to the spot, his trembling form a stark contrast to the others. It was the boy who had been looking down, his shoulders hunched as if trying to disappear into himself. Megan''s smirk returned with renewed vigor as she locked eyes with the trembling boy. "So it is you," she purred, her tone dripping with amusement. "Come to mama, baby." "You handsome baby,e and sit here," Megan''s voice cut through the air like a whip,manding and demanding obedience. The boy hesitated, his heart pounding in his chest like a drumbeat of dread. Slowly, he approached her, each step feeling like a march towards his own demise. "You, the girl over there," Meanwhile, another teacher, a sinister figure lurking in the shadows, with a ss of vodka in hand, she sat there, a queen on her throne, surveying her subjects with a predatory gaze, called out to a girl who was moving around with a tray in her hand. Continue reading on m|v-l''e -NovelBin Sitting there, vulnerable and exposed, the boy closed his eyes, hoping against hope that this nightmare would end soon. "Now, my dear," Megan purred, turning her attention to the girl, her voice dripping with amusement, "How will you entertain me today?" ***** Chapter 180: Megan, the Queen [2] Chapter - 180 The boy sat there, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest, as the girl approached him with a sly grin ying on her lips. She moved with a grace that made his breath catch in his throat, her curves drawing his eyes like a ma. Megan, on the other hand, came with her wless curves, twisting her thin waist, with a flick of her wrist, she blindfolded him with a ck strap, plunging him into darkness. His senses heightened, every sound, every breath, sending shivers down his spine. Megan turned to another girl, mischief dancing in her eyes, and instructed her to choose from the array of propsid out on the table. The tension in the air crackled like electricity as the girl''s hand hovered over the objects, finally settling on a pair of scissors. "Oh, interesting choice", Megan chuckled, gazing at one of the teachers present there, "Now entertain me." And then she turned towards the boy. "Come on, darling," she purred, her voice dripping with honeyed cruelty, "Your mistress has chosen your fate. But fear not, soon you''ll be soaring on clouds of ecstasy." The girl took the scissors and moved closer to the boy, his skin prickling with anticipation and fear. As she began to cut away his shirt, his body squirmed involuntarily, the fabric falling away to reveal his nakedness. Exposed and vulnerable, he felt the cold metal of the scissors against his bare chest, tracing circles around his nipples with a menacing edge. Each movement sent a jolt of anticipation coursing through him, his breathing in ragged gasps The boy''s body quivered like a leaf caught in a storm, every muscle tensed with fear and anticipation. He felt helpless, trapped in a nightmare he couldn''t wake up from. Megan approached him with unsteady steps, a bottle of whiskey clutched in her trembling hand. She leaned in and pressed her lips against his, a sickening sweetness tainted by the stench of alcohol. "You tastes so sweet boy. But girl, it''s not fun anymore. Try something better or else you will have to exchange the seat, with this boy torturing you. Do you want this?" Megan raised her eyebrows, bncing herself from slipping down the ground. The girl''s eyes widened with terror, her voice barely a whisper as she shook her head frantically. "N-no, ma''am." With a cruel smile, Megan nodded, giving the girl permission to unleash her torment. The sound of her hand connecting with flesh echoed through the room, each p sending shockwaves of pain through the boy''s body. Tears streamed down his cheeks from beneath the blindfold, his silent cries lost in the darkness. "Hit him hard, punch him, break his teeth,"The air crackled with anticipation as the teachers egged her on, their voices a twisted chorus of encouragement. "Give it to him! Break him down!" they cried, their words dripping with malice. With a grim determination, the girl clenched her fists, her knuckles white with tension. She knew what was expected of her, what she had to do to prove herself. And with a savage roar, she unleashed her fury upon the boy, each blow fueled by the collective rage of the onlookers. The sound of flesh meeting flesh reverberated through the room as her punchesnded with brutal precision, each strike driving deeper into his flesh. The boy''s cries of pain only seemed to spur her on, her assault relentless and unyielding. And then, with a final blow, she stepped back, her chest heaving with exertion. The boyy crumpled on the ground, blood trickling from split lips and bruised skin. "Hmm, I''m done with this boy. Now, it''s turn fornumber 2. Come and have your seat.", Megan read out the second one''s name. The secondbel was of Tyler. Tyler, characterized by his lean , thin and slender built, dedicated himself tirelessly to his studies. He was driven by a sense of responsibility towards his family, for which he aimed to secure a job swiftly, aspiring to provide adequate financial support to his family members.Hismitment to academic pursuits reflected a deep-rooted determination to his studies. But his face looked pale, reflecting some uneasiness in his eyes, his hands were trembling in fear. He was frighten, and moving in a zig zag manner.His nervous gesture clearly revealed the fact that Megan was indulged in some hical activity. Rick gazed at Tyler confusing, thinking what was going to happen with him. Tyler took his seat on the hot seat. Megan chose a girl for him. Under Megan''s directive, the girl walked with a pleasant smile on her face, stealing nces at Tyler. Tyler looked at her with a begging eyes, to leave him and let go off him. But the girl just passed a beautiful smile at him. "Good going girl. I''m proud of you.", Megan spoke loudly , chilling with another shot of vodka. Tyler''s mind struggled with fear, and heart pounded seeing at Megan. Megan asked the girl to chose a prop for him, but the girl stood still gazing at Tyler. Tyler was shivering. He motioned his head signaling her to stop. "Oops, Tyler don''t try to scare her by your gestures. Darling it''s of no use. She can''t betray me. Am I right, beautiful?" Megan asked the girl only to receive a nod from her with a crocked smile on her face. "Tell me Miss, from where should I start?", the girl said rotating the hunter she grabbed from the tableover his body from top to bottom.Tyler shivered with his skin raised up in goosebumps. "Ha ha, I told you professor, this girl is the younger version of Megan. That''s why I chose her from the ssroom. She is just perfect, look at her. Come on girl!", One teacherughed, chuckled enjoying theplete scenario, along with the other professors. Rick saw everything silently in a confused state. He was unable to understand what was actually giving her so much fun. With a primal scream, the girl hurled the hunter at Tyler, the metal nging against his body like a death knell. Tyler''s cry of pain echoed off the walls, but it only seemed to fuel her relentless assault. She advanced on him like a predator closing in on its prey, her eyes aze with a fiery determination. Gripping the hunter tightly in her hands, she swung it with all her might, each blownding with bone-crushing force. Tyler''s pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears as she rained down blow after merciless blow, each strike sending shockwaves of agony through his body. There was no room forpassion in her heart, only the burning desire for revenge. And as Tyler crumpled to the ground, broken and defeated, the girl stood over him victorious, her chest heaving with exertion. The ssroom fell silent, the air heavy with the weight of her triumph. After a while, the girl dropped the hunter to the ground, she looked exhausted. "Well, well, looks like someone''s already running out of steam," Megan taunted, her voice dripping with disdain. "I don''t have time for weaklings who fold like cheapwn chairs. Time to give you a boost." With a wicked grin, without warning, Megan grabbed the hunter and hurled the hunter towards the girl, the impact sending a shockwave of pain through her shoulder. A sharp cry tore from the girl''s lips, echoing through the room. Rick watched in disbelief as Megan, the very person who had been cheering on the girl moments ago, now subjected her to such brutality. It was like watching a switch flip from encouragement to cruelty in the blink of an eye. "Take it!" Megan''s voice sliced through the air like a whip, her grip on the girl''s cheeks cruel and unyielding. "And don''t stop until I''m satisfied, or you''ll face the consequences." Rick''s stomach churned as he witnessed the sheer dominance Megan exerted over the girl, her authority absolute and unquestioned. It was chilling to see just how dangerous she truly was. As Megan gave the nod, the girl grabbed the hunter and hurled it at Tyler with all her might. You could see the strain on her face, the trembling of her tired hands, but there was also a sick pleasure twinkling in her eyes as she unleashed her torment on one of the sharpest guys in the whole damn college. Tyler''s scream sliced through the air like a knife, cutting through the tension of the moment. The girl paused, almost savoring the sound of his agony, relishing in the power she held over him. "Damn, girl, you''re really getting into this," Megan taunted with a twisted smirk. "I gotta hand it to you, I''m loving your style. Some might call me evil for not giving a damn about your pain, but you know what? I couldn''t care less. Ha ha!" Megan exuded a chilling aura of cruelty, like she was born to inflict suffering. Herughter rang out like a sinister melody, sending shivers down everyone''s spine. There was no warmth in her, no hint of empathy or remorse. She was a portrait of indifference, leaving those around her to grapple with the unsettling realization that they were dealing with someone truly devoid of feeling. Tyler''s eyes zed with fury as he red at Megan, his whole body tense with anger and fear. "You wanna eat me, huh?" Megan''s response was unexpected, to say the least. She pressed her lips against his, a twisted dance of passion and pain. Her tongue darted and twirled inside his mouth like a serpent, a sickening contrast to the agony pulsing through Tyler''s veins. It was like a cruel joke, a fleeting moment of pleasure amidst a sea of torment. Breaking away, Megan shoved him to the ground with a vicious kick, a wicked smirk ying on her lips. She beckoned another girl over, a silent aplice in this twisted game of torture. Handing the girl a block of burning wax, Megan''s instructions were clear. She wanted Tyler to suffer, to scream until his voice gave out. The girl wasted no time, pouring the scalding wax over Tyler''s hands, shoulders, and legs with merciless precision. The pain was excruciating, searing through his flesh like fire consuming dry timber. Tyler''s screams echoed off the walls, a symphony of agony that filled the room like a haunting melody. It was torture in its purest form Rick was watching theplete scenario enjoying and confusingly. Megan was enjoying the pain Tyler suffered. She was celebrating herself, filling up her stomach with wines and vodkas with some pieces of chips. "Oh my God! Thisdy is a monster behind her pretty face. She enjoys the boys suffering from pain. She loved torturing them. But why the hell, anyone could celebrate themselves, hurting others? And why she targets only boys?", Rick''s mind was running with thousands of questions. Rick was getting mad at weird things happening inside. He was shocked and confused at each step taken by Megan. All the props were used one by one on different boys as per theirbels. Just then Rick heard some buzz inside his head, it was actually a reminder, he had less than a minute left. The ck mist around him had started to die down. It was time fir him to leave. With a surge of panic, Rick bolted towards the door, his heart pounding so loud he was sure Megan could hear it. Every second felt like an eternity as he fumbled with the doorknob, his fingers slipping against the metal in his haste. Finally, with a desperate twist, he flung the door open, the hinges creaking in protest. ********** Chapter 181: What is Megan upto? [2] Chapter - 181 Megan hurried to the door, her heart racing like a thoroughbred at the starting gate, just now her gaze fell upon the closing door and what seemed like a figure dashing out. Who the hell can manage to sneak in? But other than her, the other professors lounged about, seemingly oblivious to the urgency gripping her. Her faithful posse of girls trailed behind her like loyal shadows, ready to follow her lead without question. Stepping out into the corridor, Megan''s eyes widened in shock at the sight that greeted her. The two girls who were supposed to guard the entrance to the ssroom were sprawled unconscious on the floor, their limp bodies a stark contrast to the chaos that surrounded them. Rage ignited within her, a fiery inferno that zed in her gaze as she surveyed the scene. Her fists clenched at her sides, knuckles turning white with the force of her anger. "What the hell happened here?" she seethed, her voiceced with venom as she struggled to contain the storm raging within her. With a swift kick, she vented her frustration on one of the fallen girls, her foot connecting with a resounding thud. "Can''t trust these bastards for a second," she muttered through gritted teeth, her words dripping with contempt. The girl groaned in pain, stirring slightly at the impact of Megan''s blow. But Megan showed no mercy, her fury unchecked as she delivered another swift kick to the fallen figure. "Get up, you useless piece of trash!" she spat, her voice rising to a crescendo of rage. The corridor echoed with the sound of her fury as she paced back and forth, her mind racing with possibilities and implications. Someone was here. The realization only fueled Megan''s rage, her every instinct screaming for retribution. Scanning the deserted corridors, Megan searched for any sign of a lingering presence, her senses on high alert for any hint of danger lurking in the shadows. Every shadow seemed to conceal a potential threat, every corner a potential ambush. Her fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms with a fierce intensity. "Where are you, you sneaky little rats?" she muttered under her breath, her voice a low growl of frustration and rage. But the silence of the corridor was deafening, and it only infuriated her even more. Megan''s anger boiled over, her control slipping with each passing moment. She reached down and grabbed a handful of the girl''s hair, yanking her roughly to her feet with a savage growl. "You think you can mess with me and get away with it?" Megan snarled, her grip tightening on the girl''s hair as she red at the girl her eyes with a ferocity that would send shivers down anyone''s spine. But Megan showed no mercy, her grip unyielding as she dragged the unconscious girl towards the nearest wall with a forceful shove and smashed her head into the wall. Megan released her grip on the girl''s hair, throwing her on the ground, "Get her out of my sight," Megan growled, her voice cold and unforgiving. Megan''s eyes narrowed into slits of determination as she turned to a group of girls, her voice low andmanding. "Find out who did this," she ordered, her tone brooking no disobedience. With a swift nod, the girls hurried off, disappearing from there. Megan also turned and entered the ssroom. Minutes stretched into eternity as Megan waited, her nerves wound tight like a coiled spring. The tension in the air was palpable, each passing second amplifying the urgency of the situation. Finally, the girls returned, their faces pale. "Who was it?" Megan asked, her eyes piercing through the girls. But the girls looked hesitant, "We don''t know." One of them managed to speak in a whisper. Megan''s frown deepened into a scowl of pure rage as she processed the information. Without a word, she snatched up a ck stick from the nearby table, her movements swift and purposeful. With a ferocious intensity, she stormed towards the figure of "Tyler," her every step a thunderous echo of her fury. As Megan approached, the room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of her wrath bearing down on Tyler like a ton of bricks. Tyler, his eyes wide with fear, backed away instinctively, his attempts to evade Megan''s gaze futile against the force of her rage. "Tyler, you sorry excuse for a student!" Megan''s voice boomed through the room, dripping with venomous contempt. "You think you can get away with this? Huh? You think you can mess with me and get off scot-free?" Tyler''s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, his words failing him in the face of Megan''s furious tirade. He stumbled backward, his back hitting the wall with a thud as Megan closed in on him, her eyes aze with unbridled fury. He had no idea what he had done. "You little weasel! You think you''re so clever, don''t you?" Megan spat, her wordsced with venom. "But let me tell you something, Tyler. You''re nothing but a pathetic coward hiding behind your books and your grades." With each word, Megan''s voice rose in pitch, her anger boiling over like a pot ready to burst. She swung the ck stick in her hand with savage force, the air whistling as it cut through the space between them. Tyler flinched, his arms raised in a feeble attempt to shield himself from Megan''s onught. "P-please, Ms. Megan, I-I didn''t mean to..." "Shut up!" Megan roared, her voice reverberating off the walls. "I don''t want to hear your pathetic excuses, Tyler. You think I''m stupid? You think I don''t know what you''ve been up to?" With a swift motion, Meganshed out, the ck stick connecting with Tyler''s shoulder with a resounding crack. Tyler cried out in pain, his body recoiling from the impact as Megan continued her relentless assault. "You think I don''t know about the cheating, the lies, the deception?" Megan''s voice was a dangerous whisper, her eyes narrowing into slits of pure malice. "You think I''m blind? Well, guess what, Tyler? I see everything. And I won''t rest until you''re exposed for the fraud you are!" Tyler whimpered, his resolve crumbling under the weight of Megan''s fury. He tried to cower against the chair, his breathsing in shallow gasps as Megan loomed over him like a vengeful deity. "You''re finished, Tyler. Finished!" Megan''s voice was a thunderous roar, her rage reaching its boiling point. She raised the ck stick high above her head, and hit Tyler across his face that sent him tumbling on the ground, his cheeks bleeding. All this while Tyler had no idea what nonsense Megan was spewing and most likely, neither did Megan. ~~~~~ Rick moved like a ghost through thebyrinthine corridors, his senses sharp and alert. The bustling hallways were a maze of activity, students darting to and fro like ants in search of sustenance. Rick blended seamlessly into the throng, his movements fluid and purposeful as he navigated the chaos with ease. Only when he reached the rtive safety of the cafeteria did he allow himself a moment of respite. The cacophony of voices washed over him like aforting wave, providing a brief reprieve from the turmoil of the outside world. Rick breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders sagging with the weight of his exertions. Approaching the counter with practiced ease, Rick greeted the cafeteria staff with a friendly smile. "Hey there, what''s good today?" he asked, his tone casual as he perused the menu board. The cafeteria worker, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile, rattled off the day''s specials with practiced efficiency. Rick nodded along, his stomach growling in anticipation of a satisfying meal. He ced his order with a sense of satisfaction, knowing that soon he would be replenished and ready to face whatever challengesy ahead. As he waited for his order, Rick''s mind raced with possibilities and contingencies. He knew he had to stay one step ahead, to remain vignt in the face of looming threats. With each passing moment, he plotted his next move, his resolve unyielding in the face of adversity. The cafeteria buzzed with activity, studentsing and going in a steady stream. Rick watched them with a keen eye, noting the familiar faces and asional whispers of gossip that floated through the air. Staying in a crowded ce was a good thing for now. He might manage to ward of the suspicioning his way, and even if that might not happen, it was always safe in the crowd. "Fucking hell," Rick muttered under his breath, the weight of his predicament pressing down on him like a heavy burden. "I shouldn''t have set the System for upgrade." The decision to upgrade the system, while seemingly innocuous at the time, had unwittingly thrown him into the path of Megan''s wrath. ''Megan, that monster won''t leave me.'' Read new adventures at m_v-l''e|-NovelBin As Rick''s order arrived, he offered a polite thank-you to the cafeteria staff, shing them a smile that belied the turmoil churning inside him. He took a seat at a nearby table. ''But why isn''t the system not notifying me of thepletion of Quest?'' ***** Chapter 182: Megan, the Queen [3] Chapter - 182 In the lecture hall, an eerie silence hung heavy, broken only by the asional cough or shuffle of papers. Megan''s frustration was palpable as she sat in her chair, her face a canvas of pent-up anger. With a sharp thud, her hand collided with the desk, a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil. The tension in the room crackled like electricity, drawing the attention of everyone present. Professors and students alike turned their gaze towards Megan, their curiosity piqued by the sudden disruption. Whispers fluttered through the air like startled birds as they watched her, their eyes tracing her every movement. Megan''s voice, though low, cut through the silence like a knife, "Can''t you see what''s at stake here? We entrusted them with the safety of this ssroom, and they let us down!" Her words reverberated in the hushed hall, carrying the weight of disappointment and frustration. The other professors exchanged concerned nces, recognizing the depth of the situation.The usual strongest, bold and evil Megan seemed to unravel before their eyes. Whispers of confusion, swirled through the room as students exchanged puzzled looks, trying to make sense of the drama, which took an unexpected twist. In the tense atmosphere of the room, Megan''s frustration cut through the silence like a jagged de. Her words, dripping with venomous anger, echoed off the walls, demanding attention. The air hung heavy with uncertainty as the professors scrambled to defuse the situation, their attempts at cation falling on deaf ears. But Megan was beyond reason, her emotions a whirlwind of fury and betrayal. With each word, her voice rose, a crescendo of indignation that threatened to engulf the entire room. Her voice raised with a mixture of anger and frustration as she recounted the moments. "Damn it! What these guards were doing? Useless shitty girls, they let some assholes waltz in and screw everything up! Who the hell was to chose them for the security?", Megan showed her red eyes, turning towards the professors, with heat of query burning inside her. "Miss Megan, it was me but trust me those girls were stronger aspared to anyone else. Whoever the guy was, he must be a pro level yer.", one of the professor said, trying to divert her attention from destroying him into pieces for making a wrong selection. Megan''s rage burned like a wildfire, consuming everything in its path as she red daggers at Tyler, who sat before her, a mere shell of his former self, naked and trembling. The room was heavy with tension, suffocating in its silence broken only by Megan''s furious words. "Who the hell was that bastard?" she spat, her voice a venomous snarl. "I''ll tear him apart, limb by limb!" Tyler, drained and defeated, slumped in his chair, his body a battleground of bruises and scars. Every movement was agony, every breath a struggle. He could barely muster the strength to lift his head, let alone defend himself against Megan''s usations. His skin, once smooth and unblemished, now bore the marks of a savage encounter, the purplish-red hues of bruises mingling with the angry scars of battle. Each fold of flesh told a story of pain and suffering, a testament to the brutality he had endured. And as Megan''s tirade continued, Tyler listened in silence, the weight of her hatred pressing down on him like a leaden nket. He wanted to plead his innocence, to beg for forgiveness, but his voice was lost in the sea of agony that engulfed him. In that moment, all he could do was endure, his spirit broken, his body battered, his innocence lost to the cruel whims of fate. "Tell me you motherfucker, I''m asking it again and again. I swear this is thest time I''m asking you to confess the truth, else trust me you will have to sit here all your life begging for me to kill you. But you know me. I hold a grudge for a long time." With a swift motion, Megan''s hand cracked across Tyler''s face, the sound echoing through the room like a gunshot. Tyler''s head snapped to the side, his cheek burning with the imprint of her palm. But Tyler remained silent, his spirit broken and his will shattered. He didn''t even flinch as Megan unleashed her fury upon him. Megan ripped Tyler''s hands apart, leaving him defenseless and vulnerable. With a swift kick to the chest, she sent him crashing to the ground, his body crumpling like a puppet with its strings cut. "I don''t have time to interrogate this fool. I know he would never ept his deeds. It''spletely waste of my energy and time. Hang him here only, no need to free him. Let''s find some other clue.", Megan yelled like a mad dog. The professors and students cowered under her wrath, shrinking back like scared mice in the presence of a hungry cat. Megan''s rage was palpable, a storm brewing in the pit of her stomach, threatening to unleash chaos upon them all. "And you lot," she barked, turning her fury towards the other girls, "Get off your asses and check those damn cameras. I want every inch of this ce under surveince, clear as crystal." But just as the girls began to scurry away like frightened rabbits, Megan''s voice cut through the chaos once more. "No wait! I''ll have the look at the camera personally. You all go and search for any clue in the corridors, ssrooms, library, garden and every where around this campus. No corners should be left. And remember, anyone who ever tried to act smart, will be killed with no parts of body left as an evidence.Now leave!", Megan yelled at them in rage. The students getting the heat of he situation and afraid of her anger, left the lecture hall immediately without any further dy. They rushed to the corridors to find if someone was hiding there, in the ssroom if someone was suspected, in the canteen of someone was enjoying his meal anxiously. While Megan angrily looked at the professors. "You better handle this punk properly. He won''t even get a sip of water until he spills his guts. Got it?" Megan''s voice crackled with intensity as she issued hermand, her gaze piercing through the air andnding squarely on Tyler, sprawled out unconscious on the floor. "But Miss Megan, that''s... that''s extreme," one of the professors interjected, his voice tinged with concern. Megan whipped around, her fury unchecked. "I don''t give a damn about niceties! None of you are my concern. You follow my orders, or you can exchange ces with this bastard. I will be more than happy to do it." With those words hanging in the air like a thunderp, Megan turned on her heel, her figure swathed in the elegance of her skirt. Each curve of her back seemed to writhe with determination, a testament to her unwavering resolve. The fabric of her shirt cascaded over her smooth, glistening skin, entuating every contour of her form. It was as if shemanded the very air around her, a force to be reckoned with. Megan left the lecture hall, shutting the door behind angrily. The sound echoed the entire ssroom, leaving Goosebumps over the skin of the professors. ~~~~~ Megan strode into the security room with the confidence of a queen entering her court. The guards'' eyes practically popped out of their sockets at the sight of her, their jaws hanging open like rusty gates. But as soon as Megan spoke, their eagerness melted into confusion. "I need to check the CCTV footage of the new building," Megan dered, her voice cutting through the air like a whip crack. The guards exchanged uneasy nces, shifting ufortably in their seats. One of them, a burly fellow with a bushy mustache, cleared his throat nervously. "Sorry, Miss. But we cannot do that. We need the dean''s permission for that." Megan''s patience, already thin as a strand of spider silk, snapped like a twig in a hurricane. Her anger, simmering just beneath the surface, bubbled over like a pot left unattended. "Listen up," she growled, her tone as icy as a winter storm. "I don''t take no for an answer. Now, either you let me see those cameras, or you''ll be exining to the dean why you let a little thing like protocol get in the way of my business." "Do you want your resignation from the job? Don''t you know I can do anything? ", Saying this, Megan trapped his cor and pushed him against the wall squeezing his head against it. "Miss, but¡­.", the guard still tried to deny her. "I think you want more of it.", saying this Megan took out her phone and dialed dean''s number. The call was received and Dean was on the other side. "Hey, Dean. Yeah, there''s a bit of a situation here," Megan replied, her mind racing as she formted her n. Muting the call, Megan turned to face the security guard with a calcted innocence that sent shivers down their spine. "Excuse me, sir," she began, her voice trembling just slightly for effect. "I need your help. This security guard," she gestured toward the bewildered figure, "he''s been... uh, harassing me. Sexually." The guard''s eyes widened in shock as Megan spun her tale, her words dripping with a deceptive sweetness that belied the venom beneath. She yed the part of the innocent victim wlessly, a wicked smile dancing on her lips as she watched the guard''s reaction. The other guards nearby exchanged nervous nces, unsure how to react to the sudden usation. The air crackled with tension as Megan''s words hung in the air like a guillotine de, poised toe crashing down. "Please, Miss Megan, I swear it''s not what you think," the guard stammered, his voice tinged with desperation as he dropped to his knees before her. "I have a family to support, kids to feed. I was just following orders, I swear. Please, don''t ruin me." Megan''s smile widened at the guard''s pleading, relishing the power she held in that moment. But behind her facade of innocence. Megan cut the call, saying, " Then you better know your ce. A nobody dares to refuse me?" Megan had shed away any pretense of acting nice. Saying this, Megan pushed him away and opened the footage of the CCTV. Since, there was no cameras installed in the old building of the campus, where Megan was performing those shitty piece of actions. She decided to check the footage from the new building, hoping to find any clue if someone was from the college campus itself. Megan scrolled the cursor, for the next ten seconds and reyed the footage again and again , in order to avoid any missed out clue. In the footage, Megan saw Tyler was heading towards the old building. And after an interval of few seconds, she could see Rick also following behind. But he did not really got her attention as there were quite a few. But since there was no cameras in the old building, she got no hint of assurance. Only an air of doubt and confusion hung, heating up the atmosphere as she continued to look through different cameras. And by the end of thest camera that was there leading to the old building, she had brought down the possible suspects to three guys. "Who are these all? Are they nning something? How did they slip out of my hands? Uhh .. Damn it.", Megan clenched her teeth, taking out her phone she rung one of her students. "I want you to find out about three boys. I will send you their photos," Megan sounded a bit angrywith a cold staring eyes at the screen consistently. And with that she ended the call, took photos of the possible suspects and sent it to the girl she was on the phone with. After she was done, Megan left the security room, pping the guards, to vacate her rage from inside her. The guards were startled and exchanged their gazes with each other, confusingly. ****** Chapter 183: Megan caught Rick? Chapter - 183 Rick rushed to take the cab to leave for his apartment , to avoid being seen by Megan. Paying the cab driver in cash, Rick rode the lift to his t, of the multi storied apartment building. However, upon opening the gate to his t, annoyance spread across his face as he confronted the unhygienic condition of the room, left behind. But when he swung open the gate to his t, his annoyance bubbled up like a pot boiling over. The room greeted him with chaos, as if a tornado had torn through it, leaving nothing but destruction in its wake. Clothesy strewn about like fallen soldiers on a battlefield, the bed buried beneath a mountain of fabric. With a frustrated growl, Rick set to work, his hands moving with practiced efficiency as he gathered up the rebellious garments. With each piece tossed onto the sofa, the poor thing groaned in protest, bearing the weight of Rick''s frustration. Finally, with the room somewhat resembling its former state of order, Rick copsed onto the bed. The soft mattress weed him like an old friend, cradling him in itsforting embrace. As he sank into its plush depths, the exhaustion of the day washed over him, calming his frayed nerves and soothing his troubled mind. In the eerie stillness of the room, Rick felt the weight of the day bearing down on him like a ton of bricks. His mind was a chaotic mess, swirling with thoughts and emotions he couldn''t begin to untangle. In that moment, he longed for someone, anyone, to just be there for him, to offer a shred offort in the darkness. And then, as if summoned by his deepest desires, there it was ¨C his familiar, hispanion in this strange world. The air seemed to shimmer and shift, and suddenly, before him stood the rabbit. Its pure white fur glowing softly in the dim light of the room. Rick couldn''t help but feel a sense of relief wash over him at the sight of his faithfulpanion. The rabbit exuded a calmness, a serenity that seemed to seep into Rick''s weary soul like a balm. He reached out and gently stroked its soft fur, the simple act bringing him a moment of sce in the midst of chaos. "Ah, you are still alive," Rick whispered to the rabbit. "You have no idea what sort of day I had today. That shit... Who would have thought that beautiful woman would have such a brutal side to her," Rick uttered tiredly. Rick chuckled softly, meeting the gaze of the rabbit, "It''s aplicated story. I followed this guy and you won''t believe what I saw." And with that, Rick began to borate, recounting the minute details of what he witnessed in the lecture hall. He described the peculiar actions of Megan, the students, and the professors, delving into the unusual BDSM and torture of the boys. And no matter however much Rick had seen in the past month or more, he still could not help but shiver at the sight of Tyler''s torture. After all, he was always the one giving it to the others. "Well, I will handle her yfully, because like deserves like. I won''t let her dominate me," Rick dered to the summon, a determined glint in his eyes. As he rxed on his bed, he continued, "I just hope the system gets updated by then and provide some help. I need a proper n to navigate this mess and stay one step ahead of whatever Megan''s up to." Rick''s confidence blended with a hint of hope, signaling his readiness to confront the challenges thaty ahead. "I think I need a break, maybe two or three days, to let things settle on their own.", Rickcontinued, taking a deep yawn. "The whole Megan situation, the strange activities in the lecture hall, it''s overwhelming. I need time to clear my head and see if the system updates and is of some use," Rick said further in tiredness. He covered his legs with the nket, getting himself ready for a nap. Seeing Rick was calm and consoled, the summon decided to take its departure. Its departure was apanied by a gentle, reassuring nod, a bond oftrust they shared among them. ~~~~~ Megan''s frustration echoed through the college staffroom as she mmed her hand on the desk, her impatience was justified. "Where the hell is this guy?" she eximed, her anger heightening. A girl stood before her, rying the information that Rick had been consistently absent fortwo days. After delivering the information, as the girl left, Megan''s eyes burned with the fire of anger. On the third day of Rick''s mysterious absence, Megan was unable to contain her frustration and impatience. Out of her impatience, she called the girl who had delivered the initial information about Rick''s absence. With a tone that revealed both urgency and frustration. Megan instructed her, "Find Rick, wherever he is. Bring him in front of me." Her words carried a blend of hatred for him, as if she was prepared to engulf him. The girl nodded getting the job. She has been going to Rick''s ss every day to bring him, only to return empty handed. Tasked againwith delivering Megan''s message, she made her way to the ssroom to find Rick. To her surprise, there he was, seated at the back of the ssroom,ughing and joking as if nothing has happened. And this made the girl doubt if he was actually the guy. Still, she decided to get it over with. As the girl approached, she couldn''t help but notice the contrast between the urgency of Megan''s message and Rick''s seemingly carefree demeanor. Rick chilled like he was not at all bothered about Megan. On the other side, Megan''s impatience had heightened to a point where she was practically yearning to confront Rick. His prolonged absence had fueled her frustration, and the urgency to have a face-to-face conversation with him was bing unbearable. Meanwhile, Rick and Ray were busy chit chatting, suddenly an unexpected interruption startled them. The girl abruptly mmed her hand on Rick''s table, causing both Rick and Ray to react with a surprise, "Whoa, what''s happening!" Their attention snapped to the girl who barged in like a tornado, her no-nonsense tone slicing through the air like a knife. "Rick, Miss Megan wants you in the Dean''s office, right now." Rick''s eyebrows furrowed in surprise, his mind racing to catch up with the unexpected turn of events. "Miss Megan? What the hell does she want?" he muttered, trying to act as if he was thinking. Ray, ever the joker, couldn''t resist poking fun at the situation. "Ooh, Rick, my man, got yourself a secret admirer, huh? Didn''t know you were such a heartbreaker," he teased, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. Rolling his eyes, Rick tried to brush off Ray''s antics. "Yeah, right. It''s probably just some boring meeting about ss or assignments. Nothing scandalous," he replied, but in reality he actually had the idea what was going on. But didn''t want to show it on his face. "Or maybe she''s organizing a secret fan club just for you. ''The Rick Appreciation Society.'' You''re the president, obviously.", Rayughed. With a mischievous twinkle in his eye, Ray raised the stakes, his voice dripping with mock seriousness. "Hey, Rick, what if Megan''s secretly started a fan club just for you? ''The Rick Appreciation Society.'' And guess who''s the undisputed president? You, my friend." Rick''sughter rumbled like distant thunder, a deep, rich sound that filled the room with warmth. "Oh, you bet! My stunningly beautiful body must be driving her wild. I mean, who could resist this perfection?" His tone was yful, yet there was a hint of genuine amusement in his voice. Ray leaned in, his grin widening as he continued his yful taunting. "Seriously, though, Rick. With those mesmerizing muscles of yours, Megan might be falling head over heels for you. You could be in for quite the surprise." The girl watched Rick with wide eyes, her mind racing with disbelief and curiosity. How could he stay so damn cool in the face of Megan''s suspicions? It was like he had nerves of steel or something. Her jaw practically hit the floor as Rick turned those calm eyes on her. "Seriously, why are you still hanging around,dy? I''ve got ces to be. Rx," he said, his voice dripping with that effortless confidence that made her want to scream. Rick''s words hit her like a p in the face, leaving her reeling. How could he be so s¨¦ about this whole thing? Didn''t he understand the gravity of Megan''s summons? The girl, taken aback by Rick''sunexpected reaction, hesitated for a moment before nodding and moving away, leaving Rick and Ray to exchange a nce. Rick''s casual behavior, added the girl in confusion about his involvement in the case, while she took her exit. Rick, with a confident nod to Ray, signaled his departure for the Dean''s office. "I''ll catch you soon, buddy," he assured with a smirk, leaving Ray with a sense of intrigue and a partingugh. ~~~~~ The girl led the way, her heels clicking against the tiled floor like a ticking time bomb, with Rick hot on her heels. They reached the Dean''s office, and she swung the door open with a dramatic flourish, revealing Megan lounging inside like a queen on her throne, all decked out in a red velvet dress that hugged her curves in all the right ces. Megan''s smile was like something out of a noir film, all sultry and dangerous, as she waved the girl away with a flick of her perfectly manicured nails. The girl didn''t need to be told twice; she practically bolted out of there, leaving Rick and Megan alone in the lion''s den. As soon as the door clicked shut, Rick''s gaze zeroed in on Megan''s cleavage, spilling out of her dress like a tantalizing invitation. He was caught off guard by the sight, his eyes locked on those mounds of temptation like they held the secrets of the universe. Try as he might, he couldn''t tear his gaze away, mesmerized by the way they practically glowed under the office lights, begging to be touched. It was like everything else in the room faded into the background, leaving only Rick and Megan and those luscious, gravity-defying orbs. They were like mas, pulling him in with an irresistible force, promising pleasures beyond his wildest dreams. And in that moment, Rick knew he was utterly andpletely doomed. Megan''s voice sliced through the tension like a knife, sharp and urgent, "Can you hear me?" She waved her hand in front of his face, trying to yank him back from whatever distant ce his mind had wandered. Rick''s gaze lingered on Megan, but it wasn''t her words that snapped him out of his trance. It was the sway of her hips, the tantalizing hint of cleavage peeking from her top that held his attention captive. Megan, undeterred, snapped her fingers in front of his eyes, a sharp sound cutting through the air like a gunshot. Rick blinked, suddenly present, as if waking from a dream. With a shake of his head, Rick forced himself back to reality, stering a charming smile on his face. But behind the facade, a mischievous spark danced in his eyes, like a fire waiting to be unleashed. Whatever distraction had pulled him away before, it seemed to pale inparison to the allure of Megan''s presence. ***** Chapter 184: Flirting or Interrogation? Chapter - 184 Rick was absolutely mesmerized by Megan, like he''d been struck by a bolt of lightning. She sauntered in, owning the room with every step, and he couldn''t tear his gaze away. Her outfit? Pure dynamite! It screamed mour louder than a rock concert, designed to make jaws drop and hearts skip beats. The fabric hugged her curves in all the right ces, sparkling like a disco ball under the lights. It was as if the dress had a mind of its own, putting on a show that rivaled Broadway. And Megan? She was the star of the show, shining brighter than the Vegas strip. With every sway of her hips, the dress came alive, painting the room in a kaleidoscope of colors. Rick felt like he was seeing the world through rose-colored sses, everything else fading into the background as he drank in her beauty. And that dress? It was like a work of art, each stitch a stroke of genius, each sequin a tiny beacon of light. It was the kind of outfit that made you believe in magic, that made you forget about the world outside and lose yourself in the moment. Megan''s confidence in unting the outfit was enhanced more than showcasing her body.Her every step and gesture showed her mour, making it a truly show stopping model. It was as if she wore not just a dress but a manifestation of her own radiance, leaving Rick stunned by the sheer beauty making him mad, yearning for her. Megan''s hands adorned with the grace of a dancer, swirled them in a twirling motion over Rick''s face. The soft movement seemed to leave a trail of warmth, creating an intimate connection between them. As she approached him, it was like amaic presence, attracting him towards her.Megan''s eyes locked onto Rick''s, conveying a signal of eagerness. "Have a seat, young boy. I must say your physic is quite ting.", Megan''s voice was mixed with a tint of yfulness and confidence. She gently instructed Rick to take a seat on the nearby chair. Megan''s voice was like honey dripping from a spoon, sweet and sticky, wrapping around Rick like a warm embrace. He couldn''t help but hang on her every word, drawn in by her captivating charm. "Sure thing, Miss Megan," Rick replied, his voice barely a whisper as he obediently sank into the chair. It was like he was under some kind of spell, unable to look away from her mesmerizing gaze. As Megan moved, it was like watching a master at work, every motion deliberate and confident. The air crackled with electricity as she began to peel back theyers, revealing more of herself with each tantalizing movement. Megan now, with a deliberate and confident grace, began revealing more of her inner self. She bent down with a slow and deliberate movement, unveiling her cleavage more deeper under her outfit. She acted of loosening of her clothes, showing her inner body along with her embroidered lingerie. The room was filled with a charged atmosphere. As the fabric loosened its grip, it revealed glimpses of Megan''s naked body, a mixture of her boldness and yfulness. Megan approached closer to him, hersoft voice reached Rick''s ears like a sweet melody. "You look handsome," she whispered, her words carrying a tincture of admiration. Rick was slightly taken aback by the unexpectedpliment. He offered a modest smile and replied, "Thank you, Miss Megan. You look absolutely stunning tonight." Even after knowing Megan''sintentions, Rick chose to y the role of the innocent and unaware participant in theplete act. Rick with a skillful mixture of charm and confidence, responded to Megan''spliment. "You know, Miss Megan, you have this way of making an ordinary evening feel extraordinary," he remarked, a twinkle of flirt in his eyes. Rick showed all his flirting skills to her, as their conversation flowed effortlessly.Rick with a mischievous glint in his eyes, yfully teased, "Did you dress up just for me?" Rick chuckled, feeling a subtle warmth in the exchange of words. "Maybe I did.", she replied, swirling her fingers on his face following down his neck. Rick got shivers of seduction. His heart pounded for a second, shaking himself from within. Megan gracefully took a seat on the table ahead of Rick''s chair, her movements exposing a heightened confidence that added to her attitude. As she settled on the table,a yful smile danced on her lips, and her eyes sparkled with a smirk of mischief. She let her legs on Rick''s, caressing his thighs giving him soft giggles and pleasure, ending up with a flirtatious exchange, her words carrying a mixture of charm. "So, Rick," Megan began, her voice a melting whisper, "tell me, what''s the most adventurous thing you''ve ever done?" The question hung in the air, with a sense of curiosity. Rick, responded with a grin, "Well, I once fucked thedy officer badly in an interrogation room. She was almost dead.", Rick chuckled showing his supremacy. "Ohh , I see, it means you would have enough courage to do that. Isn''t it?", Megan swirled her hairs across his face. Her soft strands danced across his skin, creating a sensation. The gentle, swirl of her hair brought a tingling warmth, as if a cascade of feathertouches the skin. "Indeed! I can make you feel the same, if you permit Miss Megan.", Rick chuckled with a smirk. Megan''s mischievous n sparkled as she poured an adequate measure of Blenders Pride into a crystal ss. "Ha ha, you are too fast naughty boy. Alright, let''s spice things up a bit, Rick. A toast to secrets revealed," she suggested, handing him the tempting ss. Rick stared at her with a frown at his face. "I mean, why not y truth and dare. Like you say a truth of your life, and then the next turn will be mine. It will be fun, right?", Megan said with a crocked smile at her face. She tried to act smart. Rick''s eyes glinted with yful intrigue as he raised his ss. "To unraveling mysteries and enjoying the journey," he replied, clinking his ss against hers. As the amber liquid swirled within the ss, Megan immediately spoke, "So, Rick, is there something you have been spying on,tely?" Megan''s sudden question was a thunderbolt for Rick. His mouth was kept shut for a moment, before he could justify anything in his favor. But seeing Megan''s eyes frowning in the air of doubt, Rick cut off his silence and chuckled, taking a sip of the blenders pride but keeping his head up, "Ah, Miss Megan, spying is not my type of thing, rather i do encounters, ha ha.", Rick raised a toast. Megan was startled at Rick'' s response. She stared at him more intensely. "Umm hmm, I see. I think there is something about you.", Megan asked him with a doubt at her face. "You''re clever Miss Megan,but you won''t get me that easily. Even my gic father hasn''t known me yet.", he continued to swirl the drink, turning it into a pole dance between his fingers. Megan leaned in, her eyes narrowing in mere suspicion. "Come on, Rick. A little birdie told me there''s more to know about you. Spill the bears. It''s just a game, you can trust me. Your talks will be confidential, just between you and me.", saying this Megan touched her lips on his cheeks. Rick''s flirty smile remained intact as he tilted the ss, letting the ice clink; "Maybe there''s more to discover than I''m letting on. But a good detective knows patience is key, Miss Megan. But I''m quite amazed at why a beautiful teacher would want to know in depth, about a student?". Megan, determined to loosen his lips, yfully touched the rim of his ss against her cheek. "Patience, huh? I''ve got plenty of that, but my curiosity might just get the better of me." Rickughed, observing Megan''s strategy. "Careful, Miss Megan, curiosity killed the cat. But satisfaction brought it back." The conversation continued, letting atmosphere heating upwithughter, as Megan attempted to know the minute details from Rick''s yful grasp. Megan, leaned back at the chair,a glint of determination in her eyes. "Oh, Rick, you know there''s always something beneath the cover, every person is holding behind them. You too might have something to hide, right?", Megan tried all her way out, to make him spill out the truth. Rick, still wearing his sarcastic smile, took a casual sip of his drink before responding, "Miss Megan, you might begood at digging, but some secrets are meant to be kept. It adds a dash of mystery to life, don''t you think? And I don''t think there is anything to be known about me." Megan raised an eyebrow,innocently, "Mystery!! sure. But curiosity is a relentless force, Rick. Tell me, what''s the thrill behind spying, in general?" Megan directly threw a bombshell at his head. Rick was like a numb Anabelle. Rick leaned in, his voice dropping to a strict tone. "You see, Miss Megan, the thrill is in the chase, the unknown. It keeps things interesting, doesn''t it?" Megan chuckled, a hint of challenge in her eyes. "Interesting, yes. But I have a feeling there''s more than just a thrill. What are you hiding, Rick? Have you ever spied on someone? Maybe in college campus or outside of it?", Megan asked him almost directly aboutst day, lifting up her skirt to show him her naked thighs, which were as smooth as fur. Rick was startled with her sexy gestures and gait. He swirled his fingers on her ankles, bending his waist to half, lifting his fingers up, to reach her thighs. Taking advantage of the situation and her assurance, he headed his fingers inside her outfit, to reach her panty. But Megan stopped him, grabbing his hand locking it there for a second and then shrugging it off. Rick''s gaze held steady, his flirty attitude momentarily reced by a more serious expression. "Miss Megan, let''s keep the intrigue alive. Some secrets are best revealed in due time. But why the hell do you think, I will spy on anyone? I mean spying is such a crap, you know!" Every time, Megan tried to confront him about what happened the other day, Rick spilled water to throbbing fire. Megan''s frustration heightened, as her attempts to spill out the information from Rick hit a dead end. The tension in the Dean''s chamber enhanced, and in a moment of heated anger, she couldn''t hold herself any longer. "Rick, it''s thest time I''m asking you! Tell me, where were you the previous day, you appeared in the college premises.?", Megan asked him, clenching her fist. She was grabbing her anger within her head. "Why do you think I would tell you? It''s my personal call, isn''t it, Miss Megan?", Rick responded, in denial. His response triggered Megan''s anger to the peak. She was unable to bear this anymore. With a swift motion, Megan''s hand rose, prepared for a resounding p. But to her surprise, Rick restricted ,catching her hand in the middle of the air. His grip was firm yet gentle, and he looked into her eyes with a sly smile. "Easy there, Miss Megan. Violence won''t reveal the answers you seek," Rick teased, still holding her hand. Megan, momentarily taken aback, red at Rick. "Tell me the truth, Rick! Where were you two days before yesterday?" Rick, maintaining his cool attitude, responded, "Miss Megan, you give me too much credit. I have better things to do than answer yourme questions. I was with my girlfriend. But if you say, I''ll spend a day with you too." Frustration boiled within Megan, and she attempted to free her hand from Rick''s grasp. In a surprising turn, instead of releasing her, Rick brought her hand to his lips and gave a soft kiss on her digits. His wicked smile persisted as he murmured, "Violence won''t solve anything, but a touch of charm might." Megan was left in shock, by the unexpected gesture, felt a mix of confusion and anger. The room hung in an air ofsilence, the unspoken tension lying between them as Rick continued to hold her hand, leaving the questions unanswered. ***** Chapter 185: Interrogation gone wrong [1] Chapter - 185 Megan''s mind whirled with disbelief and anger as she watched Rick approach. What was he ying at? His movements seemed toe from some twisted fantasy, and Megan''s heart raced with apprehension. As Rick drew nearer, Megan braced herself, unsure of what wasing next. Then, in a sudden, jarring moment, his lips crashed against hers with a force that bordered on violence. Rick''s kiss was like a storm, fierce and overwhelming, his tongue invading her mouth without warning. Megan recoiled in shock, feeling vited as he explored her mouth with an almost predatory hunger. The kiss was suffocating, leaving Megan gasping for air and struggling to push him away. It was as if Rick was trying to consume her, to possess herpletely. In that moment, Megan''s confusion gave way to a white-hot rage. How dare he? How dare he treat her like some object to be toyed with? The anger burned inside her like a wildfire, consuming everything in its path. Megan''s shock morphed into a zing inferno of rage the moment Rick''s lips dared to touch hers. With a swift, decisive motion, she shoved him away, her movements fueled by a righteous fury that threatened to consume them both. "How dare you?" she spat, her voice a venomous hiss that sliced through the air like a razor de. Her gaze bore into him, a fiery intensity burning with every passing second. Her fists clenched at her sides, trembling with the sheer force of her rage. She demanded an exnation, unwilling to let him off the hook for his brazen actions. The tension in the air was suffocating, thick with the weight of Megan''s fury. "Dear Miss Megan, you have called me here all alone, at such an empty venue, for this only, right? And also you have dressed yourself in such a sexy attire, for me. So, now why are you behaving innocent?", Rick eximed, furiously. "I didn''t call you here for that, you arrogant prick," she spat, her words like venom, "I dressed up for myself." Her hands trembled with indignation as she struggled to hold her anger. Rick''s expression hardened, his tone shaking. "Come on, Miss Megan. Don''t y innocent. You''ve been flirting with me all the while, passing signals of your affection." Megan''s eyes shed with anger. "Flirting? Sending signals? I''ve barely even spoken to you bloody dumbass, let alone flirted with you. And dressing up is not an invitation for you to kiss me!" Rick''s temper ignited like a powder keg. "Then why the hell am I wasting my time here, Megan?" His words dripped with condescension, a smirk ying at the corner of his lips. Explore stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin Megan''s patience snapped like a twig underfoot. "Don''t you dare y dumb with me, Rick. You know exactly why you''re here," she spat, her voice rising with each syble. "No Miss Megan, I don''t know why I am here? Do I?", Rickughed with a smirk,"Do enlighten me, Miss Megan. I''m dying to hear your brilliant exnation." Megan''s frustration was palpable, her jaw clenched so tight it looked like she was trying to crush diamonds. "Let me ask you again," she ground out, her voice a venomous whisper. "Why were you spying on the lecture hall?" Rick''s response was like pouring gasoline on a raging fire. He met her re with a smirk, defiance oozing from every pore. "Who the hell are you to stick your nose in my business? Why should I tell you anything?" Megan''s patience snapped like a brittle twig. "You''re testing my patience, Rick," she spat, her words sharp enough to cut ss. "I have got you dead to rights. I have seen the footage. I know you are lying. Tell me the truth, or I will make you regret it." But Rick justughed, a sound as grating as nails on a chalkboard. "Easy there, Miss Megan," he taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You can''t threaten me without proof. And violence? Well, let''s just say I''m more than capable of defending myself." "But if you want it, I can do anything for you... My respectful, beautiful teacher," Rick responded with a mysterious chuckle. Megan''s fury heightened at Rick''s wickedugh, the sound slicing through her like a butcher knife. Without a second thought, she moved forward, her hand raised in anger, ready to deliver a sharp p to Rick''s cheek. But before her palm could make contact, Rick moved with surprising speed, catching her hand in a firm grip. Megan''s eyes widened in disbelief as Rick effortlessly twisted her hand behind her back, a move so swift and forceful it stole her breath away. His strength was like a vice, pinning her in ce with a cruel efficiency that sent a chill down her spine. A sharp gasp escaped Megan''s lips as her body involuntarily arched backward, her bnce teetering on the edge of copse. She struggled against Rick''s hold, muscles straining with every ounce of defiance she could muster. "Let me go, you vile pig!" Megan''s voice echoed through the room, a blend of fury and frustration, her words dripping with disdain. But Rick remained unmoved, his expression a mask of indifference as he held her in his grasp, a puppet at the mercy of her puppeteer. "Easy there, Megan," Rick said, his tone calm but authoritative. "I am sorry, Miss Megan... But you see, you yourself chose the violence." Megan seethed with frustration, feeling Rick''s grip like chains binding her. But she wasn''t about to go down without a fight. With a surge of primal instinct, she summoned every ounce of strength within her andunched a lightning-quick kick straight at Rick''s most vulnerable spot, between Rick''s thighs with all the force she could muster. The impactnded like a thunderbolt, a fierce blow aimed with surgical precision. Rick''s grip faltered immediately, his face contorted in agony as he stumbled backward, doubled over in pain. Megan didn''t hesitate for a second, her eyes zing with determination as she seized the opportunity to break free from his grasp. With a primal roar of triumph, she pushed herself away from Rick, every muscle in her body pulsing with adrenaline. "That was low, even for someone like you, Miss Megan," Rick hissed through gritted teeth, a hint of pain flickering across his features. Despite the blow, there was a twisted smirk ying at the corners of his mouth, as if he found amusement in the situation. In recent weeks, Rick had undergone a transformation, a metamorphosis into something more than mortal. Thest he could remember he was 63% Mortal, about to reach the pinnacle of being Mortal ording to the system. What it meant, he did not know. What was beyond that? He did not know. Neither did he ever thought about it. Megan, on the other hand, stepped back, her chest heaving with exertion, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. She watched Rick, doubled over in agony, with a mix of satisfaction and disdain dancing in her eyes. Turning back to face him, she couldn''t help but tease him with a tincture ofughter in her voice. "What happened, big guy? Tired already?" she taunted, her tone mixed with a mixture of joy and superiority. Rick, still smarting from Megan''s earlier attack, lifted his gaze to meet hers, a mixture of irritation and fury simmering beneath the surface. Despite the pain throbbing through his body, a faint smirk yed at the corners of his mouth, "You caught me," he admitted with a rueful chuckle. "I thought you were a soft girl, but you got good stamina." Megan''s smirk widened into a full-fledged, as she reveled in her victory. "That''s right," she dered, her voice ringing with confidence. "Now surrender yourself and tell me the truth." "And why do you think I would confess the truth?", Rick said,ughing. He stood up grasping all the strength. Megan''s momentary happiness dissolved in air, as Rick''s words cut through the air like a knife. Before she could react, he closed the distance between them in a fraction of second, mming her back against the wall with a force that knocked the breath from her lungs. As Rick''s forceful actions mmed Megan''s back against thewall of Dean''s chamber, a sharp cry of pain escaped her lips. The impact sent shockwaves of agony passing through her body. Megan''s muscles tensed involuntarily as she struggled to cope up the intensity of the pain, her handsreaching out to protect herself against the unyielding wall behind her. In that moment, all she could do was grit her teeth and bear the pain. And Rick closed the distance between them fast, grabbed her hands and pushed them over her head. "Let me go, and maybe I will consider sparing you, my precious Miss Megan," Rick slurred his words, his breath hot against Megan''s ear as he leaned in, his touch sending shivers through Megan''s body. But before she could react, his tongue slithered up her neck, leaving a trail of revulsion in its wake, like a slimy snake leaving its mark. Megan''s skin crawled with disgust as Rick''s words oozed with false promises. "Not so fast, you pathetic excuse for a man," Megan spat, her voice dripping with disdain. "I know your type, Rick. You think you can manipte your way out of any situation, but not with me. I see right through your lies, and I won''t let you get away with it." ***** Chapter 186: Rick and Megan [1] (18+) Chapter - 186 Rick was yanked backward so suddenly by Megan''s force that it felt like he''d been hit by a speeding train. His body contorted, bending at an impossible angle as he fought against the violent momentum. His fingers wed at the ground, desperately seeking purchase as he teetered on the edge of a precipice. The impact sent shockwaves of pain rippling through every fiber of his being. He gritted his teeth, determination etched into every line of his face as he battled to remain upright. But despite his best efforts, he felt like a puppet on strings, swaying precariously with each gust of wind. Anger ignited within Rick like a wildfire, fueling his every move as he grappled with Megan. His hands clenched around her with a vice-like grip, his muscles tensed with the ferocity of a wild animal. The impact hit them like a freight train, a collision of bodies and wills that shook the very foundation of the room. They mmed into each other with enough force to knock the wind out of them, sending them spiraling backward until they crashed into the solid wood of the cupboard behind Dean''s table. The sound was deafening, a thunderous boom that reverberated through the room like a gunshot. The cupboard groaned under the strain, protesting against the sudden assault as it shifted and creaked under the force of the impact. Rick and Megan were thrown to the ground in a tangle of limbs, the breath knocked out of their bodies by the sheer force of the collision. Pain shot through Rick''s back like a lightning bolt, every nerve screaming in protest as he struggled to catch his breath. Megan''s face twisted in agony as she clutched at her injured back, her breathing in ragged gasps. Theyy there on the ground, a tangled mess of pain. Megan''s gaze could have frozen fire, her anger crackling through the air like electricity. It was a raw, visceral emotion, born of pain and frustration, boiling beneath the surface. Her teeth were gritted so hard, it was a wonder they didn''t crack under the pressure, and her eyes zed with a storm of hurt and fury. Without a single word passing between them, Megan''s hand shot out like a viper, seizing Rick''s shoulder with a grip that could crush bone. Her fingers dug into his flesh with a savage strength, her trembling hand betraying the intensity of her rage. In one fluid motion, Megan brought Rick crashing down to the ground with a violence that shook the room to its foundations. The impact reverberated through every bone in Rick''s body, sending shockwaves of pain rippling through his senses. Rick let out a cry of pain as his face made contact with the hard surface.The sharp pain passed through his senses, providing him with a momentary shock as he struggled to bnce himself from an unexpected turn by Megan. Megan stoodover Rick''s chest, her silhouette casting a shadow that seemed to engulf him. Rickid straight on the ground, facing her. Ignoring his presence, she began to jog over him, her movements purposeful but controlled. As Megan jogged over him, Rick''s pain intensified, and he couldn''t suppress a loud yell of agony. With increasing and intolerable pain, Rick''s survival instinct kicked in, and he pushed out with all his strength, his hand connecting with Megan''s side. The force of his push was unexpected, and Megan staggered to the side,by the sudden movement. Her breath caught in her lungs, as she fought to regain her bnce, her muscles tensing with the effort to hold herself steady. Megan fell on the ground beside Rick. "Bitch you are strong," Rick smiled at Megan with disdain. He had grown stronger after he got the system, but Megan still managed to beat him up. She wasn''t the strongest, but when ites to raw strength when Rick can''t use other tricks, she was posing a lot of trouble to him. Rick''s movements were swift and brutal, like a predator closing in on its prey. With a sudden burst of aggression, he lunged towards Megan, his hand snaking out to grip her shoulder with an iron grip. In a whirlwind of motion, he twisted his body, sending Megan stumbling forward, her delicate bnce teetering on the edge of copse. With lightning speed, Rick seized the opportunity to seize control of the situation. With a powerful thrust, he swept his leg out, a calcted move to knock Megan off her feet. As she began to topple forward, Rick''s hand shot out like a vice, snatching a fistful of her hair with a merciless grip. The air crackled with tension, the room silent save for the sound of their ragged breaths. Rick''s fingers tightened around Megan''s neck, cutting off her air supply with a vice-like grip. With a swift and decisive motion, he mmed her down onto the table with bone-jarring force, the impact reverberating through the room like a thunderp. Megan''s body convulsed with pain, her breath stolen from her lungs as agony shot through her like a lightning bolt. She gasped for air, her chest heaving with the effort as she struggled to regain her senses in the wake of Rick''s brutal assault. But Rick wasn''t ready to call it quits just yet. Oh no, he had a point to drive home, a lesson to teach. Leaning in close, his breath hot against Megan''s ear, he unleashed a torrent of taunts, each wordced with venom. "Thought you were tough, huh? Thought you could handle me?" As Megan writhed in agony, a strange sensation began to stir within her. Despite the pain, there was an unexpected spark igniting deep within her core. With each struggle against Rick''s grasp, her voluptuous curves brushed against his crotch, sending a jolt of unexpected arousal through his veins. The friction between them was electric, setting every nerve ending aze with desire. Rick''s grip tightened around her neck, a silent reminder of his dominance, but beneath the surface, a primal hunger simmered, threatening to consume them both. Despite himself, Rick couldn''t ignore the rush of heat coursing through his veins. Megan''s body pressed against his, her curves fitting perfectly against his own, igniting a fire that he hadn''t anticipated. It was a forbidden pleasure, a dangerous game of desire and dominance. Rick''s rage erupted like a volcano, a primal force that consumed him entirely. With a vicious growl, he mmed Megan''s head onto the table''s unforgiving surface, the sound echoing through the room like a gunshot. Her body went limp, a puppet with its strings cut, as Rick''s grip on her hair tightened like a vise. Megan felt the world tilt on its axis, her vision swimming with stars as pain exploded behind her eyes. The table''s edge dug into her flesh, a cruel reminder of her vulnerability, as Rick''s fury raged unchecked. Every movement sent shockwaves of agony rippling through her body, leaving her gasping for air. The room spun around her, her senses reeling from the sudden assault. As he dragged her away from the table, the sharp corners carved angry welts into her skin, a testament to his unchecked fury. Megan''s screams pierced the air, a desperate plea for mercy that fell on deaf ears. In that moment, she was trapped, a helpless prey in the jaws of a predator. Suddenly, like a bolt from the blue, the system blinked to life before Rick''s eyes. His heart skipped a beat, a surge of anticipation coursing through his veins like electricity. He watched with bated breath as joy danced in his eyes, sparkling like a thousand stars. "Hush! Finally," he whispered to himself, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. As the system reactivated, a wave of digital energy rippled through its circuits, illuminating the room with a celestial glow. Rick could feel the excitement building inside him, like a storm on the horizon ready to unleash its fury. With a soft hum, the system sprung to life, a beacon of hope in the darkness. In bold, luminous text, the message appeared, pulsating with energy and promise. Rick''s heart raced as he read the words, each syble igniting a fire within him. It was as if the universe itself was speaking to him, urging him to embark on this journey of discovery. And then, as if sensing his anticipation, the system spoke, its voice smooth as silk yet tinged with a hint of mischief. [Did you miss me, master?] [I apologize for the extra dy. I had something going on you know... That is why I amte.] [But enough about me... Now it is time for the quest. And here it is, on your screen.] [ Quest: Since you are already somewhat a criminal after what you did with that police officer, what''s one more crime? Quest duration : 4 hours Quest Rewards: $2,500,000 ; Ero Points: 69,000 ; 1 X Mind controlling Card Quest Penalty: Since you have been ignoring Amanda for a few days, she will forget you. Gloria will try and destroy you and Olivia, whatever is blooming between you both will vanish. You will be left with nothing. ] ''Such harsh penalty? Fuck, all my efforts will get washed off,'' Rick''s mind was reeling from the brutal blow of the penalty, cursing under his breath as he watched his efforts crumble like a house of cards in a hurricane. As the screen blinked off, leaving them bathed in darkness, Rick''s gaze bore into Megan''s, still ensnared in his grasp. The air crackled with tension, thick and heavy like a storm waiting to break. Her eyes zed with a fierce intensity, each fiery nce a dagger aimed straight at his heart. The depth of her anger was palpable, swirling like a tempest beneath the surface of her gaze. With every step he took toward her, Rick felt the weight of her resentment pressing down on him like a leaden cloak. It hung heavy in the air, suffocating and oppressive. Megan''s fists clenched at her sides, trembling with the effort of holding back her fury. Her teeth were gritted, jaw clenched in a show of defiance against the hold he had over her. She longed to break free from his grasp, to shake off the chains he had wrapped around her. But try as she might, his grip remained firm. Despite Megan''s desperate struggles, she found herself ensnared in Rick''s vice-like grip, his hold unyielding, his will overpowering. "What the hell do you think you''re doing, you bastard? Let me go!" Megan''s voice rang out,ced with pain and fury as she fought against Rick''s restraint. "I want you so bad, baby. I need to feel every inch of your sexy body," Rick murmured huskily, his breath hot against her ear as he leaned in closer as he humped Megan''s ass over her clothes. Megan recoiled in disgust, her nostrils ring at the stench of him. "Get off me, you filthy pig! Go bury yourself in a hole and rot there. A scumbag like you belongs in the dirt," she spat, her words dripping with venom. "A bastard like me fit good in your pussy. Want to see the evidence? Let me show you baby.", Rick mentioned, coughing aloud with achuckle. ***** Chapter 187: Rick and Megan [2] (18+) Chapter - 187 "Don''t you dare cross me, you son of a bitch," Megan spat, her voice trembling with fury as she struggled against Rick''s grip, her body thrashing against him in a desperate attempt to break free. But Rick just smirked, his grip tightening like a vice as he leaned in closer. "Hold on tight, sweetheart. Today, I''m gonna show you just how powerless you really are," he sneered, his eyes glinting with malice. With a surge of strength, Rick began to force himself on Megan, his intentions clear as day. But Megan wasn''t about to go down without a fight. With a fierce determination, she pushed back against him, defying him with every fiber of her being. Their bodies collided with a sickening thud as Rick shoved Megan onto the table, the impact sending jolts of pain shooting through her. But even as she winced, she refused to give in, summoning everyst ounce of strength to fight back against her assant. Megany sprawled out on the table, her body tense with frustration, her limbs syed out like a broken doll. She felt utterly exposed beneath Rick''s looming figure, his presence casting a suffocating shadow over her. Despite the fear and anger boiling inside her, she refused to back down, her eyes burning with defiance as she met Rick''s gaze head-on. With a forceful shove, Rick sent her crashing onto the table, his movements quick and decisive. She gasped as the impact stole the air from her lungs, her body protesting against the rough treatment. And then, he was on top of her, his weight pressing down like a heavy nket, trapping her beneath him. Megan''s skin prickled with difort as she felt Rick''s hot breath against her neck, his closeness sending a shiver down her spine. It was suffocating, oppressive, like being trapped in a cage with a hungry predator. As Rick inched closer, his movements were like a stalking predator, every step deliberate and filled with an unsettling intensity. But Megan wasn''t about to be his prey. With every fiber of her being, she fought against his advances, refusing to surrender to the suffocating grip he tried to impose. Rick''s eyes fixated on Megan''s lips, glossy and alluring. They seemed to beckon him, their lustrous sheen capturing his attention like a moth to a me. In the soft glow of the room, they glimmered with an almost otherworldly allure, their fullness and moisture tantalizingly on disy. "I''m going to savor every moment with you," Rick murmured, his voice low and dangerous. His tongue darted out to moisten his own lips, anticipation gleaming in his eyes like a predator eyeing its prey. Megan''s voice cracked like a whip, raw with emotion, as Rick pushed her against the unforgiving surface of the wooden table. Rick pressed his weight on her lean body, rubbing her ass against the roughened surface of the wooden table. Her once serene expression twisted into a mask of anguish and fury, her features contorted with the weight of her torment. Eyes that had once sparkled with curiosity and hope now zed with a fiery rage, a tempest raging within her soul. With every usation hurled from her lips, it was as if the air itself recoiled, as if her words were des slicing through the silence. She fought tooth and nail, a wounded animal backed into a corner, but each blow only drove her deeper into the abyss. Rick''s touch, cold and unyielding, sent shivers coursing through Megan''s almostnaked body, her skin prickling with goosebumps. As he tore open his shirt and flung it aside, Megan''s gaze followed its trajectory, lost in a swirling maelstrom of fear and confusion. Rick''s fingers dug into Megan''s skin like ws as he yanked her closer, his touch leaving a fiery trail in its wake. With a resounding crack, his hand collided with her cheek, the force of the blow turning it a furious shade of crimson. Megan''s eyes widened in shock, a silent scream echoing in their depths as she stared at him, unblinking, unyielding. "Get off me, you bastard," Megan spat through gritted teeth, her voice a mix of pain and fury. She tried to push him away, to break free from his suffocating grasp, but Rick''s hold was like iron, unyielding and unrelenting. "Stay steady and calm because I''m going to fuck you for sure. So, better cooperate and go with the flow." Rick whispered into her ear, his words dripping with malice. He leaned in closer, his breath hot against her skin. Rick''s cruel grip tightened on Megan''s delicate earlobe, sinking his teeth into the tender flesh until it began to seep crimson. She gritted her teeth, feeling the sting of pain shoot through her like lightning. Her cheek became a casualty, caught between the merciless jaws of her assant as she fought to contain the agony, a silent scream trapped behind clenched teeth. "Rick! Let go of me! This is your final warning!" Megan''s voice rang out, a desperate pleaced with raw anguish. But Rick onlyughed, a chilling sound that sent shivers down her spine. "Beg me, sweetheart. Beg for mercy, and maybe I''ll consider showing you some." "Rick, I said let me go!" Megan''s words wereced with fury, her eyes zing with an intensity that matched the inferno raging in her heart. Her pulse thundered in her ears, a constant reminder of the terror coursing through her veins. But Rick remained unmoved, his smile twisted into a grotesque mockery of amusement. "Sorry, Miss Megan, but your pleas don''t quite satisfy me," he sneered, a sinister glint dancing in his eyes. Megan''s gaze locked onto Rick''s with an intensity that could melt steel. The fire in her eyes burned with a fury fueled by unresolved resentment and a desire for vengeance. Meanwhile, Rick''s stare was a cocktail of longing and unbridled lust, a dangerousbination that threatened to consume them both. With a clenched jaw, Megan fought back the urge to unleash her wrath upon him, her teeth grinding together in a harsh, scraping symphony of anger. Rick, undeterred by her seething rage, took hold of her with a forceful grip, yanking her head back by her hair with a cruel disregard for her pain. A strangled cry tore from Megan''s throat as strands of hair threatened to tear free from her scalp under Rick''s brutal grasp. Each tug felt like a betrayal of her very being, a vition of her autonomy. Despite her pleas and protests falling on deaf ears, Rick continued his merciless assault, dragging her limp form toward a nearby chair. Finally, Rick deposited her roughly onto the chair, her head lolling back against the unforgiving surface. Her legs dangled over the edge, brushing against the cold tiles below, a stark contrast to the searing pain radiating from her scalp. Experience exclusive tales on m v|l e''-NovelBin Rick''s hands closed around Megan''s naked flesh, gripping her breasts with a force that made her gasp for air. She arched her back against the hard wooden chair, a mixture of pain, distress, and frustration etched onto her face. As Rick''s lips trailed over her smooth skin, leaving a trail of fire in their wake, Megan''s heart pounded in her chest like a war drum. She could feel the weight of his desire pressing down on her, suffocating her with its intensity. With a savage hunger, Ricktched onto one of her breasts, his mouth forming a tight seal around her nipple. He sucked and nibbled, as if trying to extract everyst drop of life from her. Meanwhile, his fingers tortured the other breast, pinching and twisting her sensitive flesh until she thought she might scream. Even through the barrier of fabric, the pressure against her pussy was suffocating, Megan had lost most of her strength. Rick''s touch was like fire against Megan''s skin, igniting a ze of agony that threatened to consume her whole. His hands, rough and calloused, moved with a predatory precision, leaving a trail of torment in their wake. The sensation of his teeth sinking into her delicate skin was both excruciating and viting, leaving behind a searing imprint of his dominance. His pinches were like vices, crushing the tender flesh beneath his fingers with a relentless force that left her gasping for breath. The pressure was unbearable, a relentless assault that threatened to break her spirit as well as her body. And as he squeezed, the pain intensified, a relentless crescendo that threatened to overwhelm her senses. But it was his sucking and licking that truly pushed her to the brink of madness. Each caress of his lips against her skin was like a brand, leaving behind a mark that would never fade. The sensation of his tongue tracing patterns across her flesh was both torturous and intoxicating, a twisted dance of pleasure and pain that left her trembling with a mixture of desire and revulsion. In that moment, Megan felt like she was being torn apart, her very essenceid bare for Rick''s twisted amusement. She was trapped in a nightmare of her own making, suffocating beneath the weight of his desire and her own helplessness. Trapped between the hard, unforgiving wooden chair pressing into her back and the looming figure of Rick before her, Megan felt like a cornered animal. She could feel the panic rising within her like a tidal wave, threatening to drown her in its icy grip. "It hurts, you bastard! Let go!" Megan''s voice echoed through the room, raw with pain and anger. But Rick only chuckled in response, his grip tightening with every passing moment. "Come on, Megan, don''t y innocent," he taunted, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. "You''re no stranger to pain. You''re a pro, remember?" Rick''s voice dripped with disdain, each wordced with a toxic blend of mockery and contempt. "Oh,e off it, Megan," he sneered, his tone oozing with derision. "Don''t pretend to be innocent now. We both know you''re no stranger to pain. In fact, you''re practically an expert, aren''t you?" * **** Chapter 188: Rick and Megan [3] (18+) Chapter ¨C 188 Before Megan could utter another word, Rick''s hand mped down over her mouth, his fingers plunging deep into her throat. Megan''s eyes widened in shock and horror as she struggled against his grip, the taste of bile rising in the back of her throat. As Rick''s fingers probed deeper, Megan felt like she was suffocating, her chest tight with panic. She gagged and retched, trying desperately to push him away, but his hold was relentless, his hand a vice-like grip that seemed determined to crush her windpipe. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Rick withdrew his hand, leaving Megan gasping for air, her mouth raw and sore. A thin film of saliva coated his fingers, dripping down onto the ground in a sickening disy. With a shuddering sigh of relief, Megan tried topose herself, her body still trembling with shock. But as the adrenaline began to fade, a wave of fury washed over her, hot and fierce. She turned her gaze to Rick, her eyes zing with rage and defiance. He stood there, his expression unreadable, but she could see the eagerness and curiosity lurking beneath the surface. With a chilling calmness in his eyes, Rick leaned in towards Megan, his lips curling into a twisted smirk. "Let''s continue, baby," he murmured, his words dripping with malice as he stared into her wide, fearful eyes. His touch was like fire against her skin, searing and cruel. He roughly cupped her cheeks, his fingers leaving trails of wetness in their wake, a sickening mixture of saliva and menace. With deliberate precision, he traced the outline of her trembling lips, each touch a promise of the agony toe. As his hand descended upon her thighs with a sharp crack, Megan''s body convulsed with pain, the force of the blow leaving her limbs trembling and weak. The flesh of her thighs turned an angry shade of pink. Despite the agony coursing through her veins, Megan fought to retain her senses, her willpower waging a futile battle against the overwhelming tide of pain. But Rick was relentless, being stubborn and determined, didn''t bother much about her. Rick sank to his knees before Megan, his eyes gleaming with a primal hunger as he hovered over her. With Megan still lying half down the chair, his mouth faced her exposedpussy. In one swift motion, he cupped her pussy with his mouth, his tongue delving deep between the folds, eager to taste every drop of her essence. The wetness of her arousal coated his lips, driving him wild with desire as hepped at her with a fervor bordering on obsession. Each flick of his tongue sent shockwaves of pleasure and pain coursing through Megan''s body, her cries echoing off the walls in the room. Rick rolled his tongue inside out of her pussy, wetting it with his saliva. Rick''s tongue continued its merciless assault on Megan''s delicate flesh, leaving a trail of glistening saliva in its wake. With each plunge inside her, Megan''s cries grew louder, a symphony of distress and agony that filled the air. Undeterred by her suffering, Rick intensified his onught, his fingers dancing along her trembling thighs before finding their target. With a cruel precision, he brought them to his mouth, coating them in his own saliva before plunging them deep inside her already tortured pussy. Megan''s screams echoed off the walls, her body convulsing with pain as Rick''s sharp nails dug into her tender flesh. With a savage determination, he twisted and tangled his fingers, driving them deeper and deeper into her, each movement a symphony of torment. As the pain consumed her, Megan''s breath came in ragged gasps, her chest heaving with the effort of trying to endure the unbearable agony. Her world had narrowed to nothing but the searing pain between her thighs, a relentless reminder of Rick''s dominance and her own helplessness. And yet, even in the midst of her suffering, there was a perverse pleasure that coursed through her veins, a dark allure that drew her deeper into Rick''s twisted embrace. She grabbed Rick''s hair in her fist, pulling them drowning in ecstasy and torment. Megan murmured to leave her, but Rick''s curiosity to explore her raised with each passing second and advancing movement. Rick now inserted all his five fingers together inside her pussy, this time Megan was almost dead in pain. Rick gazed at her facial expressions which was going pale, while fucking her pussy with his fingers. He fingered her badly, until she chocked with obstruction in her breath. Now, after getting satisfied with fingering, Rick stood up, pulling Megan down on the groundying her in the supine position. Megan was facing Rick''s huge gesture, with his penis hanging down straight like an antenna. But even in the face of her own torment, Megan found the strength to defy him, her voice a mixture of anger and pain as she spat out his name like a curse, "Rick!" she eximed, her wordsced with a moan of pleasure, "I told you to leave me be. You''ll pay for this, you bastard!" Rick looked at her smiling, without a gist of regret or frown at his face. Rick started opening his pant, loosening his belt. And throwing it away in the air, he said, "But I''m not done yet baby.", saying this, Rick showed no mercy and sat on her chest. Megan''s heart raced with anxiety and fear about what the hell was he up to! Rick sitting on her chest, patted his penis on her boobs, making them erect and tight. Megan stared at Rick with a hatred for him, in her eyes. Rick passed his dick from between the valley of her boobs, till her neck. Megan''s neck was hurting, which could be seen by her drooping eyelids and frowned face. Rick fucked her boobs until her neck turned out to be red. He acted wild like an animal. Every inch of Megan''s quivering form became a yground for Rick''s insatiable desires, his lips and tongue tracing a path of fire over her neck, lips, cheeks, and chest. Each touch left her gasping for breath, her body ame with a desire she couldn''t control. But Rick showed no mercy, his hunger driving him to explore every inch of her trembling form with a relentless fervor. He was a man possessed, consumed by a lust that knew no bounds, his actions fueled by a primal need to dominate and possess. And then, with a savage intensity, Rick plunged his bulging hot member into Megan''s mouth, his hands gripping her cheeks with a force that threatened to crush bone. Megan could feel her mouth stretched wide, her tongue fluttering helplessly as saliva dribbled from the corners of her lips. In that moment, she was at the mercy of Rick''s darkest desires, her body nothing more than a vessel for his insatiable hunger. As Rick''s throbbing member slipped between Megan''s parted lips, she savored the velvety warmth of his skin against her tongue. With a gentle yet eager motion, she enveloped him fully, her mouth bing a sanctuary of pleasure for him. The rhythm of his breath quickened as Megan''s lips caressed him, tracing the contours of his length with delicate strokes. Each pulse of his desire echoed through her, sending shivers of anticipation down her spine. With each loving suckle, Megan felt herself drawn deeper into the intoxicating dance of intimacy. Her tongue danced along his shaft, exploring every ridge and curve with a tender reverence that bordered on worship. As Rick''s hips began to buck with increasing urgency, Megan''s throat weed him with a gentle embrace, the pressure building as he pushed deeper into her warm, inviting mouth. With each thrust, she surrendered herselfpletely to the exquisite pleasure of his desire, her own need for him growing with every beat of her heart. Megan''s trembling hands shot out to grasp at Rick''s back, her nails digging into his flesh with a ferocity born of desperation. Each sharp wing motion left crimson trails in their wake, cutting it leaving a scar, almost bleeding; to get rid of his hold. But Rick, prated it deep inside her mouth. Megan''s vision began to blur, her eyelids growing heavy as her heart pounded in her chest like a drumbeat gone wild. Darkness crept into the edges of her consciousness, threatening to engulf herpletely. Just when she thought she couldn''t hold on any longer, Rick withdrew his member from her mouth, his eyes glinting with a cruel satisfaction as he watched her teeter on the brink of unconsciousness. Megany sprawled out on the unforgiving hardwood floor, her chest heaving with each ragged breath as if trying to outrun the fury burning within her. Her eyes zed with an inferno of anger, boring into Rick''s figure with a re sharp enough to cut through steel. Every fiber of her being trembled with tension, muscles coiled like springs ready to snap under the weight of her pent-up emotions. With gritted teeth and clenched fists, Megan fought to contain the tempest raging inside her, but it threatened to burst forth like a volcano on the brink of eruption. ***** Chapter 189: Rick and Megan [4] (18+) Chapter - 189 Rick sat before her, on her chest,his own expression a mix of fantasy and desires, pretty confident and sure of what woulde next. As Megany beneath him, her chest rising and falling withbored breaths, she felt a sense of foreboding settle over her like a suffocating nket. She knew that Rick''s intentions were far from noble, his desires veering towards something dark and ruthless that she dared not imagine. With her legs spread wide and her body exposed, Megan was acutely aware of her vulnerability, her gaze locked with Rick''s in a silent battle of wills. Anger and defiance burned in her eyes, but beneath the bravado, a seed of fear took root, gnawing at her insides with every passing moment. Breaking the tense silence, Rick''s voice cut through the air like a knife, his words dripping with confusion and self-doubt. "What are you staring at, baby?" he demanded, his toneced with insecurity. "Am I not enough to satisfy your greedy desires?" "I will make you pay for this, you filthy bastard!" Megan''s voice rang out, strained and gurgling with fury. Rick''sughter echoed through the room, a chilling counterpoint to Megan''s rage. "Hold your horses, Miss Megan. Right now, it''s your turn to worry about yourself," he taunted, his eyes glinting with malice. Megan''s gaze bore into Rick''s with a mixture of defiance and desperation, her lips moving in silent curses. Rick, unfazed by her threats, seized her by the long, thick strands of her hair, dragging her forcefully towards the window. Panic flickered in Megan''s eyes as she struggled against his grip, her mind racing with fear and confusion. With a cruel twist, Rick spun her around, exposing her to the world outside. Through the window, Megan caught glimpses of life unfolding on the college campus below ¨C studentsughing and chatting, couples stealing kisses in secluded corners, and groups of friends gossiping under the shade of trees. For a fleeting moment, a spark of hope ignited within Megan''s heart, the sight of normalcy a balm to her tortured soul. But Rick''s grip on her hand shattered that fragile illusion, his fingers tightening around hers as he forced her to grasp the cold steel grill of the window sill. Experience more content on m v|l e''-NovelBin Megan cried out in pain as her hands went numb from the pressure, the sharp edges of the metal biting into her flesh. With each passing second, the world outside seemed to blur into insignificance, reced by the overwhelming sensation of agony coursing through her veins. "Leave me bastard. I don''t know what the hell on this earth I have done with you! But I swear I will grind you and bake up in the microwave like a pie.", Megan said this, gritting her teeth in rage. Rick''sughter filled the room like a sinister symphony, his amusement at Megan''s defiance evident in the twisted curl of his lips. "Oh, Miss Megan, you really are something else," he taunted, his fingers tightening around her hair until her forehead pressed against his lips. With a mocking gesture, he blew a kiss against her skin, the gesture dripping with malice. Megan seethed with silent fury, her jaw clenched so tightly it threatened to crack. Rick''s touch was like fire against her skin, his nails digging into the soft flesh of her belly button with a cruel precision. She bit down on her lip, the metallic tang of blood filling her mouth as she fought to suppress the screams threatening to escape. "Ever seen the path to hell, Miss Megan?" Rick''s voice dripped with sadistic pleasure as he reveled in Megan''s suffering. "Let me show you the way and open the door for you," he taunted, relishing every flicker of pain that crossed her face. With a possessive grip, Rick seized Megan''s hips, his hands like vices against her flesh as he kneaded and massaged them with an almost perverse tenderness. But any semnce of gentleness vanished as he rained down blows upon her, each p leaving behind a fiery trail of red on her skin. Megan''s body convulsed with each punishing blow, her hips throbbing with the force of Rick''s assault. But even as she trembled with pain, she refused to yield, her defiance a testament to the fierce spirit that burned within her. With a cruel shove, Rick forced Megan against the window, the rusted steel rods digging into her chest like daggers. Despite the searing agony that coursed through her veins, Megan''s pride refused to allow her to beg for mercy. She would sooner face death than submit to the twisted whims of her tormentor. Rick contacted his naked front body with her back, a fire ran along his body giving shivers to his spine, enhancing his desires for her even more. Rick then separated himself a little from her naked back, and Rick spread Megan''s asscheeks with his fingers, teasingly preparing to enter her most intimate space, her asshole. As he slowly began to prate her, Megan''s screams filled the air,but to Rick, they were music to his ears, fueling his desire even further. But oh, the struggle was real as Rick''s dick met resistance, her tightness making it a challenge to prate. It was like trying to break through a fortress, each inch a conquest that only made the victory sweeter. And when he finally breached her, it was like breaking through the gates of heaven. The sensation was electric, sending shockwaves of pleasure coursing through his body With each attempt to push deeper, he reveled in the resistance, relishing the sensation of her tightness gripping him like a vice. But for Megan, each intrusion was a torment, a relentless assault on her senses that left her gasping for breath. As Rick buried himself fully within her, a triumphant grin spread across his face, his pleasure at her suffering evident in the wild gleam of his eyes. With each powerful thrust, he imed her as his own, dominating her in a way that left her powerless to resist. Rick joyously started fucking her ass. It was wild, deeper, uninterrupted and rigid. Megan was in that state of torture, where she could not y her evilness and take dominance of her witchy character. This time Rickid the throne of games. Rick continuously mmed his hard penis inside her ass, moving it to and fro, inside and out, rotating inside it, moaning in pleasure. But Megan stood grasping the window grill tightly, bending herself to maintain adequate bnce and support, with no smirk or expression at her face. She stood like an alive body without soul. Rick, now, after shrugging off his penis from her heavenly ass; held her hairs and dragged her back to the table once again. Megan was yelling but with low intensity, as her energy was already drained out after getting such a ruthless torture. Rick mmed her lean and drained out body mercilessly, on the table letting hery in the supine position. Rick stood with his erected penis, cupped in his hand. He took Megan''s hand and forcefully ced it on his penis, directing her move it in up and down position. With a surge of unexpected strength, Megan squeezed Rick''s member tightly within her grasp, sending waves of searing pain shooting through his body. With a growl of frustration, Rick retaliated, his hand connecting with a sharp p against Megan''s cheek, leaving behind a fiery imprint of his fingers. Megan''s gaze burned with fury as she met Rick''s eyes, her defiance unyielding even in the face of his brutality. Undeterred by Megan''s resistance, Rick positioned himself with a calcted grace, one leg resting casually on the table while the other grounded him firmly to the floor. With a sense of self-assuredness bordering on arrogance, he plunged his hardened shaft into Megan''s pussy, tilting her slightly to amodate his intrusion. As Rick thrust himself deeper into her, a smirk of satisfaction yed across his lips, his movements smooth and practiced. With each powerful thrust, he explored the depths of Megan''s pussy, his ego swelling. Rick banged his penis inside her, deeper and deeper, to explore her pussy entirely from within. He continued to m her pussy in that position until he got bored of it. Megan was yelling and barking like a tortured and tamed pig. Her fists clenched the skin of his shoulders, the flesh crumpling under her grip as if seeking sce from the storm brewing inside her. The air around them crackled with tension, each second ticking by like the slow drip of a leaking faucet, building up pressure with each passing moment. Now, Rick took off his penis from her pussy and holding her legs with both his hands, pulled her on the ground, letting Megan to fall, ending up in hurting her mercilessly. Megan yelled in pain, holding her head, seamlessly, indicating she got her head hurt. But Rick didn''t gave a shit about it, he only worried about the notification from the system, about thepletion of the task and transfer of the winning amount to him. Rick was enjoying it. It was an overall experience of thrill, joy and adventure for him to fuck his teacher. Now, Megan was lying on the ground, she was gazing at him with her eyes partly closed. Rick was standing, widening his legs to amodate Megan in between them. Rick jumped on her already injured body, wounding it more. And again inserted his dick inside her pussy, fucking it wildly and forcibly. He even pressed her boobs, bated her lips and tongue protruding it out with his fingers after squeezing her cheeks unwillingly. Rick continued to fuck her. Megan was lying almost dead, her energy vanished somewhere in the midst of the heavily hung air. Her groaning breathes could be heard all along the Dean''s chamber. The spamming and banging sound of Rick''s dick producing friction at every touch with her pussy, echoed the entire chamber, giving it a melodious effect to the silent atmosphere. And the sound of the lubricating fluid , added to the rhythm of the melody. Rick mmed his penis deeper and deeper, into her pussy, with Megan moving up and down, her erected boobs swirling along the motion, due to the intense force Rick was generating while fucking her pussy. "I''m about to cum darling. I must say, you are one of the best women I have fucked till date. Your gestures provides an intense urgent of fantasy. Uff, what a day it was.", Rick said, resting his head on Megan''s chest. As Rick emptied himself inside Megan, a surge of warmth and power surged through him, like a violent current coursing through his veins. But this was no ordinary sensation; it was something primal, something otherworldly, something that sent shivers down his spine even as it filled him with an intoxicating energy. As thest drops of his essence spilled into her, Rick felt a strange connection forming between them, a tether of raw energy that bound them together in ways he couldn''tprehend. It was as if Megan''s very essence was merging with his own, intertwining their souls in a dance of passion and power. But with this newfound connection came a price, and Rick felt a searing pain rip through his body as the energy flowed from Megan''s vagina, through his member, and into his very core. It was a sensation unlike anything he had ever experienced, a mix of pleasure and agony that threatened to overwhelm his senses. Yet even as he writhed in pain, Rick couldn''t deny the thrill of it all, the heady rush of power coursing through him like a wildfire. It was a moment of pure ecstasy, and raw energy. As Rick''s gaze met Megan''s, he saw a storm raging behind those partly closed eyes. There was exhaustion etched into her features, a weariness that spoke of battles fought and lost. But beneath the fatigue, there was something else ¨C a simmering rage, a burning desire for revenge that threatened to consume her from the inside out. Megan''s eyes held a thousand unspoken questions, each one a dagger aimed straight at Rick''s heart. She was dying inside, suffocating under the weight of her own despair and the crushing burden of betrayal. But with each passing moment, her desire for revenge only grew stronger, a fire that burned brighter with every beat of her heart. Rick knew the consequences of his actions, the risks he was taking by trusting in the system. Rick stood up,ughing weirdly, thinking of the great victory over an aggressive and rebellious women. Megan was still lying on the floor lifelessly. She was left with no energy to lift up and stand on her own feet. Rick grabbed his penis and shrugged off the remaining fluid from it, gazing at Megan, who was unconscious by then. ***** Chapter 190: Aftermath of Rick and Megan Chapter ¨C 190 After relieving himself, Rick stretched his limbs with a satisfying groan, feeling the tension melt away. Meanwhile, Megany sprawled out, looking almost lifeless, drained by their encounter. As Rick began to dress himself, his movements were smooth and deliberate, each motion purposeful. He tightened his belt, adjusted his cor, and straightened his clothes with a sense of calm confidence. But then, something caught his eye, a detail out of ce that sent a jolt of electricity through his veins. The cupboard door was ajar, just slightly, but it was enough to set his heart racing with curiosity and apprehension. Rick felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins, out of curiosity. With cautious steps, he approached the cupboard, his mind racing with possibilities. "What''s in there?" he muttered to himself, his hand trembling slightly as he reached for the door. The thought of someone lurking inside, someone peeping at him from inside, gave him shivers down his limbs. Rick was bbergasted at the thought of someone inside it. With a deep breath,Rick braced himself and gave the cupboard door a firm push, but it resisted, only swinging halfway on its hinge. It was as if someone had deliberately locked it. Rick''s curiosity turned to apprehension as he peered into the darkness within. As his eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the cracks, Rick''s jaw practically dropped to the floor. Inside the cupboard were two boys, bound by thick ropes that snaked around them and looped through the hinge. They looked like prisoners of some twisted dungeon, their faces drained of color and their bodies limp with exhaustion. Rick''s hands trembled as he reached out to touch them, and they slumped forward, copsing into his arms. He staggered under their weight, unable to bear their burden, and they tumbled to the ground with a dull thud. Turning them over, Rick''s shock deepened into horror as he saw the state they were in. Their faces were ghostly pale, their breath shallow and ragged. It was clear they were on the brink of unconsciousness, their bodies weakened and broken. Rick''s mind raced with a thousand questions, but one thing was certain: he needed to get them help, and fast. Cradling the two limp bodies in his arms, Rick''s mind spun with a whirlwind of questions, each one more pressing than thest. "I swear I''ve seen them before... but where?" Rick''s brow furrowed in confusion as he struggled to ce the faces of the unconscious boys. "What had brought them to this hidden corner, tucked away in the depths of the cupboard? Were they trying to hide here? Or had someone stuffed them here?" The possibilities raced through Rick''s mind like a stampede, leaving him reeling with uncertainty. Despite the haze of panic and confusion clouding their features, Rick couldn''t shake the feeling that he knew them from somewhere. Their faces flickered in his memory like distant stars in the night sky, just out of reach. Desperation wed at Rick''s chest as he frantically tried to piece together the puzzle, but each attempt only left him more bewildered than before. With curiosity running through his veins, Rick gently shook the boys, trying to rouse them from their near-catatonic state, "Are you guys okay?" He asked. One of the boys stirred, his fingers twitching slightly as they rested on Rick''s shoulder. With a soft groan, he struggled to pry open his eyes, his voice a feeble whisper barely audible in the tense silence of the room. It was as if they had been drained of every ounce of energy, leaving them barely clinging to consciousness. Rick leaned in closer, pressing his ear against their chests, his own heartbeat thundering in his ears. With bated breath, he listened for the reassuring rhythm of life, his body tensing with each passing second. And then, finally, he heard it¡ªthe steady thump of their hearts, a lifeline in the darkness. Relief flooded through Rick like a wave crashing against the shore, washing away some of the fear and uncertainty that had gripped him. They were alive, thank the heavens, but they were far from out of the woods. Continue reading at m|v-l''e -NovelBin As he knelt beside them, Rick couldn''t help but feel a pang of sadness at the sight of their weakened state. Whatever ordeal they had been through, it had left them battered and broken, their spirits as fragile as ss. "I don''t know who did this to them, but they need help, and they need it now," Rick admitted. As Rick continued his assessment, a chilling realization dawned on him, shattering the fragile sense of calm that had briefly settled over him. His eyes widened in horror as he took in the sight of burns and bruises marbling the boys'' pallid skin, angry red welts standing out like scars on a battlefield. The marks painted a grim picture of suffering, each one a testament to the pain these boys had endured. Rick''s stomach churned with a sickening mix of dread and disbelief as he traced his fingers over their tender flesh, feeling the heat of blistered skin beneath his touch. "The boys... They have been through hell... The pain they must have endured..." Rick''s voice trailed off into a whisper, his words heavy with the weight of his realization. His mind raced with a torrent of questions, each one more troubling than thest. ''What had led these boys to suffer such horrors?'' ''Who could be capable of inflicting such cruelty?'' The bruises and burns reflected a clear picture of suffering and trauma, leaving Rick with a sense of helplessness and anger. As Rick examined the two boys further, he noticed disturbing signs of bite marks on their hands. The discovery added anotheryer of mystery to their condition, leaving Rick even more puzzled and concerned. "These bite marks... they''re a sign of something much worse," Rick murmured to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. It was clear now that these boys had been more than just victims of physical violence Suddenly Rick''s gaze traveled over the boy''s rugged and spoiled outfits, a wave of sorrow washed over him. The state of their clothing told a story of struggle and desperation, confirming his suspicion that they had been undergone through a ruthless and merciless trauma. Their torn fabric and stains hinted at the violence they had faced, while it''s frayed edges spoke of their endless attempts to defend themselves against those traumatic events. And then, like a bolt of lightning, recognition struck Rick square in the chest. His eyes widened in shock as he realized where he had seen those faces before. "Holy shit!" Rick cursed under his breath, a flood of memories rushing back to him. "How did I not recognize them sooner?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with frustration. "They''re the same guys I saw hanging around the lecture hall that day, when I was following Tyler," Rick recalled, his mind racing to piece together the puzzle. "They were just... chatting, like nothing was wrong." As Rick stared at the battered figures before him, a whirlwind of thoughts raced through his mind like a freight train on overdrive. "Could they be working for Megan?" Rick pondered aloud, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. But as he studied them further, doubts crept in like shadows in the dark. Something just didn''t add up. "Nah, doesn''t seem likely," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "But then why the hell are they here?" The question hung in the air, unanswered and unsettling. "Could Megan and her girls be behind the boys'' injuries?", Rick still had tremendous herd of questions in his mind. Rick snapped back to reality at the agonized moans of the boys, their cries pulling him from the depths of his thoughts. His eyes darted to the cupboard, his curiosity piqued by the presence of some mysterious device nestled within. It was like anelectric device on it''s interior wall. "Come on,e on..." Rick muttered under his breath, his hand groping desperately for any sign of the elusive object. His mind raced with possibilities, each one more tantalizing than thest. And then, just as his fingers brushed against something cold and metallic. "Gotcha!" Rick eximed triumphantly, his voice echoing in the silence of the room The electric panel had many switches, encased in a white paintedsteel box.Rick wondered at how the gadget was going to work. He inspected the panel thoroughly, with a hope of knowing something about it. Rick peeped inside the cupboard and was startled and curious to locate a door behind it. After seeing the mysterious door, he knew one thing about the device, that it was helpful in unlocking the door. Rick tried to operate the electric panel.Rick''s tension heighted even more than before , unable to unlock the door. He got curious to knew what was behind the door. Thinking of some clue behind it, he tried to operate the panel again and again, but every attempt of him, failed at an unexpected twist. Puzzled and at a loss for what to do next, Rick''s mind raced with a flurry of thoughts and ideas. And then, like a bolt from the blue, inspiration struck him like a lightning bolt. Megan! She was the one who had orchestrated all of this, the mastermind behind the madness. Surely she would know how to unlock the door. Rick rushed to Megan, who was still lying unconscious on the floor. She was partly dead , her lower eyelids slightly parting away from the upper one, letting her iris visible a bit. As he knelt beside her motionless form, Rick''s heart sank at the sight of her lying there, her eyes half-opened, revealing just a sliver of her iris. She looked like a doll abandoned by its owner, devoid of life or purpose. Leaning in close, Rick shook Megan gently, his voiceced with frustration and urgency. "Hey, you," he muttered through gritted teeth, "Wake up. I need your help." "Do you know how to work the electrical panel?" he asked, his tone tinged with impatience. But Megan remained unresponsive, her breaths shallow and barely perceptible. Rick''s patience wore thin as he called out to her again, his words tinged with anger and desperation. "Come on, Megan," he spoke, his voice rising in pitch, "I know you are in there. Help me out here, will you my beautiful teacher?" But there was no response, no flicker of recognition in Megan''s zed eyes. Shey there, a silent witness to Rick''s mounting frustration and rage. "Come on, you sexy whore," Rick growled, his voice tinged with a mix of anger and desperation. "Can you hear me?" ***** Chapter 191: Behind the Cupboard [1] Chapter -191 Rick''s heart pounded like a drum as he knelt beside Megan''s limp form, his hands trembling with desperation. Her unconscious bodyy sprawled on the ground, a canvas of bruises and bite marks marring her once wless skin. With a mixture of fear and determination, Rick shook her gently, pleading for her to wake from the depths of her unconsciousness. But Megan remained unresponsive, her breathing shallow andbored. "Damn it, Megan, wake up!" Rick''s voice cracked with frustration as he shook her more vigorously, his fingers digging into her skin. Finally, Megan''s eyelids fluttered open, revealing eyes clouded with pain and confusion. She struggled to focus, her lips moving in a silent plea that Rick couldn''t decipher. "Tell me," Rick''s voice was hoarse with urgency, "how do I work that electrical panel? What''s behind that damn door?" But Megan could only manage a weak murmur, her words lost in the haze of her own suffering. Rick''s frustration boiled over into anger, his grip on her tightening as he demanded answers. Rick''s gaze fell upon the boys, their bodies wracked with tremors as they endured unimaginable suffering. But amidst their agony, a shivering moan escaped Megan''s lips, drawing Rick''s attention like a moth to me. "Spit it out, Megan," Rick demanded, his voice edged with desperation. "Tell me how to use it!" But Megan remained unresponsive, her eyes shut tight against the world. Rick''s frustration boiled over, his temper ring like a wildfire. With a swift motion, he pped her across the face, the sound echoing like a gunshot in the tense silence of the room. "Open your damn eyes, you worthless whore!" Rick''s voice thundered, filled with a primal rage that reverberated through the air. But still, Megan remained unmoved, her body quaking with fear. In a fit of desperation, Rick seized her by the hair, his fingers digging into her scalp with a cruel intensity. He thought that inflicting pain would coax the answers from her lips, but still, she remained silent, her torment evident in every trembling breath. Heavy tension weighed down Megan''s mind, squeezing her skull like a vise. Goosebumps prickled her skin, each hair follicle standing at attention like a miniature army of spikes. She babbled nonsensically, words tumbling from her lips in a frantic stream of consciousness, her fear driving her to the brink of madness. Rick''s gaze bore into her with icy detachment, his patience wearing thin with every passing moment. Without warning, his handshed out again, the sharp crack of his palm meeting her cheek echoing through the room. Megan''s world spun dizzily, darkness crowding the edges of her vision as she teetered on the brink of unconsciousness. "Damn it!This bloody bitch is of no use." Rick cursed, frustration boiling over as he watched her limp form. With a vicious snarl, he straightened, his fury fueling his movements as he delivered a brutal kick to her drained body. The force of the blow sent Megan sprawling, her limbs syed at unnatural angles as she crumpled to the ground like a discarded rag doll. Rick''s mind whirled with desperation as he grappled with the dire situation before him. With a defeated sigh, he buried his face in his hands, fingers digging into his scalp as if trying to w his way out of the mess he found himself in. Then, like a beacon in the darkness, an idea sparked to life in his mind. The system. It was hisst glimmer of hope, the only chance he had to salvage the situation. With a sense of urgency fueling his movements, Rick resolved to seek aid from the system, his final gamble in a game of desperation. As he pondered his dwindling resources, a flicker of recollection stirred in his mind. Lottery spins. He still had a few left, a tiny sliver of luck in a world gone mad Rick made his decision. He would exhaust everyst spin of the lottery, rather than spend Ero Points to buy things. But before Rick could even take a step towards the system, a shimmering beam of light appeared before him, coalescing into a prism, magical screen. Rays of light danced across its surface, reflecting in a mesmerizing disy of colors. With a gentle hum, the screen flickered to life, revealing the familiar interface of the system. In that moment, Rick was ovee with a sense of awe and wonder, his mind buzzing with questions and curiosity. As he prepared to demand answers from the system, it seemed to anticipate his thoughts with a mischievous twinkle in its virtual eyes. "Oh Master... My dear lose... Master... You must have been waiting for my grand return with bated breath, hmm?" the system teased, its voice tinged with a hint of amusement. "It''s been quite a while since I graced you with my presence." Rick''s brow furrowed in frustration, ready to unleash his barrage of inquiries. But before he could utter a single word, the system interjected with a soothing tone, as if trying to pacify a raging storm. "Ah, my dear Master," the system cooed, its virtual presence exuding an air of contrition. "I know you must be feeling neglected, but let me exin. Normally, it''s just a quick forty-eight-hour update process, but this time, well, fate had other ns." "It seems I needed a little extra time to make my grand entrance," the system chimed, its voice dripping with a hint of mischief. "Even I, a humble digital entity, must indulge in a bit of drama now and then, wouldn''t you agree?" Rick felt his blood boil at the system''s smug tone, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He was ready to unleash his pent-up frustration, to show this arrogant machine who was in control. But before he could utter a single word, the system''s demeanor shifted, a sudden pleacing its words with a desperate urgency. And then, in a sh of blinding light, the system projected a brilliant screen before Rick, cutting off any further response. [For you my Master. For all the inconvenience you had to face.] [ System UpdateRewards Cash: $5,000,000 Ero points: $100,000 3-Standard lottery spins. ] After seeing the reward amount, Rick was astonished, his face glittered like a shimmer out of his excitement. Rick could not hold on his happiness, on counting the number of zeros initiating with the dor in front. A smile slowly spread across his face, which reced the feeling oftension and frustration with delight and rxation. [And to top it, here''s another small gift from me.] And suddenly a card appeared in his hand and a name reverberated in his mind, "Tech Savvy Starter Kit". The "Tech Savvy Starter Kit" wasa USB drive loaded with basic software designed to bypass low-level security measures on electronic devices, such as password-protected panels. While not foolproof, this tool provided a valuable resource for users looking to gain ess to restricted areas or systems. The USB drive was carefully curated to offer a range of capabilities, allowing users to exploitmon vulnerabilities andbasic security protocols. Just after plugging the USB, it will initiate brute-force attacks, exploit encryption methods, or execute other tactics to gain unauthorized ess. Nevertheless, for those just starting out in the world of hacking or digital pration testing, the "Tech Savvy Starter Kit" provided a valuable introduction to the tools and techniques used in the field. Rick''s attention returned to the shimmering screen before him, gratitude flooding his voice like a warm embrace. "Well, well," he murmured, his tone tinged with genuine joy. "You certainly know how to make a grand entrance, don''t you?" In a surprising turn, Rick''s demeanor shifted, his anger melting away like snow in the sun. Rick''s tone took aplete 180-degree turn,"It''s alright," he reassured, a forgiving grin softening his features. "Just don''t make the same mistake again," he muttered to himself, more a reminder than a reprimand directed at the system. His smile widened as he came to a decision, his tone firm yet lighthearted. "Consider your apology epted," he dered, extending an olive branch to the mysterious entity before him. "But let this be a lesson, my friend. I would have entangled into a trap. So, no more disappearing acts, alright?" Rick rxed back, a sense of satisfaction washed over him, like a warm embrace after a long, hard-fought battle. But beneath that veneer of contentment, a restless energy simmered, driving him to seek more, to push the boundaries of what was possible. Despite absorbing every morsel of information the system had to offer about the new device, Rick found himself hungering for more. And so, with a decisive nod, he made a choice that would set the wheels of fate into motion once more. Rick, decided to go for the lottery spin. With a flourish, Rick prepared to take a chance on the lottery spin, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he gathered the lottery spins he possessed, his eyes widened in amazement at the abundance before him. Eight basic spins and five standard spinsy at his disposal, each one a ticket to the unknown. With a steady hand, Rick clicked on the wheel, setting it into motion with a single, determined gesture. The wheel spun with a hypnotic rhythm, each revolution bringing him closer to the tantalizing prizes that awaited. "Come on," Rick urged, his breath catching in his throat as he watched the wheel slow. In no time, the wheel began to slow down.The segments shed by in a blur, each one tantalizingly close yet just out of reach. Premium, Epic, Legendary... the prizes danced on the edge of his grasp, teasing him with their allure. But then, with a cruel twist of fate, the wheel veered towards thergest segment, ''Better Luck Next Time.'' A surge of panic gripped Rick''s chest as the wheel teetered on the brink of disaster. But miraculously, it crossed the threshold of misfortune by the narrowest of margins,ing to rest on the Basic segment with a soft click. A sigh of relief escaped Rick''s lips, the tension draining from his body like water from a burst dam. But his moment of respite was short-lived as the system chimed with delight, announcing his reward in a cheerful tone. "Basic Reward: Tech Savvy Starter Kit," the popup dered, revealing his fate in stark ck and white. Rick''s jaw dropped in disbelief, his mind struggling toprehend the cruel twist of fate that had befallen him. "You''ve got to be kidding me," he muttered, his voiceced with disbelief and frustration. ***** Chapter 192: Behind the Cupboard [2] Chapter - 192 Your next read awaits at m v|l-e''-NovelBin Rick''s brow furrowed in frustration as he stared at the identical item the system had given him for the second time. "Seriously? Again?" he muttered under his breath, his annoyance visible in the air, "This is no chance. You asshole... You are ying with me." With a resigned sigh, Rick begrudgingly unboxed the tech-savvy starter kit, his curiosity piqued despite his initial disappointment. As he peeled back the sleek packaging, he couldn''t help but admire at the futuristic design and the promise of cutting-edge technology nestled within. Shaking off his irritation, Rick decided to put the device to the test. The standout feature of the device, its USB connectivity, caught Rick''s attention immediately. Waste no time, he brought it close to the panel in front of him, but what next. Were was he going to plug it in? But before he couldin, the USB springing to life with a soft hum, and a few spider arms sprang out of the USB and it jumped on the panel like a living object. It then plugged itself on the screen like a parasite and the screen flickered to life, the disy awash with a flurry of intricate encryptions that danced across the surface like elusive fireflies in the night. Rick leaned in closer, his eyes wide with fascination as he watched theplex patterns unfold before him. "What in the world..." he murmured. The encryptions danced before Rick''s eyes, revealing the intricateyers of advanced security measures embedded within the device. With each shifting pattern, Rick felt a surge of adrenaline course through his veins, the thrill of the technological puzzle igniting a fire within him. "Whoa," Rick breathed, his gaze locked onto the mesmerizing disy with unwavering focus. The challengeid out before him was like a siren''s call, beckoning him into the depths of the digital realm. As the encryptions seamlessly fused into an auto-generated password, Rick''s heart pounded with anticipation. What secretsy beyond the veil? What wonders awaited his discovery? With trembling hands, Rick watched as the interface opened before him, revealing a world of endless possibilities. His eyes widened in awe as he took in the unlocked interface, his mind racing with excitement at the prospect of whaty ahead. "This is it," Rick whispered, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him. "Let''s see what you''ve got in store for me." The USB had proven its worth. As the interface opened and the password auto-generated, Rick''s excitement reached a fever pitch. But before he could fully process what was happening, the cupboard began to shake violently, like an earthquake rumbling beneath his feet. With a click, the door behind the cupboard wall swung open, revealing a hidden passage shrouded in darkness. "Holy...!" Rick eximed, his eyes widening in amazement at the unexpected turn of events. He couldn''t believe his luck as he peered into the mysterious depths of the hidden doorway. Curiosity burning like a wildfire, Rick stepped cautiously into the concealedpartment, the darkness enveloping him like a thick cloak. Despite the shadows that lurked in every corner, he couldn''t suppress the thrill coursing through his veins. "This is incredible," Rick muttered to himself, his voice echoing softly in the cavernous space. His heart raced with a heady mixture of excitement and trepidation. As Rick ventured deeper into the hiddenpartment, he couldn''t help but be captivated by the eerie glow filtering in from an unknown source, casting strange shadows that danced across the space like ghostly apparitions. The dim illumination added to the air of mystery that hung thick in the air, heightening Rick''s sense of anticipation. With each step, Rick''s eyes adjusted to the subdued light, allowing him to take in his surroundings more clearly. And what he saw left him utterly spellbound. At the far end of the room stood a remarkable sight: a sleek, metallic lift, its futuristic design a testament to the advanced technology concealed within. Rick approached it cautiously, his heart pounding with excitement at the discovery before him. The lift''s minimalist exterior offered no clues as to its purpose, its pristine panels devoid of any markings or indicators. But as Rick drew closer, he couldn''t help but be drawn to the gleaming control panel, which disyed only a single button. His fingers hovered over the button, hesitating for just a moment before sumbing to the irresistible pull of curiosity. With a steady hand, he pressed the glowing button, the soft hum of machinery filling the air as the lift sprang to life. The doors closing behind him with a soft click. As the lift descended into the hidden depths below, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. As the elevator descended deeper into the bowels of the earth, Rick felt an ominous chill seeping into his bones, sending shivers rippling through his body like waves crashing against the shore. With each passing moment, the temperature plummeted, wrapping him in a suffocating embrace of icy coldness that gnawed at his very soul. When the lift finally jolted to a stop and the doors creaked open, Rick was greeted by a st of frigid air that stole his breath away. The cold hit him like a battering ram, driving him to huddle into himself in a futile attempt to shield against its relentless assault. With a trembling hand, Rick reached up to touch his face, only to feel the icy sting of the air against his skin. He exhaled slowly, watching as his breath materialized into a dense, ghostly fog that hung in the air like a specter of his own fear. Outside the confines of the elevator, Rick stood alone in the frozen depths of the unknown, his heart pounding with a mixture of trepidation and excitement. The silence that enveloped him was deafening, broken only by the sound of his own ragged breaths echoing off the walls. "Okay, Rick," he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper, "You''vee this far. Just keep moving forward." The oppressive silence that enveloped the room was a chilling reminder of the harsh realities lurking beyond its icy confines. Despite the bone-deep cold and the creeping sense of unease that coiled around him like a viper, Rick knew he couldn''t afford to turn back now. His insatiable curiosity drove him forward, pushing him to confront whatever challengesy ahead. With a heart aze with determination, Rick drew in a deep breath and ventured further into the frigid darkness, each step a testament to his unwavering resolve. The cold gnawed at his skin, but he pressed on, refusing to let fear dictate his actions. Each cautious step forward felt like a journey into the unknown, the dim light barely illuminating the path ahead. Rick extended his hands before him, groping through the darkness in search of any solid object that might guide him or provide a sense of direction. "Stay focused, Rick," he whispered to himself, his voice aforting echo in the eerie silence. "You''ve got this. Just keep moving forward." With each step forward, Rick''s heart pounded in his chest like a drumbeat echoing through the oppressive darkness. Blindfolded by theck of light, he strained his senses to their limits, searching desperately for any sign of his surroundings. The air felt thick and suffocating, as if concealing secrets that begged to be unearthed. Suddenly, his foot collided with something solid, sending him stumbling forward with a gasp of surprise. Instinctively, he reached out to steady himself, his fingers brushing against a cold, rough surface. As he regained his bnce, Rick realized he had stumbled upon an something in the dark. "Damn it!" he cursed, his frustration boiling over as he grappled with the unknown. "What the hell is this thing?" His voice echoed softly in the darkness. "Freaking hell!" Rick''s frustration erupted into a torrent of curses, each wordced with venom as he berated himself and whoever had carelessly left objects strewn about in the darkness. "Who the hell would leave shit lying around in a dark room?!" His eyes narrowed in irritation as he scanned the murky surroundings, cursing himself for not paying closer attention to his immediate surroundings. With each muttered curse, Rick''s determination to conquer the oppressive darkness only intensified, his resolve unyielding despite the obstacles in his path. "Fucking idiot," he muttered under his breath, his voice a low growl in the eerie silence. "What the hell was it?" Rick muttered to himself, his frustration palpable in the air as he squinted and blinked, straining to discern any details in the oppressive darkness. With each passing moment, his sense of unease grew, gnawing at him like a relentless predator. As he struggled to make sense of his surroundings, Rick''s gaze caught a faint glimmer in the distance. A surge of hope surged through him like a bolt of lightning, igniting a flicker of determination within his chest. "Maybe... maybe there''s something over there," Rick murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he focused his attention on the elusive source of light. With cautious steps, he made his way towards it. * * * * * [A/N:If you are enjoying this story. Do support it, and read my other stories as well.] Chapter 193: The Old Man [1] Chapter - 193 Rick stepped forward cautiously, the dim light casting long shadows that danced menacingly around him. He squinted, trying to make out the shapes in the darkness, but it was like navigating through a thick fog. His hands stretched out before him, groping blindly as he moved forward inch by inch. The tension in the air was palpable, each step a gamble in the darkness. After what felt like an eternity, Rick''s foot caught on something solid, sending him stumbling forward with a curse. He iled his arms, desperately trying to regain his bnce, but it was toote. With a thud, hended hard on the unforgiving ground. "Dammit!" Rick spat, his frustration boiling over as he rubbed his throbbing knee. He cursed himself for not being more careful, for letting his impatience get the better of him. As his eyes slowly adjusted to the dim light of the room, Rick''s gaze fell upon the object he had stumbled over. It was a venttor, its metal frame looming ominously in the darkness. Rick''s irritation only grew as he realized the absurdity of the situation. Falling over a damn venttor in the dark? Seriously? He shook his head in disbelief, his mind reeling with a mixture of annoyance and embarrassment. Leave it to him to find new and inventive ways to make a fool of himself. With a sigh, Rick pushed himself up from the floor, his muscles protesting against the sudden movement. He dusted off his clothes with a grumble, determined to put the embarrassing mishap behind him. Taking a moment to steady himself, Rick surveyed his surroundings once more. The dim light cast eerie shadows across the room, lending an air of mystery to the space. With cautious steps, Rick continued forward, his senses on high alert for any obstacles in his path. He couldn''t afford another clumsy misstep, not when he was so close to uncovering the truth behind Megan''s rampage. As he moved through the darkness, Rick''s thoughts raced with possibilities. What was Megan up to, and why was she targeting Tyler? And more importantly, how could he stop her before things spiraled out of control? Rick''s frustration dissolved into shock as he turned back to the venttor, his eyes widening in disbelief. As Rick''s gaze settled on the venttor, his heart skipped a beat. There, lying motionless on the bed beneath the ss cover, was a pale figure ¨C an old man. The man''s appearance was striking, even in the dim light of the room. His face was weathered and lined with age, the wrinkles etched deep into his skin like a roadmap of a life well-lived. His hair, thin and silver, framed his face in wispy strands that fluttered gently in the faint breeze. Despite his pallor, there was a sense of peace that radiated from the old man. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, the only indication of life beneath the ss cover. Rick couldn''t tear his eyes away from the sight before him. The old man seemed almost ethereal, like a figure from another time and ce. His presence filled the room with a sense of calm, a stark contrast to the chaos and confusion that surrounded him. As Rick took in the man''s appearance, a sense of reverence washed over him. There was something sacred about the old man lying before him, something that demanded respect and awe. With cautious steps, Rick approached the venttor, his movements slow and deliberate. He reached out a trembling hand, hesitating for a moment before touching the ss cover. To his surprise, the ss was cool to the touch, sending a shiver down his spine. He traced his fingers along its surface, marveling at the rity and smoothness of the material. Enjoy new stories from m-v l''e|-NovelBin The old many still beneath the ss, his features serene and unchanging. Rick couldn''t help but wonder what secretsy hidden behind those closed eyes, what stories the old man held within him. Rick stood there, lost in thought. As Rick gazed upon the weathered face of the old man, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of awe wash over him. Despite the wrinkles etched deeply into his skin, there was an undeniable tranquility in the old man''s expression. "Wow," Rick breathed, his voice barely above a whisper as he took in the sight before him. "You seem so... peaceful." The old man''s features, though worn with age, held a certain serenity that captivated Rick''s attention. His forehead, a canvas of lines and creases, told the tale of a life well-lived, each wrinkle a testament to the passage of time. In the dim light, the shadows danced across his face, casting a hauntingly beautiful pattern that spoke volumes of his wisdom and experience. "And here I thought I had seen it all," Rick mused, a hint of wonder creeping into his voice as he studied the intricate contours of the old man''s face. "But you, sir, are truly something else. A bit ugly." The creases on his face seemed to gather together, forming intricate patterns that traced the passage of time. In the dim light, these wrinkles cast shadows, revealing the depth of his age and the wealth of experience etched into his features. From his forehead to his cheeks and down his neck, the lines of age extended, mapping a journey marked by trials and tribtions. His cheeks were drawn inward, entuating the prominence of his jawline, which seemed to sway with the slightest breeze, giving his face a hollow appearance. His skin bore the marks of a lifetime lived, with pigmentation spots and scars telling stories of battles fought and won. Above his forehead, where once hair had flourished, nowy a barren scalp, evidence of years of baldness. The gray hairs that remained floated gently in the icy air, a testament to the passage of time under the cold, unforgiving gaze of the ss cover. "Age catches up with us all, doesn''t it?" he murmured to himself, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "But seriously, could you be any uglier, old timer?" In the dimly lit room, the old man''s face appeared elongated, giving him a peculiar resemnce to a giraffe. His eyes were encircled by dark, sunken rings, entuating the bulging protrusion of his eyeballs beneath. Each hollow socket seemed to swallow the faint light, casting an eerie shadow over his shrunken features. His nose, tall and slender, protruded prominently from his gaunt face, with medium-sized nostrils ring slightly with each breath. Thin, pallid lips adorned his mouth, their puffiness seemingly drained of life, while his chin drooped downward in a parallel line with the crease of his neck. The old man''s presence in the room was unsettling, his ghostly visage sending shivers down the spine of even the bravest souls. His morphological appearance, a macabre fusion of skeletal features and hollowed-out eyes, seemed to embody the very essence of fear itself. As Rick stood there, his eyes fixed on the figure lying motionless on the venttor. The serene expression on the man''s face belied the gravity of his situation, adding an eerie sense of calm to the room. The rhythmic beeping of the venttor served as a haunting reminder of the fragility of life, each sound a somber symphony that echoed through the silent chamber. Rick felt a wave of conflicting emotions wash over him, his heart pounding in his chest as he grappled with the reality of the situation. Fear, curiosity, and confusion warred within him, each emotion vying for dominance as he struggled to make sense of whaty before him. Rick''s stomach churned with revulsion as he surveyed the grim scene before him, the stench of decay lingering heavy in the air. But despite the overwhelming disgust that threatened to consume him, he managed to suppress his nausea and focus on the task at hand. "Poor old man," Rick murmured, his voice tinged with sympathy as he surveyed the decrepit surroundings. "How did he end up in a ce like this?" ''Is he being chained down here?'' A pang of unease gripped Rick as he considered the possibility that the old man may have been chained down in the darkness, a victim of Megan''s cruelty. Considering Megan''s cruel nature and the depths of her depravity, it was possible. Straining his eyes against the gloom, Rick desperately searched for any sign of his surroundings, his pupils dting in a futile attempt to capture more light. But the meager illumination provided by the venttor was barely sufficient, leaving him groping blindly in the darkness. It only served the purpose of the old man. How could he have ended up in such a dire situation? But as Rick swirled his hand across his rugged and spoiled outfit, then, as if by some stroke of luck, his hand found its way to his pocket, where he felt the familiar shape. "Oh, I can''t believe I forgot I had my phone!" he eximed to himself, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips, "I need to increase my dose of almonds." ***** Chapter 194: The Old Man [2] Chapter - 194 With a quick flick of his wrist, Rick pulled out his phone, its sleek surface gleaming in the dim light of the room. He tapped the screen to activate the shlight, and suddenly, a beam of bright light pierced through the darkness like a beacon of hope. "Ah, there we go!" Rick eximed to himself, a grin spreading across his face as he basked in the newfound brightness. With the shadows banished, the once-hidden objects in the room now stood revealed, their shapes and contours bathed in the glow of his phone''s shlight. "Hell of a handy tool you are, aren''t you?" Rick chuckled, giving his phone a yful pat. Using the light as his guide, Rick carefully scanned the nearby objects, his eyes alight with curiosity as he pieced together the puzzle of the room''syout. As Rick swept the beam of his phone''s shlight across the room, he was met with a scene reminiscent of a high-tech hospital ward. An assortment of digital machines, instruments, and gadgets filled every corner, emitting an air of sophistication and advancement. "Wow, talk about cutting-edge tech," Rick muttered to himself, his eyes wide with awe as he surveyed the array of equipment before him. The medical scanner towered imposingly in one corner, its sleek design hinting at theplex mechanisms hidden within. As Rick moved closer, he noticed a bank of monitors disying vital signs and diagnostics with crystal-clear precision. His heart skipped a beat as he watched his own pulse and heartbeat pulse across the screen in a graph. "This is incredible," Rick marveled, his voice tinged with excitement as he took in the sight before him. In the center of the room, a specialized bed with adjustable settings and built-in monitoring capabilities stood ready to amodate its upant. "Looks like someone spared no expense," Rick remarked, his gaze lingering on the meticulously arranged tools and instruments surrounding the bed. It was clear that this borate setup had been prepared with care and attention to detail, a testament to the importance of the person who would upy it. As Rick surveyed the array of modernized technology filling the room, he couldn''t help but marvel at the innovation on disy. Each machine and instrument seemed to pulse with the promise of cutting-edge advancements, leaving him in a state of awe and wonder. With a meticulous eye, Rick examined each piece of equipment, his amazement growing with every new discovery. It soon became clear to him that he was standing in a hospital room, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery to tend to the needs of its upant, an elderly man resting peacefully on the bed. Rick''s gaze fell upon the venttor, its gentle hum filling the room as it delivered life-giving oxygen to the man through a mask fitted snugly over his nose. The sight left Rick momentarily stunned, his mind racing toprehend how the man hade to be in this ce. "How in the world...?" Rick muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned in closer to examine the sleeping figure. He scanned the man''s body for any signs of additional machines or devices. s Rick gazed upon the old man lying peacefully on the bed, his mind raced with questions and suspicions. "He looks like he''s in aa,pletely paralyzed," Rick muttered to himself, his brow furrowing in deep thought. "But why is he here? And what does Megan have to do with all of this?" Find adventures at m_v l|e-NovelBin A sense of disgust welled up inside Rick as he contemted the lengths to which Megan might have gone to keep the old man hidden away in this secret chamber. With a determined frown, he leaned in closer, scrutinizing the man''s features for any clues to his identity. "I know I''ve seen him somewhere before," Rick mused aloud, his voice tinged with frustration. "But where? My memory''s drawing a nk." Rick racked his brain, urging his memory to kick into gear and provide him with the answers he sought. But try as he might, the old man''s face remained elusive. As much he tried to recall him, the much his memory got blurred and buzzed out. Lost in a whirlwind of confusion and deep contemtion, Rick''s attention was suddenly drawn to a creaking sound echoing from behind him. With a jolt, he spun around, his heart racing as he scanned the room for any sign of movement. To his surprise, the sleek doors of the elevator slid open smoothly, revealing the figure of an elderlydy stepping out into the room. Rick''s eyes widened in shock at the unexpected arrival, his mind struggling toprehend her presence in this enigmatic ce. The olddy exuded an air of quiet dignity despite her frail appearance, her stooped posture speaking volumes of the passage of time. Deep lines etched her weathered face, each wrinkle a story unto itself. Yet, there was a warmth in her eyes that spoke of wisdom and kindness, drawing Rick towards her like a moth to a me. Relief washed over Rick''s face like a wave, his tense muscles rxing as he weed the familiar figure with a relieved grin. Moments ago, fear had clenched his heart, but now, in the presence of the olddy, it melted away like snow under the sun. The olddy was actually a familiar figure. "Well, if it isn''t the old Matriarch herself," Rick quipped, his chuckle carrying a hint of nervousness. "You sure know how to make an entrance and give me a good scare, don''t you?" The olddy was none other than Evelina''s Grandmother whom Rick treated for the poison. "Did you miss me after ourst meeting?", Rick asked her teasing, "Dying to meet me." As Rick stood there, thinking he was all slick with his teasing game, Evelina''s grandma just strolled on by, not giving him the time of day. She had this air of grace about her, like nothing could phase her. He didn''t expect her to just brush him off like an annoying fly. But she did, her focus locked on the venttor down the hall. Rick couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow as the olddy strolled past him, her eyes shimmering with a mix of emotions. "Hey, Grams, what''s got you all up in your feels today?" Rick teased, his toneced with sarcasm. But the olddyjust kept on trucking, her gaze fixed ahead, her steps steady. Ignoring him, as the olddy approached the venttor, her steps were measured, almost reverent. Rick couldn''t help but feel a sense of intrigue mixed with disbelief. Here was this feisty grandma, who moments ago seemed impervious to his teasing, now transformed before his eyes. With each step, her determination seemed to grow, her gaze locked on the machine that sustained the life of the person she cared so deeply for. Her fingers, weathered by years of life''s trials, delicately brushed against the ss, creating a barrier between her and the frail figure within. Rick observed in awe as her tough exterior melted away, revealing a vulnerability that he never knew existed. Standing beside Evelina''s grandmother, Rick couldn''t help but notice the whirlwind of emotions sweeping across her weathered face. Tears shimmered in her eyes like precious gems, reflecting the soft light of the room. Despite the sorrow etched in her features, there was an undeniable tenderness, a love that seemed to emanate from every fiber of her being. As they stood by the venttor, the olddy''s gaze never strayed from the figure lying peacefully within. Rick watched as she reached out, her hands trembling slightly as they pressed against the ss covering the old man''s face. Her touch was delicate, yet brimming with longing. "My dear sleeping beauty," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Oh, how I wish I could tell you how much I miss you every single day. You reside here," she tapped her chest gently, "right in my heart, always." A sob escaped her lips, and Rick felt a lump form in his throat as he witnessed her raw vulnerability. Despite the old man''s serene demeanor, it was clear that his absence weighed heavily on her, ''Fuck! What is going on with this old witch?'' "I hope we can be together again soon," she continued, her voice thick with tears. "May the Almighty grant you peace, free you from these sufferings and sorrows." As Rick stood beside Evelina''s grandmother, he could practically feel the love pouring out of her, thick like syrup in the air around them. Every line on her face seemed to be etched with the weight of her emotions, her love for the old man almost tangible. The old woman was caressing the ss cover from it''s edges to the corners and then on the roof, to visualize the face of the old man in a much better way, trying to let the cold vapors inside it''s cover evaporate. Her eyes were yearning with the urge of having a fined detailed look of the old man. Her desperation could be clearly felt through her gestures and actions. "I know one day you''ll wake up and tell me how much you missed me too," she murmured, her gaze fixed on his still form behind the ss. "I can''t wait for that moment, my dear husband. We''ll be reunited before you know it." "Huh... Husband?" ***** Chapter 195: Old Enemies Chapter - 195 "I know one day you''ll wake up and tell me how much you missed me too," she murmured, her gaze fixed on his still form behind the ss. "I can''t wait for that moment, my dear husband. We''ll be reunited before you know it." "Huh... Husband?" Rick felt the floor slip away from beneath his feet. His head felt dizzy, no idea what the fuck was happening? From a quest to Megan, Hard core sex to this old man, and now this old witch to her husband? How did he end up here? But the old witch was stilllost in her own world after dropping the bomb on Rick. As Evelina''s grandmother stood by the man, lost in a world of her own tears and memories, Rick observed her with a calm demeanor. He couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly at the intensity of her emotions, seeing her so deeply entrenched in her own thoughts. For her, that simple act of caressing the ss held profound significance. It wasn''t just a gesture of affection; it was a lifeline, a way to cling to the memories of a lifetime spent together. Rick watched it all unfold before his eyes, silently bearing witness to the raw power of love and devotion. The room seemed to pulse with emotion, thick with love and affection, as Evelina''s grandmother poured her heart out beside the man she cherished. Just when the atmosphere couldn''t get any heavier, the sleek doors of the lift whispered open once more, breaking the tension with a smooth click. Rick turned to see who was entering, a smirk ying at his lips as he anticipated another familiar face. However, his smirk faltered as he recognized the figure stepping into the room. It was Geoffrey, a person he had encountered before in the Whispering Wends. Rick couldn''t hide the twinge of annoyance that flickered across his features when Geoffrey entered the room. Despite his irritation, he resigned himself to tolerating the sudden intrusion. Memories of their shes during their previous encounters flooded Rick''s mind, reminding him of their ipatible personalities. As Geoffrey approached, he kept a respectful distance from Evelina''s grandmother, who remained absorbed in her vigil by the venttor. She spared him only a fleeting nce before returning her attention to her husband, her expression betraying no hint of warmth. Rick couldn''t help but wonder what had brought Geoffrey to their midst. It seemed too much of a coincidence for him to just show up out of the blue. Suspicion gnawed at Rick''s thoughts, fueling his overactive imagination. "Why is this bastard here?"Rick muttered under his breath, his frustration evident in his tone. He couldn''t shake the feeling that Geoffrey''s presence was intentional, adding ayer of suspicion and curiosity to the already tense atmosphere. ''Damn butler,'' Rick cursed quietly to himself, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. Geoffrey positioned himself beside the old woman, his expression meticulously crafted to exude a sense of solemnity and sorrow. Rick couldn''t help but notice the sudden shift in his demeanor. It was as if Geoffrey had flipped a switch, morphing from his usual self into a master of pretense. His facade of grief seemed almost too perfect, his features contorted in an exaggerated disy of sadness. Read thetest on m_v-l''e|-NovelBin Being the keen observer he was, Rick caught the flicker of insincerity in Geoffrey''s eyes. It was like spotting a glitch in a perfectly programmed robot. He knew there was more to Geoffrey than met the eye, a man all too willing to manipte emotions for his own ends. As their gazes locked, Rick couldn''t resist the temptation to provoke him, a mischievous smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. And that worked like a charm. His jab seemed to hit home, eliciting a reaction he hadn''t quite anticipated. Along with annoyance, he watched as a storm of shock, anger, and frustration clouded Geoffrey''s features, his carefully constructed facade crumbling in an instant. ''Looks like I struck a nerve,'' Rick quipped, unable to contain his amusement at Geoffrey''s sudden loss ofposure. He knew he had gotten under the old butler''s skin, and for a moment, it felt like a small victory in the midst of the tension that hung heavy in the air. Geoffrey''s expression shifted drastically when heid eyes on Rick, his longtime rival, standing there amidst the solemnity of the moment. It was clear from his face that he hadn''t anticipated this unexpected encounter, and it threw him off bnce. A tense silence settled between them, the weight of it almost tangible in the air around them. Rick could sense the turmoil churning within Geoffrey, his struggle to maintain his facade ofposure bing increasingly evident. As Geoffrey gritted his teeth, Rick could practically feel the tension crackling in the air. The rage simmering behind Geoffrey''s eyes was palpable, like a volcano on the brink of eruption. It was a stark contrast to theposed facade he had presented just moments before. Rick watched with a mix of amusement and wariness as Geoffrey struggled to keep his emotions in check. Geoffrey stood there, his gaze locked on Rick, lost in a whirlwind of memories that threatened to overwhelm him. It was like a movie reel ying in his mind, shing back to all the times Rick had humiliated him, defied him, challenged his authority, embarrassed him in front of BloodThrone family, and ultimately caused him to lose his ce within the BloodThorne family. As he stared at Rick, Geoffrey felt a surge of anger and frustration bubbling up inside him. Rick''s presence was a reminder of all the wounds he had inflicted, the scars of which still throbbed with pain. "Damn you, Rick," Geoffrey muttered under his breath, his voice thick with resentment. "You always had to be the thorn in my side, didn''t you?" Rick raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Just doing my part to keep things interesting, Geoffrey," he replied with a smirk, his toneced with mischief. Geoffrey gritted his teeth, his fists clenching at his sides. He had tried so hard to rebuild his reputation, to erase the stain of his past encounters with Rick. But no matter how far he hade, he could never quite recover from what Rick did to him. From the moment the Old Matriarch has opened her eyes, there wasn''t the same confidence that she looked at him. There was doubt in there. Geoffrey cursed his luck as he found himself face to face with Rick once more. Rick''s very presence felt like a cruel twist of fate, dredging up memories that weakened Geoffrey''s resolve. A simmering rage boiled within him, threatening to spill over at any moment. "How dare you show your face here? Who gave you authority toe here?", unable to hold his grudges and past threats, Geoffrey found a suitable time to take his revenge, questioning back at his authority. He thought the Matriarch would surely approve of his bold confrontation, but his hopes of gaining her favor were dashed in an instant. Before Geoffrey could even catch his breath, Rick''s cutting retort pierced the air like a well-aimed arrow, leaving Geoffrey stunned and speechless. "When the master stays silent in my presence, why should I bother with the barking of hispdog?"Rick''s words reverberated through the room like a thunderp, sending a shockwave through Geoffrey''s entire being. The room fell silent, the weight of Rick''s words hanging heavy in the air. His expression froze as the weight of Rick''s words sank in. His mind racing to process the humiliation of being put in his ce once again. But he had no wittyeback, no retort to salvage his wounded pride. Geoffrey stood there, his mouth hanging open like a fish out of water. He felt like a puppet on Rick''s string, always dancing to his tune. Rick''s words had cut him to the core, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. As Rick continued to assert his dominance, Geoffrey could feel a bitter taste rising in his throat, threatening to choke him. It was humiliating, being stripped bare in front of Evelina''s grandmother, his facade of bravado crumbling like a cheap facade. With gritted teeth, Geoffrey tried to muster some semnce ofposure, but it was futile. Rick''s presence seemed to cast a shadow over everything, filling the room with an oppressive atmosphere of anger and frustration. Finally, Evelina''s grandmother tore her gaze away from her husband and fixed her eyes on Rick. Her expression was unreadable, her stare piercing through him like daggers. Rick felt a chill run down his spine as he met her gaze, bbergasted by the intensity of her stare. It was as if she could see right through him,ying bare his every w and insecurity. In that moment, Rick couldn''t help but feel a sense of unease creeping over him, wondering what thoughts were swirling behind those piercing eyes. ***** [ Q. What do you think? Is the Old Matriarch going to propose? 1. Yes 2. No ] Chapter 196: Will anyone believe Rick? Chapter -196 As Rick met the unwavering gaze of the old woman, he couldn''t shake the feeling of doubt and unease that crept into his mind. Her eyes seemed to bore into his soul, their depth magnified by the glistening fluid that filled them. At first, Rick tried to brush off the tension with a joke, hoping to lighten the mood and ease the palpable strain in the air. With a nervousugh, he quipped, "Are you staring at me because I''m looking particrly dashing today?" He expected a chuckle or at least a hint of amusement from Evelina''s grandmother, but instead, her expression remained unchanged, her eyes widening ever so slightly. It sent a shiver down Rick''s spine, the air around them suddenly feeling heavier, as if weighed down by an invisible force. As the silence stretched on, Rick couldn''t help but feel a growing sense of unease. He shifted ufortably, the feeling of being under scrutiny bing almost suffocating. And amidst it all, he couldn''t shake the nagging suspicion that there was more to Evelina''s grandmother''s stare than met the eye. The room seemed to constrict with tension, each breath feeling heavier than thest. Rick found himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to navigate the sudden shift in atmosphere. And then, breaking the silence like a crack of thunder, Evelina''s grandmother''s voice cut through the stillness. "Why are you here, Rick?" she asked, her tone sharp and usatory, her face betraying no hint of recognition. Rick felt a jolt of surprise at her question, her aggression catching him off guard. He knew her well enough to sense that something was amiss, but he refused to let it shake hisposure. With a calm exterior masking the turmoil within, he rubbed the back of his neck, searching for the right words to exin his presence. Rick was unsure of how to respond, he found himself at a loss for words, the silence in the room became even more prominent. After a moment of hesitation, Rick finally spoke, to dispel some of the tension in the room. "Um, well," Rick began, his words stumbling over each other in his haste to break the awkward silence. "You see, it''s kind of a funny story, really. I was just, uh, wandering around, minding my own business, when I stumbled upon this cepletely by ident." He tried to offer a reassuring smile, but it felt strained even to his own ears. Evelina''s grandmother continued to regard him with a cool detachment, her silence weighing heavily in the air. Rick could sense her expectation, the unspoken demand for a more satisfactory answer. "I swear, I didn''t mean to intrude or anything," Rick rushed to exin, his words tumbling out in a nervous stream. "I was just curious, you know? I didn''t realize anyone else was here. Honest mistake." As he spoke, Rick knew himself that his exnation fell short, but what is she going to do? Bite him... Well she could actually, after all the damn old witch wasn''t actually a witchbut a vampire. But the olddy didn''t really care about his answers. Before Rick could add on any extra topping to his pizza of thoughts; the olddy spoke unhesitatingly. "What about that girl upstairs? Was it just another ident?" she asked, her gaze piercing, her tone demanding answers. Rick''s mind raced, trying to process the unexpected interrogation. His heart hammered in his chest like a jackhammer, each beat echoing his growing panic. He struggled to maintain hisposure, his thoughts tumbling over each other in a frantic scramble. "Uh, well, you see," Rick began, his voice faltering slightly as he searched for the right words. "It''s not exactly what it seems. There''s more to it than meets the eye " Rick muttered,his mind racing to piece together a story. "Thatwas also an ident."Rick''s heart pounded in his chest as he mustered up the courage to spin his tale of deception. With a voice that could cut through steel, he began his carefully crafted narrative. "You see, old matriarch, it was all just a big misunderstanding," Rick started, his wordsced with a sense of urgency. "Megan, she''s always had it out for me, you know? So, she calls me into the office that day, acting all innocent-like, saying she needs my help with some ''urgent'' matter." He paused, his gaze darting around the room as if searching for validation. "But when I walked in," he continued, his voice gaining strength with each word, "she... she tried to make a move on me." Rick''s stomach churned with guilt as he spun his web of lies, each word feeling heavier than thest. He knew he was treading on thin ice, but he couldn''t bear to face the truth. So, he embellished his story, painting himself as the victim in a twisted game of maniption. "I swear, olddy, I tried to resist," Rick pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice. "But she was relentless, pushing me against the wall, her hands wandering where they didn''t belong." Rick tried to act all innocent and all. As Rick spun his web of half-truths, he couldn''t shake the feeling of Evelina''s grandmother''s eyes boring into him likeser beams, her curiosity palpable as she listened intently. Her expression remained inscrutable, leaving Rick to wonder what thoughts lurked behind her unreadable facade. Undeterred, Rick pressed on, his voice steady despite the weight of his lies. He watched for any sign of disbelief or suspicion from Evelina''s grandmother, but she remained eerily silent, her raised eyebrows the only indication of her reaction. "Yeah, so, you see," Rick continued, his tone hushed as if he were sharing a dark secret. "It was all Megan''s fault." "And then, things just spiraled out of control," Rick admitted, his voice barely above a whisper now. "I-I ended up pping her in self-defense, and she fell to the ground. I checked her pulse, and it seemed fine, but... she was out cold." Evelina''s grandmother''s frown deepened as she listened, and Rick could feel the weight of her scrutiny bearing down on him like a lead nket. But Rick refused to let his facade crack. He was determined to maintain hisposure, even as he plotted his next move in this high-stakes game of deception. "Out cold?" Listening to Rick, Geoffrey could not help but coldly chuckle at his pathetic excuse of a lie. But toRick''s surprise, Evelina''s grandmother didn''t utter a word about his rambling excuses. Instead, she shifted the conversation in apletely different direction, catching him off guard once again. "It''s good I found you here. I''ve been wanting to talk to you for quite some time now.", there was a high tone in her voice. She said,her voice carrying a sharp edge, hinting at some hidden motive. Rick blinked, thrown off by the sudden change in topic. He couldn''t help but wonder what was on her mind, what mysterious grudge she seemed to be holding against him. Her next words only deepened the intrigue. "This ce is too crowded for what I have to say," she continued, her tone conspiratorial. "Let''s find somewhere quieter, shall we?" Rick''s eagerness to continue their conversation in a more private setting was palpable. He nodded eagerly, grateful for the opportunity to unravel the mystery behind Evelina''s grandmother''s cryptic words. "Sure thing, Grandma," he said, the term slipping out almost instinctively. He noticed the slight raise of her eyebrow at the unexpected address but pressed on nheless. "Lead the way." With a gesture towards the lift, Evelina''s grandmother wordlessly indicated for Rick to follow. As they stepped into the confined space of the elevator. Before stepping into the lift, Evelina''s grandmother cast a cautious nce back at the man lying in the bed, her eyes scanning him with a scrutinizing gaze to ensure everything was in order. Satisfied, she motioned for Rick to follow her, leading the way towards the waiting elevator. As they approached, the doors glided open smoothly, revealing the empty interior. Rick, ever the gentleman, held the door open for Evelina''s grandmother, allowing her to enter first. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of courtesy was due, given the gravity of their conversation. Just as Rick was about to follow her into the elevator, he felt a sudden jolt from behind. Turning around, he found himself face to face with Geoffrey, whose expression was anything but weing. Rick met his sour look with an impassive stare, refusing to let Geoffrey''s presence ruffle hisposure. With a determined stride, Rick stepped into the elevator after Evelina''s grandmother, the doors sliding shut behind them with a soft hiss. As the elevator began its ascent. After about half a minute or so, as the elevator doors slid open, Rick was met with a sight that left him stunned. The Dean''s office was in shambles, a chaotic mess that seemed to reflect the turmoil within. Megany on the floor, unmoving, her breathing shallow andbored, a clear sign of the toll the situation had taken on her. The room itself was a scene of destruction. Papers littered the floor like fallen leaves, furniturey overturned, and tables were smashed to pieces, their fragments scattered across the floor like a puzzle waiting to be pieced together. But amidst the chaos, Evelina''s grandmother remained unfazed. She paid no mind to Megan''s unconscious form, nor did she seem bothered by the wreckage surrounding them. Instead, she cast a disinterested nce around the room, her expression unchanged. Evelina''s grandmother strode past Megan''s motionless form, her posture exuding an air of arrogance that Rick found unsettling. He followed behind her, feeling a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, while Geoffrey trailed along, his expression a perpetual scowl. As they moved through the room, Evelina''s grandmother lifted a handkerchief to her nose, as if shielding herself from the stench of the chaos surrounding them. Rick watched her with a sense of disbelief, finding it hard to reconcile herposed demeanor with the chaotic scene before them. Without a word exchanged between them, the trio made their way towards the door, the silence of the room echoing in their ears.Rick was shocked at one side, while Geoffrey was still frowning at the presence of Rick around him. ***** Chapter 197: Some Dirty Secret? [1] Chapter - 197 Exiting the college gates, Rick, Geoffrey, and Evelina¡¯s grandmother meandered towards a cozy caf¨¦ nestled in the nearby alleyways. The warm glow of the caf¨¦¡¯s lights beckoned to them like a beacon offort, drawing them in from the chill of the evening. Seating themselves amidst the plush cushions of the caf¨¦¡¯s chairs, Rick and the olddy sank into their seats with a contented sigh, the soft upholstery enveloping them like a warm embrace. Geoffrey, ever the vignt protector, stood beside the olddy, a silent sentinel in the midst of the bustling caf¨¦ crowd. As they settled in, Rick¡¯s gaze wandered around the caf¨¦, taking in the serene ambiance that surrounded them. Soft jazz music drifted through the air, mingling with the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the tantalizing scent of baked goods. In a corner of the caf¨¦, a pair of lovebirds chirped merrily in their cage, their vibrant plumage adding a ssh of color to the cozy surroundings. Rick couldn¡¯t resist a yful remark, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he nced at the olddy. "Looks like even the lovebirds are enjoying a romantic evening," he quipped, a yful grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Perhaps they¡¯ll inspire us to find our own ¡¯tweet¡¯heart." However, instead of the chuckle or wittyeback he anticipated, the olddy remained stoic, her brow furrowed in a frown that seemed to deepen the creases on her forehead. Rick¡¯s attempt at humor fell t, like a deted balloon at a birthday party, leaving the atmosphere heavy with awkward silence that hung over their table like a dark cloud on a sunny day. Rick shifted ufortably in his seat, shooting a sheepish smile at Geoffrey, who stood by the olddy¡¯s side like a loyal knight guarding his queen. His eyes silently pleaded for rescue from the ufortable tension that threatened to suffocate them all. Feeling the weight of the awkward silence pressing down on him like a lead nket, Rick decided to take matters into his own hands. With a determined nod, he motioned for the waiter to approach, the clinking of sses and murmurs of other patrons serving as a backdrop to their difort. The waiter, a cheerful young man with a perpetual grin stered on his face, approached their table with practiced ease. "Good evening, folks! What can I get for you tonight?" he chirped, his voice carrying the easy confidence of someone who had done this a thousand times before. Rick seized the opportunity to break the silence, hoping to dispel the heavy atmosphere with the simple act of ordering. "I will have some of your delicious Chinese cuisine and something that will give me some for to drink," he said, his voice tinged with forced cheerfulness as he desperately tried to inject some semnce of normalcy into their awkward encounter. "And the old mam..." The waiter turned towards the old matriarch, but seeing her sharp eyes on him, he suddenly felt cold in his back. The waiter scribbled down their choices before disappearing into the bustling crowd of the cafe. Rick and the others watched him go, the silence between them stretching taut like a rubber band. Feeling the weight of the tension pressing down on him, Rick couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of curiosity about the old man Evelina¡¯s grandmother had been so devoted to. Leaning forward, he addressed her with a touch of bravado, hoping to inject a bit of humor into the atmosphere. "So... That old man down there in the dumps. Is he really your husband?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eye. His words were delivered with a hint of cheekiness, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the ice he was trying to melt was thicker than he¡¯d anticipated, resistant to his attempts at humor. The olddy met Rick¡¯s gaze head-on, her eyes sharp and discerning, like a hawk sizing up its prey. For a moment, it felt as though she could see straight through him, dissecting his intentions with a single nce. Then, with a barely perceptible nod, she confirmed what Rick had suspected all along, her silent affirmation hanging between them like a well-kept secret waiting to be revealed. Experience more content on mvl Rick¡¯s eyebrows shot up in surprise at the confirmation, his mind buzzing with a flurry of questions and conjectures. But he quickly masked his astonishment with a practiced smile, hoping to maintain the facade of casual conversation. As Rick sat there, his mind swirled with a whirlwind of questions, each one adding anotheryer ofplexity to the already mysterious scene unfolding before him. He couldn¡¯t help but be intrigued by the dynamic between the olddy, her husband, and the stoic butler standing by her side like a silent sentinel, his brow furrowed in silent contemtion. The air around the table seemed to crackle with tension, like electricity waiting to be unleashed. Unspoken questions hung heavy in the air, swirling around them like a thick fog, obscuring the truth thaty just beneath the surface. Rick¡¯s curiosity burned like a fire in his chest, urging him to unravel the enigma before him. His gaze lingered on Geoffrey, the butler, whose stern expression only added to the intrigue of the moment. There was a silent exchange between them, a wordless conversation that spoke volumes about the bond they shared. Unable to resist the pull of his curiosity any longer, Rick knew he had to dig deeper into the mysteries surrounding Geoffrey and the olddy. There was a story here, waiting to be uncovered, and he was dying to find it. "So, spill the beans," with a hint of mischief dancing in his voice, Rick turned his attention towards the olddy, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "And what¡¯s the deal with Geoffrey?" he inquired, unable to suppress his eagerness to uncover the truth. The olddy, seemingly unfazed by Rick¡¯s probing, arched an eyebrow in amusement at his persistence. "What about him?" she responded casually, her tone betraying nothing. Refusing to be deterred, Rick leaned in closer, a yful smirk ying on his lips. "Oh,e on," he teased, his eyes alight with yful determination. "I can sense there¡¯s more to the story. What¡¯s the connection between you two?" His words wereced with a yful challenge, daring the olddy to reveal the secrets hidden beneath their seemingly innocuous interactions. A mischievous twinkle danced in the olddy¡¯s eyes as she pondered Rick¡¯s astute observation. She was impressed by his keen perception, though she kept her thoughts veiled behind a cryptic smile. Meanwhile, Geoffrey stood nearby, his demeanor unchanged, yet a subtle flicker of something peculiar passed through his gaze. Rick, eager for the olddy¡¯s response, found himself growing increasingly impatient as the moments ticked by. His anticipation only heightened as he awaited her next words, the suspense thickening with each passing second. As Rick¡¯s inquiry hung in the air, Geoffrey¡¯s temper red, unable to contain his frustration any longer. With a swift movement, his hand closed around Rick¡¯s cor, fury zing in his eyes. Despite Geoffrey¡¯s outburst, Rick remained surprisinglyposed, a smirk ying at the corner of his lips, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Whoa there, tiger!" Rick quipped, his toneced with sarcasm and a hint of amusement. "No need to go all Hulk on me. Just trying to have a friendly chat here, no need for the strong-arm tactics." His words, delivered with a casual nonchnce, were not meant to defuse the tension, though a yful spark lingered in his eyes. Geoffrey¡¯s grip tightened around Rick¡¯s cor, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface. With each word, his anger threatened to spill over, his voice dripping with contempt. "You fancy yourself quite the detective, huh?" Geoffrey sneered, his breath hot against Rick¡¯s face, his wordsced with venom. "But let me tell you something, buddy. You don¡¯t know jack, and you never will." Rick¡¯s smirk widened into a full-fledged grin as he watched Geoffrey¡¯s fury escte. Leaning back casually, he seemed to relish the verbal jousting match unfolding before him. "Oh, Geoffrey, my friend, you underestimate me," Rick teased, his voice dripping with confidence and a touch of mischief, "But I know more than you give me credit for, Geoffrey," Rick taunted, his tone cool and collected. "And it seems like you¡¯ve got something to hide. You know what they say about thieves, right? Always hiding in the shadows, afraid to face the light." Geoffrey¡¯s anger surged like a tidal wave, his attempts to contain it growing increasingly futile. His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles white with the strain of his emotions. But Rick, ever the provocateur, seemed unfazed by the mounting tension, his demeanor almost taunting in its calmness. The tension between them increased, each word exchanged like a verbal spar, like a newly emerging world war. Despite Geoffrey¡¯s boiling anger, Rick remained cool and sarcastic, which affected Geoffrey the most. ***** [A/N: Why not check out my new story? Just go to my profile] Chapter 198: Some Dirty Secret? [2] Chapter - 198 The tension in the room had been building, reaching a fever pitch as Geoffrey and Rick¡¯s argument spiraled out of control. The olddy, who had been watching the escting confrontation with growing unease, finally reached her breaking point. With a surprising burst of energy that belied her age, she stood up straighter and her voice cut through the chaos like a knife. "Leave him be!" shemanded, her voice sharp andmanding, demanding Geoffrey to release Rick immediately. "But Matriarch!!!" Geoffrey¡¯s voice was a mix of disbelief and frustration. He hadn¡¯t expected her to intervene, not like this. He wasn¡¯t ready to back down, not when he was so convinced of his own righteousness. "I said let him go," the Matriarch repeated, louder this time, her voice booming in the confined space. Her eyes narrowed into slits, and a deep frown etched her face, signaling she was not in the mood for disobedience. Her gaze was fixed on Geoffrey, piercing and authoritative, leaving no room for argument. Defeated and with a heavy heart, Geoffrey could do nothing butply with her order. With onest re at Rick, he released his grip on Rick¡¯s cor. His hands clenched into tight fists at his sides, a clear sign of his simmering anger and frustration. Taking a step back, he breathed heavily, trying to regain some semnce of control over his emotions. Only after Geoffrey had stepped away did the Matriarch rx her stern gaze. She looked away from him. Meanwhile, Rick couldn¡¯t help but soak in the brief victory, his posture rxing into one of unmistakable triumph. He locked eyes with Geoffrey, his grin spreading wider, brimming with yful arrogance. With a nonchnt gesture, Rick straightened his shirt, the movement smooth and deliberate. He reclined back in his chair, a picture of casual defiance, legs crossed with an ease that bordered on insolence. Enjoy new tales from mvl "The dog seems eager to snap even without amand from his master. If I were in charge, I¡¯d say it¡¯s time to put such a beast down. After all, you never know what kind of mess he¡¯ll drag you into next. Thankfully, I don¡¯t have a short fuse like everyone else," Rick quipped, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he shed a smug smile. He didn¡¯t even bother to nce at the Matriarch as he made his jibe, his eyes fixed on Geoffrey, challenging him to react. Geoffrey, for his part, could only stare back, his gaze smoldering with barely contained rage. The Matriarch observed the exchange, her expression impassive, her eyes shifting thoughtfully from Rick to Geoffrey and back again. She remained silent, a calm observer amidst the storm of egos shing in front of her. Gradually, the cafe¡¯s atmosphere eased back into its usual rhythm, the tension dissolving into the background hum of other conversations and the clinking of coffee cups. But it wasn¡¯t eptable to Rick. "Anyway, as we were saying," Rick started, smoothly transitioning back to the matter at hand, eager to steer the conversation to his advantage. But before he could ask further about the old man, the olddy decided to take the reigns into her own hand and redirected the conversation towards a different topic. "So, how did you meet my granddaughter?" the olddy inquired, her tone softer now indicating her willingness to discuss something else. Well, it was unexpected for the olddy to interrupt him. But there was no reason for him not not answer her. After all, the meeting between him and Evelina had nothing to hide. In fact, he came out as a hero in that encounter. But before he could answer. Like always, the troublemaker had arrived. [ Quest: She will ask and you will answer? Who the Fuck does she think she is? Make the old witch lose that cold facade Quest duration : 2 hours Quest Rewards: $10,000 ; 1 X Butt-Plug Quest Penalty: This Butt-Plug, you won¡¯t be using it... But... ] It was unnecessary, however, Rick couldn¡¯t resist the temptation to provoke her further. He couldn¡¯t let this opportunity pass without stirring the pot just a bit more. His eyes lit up with a mischievous sparkle, a clear indication he was about to tread where he was least expected. "Oh, our meeting was quite the serendipitous event, truly unexpected," he started, his tone light, almost teasing. But then, with a sly turn of his head and that ever-present grin widening, he couldn¡¯t resist poking at the topic he knew was off-limits. "Speaking of unexpected..." "While we¡¯re on the topic of serendipity, I can¡¯t help but wonder about the old man lurking in the college campus. What¡¯s his story?" Rick leaned back, his tone casual yet loaded with innuendo. Rick leaned forward, the shadow of a smirk ying at the corners of his mouth, his wordsced with a deliberate edge meant to provoke. "I mean, right beneath the college? Seriously, how creepy is that?" His tone was light, but the underlying challenge was clear, aimed directly at the olddy¡¯s known reluctance to dive into such matters. The olddy¡¯s response was almost imperceptible, a slight arch of her eyebrow betraying her rising annoyance. It was a silent, yet eloquent testament to her growing displeasure, a nonverbal cue that she was not amused by Rick¡¯s insistence on circling back to the forbidden topic. Unfazed by the olddy¡¯s clear signs of disapproval, Rick maintained his casual, almost s¨¦ demeanor. He was undeterred, his yful banter unchanged, as he locked eyes with her, his smirk widening. It was as if he was silently daring her to engage, to rise to the bait of his cheeky provocation. The tension in the room thickened palpably as the two found themselves locked in a verbal tug-of-war, neither willing to give an inch. Then again, quite unexpectedly, the olddy shifted gears, her voice taking on a sharper edge, her fist clenching as though grappling with an unseen adversary. "Were you following my granddaughter during that trip to Whispering Wends?" Rick, sensing the tension ratcheting up, couldn¡¯t help but push further, his grin taking on a mischievous curve. "Oh, I assure you, I wasn¡¯t tailing her. But since we¡¯re on the topic of following, I¡¯ve got to ask¡ªdoes your dear husband know about the, uh, special attention you¡¯ve been giving the butler?" The question hit the air like a sudden p of thunder, leaving a stunned silence in its wake. The olddy¡¯s face transitioned from a look of curious engagement to one of utter shock, her eyes ballooning in disbelief at the audacity of Rick¡¯s brazen insinuation. Before she could muster a response, Rick, leaning into his role of provocateur, didn¡¯t let up. "And how does that work, exactly? Do you keep it a spicy secret, or is it more of an open house event? In the grand hallways, perhaps?" His voice dripped with a blend of incredulity and mock curiosity, each word designed to needle, to poke at the veneer of the olddy¡¯s calm demeanor. The olddy felt a surge of indignation, a fiery mix of anger and shock wrestling within her as Rick unabashedly continued his barrage of insinuations. Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red, not just with anger but with the humiliation of being subjected to such baseless usations in such a public setting. Her hands, a testament to her rising fury, trembled ever so slightly, betraying her outward attempt to remainposed. Finally, the moment the olddy¡¯s patience shattered, it was like a thunderp ripping through the serene atmosphere of the cafe. Her voice, suddenly loud and quivering with rage, cut through the hum of quiet conversations and the clinking of coffee cups. "How dare you! You insolent little brat! How dare you speak to me in such a manner! How dare you?" Her words were sharp, each oneden with fury, echoing off the walls andmanding the attention of everyone present. The cafe, once a bubble of subdued chatter and the gentle aroma of coffee, was now the stage for this unexpected drama. Patrons turned, their curiosity piqued by the olddy¡¯s outburst, their eyes wide, whispers beginning to bubble up among the tables. They watched, captivated by the spectacle, as the olddy stood trembling, her cheeks flushed with anger, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Rick, for his part, seemed utterly unfazed by the tempest he¡¯d unleashed. He simply reclined further in his chair, a smug smirk ying across his lips, clearly relishing the storm of emotions he¡¯d managed to stir within the olddy. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and he wore his satisfaction like a badge of honor, utterly immune to the shock and disapproval that filled the cafe. Catching his smug expression, the olddy¡¯s re intensified, her eyes burning with a fierce mix of anger and indignation. She was a maelstrom of emotion, her usualposure lost to the waves of fury Rick had provoked. Then, with a chilling calm that contrasted sharply with her earlier fury, the olddy issued a dark threat, her voice cold and steady, yet carrying an undertone of unmistakable menace. "I can easily get rid of you and your family," she dered, the threat hanging in the air like a guillotine. Rick¡¯s response was nothing short of surprising. Instead of showing even a hint of fear or trepidation, he simply nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm and collected, with a subtle smile ying at the corners of his lips. "I know," he replied, his voice steady and confident. "But let me assure you... It won¡¯t be easy." The olddy, taken aback by Rick¡¯s unexpected response, furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Her attempt to intimidate him had clearly backfired, leaving her grasping for control in a situation that seemed to slip further from her grasp with each passing moment. She had expected him to cower in fear or beg for mercy, but Rick remained cool and unaffected, his confidence unshaken. "What is your end goal?" she inquired, her voice tinged with suspicion as she tried to unravel the mystery behind Rick¡¯s motives. Rick¡¯s response was typically brazen, his smirk widening into a self-assured grin as he leaned forward slightly, meeting the olddy¡¯s piercing gaze with unwavering confidence. "Simple," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I want your grand-daughter to get rid of you." ***** [A/N: We are reaching the 200 chapter mark. Feel free to support the story!!!] The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 199: Annoyed Couple [1] Chapter - 199 "What is your end goal?" she inquired, her voice tinged with suspicion as she tried to unravel the mystery behind Rick''s motives. Rick''s response was typically brazen, his smirk widening into a self-assured grin as he leaned forward slightly, meeting the olddy''s piercing gaze with unwavering confidence. "Simple," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "I want your grand-daughter to get rid of you." The old matriarch''s frown deepened at Rick''s audacious statement, her brows knitting together in a formidable expression. "Excuse me?" she snapped, her tone sharp with disbelief and indignation at Rick''s boldness. Rick''s smirk only widened, his demeanor unapologetically defiant. "I want Evelina to get rid of you... Rece you. in and simple," he reiterated, his words dripping with insolence. And just then, the door of the cafe swung open with a creak, allowing a chilly breeze to snake its way inside and ruffle the pages of the menu on the table. Rick and Grandma remained locked in their silent standoff, the atmosphere crackling with an almost tangible tension. As they continued to stare each other down, Rick casually adjusted his cor, a cocky smirk ying at the corners of his lips. Meanwhile, amidst the intense exchange between Rick and the olddy, the caf¨¦ door swung open once more, ushering in a couple whose presence seemed to carry a storm within. The woman''s determined stride cut through the air, her eyes fixed on an empty table as if it held the answers to all her troubles. A man trailed behind, his gaze fixed on her with a mixture of concern and empathy. As they reached the table, the woman dropped her bag with a thud, her frustration palpable in the sharp exhale that escaped her lips. Her brow furrowed, lips pressed into a tight line as she grappled with whatever demons haunted her mind. While the world around them hummed with the chatter of coffee drinkers and clinking of cutlery, the tension between the couple crackled like electricity. Each movement seemed heavy with unspoken words, a silent battle raging beneath the surface. With a gentle gesture, the man pulled out a chair for the woman, a silent offering of support in the face of her anger. His eyes never left her face, his concern etched into every line of his expression. As she sank into the seat, her body radiated heat, her face still flushed with emotion. It was clear she had been carrying a burden for far too long, and now it threatened to spill over into the serene atmosphere of the caf¨¦. The man''s touch was like a soothing balm on the woman''s agitated soul, his gentle grasp on her hands a silent reassurance amidst the storm raging within her. "Hey, hey, calm down, sweetheart," he coaxed, his voice a soft melody in the cacophony of emotions swirling around them. "Talk to me. What''s eating at you?" But the woman, stubborn as ever, attempted to bottle up her frustration, her facade ofposure wavering like a poorly built sandcastle against the tide. "It''s nothing, really," she deflected, a forced smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Just give me a few minutes, I''ll shake it off." The man, undeterred by her attempts to push him away, persisted with unwavering patience. "Come on, love, I can see it in your eyes. Something''s gnawing at you," he insisted, his voiceced with genuine concern. "You don''t have to face it alone. I''m here for you, always." A warm kiss brushed against her cheek, a tender gesture meant to soothe her troubled soul. But instead of melting into his embrace, the woman recoiled, pushing him away with a frustrated sigh. "Listen, I appreciate the sentiment, I do," she began, her voice tinged with exasperation. "But right now, I just need some space. You wouldn''t understand what''s going on in my head."With a flicker of frustration in her eyes, the woman brushed off his affectionate gestures, her walls rising higher with each passing moment. "And believe me... You actually are the root of it all," Gloria said, her annoyed eyes moving from his face to down there, and the frown her face got even deeper. The man''s cheeks flushed crimson as he squirmed under her using gaze, trying to find refuge anywhere but in her eyes. "Come on, honey, you know I always try my best," he protested weakly, his hand reaching out in a feeble attempt to bridge the gap between them. "But if there is something else that''s bothering you, let me know. I''ll see them personally.", the man tried to console her, giving a supporting hand. But the woman was having none of it, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. "It''s not just about you," she snapped, her toneced with irritation. "It''s that boy at the police station." The man''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Wait, you''re upset about one of your employees? Why didn''t you say so earlier? We can handle this easily," he said, trying to downy the situation. "It''s not a big deal darling. Fire him from the work, that''s it. Why to hold grudges for him?", the man took it lightly, overeating thedy. This fueled thedy even more. "I told you, you will never understand my dilemmas.", saying this, thedy turned her gaze to other side."That boy has been a thorn in my side since day one, and I''m sick of dealing with him." The man''s expression softened as he realized the depth of her frustration. "I''m sorry, darling. I didn''t realize it was causing you so much grief," he said sincerely, reaching out to squeeze her hand in a gesture of solidarity. "Let''s figure out a solution together, okay? I''ll do whatever it takes to make things right for you." The man, sensing the need to diffuse the tension swirling around them like a gathering storm cloud, racked his brain for a way to distract the woman from her anger. "Hey, why don''t we forget about work and all the drama for a day? How about we go on a little shopping spree? It might help take your mind off things," he suggested, a glimmer of hope in his voice as he offered her an escape from her frustrations. Meanwhile, as the waiter approached their table, the man waved him off with a polite gesture, indicating they needed a moment more to decide. The waiter nodded understandingly and retreated to give them some space. But the woman''s response was less than enthusiastic. Her lips pressed into a thin line, her irritation evident as she shook her head. "I''m really not in the mood for shopping," she replied curtly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. Undeterred, the man scrambled for another idea, desperate to find something that would lift her spirits. "Okay, how about a movie? We could just kick back, rx, and forget about all this nonsense for a couple of hours," he suggested, his tone hopeful as he reached out for a lifeline in the form of shared enjoyment. But once again, the woman shot him down, her resolve unwavering. "I am not feeling a movie either," she stated firmly, her tone leaving no room for negotiation. The frustration bubbled up inside the man like a pot about to boil over, his efforts to reach the woman hitting a brick wall with each rejected suggestion. But he wasn''t ready to throw in the towel just yet. With a determination that bordered on stubbornness, he reached out and gently sped her hand in his, a silent plea for connection amidst the turmoil. "We don''t need anything extravagant," he murmured softly, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I just want to be with you, no matter what we''re doing." But the woman''s response was as icy as the frost on a winter morning. "I already told you, I''m not in the mood... especially not after dealing with that troublemaker. And frankly, you''re not helping," she snapped, her frustration boiling over like a pot left unattended on the stove. "Ese maldito alborotador." Undeterred by her sharp words, the man leaned in closer, his concern etched into every line of his face. "Why is that boy still getting under your skin?" he asked gently, his voice a soothing balm meant to unravel the knots of her emotions. The woman''s eyes zed with a fiery intensity as she turned to face him, her frustration palpable in the air between them, "Because that jerk... he... he lied to me... he ye... with... my... emot..." she spat out, her voice trembling with anger as she struggled to maintain control, stealing nces at the man opposite her. A sh of realization flickered across the man''s face as he connected the dots, understanding dawning in his eyes. "Is there something going on between you and him?" he ventured cautiously, his tone tinged with suspicion. In that moment, the woman''s eyes widened in shock at the implication, her denial swift and vehement. "No! Absolutely not!" she eximed, her voice ringing out like a bell in the suddenly hushed caf¨¦, her hands gesturing wildly in denial. "Absolutely not!" ***** Chapter 200: Annoyed Couple [2] Chapter - 200 The man''s brow creased with a web of doubts, his skepticism deepening with her too-quick denial. "But if there''s nothing between you, why does this whole ordeal upset you so much?" he pressed further, his gaze piercing, searching for the truth hidden beneathyers of her frustration. The woman felt a heavy weight in her chest, a tumult of emotions struggling for release as she grappled with how to express the gravity of her feelings. "It''s because he... he''s the reason..." she faltered, her words trailing off as if each one was a battle to push out. "Because of him, I ended up in handcuffs, taken to that grim interrogation room, subjected to hours of questioning, looked at with suspicion..." she burst out, her voiceced with a mix of anger and vulnerability. She paused, as if hesitant to reveal more, her eyes darting away. "I was thrown into a nightmare I never even dared to imagine in my darkest dreams," she added, a shiver running through her at the memory. The man, however, was not fully convinced, his suspicions gnawing at him. "Somehow, I find that hard to fully believe... It sounds like there''s more to the story between you and this guy," he countered, nodding his head to hisown analysis. The woman''s frustration bubbled up like a pot about to boil over, her words carrying the weight of her pent-up emotions. It was as if she couldn''t hold back any longer, her heart pouring out in a torrent of usations and grievances. A heavy silence settled over the table, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. It was as if her usations hung in the air like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over the entire caf¨¦. In that moment of palpable stillness, the man couldn''t shake the feeling that there was more to her story than what she had revealed. Meanwhile, Rick''s attention was abruptly torn away from his conversation with the olddy by the sudden outburst from the woman. His head whipped around to see who had caused such amotion, his curiosity piqued by the disturbance. When heid eyes on the couple, a look of surprise shed across his face, his eyes widening in astonishment at the scene unfolding before him. Despite the chaos erupting around them, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his gaze as he watched the drama unfold. Rick couldn''t help but notice the olddy shooting daggers at him with her eyes, her disapproval practically tangible in the air. But hey, he wasn''t here for her judgment anyway. With a determined gleam in his eye, he pushed back his chair and rose to his feet, allured by the drama unfolding at the table nearby. Each step he took was calcted, navigating the maze of tables like a seasoned explorer, his curiosity piqued by themotion. The surrounding customers seemed to be relishing the scene, savoring it like an unexpected appetizer in their dining experience. As Rick drew closer to the distressed couple, he couldn''t help but notice the tension crackling in the air like electricity. With a grin ying on his lips, he reached out and gently ced a reassuring hand on the woman''s shoulder. "Gloria," he called out softly, his voice carrying a mixture of amusement and confidence. "Looks like you could use a little backup here." Caught off guard by the unexpected gesture of kindness, Gloria''s eyes widened like saucers as she turned to face Rick. The tension in her shoulders cranked up a notch at the sound of her name, his voice slicing through the chaos of her turmoil like a hot knife through butter. With a jolt, Gloria sprang to her feet, her movements as jerky as a marite''s. Her foot stumbled in a clumsy attempt to regain bnce, and she felt herself teetering on the brink of a very embarrassing fall. Panic surged through her veins like wildfire, her hands iling desperately in search of something solid to cling to. Just as she braced herself for impact with the unforgiving ground, a pair of strong arms swooped in to save the day. Rick''s embrace enveloped her like a warm nket on a chilly night, his touch firm yet strangelyforting. Before Qasim could even take a step forward to help, Rick was there, pulling Gloria close with a surprising intimacy. "Easy there, tiger," Rick murmured, his voice low and soothing in her ear. "I''ve got you." The sudden closeness of Gloria to Rick sent a jolt of electricity zinging through her veins, her breath hitching in her throat as she felt the heat of his body pressed against hers. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a caged bird, threatening to burst free from its confines. As Rick held her tight, Gloria could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her own, his breath brushing against her neck like a whisper of warmth on a chilly night. His presence was like a ma, drawing her in with a maic force she couldn''t resist, even if she tried. In that suspended moment, time seemed to stretch out like a taffy pulled too thin. Gloria found herself drowning in the intensity of the connection, every nerve ending tingling with anticipation. The heat emanating from Rick''s body wrapped around her like a cozy nket, his scent swirling around her in a heady whirlwind of desires. Just when she thought she might lose herselfpletely in the intoxicating closeness, Rick tightened his hold on her, pulling her even closer against his chest. The sudden movement sent Gloria stumbling forward, her cheeks aze with embarrassment as she fought to regain her bnce. "Rick, what on earth are you doing here?" Gloria''s voice trembled slightly as she met Rick''s gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and confusion. Despite the chaotic situation they found themselves in, there was an undeniable sense of vulnerability in her expression, as if the events unfolding had stripped awayyers of pretense and revealed the raw emotions beneath. Rick couldn''t help but feel a surge of adrenaline coursing through him as he looked into Gloria''s eyes, his own heart racing with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. It was as if time had slowed down, allowing him to fully absorb the intensity of the moment. With a yful glint in his eye, Rick leaned in closer to Gloria, his breath mingling with hers in the charged air between them. "Well, what do you think?" he teased, his voice low and husky, a smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. "Maybe you were hoping I''de to rescue you." "And I just couldn''t resist the chance to see you," Rick teased. Gloria''s cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink at Rick''s bold words, a subtle indication of the effect he had on her. There was an undeniable spark of attraction between them. Gloria''s heart raced as Rick''s breath ghosted across her skin, igniting a spark of desire that she hadn''t expected. She swallowed hard, trying to push down the sudden surge of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. This was no time for distractions, not with everything that was happening around them. Meanwhile, Qasim watched the exchange unfold with a mixture of astonishment and difort. His mind raced as he struggled to process the unexpected intimacy between Rick and Gloria. Qasim stood frozen in shock. He felt like an intruder, witnessing a moment that was meant for someone else. Difort gnawed at him, mingling with the disbelief that clouded his thoughts. He struggled toprehend what he was seeing, unable to tear his gaze away from the scene ying out before him. As Rick enveloped Gloria in his arms, the warmth of their embrace seemed to fill the room, casting a spell over the atmosphere. Qasim, caught in the moment, found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the intimate scene unfolding before him. He watched, his heart fluttering with a mixture of curiosity and difort, as if witnessing something both captivating and unsettling. As time stretched on, Qasim''s unease morphed into something else entirely. A rush of desire surged through him, unexpected and overwhelming. He shifted ufortably, feeling the telltale signs of arousal stirring within him. With a sense of panic, he realized that his body was betraying him, responding to the scene before him in a way he hadn''t anticipated. In a desperate attempt to conceal his reaction, Qasim''s hands moved instinctively downward, seeking to hide the evidence of his arousal. His cheeks burned with embarrassment as he fumbled awkwardly, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated. With shaky hands, he attempted to discreetly adjust himself, hoping to conceal the undeniable proof of his body''s betrayal. As he struggled to regain hisposure, a wave of self-consciousness washed over him. He prayed that Rick and Gloria hadn''t noticed his momentarypse, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. It was a moment he wished he could erase, a reminder of the unpredictable power of desire. ***** [A/N: Another Milestone Achieved... Please read my other story as well: A Journey Of Retribution: To Kill Everyone ] Chapter 201: Qasim and Gloria [1] Chapter - 201 Gloria was a cocktail of shock and anger, her emotions bubbling over as Rick''s hands lingered around her waist. Meanwhile, Qasim casually adjusted himself down there. There was just something else going with him looking at Gloria in Rick''s arms. Rick, on the other hand, seemed to take a twisted pleasure in watching Gloria squirm under his touch. But after a tense few moments, he finally eased his grip on her, albeit reluctantly, his senses tingling from the scent of her perfume that lingered in the air like a whispered promise. Gloria, however, was far from charmed. She was taken aback, her mood souring further by Rick''s boldness. Her eyebrows knitted together in a disy of confusion and annoyance as she turned to face him squarely. "Why are you here, Rick?" she demanded, her voiceced with a cocktail of frustration and suspicion. Rick just stood there, an enigmatic smile ying on his lips, which only served to irk her further. His silence was like a red g to a bull. "Are you stalking me?" Gloria didn''t hold back, her questions sharp as knives, each word dripping with sarcasm. "Do you honestly think I need to stalk you to bump into you?" Rick interjected quickly, a hint of amusement in his voice that didn''t sit well with Gloria. "But it sure feels like it! How else would you exin knowing exactly where to find me?" Gloria retorted, her frustration boiling over. The coincidence of his presence was too much to chalk up to mere happenstance, "Acosador sangriento" Rick, waved off her usation with a flick of his wrist. "Miss Gloria, you''re jumping to conclusions. We''re in a caf¨¦, public domain, you know? Plus, it''s right next to my college campus. Doesn''t take a detective to put two and two together. So, really, no need for justifications here." His tone was yful. "Even so, why are you barging in here?" Gloria countered, her voice loud enough to convey her annoyance yet controlled, as if she was mindful of not causing a scene. "Oh,e on. I haven''t barged into anything. But just so you know, my being here is no ident. I have my reasons," Rick countered, his smile unfading, suggesting he was enjoying this exchange more than he probably should. "And what could possibly be the purpose for someone as ''irresponsible'' as you to show up here, then?" Gloria''s words dripped with sarcasm, her eyes narrowing in a challenge as she awaited his exnation with a skeptical arch of her eyebrow. Rick couldn''t help but burst intoughter at Gloria''s heated warnings. "Oh my God, I''m trembling in my boots," he said, his voice dripping with mock fear as he chuckled at her frustration. Gloria''s patience, however, was wearing thin. "Don''t mock me, Rick. And how dare you just grab me and pull me into your arms like that?" she demanded, her anger ring. Rick shrugged, an impish grin ying on his lips. "Would you have preferred it if I''d just let you hit the ground? Though, for the record, that wasn''t tight. I could give you a demonstration of what ''tight'' really means," he teased, leaning in closer, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Gloria was aghast at his audacity. "How dare you even suggest such a thing? Do you have any idea what I''m capable of?" she shot back, her voice rising in anger. The intensity of their exchange had drawn the attention of the nearby patrons, who were now watching the unfolding drama with keen interest. Rick, however, seemed unfazed by Gloria''s threats, maintaining his smile as if he was merely enjoying a casual banter rather than a heated confrontation. Gloria''s anger surged even higher, yet she kept a lid on her impulse, her voiceced with a controlled threat. "Watch yournguage, Rick. Push me further, and you''ll regret it ¡ª I... te dar¨¦ una bofetada tan fuerte..." she warned, her eyes shing with defiance. Rick''s response was almost theatrical. "Oh, please do! My cheeks are practically aching for the caress of your delicate hand," he said, dramatically tilting his head to offer her his cheek, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ugh, you''re impossible! Get away from my table now. I want to be left alone," Gloria snapped, her teeth clenched in frustration. She shot a nce at Qasim, who looked like he''d stumbled into a theater mid-y, his eyes wide with confusion and a silent question of what he''d missed. Rick, however, nted his feet firmly, his smile unwavering and stubborn. "I''m not moving an inch, but feel free to find a new spot for yourself, Miss Gloria," he retorted, the stubborn grin stered on his face signaling he had no intention of making this easy for her. The smile Rick wore wasn''t just any smile¡ªit was the kind that unveiled his penchant for provoking her further, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Gloria, for her part, was utterly bbergasted by Rick''s audacity. The anger that she had been trying to keep at bay bubbled over. "Enough, Rick!" she barked, her voice sharp andmanding, echoing a mixture of incredulity and frustration that filled the space between them. Gloria''s patience snapped as she locked eyes with Rick, her voice dripping with scorn. "How dare you speak to me like that, Rick?" she demanded, her tone a blend of disbelief and anger. For a moment, Rick''s ever-present smile wavered under the intensity of Gloria''s re, betraying a flicker of uncertainty. However, he quickly masked it with a renewed smirk, though the situation seemed less amusing now. Attempting to lighten the mood, he replied, "Oh,e on, MissGloria. It was just a bit of fun, a little yful banter, you know?" His tone, though trying to sound light-hearted, couldn''t fully hide a tinge of defensiveness. Gloria, however, was far from amused. She nced briefly at Qasim, who looked like he was trying to piece together a puzzle, his expression a mix of confusion and concern. Turning her attention back to Rick, she fixed him with a steely gaze. "This is not ''banter,'' Rick," she said, her voice cold and firm. "You''re crossing lines you have no right to cross, and I''m not going to tolerate it." Rick, undeterred, attempted to defend his actions with a flippantment, "Flirting with a beautifuldy isn''t exactly a crime, is it?" His eyes flicked momentarily to Qasim, who was still lingering awkwardly in the background, his brow furrowed in a mixture of confusion and difort at the unfolding scene. Gloria''s eyes zed with indignation as she faced Rick, her patience thinning rapidly. "Watch your words, Rick," she warned, her voice sharp, each word slicing through the tension like a knife. Rick, unflinching and as defiant as ever, met her gaze head-on. "I''ll choose my words carefully, but that doesn''t mean I believe I''m in the wrong here," he retorted, his voice steady, almost challenging. The air between them crackled with hostility as Gloria''s frustration boiled over. "I''ve had enough of your theatrics, Rick. Just leave, now!" she demanded, her voice echoing around them, drawing the attention of nearby patrons. Rick stood his ground, raising his voice slightly but maintaining a semnce of control. "I''m not working, Miss Gloria. This is a public cafe, not your personal courtroom. I have as much right to be here as anyone else," he shot back, his stance firm. Amidst the escting confrontation, Qasim had remained a silent observer, his difort growing with each passing moment. Realizing the argument showed no signs of abating, he decided it was time to intervene, hoping to defuse the situation and offer Gloria some sce, given Rick''s apparent indifference to her pleas. Stepping forward, Qasim caught Rick''s attention, effectively pausing the heated exchange. Rick''s eyes shifted to Qasim, his expression softening to one of polite curiosity. Seizing the moment, Qasim offered his hand in a gesture of peace and introduction. "Hi, I''m Qasim," he said, his voice calm and friendly, his smile genuine. "I think we all could use a little cool down, don''t you?" "Actually, I''m more than just an onlooker here. I''m the lucky guy married to this incredible woman," Qasim began, gesturing towards Gloria with a tender smile. "I realize I''m stepping into the middle of something, but you see, Gloria''s been riding a bit of an emotional rollercoaster since this morning. It''s unlike her to get this upset. And honestly, causing a scene isn''t really in anyone''s best interest, especially with the crowd we''ve started to draw." Rick''s attention shifted fully to Qasim, his eyes scanning the man who stood with a natural charisma, seemingly unfazed by the tension. There was a moment of silent appraisal before Rick responded, his expression softening into a respectful nod. "I appreciate it, Mr. Qasim," he said, his voice carrying a note of sincerity tinged with a hint of humor. "So, is this just a bad day, or is it... you know, that time of the month?" Rick''s question, though lightly posed, treaded on thin ice. Qasim''s smile faltered momentarily at Rick''s question, his eyebrows raising in mild surprise, but he chose not to dignify it with a response. Instead, he shifted his focus back to Gloria, who was seething with rage at Rick''s every word. Her frustration was palpable, her jaw clenched as she struggled to maintain herposure in the face of Rick''s audacity. Rick, seemingly oblivious to Gloria''s simmering anger, shifted his attention to Qasim with an air of casual admiration. "Hey, man, that suit is sharp! Looks like it costs a pretty penny," he remarked, his tone carrying a hint of genuine admiration mixed with his trademark yfulness. Gloria shot Rick a withering re, her patience wearing thinner by the second. "Do you even know anything about fashion, Rick? Ah¨®rranos tus bromas..." she muttered under her breath, her words dripping with disdain. But before the tension could escte any further, Qasim stepped in with his trademark charm, diffusing the situation with ease. "Easy there, Gloria," he said, shooting her a reassuring smile. Then, turning his attention to Rick, he offered apliment, "You''ve got quite the eye for detail, Rick. I must admit, I''m impressed." Rick, ever the smooth talker, returned thepliment with a grin. "And your taste in fashion is top-notch, MrQasim," he replied. As the conversation meandered, Rick found a moment to express his gratitude towards Qasim and Gloria for their assistance at the police station. "Hey, I just wanted to say a big thanks for your help back there to get me bail," he said earnestly, his tone carrying a genuine appreciation. "I wanted to express my gratitude right then and there, but you two had already slipped away." Qasim nodded in understanding, his demeanor exuding a touch of evasion as he responded smoothly, "Oh, it was nothing," he replied with a gracious smile, though there was a subtle hint of avoidance in his tone. "We had to dash out of the police station pretty quickly. Had a... umm... an urgent appointment to attend to, you know how it is," he added, a vague excuse hanging in the air. Rick couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow at Qasim''s exnation, his gaze flickering briefly towards Gloria before returning to Qasim with a diplomatic smile. "Right, right, totally get it," he responded, his tone indicating a willingness to let the matter slide. "Thanks again, guys. Your help meant a lot to me, really appreciate it." "No need to be so formal... It was all because of Gloria." Qasim spoke with a gentle smile, "She insisted that we got you out as well." "Is that so?" Rick raised his eyebrow as he looked at Gloria with a wide grin, "You love me so much Miss Gloria?" ****** Chapter 202: Qasim and Gloria [2] Chapter - 202 "Hahaha..." Qasim chuckled, sharing a joke with Rick as they bantered back and forth, their camaraderie evident to anyone watching. Stay updated with mvl But whileughter filled the air between them, snakes roamed on someone else''s chest.Gloria was surprised and equally frustrated as she observed the unexpected tuning between her husband, Qasim, and Rick. Her brows knit together in a frown, and her gaze turned sharpen upon seeing them. "What the heck is he up to?" Gloria muttered under her breath, her words tinged with disbelief as she struggled to make sense of Qasim''s sudden buddy-buddy act with Rick. Was her husband losing his mind? That thought flitted through Gloria''s mind as she shot a pointed elbow into Qasim''s side, hoping to snap him out of whatever trance he seemed to be in. But to her dismay, he barely flinched, his attention firmly locked onto Rick. Despite her best efforts tomunicate her irritation through silent res, Qasim remained blissfully oblivious or chose to ignore her altogether, his focus solely on his newfound conversation partner. Frustration bubbled up inside Gloria like a pot ready to boil over, ''How could he be so oblivious?'' She shot daggers at her husband with her eyes, hoping he would pick up on her silent plea for attention. But Qasim seemed either oblivious or deliberately ignoring her silent signals, his focus solely on Rick and their conversation. With each passing minute, Gloria''s irritation grew like a weed in a neglected garden, her patience wearing thin like a threadbare rug. She clenched her jaw, feeling the throbbing pulse of annoyance reverberating through her veins. Unable to contain her frustration any longer, Gloria cleared her throat loudly, cutting through the chatter like a sharp knife through butter. "Qasim, can I speak with you for a moment?" Her voice was sharp,manding attention with its edge. Qasim turned towards her, momentarily startled by her interruption, but quicklyposed himself with a casual smile. "Sure, honey, what''s up?" he replied, his tone rxed and unconcerned. Gloria wasted no time, grabbing his arm and pulling him away from the table, needing to address the situation away from prying eyes and curious ears. Gloria fixed Qasim with a steely gaze, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "What on earth do you think you''re doing?" she demanded, her voiceced with annoyance. "And why the sudden buddy act with him?" Qasim''s expression faltered for a split second under Gloria''s intense scrutiny, but he quickly regained hisposure, though his smile wavered just a tad. "We were just having a regr chat, you know, trying to keep things civil for once." Gloria''s eyes narrowed at Qasim''s feeble attempt at an exnation, her sarcasm dripping like honey. "A civil chat? With him? Seriously? Are you feeling alright?" Her disbelief was palpable as she struggled toprehend Qasim''s sudden change in behavior. "Him? Of all the people? Have you lost it?" Gloria repeated herself. She was really pissed. Before Qasim could even attempt to defend himself, Gloria cut him off with a firm stare, "Save it.I don''t want to hear it," she said firmly, shutting down any further discussion before it could begin. "Make him leave... Right now," Gloriamanded, her tone leaving no room for argument as she turned on her heel and marched back to their table, leaving Qasim standing there in her wake. With a resigned sigh, Qasim followed suit, quickening his pace to catch up with his wife. As Qasim returned to the table, he found Rick still sitting there, much to the annoyance of the olddy and Geoffrey, who were waiting for him. Qasim offered them an apologetic smile, exining his sudden departure. "It''s alright," Rick reassured him with a mischievous glint in his eye, shooting a pointed look in Gloria''s direction. "I get it, man. Dealing with the bossdy can be quite the challenge." Qasim chuckled nervously, shooting a quick nce at Gloria, who was clearly not amused by Rick''sment. [Ding!] [ Quest: Why don''t you impress Qasim? Quest Duration: 1-Month Quest Rewards: $100,000; Ero Points: 25,000; And a Surprise revtion Quest Penalties: Reverse Aphrodisiac: The host bespletely repulsive to anyone they find attractive whenever their lust meter rises, leading to awkward and humiliating rejections from potential romantic interests. ] Before the tension could escte further, Rick changed the subject with a charming smile. "Hey, Mr. Qasim, I''ve been meaning to thank you guys for the other day. So, how about I treat you both to lunch today?" Qasim tried to politely decline, but Rick wouldn''t hear of it, his smile unwavering as he insisted, "Nah, no need to argue, my treat. Just call me Qasim, alright? No need for formalities." Rick waved off Qasim''s objections with a casual flick of his hand. "Consider it a small token of appreciation for your help earlier. Lunch is on me today, no ifs or buts about it." Qasim nodded gratefully, finally giving in to Rick''s insistence. "Alright then, thanks," he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips, "We appreciate it." Rick waved a hand at the waiter, signaling for the bill to be brought to him regardless of what Qasim and Gloria ordered. "We would be d to have you join us," Qasim extended a warm invitation to Rick, motioning towards the empty seats at their table. He shot a teasing nce at Gloria, who responded with a yful scowl. But Rick shook his head with a regretful smile. "As much as I would love to, I am actually here with someone else," he exined, nodding towards an elderly woman sitting alone at a nearby table. "But thanks for the offer. Maybe another time?" Qasim nodded understandingly, his disappointment fleeting as he focused on the pleasant prospect of lunch ahead. "Sure thing, Rick. I would catch up another time," he said amiably, as Qasim pulled out a silver-ish box from his jacket and handed a card over to Rick. Rick chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he indirectly teased Gloria. "As for my number, I would''ve asked you to get it from your lovely wife, but..." he trailed off with a yful grin, leaving the implication hanging in the air. Qasim couldn''t help butugh at Rick''s jest, appreciating his sense of humor. "Alright, alright, fair point," he conceded with a chuckle, reaching for his phone to exchange numbers with Rick. "And I guess you won''t let me off the hook until I owe you a treat, huh? Alright, you drive a hard bargain," Rick chuckled, shing a grin as he readily agreed to swap numbers. With a quick exchange of digits between Rick and Qasim, the impromptu act of camaraderie concluded. As Rick made his way out, Qasim couldn''t help but watch him go, a mix of gratitude for the unexpected kindness and curiosity about the woman by Rick''s side bubbling within him. Shrugging off his musings, Qasim returned his attention to Gloria, who was already deep in thought, fiddling with the menu card. As he settled back into his seat across from her, Gloria wasted no time in quizzing him about the interaction with Rick and the exchange of numbers. Qasim met Gloria''s gaze with an open expression, his face a canvas of sincerity. "Honestly, Gloria, I just got a good vibe from the guy," he exined, his voice carrying the weight of honesty. "He seemed genuinely appreciative, and I thought it wouldn''t hurt to keep the connection alive, you know?" Gloria scrutinized Qasim''s face, searching for any signs of deceit, but found none. Still, a flicker of doubt danced in her eyes, creasing her brow in a slight furrow. Sensing her unease, Qasim reached across the table, his touch gentle as he sped her hand in reassurance. "Hey, it''s okay," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm. "I get it. But trust me, there''s nothing fishy going on here." Gloria''s features softened at his touch and words, her annoyance giving way to a moment of contemtion. After a beat, she shook her head, a determined glint in her eyes. "I think we should bounce, Qasim," she dered, her tone firm. "We don''t need to take Rick up on his offer. Let''s just ditch this ce." But Qasim was resolute, determined to honor Rick''s gesture of kindness. "I hear you, Gloria, but imagine how crappy Rick would feel if we just bounced," he countered, his voice earnest. "Let''s just stick around for a quick bite, ya know, to show some gratitude." Despite Gloria''s protests growing louder, Qasim gged down the waiter, ready to ce their order, brushing off her escting annoyance and surprise. As the waiter scurried off, Gloria shot Qasim a pointed look, her frustration reaching a boiling point. "I can''t believe you''re going along with this," she muttered under her breath, her irritation palpable. "Well, he is my friend now. I believe you can fire him if you want to," Qasim smirked looking at Gloria, "No need toe between me and Rick." "You..." Gloria could not believe her ears as she heard her husband totally take Rick''s side. ***** Chapter 203: Get Rid Of Old Matriarch [1] Chapter - 203 After parting ways with the Gloria and his new friendQasim at their table, Rick sauntered over to the nearby table where the old matriarch held court, a regal figure amidst the bustling caf¨¦. Taking a seat next to her but still maintaining a respectful distance, Rick couldn''t help but study her with a mix of fascination and caution. The sunlight poured in through the window, casting a warm glow over everything it touched, including the old woman''s delicate pearl ne, which seemed to shimmer with its own inner light. Rick''s eyes flickered with intrigue as the sunlight danced off the ne, creating a mesmerizing disy. Despite the intensity of the rays, the old woman remained stoic, unaffected by the re. She sat there, a picture of serenity amidst the chaos of the caf¨¦,pletely at ease with herself and her surroundings. This unexpected sight stirred something within Rick, igniting a spark of curiosity that he couldn''t ignore. Continue reading at mvl ''Wasn''t the old witch a Vampire?'' He was known of the fact, that the old matriarch was not a human, but a deadly creature residing on the since hundreds of years. His thoughts were getting realistic, leading him to entertain his curiosity, that even after being the vampire, she wasn''t affected by the deadly sunlight. ''Were the old fairy-tales wrong? Those fuckers! They would just fart anything,'' Rick couldn''t help but doubt himself. He didn''t notice it earlier, but seeing her now, in the flesh, it was hard to believe that she was anything other than human, not affected by sunlight. "Quite the day we are having, huh old Matriarch?" Rick remarked casually, trying to mask the curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. "You seem to be handling the sunlight pretty well for someone who''s, uh, been around as long as you have." "What do you mean, young man?" The old matriarch raised a perfectly arched eyebrow, her voice carrying a hint of amusement as she fixed Rick with a steady gaze. Rick''s curiosity burned brighter, fueled by the mystery that surrounded the old woman. With a gulp, he couldn''t resist delving deeper into the enigma before him. "Sorry if I am being nosy esteemed Old Matriarch, but I couldn''t help but notice how the sunlight seems to treat you differently," Rick spoke with his tone teasing and tinged with curiosity. "I mean, isn''t it true that, uh, beings of your... lineage tend to avoid the whole daylight thing?" The old woman regarded Rick with a knowing smile, her eyes betraying centuries of experience and weariness. Before she could respond, Geoffrey, who had been silently observing the exchange, decided to interject himself into the conversation. Leaning in with an air of authority, he addressed Rick with a tone that hinted at hidden truths. "Easy there,d," Geoffrey cautioned, his voice carrying a warning that sent a shiver down Rick''s spine. "Some things are better left untouched, if you catch my drift." But Rick, emboldened by his insatiable curiosity and perhaps a dash of recklessness, refused to back down. He leaned in closer, his eyes locking with Geoffrey''s in a silent challenge. "What if I want to know the truth," Rick pressed, his voice filled slightly with the weight of his curiosity. Geoffrey leaned in closer, his gaze taking on a strange, almost chilling intensity. "And just who do you think the Blood Thorne family really is?" he asked, his voiceced with mystery and a hint of danger. Rick swiveled in his seat, fixing Geoffrey with a cocky smirk. "A family indebted to yours truly," he dered with a hint of swagger, his eyes gleaming with mischief. Geoffrey''s grin faltered, reced by a scowl as he narrowed his eyes at Rick. "What the hell did you say, you little rat?" he spat, his voiceced with venom as he leaned in closer, fists clenched at his sides. Sensing the tension thickening like fog around them, the old woman decided it was time to step in. With a graceful yetmanding gesture, she redirected the focus to Rick, her expression unreadable as she regarded him with cool detachment, crossing her legs with a graceful ease. "What exactly did you mean," she began, her voice cutting through the charged atmosphere like a knife, "when you mentioned wanting Evelina to ''deal with'' me?" Rick, never one to shy away from a confrontation, leaned back in his chair with a confidence bordering on arrogance. With a smug grin, he unfolded his arms and met the old woman''s gaze head-on "Oh, it''s simple, really," he drawled, his tone dripping with arrogance. "I just think it''s high time for a changing of the guard in the BloodThorne family. Your reign has had its day, my dear matriarch. It''s high time for a new era, one where your children can step up and fulfill their true potential. I think it''s time for fresh blood to take the reins and steer the BloodThrone family in a new direction." "But doesn''t look like your children have any of your genes," Rick shook his head as he looked at Geoffrey and sounded disappointed, "Looks like the apple fell pretty far from the tree with your lot," The old woman''s patience wore thin, her annoyance evident in the way her features tightened. She leaned forward, her eyes piercing as she demanded rification. "And what exactly do you mean by that?" she demanded, her voice tinged with a hint of annoyance, her brow furrowed in confusion. Rick forged ahead, his conviction lending strength to his words as he spoke with unwavering determination. "It''s simple, really," he dered, his tone firm and resolute. "Evelina possesses qualities that are sorelycking in your descendants. She''s a force to be reckoned with¡ªstrong, capable, and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the family''s legacy." With a pointed look, Rick continued, "It''s time for you to take a step back, dear matriarch, and focus on nurturing the next generation. Let Evelina take the reins and lead the Blood Thorne family into a new era of prosperity." "With Evelina." ***** Chapter 204: Get Rid Of Old Matriarch [2] Chapter - 204 "It''s simple, really," he dered, his tone firm and resolute. "Evelina possesses qualities that are sorelycking in your descendants. She''s a force to be reckoned with¡ªstrong, capable, and willing to do whatever it takes to ensure the family''s legacy." With a pointed look, Rick continued, "It''s time for you to take a step back, dear matriarch, and focus on nurturing the next generation. Let Evelina take the reins and lead the Blood Thorne family into a new era of prosperity." The old woman absorbed Rick''s bold statements in silence, her face a mask of impassivity. Yet, underneath that serene facade, a tumultuous storm of emotions brewed¡ªanger, disbelief, and a touch of admiration for his brazenness. Rick''s tant challenge to her authority, his suggestion that she step down, felt like a personal affront, yet she couldn''t help but recognize the courage it took to voice such thoughts. Fixing Rick with a look that seemed to bore into his very soul, the matriarch''s voice took on a gravitas that seemed to echo with the authority of centuries. "Tell me, then," she intoned, her voice rising not in volume but in a formidable firmness thatmanded attention, "what exactly do you know about the Blood Thorne family? Do you truly understand the legacy and the burdens we carry?" Rick, caught off-guard by the intensity of her gaze and the depth of the question, paused. It was one thing to challenge the status quo, armed with confidence and a smattering of hearsay, but it was another to confront the weight of history and legacy head-on. Your journey continues at mvl After a moment of introspection, he found himself at a loss for words, his earlier confidence dwindling under the weight of her scrutiny. "No," he finally conceded, hesitated for a moment before sheepishly shaking his head. Unfazed by Rick''s dwindling confidence, the old woman pressed on, her questions sharp and unrelenting, like daggers slicing through the air. "And do you have any inkling of what the Blood Thorne family actually does?" she probed further, her gaze piercing into Rick''s, as though trying to peel back theyers of his bravado to glimpse the real substance beneath. Rick, caught in the crossfire of her interrogation, felt the weight of his ignorance bearing down on him. Yet, determined not to let his unease show, he maintained his smirk, a testament to his stubbornness rather than his confidence. "No, I don''t," he responded, his voice tinged with a forced casualness, attempting to mask the depth of his cluelessness. Not missing a beat, the old womanunched her final question, her voice imbued with a cool confidence that seemed to fill the room, "Then tell me, Rick," she paused for a moment, allowing the silence to thicken, "do you even have any concept of how ancient the Blood Thorne family is?" Rick met her question with a resigned nod, his earlier bravado evaporating into the charged air between them. "It''s a no, again," he admitted, recognizing the vast chasm of knowledge and understanding thaty between them. As the old Matriarch''s words cut through the air, Rick felt a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Her gaze, sharp and revealing, seemed to slice through his defenses,ying bare his naivete and boldness for the room to judge. He found himself ensnared in a silence, his usual confident smirk morphing into a facade of nonchnce that thinly veiled his crumbling self-assurance. Letting out a weary sigh, the old woman shook her head, her face etching a portrait of disbelief and disappointment. "And yet, here you are, casting judgments and making derations about matters you have noprehension of?" she echoed back at him, her voiceden with a mix of astonishment and reproach. She leaned in slightly, her eyes narrowing, "To think, Someone who is but an infant in front of my eyes, barely alive for a few years, thinks you can dictate your terms with me? Howughable." "A mere infant in the grand scheme of things. Truly, this is the height of folly." Her words hung heavily in the air, a testament to the absurdity she found in Rick''s audacity. At this juncture, Geoffrey couldn''t hold back a snort ofughter, clearly amused by Rick''s predicament. This mockery from Geoffrey sent a surge of anger through Rick, his cheeks ming with humiliation as he locked eyes with Geoffrey, whose glee at Rick''s expense was evident. Turning her gaze from Rick to Geoffrey. The old woman turned to Geoffrey, her disappointment was clearly visible in her facial expressions. Rick sat confused and silent, staring at her. The old woman stood up, her stature emanating a blend of grace and determination that filled the room. She nced at Geoffrey, her voice carrying a blend of softness and regret, "You were right; my judgment was wed," she conceded, her words floating in the air like a whispered confession of misjudgment. She then turned, her movements suggesting a chapter closing, and began her dignified procession towards the exit. Rick, left in the wake of her departure, found his mind racing, trying to decipher theyers of meaning behind her words. Watching the retreating figures of the old woman and Geoffrey, Rick felt a familiar surge of defiance bubble within him. His pride, wounded and bruised from the exchange, refused to lie dormant. The very idea of letting them leave, of having them believe they had bested him, sparked a rebellion in his heart. Rick was not one to be easily dismissed or walked over; his pride soared higher than the peaks of Everest. Gathering his resolve, he took a deep, steadying breath, the air seeming to buoy his confidence. Straightening his cor with a gesture that spoke volumes of his refusal to capitte, he found his voice, "I¡­" The single word echoed in the space between them, a verbal anchor that halted the old woman and her butler in their tracks. They paused, the tension palpable, as the room held its breath. The old woman turned, her expression inscrutable, yet her raised eyebrows extended an invitation for Rick toplete his thought, to throw his final card on the table. Rick''s voice found strength as he spoke, his initial hesitation giving way to a burgeoning confidence. "I was the one who managed to cure you," he asserted, locking eyes with the old woman. His statement was bold, almost defiant. "In a time when all seemed lost, when no remedy or healer could bring you sce, it was I who emerged with the solution. This was after our paths first crossed, remember?" The abrupt revtion stopped the old woman in her tracks, transforming her dismissive disappointment into a piqued curiosity. She turned fully to face him now, her interest visibly piqued, and even Geoffrey couldn''t help but turn his attention back towards Rick, an eyebrow raised in silent inquiry. Encouraged by their undivided attention, Rick pushed on, his words gaining momentum. "And let''s not forget about your most trustedpanion, your lover," he said, throwing a pointed look towards Geoffrey, his toneced with a mix of challenge and triumph. "Despite his devotion, he couldn''t bring you back from the brink. Or maybe he did not want to." "Yet, it was I, an outsider to your close-knit circle, who found the necessary solution. I was the one who saved your life." ***** Chapter 205: Things are not looking good for Geoffrey [1] Chapter - 205 "What if I told you, I possess the power to cure your husband and bring him back to the realm living?" With a teasing smiled on his face, Rick spoke tothe Old Matriarch. The moment Rick''s bold deration sliced through the tense air, a hush fell over the room, his words hanging like a delicate chandelier in the thick atmosphere. His voice, imbued with a quiet confidence, seemed to carry an almost magical weight. The old matriarch''s initial reaction was one of sheer disbelief, her skeptical mind rejecting the possibility even as a part of her yearned to embrace the hope Rick''s words offered. Geoffrey, too, stood frozen, his earlier animosity momentarily forgotten in the wake of Rick''s audacious im. Thedy found herself caught in a tumult of emotions, her heart daring to hope against the rational protests of her mind. Her steps, which had been moving with the slow dignity befitting her status, came to an abrupt halt. She stood there, rooted to the spot, as if Rick''s words had conjured invisible chains that bound her to the moment. Her hands, shook uncontrobly. A storm of fear, hope, and desperation whirling within her. With a quivering hand, she reached out towards Rick, her fingers trembling like leaves in a tempest. She aimed to speak, to interrogate, to use or perhaps to plead, but found herself voiceless. Her throat constricted, as if the very words were trapped within, leaving her lips to part in a silent cry of incredulity and longing. Rick, observing the turmoil he''d unleashed, waited patiently, his gaze steady. Regaining herposure with an elegance that seemed almost innate, the old matriarch managed to gather her strength, though her legs betrayed a slight tremble beneath the weight of her emotions. She moved with a hurried grace, a paradox of urgency and control, as she made her way back towards Rick. Each step was calcted, her every move resonating with the kind of ss and sophistication that had defined her reign. As she took her seat again, directly across from Rick, she carried herself with a poise that seemed to reshape the space around her. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, locked onto him with an intensity that spoke volumes. In this moment, she was both a sovereign assessing her adversary and a seeker of hope, daring to believe in the possibility of miracles. Rick, for his part, remained the epitome of calm, his demeanor undisturbed by the weight of the moment. His rxed posture and indifferent gaze offered a stark contrast to the matriarch''s charged emotions and regal bearing. It was a vivid tableau of two worlds colliding - her, the embodiment of centuries-old nobility, awash with a tumult of hope and skepticism; him, the unppable outsider, seemingly untouched by the gravity of his own proposition. "Is it truly possible?" She finally broke the silence, her voice a blend of skepticism and a whisper of hope, "Can you bring him back to me?" Her gaze intensified, eyes widening as they locked onto Rick, who sat confidently before her. She scrutinized him meticulously, her sharp eyes scanning every inch of his demeanor for any trace of falsehood. Yet, despite her thorough examination, she found nothing to suggest deceit; Rick''s unwavering confidence and steadfastness spoke volumes, affirming the sincerity behind his audacious im. The room was cloaked in a heavy silence, punctuated only by herbored breathing as she wrestled with the tumultuous sea of emotions churning within her. Doubts gnawed at her, the fear of being duped by Rick casting a long shadow over her thoughts. It was a delicate bncing act, navigating the treacherous waters between hope and despair, the idea that her husband''s return could actually be within grasp seemed both tantalizingly close and agonizingly out of reach. Her gaze remained unbroken, fixated on Rick with an intensity that bordered on desperation. She seemed to hang on to the silent moments, her breath held in suspense, heart thundering against her ribcage as if trying to escape. The anticipation built to a crescendo, each second stretching into eternity as she awaited Rick''s response. Rick maintained his cool demeanor, unaffected by the intensity of the moment. He appeared almost disinterested, his focus inexplicably drawn to the simple act of examining his fingernails. It was as though he had found something profoundly interesting in the contours of his cuticles, something worthy of his undivided attention at this pivotal moment. His movements were slow, each motion calcted and deliberate, as if he were performing a ritual rather than merely inspecting his hands. This act of nonchnce was not lost on the old matriarch, whose patience began to wear as thin as the ice beneath them. The seconds stretched into what felt like hours, her anxiety amplifying with every tick of the clock, her nerves stretched taut like a string waiting to snap. All the while, her gaze remainedser-focused on Rick, her eyes scouring his face for any flicker of emotion, any glimmer of reassurance that could anchor her fleeting hope. Yet, Rick seemed to be in a realm of his own, utterly detached from the gravity of the situation. His face was an enigmatic mask, revealing nothing of his thoughts or intentions as he continued his meticulous examination of his nails. "Rick," the old matriarch''s voice cut through the palpable tension in the room, tinged with a mix of frustration, desperation, and a barely there thread of hope. "This is not the moment for your theatrics. I need to know - can you truly do what you''ve imed? Is it within your power to bring him back to us?" Meanwhile, Geoffrey stood a little way off, his gaze fixed on Rick with an intensity that could easily ignite the very air between them. His eyes burned with a mixture of fury and scorn, a clear testament to his disdain for the man who dared to toy with his mistress''s emotions. It was as if he was just biding his time, waiting for the slightest excuse, the smallest opportunity, to leap into action and exact vengeance on Rick for this perceived insolence. Despite the heavy atmosphere, thick with tension and the weight of unspoken threats, Rick''s demeanor remained maddeningly calm and detached. His casual, indifferent posture seemed to amplify the silence, making the passing minutes feel like hours, each one adding anotheryer to the already stifling air of anticipation. Geoffrey, ever the "devoted" butler and "protector" of the old matriarch, found his frustration simmering to the point of boiling over. Witnessing what he saw as a tantck of respect towards his beloved mistress was more than he could bear in silence. His loyalty to her and the pain of seeing her anguish over Rick''s cavalier attitude pushed him to the edge of his restraint. Trying to maintain a semnce of decorum, yet unable to hide the storm of emotions raging within him, Geoffrey finally spoke, his voice a controlled growl of barely contained anger. "Enough of this, you bastard." "Thedy has asked you a direct question. We deserve an answer, and we deserve it now. Your games do nothing but show your disrespect for thedy." Geoffrey''s patience finally shattered like thin ice underfoot. His anger, a simmering pot now boiling over, twisted his features into a mask of unbridled rage. Muttering a string of curses under his breath, his favorite being a vehement, "What a useless bastard, you are!" he made his move. Fueled by fury, he lunged towards Rick, his hand shooting out, fingers curled into a w, aiming straight for Rick''s throat. His teeth were gritted so tightly that a passerby could hear the grind. The air was thick with tension, charged with Geoffrey''s palpable anger. Your journey continues on mvl But before Geoffrey''s hand could so much as graze Rick''s shirt, the old matriarch acted with a speed and agility that belied her age. It was as if she had been waiting for just such a moment, her own temper held in check only by sheer willpower. With a swiftness that left Geoffrey blindsided, she stepped between the two men. Her hand, previously resting in herp, shot out in a swift, graceful arc and met Geoffrey''s cheek with a crack that resonated through the room, silencing the murmurs and casting a shockwave of stillness. The p, sharp andmanding, left a mark not just on Geoffrey''s face but in the air of the room itself, hanging like the aftermath of a thunderstorm. The sound was so unexpected, so fiercely delivered, that it seemed for a moment as if time itself had paused. Geoffrey reeled back, caught off guard by the sudden physical rebuke, his steps faltering as he struggled to maintain his bnce. A mixture of surprise and disbelief washed over him, rendering him momentarily speechless. His hand, acting almost of its own ord, reached up to caress his cheek, the spot where his old Matriarch has just pped her. His gaze, wide and incredulous, swung back to the old matriarch, seeking an exnation, an acknowledgment, anything that might make sense of the unexpected turn of events. "Lady?" His voice cracked slightly, a mixture of hurt and bewildermentcing his tone. Geoffrey''s expression was a canvas of confusion. ****** Chapter 206: Things are not looking good for Geoffrey [2] Chapter - 206 Geoffrey, taken aback by the suddenness of the intervention and the sting of the p, stood frozen, his rage momentarily reced by shock. His face, now bearing the red imprint of the matriarch''s hand, turned towards her, eyes wide with a mix of pain, betrayal, and a dawning realization of his overstepped bounds. The old matriarch, her breathing slightly elerated from the sudden exertion, fixed Geoffrey with a look that could freeze boiling water. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was calm yet carried an undercurrent of steel. "We will not sumb to barbarity," she said, her gaze not leaving Geoffrey''s face. "Control yourself. Our guest has yet to answer, and we will hear him out. Is that understood?" The atmosphere within the caf¨¦ grew dense with tension, each passing moment adding weight to the air likeyers of thick fog. The old matriarch, sensing the suffocating heaviness of the atmosphere, took a slow, steadying breath, her chest rising and falling with the weight of her words. "Mr. Rick," she began, her voice a blend of warmth and regret, a stark contrast to the coolness that had previously filled the space between them. "I must extend my sincerest apologies for the unwarranted disy of emotion you''ve just witnessed," she said, her eyes reflecting genuine remorse. "Such behavior is unbing of us, and I ask for your forgiveness." Rick, for his part, seemed almost removed from the moment, his attention caught by something only he could see. His detachment was a fortress, impervious to the waves of apology washing over him. Yet, the old matriarch, seasoned in reading the undercurrents of human interaction, sensed a crack in his armor. She understood that actions would speak louder than words in this instance. Turning to Geoffrey, who still seemed to be nursing both his pride and his cheek, she softened her gaze. It was the kind of look that could disarm the most defiant of wills, carrying both the weight of authority and the lightness of maternal guidance. "Geoffrey," she instructed, her tone carrying the weight of authority tempered withpassion, "Apologize to Mr. Rick." Geoffrey hesitated for a heartbeat, his pride smarting under the weight of the old matriarch''smand. After a brief internal struggle, he straightened his spine, his resolve evident in the firmness of his voice. Find adventures at mvl "No," he stated with unwavering conviction, his gaze meeting Rick''s with a defiant re. "I will not apologize to someone who shows such tant disrespect towards my master." The old matriarch, her patience stretched thin by Geoffrey''s stubbornness, felt a flicker of irritation spark within her. She turned to Rick once more, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and concern. "Rick," she addressed him, her toneden with a hint of urgency, "do you intend to punish Geoffrey for his defiance?" Rick, ever the opportunist, couldn''t help but feel a thrill at the prospect of wielding power over his adversary. A mischievous grin danced across his features, his eyes alight with mischief as he contemted the possibilitiesid before him. With a theatrical ir, he turned to face Geoffrey, his yful tone belying the seriousness of the situation. "Well, Geoffrey," he began, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "it seems you''vended yourself in quite the predicament, haven''t you?" His words hung in the air, a challenge veiled behind a facade of jest. "Perhaps a little exercise in humility is just what you need to cool that hot head of yours." The gleam in Rick''s eyes betrayed his amusement, his lips curling into a smirk as he awaited Geoffrey''s reaction. Geoffrey''s eyebrows furrowed deeply into a frown, his features contorting with displeasure as Rick''smand washed over him. He opened his mouth to protest, but before he could utter a single word, Rick''s directive came crashing down with all the force of a sledgehammer. "Geoffrey, I want you to hold your ears and do sit-ups," Rick dered with a gleeful anticipation that bordered on mischief. His voice rang out with a fervor that left no room for negotiation. Geoffrey''s shock was palpable, visible in the way his expression shifted from disbelief to outright anger in the blink of an eye. His face flushed crimson with indignation, his jaw set in a stubborn line as he bristled at the audacity of Rick''s demand. "And who the hell do you think you are," Geoffrey bellowed, his tone a mixture of defiance and incredulity, "to expect that I''ll follow your absurd orders?" He thundered, his voice rising to a crescendo that reverberated through the cafe, drawing the attention of every patron within earshot. Even Qasim and Gloria, seated at a distant table, couldn''t help but turn their heads, their expressions a mix of amusement and concern as they watched the scene unfold. "I received this authority directly from your master, you clueless imbecile," Rick shot back, his voice rising in volume but still under control, a simmering tension palpable in the air between them. Geoffrey''s fury boiled over, his wordsced with venom as he shot back, "But I am under no obligation to heed yourmands, seeing as you are not my master. Understand?" His voice carried the weight of his loyalty and defiance, a deration of his unwavering allegiance to the old matriarch. "Dim-wit can''t even understand simple words," Rick''s response was swift, his toneced with a steely resolve as he issued his ultimatum. "Either ept the punishment or else both of you can take your leave," he dered, his words cutting through the tension like a knife. Geoffrey''s fury was a zing inferno, his eyes alight with a burning rage as he red daggers at Rick. "Who do you think you are, you bastard? You''re nothing to me," he bellowed, his words a deration of defiance, his intent clear: to crush Rick''s arrogance beneath the weight of his own indignation. Meanwhile, down the tables, as Qasim noticed the tension heightening in between them, a desire to help Rick stirred within him, prompting him to make a move. However, before he could make a move, Gloria''s hand gently closed around his arm, halting him in his tracks. "Come on, Gloria, can''t you see they are ganging up on him? I need to help my friend," Qasim urged Gloria to let him go. "Your friend? You really have gone insane haven''t you?" Gloria, however, remained resolute in her decision, her grip firm on Qasim''s arm as she met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I can''t let you get involved this time," she stated firmly, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Let him deal with the mess he''s created. He''s always been good at digging trouble for himself." Gloria could not believe what sort of ck magic Rick has done on him. Qasim was totally bewitched by Rick. "You are heartless Gloria," Qasimined to Gloria, he felt hurt for his new friend. Gloria''s expression hardened, her patience wearing thin as she fixed Qasim with a steely gaze. "I said no," she stated firmly, her voice carrying a note of finality. "You have a choice to make, Qasim. It''s either me or him," she added, her words leaving no room for argument. Now despite his eagerness to help Rick, Qasim reluctantly remained seated as Gloria''s firm stance left him with no choice. His concern for Rick was palpable, evident in the furrow of his brow and the tight clench of his fists, but he resigned himself to respecting Gloria''s wishes for the time being. Meanwhile, the tension between Geoffrey and Rick reached a boiling point as they engaged in a heated exchange of words. The atmosphere crackled with animosity as Geoffrey adamantly refused to ept Rick''s proposed punishment, his voice dripping with indignation. "I refuse to ept such a ludicrous punishment," Geoffrey dered, his toneced with defiance. "I won''t allow myself to be made aughingstock by some filthyinsolent upstart." Rick, undeterred by Geoffrey''s refusal, responded with a mix of frustration and urgency. "Ha... Ha... Ha...Are you kidding me?" he retorted, his voice tinged with desperation. "You are turning down the chance to see your master alive and well before your very eyes." His words wereced with incredulity, his frustration mounting as Geoffrey continued to resist. Geoffrey''s words cut through the air like a de, his voice rough and filled with defiance. "Who do you think you are, you bastard? I am the loyal servant of the Blood Thorne family, not yours. You have no authority to punish me like this," he spat, his tone dripping with venom. Rick''s response wasced with a hint of mockery, hisughter ringing out like a challenge. "Oh, but it''s your master''s offer, Geoffrey. I simply want to see you bend to my will," he replied, his smirk evident in his voice. Geoffrey''s fury simmered just beneath the surface, his threat delivered with a chilling intensity. "I won''t let this slide, Rick," he growled, his words carrying the weight of his anger. Rick met Geoffrey''s challenge head-on, his own confidence shining through. "Let''s see whoes out on top, Geoffrey," he countered, his tone daring. A confident smirk yed across Geoffrey''s lips as he delivered his final taunt. "You are on the losing side, Rick," he dered, his voice dripping with certainty. And with that, Geoffrey turned his face towards the Old Matriarch. "Lady!" ***** Chapter 207: Neighbourhood Mommies Chapter-207 Rick met Geoffrey''s challenge head-on, his own confidence shining through. "Let''s see whoes out on top, Geoffrey," he countered, his tone daring. A confident smirk yed across Geoffrey''s lips as he delivered his final taunt. "You are on the losing side, Rick," he dered, his voice dripping with certainty. And with that, Geoffrey turned his face towards the Old Matriarch. "Lady!" Geoffrey turned towards the old Matriarch for support. He knew the Old Matriarch was not going to let him be disgraced in front of anyone. After all, they were... Rick remained unfazed, his cheeky smile still stered across his face as he watched Geoffrey''s bewildered reaction unfold. He leaned casually against the nearest piece of furniture, his arms crossed over his chest, enjoying the spectacle. "Geoffrey," the old Matrirach''s voice cut through the air like a de,manding attention and respect in equal measure. "Do it." Enjoy more content from §Þ?? Geoffrey''s mouth fell open in disbelief, his ego shattered by the force of Old Matriarch''smand. He stood rooted to the spot, unable toprehend what he was hearing. "Lady?" Geoffrey''s voice trembled with uncertainty, his eyes darting between Old Matriarch and Rick as if seeking confirmation that he had not misheard. But Old Matriarch simply turned her face away, her expression unreadable as she refused to meet Geoffrey''s gaze. The weight of her silence hung heavy in the air, leaving Geoffrey stunned and speechless. His body felt as though it had been drained of all energy, his limbs heavy and unresponsive as he struggled to process the unexpected turn of events. His hands moved of their own ord, rising to clutch at his ears in a futile attempt to block out the overwhelming flood of emotions crashing over him. And then, without warning, his body began to move, jerking up and down in a strange and involuntary way that left everyone feeling bewildered. Rick watched the spectacle with a mixture of amusement and bemusement, his crooked smile widening as he observed Geoffrey''s floundering attempts to regain hisposure. "Looks like old Geoffrey''s got some moves," Rick quipped, unable to resist the opportunity to tease the butler. Old Matriarch shot Rick a reproachful nce, her eyes shing with a warning that went unheeded. "Enough, Mr. Rick. Geoffrey may be a bit... flustered at the moment, but he is still a valued member of our household." Rick held up his hands in mock surrender, his grin unapologetic. "Hey, I''m just appreciating the show. No harm done, right Geoffrey?" Geoffrey''s frustration boiled over, his voice rising in a crescendo of anger aimed at Rick, who remained oblivious to themotion as he yed with his phone. "You think this is fair, Rick?" Geoffrey''s words were tinged with resentment, his tone a mix of usation and warning. "I know you''re just getting back at me, but mark my words, I won''t forget this. You''ll regret crossing me." The old matriarch, her patience wearing thin, cast a cold gaze in Geoffrey''s direction. "Geoffrey, can''t you just handle this without causing a scene?" Her voice was sharp, cutting through the tension with a chill that matched the frosty expression on her face. "It''s not such a big deal to repay for your earlier behavior. Now, get on with it." With a reluctant sigh, Geoffrey begrudgingly resumed, his movements stiff and strained as heplied with the matriarch''s directive. Though his frustration simmered beneath the surface, he knew better than to defy her further, especially in front of the curious onlookers in the cafeteria. As Geoffrey continued his unusual exercise routine, the atmosphere in the cafe grew tense, the air thick with confusion and spection. The customers and staff alike exchanged puzzled nces and murmured conversations, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected spectacle unfolding before them. Eyes followed Geoffrey''s every move, questions hanging in the air like a cloud of uncertainty. Despite the growing attention from the crowd, Rick remained aloof and disengaged, his indifference palpable as he offered no intervention or words offort to Geoffrey. The onlookers, puzzled by the unfolding circumstances, exchanged bewildered nces, unable to make sense of the situation. Meanwhile, the old matriarch, seated stoically at her usual spot, directed her unwavering gaze solely towards Rick, a silent tension simmering between them. She awaited any sign, any indication from Rick about his supposed ability to cure her ailing husband. Yet, Rick remained engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to the weight of the moment. The silence that enveloped the room was deafening, broken only by the rhythmic sound of Geoffrey''sbored breaths and the murmurs of the people out there and thestaff, their voices a low hum beneath the surface of the tense atmosphere. Even the sounds of the chair shifting by, causing friction against the floor; and the murmurs of gossips were enhancing the depth of silence in the cafe. Amidst this somber atmosphere, the women seated in the cafe rose from their chairs, their solidarity with Geoffrey evident in their actions. As they gathered in small clusters, they began to exchange whispered opinions, their voices carrying a mixture of disbelief, outrage, and empathy. "How could they subject that poor old man to such humiliation, right here in front of everyone? It''s utterly disgusting," one woman remarked, her toneced with indignation as she nced in the direction of Rick and the old matriarch. Another woman chimed in, her voice raised slightly but still veiled in a controlled intensity that only added to the gravity of her words. "It''s nothing short of a public disgrace, and they should be held ountable for their actions," she dered, her words a quiet yet powerful condemnation of the scene unfolding before them. "Look at that olddy, draped in pearls and dripping with diamonds," one of the female staffs remarked with a scornful edge to her voice. "Seems like they''re just some wealthy folks taking their frustrations out on their poor servant." Another woman, her brows furrowed in disapproval, chimed in, "Just because they have money doesn''t give them the right to do whatever they please. Even the wealthy should have some boundaries, some sense of decency." A third woman, her voice softer but tinged with a sad resonance, added, "In this harsh world, wealth means you get to survive; poverty, on the other hand, barely gets you a ce at the table." Curiosity mixed with concern in the voice of another as she asked, "But why would they punish him so harshly? What could he possibly have done to deserve this?" Thest to speak, a woman who seemed eager to share her perspective, confidently stated, "The rich don''t need a reason for their so-called ''entertainment.'' They simply pick whoever they want from the masses to y their cruel games. It''s a show of power, nothing more." The atmosphere in the cafe was charged, words of criticism and concern wove through the air, painting Rick and the old woman as emblems of privilege run amok, their actions a ring disy of the inequities that gue society. As the rumblings of discontent grew louder, the sentiments expressed by the women transformed into a palpable force, a symbol of collective dissent against what they viewed as a stark injustice. The cafe became a battleground of moral outrage. The growing voices swelled into a crescendo, turning spective whispers into a demand for action. The situation escted quickly, as the spirit of the moment moved the women from mere observers to active participants in seeking redress. Fuelled by a sense of duty to rectify the wrongs before them, the group of women, dubbed by some as the cafe''s "Karens" for their assertive intervention, decided they got the manager involved. Upon reaching the main counter, the leading figure among them, a woman of strong conviction, mmed her hands down with a force that made the manager jump in his spot. The manager, caught off guard by the sudden confrontation, could only blink in surprise as he braced himself for the impending storm of grievances. "What''s going on here, ma''am?" The manager, startled by the suddenmotion, asked, trying to grasp the cause of the uproar. But the woman was having none of it. Her voice, loaded with usation and incredulity. "Exactly my question to you! What''s all this about?" She gestured wildly towards Rick and the Old Matriarch''s table, with Geoffrey still going on with his punishment, her voice rising with each word. "How can you allow such... such a spectacle to unfold right under your nose? And you im to manage this ce?" "I''m sorry, I just came back from checking the stock. I am not sure what..." he admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of apology. "Well you better be sorry, because it''s happening on your watch! If you don''t move your tight ass right now, I can assure you, the ''Neighbourhood Mommies'' and I will make it our mission to boycott this cafe." "Trust me, I will make sure not a single person will ever set foot in this cafeteria again. You don''t know who you''re dealing with," Her voice, thoughced with anger, carried visible threat for the manager. The manager''s eyes widened at the mention of the "Neighbourhood Mommies," a local group known for theirmunity involvement¡ªand their ability to mobilize quickly over issues they cared about. "I certainly don''t, Mommy... I mean, ma''am. And I apologize for any inconvenience," he stammered, hoping to appease her anger and avoid any further esction of the situation. ***** Chapter 208: Rick wont let Geoffrey go easily Chapter-208 The woman''s frustration was palpable, her voice a mixture of anger and disbelief as she confronted the manager. "Stuff your sorry up your ass. My morning''s beenpletely ruined because of this shit show," she spat out, her words dripping with exasperation. The manager, for his part, was at a loss for words. The confrontation had left him reeling, unsure of how to cate the irate customer standing before him. He was desperate to find a solution that would calm her down without causing furthermotion. ncing around for assistance, he spotted one of the waiters and gestured for her toe over quickly. The young waitress, sensing the urgency, hurried over to the manager''s side. He leaned in, asking her in a low, urgent tone, "Can you please fill me in on what''s happening? I need to understand the situation." As the waitress ryed the details of the unfolding drama, the woman''s patience wore thinner by the second. Her voice,ced with growing impatience and incredulity, cut through the air like a knife. "Will you hurry up, you imbecile? Do something!" she demanded, her tone bordering on hysteria. The manager, now slightly more informed, turned back to the woman, "Yes, ma''am, I understand your frustration, and I truly apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. Please, if you could give me just a moment to address this issue," he said, as he gestured towards an empty seat, encouraging her to sit and rx while he handled the situation. In the thick of the tumult, the manager, feeling the weight of the escting tension, made his way to Rick and the old Matriarch amidst the confused and upset crowd. "Excuse me, sir, ma''am," he started, his voice carrying a mix of diplomacy and urgency, "I must ask you to please bring this situation to a close. It''s not right to treat anyone in this manner, and it''s causing quite a stir among our other guests. It''s also not the kind of atmosphere we want to promote in our cafe." Rick and the old woman, however, seemed to barely register the manager''s presence, much less his plea. They were engrossed in their own world of unresolved issues and silent standoffs,pletely oblivious to the growing unrest around them. It was only after a few moments, that felt like an eternity to everyone watching, that Rick decided it was time to wrap up their public spectacle. Perhaps realizing that continuing in such a manner could potentially damage whatever fragile understanding he had with the old Matriarch, or maybe just tiring of the game, he finally acknowledged the chaos around him. "Perhaps we should relocate this discussion to a more...appropriate setting, away from prying eyes and ears," he suggested, a hint of readiness to conclude the theatrics in his tone. "Sure," came the crisp nod from the old matriarch, as she pushed herself up from her chair with an air of finality. Without uttering a single word or offering any exnation, Rick and the old woman made their way towards the exit. Despite the lingering stares and murmurs, neither of them paid no attention to anyone. Geoffrey stared at two of them, holding his ears with his hands in disbelief. As they reached the doorway, Rick paused briefly, turning to the manager who had been silently following them, wanting to say something with a conciliatory smile. With a gentle, almost reassuring pat on the manager''s shoulder, Rick''s voice broke the silence. "I really am sorry for all the fuss we caused. I hope it hasn''t been too much of a headache for you!" The manager was about to speak something from his mouth, but before he could separate his lips, Rick, without waiting for a response, reached into his pocket and withdrew a bunch of cash, which he stuffed into the manager''s hand. "Sir, what...?" the manager began, his confusion evident as Rick interrupted him mid-thought. But Rick, in a gesture of unexpected generosity, waved away the manager''s inquiry and directed his attention to Gloria and Qasim''s table. With a pointed gesture, Rick indicated the couple. Gloria attempted to hide her face in embarrassment, while Qasim looked on with a gentle smile ying at the corners of his lips. "The couple over there, their bill is on me. Don''t charge them for anything," he dered, a sense of finality in his voice as if the matter had been settled without room for argument. Qasim, in response, offered a thumbs up in acknowledgment, his appreciation evident. Admitting this, Rick was about to leave the ce, but then again, reeling his mind, he turned his attention back to the manager. "The extra cash is for you," Rick exined, his voice carrying a note of seriousness. "Keep a watchful eye on this old man," he continued, nodding towards Geoffrey, who still stood at attention nearby. "He''s not to leave until closing time, understand? I wish I could trust you," he added, his words a mixture of instruction and thinly veiled skepticism. "Yes¡­ Yes Sir," the manager replied, his shock evident in the widening of his eyes and the slight ckening of his jaw. He was still processing the unexpected turn of events, trying to make sense of Rick''s sudden acts of generosity and authority. With a final nod of assurance, the manager gestured for the old matriarch to precede him through the doorway. His smile, though tinged with confusion, remained calm and reassuring as he silently acknowledged her presence and followed her lead. As they made their way towards the exit, the old matriarch couldn''t help but cast a lingering gaze back towards Geoffrey, her eyes betraying a mix of sympathy and helplessness. It was clear that she felt torn, caught between her own sense of duty and the emotions stirred by the situation unfolding before her. Reluctantly, she tore her gaze away and moved forward, her steps heavy with the weight of unspoken thoughts and emotions. Despite the turmoil brewing beneath the surface, she found herself unable to interfere, perhaps constrained by the dynamics of her own obligations and the delicate bnce of power within the Blood Thorne family. And with that, Rick and the old matriarch disappeared into the bustling streets outside. Left behind, the stunned and confused audience slowly began to regain theirposure, the chatter of conversation gradually resuming as the caf¨¦ returned to its usual rhythm and atmosphere. Stay tuned for updates on §Þ?? ~~~~~ As themotion settled and the cafe returned to its usual buzz, the manager stood rooted to the spot, his mind racing to catch up with the whirlwind of events that had just unfolded before his eyes. The weight of the thick bundle of cash in his hand served as a stark reminder of the moral dilemma he now found himself entangled in. Each note felt like a heavy burden, a silent testament to the choices he was about to make. With a furrowed brow, the manager couldn''t help but wonder about the amount. "How much is it? Looks like 20,000 dors," he mused to himself, his fingers tracing the crisp edges of the bills as he clenched them tightly. It was a substantial sum, equivalent to what he could earn in a month or more. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, sinking deep into his conscience and weighing heavily on his shoulders. With such a huge amount in his hand, he felt bound to fulfill the instructions given to him, no matter how conflicted he felt about them. "The boy was willing to spend so much just to humiliate this old man. He must really despise him too much," the manager muttered to himself, his thoughts swirling with a mixture of disbelief and resignation. As he processed the depth of the situation, a sense of rity began to emerge amidst the chaos of his thoughts. With a determined set to his jaw, the manager turned towards the gossiping crowd, his gaze steady and resolute as he prepared to navigate the uncertain waters ahead. "What are you all doing here, bunched up like a flock of confused chickens?" The manager''s voice cut through the murmurs and whispers like a knife. His tone was sharp, filled with irritation and impatience. "Do I pay you to gossip and ogle at other people''s business? It''s their personal matter, let them sort it out on their own. Instead of passing judgment, do what you''re supposed to do," he scolded, his gaze stern as he addressed the female staff members who had been indulging in idle chatter. Feeling the weight of the manager''s disapproval, the gossipingdies quickly dispersed, scurrying back to their tasks with guilty looks and murmured apologies. With a wave of his hand, the manager restored order to the cafe, asserting his authority with a no-nonsense attitude. "And as for you, Neighbourhood Mommies," the manager''s voice took on a sharper edge, his frustration palpable. "If you want to have a nice cup coffee and gossip about the tight ass of the young boys you call for cleaning your pools, do it in the corner. If not, get your wrinkly ass out of my cafe." The members of the Neighbourhood Mommies were taken aback by the manager''s blunt words, their expressions shifting from indignation to confusion. Theyfelt their boobs tremble and ass cheeks squeeze. They had no retort tosh out at the manager. They were confused, How did he knew about that? Meanwhile, Geoffrey remained steadfast in his punishment, his teeth gritted in frustration and anger. His eyes burned with intensity, reflecting the depth of his rage . Despite the chaos around him, Geoffrey was surrendering his strength in the exertion, his body has to face because of the ruthless punishment. ****** [A/N: If you are enjoying the story, do consider supporting me and the story] Chapter 209: The Cougar Chapter -209 As they exited the caf¨¦, Rick wasted no time in setting a brisk pace, his steps purposeful and determined. The old matriarch, trailing behind him, found herself struggling to keep up, her age and elegance conflicting with the urgency of Rick¡¯s stride. She half-expected him to offer her an arm for support, as any gentleman would, but to her surprise, he seemed oblivious to her, forging ahead without a second thought. Continue your journey with NovelBin.C?m Left with no choice but to quicken her own pace, the olddy hurried to match Rick¡¯s speed, her heels clicking against the pavement in a hurried rhythm. The effort showed on her face, her delicate features tensed with the exertion of keeping up with his relentless pace. Her pearl earrings swung with each step, a subtle reminder of the struggle to maintain her poise amidst the rush. As they neared the college campus, the old matriarch couldn¡¯t help but voice her confusion. "Where are we going?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty and a hint of agitation. But Rick seemed to have developed selective hearing,pletely ignoring the old woman¡¯s attempts at conversation. Frustrated by his indifference, she decided to save her breath and simply followed in silence, resigned to her fate. As they approached the parking area, Rick¡¯s prized possession came into view¡ªa sleek, gleaming Range Rover that practically screamed luxury. Its polished exterior caught the sunlight, casting a dazzling reflection that seemed to beckon the old matriarch closer. The metallic paint shimmered in the clear sky, every curve and contour meticulously crafted to perfection. Caught in the moment, the olddy couldn¡¯t help but wonder where exactly Rick intended to take her in such style. Her furrowed brow betrayed her confusion as she nced at the car, her mind racing with questions, ¡¯Where is he taking me?¡¯ Sensing her apprehension, Rick finally acknowledged her presence with a gesture towards the car, silently urging her to get in. With a sense of impatience, he slid into the driver¡¯s seat, expecting her to follow suit. However, the old matriarch¡¯s reluctance was palpable, her frown deepening. As Rick impatiently waited for the olddy to join him inside the car, frustration seeped into his voice. "Could you please hop in quickly?" he urged, his tone tinged with irritation. Despite her obvious reluctance, the old matriarch eventuallyplied, her movements betraying more of a sense of resignation than willingness. With a cold look directed at Rick, she opened the back door and settled into the plush leather seats of the Range Rover, her frown deepening with each passing moment. The Old Matriarch wanted to have the upper hand, if she couldn¡¯t win over him in the war of words, she was just going to show him his ce, she is going to treat him as nothing but her driver. Rick met her gaze through the rearview mirror, a silent exchange of tension lingering between them as they prepared to embark on their journey. Inside the luxurious confines of the car, the aroma of opulence enveloped them, casting a sense offort and extravagance in the air. The soft leather seats cradled them in luxury, offering a respite from the chaos of the outside world. Expecting some form of conversation from the old matriarch, Rick nced her way, only to find her silent and stoic. With a resigned sigh, he decided to let the matter rest, turning his attention back to the road ahead. With a powerful roar, the engine sprung to life as Rick set the car in motion. ~~~~~ As the car continued to devour the miles, the olddy¡¯s curiosity grew like a weed, choking her with unanswered questions. For the past fifteen minutes, she had stubbornly maintained her facade of nonchnce, her frown etched firmly upon her features. However, her gaze eventually drifted to Rick¡¯s hands, which deftly maneuvered the steering wheel, guiding them on their mysterious journey. With a hesitant resolve, she finally decided to break the silence, her voice carrying a hint of defiance as she inquired about their destination. "Where are we going?" she asked, her tone sharp and tinged with suspicion. At the sound of her voice, Rick couldn¡¯t help but let a grin slip onto his face, his eyes sparkling with amusement. With a sense of authority, he began to exin their purpose. "Before we can proceed with curing your husband," he dered, his wordsden with significance, "There are a few things you must do. They will demonstrate your value as an asset rather than a liability." Rick¡¯s words, buzzed thedy¡¯s mind. The olddy¡¯s confusion deepened, leading her eyebrows to frown. She struggled to understand the meaning of Rick¡¯s words and was equally confused of what it meant to prove her worthiness. ~~~~~ After cruising for another ten to fifteen minutes, the Range Rover rolled to a stop, and Rick gracefully emerged from the driver¡¯s seat, his movements exuding confidence and poise. However, the olddy remained firmly nted in her seat, her eyes fixed on Rick with a sense of expectation. Outside, the air was crisp, and the sunlight danced yfully on the pavement. As Rick stood outside the car, he waited for a moment, expecting the olddy to follow suit and join him, hoping to hear her footsteps echoing against the asphalt, but all he heard was the silence. A crease of frustration formed on his brow as he nced back at her, puzzled by her reluctance. With a perplexed expression, he gestured for her to exit the vehicle, wondering what was causing the dy. Yet, despite his urging, the olddy remained rooted to her seat, her expression unreadable as she stared back at him. Rick¡¯s confusion deepened, his frustration mounting with each passing second. Growing increasingly impatient, Rick strode purposefully towards the car door, his amusement morphing into frustration with each step. He gestured for the old Matriarch to open the door from inside, but she remained stubbornly seated, her refusal to budge only fueling his irritation. "Seriously? Do you think this is the time to y princess? You¡¯re centuries past that stage!" Rick eximed, his arms thrown up in exasperation. He had reached the end of his patience with the old Vampire¡¯s antics. However, his words seemed to fall on deaf ears as the old Matriarch continued to re at him from within the confines of the car, her expression unyielding. "Come on, don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t even know how to open a car door?" Rick suddenly eximed, a flicker of realization dawning in his eyes. But before he could offer assistance, the old Matriarch vehemently rejected his suggestion with a sharp shake of her head. With a resigned sigh, Rick took matters into his own hands, yanking open the car door with a frustrated jerk. His irritation was palpable as he mocked the olddy¡¯s apparent inability to perform such a simple task. "Seriously, it¡¯s not rocket science," he teased, his toneced with sarcasm. The olddy¡¯s frown deepened as she red at Rick, her frustration evident in her piercing gaze. "Are you serious? You really don¡¯t know how to open a car door?" Rick said with augh, his amusement echoing around them like the antics of a circus clown. He reached out, his hand stretching towards the door, opened the door for the old Matriarch, ready to assist her. Rick¡¯s teasing tone and boomingughter only served to aggravate the olddy further. She shot him a defiant re, her voice tinged with anger. "And with that attitude, you dare to call yourself a gentleman? Is this how a gentleman behaves?" Rick leaned casually against the car door, a cheeky grin spreading across his face as he replied, "Well, darling, a gentleman always lends a helping hand to ady in need." His voice dripped with mischief, his yful tone contrasting with the olddy¡¯s simmering anger. With a disgruntled sigh and a deep frown, the olddy cautiously extended her right leg, gingerly stepping out of the car. However, as her foot made contact with the ground, a sudden slip sent her tumbling forward, straight into Rick¡¯s waiting arms. Reacting swiftly, Rick caught her hands, preventing her from hitting the ground. "Already swooning over my dashing good looks? You damn, cougar," Rick teased, unable to resist poking fun at the situation, "Don¡¯t take my flirting chatter, this seriously," Rick said,ughing. Bncing herself and regaining herposure, the old woman pulled away from Rick¡¯s grasp, her expression a mix of irritation and anger. "You¡¯re shameless and utterly disgusting," she snapped, her words dripping with disdain. "Well, I don¡¯t mind your words. But you better be sharper than your words. Otherwise... I won¡¯t be kind," Rick responded with a cheeky grin, but it didn¡¯t feel light-hearted at all. And with that, Rick walked away towards the entrance of the building, leaving behind the Old Matriarch who could not understand Rick at all. "This boy..." The old Matriarch muttered, but did notplete her words as she stepped forward to follow behind Rick. ****** [A/N: If you are enjoying the story, do consider supporting me and the story] Chapter 210: Introducing in-laws? Chapter - 210 Lifting her gaze, the olddy found herself in an entirely unexpected setting, her eyes widening as they darted around, absorbing the unfamiliar surroundings. The clinical sterility of the halls was a stark contrast to the rich, decorated spaces she was ustomed to. With each step, her curiosity deepened, her mind swirling with questions about this sudden shift in their environment. With a furrowed brow and amanding tone, the olddy turned to Rick, her curiosity demanding answers. "Rick, where exactly have you brought us? What is happening here?" Her voice cut through the tension with a steady resolve, seeking rity amidst the uncertainty. But Rick, ever the master of intrigue, remained unruffled by her inquiry. With a nonchnt yet confident gesture, he pushed the door open wide, as if unveiling the next chapter of an unfolding drama. Casting a mysterious smile back at the olddy, he offered a cryptic exnation, "We are here to meet someone very special." But the moment he entered the ward, his eyes fell on a familiar face which he didn¡¯t expect there. In front of him was his father and Olivia standing together in the hospital corridor, his heart skipped a beat, a mix of surprise and confusion clouding his features. It was thest ce he had expected to encounter his father, making the moment all the more jarring. His father, equally taken aback by the sight of Rick, couldn¡¯t hide the surprise that shed across his face. His eyebrows shot up, a clear sign of his difort. Memories of catching Rick and Olivia in apromising situation flooded his mind, reying with vivid rity like a relentless advertisement he couldn¡¯t skip. The image had haunted him, creating an awkward rift that was hard to navigate. The memory had been a tough pill to swallow,plicating his interactions with Olivia. Theplexity of his feelings waspounded by his longstanding friendship with Olivia. Their history stretched back decades, long before Rick was even a twinkle in his eye. This connection made the current situation even moreplicated, intertwining feelings of betrayal with the bonds of old friendship. Though Olivia had offered her apologies, yet the image remained, stubbornly etched in his brain. Despite the turmoil, the reason for his presence could not be clearer¡ªEmily, Olivia¡¯s daughter, was in the hospital, and she was the priority. His long-standing friendship with Olivia, coupled with the current situation, demanded his support, regardless of the personal difort. The air between them was thick with an awkward tension, making every second stretch on painfully. Rick broke the silence first, his voice tinged with surprise, "What are you doing here?" His father, caught off guard by the directness, responded with a measured calmness that barely masked theplexity of his emotions, "What if I ask the same?" he countered quietly, maintaining eye contact with his son. Rick¡¯s response was quick, his voice carrying a hint of defiance, "I am here to meet my friend." Rick¡¯s father could not resist adding a touch of mockery to his voice, the words rolling off his tongue with a sly chuckle. "Ohh... Friend? Well, I¡¯m here for my friend too," he said, the grin spreading across his face, not just mocking but underlined with a challenging tone. The air crackled with a palpable tension as he continued, not missing a beat, "And not to forget, someone has to take care of your friend. She has not been doing well these days. It seems she could use a guardian to watch over her, don¡¯t you think?" His words were quick, cutting off Olivia just as she opened her mouth to interject, casting a protective shield of words around her. Olivia, caught in the crossfire, pressed her lips together in a thin line, a wave of guilt washing over her for being the inadvertent catalyst for this verbal duel between father and son. Rick, not one to back down, retorted with a heavyyer of sarcasm, "Oh, a guardian, is it? That is indeed... intriguing. Not bad at all." His gaze then shifted to Olivia, his eyes glinting with a blend of mischief and defiance, as if to challenge the situation further. Amidst this exchange, Rick¡¯s father¡¯s attention was drawn away from the verbal sparring to the elderly woman who had quietly stood by Rick¡¯s side, unnoticed until now. His expression softened, curiosity recing the previously sharp edge as he turned towards her, breaking the heavy silence that had momentarily settled over the group. "And who might thedy with you be?" Rick¡¯s father asked, his voice tinged with genuine interest, as he looked at the old woman apanying Rick. "Ahhh... She is Mrs..." Rick began, his voice trailing off as he realized he didn¡¯t even know the old Matriarch¡¯s name. "Ummm... Mrs..." he tried again, a sheepish grin creeping across his face, his eyes darting between his father and the Old Matriarch. Rick, caught between a rock and a hard ce, turned towards the Old Matriarch with a grin that was more sheepish than confident. "Sorry, I never thought of asking your name," he ventured, the words dripping with an attempt at charm that didn¡¯t quite mask his earlier oversight. The Old Matriarch, unfazed by Rick¡¯s earlier blunder, gracefully turned her attention to Rick¡¯s father, extending a nod that was graceful and respectful, "It is a pleasure to meet you," she began, her voice a blend of nobility and warmth, "I am Eleanor BloodThrone. Rick has told us a lot about you." Before another word could be said, Rick jumped back into the conversation, eager to steer it away from potentially murky waters. "Ah, yes, Eleanor here, she is, uh, actually my friend¡¯s grandmother," he interjected, his tone swinging wildly between pride and panic. Eleanor¡¯s eyebrows arched in delicate surprise, her gaze shifting to Rick with a mix of amusement and challenge. "Just friends, you say?" she quipped, her voice rich with unspoken stories. "Are you quite certain that is all there is between my Evelina and you? I thought I was looking at my potential Grand Son inw. You break my heart dear." And just as those words escaped the Old Matriarch¡¯s mouth, jaws dropped in the room. Her words hung in the air, a silent bombshell that momentarily stole the room¡¯s oxygen. Rick¡¯s father, a mix of confusion and disapproval etched onto his face, shot a look at his son that could have curdled milk. The notion of Rick entangled in yet anotherplex rtionship, was more than he could digest on short notice. ¡¯Doing it with Olivia in front of me wasn¡¯t enough for this rascal? With the granddaughter of thisdy as well?¡¯ Rick¡¯s father thought and his eyes could not but squint looking at his son, ¡¯And thisdy... She looks Rich. What a mess.¡¯ Seeing his father look at him with those using eyes, Rick was quick to exin, "Hahaha... Grandma, you are such an absolute joy. Of course, we are just friends. I mean, friends can be close, right? Doesn¡¯t always have to be a big drama," he retorted, his words a tightrope walk between defiance and diplomacy. The silence that followed was palpable, the room¡¯s atmosphere thick with unsaid thoughts and unasked questions. Rick¡¯s father, the lines on his face deepening with each passing second, was the one to break the ice. "And why exactly," he began, each wordced with a father¡¯s concern and a friend¡¯s frustration, "Is Mrs. BloodThrone here?" Rick wanted to answer, but the Old Matriarch wasn¡¯t done making all the trouble for Rick. So she quickly jumped in to answer. "It¡¯s quite simple," she exined, her voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of nonchnce. "I am here because of my granddaughter, of course. And, well, Rick as well?" "Your Grand-daughter? What does that suppose to mean," Rick¡¯s father had his heart racing when he heard the rich, olddy speak. Did his rascal son got her granddaughter knocked up? "What else? Your son..." The Old Matriarch spoke but stopped mid-way, and took a big pause, her words only increasing the anxiety of Rick¡¯s father, "He has been such a... resourceful friend for my grand-daughter and our family. Haven¡¯t you, dear?" "Hushh..." Rick sighed as his grin returned, this time edged with a hint of mischief. "Resourceful, that¡¯s me. Always happy to lend a hand, or an ear, or whatever else might be needed," he said, his words light. "And before you ask any more questions, the old grand-mother is here to have a look at Emily," Rick continued, before anyone could interrupt him again, "And possibly cure her as well." "She can?" Both Olivia and Rick¡¯s father cried out together. Your next read awaits at NovelBin.C?m "I will?" On the other hand, the old matriarch was surprised as well. She didn¡¯t she was in the room for that. "Oh, don¡¯t y modest. Didn¡¯t you say that you can..." Rick smiled looking at the olddy and then leaned forward to whisper in her ears, "Now don¡¯t be a liability, olddy." "Prove your worth," ***** The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 211: Old Matriarch will cure Emily Chapter - 211 "And before you ask any more questions, the old grand-mother is here to have a look at Emily," Rick continued, before anyone could interrupt him again, "And possibly cure her as well." "She can?" Both Olivia and Rick''s father cried out together. "I will?" On the other hand, the old matriarch was surprised as well. She didn''t she was in the room for that. "Oh, don''t y modest. Didn''t you say that you can..." Rick smiled looking at the olddy and then leaned forward to whisper in her ears, "Now don''t be a liability, olddy." "Prove your worth." The atmosphere in the room shifted as Rick made his announcement, dropping the bombshell that the Old Lady was actually there to treat Emily. The revtion sent shockwaves through the group, their faces a mixture of surprise and disbelief. Rick''s father, breaking the uneasy silence, voiced his skepticism with a furrowed brow. "Hold on a second, are you saying she''s here to treat Emily?" His confusion was palpable, his tone tinged with disbelief. Rick''s grin only widened at his father''s incredulity. "Yep, you got it, old man. That''s exactly what I am saying," he replied, his voice dripping with a yful arrogance that bordered on cockiness. Olivia, joining the conversation, mirrored her father''s skepticism with her own furrowed brow. "So let me get this straight," she began, her tone reflecting her uncertainty, "You are telling us that Mrs... uh, Eleanor, here is actually here to treat Emily?" "But I thought Mrs. BloodThrone was just here as a friend... I mean, I didn''t realize she had any medical expertise," Olivia continued, her voice a mix of concern and usation as she nced at the old matriarch, her hands trembling. Even the Old Matriarch, who had been observing the unfolding scene with her usual air of detached elegance, couldn''t hide her surprise. Arching an eyebrow, she turned her piercing gaze towards Rick, her expression silently demanding an exnation. "Neither did I know that," she added, her words carrying a subtle undercurrent of skepticism. Rick, ever the master of deception, shed a grin in response to the barrage of questions. "Yep, it''s true alright," he confirmed, nodding emphatically. "The Old Lady here is a master healer, specializes in ancient medicine and herbals and all that jazz. She''s gonna work her magic on Emily and have her up and about in no time!" "She''s got more tricks up her sleeve than you''d believe," he boasted, his words dripping with exaggeration. "Is that so?" Even the Old Matriarch could not herself, her voice cool andposed, yet tinged with a hint of curiosity. "Absolutely," he dered, his tone brimming with confidence, Just look at those hands, that face, the wrinkles. Don''t you see centuries of experience in this old Lady? Let me tell you shejustdoesnotlookold.Sheisold,andnoneedforyoutoguessherage.Youwillbesurprised." As he spoke, Rickunched into an borate spiel, spinning a web of lies so intricate that even the Old Matriarch herself looked taken aback. But despite her surprise, she remained silent, allowing Rick to continue his charade. "Yeah, she''s like the Yoda of medicine, you know?" Rick continued, his tone brimming with enthusiasm. "I heard she once cured a guy who had been bedridden for years with just a sprig of thyme and a pinch of sage. And don''t even get me started on her acupuncture skills ¨C she could put a porcupine to shame with all those needles!" Rick''s father exchanged a puzzled nce with Olivia, both clearly skeptical of Rick''s ims. But Rick was on a roll, his cheeks flushed with excitement as he regaled them with tales of the Old Matriarch''s legendary healing prowess. "And get this," Rick eximed, his voice rising with each passing word, "she''s so in tune with nature that she canmunicate with nts! I saw her talking to a fern once, swear to God. Next thing you know, it''s producing twice as many fronds as before!" The room fell silent as Rick''s words hung in the air, the absurdity of his ims leaving everyone speechless. Even the Old Matriarch couldn''t hide her astonishment at Rick''s audacity, her eyes widening in disbelief. But as Rick''s story grew more oundish with each passing moment, the Old Matriarch''s expression darkened, a flicker of concern crossing her features. That was just too much bullshit flowing around. Still, she remained silent, unwilling to interrupt Rick''s performance. "I think that is enough," The Old Matriarch Finally whispered for Rick to stop. Even she was starting to blush. But despite the incredulity of his audience, Rick remained unfazed, his grin widening as he basked in the attention. "So yeah," he concluded, his voiceced with pride, "the Old Lady here is gonna work her magic on Emily, and before you know it, she''ll be back on her feet, good as new!" As he spoke, the room fell silent, the other upants hanging on his every word. Even Olivia and Rick''s father seemed momentarily captivated by his tale, their skepticism momentarily forgotten in the face of Rick''s infectious enthusiasm. As the group digested Rick''s oundish ims, the room descended into a chorus of murmurs and whispers. Rick''s father and Olivia exchanged a knowing nce, both clearly unconvinced by Rick''s tall tales. But amidst the skepticism and disbelief, there was a glimmer of hope ¨C hope that perhaps, just perhaps, the Old Matriarch held the key to Emily''s recovery. And as they turned their attention back to Rick, who was still grinning like the cat that got the cream, they couldn''t help but wonder if there was a kernel of truth hidden beneath his wild exaggerations. As Olivia took a tentative step forward, her trembling hand reached out to grasp the Old Matriarch''s, her gaze filled with a potent mix of emotions¡ªhope, concern, and determination. "Well then," she began, her voice quivering with emotion. "Please... I beg you. Save my daughter. She''s everything to me. I can''t bear the thought of losing her," Olivia''s voice cracked, tears welling up in her eyes as she clung desperately to the glimmer of hope that had just presented itself. And this gesture from Olivia took the old Matriarch by surprise. She wanted to pull back her hands, but Olivia had held her hands tight. She could have used some force, but with Rick being there, she did not want to do it. So all she could do was give in. "I suppose we should waste no time in getting started. Emily''s health is of the utmost importance, after all." The Old Matriarch spoke as she turned her face away from Olivia with an irk and looked at Rick hoping to get some help. "I think we should let the olddy prepare," Rick didn''t want to, but he thought no need to anger the olddy anymore. She might just end up popping some heads. So he pulled Olivia gently away from the Old Matriarch. ~~~~~ "So, uh, Mrs. BloodThrone," Rick started, falling into step beside the Old Matriarch as they made their way down the hospital corridor. "You sure you can handle this? I mean, I know I may have exaggerated a bit back there, but..." The Old Matriarch cut him off with a small, knowing smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just a bit?" She arched an eyebrow, teasingly. Rick chuckled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Okay, maybe a tad more than a bit. But hey, you''re an ancient Vampire, right? Surely you''ve got a few tricks up your sleeve." He shed her a grin, his eyes searching hers for reassurance. The Old Matriarch met his gaze briefly, her expression unreadable, before averting her eyes. "Rest assured, young Rick," she replied smoothly, her voice calm and reassuring. "While I may not be an expert in ancient medicine, I have skills of my own that maye in handy." Rick''s eyebrow arched in curiosity, his interest thoroughly piqued. "Oh yeah? Like what?" he prodded, unable to contain his eagerness for more details. The Old Matriarch chuckled softly, a mischievous glint flickering in her eyes. "Let''s just say I''ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that might surprise you," she replied with a mysterious smile. "But remember, young man," she added, her tone turning slightly more serious, "you need to hold up your end of the bargain too." Before Rick could delve deeper into her cryptic words, they reached Emily''s room. Peering through the ss door, Rick''s heart sank at the sight of Emily lying still in the hospital bed, surrounded by machines and monitors, a stark reminder of her fragile condition. Rick''s heart clenched painfully at the sight before him, a heavy wave of guilt crashing over him like a tidal wave. He realized in that moment how he had been so absorbed in his own dramas that he had almost forgotten the true purpose of their visit. Summoning his resolve, Rick pushed open the door and entered the room, the Old Matriarch trailing close behind. As they drew nearer to Emily''s bedside, Rick couldn''t help but notice the frailty of her appearance¡ªthe ghostly pallor of her skin, the shallow rise and fall of her chest. She seemed so delicate, surrounded by the sterile hospital equipment. The Old Matriarch''s features softened as she gazed down at Emily, a hint of empathy flickering in her eyes. Despite their differences, the girl lying before her reminded her of her own grand-daughter. Emilyy there, her eyes closed in peaceful slumber, unaware of the turmoil surrounding her. "Fear not, my dear," the Old Matriarch whispered, her voice a soothing balm in the tense atmosphere of the room. With a gentle touch, she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Emily''s forehead. "We will do everything in our power to help you," she promised, her words infused with determination and hope. ****** Chapter 212: Father, dont cross the line Chapter - 212 As Rick and the Old Matriarch entered the ICU room, a wave of sterile, antiseptic smell hit them like a brick wall. The harsh lighting overhead cast a clinical glow over the room, illuminating the rows of machines and monitors that surrounded Emily''s bed. Emilyy unmoving on the sterile hospital bed, her fragile figure barely discernible beneath a web of wires and tubes that snaked across her body like vines. The room was filled with the mechanical hum of life-support machines, their rhythmic sounds providing a haunting backdrop to the scene. A venttor whispered softly in the background, its gentle hiss punctuating the stillness of the room. A clear stic tube extended from Emily''s mouth, tethering her to the machine that breathed for her. Despite the quiet bustle of medical equipment, Emily appeared eerily still, her only movement the faint rise and fall of her chest as the venttor pumped life-giving air into her lungs. Olivia, her heart heavy with grief, stood by the entrance, her eyes blurred with tears as she gazed upon her daughter''s motionless form. Each beep of the monitors felt like a stab to her heart, a reminder of the fragile thread that held Emily''s life in bnce. With a choked sob, she wanted to reach out to her daughter, gently caress Emily''s hand. But all she could do was pray. Pray for her daughter''s speedy recovery. The room reverberated with Olivia''s anguished sobs. Rick, his attention drawn back to her by the heart-wrenching sound, turned to see his father stepping in to offer sce. With a frown on his face Rick watched as his father wrapped his arms around Olivia, seeking to providefort in the face of her grief. Rick''s father, his own emotions raw and unguarded, struggled to find the right words to offer Olivia sce. His voice wavered with the weight of his own sorrow, tears threatening to spill from his eyes as he attempted to console her. Meanwhile, Rick''s eyes narrowed with a cold intensity as he observed the scene before him. A sense of resentment simmered beneath his surface, his jaw clenched tight with frustration. Despite the familial bond, Rick couldn''t shake the feeling of disdain as he watched his father''s attempts tofort Olivia. He clenched his jaw, a flicker of anger crossing his features as he watched his father trying tofort her. It was no secret that Rick harbored possessive feelings towards Olivia. Even his father caught him making love to her. So why the hell was he acting so clingy towards her? [She is your first love master. And look at your old man holding your woman in his arms. If it was me, I would have tolerated it.] Yes, Olivia was his first love, and he was determined to make her his own, no matter the cost. The sight of his father offeringfort to the woman he desired filled him with a sense of simmering anger and jealousy. [ 1. Let your father do whatever he wants to. (Ero points: 100,000. But will you be able to call yourself a man after that?) 2. Let your father know who Olivia belongs to and believe me, he is just another man with a dick. Tell him to fuck off before he rams it in your woman. (Temptation: +15) ] Rick''s father couldn''t shake the feeling of being watched as he sensed Rick''s intense gaze boring into him. With a furrowed brow, Rick''s eyes narrowed in disapproval, his frown deepening as he silently saw with displeasure his father getting all touchy with Olivia. The weight of Rick''s stare felt like a physical force, causing a shiver to run down his father''s spine. A sense of unease settled over him, the fear evident in his eyes as he met Rick''s chilling gaze. In that moment, it was as if Rick''s eyes held the power to pierce through his father''s facade,ying bare his true emotions. Caught in this silent confrontation, Rick''s father found himself at a loss for words, the gravity of Rick''s disapproval weighing heavily upon him. He released Olivia from his embrace, his hands dropping to his sides in a subconscious gesture of surrender. Stepping back, he cast a wary nce between Rick and Olivia. In those few moments, even Olivia had calmed down. She turned away from his father, her attention now focused solely on her daughter. Rick''s lips curled into a smirk as he watched his father retreat, a sense of satisfaction blooming in his chest. He may not want to dominate Olivia, at least not right now. But he could certainly assert his dominance over his father. ''I hope you are ready with those 100,000 Ero points,'' Rick spoke in his mind. [100,000 Ero points? What for? Are you hallucinating my master? Look at your father. Poor man, he looks so scared. I am afraid he might shit any moment.] ''But I never spoke a word. I let him do whatever he wanted. Wasn''t that precisely I was suppose to do? Let him do whatever he can?'' Rick was all smiles as he pointed out. [But..."] ''Are you going to go back on your words? Didn''t know you were so shameless. That too after acting all high and mighty. What a fucking sore loser,'' Rick shook his head as he berated the system. ''You know what? Keep those useless Ero Points. I wouldn''t want them anyway. Think of them as some sot of tip. You have been working diligently my dog,'' Rick totally gave no face to the system. It was one blow after the other to the system''s so-called pride if there was any. [What did you say? Dog? Let me tell you... You fuc... fu... fu... Master. I am no ones dog. not even yours.] [And here, take these 100,000 Ero points. Like hell I need them.] ''Oh, the poor system can''t even curse his master,'' Rick chuckled inside as he watched the system lose control of its emotions, yet could not let it out. It was a hrious situation. ''I will dly take these 100,000 Ero Points. Only because you are asking me to. Otherwise, you know me...'' And now with a free 100,000 Ero Points in his pocket, Rick turned his atttention towards the Old Matrriarch. "It''s your turn now. Don''t disappoint me," Rick spoke, his voice turning serious, "What are you going to do? What''s the n? Are you going to work some ancient magic on her?" Rick whispered to the old Matriarch. The Old Matriarch''s gaze wavered for a fleeting moment, a brief flicker of uncertainty crossing her features before she regained herposure. With a calm resolve, she met Rick''s eyes squarely, her demeanor unwavering. "I do have a method to treat her," she responded, her voice steady and assured. "But it won''t be easy for her mother to witness. You might want to get them both out of the room," she suggested, nodding towards Rick''s father and Olivia. Rick arched an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Not easy to watch, huh? What kind of vampire voodoo are you nning to pull off?" he quipped, a yful edge to his tone as he awaited the old Matriarch''s response. Rick''s quip earned a subtle reaction from the Old Matriarch, her lips thinning into a brief expression of disapproval. However, she chose to brush off hisment, focusing her attention on the urgent task ahead. With a nod, she glided towards Emily''s bedside, her movements poised and purposeful. Rick observed her progress with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, feeling a growing sense of anticipation as he watched her prepare to work her supposed magic. Though skeptical of the Old Matriarch''s abilities, he couldn''t deny the urgency of the situation, willing to entertain any possibility if it meant saving Emily''s life. That too when the bloody system has given him the quest to cure Emily without taking it''s help. But Rick didn''t care about the quest right now. If somehow the old Matriarch is not able to cure Emily, he was not going to hesitate and use the system to cure her. As the Old Matriarch began her examination, Rick''s gaze shifted to Olivia, his features softening with concern as he approached her side. With a gentle touch, he reached out, his hand hovering momentarily before settling reassuringly on her shoulder. "Olivia," Rick murmured, his voice softer now, stripped of its usual bravado. "We are gonna get through this, alright? The olddy is going to work her charm, and Emily is going to pull through. You will see." Olivia nced up at him, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Despite the tears, she managed a weak smile, her hand reaching up to cover his own. "Thank you, Rick," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I just... I don''t know what I would do without you." Rick felt a swell of emotion in his chest at her words, a mixture of gratitude and protectiveness washing over him. With a reassuring smile, he squeezed Olivia''s hand, determined to be her pir of support through this mess. "And after that..." Rick murmurred to himself. ***** Chapter 213: Emily Dead? [1] Chapter - 213 [Let''s do something fun Master.] [ Quest: Irritate this old matriarch till her eyeballs pops out boiling in anger. Quest Rewards: Ero points: 50,000; 10 Drops of Vampire blood essence Time Duration: 60 minutes ] "Oh my God, 50,000 Ero points? Just to irritate this old vampire? Hmm, well, I must say, you are being quite favorable, my goody dog.", Rick eximed, with a soft chuckle as he read the quest on the pale blue screen in front of him, "And what is with the blood? Will you take it from this old Witch?" [You fuc... Fuc... You stupid master. Stop calling me a dog? Or you will know.] ''Shut up,'' Rick disregarded themotion from the system, pivoting his attention towards the old matriarch with a smirk ying on his lips. With a dismissive wave, the system vanished into thin air with a soft popping sound, leaving the room eerily quiet once more. His words dripped with sarcasm as he addressed the olddy, a yful teaseced with impatience coloring his tone. "So, what''s the big n for curing Emily? Got any tricks up your sleeve?" The old matriarch''s response was swift and sharp, her voice a whisper yet carrying a chill that seemed to cut through the air like a knife. "I may be many things, but I''m no magician," she retorted, her wordsced with a steely resolve. "So, mind your manners and let me work in peace." Observing the furrow that creased the old matriarch''s brow and the icy demeanor she projected, Rick couldn''t resist pushing her buttons a little further. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he leaned in closer, his tone yful yet provocative. "Hey now, no need to get all riled up, you lovely old thing," he teased, a smirk dancing on his lips. "I know you''ve got this under control. Just testing your patience, you know? Chill out, baby, chill." The old matriarch''s response cut through the air like a sharpened de, her voice dripping with irritation as she rebuked Rick''s insolence. "Watch your tongue, young man," she snapped, her words edged with frustration. "It''s not doing you any favors to bber on so sharply." Despite her sharp words, Rick remained unperturbed. With the confidence of someone who had an ace up his sleeve, he stood his ground. "Fine," he replied coolly, his tone unwavering. "Let''s see what you''ve got. Show me what you''re capable of, instead of just ring at me with those big eyes of yours." However, rather than immediately acquiescing to Rick''s challenge, the old matriarch shot him a disapproving frown, her disappointment palpable. Finally after a few minutes, without a word, she redirected her focus to Emily, whoy on the bed, her vulnerabilityid bare for all to see. The room was filled with a tension,as the olddy carefully observed Emily, her brow furrowed in concentration. With each passing moment, it became increasingly evident that Emily''s condition was dire, and the old matriarch''s powers would be put to the ultimate test. Even the system gave Rick only seven days to save before his childhood friend would have that tiny thread of life holding her break. And only two days remained from those seven days. So Rick had no doubt that Emily might give up any time. A heavy silence enveloped the room as all eyes remained fixed on the old matriarch, anticipation and anxiety mingling in the air like a thick fog. Each heartbeat echoed in the stillness, drowned out only by the sound of the old matriarch''s measured footsteps as she continued her assessment of Emily''s condition. Amidst the hushed tension, Olivia stood by the entrance, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions. Tears threatened to spill from her eyes, a silent testament to the turmoil raging within her. She struggled to maintain herposure, her anguish etched into every line of her face as she watched the scene unfold before her. Beside Olivia, Rick''s father stood with a heavy heart, his gaze filled with a mixture of concern and helplessness. He longed to reach out andfort Olivia, to offer her sce in her time of need, but the sight of his son standing in front of him made sure he couldn''t take a step forward. Meanwhile, the old matriarch approached Emily''s bedside with a sense of solemn purpose, her movements deliberate and focused. With a gentle touch, she ced her palm against Emily''s forehead, the warmth of her fevered skin barely managing to feel it. Despite being a Vampire herself and cold bodypared to normal human beings, Emily felt like a dead body to the Old Matriarch as well. With a strange expression contorting her features, the old matriarch withdrew her hand from Emily''s forehead, her movements deliberate and unsettling. Without hesitation, she brought her teeth close to her skin and bit down with a force that seemed out of ce in the quiet room. The sound of breaking skin filled the air, followed by a trickle of blood that flowed forth, staining her pale, wrinkled hand with a dark crimson hue. The sight was jarring, sending a shiver down the spine of those who witnessed it, yet the old matriarch remained resolute, her gaze unwavering as if she were untouched by the pain. Rick''s father, witnessing the bizarre spectacle, couldn''t contain his shock. "What in the world are you doing?" he blurted out, his voice trembling with disbelief. But his question fell on deaf ears as the old matriarch ignored himpletely, her focus solely on her task at hand. Frustrated by her indifference, Rick''s father turned to his son, seeking an exnation. "Rick, what''s happening? What''s she doing?" he demanded, his voiceced with urgency and confusion. "Shsssh, just let her do her thing," Rick replied calmly, his attention fixed on the unfolding scene before him. "Rick?" It was Olivia who spoke this time, she had stopped crying and was looking at the Old Lady in horror, "Rick, what... what''s happening?" she whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief as she watched the old matriarch''s strange actions. "Don''t worry, Olivia," Rick reassured, his hand gently squeezing her shoulder in aforting gesture. "This old Vamp... I mean, grandma, is no ordinary being. She''s got tricks up her sleeve that''ll have our Emily back on her feet in no time." For Rick, the scene unfolding before him was both mesmerizing and unsettling, a show of the extraordinary powers that the Old Vampire had in her. He wanted to know more about the BloodThrone family. They cane in handy. As Rick watched with a mixture of awe and apprehension, his eyes glued to the spectacle before him. On the other hand, with an eerie calmness, the olddy allowed the blood to trickle down Emily''s throat through her mouth, casting a hushed tension over the room. Rick held his breath, his gaze fixed on Emily''s still form, waiting anxiously for any sign of change. And then it happened. "BEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The sudden, sharp beep of the venttor pierced the air, jolting everyone in the room out of their reverie. The sound reverberated off the walls, filling the room with a sense of urgency and rm. Rick''s heart pounded in his chest as he watched the monitor, his mind racing with a whirlwind of emotions. Fear and hope battled for dominance as he exchanged a tense nce with the olddy, silently hoping for answers. But the old matriarch remained stoic, her expression unreadable amidst the chaos. The tension in the room thickened with each passing moment, suffusing the air with a palpable sense of apprehension. The steady pulse rate on the monitor remained unchanged, but the rise and fall of Emily''s chest had ceased, leaving an eerie stillness in its wake. It was as if the thin thread tethering her to the realm of the living had been abruptly severed. Rick stood by Emily''s bedside, his breathsing in ragged gasps as he watched with growing amazement. Suddenly, Emily''s chest began to rise and fall once more, each breath a miraculous testament to the power at y. Beside him, Olivia''s voice trembled with fear and desperation as she turned to Rick for answers. Tears streaked down her cheeks, her emotionsid bare for all to see. "Rick, what''s happening to Emily?" she pleaded, her voice cracking with raw emotion. "Why isn''t she moving?" Olivia''s question hung in the air, the weight of her concern pressing down on everyone present. Despite Olivia''s outburst, the old matriarch remained seated, her demeanor calm and collected amidst the chaos. Rick could sense the tension building in the room, and he exchanged a worried nce with Olivia, his own heart heavy with concern. Frustrated by the old matriarch''s silence, Olivia''s yelled, her voice rose with a mixture of anger and desperation, "What have you done to my daughter?" she demanded, her words echoing off the walls as she directed her fury at the enigmatic figure before her. "Tell me... Tell me what have you done to my daughter..." "Please tell me." ****** Chapter 214: Emily Dead? [2] Chapter - 214 Olivia''s voice reverberated through the room, her anger slicing through the air like a de as she confronted the enigmatic figure of the Old Matriarch. "What have you done to my daughter?" Her words were sharp, a desperate plea tinged with fear and fury. "Please," Olivia begged, her voice cracking with emotion as she searched the old woman''s face for answers. "Tell me what you''ve done to my daughter. I need to know." "Please tell me." The strain of the moment proved too much for her, and her legs buckled beneath her, unable to bear the weight of her anguish any longer. With a heartbreaking thud, Olivia''s body slumped to the ground,. But Rick was quick to spring into into action, lunging forward to catch Olivia before she hit the unforgiving floor. His arms wrapped around her, offering a semnce of support andfort in the midst of the chaos. But amidst all themotion, the Old Matriarch remained poker faced, her posture unchanged, her demeanor eerily calm andposed. Her gaze remained fixed on Emily''s face, as if nothing else in the world mattered. She didn''t even flinch at the sight of blood dripping from her own wound, staining the pristine floor beneath her, and the old matriarch made no move to stop it. Rick''s father, his eyes aze with fury, fixated on Rick and the olddy with a chilling intensity. "What have you done to her, you cursed woman?" His voice, a thunderous roar, reverberated off the walls of the room, the venom in his words saturating the air. His usatory gaze bore into the olddy, his anger a tangible force that seemed to envelop the entire space. "You, you bloody woman," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt as heid me squarely at her feet. But his wrath didn''t stop there. With a sharp turn, he redirected his ire towards Rick, his voice rising to a deafening crescendo as he unleashed a barrage of usations. "And you, Rick! What have you brought upon us? Is this the result of your so-called magic tricks?" His words,ced with bitterness and disappointment, cut through the room like a knife, each sybleden with the weight of betrayal. Rick, his own emotions swirling in a tempest of anger and frustration, ignored the usations of his father and confronted the olddy with anger dripping from his face, "What have you done with her?" he demanded, his voice trembling with tension. Gone was the yful banter, reced now by a raw urgency that underscored the gravity of the situation. The room descended into an uneasy silence, the weight of Rick''s usation hanging thick in the air like a suffocating fog. With a calm demeanor that belied the gravity of the situation, the old Matriarch locked eyes with Rick, her gaze unwavering. Atst, she broke the tension with a measured response. "I did what was necessary to save her," she stated, her voice carrying an air of authority. Rick''s fists clenched at his sides, his frustration boiling over as he struggled to contain his rising anger. He watched in helpless anguish as Emily''s condition continued to deteriorate, the rhythmic beeping of the monitor a haunting reminder of the fragility of life. "Save her? She''s not even breathing anymore," Rick eximed, his disbelief tinged with a hint of desperation. "What kind of saving is this? Are you ying some twisted game by hurting her? Are you trying to double cross me?" The old matriarch''s expression remained stoic, her features unmoved by Rick''s usations. Meeting his usatory stare head-on, she offered a chilling exnation. "Bringing someone back from the brink of death is never a gentle process," she stated matter-of-factly. "Sometimes, one must first extinguish the me before it can be reignited." "Don''t bullshit me," Rick released Olivia, his frustration reaching a boiling point as he closed the distance between himself and the old matriarch in a sh, their faces mere inches apart. With a fierce re and unwavering intensity, Rick locked eyes with the old matriarch, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. He was on the brink of losing control, every fiber of his being pulsing with pent-up frustration. "Shove all this philosophy bullshit up your ass," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. His eyes zed with a fiery determination, daring the old matriarch to defy him. "I need you to do something about Emily, right now. Do something, damn it." But before the old matriarch could respond, Rick''s father, who had been watching the scene unfold in silence, finally found his voice. His own frustration and fear bubbling over, heshed out at his son with a raw intensity. "You still want her to do something? Have you fucking lost your mind?" he roared, his voice trembling with a mixture of anger and desperation. "Throw her out of this room, or so help me, I will do it myself." His threat hung in the air like a dark cloud, the tension in the room thick enough to cut with a knife. Tears streamed down Olivia''s cheeks, her voice choked with emotion as she turned to Rick with a heartbreaking plea. "Rick, please," she begged, her words trembling with grief. "Please, do something. Save Emily... Please, I''m begging you, Mrs. BloodThrone," she implored, her desperation palpable. "I''ll do anything you ask. I''ll devote my life to you, serve you till my dying breath... Just save my daughter." "I will be your ve..." Her voice cracked under the weight of her sorrow, each word a testament to the depth of her anguish. "I''m willing to give my life in exchange for hers," she confessed, her heartid bare before them all. Witnessing Olivia''s devastation, Rick''s frustration reached a boiling point, his fear for Emily''s life fueling his anger. "Damn it!" he eximed, his voiceced with desperation. "You''ve ruined everything, you old hag!" "I never should''ve trusted you," he muttered under his breath, his frustration boiling over. "I should have just used the system and get done with it. That damned quest..." His words trailed off into a frustrated mumble, his mind racing with regret and anger. Just as Rick was about to reach for help from the authorities, Emily''s body convulsed in a sudden, agonizing breath. "Uhhh..." she moaned, her voice a haunting echo in the tense silence of the room. In an instant, the atmosphere shifted, the air crackling with a charged energy that seemed to pulse with life. Jaws dropped, eyes widened in astonishment, as everyone''s attention shifted to Emily, their collective gaze fixated on her with a mixture of disbelief and hope. Well, with the exception of the Old Matriarch who remained the same throughout. The t lines on the monitor tracking Emily''s heartbeats erupted into a frenzy of activity, the once-steady rhythm now resembling a city skyline wrought with chaos. Her pulse surged, racing at an rming rate, the numbers on the screen climbing well above the normal range, reaching heights of over 200 beats per minute. Despite the erratic spikes and fric movement ona the monitor, the relief was palpable - Emily was still among the living. As Rick''s gaze returned to Emily''s prone form, he noticed a subtle change, a flicker of movement at her fingertips, a flutter of her eyelids. Holding his breath, he watched with bated anticipation as Emily''s body trembled, shaking as if she was having an attack with the stirring of life, a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos. Olivia''s voice trembled with fear and desperation, her words echoing through the room with a raw intensity that mirrored the turmoil in her heart. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she turned to Rick, her voice cracking with emotion. "Rick, what''s happening to my child?" she pleaded, her anguishid bare for all to witness. Rick''s father couldn''t help but echo Olivia''s question, his own voice tinged with concern and confusion. "What''s going on with her?" he repeated, his eyes darting between Emily''s convulsing form and the monitors tracking her vital signs. "Agghhh" Meanwhile, Emily''s agonized groan pierced the air, her distress palpable as she struggled against the machines restraining her. It was a gut-wrenching sound, a cry for help that echoed off the walls of the room. But before Olivia could reach out tofort her daughter, the old Matriarch intervened, pulling her back with a firm grip. "Don''t worry," she reassured, her voice surprisingly calm amidst the chaos. "She will be fine." With a gentle yetmanding gesture, she restrained Olivia, preventing her from approaching Emily. She held the key to Emily''s fate, standing between the mother and child. "No, she won''t be fine. Just look at her," Olivia''s voice cracked with anguish as tears streamed down her cheeks. "My baby... Poor baby... She needs me," she pleaded, her gaze fixed on her daughter''s trembling form with a mixture of heartbreak and desperation. ***SLAP!!! The room fell silent as the sharp sound of the p cut through the air like a knife. The Old Matriarch had finally reached her limit, her patience worn thin by Olivia''s incessant cries. With a swift, decisive motion, she delivered a resounding p across Olivia''s face, the force of it reverberating through the room. "You weak, pathetic human," the Old Matriarch''s voice was cold and cutting, her words dripping with disdain as she addressed Olivia. ***** Chapter 215: Rise From The Dead [1] Chapter - 215 "No, she won''t be fine. Just look at her," Olivia''s voice cracked with anguish as tears streamed down her cheeks. "My baby... Poor baby... She needs me," she pleaded, her gaze fixed on her daughter''s trembling form with a mixture of heartbreak and desperation. As She squirmed to hold her daughter. ***SLAP!!! The room fell silent as the sharp sound of the p cut through the air like a knife. The Old Matriarch had finally reached her limit, her patience worn thin by Olivia''s incessant cries. With a swift, decisive motion, she delivered a resounding p across Olivia''s face, the force of it reverberating through the room. "You weak, pathetic human," the Old Matriarch''s voice was cold and cutting, her words dripping with disdain as she addressed Olivia. The Old Matriarch''s voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a knife, her words icy and filled with scorn as she red at Olivia, "Your daughter is going to be just fine. However, if you continue to pester me with your sobbing, I might just toss you out of that window. Then you can upy the hospital bed next to hers and y the doting mother all you want," she snapped, her face contorting with a mix of disgust and irritation. [ 1. Stay Silent. (Temptation -10) 2. Tell the Olddy to take a chill pill. (Olivia: Temptation +5) ] Rick had been letting the Old Matriarch handle things in her own way, believing perhaps that her stern methods were necessary. But when the choice came in front of him, he knew what to do. "Alright, that''s enough! Chill olddy," Rick interjected firmly, stepping towards the Old Matriarch with a raised hand to signal a pause. His voice carried a calm but authoritative tone as he tried to deescte the situation. "We didn''te all this way to cause more distress or fill more hospital beds. You are here to fix things, not make them worse." Rick''s voice started out forceful but gradually descended into a hushed, menacing whisper as he closed the distance between himself and the Old Matriarch. "Is this really how you treat a friend of your granddaughter? Your supposed savior? The key to reviving your husband¡ªgiving him another shot at life? And getting it up again?" His words, though barely audible by the end, pierced the tense silence of the room, ensuring the Old Matriarch could not just hear but feel each syble. For a brief, fleeting moment, the Old Matriarch''s face contorted with a mix of rage and disdain. The urge tosh out violently, to m Rick against the wall surged within her, her hands twitching with the effort of restraint. But as quickly as it came, the impulse faded, her expression smoothing into a mask of coldposure once again. Turning her gaze towards the others in the room, she sighed heavily, a sound of tired frustration. "I warned you, didn''t I? I said we should have thrown them out right from the start. This woman," she gestured dismissively towards Olivia, "is causing nothing but chaos and noise." "Well, that is something I can fix for you. No need for you to get violent and get more wrinkles on your face," Rick was all smiles suddenly, almost teasing, as he addressed the Old Matriarch, his grin incongruous. He then turned his attention to Olivia, who remained stoically fixated on her daughter, seemingly oblivious to the reddening mark on her cheek from the matriarch''s p. Her eyes, red and swollen from crying, did not waver from Emily, even as the chaos unfolded around her. [ 1. Push Olivia out of the room. (Temptation -30) 2. Stand in front of Olivia and Emily for the rest of the treatment and not let Olivia see her daughter. (Temptation -10) 3. Make Olivia forget about Emily for the time being. (Temptation +10) ] "Olivia," Rick said softly, reaching out to gently tilt her chin towards him. His hands were warm and his touch tender as he guided her face away from the distressing sight of her daughter connected to the machines. "Look at me, just for a moment," he urged. When their eyes met, Rick offered her a reassuring smile. "Listen, everything''s going to be okay. Emily''s going to pull through this. You have to believe that," he spoke with a calm certainty, hoping to anchor her to his conviction. In that moment, Olivia''s fraught expression softened, her gaze locked onto Rick''s. There was something in his eyes¡ªa sincerity, a promise¡ªthat for a brief second made her forget the pain and fear. In his eyes, she saw a reflection of her own hope, momentarily giving her the strength to believe. As Olivia''s eyes locked onto Rick''s, she found herself momentarily swept away from the chaos surrounding her. His gaze, filled with an earnest warmth, seemed to echo the tenderness of the night they had spent together at her house¡ªthe night they made love to each other, while her husbandy drunk and unconscious just in there on the table. It was a moment of weakness, of searching forfort, and Rick had been nothing but gentle. Lost in the reflection of their shared past, the harsh reality of the hospital room seemed to blur into the background, giving her a brief respite from her fear. Emily''s face was getting blurry in her head. It was as if Rick''s eyes offered her a sanctuary, a quiet ce amidst the storm of her current turmoil. Meanwhile, as if in tandem with the calming of Olivia''s nerves, Emily''s condition showed signs of improvement. The rming chaos of the medical monitors that had been spiking wildly began to settle. Her previously erratic pulse slowed to a more regr tempo, now thumping steadily through the room like a gentle drumbeat. Her breathing, too, stabilized. The once sharp and frightening gasps became smoother, more rhythmic breaths. The rise and fall of her chest was no longer a frantic struggle but moved with a soothing regrity. On the monitor, the jagged peaks that had painted a picture of distress were now reced by the smooth, undting waves of a normal heart rate. The room, filled with tension just moments before, now hummed with a cautiously optimistic silence. Relief washed over everyone in the room except for the Old Matriarch as they saw Emily''s condition improve. It felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted from their shoulders, reced by a fragile flicker of hope that, until moments ago, seemed extinguished. It felt almost surreal, this sudden pivot from despair to possibility, and it left Olivia and Rick''s father momentarily immobilized by a mix of relief and disbelief. They stood there, staring at the now-steady lines on the monitor, their faces etched with traces of the fear that had just moments ago overwhelmed them. The abrupt change seemed almost too good to be true, casting a shadow of doubt in their minds. Was this real? Were their eyes deceiving them, or was this a cruel trick of the mind, a shared hallucination born of desperate hope? Then, cutting through the murmur of their silent questions and the soft beeping of the monitor, a faint voice emerged. "Am... Am I dead?" Emily''s voice was barely above a whisper, raspy and weak but undeniably hers. The sound of her voice, hoarse yet filled with confusion and fear, instantly drew everyone''s attention. They turned towards her, their eyes wide and mouths agape As Emily''s fingers twitched and her eyelids fluttered open, Olivia felt a swell of emotion rise within her as she watched her daughter. She looked at her with eyes filled with emotions and tears. At the sound of her voice, Olivia''s heart leapt into her throat. She rushed to Emily''s side, her earlier fear forgotten, reced by an overwhelming urge to reassure her daughter. "No, my love, you''re very much alive," Olivia whispered to herself, almost choking on her tears. After so many days she finally managed to hear her daughter''s voice. Only god knew how she was able to hold back from running into her daughter''s arms and wail. Rick was still holding her, afraid that she might copse from the rush of emotions. But hey... Not everyone was happy at this moment. Outside Emily''s room, the corridor buzzed with urgent activity as a team of doctors and nurses clustered together, their expressions marked by deep concern. They exchanged rapid, low-toned discussions, their voices asionally rising in urgency as they tried to make sense of themotion inside the room. One of the doctors, clearly the leader of the group, stepped forward, his expression one of controlled frustration. "What on earth is going on here?" he demanded, scanning the faces of Rick and the others. "Who let you all in?" His voice escted, each word tinged with incredulity and anger. "And what exactly did you think you were doing? Did you seriously believe you could just sidestep hospital protocol? Do you think we put these policies in ce for no reason?" He was breathing heavily, fueled by a mix of adrenaline and outrage, his gaze piercing as if he could start a physical altercation at any moment. Caught off guard, Rick managed to stutter out a question, "What happened? What went wrong?" "Shit happened you Rascal." ***** Chapter 216: Rise From The Dead [2] Chapter - 216 "What happened? What went wrong?" Rick managed to stutter out a question. "Shit happened, you fool!" the doctor barked back at him, frustration evident in his harsh delivery. He swiftly moved to Emily''s side, his eyes widening in rm at the sight of blood smeared around her mouth and staining the sheets a deep crimson. A chill shot through him as he realized the gravity of the situation. "Quick, get me the anticoagnt!" he shouted to the nearby nurse, his voice urgent andmanding. The nurse, sensing the critical nature of the moment, dashed off and quickly returned, handing him the medication with trembling hands. The doctor wasted no time. He soaked a gauze with the anticoagnt and deftly inserted it into Emily''s nose to stem the bleeding. With another piece of gauze, he gently wiped her face, trying to clear the blood that had pooled there. Turning his attention to the nurse who had been standing by the door of the ICU, he bellowed, "What in the world were you doing? Fucking finger-fucking yourself?" His tone was rough, fueled by the urgency and stress of the moment. He motioned for her toe closer, his gaze piercing. She was suppose to take care of Emily. The nurse quickly moved to the doctor''s side, her face etched with worry and confusion. She sped her hands nervously, her voice barely above a whisper as she addressed him. "Sir?" she asked, visibly shaken by his stern demeanor. The doctor didn''t mince his words, his frustration boiling over as he confronted her. "Don''t ''Yes, Sir'' me, you nipoop! What were you thinking allowing these people into the emergency ward? This area is strictly off-limits to unauthorized personnel. Who gave you the audacity to disregard hospital protocol?" His words were sharp, each one delivered like a verbal p designed to underscore the severity of her mistake. Rick, feeling a sense of responsibility and trying to diffuse the tension, stepped forward. "Doc, I think you are being a bit unfair... This situation, it''s not really her fault," he said, his voice steady but cautious. The doctor whipped around, his eyes cold and unyielding as they fixed on Rick. "Did I ask for your input?" he snapped, cutting Rick off mid-sentence. "I am fully capable of handling my staff without your interference. Keep your opinion to yourself and shove it up," His dismissive tone left no room for further discussion, making it clear that he expected no more interruptions while he dealt with the matter at hand. Rick found himself silenced by the doctor''s stern rebuke, casting his eyes downward as the nurse made a trembling attempt to defend her actions. "Doctor, I did inform them about the rules," she stammered, gesturing towards Rick with a shaky hand. "After that, I had to step away for a moment. I didn''t realize they would enter the ward without permission." Seizing the opportunity to deflect me, Rick quickly interjected, pointing an using finger at the Old Matriarch. "See, Doc, it''s her doing. She insisted on seeing Emily. She practically threatened her. We didn''t really have much of a choice but to follow her in," he protested, attempting to shift the focus of the doctor''s wrath onto the Old Matriarch. The doctor''s frustration surged to new heights, his face turning a shade redder as he turned his attention to the Old Matriarch, who remained silent, her expression unreadable. "Do you have any idea how risky it is to expose a critically ill patient to a group of people?" he eximed, his voice tinged with disbelief and irritation. "And to aa patient, no less! Are you trying to sabotage her recovery? Our priority here is saving lives, notplicating matters with unauthorized visits and disruptions. This kind of reckless behavior will not be tolerated under my watch." His stern words echoed in the tense atmosphere, making it abundantly clear where he stood on the matter. The old Matriarch, with her imposing presence, seemed ready to depart as if her task was done. But when a mere human dared to raise their voice at her? Someone she could easily crush beneath her feet? That was something she couldn''t ignore. "What kind of treatment are you advocating for?" she demanded, her voice dripping with skepticism. "This child has been in aa for an extended period, and we haven''t seen any improvement in her condition. Are you genuinely prioritizing the patient''s well-being with your so-called treatment?" Her words reverberated through the room, challenging the doctor''s authority and casting doubt on his methods. The doctor, momentarily taken aback by the directness of her usation, paused, searching for a response. He was used to defending his medical decisions, but this unexpected confrontation left him momentarily speechless, his confidence wavering under the weight of her scrutiny. Not one to back down, the doctor quickly regained hisposure, his voice rising with indignation as he pushed back against the matriarch''s pointed remarks. "Are you suggesting you know better than me about patient care? Now you will teach me?" he shot back, his toneced with incredulity and defiance. The surgeon''s pride swelled within him, his frustration evident as he defended his expertise. "I have been a bloody surgeon for years, spent years honing my skills, saving countless lives along the way. And here you are, questioning my expertise?" He proimed, his words echoing with the weight of his experience and skill. As his words hung in the air, the tension in the room intensified, the matriarch meeting his gaze with unwavering resolve. But she refused to be intimidated, her own voice steady as she countered his anger with her own fiery determination. "If you believe that someone as inexperienced and illiterate as me could treat a serious patient," she dered, her tone cutting through the air like a sharpened de, "then perhaps you should set your degrees aze and let them turn to ashes." Her words carried a potent mix of challenge and defiance, daring the surgeon to question her capabilities once more. A thick silence descended upon the room, the weight of the old matriarch''s words settling heavily on everyone present. The tension was palpable, every gaze locked onto the unfolding drama before them, the air thick with anticipation. The doctor''s response shattered the silence, his voice dripping with skepticism and a touch of disdain as he scoffed at the matriarch''s ims. "Ha... ha... ha... Are you kidding me?" he retorted, hisughter tinged with disbelief as he locked eyes with the old matriarch. "You think I am a fool standing here. Do you expect me to simply nod along to whatever you say? An old, illiterate cougar who doesn''t even know how to follow the rules, is standing before me and saying that she has treated aa patient?" The doctor continued, his tone condescending. He leaned in closer, his voiceced with usation. "Lady, I think you are too old to throw these tantrums. If you have truly healed her, then why was she bleeding so profusely? Exin that, if you can!" His words were a challenge, a direct confrontation. The old matriarch rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated with the doctor''s stubborn skepticism. "Why don''t you check her yourself, with your so-called expert hands?" she challenged, dismissing the doctor''s doubts with a wave of her hand. To her, he seemed nothing more than an ignorant fool. Rick, sensing an opportunity to support the matriarch, decided to speak up. "She does have a point," he said, nodding in agreement with the old matriarch. The doctor''s incredulous gaze swung towards Rick, his expression one of disbelief mingled with annoyance. "You, young man!" he eximed, shaking his head as if trying to make sense of the madness unfolding before him. "Are you also in on this joke? It seems the entire family has lost its mind. We have a term for people like this where Ie from - blockheads. Don''t be one." A heavy silence settled over the room, the tension palpable as the doctor''s words cast a shadow of doubt over the matriarch''s ims and Rick''s defense of her. But despite the skepticism that filled the air, Rick stood his ground, refusing to waver in the face of the doctor''s dismissive attitude. Unfazed by the doctor''s criticism, the matriarch squared her shoulders and spoke with unwavering conviction. "I speak the truth," she dered, her voice steady and uncaring. With a resigned sigh, the doctor finally gave in, albeit begrudgingly. "Alright, fine," he conceded, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I''ll check the patient myself, since you all seem so convinced." Carefully, the doctor leaned in to assess Emily''s condition. Gently cing three fingers on her wrist, he meticulously checked for her pulse, his brows furrowing in concentration as he monitored her breathing rate. To his surprise, Emily stirred from her unconscious state, her eyes fluttering open in response to his touch. "I''m alright, doctor," Emily whispered weakly, her voice barely above a hoarse whisper. The sudden movement caught the doctor off guard, causing him to jump back in shock. "Ah!" he eximed, his voice tinged with surprise and a hint of fear as he took an involuntary step back, his eyes widening in disbelief at Emily''s unexpected response. "Freaking ghost!!!!!" ***** Chapter 217: Now it is Ricks turn Chapter - 217 "Freaking ghost!!!!!" As the doctor stumbled backward in fear, his eyes wide with disbelief, he nearly tripped over his own feet, saved only by the quick reflexes of the nurse who steadied him with a firm grip. Rick couldn''t contain his amusement, bursting intoughter at the doctor''sical reaction. Even the old matriarch couldn''t suppress a chuckle, the tension of the moment melting away into sharedughter as they watched the doctor''s stunned expression. It was a moment of pure hrity in an otherwise serious situation. "How on earth is this possible?" the doctor muttered to himself, his ego seemingly deted like a popped balloon. His disbelief was evident in his voice as he struggled toprehend the inexplicable turn of events. "Hehehe... What''s the matter, Mr. All-Knowing Doctor?" Rick teased, unable to resist taking a yful jab at the now-flustered physician. "Should I fetch a match to light up your degrees, or will you do it yourself while you cry in the corner?" His words wereced with humor, a mischievous grin ying on his lips as he enjoyed the doctor''s baffled reaction. "You..." The doctor opened his mouth to retort to Rick''s jab, but the words seemed to stick in his throat. After all the bravado he had disyed just moments before, he found himself too embarrassed to speak. With a face flushed red with embarrassment, he hastily made his exit from the room, the nurses trailing behind him, their eyes wide with disbelief at the unexpected turn of events. As the door closed behind them, a collective sigh of relief seemed to fill the room. Even Olivia couldn''t help but feel a sense of reassurance wash over her at the sight of the doctor''s reaction. It was clear from the look on his face that her daughter was out of immediate danger. Unable to contain herself any longer, Olivia moved to her daughter''s bedside, her gentle touch tracing the delicate contours of her daughter''s face. With a soft smile, she leaned in close, her heart swelling with gratitude as she watched her daughter regain consciousness. With a gentle touch, Olivia''s fingertips traced the scratches around Emily''s nose, her heart heavy with empathy as she thought of the pain her daughter had endured in the past few days. But now, in a matter of minutes, it seemed like the storm had passed. And as theughter bubbled up in the room, a wee contrast against the sterile walls, and Olivia couldn''t help but feel a swell of relief wash over her. Amidst theughter, her thoughts drifted to the olddy who had turned their lives upside down with a mere flick of her wrist. It was like she held the strings of fate in her hands, yet she herself remained blind to certain truths. A pang of guilt pricked Olivia''s conscience for her earlier harsh words and behavior. Determined to make amends, Olivia mulled over how she could apologize to the olddy. But the question lingered, teasing her with its elusiveness. Before she could dwell on it further, the old matriarch''s voice cut through the air, drawing her attention. "I''ll be leaving now. Are youing with me?" she asked Rick, her tone betraying none of the turmoil swirling within Olivia''s mind. Rick shed a mischievous grin at the old matriarch, attempting to inject a yful tone into the conversation. "Leaving already? Can you bear to tear yourself away from my captivating presence?" he teased, his voiceced with mock sincerity. However, the old matriarch was having none of it. Standing with a stern frown etched on her face, she regarded Rick with a mixture of disdain and amusement. "Your attempts at humor are as feeble as your tongue, young man," she retorted, her tone sharp and cutting, "Trust me, they are as worst as your mouth." But Rick was undeterred, his grin only widening in response to her rebuke. "Ah, but annoying people is my specialty!" he dered with a yful wink. "Besides, I think Olivia here has something she is just dying to spill to you." Before he could continue, the old matriarch held up a hand, her expression serious. "I am well aware of what this woman wishes to discuss," she interrupted, her tone t and devoid of emotion. "However, I find these disys of human emotion rather tedious and trivial. They are far too simplistic for beings of our caliber." "I would rather you fetch me some fresh blood, preferably a young virgin boy," the old matriarch stated with a chilling nonchnce, her words hanging in the air like a heavy fog. "Huh???" Olivia''s jaw dropped in utter astonishment at the old matriarch''s unexpected demand, her mind struggling to process the shocking request. Even Rick''s father, caught off guard, instinctively took a step back, only to pause as if suddenly realizing he was neither a boy, nor a virgin. "Now, now, let''s not get too carried away," he interjected hastily, his attempt at diffusing the tension palpable in his voice. "We have families here, after all," he added with a forced chuckle, desperately trying to mask his difort. "I''m sure the olddy here is just pulling our leg. Isn''t that right? Quite theedian, this one. Haha...ha..." But the old matriarch remained unmoved, her expression unchanged as she gazed back at Rick with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I wasn''t jok..." she began to speak with a serious face, but Rick swiftly cut her off, his patience wearing thin. Rick, feeling a twinge of annoyance at the old matriarch''s attempt to one-up him, decided to cut in. "Weren''t you on your way out?" he interjected, his voice tinged with impatience as he tried to steer the conversation away from the ufortable topic at hand. With a smug smirk, the old matriarch acknowledged Rick''s urging to leave. "I am leaving," she replied with a hint of amusement. "Though I must say, the scent of blood in this hospital can be rather... Ughhh... I don''t have words to describe that," she added, her nose wrinkling in distaste as she struggled to find the right words to describe the sensation. Rick, growing increasingly exasperated with the old woman''s antics, leaned in closer, his voice a low whisper filled with urgency. "Come on, enough already. You are giving these folks the heebie-jeebies," he muttered, his frustration evident in his tone. "Just zip it and make yourself scarce, will ya?" Meanwhile, Olivia stood at a distance, her expression a mix of confusion and guilt as she watched the exchange unfold. There was a palpable sense of apology and remorse in her demeanor, as if she were silently begging for forgiveness. Sensing Olivia''s inner turmoil, the old matriarch fixed her with a prating gaze, her eyes seeming to bore into Olivia''s soul as she read the emotions ying across her face. With a pointed reminder, she addressed Rick once more, her tone firm and unwavering. "But before I go, let''s not forget our little agreement," she reminded him, her words carrying a weight of expectation. "We didn''t agree to it, but I have already done my part by helping you with that girl. Now it''s time for you to hold up your end of the bargain." With a cocky grin, Rick assured the old matriarch, "Don''t worry, I will make sure your husband is on his own two feet sooner thanter. Now, if you don''t mind, it is time for you to hit the road." He gestured towards the door, urging her to leave with a flick of his hand. But the old matriarch remained rooted to the spot, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes as if wrestling with an internal dilemma. Finally, gathering her resolve, she opened her mouth to speak, her voice barely above a whisper. Rick arched an eyebrow in anticipation, prompting her to spit out whatever was on her mind. "What''s on your mind? Come on, spit it out" he prodded, his tone tinged with impatience. With a hesitant sigh, the old matriarch finally managed to force the words out. "It is about Geoffrey," she confessed, her voice trailing off uncertainly. Rick''s eyes widened in surprise, a low whistle escaping his lips. "Ohhh... Ho... Ho..." * * * * * Chapter 218: Secrecy around Ricks Father Chapter - 218 "Oh, ho, ho! Seems like we''ve got a couple of lovebirds fretting over their favorite old grump. You might be quite worried about the well being of that jerk, isn''t it!," Rickughed when he heard Geoffrey''s name from the old Matriarch''s lips, his tone dripping with mockery. "Seriously, who cares about that old geezer? Let him rot in that musty old room deep down in the earth for all you care," Rick continued, hisughter bordering on callousness as he dismissed Geoffrey''s plight with a wave of his hand. But as the old woman''s gaze turned icy with annoyance and anger, Rick''sughter died in his throat, reced by an ufortable silence. Clearing his throat awkwardly, Rick decided it was best to hold his tongue, the jovial facade fading from his expression as he met the old matriarch''s gaze with newfound seriousness. Before he could utter another word, she spoke, her voice cutting through the silence like a de. "Instead of meddling in affairs that don''t concern you," she said, her tone sharp andmanding, "focus on what you should be doing." The old matriarch said, her gaze piercing through Rick''s face with icy intensity. The olddy''s wordsnded like a hammer, her tone brooking no argument. "And make sure to remind the manager about letting Geoffrey go. Enough is enough! Geoffrey is too stubborn to budge unless you give him a nudge," she instructed, her voice firm and decisive. Despite the seriousness of hermand, a mischievous glint danced in Rick''s eyes, a suppressed chuckle threatening to escape. Before Rick could even formte a response, the old matriarch turned on her heel and swept out of the room, her departure leaving behind a weighty silence that seemed to fill the air like fog. "Looks like the lovebirds are pining for each other," Rick muttered to himself, a smirk ying on his lips as he watched the old matriarch''s retreating figure. "Consider it done." With a swift motion, Rick retrieved his phone from his pocket andquickly dialed the Cafe. It was close to his college and he was a frequent visitor there, so luckily he had their number. "Good afternoon, Make a Wish Cafe. What can I get for you today?" The cheerful voice on the other end of the line greeted Rick as he dialed the familiar number. "Could I speak with the manager, please?" Rick wasted no time in getting straight to the point, his tone serious but not without a hint of urgency. "Um, is everything okay, sir?" The female staff member on the other end asked cautiously, her concern evident in her voice. "No worries, it''s nothing major. Just a personal matter I need to discuss," Rick reassured her, his voice softening slightly. "Alright, please hold for a moment, sir," the staff member replied before disappearing to fetch the manager. After a brief pause, the manager''s voice came through the line. "Hello, how can I assist you?" he asked, his tone polite and eager to help. "Hey brother. I am that guy from the morning. You know themotion and all" Rick identified himself, hoping to jog the manager''s memory. "Oh, yes, of course, sir! I remember you," the manager eximed, his enthusiasm palpable even over the phone. "What can I do for you?" "Thanks, buddy. I just wanted to check if the old man is still hanging around there," Rick inquired, getting straight to the point. The manager''s voice wavered slightly, the once bright smile now faltering as he struggled to find the right words. "I''m sorry, sir," he began, his tone tinged with hesitation. Rick''s eyebrow shot up in curiosity at the manager''s sudden change in demeanor. "What''s the matter? Did that old codger kick the bucket or something?" he asked, his toneced with a mix of sarcasm and genuine concern. "No, sir, nothing like that," the manager quickly assured him, his wordsing out in a rush. "It''s just that..." "Just that?" Rick prodded, his curiosity piqued by the manager''s evasive response. "He actually left not long after you did," the manager admitted, a note of frustration creeping into his voice. "We tried to stop him, but he was... well, he was quite..." "Powerful," Rick murmured, the pieces slowly falling into ce. "No worries, man. I appreciate you trying. And hey, consider that debt forgiven. I''ll swing by the caf¨¦ soon, don''t worry about the money," With a decisive nod, Rick ended the call, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "You old bastard... I thought of going easy on you. But you dog, you had to go and pull a stunt like this," Rick murmured to himself, as his grip tightened on the phone, "Just you wait." "Geoffrey is stubborn... Won''t leave without me begging him.... That stupid old bitch. Knows nothing about her lover." And with that, Rick made up his mind to follow behind the olddy. But then it struck him, he had no idea where he could find the wholedy. Rick''s frustration grew as he muttered under his breath, feeling like he was hitting a dead end. "She didn''t even have the courtesy to give me a hint on where to find her. That stupid..." he grumbled, his annoyance bubbling to the surface. But just as his irritation peaked, his gaze fell upon something lying by his foot¡ªa small, nondescript card. Curiosity piqued, he reached down and picked it up, examining it closely. The card was a dull shade of ckish-grey, with a single word printed on it in bold letters: "BloodThrone." Rick scoffed at the simplicity of it, crumpling the card in his hand with disdain. But before he could discard it, something strange happened. A wispy tendril of ck smoke emerged from the crushed card, swirling in the air before darting straight towards Rick. With a startled curse, Rick tried to dodge, but it was toote¡ªthe smoke had already infiltrated his senses, seeping into his brain with an unsettling sensation. For a brief moment, Rick felt disoriented, his head swimming with a strange buzz. But as the sensation passed, he couldn''t help but grin. Despite the odd method of delivery, he now had a lead. "She could''ve just told me straight up. What''s with all this unnecessary secrecy?" Rick mused to himself, shaking his head in amusement. With newfound determination, he turned to his father, his expression softening. "Don''t just yet go back home. I will take you back," Rick reassured him, his voice gentle yet firm. His father hesitated, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. "Are you sure? You must have things to attend to," but Rick hardly noticed. "Don''t worry about it. I''ve got time," Rick insisted, his voice tinged with impatience as he waved off his father''s concerns. "I will take you home, no big deal." His father nodded reluctantly, a shadow of unease lingering in his eyes as he acquiesced. "Alright, if you insist," he conceded, his tone tinged with resignation. "Then wait for me. I will be back in a while," Rick told his father as he turned around to leave. But stopped by the entrance of the ward and turned towards his father once again. "You don''t need to act so awkward with me. Whatever there is between me and Olivia. We will take care of it ourselves," Rick said that and walked out of the room. "I wasn''t worried about that, son..." Rick''s father sighed as he looked at the door closing after Rick left, "I am not worried about that..." ***** Chapter 219: Rick vs Geoffrey [1] Chapter - 219 Navigating through the bustling corridors of the hospital, Rick couldn''t help but absorb the whirlwind of emotions swirling around him. It was like a symphony of life and death, with every note yed in vivid hues. Amidst the chaos, he witnessed a poignant contrast of human experience. Some families clung to hope with every fiber of their being, their faces etched with worry and fear as they paced the halls, desperate for good news. Others, however, found sce in tears of joy, their relief palpable as they embraced their loved ones with trembling hands and grateful hearts. As stretchers rolled past, bearing the weight of fragile bodies, Rick''s gaze lingered on the faces of the patients. Each one was a testament to the delicate bnce between existence and oblivion, their struggles a stark reminder of life''s fragility. Rick hastened his steps toward the reception area, his mind focused on the task at hand. As he approached the desk, he was met with the impatient re of a fat woman whose annoyance seemed to radiate from every pore. [ 1. Get straight to the point. [Sigma Chad. Girls won''t be immune to your charms for 10 minutes straight] 2. Sweet talk thedy. She has been having a hard day. [A pair of sunsses with X-Ray vision.] 3. Walk away. [Cash: $100,000] ] Rick leaned casually against the reception desk, a charming smile gracing his lips as he addressed the nurse. "Hey there, mi amor," he greeted her in a friendly tone, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Looks like you''re dealing with quite the whirlwind today. Tough day at job?" "Wha... I mean... You..." The nurse didn''t expect the boy to be so rxed and polite. The nurse''s initial surprise at Rick''s rxed demeanor quickly melted away as she took in his friendly demeanor and handsome appearance. With a shy smile, she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze. "Yeah, it''s been a bit crazy around here," she admitted, her voice softening as she rxed into the conversation. "But hey, that''s just another day in the life of a hospital, right? So, how can I assist you today?" Rick''s expression turned thoughtful as he exined the reason for his visit. "Well, my friend was admitted here recently. She just woke up from aa, and I was wondering if there have been any updates on her condition. And, you know, when can we expect to bust her out of this joint?" he added with a yful wink. "If the doctors updated her chart or something." Rick continued. "Your friend? Sure, what is your nam... I mean your friend''s name?" The nurse asked. "Emily rke," "Emily..." Hearing the name, the nurse looked at Rick for a second before turning her gaze towards theputer screen. [Ding!] [Nice master, you are a walking talking heartthrob. Hehehe.] The nurse nodded, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she prepared to pull up Emily''s file. "Got it, Emily rke," she repeated, her focus shifting to theputer screen as she typed in the name. After a moment, her eyes scanned the information disyed on the monitor. "Ah, Emily," she murmured, her brow furrowing slightly as she absorbed the details. "Looks like she''s juste out of aa, huh? That must''ve been rough." ncing back at Rick, the nurse continued, "ording to her file, Emily''s still in pretty rough shape. Her bones haven''t fully healed yet, and the doctors want to keep a close eye on her for a while longer. She''s gonna need some more time under observation to make sure she''s stable and not at risk of any infections." She paused, her gaze meeting Rick''s with a mix of sympathy and understanding. "So, yeah, it might be a bit before she''s ready to go home. We gotta wait for the senior doctor to give the green light and sign off on her discharge papers." "Ohh..." Rick nodded. The nurse was right, Rick paused for a moment, contemting Emily''s situation. He knew the odds weren''t exactly in her favor, but he held onto a glimmer of hope, fueled by the belief that perhaps the old vampire''s blood could work some magic. A mischievous grin spread across Rick''s face as he turned to the nurse, his eyes sparkling with yful intent. "But tell me, nicedy," he began, his tone light and teasing, "I sure hope you are not just trying to milk my friend for all she''s worth." He punctuated his words with a yful wink, hoping to lighten the mood. Chapter Read: "Because I would say your treatment and care of the patients... Ummm... I wouldn''t say are the best you know," Rick told the nurse. "That is actually not true, young man," The nurse would have gotten angry if someone else had told it to her, but with Rick, she couldn''t bring herself tosh out at Rick, "Hundreds of patients are admitted here, with a trust. Some of them get discharged with happy faces while others with tears. It all depends upon the fate and severity of the condition. You can''t me the medical facilities here," the woman tried to put her point through. Rick''s expression softened into a yful grin as he reached out to gently touch the nurse''s cheek. "Hey now, I was just pulling your leg, prettydy," he chuckled, his touch light andforting. "No need to frown and get all worked up. You''ve got a beautiful face, and we wouldn''t want any wrinkles ruining that, now would we?" ~~~~~ After switching off the ignition, Rick relished the sudden quiet that enveloped him as the car''s engine purred to a stop. Stepping out onto the gravel driveway, he stretched his arms overhead, grateful for the chance to shake off the stiffness of the long drive. The crisp country air filled his lungs, refreshing and invigorating after hours spent cooped up in the car. Surveying his surroundings, Rick couldn''t help but be captivated by the sight that greeted him. The farmhouse stood proudly amidst a lush carpet of greenery, vibrant with the promise of new life. Tiny buds peeked out from branches, hinting at the blossoms yet toe, while the scent of blooming roses hung heavy in the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the surrounding foliage. The scent of blooming roses mingled with the crispness of the air, creating a heady perfume that enveloped him. Bees buzzedzily from blossom to blossom, their gentle hum a soothing backdrop to the scene. As Rick approached the front porch, he noticed the swing swaying gently in the breeze, its chains creaking softly with each movement. As Rickzily walked towards the house, soaking in the beauty of the garden outside, a voice suddenly entered into his ears. "What are you staring at with those droopy eyes? You''ll pop ''em right out of their sockets if you keep it up!" The unexpected interruption startled Rick, causing him to snap out of his reverie with augh. Following the source of the voice, Rick nced up to find Geoffrey standing on the upstairs balcony, his expression as stern as ever. Despite the frown etched on his face, there was a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes as he regarded Rick. "How in zes did you stumble upon this ce?" Geoffrey demanded, his tone a mix of annoyance and intrigue. Rick couldn''t help but grin at Geoffrey''s reaction, his smirk bordering on mischievous as he met the butler''s gaze. "Ah, looks like the watchdog has returned to his post," he teased, his voiceced with amusement. Geoffrey''s stern facade faltered for a moment, a hint of exasperation flickering across his features. "Enough with the antics," he snapped, unable to maintain hisposure in the face of Rick''s irreverence. "What on earth are you doing here?" Rick''s grin widened at the sight of Geoffrey''s annoyance, relishing the opportunity to push the old butler''s buttons. "Well, your master had the courtesy to give me a ring," he quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Seems like the old vamp has some bones to pick with her loyal watchdog." "You... I dare you to..." Geoffrey red up at Rick''s words. He understood what Rick was implying to, and wanted to warn him, but Rick totally ignored the old butler. "No need to get your knickers in a twist. I''ll handle the situation just fine without your sage advice." Geoffrey''s face flushed with indignation, but before he could retort, Rick delivered the final blow with a casual flick of his hand. "You should just go find a quiet corner just sit in a corner and lick your balls." And saying so, Rick walked into the house without any hesitation. ***** Chapter 220: Rick vs Geoffrey [2] Chapter - 220 Rick bounded up the stairs with an air of casual confidence, a smirk ying on his lips as he addressed the old Matriarch lounging on the balcony, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "Well, well, well, look who it is," he greeted her with a grin. "Didn''t expect to see me so soon, did you?" The old Matriarch turned her headzily towards Rick, her expression unreadable as she regarded him with a hint of curiosity. "What brings you back here in such a hurry?" she inquired, her voice tinged with mild interest. Rick''s grin faltered slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features. "I thought maybe you''d be happy to see me," he admitted, his tone tinged with mock hurt. "But if you''d rather I leave..." Before he could finish, the old Matriarch cut in, her voice calm but firm. "Don''t try to y games with me, Rick," she admonished, her eyes boring into his with unwavering intensity. "Are you here to fulfill your end of the bargain?" Rick''s expression shifted to one of innocence, his eyes widening in mock surprise. "Promise? What promise?" he asked, his tone dripping with faux confusion as he tried to y dumb. The olddy''s patience wore thin as she fixed Rick with a steely re, her words cutting through the air like a knife. "Are you ying dumb on purpose, or did you decide to start your day by forgetting everything?" she snapped, her toneced with irritation. "You would do well to remember that your cleverness won''t save you here. Your smartness has no ce in our world, remember it. It will barely take a minute to cut off your throat and drip your blood down my throat." "You have promised me something. Now you better keep it in return for that girl''s life," the olddy responded, a frown appearing on her face. Rick''s grin faltered at the olddy''s stern warning, but he quickly tried to diffuse the tension with a casual remark. "Hey now, no need to get all worked up," he said, attempting to lighten the mood with a nonchnt shrug. "I was just messing around." But the old matriarch was having none of it. Her expression hardened as she leaned forward, her eyes shing with barely-contained fury. "Don''t mistake my leniency for weakness, Rick," she warned, her voice firm and unwavering. "You made a promise, and I expect you to keep it." With a sigh, Rick relented, realizing that he couldn''t charm his way out of this one. "Alright, alright," he conceded, his tone more serious now. "I''ll do what I said I would, just give me some time." The old matriarch regarded him skeptically, her doubts lingering in the air like a heavy fog. "You better have a n, Rick," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Because if you fail, there will be consequences." "Now tell me, howare you going to cure him?" the old matriarch asked Rick, her voice tinged with doubt and suspicion, "I need to know." Rick leaned back in his seat, a sly grin dancing on his lips as he considered the old matriarch''s question. "Ah, now that''s the million-dor question, isn''t it?" he mused, his tone teasing as he toyed with the idea of revealing his secret. "But sorry, love, a magician never reveals his tricks. Where''s the fun in that?" "If I tell you the cure, why would you even need me? Will you keep up with my shenanigans?" he replied cryptically, refusing to confess the technique he nned to use. The old matriarch''s gaze hardened, her suspicion evident as she fixed Rick with a prating stare. "Rick, cut the nonsense," she demanded, her voice tinged with impatience. "I need to know how you n to cure him. How can a mere mortal hope to cure an immortal being?" Rick''s smirk widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he leaned forward, his expression shrouded in mystery. "Ah, now that''s the magic of it all, isn''t it?" he replied coyly, his fingers tracing invisible patterns in the air. "Let''s just say I have got a few tricks up my sleeve. But trust me, I have got a n that will knock your socks off." The old matriarch let out a heavy sigh, her frustration palpable as she fixed Rick with a stern re. "You''re treading on dangerous ground, Rick," she cautioned, her voice tinged with warning. "Don''t even think about trying to deceive me," she continued, her tone icy. "If you fail to deliver on your promise, I will drain everyst drop of blood from your body until you''re nothing but an empty husk. And believe me, I won''t bat an eye at the sound of your screams." Rick couldn''t help but chuckle at the old matriarch''s threats, his confidence unwavering. "Hahaha... Oh, is that supposed to scare me?" he taunted, his voice dripping with bravado. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but I am not easily intimidated. You know why? Because right now, you need me." With a casual flick of his hand, Rick reached for the ss of wine sitting on the table, raising it to his lips with a smirk. Taking a leisurely sip, he savored the rich vor, all the while maintaining eye contact with the old matriarch, his expression one of cool defiance. "Nice wine," Rick nodded in approval, even though truth be told, he wouldn''t know a Merlot from a Cabe Sauvignon if his life depended on it. The old matriarch''s facade of stoicism cracked ever so slightly, a flicker of uncertainty dancing in her eyes. She begrudgingly acknowledged Rick''s point¡ªdespite her power and authority, she was now in a precarious position, relying on him to fulfill her husband''s cure. "You might have a point there, Rick," she conceded with a reluctant sigh, her tone heavy with resignation. "But don''t get it twisted. If you fail to deliver on your end of the deal, I won''t hesitate to ensure you pay the ultimate price for crossing the BloodThorne family." Chapter Explore: Rick couldn''t resist a smirk, his confidence undiminished even in the face of the old matriarch''s threats. "Hey, no need to get your fangs in a twist," he quipped, his tone teasing. "After all, who was it that saved your sorry ass in the first ce?" But before the Old Matriarch could respond, Geoffrey barged into their conversation like an enraged bull, his voice a thunderous roar of anger and frustration. "He''s bluffing, mdy! He doesn''t have any way to cure," Geoffrey interjected, his tone dripping with venomous usation. "He''s nothing but a conniving, deceitful bastard who spins lies faster than a spider spins its web. Don''t fall for his tricks again. Last time was just dumb luck," Geoffrey spat, his wordsced with bitterness and resentment. The old matriarch''s eyes narrowed at Geoffrey''s outburst, her gaze shifting between him and Rick, uncertainty clouding her expression. Rick, however, remained unruffled, his demeanor calm and collected as he watched Geoffrey unleash his tirade. "Ah, here we go again," Rick responded, his voiceced with sarcasm as he rolled his eyes. "The cowardly failure emerges to cast me on someone else. ssic Geoffrey." "Ha ha, if you are capable enough of saving your lover''s husband, why didn''t you do that?" Rick taunted Geoffrey. Geoffrey''s anger red at Rick''s taunt, his fists clenching at his sides as he bristled with indignation. "How dare you insult me, you arrogant little bastard," he seethed, his voice trembling with rage. Rick let out a scornfulugh, his smirk stretching into a full-blown grin. "Oh, spare me the theatrics, Geoffrey. We all know you couldn''t organize a tea party without causing a riot," he jeered, his words dripping with venom. "And now you have the nerve to point fingers at me?" "I am sure the old Matriarch is well aware of what you wanted to do with her," Rick spoke, implying to the time when the Old Matriarch was on death bed, "You wanted to... Hehehe... Do you want me to spell it out for you?" Geoffrey''s face contorted with fury, his fists clenched at his sides as he took a menacing step forward. "You are nothing but a slimy, deceitful snake," he growled, his voice quivering with emotion. "Humans like you are the scourge of this earth, spreading nothing but lies and chaos." Rick''s expression hardened, his eyes zing with defiance. "And you are just a sad excuse for a man," he shot back, his voice heavy with disdain. "You think you can intimidate me with your hollow threats? Think again." The tension crackled between them like electricity, each word fueling the mes of their animosity. Insults flew back and forth, each barb striking deeper than thest. "Why don''t we settle this like men, huh?" Rick rose from his seat, his gaze locked firmly on Geoffrey''s. "Outside, right now, old coot." Geoffrey''s eyes narrowed, his jaw set in a determined line. "Do you think I am afraid of you?" he spat, his voice dripping with defiance. * * * * * Chapter 221: I wish Evelina was here [1] Chapter - 221 "Enough!" The old Matriarch''s voice reverberated through the room like thunder,manding the immediate attention of both Rick and Geoffrey. As the argument escted to new heights, she watched with a mixture of shock and frustration, her patience wearing thinner by the second. "This petty squabbling will get us absolutely nowhere." Hearing the old Matriarch, both Rick and Geoffrey fell silent, but the tension between them remained palpable, their eyes locked in a battle more intense than any physical confrontation. "I couldn''t care less about your personal vendettas," the old Matriarch continued, her voice steely with determination. "All that matters to me is finding a way to save my husband." Frustration etched deep lines into her face as she struggled to contain her anger. She was tired of the incessant fighting between these two stubborn men, who seemed more interested in settling old scores than finding a solution. The tension in the room reached a breaking point as the old Matriarch''s voice cut through the air like a knife, silencing the heated argument with its sheer force. With a steely gaze that brooked no argument, she red at Rick and Geoffrey, her voice a mixture of frustration and anger. "I''ve had it up to here with you two," she admitted, her tone sharp andmanding. "I don''t give a flying fig about your personal grudges, you idiots. Don''t you have you no minds of your own?" The old matriarch''s words hung heavily in the room, but before the tense silence could fully settle, Rick, fueled by defiance, shot back with a bold retort. "Listen here,dy," he spat, his eyes shing with challenge as he directed his words at the seething Geoffrey. "Why don''t you rein in your mutt before he bites off more than he can chew?" he taunted, his gaze locked onto Geoffrey with unyielding intensity. Geoffrey''s rage boiled over, his fists clenching tightly at his sides as he seethed with fury. "Watch your mouth, you insolent bastard," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. Every fiber of his being urged him tosh out and deliver a punch straight to Rick''s smug face, "Don''t get over my nerves now." But before Geoffrey could act on his violent impulses, the old matriarch sprang into action with surprising agility, positioning herself firmly between the two men like a seasoned referee. "That''s enough!" shemanded, her voice ringing with authority as she fixed Geoffrey with a steely re. Caught off guard by her swift intervention, Geoffrey''s clenched fist slowly unclenched as he begrudgingly stepped back, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. The old matriarch''s icy gaze left no room for argument, her presencemanding obedience. The old matriarch had finally had enough of the escting tensions between Rick and Geoffrey. With amanding presence, she cut through the tension like a knife, her voice resonating with authority as she dered, "Let''s cut the theatrics and get straight to the point, shall we? I haven''t got time for these shenanigans." Her words reverberated through the room, a palpable tension hanging in the air. Sensing the gravity of hermand, Rick nodded subtly, acknowledging her unspoken directive, and obediently made his way to the nearby sofa. As he settled onto the plush cushions, a sense of relief washed over him, his posture rxing slightly in thefort of the seat. Meanwhile, the old matriarch took her designated seat directly across from Rick, her expression unreadable as she surveyed him with a piercing gaze. Geoffrey lingered nearby, his eyes darting back and forth between the two of them, his unease palpable. With her arms crossed defensively across her chest, the old matriarch leaned forward slightly, her demeanor conveying a sense of urgency. "So, let''s get down to business," she began, her tone cutting through the silence like a sharp de. "What''s your n for curing my husband?" Rick couldn''t resist a jab, his toneced with cheeky sarcasm. "Geez, olddy, you''re sounding like a broken record. Are you sure you''re not suffering from a case of memory loss?" he teased, a smirk ying on his lips. "Your age is to take some rest rather than pricking your nose in my matters. Let other matters get sorted as per my own convenience" Rick''s words seemed to strike the nerves of the old matriarch, igniting a raged response from her. With a sh of anger in her eyes, sheshed out at Rick, her frustration boiling over. "Listen here, you insolent whelp! Don''t you dare speak to me like that," the old matriarch retorted, her words dripping with disdain as she bristled with indignation. "Age has nothing to do with it. You may be young and foolish, but that doesn''t give you the right to disrespect me." Her anger simmered just beneath the surface as she leveled a withering re at Rick, her patience wearing thin with each passing moment. "And as for your pathetic attempts at insults, they only serve to highlight your own ignorance," she continued, her voiceced with sarcasm. "I may be ancient, but at least..." "And it''s pretty strange to admit that an ancient being like your own being. She needs help of a shitty being like us, ha ha. C''mondy, think sometimes before you speak anything". "Look, enough with the attitude, kid," the old matriarch snapped, her patience wearing thin as she fixed Rick with a steely re. "I don''t have time for your smart remarks. Just give me a straight answer." Rick''s eyebrows shot up in mock surprise, a smirk ying at the corners of his lips. "And I will say it again," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "Just trust me on this. It''s not rocket science." The old matriarch''s frustration boiled over as she repeated Rick''s words back to him, her voice tinged with incredulity. "So, you are telling me I should just blindly trust you?" she demanded, her tone bordering on disbelief. Rick''s response was cheeky, almost audacious. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he met the old matriarch''s anger head-on, his lips quirking up into a sly smile. "Well, would you look at that, you actually heard me right!" he retorted, his sarcasm practically dripping from his words. "Or should I say it louder for you?" The old matriarch''s jaw clenched in frustration as she shot a furious nce in Geoffrey''s direction. Geoffrey, already bristling with tension, stood with his fists clenched at his sides, ready to intervene if necessary. Geoffrey''s frown deepened as he stepped forward, acting as the voice of reason for the old matriarch. "And why exactly should we put our trust in you?" he demanded, his toneced with skepticism. Rick couldn''t help but chuckle at Geoffrey''s blunt question, his amusement evident in the twinkle of mischief in his eyes. "Well, you see," he replied, his voice dripping with yful sarcasm, "because you don''t really have any other options, do you?" But rather than easing tensions, Rick''s casual response only seemed to fan the mes of the matriarch''s anger. She shot a sharp look at Geoffrey, halting him in his tracks before he could advance on Rick, who was practically seething with frustration beneath his calm exterior. "No, Geoffrey, stand down," shemanded, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. Her eyes zed with fury as she turned her attention back to Rick, her words sharp and biting. "This is all your doing, isn''t it? I should have known better than to trust a mere mortal like yourself," she spat, her bitterness evident in every syble. "How could I have been so foolish to believe that a worthless human could possess the ability to heal cold-blooded spirits? You may have fooled us for now, Rick, but mark my words, I won''t rest until you make good on your promises." "But if you tried to double cross me, I will make you pay." She sat in her chair, her eyes fixed on Rick with a view of seeking some reply in return. Rick''s smooth voice broke the tense silence that hung between them, his words carrying a sense of calm authority tinged with a hint of mystery. "Now, now, olddy, no need to get all worked up," he began, his tone soothing yet enigmatic. "I assure you, I intend to keep my promise. However, the methods I employ for treatment are... unconventional, shall we say? It''s best they remain shrouded in secrecy. But there is one thing I require for the process to proceed smoothly." The matriarch leaned in, her eyes narrowing with curiosity as she sped her wrinkled hands together in anticipation. Rick''s deliberate pause only served to heighten the tension, leaving her mind awash with doubt and suspicion. "And what might that be?" she pressed, her voice betraying a mix of apprehension and intrigue. Rick met her gaze head-on, his expression unreadable as he delivered his request with an air of quiet authority. "I need Evelina to be present," he stated. The matriarch''s mind trembled at Rick''s demand, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty and apprehension. Her onceposed expression faltered, the lines on her face contorting into a mask of confusion rather than concern as she struggled to make sense of Rick''s request. "Why exactly does she need to be here?" she inquired, her voice steady but tinged with bewilderment. Rick''s response was unexpected, a yful glint dancing in his eyes as he leaned in closer to the matriarch, a mischievous smile ying at the corners of his lips. "Because, my deardy, I believe a pretty face can work wonders," he exined, his tone light but his meaning unmistakable. "And who better to grace us with her presence than the lovely Evelina herself?" With a cheeky grin, Rick''s words hung in the air, leaving the matriarch to ponder the implications of his request. "And she might be missing me as well." * * * * * Chapter 222: Jealousy Chapter - 222 The old matriarch leaned back in her chair, studying Rick with a careful, calcting gaze. His insistence on Evelina''s presence gnawed at her mind, deepening her uncertainty. But with no other options at her disposal, she had little choice but to acquiesce. After a moment''s pause, she took a deep breath and spoke with a voice that was bold despite the unease swirling within her. "Very well, Rick. Evelina will be here," she dered, each word firm and deliberate, "But know this¡ªwhatever you do, it must serve the purpose. Failure is not an option." Rick nodded in agreement, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes as he exchanged a knowing nce with Geoffrey, "Understood," he replied smoothly, the corners of his mouth lifting in a naughty wink. Rising from his seat, he prepared to depart the farmhouse, his demeanor confident and assured. "Make sure you don''t forget your purpose, Rick," the old matriarch reminded him, her tone carrying an unspoken warning. "Of course," Rick replied, nodding in acknowledgment. He stepped out of the farmhouse, the door closing behind him with a soft thud. As he made his way through the garden, the vibrant shrubs and flowers swayed gently in the breeze, their intoxicating aroma filling the air. Rick couldn''t help but marvel at the beauty and tranquility of the scene. "Maybe I should raise my payment," As he approached his car, he cast onest nce back at the farmhouse. ~~~~~ As he arrived at the hospital, Rick parked his car haphazardly, barely taking the time to ensure it was within the lines. He quickly made his way inside, the sterile smell of antiseptics filling his nostrils and heightening his sense of urgency. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a harsh re as he navigated the maze of corridors leading to the ICU. but when he got there, Emily was nowhere to be seen. There was just one nurse, cleaning up the room and no one else. No Olivia, No Emily and not even his father. Confused, Rick walked into the ICU. "Stop. No one is allowed inside," The nurse saw Rick walking inside and quickly stopped her, "We are disinfecting the room. No one can be inside." "I am sorry. Please excuse me intrusion," Rick politely spoke to the nurse, "But I am a family to the patient who was here, Emily. But..." Rick stopped midway, hoping for the nurse to continue. "That girl who was ina?" The nurse raised her eyebrow, "She has been moved to room 803. That girl must be rich to have been shifted there. These rich people, I am telling you..." But when she looked up, Rick had already left the room. When Rick finally reached her room, he paused for a moment outside the ss door, his heart pounding in his chest. Through the door, he could see his father sitting beside Olivia, Emily''s mother. His father''s hands gently sped hers, his fingers stroking them tenderly as he spoke in low,forting tones. A surge of irritation shot through Rick at the sight. He couldn''t quite exin it perhaps it was the intimacy of the moment, or the sight of his father providingfort that should have been his own responsibility. The image of his father in that role felt like a betrayal, a reminder of all the times he had been absent when Rick needed him most. With a bang, Rick slid the door open, startling both Olivia and his father. The sound reverberated through the room, shattering the fragile bubble of calm they had created. His father immediately stood up, releasing Olivia''s hands as if caught doing something he shouldn''t. "You''re here," his father said, a hint of surprise mixed with guilt in his voice. Rick''s eyes flickered between his father and Olivia, his emotions a tangled mess of anger, resentment, and protectiveness. "Let''s go," he said bluntly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I''ll take you home." Olivia looked up, her eyes red and swollen from crying, and gave Rick a small, grateful nod. She rose slowly from her seat, her movements weary and slow. Rick''s father hesitated for a moment, ncing back at Olivia with a concerned expression. "Ummm... okay," his father responded, a bit hesitant but nodding in agreement. Before they could leave, Olivia interjected. "Rick, why don''t you meet Emily once before leaving? She was asking for you. But she is still weak and under the effect of anesthesia." Rick shook his head, avoiding Olivia''s pleading eyes. "It''s alright. Let her rest," he said firmly. "I wille tomorrow to visit her." He turned to leave, his father following closely behind, looking confused by Rick''s abruptness. Just as Rick reached the door, something made him stop. He stood there for a moment, rooted to the spot, a multitude of thoughts racing through his mind. Then, with sudden determination, he spun around and walked past his father, heading straight for Olivia. "Rick?" Olivia''s voice was filled with confusion and concern, but before she could say more, Rick leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was powerful, charged with pent-up emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface for far too long. It was a kiss filled with anger, longing, and desperation. Rick''s hands cupped Olivia''s face, his fingers threading through her hair as he pulled her closer. For a moment, the world around them ceased to exist. The beeping of the hospital machines, the sterile environment, even the presence of his father¡ªall of it faded away. Olivia''s initial shock melted into the kiss as she responded with equal fervor. Her hands gripped the fabric of Rick''s shirt, anchoring herself to him as they shared this intense, unexpected moment. The kiss deepened, a raw and unfiltered exchange of emotions that had been held back for too long. When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless. Rick''s eyes searched Olivia''s face, looking for a sign, any sign, that she understood what he was feeling. Olivia''s eyes were wide with a mixture of surprise and something else¡ªsomething that mirrored the turmoil in Rick''s heart. Rick''s father stood jaw-dropped, staring in disbelief as Rick kissed Olivia. His cough broke the silence, a sound so awkward it felt like an rm. Rick''s father cleared his throat, the sound awkward and intrusive in the charged silence. "Rick, we should go." Rick slowly broke the kiss, his eyes still locked on Olivia. She was confused, stunned, and blushing, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. Her eyes held a thousand questions, but she couldn''t find her voice to ask any of them. Rick turned to his father, his expression hardening for a moment before he nodded. "Yeah, let''s go." Before Olivia could gather her thoughts, Rick stormed out of the room, his footsteps echoing in the sterile hospital hallway. She wanted to call after him, to stop him, but all she could do was watch as he disappeared from sight. Her eyes then met those of Rick''s father, who was looking at her with aplicated, unreadable gaze. For a long moment, Rick''s father continued to stare, as if trying to understand the whirlwind of emotions that had just been unleashed. He took a deep breath, the weight of the situation heavy on his shoulders, and then he too turned and left the room, following his son. Now alone, Olivia''s eyes remained fixed on the door, the echo of their departure lingering in the air. Her hands slowly moved up, her fingers gently caressing her lips. She winced in pain as she felt the cut on her lips, a tangible reminder of the intensity of Rick''s kiss. The surge of emotions she had felt from Rick in that kiss came rushing back to her. She could feel his anger, his frustration, and beneath it all, a desperate sense of iming her as his own. It was a kiss filled with turmoil, a raw and unfiltered expression of everything he''d been holding back. She sank into the nearest chair, her mind racing. The kiss had been so sudden, so unexpected, and filled with a raw, almost primal intensity. What was Rick thinking? And what did it mean for their rtionship? She knew she needed to talk to him, but how could she confront him after such a chaotic moment? As Olivia sat there, lost in thought, Emily''s weak voice broke the silence. "Mom? What happened?" Olivia turned to see her daughter looking at her with wide, curious eyes. She forced a smile, pushing aside her own confusion. "Nothing, sweetheart. Just... something unexpected." Emily frowned, not entirely convinced. "Was it Rick? Was he here?" Olivia hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, it was Rick. But it''s okay. he will be back tomorrow." Emily sighed, her small frame sinking back into the pillows. "I hope so. I want to thank him." Olivia''s heart ached at her daughter''s words. "I know, honey. But we''re all just trying to figure things out. It''s been a tough time for everyone." Emily nodded, her eyes closing as she drifted back into a light sleep. Olivia watched her for a moment, then turned back to the door, her mind racing with thoughts of Rick. * * * * * Chapter 223: Father and Son [1] Chapter - 223 Rick strode briskly out of the hospital, his father trailing closely behind, his steps hesitant and uncertain. "Rick, wait!" his father called out, his voice tinged with concern. Halting in his tracks, Rick turned to face his father, a sense of urgency etched in his features. "Just hold on. I will be back in a bit," he interjected, cutting off his father before he could say more. "But, Rick¡ª" his father attempted to protest, but Rick was already on the move again, striding away with purpose, leaving his father standing there, bewildered and anxious. With a heavy sigh, Rick''s father watched his son disappear down the corridor, a knot of worry forming in his stomach. He shifted on his feet, feeling torn between following Rick and giving him space. Minutes ticked by, and Rick''s father waited, ncing around the hospital entrance and tapping his feet anxiously. Just as he was beginning to consider going back inside, a sleek, new Range Rover pulled up right in front of him, catching him off guard. He took a step back, his brow furrowing in confusion. Before he could utter a word, the window rolled down, revealing Rick behind the wheel, his expression determined. "Get in," Rickmanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. Rick''s father stood there, utterly bbergasted by the sight of his son behind the wheel of such an expensive car. His mind raced, struggling toprehend how Rick could afford something like this. "What the¡ª" he stammered, his voice trailing off as he blinked in disbelief. This was no ordinary car; it was a luxury vehicle, something he never imagined Rick would be driving. "We''re runningte. Just get in," Rick urged, impatience seeping into his voice as he gestured towards the passenger side. Still reeling from the shock, Rick''s father hesitated for a moment before reluctantly obeying, opening the door and sliding into the passenger seat. Before he could even buckle his seatbelt, Rick hit the gas, the engine roaring to life as they sped out of the parking lot. "Hey, slow down!" Rick''s father eximed, his voice tinged with anxiety as he instinctively reached for the dashboard to steady himself. ~~~~~ As the car zoomed down the street, Rick''s father struggled to contain his bewilderment. His fingers grazed the smooth dashboard and the plush leather seats, almost as if he needed to reassure himself that this surreal experience was indeed real. The gentle purr of the engine and the effortless glide of the car were unlike anything he had ever experienced before. Unable to contain his curiosity any longer, Rick''s father finally spoke up, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and concern. "Rick, where on earth did you get this car? Whose car is this? Are you mixed up in something illegal?" Rick''s eyes rolled skyward, his attention still fixed on the road ahead. "Rx. It''s nothing shady." "How can I rx?" His father''s voice grew more urgent, his worry palpable. "This car must have cost a small fortune! How in the world can you afford it? Are you involved in some kind of dodgy dealings? You need to tell me the truth, Rick!" With a heavy sigh, Rick tightened his grip on the steering wheel. "I''ve told you, there''s nothing to worry about." His father''s questions came fast and furious, each one more urgent than thest. "Are you mixed up with dangerous people? Did you borrow money from loan sharks? Are you drowning in debt? Rick, you need to talk to me!" Finally, Rick decided to pull the car over, turning to face his father with a determined expression. "You need to calm down. I understand your concerns, but I assure you, I am not involved in anything illegal." But his father wasn''t about to let it go that easily. "Then exin it to me, Rick. How did you get your hands on this car? Where did ite from?" "This car is mine," Rick replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "I earned it through my job." His father''s skepticism was evident as he studied Rick closely. "And what job pays enough to afford a car like this? And since when do you have a job that pays that well?" Rick took a deep breath, bracing himself to exin the situation to his father. "Look, Dad, I''ve been working on this project for a tech startup," he began, his wordsing out in a rush. "They''re developing this new app, and they offered me this car as part of mypensation package. It''s all above board." His father listened, still wearing a skeptical expression. "A tech startup? What exactly is the project about?" "It''s this new app sort of they are developing," Rick said, choosing his words carefully. "I have been helping them with the design and implementation. It''s cutting-edge stuff, and they really value my skills." "In the app youplete some tasks and in return you get rewards," Rick told his father. "But aren''t you studying Economics or something? How did you..." "There is no boundary these days. I am handling it. Just let me deal with it, okay?" Rick interrupted his father and tried to end the discussion. Rick''s father was silent for a moment, processing this information. "Why didn''t you tell me about this before?" "There was no need for that," Rick spoke and it ended the conversation, tly. The silence in the car grew thick, filled with unspoken questions and unease. Rick''s father looked out the window, trying to make sense of everything. He could see the determination on Rick''s face, but it didn''t ease his worries. They drove in silence for a while, the hum of the engine the only sound. Finally, Rick''s father spoke again, his tone softer. "Rick, I just want to make sure you''re okay. That you''re not getting in over your head." "Aren''t you toote for that?" ~~~~~ The car hummed along the road, the rhythmic sound of the engine filling the silence between Rick and his father. Rick''s father cleared his throat, breaking the tense quietness that hung in the air. "So... what was all that about back there?" his father finally asked, his voice tentative with concern. Rick''s grip on the steering wheel tightened, his mind racing as he tried toe up with a suitable answer. How could he possibly exin the impulsive, chaotic mess of emotions that had led to that unexpected kiss with Olivia? "What do you mean?" Rick feigned innocence, attempting to deflect his father''s question. "You know exactly what I mean," his father countered, turning to face Rick with a knowing look. Rick sighed, his frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "It''splicated," he replied curtly, unsure how much he wanted to divulge to his father. His father''s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Complicated how? You kissed her in front of me, Rick. I need to know what''s going on." Rick felt a surge of annoyance rising within him. He couldn''t believe his father was bringing this up now, of all times. He couldn''t quite put into words the conflicting emotions he had been feeling¡ªanger, jealousy, longing¡ªbut he knew he had to try. "It''s none of your business," Rick snapped, his frustration boiling over. "You have no right to question me about Olivia. And why are you surprised. It is not like the first time you have seen us together." His father recoiled slightly, taken aback by Rick''s sudden outburst. "Rick, I''m just trying to understand¡ª" "Well, don''t," Rick cut him off, his voice sharp. "You don''t understand anything. You have no idea what I''m going through." His father''s expression softened, a mixture of concern and hurt in his eyes. "Rick, I''m your father. I just want to help you. But I can''t do that if you shut me out." Rick''s jaw clenched, his anger ring. "Help me? You want to help me? C''mon. We both know that you have been of no help to me for the all these years. This time it is no different." His father''s face paled, the color draining from his cheeks. "Rick, I¡ª" "No, don''t," Rick interrupted, his voice trembling with emotion. "Don''t try to exin it away. You weren''t there. And now you want to y the concerned father? It''s toote for that." His father''s gaze dropped, a heavy silence falling between them. Rick could feel the weight of his words hanging in the air, each one a bitter reminder of the pain and resentment he had been carrying for years. But as the silence stretched on, Rick felt a twinge of guilt creeping in. Maybe he had been too harsh, too quick tosh out. His father wasn''t perfect, but he had always tried his best, hadn''t he? With a sigh, Rick softened his tone, his anger giving way to exhaustion. "Look, Dad... I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to... I just..." His father looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and understanding. "I know, Rick. I know." They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation hanging heavy in the air. Rick''s father reached out, cing a hand on Rick''s shoulder. "I''m sorry too, Rick," he said softly. "I should''ve been there for you more. I should''ve been a better father." "Yes you should have been." * * * * * Chapter 224: Rick and his mother Chapter - 224 The car finally rolled to a stop, the engine''s purr fading into silence. Rick stepped out of the Range Rover, taking a moment to stretch his legs. His father followed suit, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Rick reached into the back seat, carefully retrieving a bouquet of white orchids and a six-pack of beers. He adjusted his shirt, straightened his posture, and took a deep breath before crossing the road, his father trailing a few steps behind. They walked through the green fields, the tall grass swaying gently in the cool breeze of the early evening. The sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over thendscape that seemed almost magical. The sky was a canvas of orange, pink, and purple hues, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. "It''s beautiful out here," Rick''s father remarked, breaking thefortable silence as they walked. "Makes you appreciate the little things, doesn''t it?" "Yeah, it does," Rick replied, his voice soft with a hint of nostalgia. "Feels like a different world out here." The gravel path crunched under their feet, the sound blending harmoniously with the distant chirping of crickets. As they continued to walk, the breeze picked up slightly, rustling the leaves of the nearby trees. The air was crisp and fresh, the scent of wildflowers mingling with the earthy aroma of the fields. Rick took in a deep breath, savoring the purity of the air. After a few minutes of walking, Rick finally stopped. In front of him stood a solitary tombstone amidst the greenery, simple yet dignified. The inscription read, "In Loving Memory of Mary Smith." Rick''s father stood back, respecting Rick''s need for privacy as he approached his mother''s grave. Rick paused, taking in the sight of his mother''s resting ce, feeling a rush of emotions well up inside him. The memories came flooding back¡ªher warm smile, the sound of herughter, the way she always seemed to know exactly what to say to make everything better. He knelt down, cing the bouquet of white orchids gently against the tombstone. Their delicate petals contrasted sharply with the cold, hard stone, a reminder of life''s fragility. Rick then opened the pack of beers, taking one out and cracking it open. He poured some of the beer onto the ground, letting it soak into the earth around the grave¡ªa small, informal libation for his mother. "Hey, Mom," Rick began, his voice soft and filled with emotion. "I know it''s been a while. I''m sorry for noting more often. Things have been...well, you know how life gets. Busy andplicated." He paused, taking a deep breath as he tried to collect his thoughts. The guilt of not visiting more often weighed heavily on him. He felt a lump form in his throat as he remembered the times they spent together¡ªthete-night talks, the way she used to make his favorite meals, theforting hugs that always seemed toe at just the right moment. Rick sat down on the grass, leaning back against the tombstone as if seeking some form offort from its solid presence. He took a swig of beer, savoring the cool liquid as it slid down his throat. He nced up at the sky, the colors deepening as the sun continued to set. "I brought you your favorite," Rick said with a small smile, holding up the beer can. "You always did love a good beer, didn''t you? I remember you used to joke that beer was the best medicine for any problem. I''m starting to understand what you meant now. Sometimes, it''s the little things that get you through the tough days." He paused, looking out at the fields as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, casting long shadows across thendscape. "I''m doing okay, I guess. Got a good job, making some decent money. Even bought myself a fancy car," he added with a chuckle. "Well, that''s what I tell everyone, at least. But you know the truth, don''t you, Mom? Heh, always knew you could see right through my bravado." He sighed, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, the cool evening air filling his lungs. "You would probablyugh and call me a show-off, but I know you''d be happy for me. You always were my biggest cheerleader, no matter what." Rick took another sip of beer, feeling the cool liquid soothe his dry throat. "I miss you, Mom. More than I can put into words. There are days when I wish I could just pick up the phone and hear your voice. You always knew how to make things better, even when everything felt like it was falling apart." His voice broke slightly, and he ran a hand through his hair, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "So much has happened since thest time I was here. Sometimes I feel like I''m just running around in circles, trying to keep up with everything. Life keeps throwing curveballs. There are moments when I feelpletely overwhelmed." "But I know you would probably tell me to slow down and enjoy the little things," Rick said, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "You always did have a way of making everything seem so simple." He nced around, taking in the tranquil surroundings before looking back down at the tombstone. "Want to know something, Mom? Hehehe," Rick traced the letters of her name with his fingers, feeling the cool, rough texture of the stone. "I kissed Olivia today," he confessed, a bittersweet smile ying on his lips. "It was... intense. I don''t know what it means or where it''s going, but I felt something, Mom. Something real. And it scares the hell out of me." He paused, letting the gravity of his admission sink in. "I am sure you would be shocked," he added,ughing dryly. "After all, she was your friend." "But remember when I told you I was going to marry her one day?" Rick grinned, recalling the yful yet serious promise he''d made as a child. "Youughed it off, thought it was just a young child''s joke. But I meant it, even back then." "Your fault, not mine." Rick shook his head, his grin widening. " But I am sure you would probably tell me to stop overthinking and just go for it. ''Follow your heart, Rick,'' you would say. And I would roll my eyes and tell you to stop acting so cool all the time." He could almost hear her voice, giving him that advice with a wink and a smile. The thought brought a warmth to his heart, a reminder of her unwavering support. Rick sighed, feeling a sense of calm settle over him. "I promise I''ll visit more often, Mom," he said softly. "I won''t let so much time pass between visits. You deserve better than that. And I will try to be better. For you, and for me." Rick ced a hand on the tombstone, feeling the cool, rough surface beneath his palm, a silent gesture of connection with the woman who had always been his guiding light. "I love you, Mom. Always will," he murmured softly, his voice filled with emotion. "Thanks for being my rock, even now. I''ll see you soon." He took onest look at his mother''s grave, the setting sun casting a golden halo around it, making it seem almost ethereal. A sense of peace washed over him, knowing she was watching over him, guiding him from wherever she was. Turning to his father, Rick spoke gently, "You can take your own time. I''ll wait for you in the car." "I''ll be there soon," his father replied, his voice steady but filled with a quiet sadness. He turned back to the grave, his shoulders slumping slightly as he stood alone with his thoughts. Rick nodded, understanding his father''s need for privacy in this moment of reflection. He walked back to the car, the gravel crunching softly under his feet. Settling into the driver''s seat, he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, his mind wandering through memories of his mother. The sky gradually transitioned from the warm hues of sunset to a deep, velvety blue, the first stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky. Rick found a strangefort in the celestial disy, as if the stars were tiny beacons of hope. After about ten minutes, he saw his father walking back, his pace slow and contemtive. Each step seemed heavy with unspoken words and lingering grief. When his father finally reached the car, he climbed in with a quiet sigh, the door closing with a soft thud. The engine hummed to life, and Rick drove away, this time with no sense of urgency. The road ahead was dimly lit by the headlights, casting long, shadowy fingers across the gravel path from the overhanging trees. The silence in the car was thick butfortable, a shared space for their thoughts and memories. Rick''s father leaned back in his seat, letting out a long, weary sigh. "Your mother loved sunsets," he began, his voice soft and filled with nostalgia. "We used to sit on the porch together and watch the sun go down. She''d always say it was the best part of her day." Rick kept his eyes on the road, his grip on the steering wheel tightening slightly as he listened intently. His father''s sudden openness was unexpected, but he didn''t want to interrupt the moment. "She had this way of making everything seem so... magical," his father continued, his voice tinged with a mix of sadness and fondness. "We''d sit there, sometimes for hours, just talking or sitting in silence, watching the sky change colors. She''d hold my hand and tell me about her dreams, her hopes for you, for us. It was her favorite time of day, those quiet moments we shared." "Of course, it was before you were born." Rick nodded, swallowing hard as he tried to keep his emotions in check. The ache in his chest mirrored the weight of his father''s words. He nced sideways, seeing the pain etched into his father''s face, lines of regret and longing marking his features. "I miss her so much," his father continued, his voice breaking slightly. "Every day, I wake up expecting to see her, to hear herugh, to feel her warmth beside me. But she''s not there. And it''s like a part of me is missing, like a piece of my heart has been ripped away." His father sighed deeply, the sound heavy with years of regret. "I know I wasn''t the best husband or father," he admitted, guilt evident in his tone. "After I lost my job, I gave up on everything and everyone. I wasn''t even doing what a man should do, providing for the family." "I drowned myself in alcohol, fought with your mother who was doing all she could to raise you, never appreciated her for all the hardships she was going through. Never. I missed so many chances to be a better person with her, with you." His father looked out the window, the passing trees blurring into a dark, continuous line. "I just wish I could go back, do things differently. Spend more time with her, with you. Tell her every day how much she meant to me." Rick remained silent, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. He had never heard his father speak like this, so raw and vulnerable, and it shook him to his core. "Since your mother passed, I have felt so alone," his father admitted, his voice barely above a whisper, as if speaking the words too loudly might shatter him. "The house feels empty. I feel empty. And I''m scared, Rick. Scared of being alone forever." Rick''s heart clenched at his father''s words. He had always seen his father as strong and unyielding, a pir of their family. But now, he saw the cracks in that facade, the deep-seated sorrow and regret that had been hidden for so long. His father gave a small, sad smile. "It''s hard. Your mother was my world, and without her, everything feels... off." They drove in silence for a few more minutes, the only sound the gentle hum of the engine and the asional rustle of leaves in the wind. The familiar streets of their neighborhood came into view, each house a quiet sentinel in the night. As they approached their home, Rick noticed something strange. "Why are the lights on?" he asked, confusion tinging his voice. The house was brightly lit, every window glowing in the dark night. It was unusual. * * * * * Chapter 225: An Unknown Woman Chapter - 225 "Why are the lights on?" Rick muttered as he stepped out of the car, his brows furrowing in confusion. He stared at the house, noticing that the windows were brightly lit, an unusual sight considering he was certain he had turned everything off before leaving. It gave the house an almost eerie glow against the dark backdrop of the night. Rick''s father hesitated beside him, his face a mask of concern. He looked like he wanted to say something but was holding back. "This... I... Think," he began, his voice trailing off uncertainly, as if he couldn''t quite find the right words. "You wait here," Rick said firmly, gently pulling his father back. "Let me check it out." "But Rick," his father protested, concern etched deeply on his face. "What if¡ª" Rick hushed him mid-sentence, his expression serious. "Stay here," he insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument. Ignoring his father''s attempt to speak further, he took determined steps towards the house, his senses on high alert. As he approached the front door, the air felt thick with tension. Rick''s heart pounded in his chest, a rhythmic reminder of the uncertainty ahead. The front door creaked open, the sound eerily loud in the quiet night. The silence inside was almost deafening, broken only by the faint hum of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Rick moved stealthily, his eyes darting to every corner, every shadow as he made his way through the dimly lit hallway. He could feel his pulse quickening, each step echoing softly on the wooden floorboards. "Who''s there?" Rick called out softly, his voice barely above a whisper. There was no response, only the oppressive quiet that seemed to press in on him from all sides. He nced into the living room, the furniture casting long shadows in the glow of themps. Everything appeared to be in ce, but the sense of unease didn''t dissipate. He continued down the hallway, peering into each room as he passed. The kitchen was next, its stainless steel surfaces gleaming under the overhead lights. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, yet the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. ````````` He even peeked into his parents'' room, but it was just as empty and undisturbed as the rest of the house. Every corner of the downstairs seemed perfectly normal, which only heightened his anxiety. Rick''s heart pounded louder as he turned his gaze toward the stairs. Normally, he wouldn''t be this on edge, but recent events had thrown his life into chaos. Too many people had taken an interest in him¡ªsome with good intentions, many with not-so-good ones. With each step up the staircase, Rick felt the weight of his fears pressing down on him. The house was eerily quiet, the only sound the soft creak of the wooden steps beneath his feet. When he reached the top, he paused for a moment, listening, his eyes fixed on the door at the end of the hallway¡ªhis room. The door was slightly ajar, a sliver of light spilling out into the otherwise dark corridor. Taking a deep breath, Rick steeled himself for whatever might be on the other side. He paused, his hand hovering over the doorknob, heart pounding in his chest. With a swift motion, he twisted the knob and flung the door open, the sudden bang echoing through the house. "Aaahh..." A surprised yelp pierced the air, and Rick''s eyes widened in shock. Standing in front of him was a woman, caught in the vulnerable act of changing her clothes. She stood frozen, her face a mask of horror, as she fumbled with her bra, her body half-exposed. Rick''s eyes shamelessly roved over her form, taking in the sight of her smooth, pale skin, the curve of her waist, and the way her breasts moved slightly as she struggled to cover herself. "Uh, whoa! Sorry, I didn''t mean to... uh... barge in like that," Rick spoke instinctively, but soon frowned, "Wait a minute." ```````` "Who the hell are you?" Rick blurted out, his voice a mix of confusion and irritation. Yet, despite his outburst, he didn''t look away. Instead, he kept staring at the woman, his gaze unapologetically fixated on her. The woman had jet-ck hair cascading down her shoulders and skin that seemed almost luminous in its paleness. She was slightly shorter than Rick, and he guessed she was in her mid tote twenties. She was undeniably beautiful, with striking features and a body that seemed to draw his gaze like a ma. As she hurriedly pulled on a white tank top and struggled into her tight blue jeans, Rick couldn''t help but notice how the clothes entuated her curves. Her breasts strained against the fabric of the tank top, and the jeans hugged her shapely ass, leaving little to the imagination. Rick''s eyes widened, greedily drinking in the sight before him. He let his gaze travel slowly over her exposed body, lingering on her curves and the delicate lines of her figure. The girl''s cheeks flushed a deep red as she felt Rick''s eyes roving over her, a mix of embarrassment and an unsettling vulnerability flooding her senses. She felt incredibly shy under his intense gaze, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of crimson. With one arm, she tried to cover herself, while the other fumbled to fasten her bra. Her movements were hurried and clumsy, her difort palpable. Feeling Rick''s lecherous gaze on her, the girl blushed deeply, her difort evident in her trembling hands as she struggled with her bra. In a weak voice, barely above a whisper, she pleaded, "Could you... turn away, please?" Rick snapped out of his daze, the reality of the situation finally sinking in. ``````` Rick clicked his tongue and smirked, clearly enjoying the power he held in that moment. He let his eyes linger on her for a long, deliberate moment, his gaze movingnguidly from her flushed face to her bare chest and back again, savoring every second. "Sure, no problem," he said finally, his voice dripping with amusement. His lips curled into a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he slowly turned away, making it clear he appreciated the view he had just been granted. As he turned, he cast a nce around the room, pretending to take an interest in the surroundings. "Nice room you''ve got here," hemented casually, his tone teasing and nonchnt. The girl quickly finished dressing, her hands still trembling slightly from the adrenaline rush and embarrassment. She pulled on her bra with hurried movements, trying to regain some sense of dignity. Once she was fully done putting on her bra, she finally managed to steady her voice enough to speak. "Who... who are you?" she asked, trying to sound more confident than she felt. Rick turned back to face her, raising an eyebrow. "I should be asking you that," he retorted, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. "This is my father''s house. And my room. What are you doing here?" "You are Rick?" the woman asked a bit of surprise in her voice. "That I am. You know me?" Rick found it intriguing that the girl actually knew him. ``````` The girl''s hands trembling slightly as she scrambled to pull on her clothes. The embarrassment lingered, evident in the pink that stained her cheeks. She tried topose herself, taking a deep breath before speaking. "You know, you could have knocked," she said, attempting to inject some authority into her voice despite her obvious difort and vulnerability. Rick shrugged, the smirk still ying on his lips. "Didn''t know I had to knock in my own house," he replied with a casual chuckle. "Besides, wasn''t expecting anyone to be here. Definitely not someone using my room as a changing station." He waited a moment longer, listening to the sounds of rustling clothes behind him. The soft, hurried movements indicated she was almost done. Finally, he heard a quiet, "Okay, you can turn around now." When he did, his eyes widened, taking in the sight before him. The woman now stood fully dressed in a white tank top that hugged her figure snugly, the fabric stretched taut over her breasts, entuating their fullness. Her tight blue jeans clung to her curves, highlighting the roundness of her hips and backside. The outfit showcased her figure in a way that was both casual and irresistibly attractive. Her long, jet-ck hair cascaded down her back, a striking contrast against her pale, wless skin. She stood a bit shorter than Rick, probably in her mid tote twenties, with a delicate face that held a mix of defiance and embarrassment. Her bright, expressive eyes met his, challenging him even in her vulnerable state. Rick couldn''t help but notice the subtle details ¨C the way her tank top slightly lifted as she adjusted it, the curve of her waist as she shifted from one foot to the other, the nervous way she bit her lower lip. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, there was an undeniable beauty and strength in her posture. Rick clicked his tongue, his gaze unabashedly ogling her body. His eyes moved slowly, taking in her curves, lingering on her ample chest, before finally settling on her face. "Who are you,dy?" he demanded, his tone dripping with a mix of curiosity and irritation. The woman shifted ufortably under his intense scrutiny, her fingers fidgeting nervously. "Um... I..." Rick''s expression turned impatient, his eyebrows knitting together in a frown. "Is your father back?" the woman asked suddenly, her voice shaky as she tried to divert his attention. Rick''s brows furrowed, his tone sharpening. "My father? What does he have to do with anything?" The woman hesitated, her difort evident in her every movement. "Umm... You should ask him yourself," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ask him myself? What the hell is going on here?" Rick''s confusion deepened, his mind racing with possibilities. Determined to get to the bottom of this, he turned abruptly and headed for the door. Just as he reached it, he almost collided with his father, who was standing right behind him, his face a mask of surprise. "What''s going on in here?" Rick demanded, his voice heavy with seriousness and a hint of usation. His father''s face went pale, and he stammered, struggling to find his words. "Rick, I can exin..." he began, his voice faltering. Rick crossed his arms, his expression stern. "Well, I''m waiting," he said, his tone demanding answers. Rick''s father was at a loss of words as his gaze turned towards the woman, silently asking for her help. The woman stepped forward, her voice soft and tentative. "Maybe I should exin..." she began, ncing nervously at Rick and then at his father. Rick''s father nodded, a look of relief washing over his face. "Yes, go ahead, dear. Tell him what happened." She took a deep breath, her eyes flickering between Rick and his father. "A few days ago, your father found me lying unconscious by the roadside," she started, her voice quivering slightly. "I had a head injury, and I was bleeding. He took me to the hospital." Rick''s stern expression softened slightly as he looked at his father. "Is that true?" he asked, a hint of concern creeping into his voice. His father nodded, his eyes serious. "Yes, son. She was in bad shape, and she had no identification on her. The doctors said she had amnesia¡ªshe couldn''t remember anything about herself." Rick looked back at the woman, his curiosity piqued. "So, you don''t remember who you are?" he asked, his tone gentler now, but he looked at her in suspicion. She shook her head, her eyes welling up with tears. "No. I don''t remember anything before waking up in the hospital. Your father has been kind enough to let me stay here while I recover." Rick''s gaze softened as he listened to her story. "And you''ve just been staying here since then?" he asked, trying to piece everything together. She nodded, looking down at her hands, which she wrung nervously. "Yes. Your father has been very kind. He''s been helping me try to remember, but so far, nothing''se back." Rick''s father stepped forward, cing a reassuring hand on Rick''s shoulder. "I couldn''t just leave her there, Rick. She had nowhere else to go, and she needed help." Rick sighed, his irritation giving way to a mix of sympathy and frustration. "Alright, but why didn''t you tell me?" he asked, feeling a bit hurt that his father had kept this from him. His father looked down, shame evident in his posture. "I tried a few times. I told you I had something important to tell you. But I couldn''t say it over the phone. That is why..." "I hope you are telling the truth. Because all those words earlier, will be all for nothing if you are lying to me.." * * * * * Chapter 226: Jemimah Chapter - 226 Rick and his father sat at the dinner table, an ufortable silence stretching between them, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words and lingering tension. The clink of cutlery against tes was the only sound, a stark contrast to the usual lively chatter that filled their meals. Rick''s father, clearly uneasy, kept his eyes averted, ncing everywhere but at his son. His fingers tapped nervously on the edge of the table, creating a rhythmic beat that only seemed to heighten the tension. He cleared his throat more times than necessary, a futile attempt to dispel the difort that hung in the air. Rick, on the other hand, stared intently at his father, his gaze unyielding and intense, as if trying to bore a hole through him. The tension was palpable, each second of silence amplifying the unresolved questions between them. "She makes some nice food," Rick''s father finally said, chuckling nervously as he tried to shift the focus of their conversation. Hisugh was forced, the sound grating against the strained atmosphere. He grabbed his ss of water, his throat suddenly feeling very dry, and took a long sip, hoping it would give him time topose himself. Rick didn''t let up, his eyes locked onto his father''s face, scrutinizing every reaction. "Are you sure there is nothing between you and that girl?" he asked bluntly, his voice cutting through the air like a knife. The directness of the question left no room for evasion. The question caught his father off guard, and he choked on the water he was drinking. He started coughing uncontrobly, his face turning red from the effort. Rick''s concern momentarily overpowered his frustration. He quickly pulled out a few tissues from the box on the table and handed them to his father, who took them gratefully, wiping his mouth and trying to regain hisposure. His old man''s face turned red as he struggled to regain hisposure. Hearing themotion, the girl rushed out of the kitchen, her face etched with worry. "What happened?" she asked, her eyes darting between Rick and his father, clearly rmed by the coughing and the tense atmosphere. Rick waved a hand dismissively, trying to downy the situation. "It''s okay, everything''s fine. He''s just choking a bit. Go back to whatever you were doing," he said, his tone firm but not unkind. Amanda hesitated, her concern for Rick''s father evident in the way she lingered in the doorway, her brow furrowed. But she nodded reluctantly and retreated back to the kitchen, casting onest worried nce over her shoulder before disappearing from sight. Meanwhile, after a few more moments, Rick''s father finally settled down, his breathing returning to normal as he wiped his eyes with the tissues Rick had handed him. The redness in his face slowly faded, but the tension in the room remained thick and unyielding. Rick, however, wasn''t about to drop the subject. He leaned forward, his voice low and demanding, the frustration clear in his tone. "Is there something between you and that girl? Were all those words at Mom''s grave just a setup for this?" His eyes narrowed, suspicion and hurt mingling in his expression. "Were youying your groundwork for the moment when I woulde across this girl?" Rick''s father looked up, his eyes still watering from the coughing fit, but Rick didn''t care. He was too frustrated, too confused by the sudden presence of this woman in their lives. The silence stretched for a moment, heavy and ufortable. "Were youying your ground work for the moment when I woulde across this girl?" Rick''s eyes narrowed, skepticism written all over his face. Rick''s father looked up, his eyes watering from the coughing fit, but Rick didn''t care. He was too frustrated, too confused by the sudden presence of this woman in their lives. Once his coughing fit subsided, Rick''s father looked at his son with a mixture of guilt and embarrassment. "Rick," he began, his voice hoarse and shaky, "there''s nothing like that going on. It is just... she''s in a difficult situation, and I offered to help her out. That''s all." Rick''s expression remained skeptical, his eyes narrowing as he tried to gauge the truth in his father''s words. "So, you''re just being a Good Samaritan?" he asked, his tone dripping with doubt. "No other motives? Just pure, unadulterated kindness?" Rick''s father sighed deeply, rubbing his temples. "I know how it looks, Rick, but you have to believe me. She needed a ce to stay, and I thought it was the right thing to do. There''s nothing more to it." Rick''s eyes narrowed, still not convinced. "You brought her here, to our home, without telling me? Do you know how suspicious that looks?" Rick''s father sighed deeply, running a hand through his thinning hair. "Look, Rick, after your mother passed away, I felt lost. I didn''t know how to move on. It was like a part of me died with her. And then, when I found Sarah, she needed help. She didn''t have anyone. I thought... I thought maybe I could do some good for once." He paused, looking down at his hands, which were twisting a napkin nervously. The tension in the room was almost tangible. "It''s true that... I didn''t think it through, I admit that. I was just trying to do the right thing. She has nowhere else to go, and I thought I could give her a safe ce." Rick leaned back in his chair, his eyes still fixed on his father with a mixture of skepticism and concern. "It''s hard to believe, Dad. But if there is something going on between you two, you''d better let me know. Otherwise, I might just make a move on the girl myself." His father''s fist tightened, and a visible frown creased his face. The reaction didn''t escape Rick''s notice. His father''s eyes darted towards the kitchen, where Sarah was busy preparing dinner. The mix of protectiveness and difort in his father''s eyes was unmistakable. Rick smirked, relishing the reaction. "What''s her name?" he asked, his tone probing. His father reluctantly tore his gaze away from the kitchen and met Rick''s eyes. "She doesn''t remember her name. There was no identification on her when I found her. So, I... I came up with a name for her. Jemimah." "Jemimah," Rick repeated, nodding his head slowly, savoring the sound of the name as if trying to imprint it in his memory. He was about to ask more questions when Jemimah walked out of the kitchen, carrying a trayden with food. The aroma hit him first¡ªroast chicken, savory and rich, mingling with the earthy scent of mashed potatoes and the crisp, fresh smell of a garden sd. She set the tray down on the table, her movements graceful yet tinged with nervous energy. Her hands were steady, but there was a slight tremor in her fingers as she arranged the dishes. She nervously smiled at Rick, her eyes flicking up to meet his for a brief moment before looking away. "I made this for you, Rick. It''s not much, but I wanted to do something nice. After all, you''ve been away for so long, and we''re meeting for the first time," she said, her voice soft and sincere. Rick''s eyes roamed over Jemimah''s figure, taking in the way her white tank top clung to her curves, and her tight jeans entuated her figure. She had long, ck hair cascading over her shoulders, and her skin was pale, almost luminescent in the dim light of the room. She was undeniably beautiful, and there was something both captivating and mysterious about her presence. "It would be nice to have a home-cooked meal since you''re back home after so long," she added, her tone hopeful. Rick nced at the food, then back at Jemimah. She had an air of nervousness about her, but there was also a genuine warmth in her smile. It was disarming, and he found himself softening a bit, intrigued by her presence. "Thanks, Jemimah," Rick said, his tone softer but still carrying an edge of curiosity and caution. "I appreciate the effort." Jemimah smiled, a hint of relief in her eyes. "I hope you like it. I made roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and a sd. I know it''s nothing fancy, but I wanted to make somethingforting. I thought you might enjoy it." Rick''s father, trying to lighten the mood, chuckled nervously. "Jemimah is an excellent cook, Rick. You''re going to love this. She''s got a real talent in the kitchen." Rick couldn''t help but notice the pride in his father''s voice when he spoke about Jemimah. It made him even more curious about her, and he wondered just how deep their connection went. Rick nodded, his gaze lingering on Jemimah. "I''m sure I will," he replied, his curiosity piqued. As they started eating, the tension slowly dissipated, the aroma of the delicious food drawing their focus away from the awkwardness. Jemimah''s cooking was indeed exceptional, and Rick found himself genuinely enjoying the meal. The vors were rich and well-bnced, each bite revealing a newyer of taste. Despite the uneasy start, the atmosphere around the table gradually became more rxed, the clinking of cutlery and the asional appreciative hum filling the room. "This is really good," Rick admitted after a few moments, looking at Jemimah with genuine appreciation. "Where did you learn to cook like this?" Jemimah''s cheeks flushed slightly, a shy smile ying on her lips. "I don''t remember exactly," she said, her voice soft but clear. "I have these shes of memories sometimes. Cooking feels natural to me, like I''ve been doing it for a long time. Maybe it''s just something that runs in my family or something I picked up along the way." Rick nodded, intrigued. "Well, whatever it is, you''ve got a real gift. This is the best meal I''ve had in a long time." As they continued eating, Rick''s father finally spoke up again, his voice filled with regret. "Rick, I really am sorry for not telling you about Jemimah earlier. It wasn''t right of me to keep it from you." Rick nced at his father, then back at Jemimah, who was watching them with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. She seemed genuinely concerned about the tension between father and son, her eyes flickering nervously between them. "It''s alright, Dad. Just make sure we''re on the same page from now on," Rick replied, his tone softening slightly. Jemimah, trying to ease the tension further, offered a warm smile. "So, what do you do, Rick? You must be very busy," she asked, her voice gentle and curious. Rick shrugged, trying to y it cool. "I have my hands in a few things. It keeps me upied." "Oh," Jemimah responded, looking genuinely impressed. "You must be doing really well. I saw the car outside. It looks expensive." Rick couldn''t help but smirk at herpliment, a touch of pride in his eyes. "Yeah, I guess you could say I''m doing just fine," he said, his gaze once again roving over Jemimah''s voluptuous figure. He lingered on her curves, the tight fabric of her dress entuating her body in a way that was hard to ignore." "So fine." * * * * * Chapter 227: There is nothing between them? Chapter - 227 After dinner, Jemimah excused herself from the table and headed to the kitchen, her silhouette moving gracefully as she worked. The sound of running water and clinking tes filled the otherwise quiet house, aforting rhythm that echoed through the walls. Rick''s father, feeling the need to clear his head after the tense mealtime conversation, stepped outside to get some fresh air. The night weed him with its cool embrace, the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets providing a soothing soundtrack to the evening. Rick, his mind still swirling with unanswered questions and lingering doubts, made his way to the small room just below the staircase, a makeshift guest room for the night. Jemimah had insisted on vacating his room, which she had been upying, for him. But Rick didn''t really care. He was here only for a day, and he could easily adjust to the small, cramped space of the makeshift guest room. The room itself was modest but clean, with a bed squeezed into the corner and a small dresser by the door. Rick let out a tired sigh as he entered, the weight of the day settling heavily on his shoulders. He dusted off the bedsheet, making the bed asfortable as possible. The room felt sparse, almost bare, with just a single bed and a small nightstand. The sloped ceiling overhead added to the cramped feeling, but Rick shrugged it off. It was just for one night, after all. The action of setting up his room for the night felt almost meditative, offering Rick a moment of sce to process the strange events of the day. With each movement, he found a sense of calm amidst the chaos swirling in his mind. Just as he finished arranging his belongings, Jemimah appeared in the doorway, her presence bringing a gentle interruption to his thoughts. "Would you like to take a bath?" she asked, her voice soft and considerate, a hint of concern in her eyes. Rick shook his head, feeling the exhaustion weighing heavily on his shoulders. "Nah, it''s alright. I''m just beat. I think I''ll pass and crash straight into bed," he replied, his voice tinged with weariness. Jemimah nodded understandingly, her expression filled with empathy. She didn''t press the matter further, simply offering her support. "Alright. If you need anything, just let me know," she said before turning to leave. Rick couldn''t help but watch her as she walked away, his gaze lingering on the subtle sway of her hips with each step. Her jeans hugged her curves perfectly, entuating every movement she made. The sight stirred something within Rick, a primal desire that pulsed through his veins. He felt a familiar heat rising in his cheeks as he fought to maintainposure. Her walk was hypnotic, each step deliberate and smooth, a rhythm that seemed to echo in his mind long after she disappeared down the hallway. Closing the door to his room behind him, Rick leaned against it, exhaling a slow breath to steady himself. The image of Jemimah''s swaying hips lingered in his thoughts, igniting a fire within him that he struggled to contain. With a heavy sigh, Rick flopped onto the bed, his mind still consumed by thoughts of Jemimah. The soft embrace of the mattress did little to distract him from the persistent tension in his jeans. He shifted restlessly, his hand absently drifting down to the bulge in his jeans, seeking some relief from the pressure that pulsed beneath the fabric. The motion was slow and tentative, as if he were trying to maintain a semnce of control over his desires, his mind filled with the memory of Jemimah''s swaying hips and the intoxicating allure she exuded. Rick''s thoughts drifted back to the unexpected moment earlier when he had glimpsed Jemimah in the room, the surprise etched on her face and the tantalizing glimpse of her body that had sent a jolt of desire coursing through him. He reyed the softness of her voice, the curve of her lips, the way her presence seemed to fill the room with an undeniable maism. It all merged into a vivid daydream, fueling the fire of his arousal. His hand moved more firmly now, the friction against his jeans both soothing and arousing as he sought to relieve the pent-up tension that coiled tightly within him. With each stroke, he felt the heat building, his breathing in shallow gasps as pleasure tingled along his nerves. The day had been long and filled with unexpected revtions, but in this moment, all Rick could focus on was the overwhelming desire that Jemimah stirred within him. His body hummed with anticipation, every touch igniting a ze of sensation that threatened to consume him entirely. As exhaustion began to creep in, Rick''s breathing slowed, the tension gradually easing from his limbs as he surrendered to theforting embrace of sleep. His eyelids grew heavy, the weight of the day finally catching up to him as he drifted into a contented slumber. ~~~~~ Rick''s sleep was abruptly shattered by the creaking sound of someone moving upstairs. Letting out a soft groan, he fumbled for his phone on the bedside table, his eyes squinting against the sudden intrusion of light as he checked the time. It had barely been 15-20 minutes since he had finally drifted off to sleep, and his body still felt heavy with fatigue. But the curiosity and a hint of caution urged him to get up and investigate. The housey silent, except for the faint, ghostly footsteps echoing from above. Rick quietly opened the door to his room and peered into the hallway, his heart beating a little faster in his chest. The dim light from his phone cast eerie shadows, adding to the suspense of the moment. He strained his eyes, trying to make out the person who was moving towards the upper floor. The question lingered in his mind¡ªwho could it be? His father? Or perhaps Jemimah? His thoughts raced with possibilities, each more unsettling than thest. With a silent determination, Rick crept out of his room, moving stealthily on the balls of his feet. The house seemed to hold its breath, enveloped in an unsettling stillness that made every sound seem amplified. As he ascended the stairs, he made a mental note to avoid the spots he knew would creak, his breath held tight in his chest. As he climbed the stairs, the soft creaking of the door opening reached his ears. His suspicion and curiosity peaked, and he moved closer, his senses on high alert. And then, cutting through the silence, he heard it¡ªthe melodic humming filling the air, a familiar tune that could only belong to Jemimah. It seemed she was still in the bath. Soon Rick found himself at the top of the stairs, a mix of curiosity and suspicion swirling in his mind. He nced to his left and noticed the door of the bathroom slightly ajar, a small detail that set off an rm bell in his head. A smirk yed on his lips as a sudden realization struck him. He had a hunch, and he was at least ny percent sure that he was onto something. Moving with the stealth of a cat stalking its prey, Rick made his way silently down the narrow hallway leading to the bathroom, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he approached the slightly ajar door, he couldn''t shake the feeling of trepidation that gripped him. Peeking inside, his eyes widened in shock at the sight before him. His hunch was right on the money. Theyout of the bathroom was such that upon entering, there was a narrow hallway-like space. To the right stood arge mirror and washbasin, while a bit further ahead was the washing machine and a basket for clothes. On the left, two more doors awaited, one leading to the bathroom itself and the other to the toilet. Rick''s father stood in front of the washbasin, holding a ck panty in his hand. His movements were slow and deliberate, as if he were in a trance. With a deep breath, his hand slid down to his own pants, his actions bing increasingly intimate. Rick''s mind reeled with disbelief. This couldn''t be happening. Not his own father. Not in their own home. "And he says there''s nothing going on between them," Rick muttered under his breath, his smirk faltering as he processed the disturbing scene unfolding before him. To see his own father in such a state, it was sickening. "You old manther," Rick muttered, a mix of disgust and disbelief coloring his words as he struggled toe to terms with what he was witnessing. [Ding!] * * * * * [ A/N: I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far. And if you are, do consider voting with power stones, leavingments, reviews and if possible do send the story gifts. All of these things will be a great help for the story. ] Chapter 228: Rick and Jemimah getting to know each other Chapter - 228 "And he says there''s nothing going on between them," Rick muttered under his breath, his smirk faltering as he processed the disturbing scene unfolding before him. To see his own father in such a state, it was sickening. "You old manther," Rick muttered, a mix of disgust and disbelief coloring his words as he struggled toe to terms with what he was witnessing. [Ding!] The notorious system was at y again. But Rick didn''t care about the notification right now. He had killed a few guys, watched a bunch of gruesome sights, but right now, Rick''s stomach churned violently as he stumbled backward from the bathroom, his mind reeling from the disturbing sight he had just witnessed. It was like stumbling into a scene from a twisted porn scene, starring none other than his own father. The image of his father''s shameless actions reyed in his mind like a grotesque loop, each moment more horrifying than thest. He needed to escape, to put as much distance as possible between himself and that sickening scene. Without a second thought, Rick turned on his heel and practically sprinted down the stairs, his heart hammering in his chest like a jackhammer against pavement. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Rick came to an abrupt halt, his breathsing in ragged gasps as he struggled topose himself. With shaking hands, he pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling as he dialed his father''s number. "Dad!" he called out, his voice echoing off the walls with a sense of urgency that bordered on desperation. Upstairs, his father froze, his heart plummeting to the pit of his stomach at the sound of Rick''s voice. Panic surged through him like a tidal wave, and in his haste to conceal his indiscretion, he dropped the ck panty in a frantic rush, his pulse thundering in his ears. His eyes darted to the door, his mind racing with the need to escape before Rick discovered the truth. With a swift movement, he scooped up the panty and Jemimah''s discarded bra, shoving them into the nearest drawer with trembling hands. As he turned to leave, a sinking feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. What if Rick had already seen too much? What if he knew the truth? Meanwhile, upstairs, Jemimah''s humming had abruptly ceased, the sound of flowing water halting in response to Rick''s urgent call. She furrowed her brows in confusion, peering out of the bathroom door with a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Rick?" she called out tentatively, her voice echoing softly in the hallway. But there was no response, only the eerie silence of the empty house. Shrugging off her unease, Jemimah closed the door and returned to her bath, the warm water offering a fleeting sense offort in the midst of the chaos unfolding downstairs. Downstairs, the air crackled with tension as Rick''s father struggled to maintain hisposure, his eyes darting nervously around the room as if searching for an escape route. His hands trembled ever so slightly, betraying the facade of calm he desperately tried to uphold. He found Rick standing in the living room, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his expression a mask of unreadable intensity. Rick''s gaze bore into him with a steely determination, leaving his father feeling exposed and vulnerable. "Rick," his father began, his voice faltering slightly, "I thought you were asleep." Rick''s eyes narrowed, suspicion dancing in their depths. "I was. But then I heard some noises and woke up. What were you doing up there, Dad?" His father''s mouth went dry as he searched frantically for a usible exnation, his mind racing with half-formed excuses and desperate pleas for forgiveness. "Oh, I just... I thought I should check on Jemimah, see if she needed anything. But she was in the bathroom, so I came back down. You must have heard me moving around. Maybe I made more noise than I realized." Rick''s stare bore into him like aser, unyielding in its intensity. "So you just wanted to check on her? Really? It sounded like more than just looking for something. You aren''t hiding something from me, are you?" His father''s heart clenched in his chest, the weight of Rick''s usation bearing down on him like a crushing weight. He opened his mouth to respond, to offer some feeble attempt at an exnation, but before he could utter a word, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs. Jemimah descended into the living room, her hair still damp from her bath, wrapped in a towel, a puzzled frown marring her features as she took in the scene before her. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to suffocate, and she felt a knot of apprehension forming in the pit of her stomach. "What''s going on?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. Rick''s father forced a strained smile, though it failed to reach his eyes. "Nothing, Jemimah. Just a little misunderstanding. Rick thought he heard something and got spooked, that''s all." Jemimah nced between Rick and his father, her brow furrowed with confusion. "Are you sure? You both seem... tense." Rick, sensing her worry, gave her a reassuring nod. "Yeah, just some noises," he said, his voice calm but unsteady. "Thought maybe we had an intruder or something." Her eyes widened slightly, a sh of fear crossing her face. "An intruder? Are you sure everything''s okay?" Before Rick could respond, their father interjected hastily. "Everything''s fine," he said, his voice overly cheerful. "I checked around. There''s nothing to worry about. We should all just go back to sleep." Jemimah, still clutching her towel tightly around her, looked uncertain. The tension in the room was palpable, an invisible force pressing down on all of them. "Alright," she said slowly, her voiceced with doubt. "If you say so." "Perfect," their father said, pping his hands together a bit too loudly and forcing a smile that looked more like a grimace. "Good, then. Let''s all get back to bed. It''ste. I am way too tired." With that, he turned and headed toward his bedroom, his steps quick and anxious. He didn''t look back, his retreat a desperate attempt to avoid further questioning. Rick watched him go, there was no opportunity to spill the beans, no chance to stop him without causing a scene. As their father''s footsteps faded into the distance, a heavy silence settled between Rick and Jemimah. She turned to him, her concern etched deeply into her features. "Rick, what really happened?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "You look... I don''t know how to say it, but you seem really..." Rick forced a smile, though it felt like his face might crack from the effort. "It''s nothing, Jemimah. Maybe I was just imagining things. You know how it is when you wake up suddenly and everything feels off." She frowned, unconvinced. "Are you sure? You don''t seem like yourself." Rick sighed, running a hand through his hair in a gesture of frustration and fatigue. "Honestly, I don''t know what I saw. It was dark, I was half asleep. Maybe I overreacted." Jemimah studied his face, searching for any hint of the truth he might be hiding. "You know you can tell me anything, right? If something''s bothering you, we should talk about it." Rick nodded, appreciating her concern but feeling the weight of the secret pressing down on him. "I know. Thanks, Jemimah. But really, it''ste. We should both try to get some sleep." She hesitated, clearly torn between pressing him for more information and respecting his apparent need for space. "Okay," she said finally, her voice soft. "But if you need to talk, I''m here." Rick gave her a genuine smile this time, touched by her offer. "Thanks. I appreciate it." Jemimah nodded and started to turn away, but paused. "Hey, do you think it''s possible someone might actually be lurking around? Should we double-check the locks or something?" Rick shook his head, trying to reassure her. "Dad said he checked everything." Rick sighed, running a hand through his hair, trying to shake off the lingering unease. "Yeah, I''m sure." Jemimah''s concerned expression softened into a smile. "Then it''s all good." "Yeah, let''s not worry about it," Rick suggested, his mind already wandering to the idea of unwinding with a drink. "How about we have a drink? Help us both rx." Jemimah raised an eyebrow, her gaze flicking down to her towel-d body. "A drink? Now?" she mused, ncing at the clock. "Well, it''s not toote." "And to be honest, I was thinking of getting myself a drink. But there is none at home. We will have to go..." Jemimah trailed off with a sigh, already resigning herself to the idea of a drinkless evening. "Oh you don''t really have to worry about it." Rick smirked mischievously as he pulled his hand from behind his back, revealing two beer cans nestled in his palm. Jemimah''s eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? Where did you get these from?" She reached out and snatched the cans from Rick''s hand, her face a mix of confusion and amusement. "What sort of magic is this?" Rick chuckled, feeling the tension in his chest ease slightly for the first time that night. "Hehehe... Impressed?" Jemimah shook her head in amazement, a smile spreading across her face. "Well, consider me thoroughly impressed," she admitted, her disbelief giving way to excitement. "But I still can''t believe you pulled this off." Rick shrugged nonchntly. "Let''s just say I have my sources. Now, why don''t you go get changed first? I''ll see if I can rustle up something for us to eat." Jemimah looked down at herself, taking in the sight of her white towel wrapped snugly around her body. "Changed?" she echoed, a teasing note in her voice. "Aren''t I already dressed?" She twirled yfully in front of Rick, the towel ring out slightly. "Or you are getting different thoughts?" * * * * * The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 229: Rick and Jemimah [1] Chapter - 229 Jemimah''s yful twirl sent a jolt of electricity through Rick, his breath catching in his throat as his heart skipped a beat. His gaze was glued to the sight of her slightly bare chest, and the heat rose to his cheeks as her skin shed into view for a fleeting moment. The glimpse of her damp cleavage sent a shiver down his spine, and he found himself unable to look away, his eyes devouring every inch of her. Just as quickly, Jemimah whipped the towel back up, her yful demeanor giving way to a flustered expression. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she muttered, "Maybe I should get changed." [ 1. Stop her from doing so (Temptation +10) 2. Go be a gentleman. Your loss (Temptation -5) ] "Oh why would you?" Rick smirked, "Isn''t it hot in here? I think you look stunning. It''s a shame that you can''t get rid of more" "Huh?" "So, uh, what do you want to eat with those beers?" Rick quickly changed the direction of the conversation. Jemimah took a moment topose herself, the blush still lingering on her cheeks. But soon enough, the yful glint returned to her eyes, and she met Rick''s gaze with a mischievous smile. "Hmm, maybe some chips and salsa?" she teased, pausing for effect. Then, with a sly smile, she added, "Or maybe just beers will do fine!" Rick chuckled, the tension easing slightly as he caught onto her yful tone. "Alright, chips and salsa it is," he said, shaking his head with a grin. "But don''t me me if you get hungryter." Rick nodded, his gaze still locked on Jemimah as she moved. He could hardly tear his eyes away from her. Jemimah nced towards the windows, then back at Rick. "These lights are way too bright," shemented, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. Intrigued, Rick watched as she gracefully strode towards the windows, her damp hair flowing behind her like a dark, silken curtain. Each step she took was mesmerizing, her hips swaying in a natural rhythm that captivated him. She reached the windows and drew the curtains open with a dramatic flourish, revealing a breathtaking vista of the night sky. The moon hung full and bright on the horizon, casting a silvery glow across thendscape. A million tiny stars twinkled down at them, creating a scene of serene beauty that took Rick''s breath away. Jemimah turned off the harsh overhead lights, plunging the room into a soft, inviting darkness. "Much better, don''t you think?" she asked, a yful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Rick nodded, returning her smile. "Yeah, much better," he agreed, his voice soft. Jemimah settled onto the living room sofa, and Rick followed suit, sinking down beside her. Afortable silence enveloped them, broken only by the rhythmic chirping of crickets outside. The moonlight poured through the open window, casting a cool, silvery sheet of light across the room. It highlighted the tiny specks of dust dancingzily in the air, creating an ethereal, almost magical atmosphere. Shadows stretched and danced on the walls, twisting and turning like silent, spectral performers. Jemimah leaned back, her head resting against the cushioned back of the sofa. Her gaze was fixed on the moon, her eyes reflecting its pale light. "It''s beautiful, isn''t it?" she murmured, almost to herself. [ 1. Look at the moon and agree with her (Temptation +5) 2. Look at the girl in front of you and be suggestive (Temptation (Temptation +10) 3. Be honest, you don''t really like the moon (Temptation -20) ] Rick followed her gaze, nodding slowly. "Yeah, it really is," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. The air itself seemed to crackle with unspoken energy. It was a charged stillness, a calm before a potential storm. Rick could almost feel the heat emanating from Jemimah, a physical manifestation of the unspoken tension that hung heavy between them. The sensation was intoxicating, making his heart race and his mind whirl. He shifted on the sofa, the leather creaking softly beneath him, and the sound seemed to shatter the fragile peace momentarily. Jemimah''s lips curved into a small smile. Her smile was like a beacon, drawing Rick further into her maic pull. In the soft, silvery luminescence of the moon, Rick found himself utterly captivated by Jemimah. Her gaze was fixed on the moon, her eyes reflecting the celestial glow. His attention traced the path of the moonlight as it kissed her face, highlighting her delicate features. Her lips, so soft and full, were set in a thoughtful pout, the soft glow entuating their tempting allure. The urge to lean in and kiss her was overwhelming, but he restrained himself. It was not the time yet. He had to get something out of the kiss as well. "Aren''t you going to join the party, Rick?" Her gentle voice cut through the silence, spreading across the room as she picked up a bottle of beer and handed it to him. [ 1. Let her know there is something better to enjoy then the beer. (Temptation +15) 2. Grab the beer and thank her. (Temptation +5) 3. You have to drive tomorrow. No Alcohol for you today (Temptation -5) ] Rick tore his gaze away from her, "Uh, yeah, of course," he winked, taking the beer from her with a shaky hand. "Just... enjoying the view, you know?" Jemimah''s smile widened, and she chuckled softly. "The view, huh? The moon is beautiful tonight," she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "But I think there''s something else that''s caught your attention." [ 1. y defensive. (Temptation -10) 2. Be on the front (Temptation + 10) ] Rick''s looked down at the bottle in his hands, fiddling with thebel. "Well, you know... the moon, the stars... and, um, you," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. His voice trailed off, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. Jemimah''s smile widened, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "The view, huh?" she echoed, a knowing lilt in her voice. "Well, the view is definitely a lot more enjoyable with a nice cold beer." She raised her bottle in a toast. "Cheers to beautiful nights and unexpectedpany." Rick clinked his bottle against hers, the sound echoing softly in the stillness of the room. "Cheers," he replied, taking a long gulp. The coolness of the beer was a wee relief against the heat that had suddenly bloomed in his chest, calming his nerves just a bit. Jemimah nestled back into the sofa, her posture rxed and inviting. She turned to him with a friendly smile, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her features. "So, Rick," she began, her voice light and casual, "your dad mentioned you weren''t around much. College and work keeping you busy, I take it?" Rick shifted slightly, trying to find a morefortable position on the sofa. "Yeah, college and work keep me on my toes," he replied, taking another long drink from his beer. The words felt hollow, even to him. How could he exin the strained rtionship with his father to aplete stranger, especially one his father had taken in so generously? He stole a nce at Jemimah, her eyes sparkling with innocent curiosity. There was something about her that made him want to open up, to share the burden he had been carrying. But it wasplicated, and he wasn''t sure where to start. Jemimah noticed the hesitation in his voice and the flicker of unease in his eyes. A flicker of concern crossed her features, softening her expression. She reached out and ced a hand lightly on his, the touch bothforting and grounding. "Is everything alright, Rick?" she asked gently, her voice filled with genuine concern. "If there''s anything you want to talk about, I''m here to listen." [ 1. There is no use being the Alpha all the time. Strike her emotions. (Temptation +15) 2. Naah, just brush it off. A real man never lets the woman know what''s in his heart. (Temptation +5) 3. Why is she so curious? Suspicious (Temptation -10) ] Rick looked down at her hand on his. It was time for him to y his part. He sighed, the weight of his unspoken thoughts pressing down on him. "It''s just...plicated," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "My dad and I... we don''t see eye to eye on a lot of things. It''s been tough, especially with everything else going on." Jemimah nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "I get it," she said softly. "Family dynamics can be really challenging. Sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, it''s never enough." Rick took a long swig of his beer, the coolness chasing away the lingering warmth from their conversation. He nced at Jemimah, still captivated by her presence, the moonlight ying softly across her features. "You know," he began hesitantly, "I never did thank you properly for that dinner tonight. It was seriously the best meal I''ve ever had. I mostly eat out, and when I do cook for myself, well, let''s just say it''s nothing to write home about. But your food... it soothed my soul. Mypliments to the chef." A gentle smile spread across Jemimah''s face, her eyes shining with gratitude and modesty. "Oh, Rick, that''s so kind of you to say," she replied, her voice soft and genuine. "It wasn''t much, really. Just something simple. I''m d you enjoyed it, though." Rick watched as Jemimah stretched her arms above her head, her movements graceful and unselfconscious. The towel she had wrapped around her shifted slightly, revealing the curve of her breasts just above the nipples. Rick''s breath hitched, his heart racing and a current of desire surging through his body. It seemed that Jemimah either didn''t notice or didn''t mind. She just continued to gaze at the moon, a serene smile ying on her lips. Her indifference, or perhaps confidence, only fueled Rick''s desire more, making the moment feel both innocent and intensely charged. [Ding!] * * * * * Chapter 230: Rick and Jemimah [1] [18+] Chapter - 230 Rick watched as Jemimah stretched her arms above her head, her movements graceful and unselfconscious. The towel she had wrapped around her shifted slightly, revealing the curve of her breasts just above the nipples. Moonlight bathed her in a soft glow, entuating every delicate line and contour. Rick''s eyes fixed on her, his heart pounding, a current of lust surging through his veins. But Jemimah didn''t adjust the towel. It seemed she didn''t realize or maybe she didn''t care. She just kept looking at the moon and smiled, a cute and beautiful view which ignited the fire inside Rick even more. [Ding!] [ Quest: Why don''t you speed it up? ce your hands on those inviting legs and Kiss the beauty? Quest Duration: 1-Day Quest Rewards: $200,000; Ero Points: 35,000; And a Revtion in the next 5 minutes Quest Penalties: Erectile Dysfunction: The host won''t be able to get his little brother even when the lust meter for the target reaches maximum. Penalty willst for 3 days. ] He swallowed hard, feeling the heat rise within him, struggling to keep hisposure. "Jemimah," he began, his voice a little shaky. "I''m sorry about what happened earlier today. I shouldn''t have barged into the room while you were¡­" It has been a few days since his little Rick had gotten into action. And now it was raging to get into the act. "It''s okay," Jemimah interrupted, her voice soft and forgiving. "It wasn''t your fault. You didn''t know." Her face blushed red, the memory of the moment clearly ying in her mind. Once Rick heard Jemimah, a yful smirk crept on his face, "But I must say," he continued, his voice growing steadier, "I enjoyed the view." He ced a hand gently on Jemimah''s knee, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath his palm. The touch was gentle but electrifying, sending a shiver up her spine. She looked at him, her eyes widening slightly but she didn''t pull away. There was a spark of curiosity, perhaps even a hint of excitement in her gaze. [ 1. Do I even need to say? Praise the girl. Which girl does not like to be praised? (Temptation +5) 2. Just let your hand do the talking. (Temptation +0) 3. Pull your hand away. You are being so unruly. (Temptation - 10) ] "You are really beautiful," Rick said, his voice low and sincere. "When I saw you then¡­ Your body... It was just so... so mesmerizing. It made my mind numb. I could not take my eyes off you." Jemimah''s breath hitched slightly. She looked down at his hand on her knee, then back up into his eyes. There was a mixture of surprise and intrigue in her gaze, a spark of something deeper that mirrored the desire he felt. Rick felt a maic pull towards her, "I''ve wanted to tell you for a long time," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Being around you¡­ it''s intoxicating." "Long time?" Jemimah''s brow raised when she heard Rick, but just then her body flinched as she felt Rick''s hand slowly move upwards as his fingers caressed her soft thighs. Jemimah stammered, her eyes fixated on Rick. "What are you doing...?" Rick stepped closer, cutting off her words with an intensity that made her heart race. "Even now¡­" he said, his voice low and rough with emotion. [ 1. Girls have a thing for guys that are poetic. Why not bring in the moon, her eyes, into the mix. Praise her. (Temptation +10) 2. Don''t beat around the bush. Get to the point that you want to mess her up. (Temptation - 50) ] "Under this moonlight, your pale, glowing skin, your deep eyes, your blushed cheeks, your soft, full lips, your beautiful bosoms¡­" He paused, gripping her arms more firmly, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. "They ignite a fire of passion inside me. Each passing moment, I''m finding it harder to resist! I can barely control myself!" Rick''s eyes bore into hers, burning with raw desire, while Jemimah''s eyes widened, glowing with a mixture of anticipation and fear. She felt frozen, like a deer caught in headlights, but Rick moved closer, his breath warm against her face. Rick cupped her face with both hands, his touch surprisingly gentle despite the fervor in his eyes. Then, without another word, he leaned in and captured her lips with his. [Ding!] The quest was done and dusted. But Jemimah felt a jolt of electricity shoot through her body. Her mind screamed at her to protest, to pull away, to question what was happening. But her body betrayed her, melting into the kiss, responding to the strange, thrilling sensation that coursed through her veins. The night air was cool, but their shared heat was almost unbearable, an intoxicating blend of confusion and desire. Rick''s lips moved against hers with a desperate hunger, as if he had been starved for her touch. His hands slipped from her face to her waist, pulling her closer, and she could feel his heart pounding against her chest. Jemimah''s hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at him as if he were the only thing keeping her grounded. In the moonlight, they were a perfect picture of passion. But the kiss shattered as abruptly as it began. Jemimah, breath ragged and unsteady, pulled her lips away from Rick''s. Her eyes fluttered open, wide and unfocused for a moment before they met his gaze. It was a look he couldn''t decipher¡ªa mix of surprise, confusion, and something deeper, something vulnerable that made his heart ache. Jemimah''s hand came up to touch her lips, her fingers tracing the soft outline of her mouth as if to confirm what had just happened. A light blush crept up her neck, spreading across her cheeks like a slow-burning fire. She took a step back, her face half-hidden by the fall of her hair, the shyness in her posture making Rick''s heart clench. "Rick," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. The single word hung heavy in the air,den with unspoken questions and a tremor of uncertainty. Rick, his own heart pounding a frantic rhythm in his chest, reached out hesitantly. His hand hovered near hers, the warmth of their recent kiss still thrumming in the space between them. [ 1. Be a man of few words. Speak with your eyes, and let the girl do the talking. (Temptation +5) 2. Jump into another kiss. Those soft lips are tempting. (Temptation -5) ] "Jemimah," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. He wanted to say so much, to exin the sudden surge of desire, the way her vulnerability had ignited something deep within him. But the words seemed to catch in his throat, choked by the weight of the situation and the intensity of his feelings. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy, punctuated only by the chirping of crickets outside. The night seemed to mock their awkwardness, the serene sounds of nature a stark contrast to the storm of emotions swirling inside them. Jemimah finally pulled her hand away, her eyes flickering with confusion and something else¡ªa hint of longing, perhaps? She nced up at Rick, her gaze searching his face as if trying to read the thoughts he couldn''t articte. "Why did you...?" she began, her voice trailing off. She bit her lip, the unspoken question hanging in the air. "We shouldn''t have..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish the sentence, her voice barely above a whisper. "No," Rick said softly, trying to assure Jemimah. "It''s okay." His words, though gentle, did little to ease the turmoil within her. She looked at him, the moonlight casting a soft glow on her face, highlighting the furrow in her brow and the uncertainty in her eyes. There was a question lingering there, a silent plea for him to exin. "We shouldn''t have..." she repeated, her voice trembling. [ 1. Ask her if she liked it. nt the idea. (Temptation +5) 2. Pull away. No need to push your luck so far. (Temptation -50) ] "But it felt good! It felt right, didn''t it?" Rick interrupted her, his voice filled with a passion that made her heart skip a beat. His words resonated with her, a truth she couldn''t deny. The spark that ignited between them felt undeniably real, a connection that transcended logic. She looked into Rick''s eyes, the moonlight reflecting aforting assurance and deep longing. Rick moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers, while she sat there frozen. He gently ced his hands on her cheeks, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. The soft glow of the moonlight bathed them in a silvery hue, casting a serene ambiance over the living room. Their breaths mingled in the small space between them, each heartbeat echoing with anticipation. Rick''s thumbs caressed her skin, his touch tender yet firm, grounding her in the moment. She closed her eyes for a second, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions within her. * * * * * Chapter 231: Rick and Jemimah [2] [18+] Chapter - 231 Rick moved closer, his eyes never leaving hers, while she sat there frozen. He gently ced his hands on her cheeks, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. The soft glow of the moonlight bathed them in a silvery hue, casting a serene ambiance over the living room. Their breaths mingled in the small space between them, each heartbeat echoing with anticipation. Rick''s thumbs caressed her skin, his touch tender yet firm, grounding her in the moment. She closed her eyes for a second, trying to steady the whirlwind of emotions within her. [Ding!] [Reveal Time!] [ Name: Nadia Ahmed Age: 29 years Carnal Calibrator: 85/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] ''Nadia?'' Rick''s eyebrows shot up as he nced at the info in front of him. ''Fuck, that''s such a sexy name. Just the name gave me a boner,'' Rick thought, feeling the blood rush to his groin. He toyed with the idea of calling Jemimah by her real name but quickly dismissed it. He was about to seal the deal with this chick, and he wasn''t about to let some random fact mess things up. Meanwhile, Jemimah''s initial hesitation from their first kiss hadpletely melted away. Desire now mirrored in her eyes, reflecting Rick''s own hunger. Her legs felt jittery, and a warm, wet sensation was building between her thighs. Her pussy was soaking wet. Pushing thoughts of Nadia to the back of his mind, Rick leaned in slowly, closing the gap between them. Jemimah''s eyes fluttered shut, her lips parting slightly in anticipation. The moment their lips met, a spark ignited, and the world around them faded into a blur. The kiss started gentle, a soft brush of lips that quickly deepened with growing passion. The kiss started off gentle, a soft brush of lips that quickly turned more intense. Rick''s hands slid from her cheeks to the back of her neck, pulling her closer as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss. Jemimah''s hands found their way to his shoulders, her fingers curling into his shirt, pulling him in as she responded with equal passion. Their movements became a dance of lips and tongues, each kiss more intense than thest, speaking of a shared desire and unspoken emotions. The gentle pressure of his mouth sent waves of pleasure coursing through her, making her body curl in delight. She moaned softly into his mouth, the sound vibrating against his lips and driving him wild. She could feel his breath against her skin, hot and heavy, mingling with her own rapid breaths. The taste of him was intoxicating, a mix of desire and something uniquely Rick. Her heart was racing, matching the rhythm of their escting kiss. As the kiss deepened, Rick''s hand trailed down her back, sending tingles along her spine. Jemimah''s heart pounded heavily in her chest, while her fingers traced intricate patterns on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her touch. The moonlight cast long, ethereal shadows around them, the only witness to their intimate embrace. Time seemed to stand still as they poured their desires into the kiss, each second stretching into eternity. When they finally pulled apart, breathless and dazed, their foreheads rested against each other, eyes still closed as they savored the lingering taste of their passion. [ 1. Let Nadia know, you want her. (Temptation +5) 2. Stay silent. Continue looking at her (Temptation +0) ] ''Why even give the second option, you idiot system,'' Rick''s voice was a husky whisper, barely audible over the sound of their shared breaths. "Jemimah," he murmured, his lips brushing against hers with each word, "I have wanted you from the moment I saw you." "Rick..." Jemimah''s reply was a sigh, her fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close. [ 1. Nibble on Nadia''s earlobe (Temptation +5) 2. And if you want to mess it all up p the girl girl across her face (Temptation -90) ] Her words ignited a fire within him, his need for her intensifying. He moved down, his mouth focusing on her neck. Rick''s lips traced a path down her jaw and neck, eliciting a gasp from her. His tongueved a hot, wet trail, leaving a burning heat in its wake. His teeth grazed her earlobe, making her shiver, her body responding to his touch with a rush of arousal. Jemimah''s hands roamed across his broad shoulders, feeling the tension and strength in his muscles. She arched her back, pressing closer to him, craving more of his touch. "Oh! Rick!" Jemimah moaned, her voice breathy and full of desire, as she intertwined her arms around Rick''s back, tightening her embrace. Her fingers traced the muscles of his shoulders, pulling him closer. Rick, feeling the heat between them, slowly moved downwards. His lips brushed against her neck, leaving a trail of soft kisses that made her shiver. As he reached her chest, he nted his lips firmly, his tongue flicking against her skin. She gasped, arching her back to meet his mouth. Rick''s hand slid under the towel, his fingers exploring the curves of her meaty bottom, squeezing gently. "Ahh!" Jemimah''s moans grew louder, her excitement palpable. Determined to return the favor, she slid her hand inside Rick''s pajama pants. Her fingers found his bulge, cupping it with a firm yet tender grip. She began to caress him, her touch sending waves of pleasure through his body. Her moans turned into soft whimpers as she rubbed him slowly, each movement deliberate and teasing. Rick gasped heavily, his breath hot against her skin. The tension of his lust rose with each passing second. He slid the towel off Jemimah''s body, revealing her bare skin. He buried his face in her chest, kissing and sucking, his hands roaming freely over her body. Jemimah''s fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer as she whispered his name in a mix of pleasure and need. Tap¡­ Tap¡­ Tap¡­ In the silent night, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the room. They were clear and deliberate, sending a jolt of fear through Jemimah. Her eyes widened, and she quickly pushed Rick away, adjusting her towel with shaking hands. Panic set in as she looked around for a ce to hide. Without a word, she darted behind the sofa, her heart pounding in her chest. Rick, still caught up in the moment, took a second to register the situation. The annoyance was clear on his face as he nced towards the doorway. Momentster, his father appeared in the living room, his silhouette framed by the dim light from the hallway. Rick''s father squinted, trying to see in the darkness. "Rick? What are you doing up sote?" His father''s voice was gruff, filled with suspicion, "Is everything okay? I heard some unusual sounds." "Don''t bother yourself, I was just watching some videos!", Rick answered with a hint of annoyance in his face. "What are you doing here alone? With lights off?", he asked again. Rick raised the beer bottle, seemingly disinterested in talking with his father. "Oh! Alright! Let me check on Jemimah. She¡­" "Huh?" Before he could finish, he heard Rick''s voice. For a moment he was taken aback, the previous encounter of the night came back to him, then embarrassedly he conceded. "Okay! Everything is okay! I am going back to sleep! And don''t stay awake for too long, get some sleep!", he muttered whatever he could to avoid and down y the awkwardness. After not getting any response from Rick, he went back to his room. Some moments passed after Rick''s father left, and then Jemimah emerged from her hiding spot behind the old oak wardrobe, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and lingering fear. "Thank God! We barely escaped him!" she sighed, her breath catching in her throat as she exhaled. Rick, with a mischievous glint in his eye, leaned in closer. "Now, should we continue where we left off?" he whispered suggestively, his fingers grazing her arm as he tried to pull her closer. Jemimah''s eyes darted around the room, and she gently ced a hand on his chest, stopping him. "But Rick!" she protested, her voice tinged with worry. "We barely escaped this time!" Rick brushed off her concerns with a casual shrug. "Don''t pay any attention to him!" he said, his voice dripping with confidence. "Just focus on what your heart desires in these moments." He ran his fingers lightly across her face, his touch both tender and insistent, trying to work his charms on her. "But¡­ Look!" Jemimah took a step back, her eyes earnest and pleading. "I don''t know what it is between you two. But he has sheltered me! He is taking care of me. He''s like a guardian to me. And I don''t want him to have a bad impression of me." "Ughh!", Rick groaned in disbelief. His eyes closed as he got lost in thoughts for moments. [ 1. Give in to what the girl is saying (Temptation -60) 2. Pull the girl into yourp and let her know that his father won''t be happy seeing her unhappy (Temptation +5) ] Without warning, he pulled Jemimah closer, lifting her effortlessly and cing her gently on hisp. She tried to protest, her hands pushing against his chest, but he soothed her with a soft shushing sound, caressing her hair and giving her an assuring smile. "If he really cares about you, would he be mad seeing you happy?" Rick''s voice was low and persuasive, each word carefully chosen. Jemimah bit her lip, her resolve wavering as she looked into his eyes. "But¡­" Rick''s fingers continued their gentle exploration, tracing the contours of her face, moving down to her neck. "Trust me," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. "We deserve this. We deserve to be happy." She shivered under his touch, a conflicted expression crossing her face. The logical part of her mind screamed caution, but her heart, racing with excitement and longing, began to drown out the warnings. Rick, sensing her hesitation fading, put a finger on her lips and then slowly moved his face towards hers. He ced his lips on her. Instead of filled with intense passion, this gentle kiss was filled with assurance. They parted softly and a sweet smile ran across Jemimah''s face. "But we should take this somewhere private!", Jemimah requested, her voice tinted with desire. "As you wish!", Rick stood up, still carrying Jemimah in his arms as he marched upstairs towards Jemimah''s room. * * * * * Chapter 232: Rick and Jemimah [3] [18+] Chapter - 232 As Rick carried Jemimah up the stairs, she could feel the strength in his arms and the tenderness in his touch. The anticipation between them crackled like electricity. Each step seemed to heighten the sexual tension, their breaths syncing as they drew closer to her room. Just as Rick climbed up thest step, he pushed the door open to the room and went inside. Inside the room, Rick gently set Jemimah down, his eyes locked on hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from a bedsidemp casting warm shadows on the walls. Jemimah''s wet hair clung to her shoulders, droplets of water sliding down her neck and disappearing below the edge of the towel that was wrapped loosely around her curves. She shivered slightly, from a mix of the cool air and the fire building within her. Rick''s gaze was intense, filled with a mixture of desire and tenderness. Rick''s gaze traveled down her body, lingering on the way the towel hugged her curves. "You''re absolutely stunning," he murmured, his voice husky with desire. He reached out, his fingers brushing against her damp hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. His fingers brushed lightly against her cheek, tracing the line of her jaw and moving down to her neck. Jemimah shivered at his touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Jemimah pulled back a little, her eyes twinkling with mischief and invitation. "You''re not so bad yourself," she teased, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you just going to stand there and look at me?" A yful smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Rick''s lips curled into a slow grin, "Not a chance," he replied, stepping closer to her. He reached for the edge of the towel, his fingers finding the knot that held it in ce. "May I?" he asked, his eyes searching hers for permission. Jemimah nodded, her breath hitching in her throat. Rick''s fingers worked skillfully, undoing the towel and the towel fell to the floor, leaving the beautiful Jemimah exposed. She felt a rush of vulnerability inside her, but also a tinge of excitement. Rick''s eyes roamed over her body, taking in every inch of her, and the way he looked at her made her feel even more beautiful and desired. She blushed under his intense gaze, but the way he looked at her made her feel beautiful, and cherished. She reached up, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw, moving down to the cor of his shirt. "You are perfect," he whispered, his handsing up to cup her face. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a slow, sensual kiss. Jemimah melted into him, her hands resting on his chest. His kisses were tender, yet there was an underlying intensity that made her heart race. Rick''s hands began to explore her body, his touch light and teasing. His fingers traced the curve of her neck, moving down to her shoulders and then to her breasts. He cupped them gently, his thumbs brushing over her nipples, making her gasp. Jemimah arched into his touch, her body responding to him in ways that made her head spin. She reached for his shirt, her fingers trembling with anticipation as she tried to unbutton it. Rick helped her, shrugging off the shirt and tossing it aside. Jemimah ran her hands over his bare chest, feeling the warmth of his skin and the firm muscles beneath her fingertips. He was beautiful, and the way he looked at her made her feel like the most desired woman in the world. Rick pulled her closer, their bodies pressed together, skin against skin. The sensation was intoxicating. Rick''s hands moved down her back, tracing the curve of her spine, eliciting a soft moan from her lips. "Rick," she whispered, her voice trembling with desire. Rick''s kisses trailed down her neck, his lips brushing over her corbone and moving lower. Each kiss sent a jolt of pleasure through her, her skin tingling in its wake. When he reached her breasts, he paused, looking up at her with a question in his eyes. Jemimah nodded, her breathing in shallow gasps. Rick''s lips closed around one of her nipples, his tongue flicking against the sensitive peak. She cried out softly, her hands threading through his hair, pulling him closer. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and longing that made her head spin. She melted into him, her hands gripping his shoulders for support. Each kiss sent a jolt of pleasure through her, her body arching towards him in response. Her hands threaded through his hair, pulling him closer. Rick''s lips closed around her nipple, his tongue flicking against the sensitive peak. She cried out softly, the sensation overwhelming. Rickvished attention on her breasts, his mouth, and hands working in tandem to drive her wild. Jemimah''s moans filled the room, her body arching towards him, seeking more of his touch. He moved lower, his lips trailing down her stomach, leaving a path of fire in their wake. She pulled him back up, needing his kiss, needing to feel connected to him. Their lips met again, the kiss more urgent this time, fueled by the fire burning between them. Rick''s hands continued their exploration, moving down her sides, caressing her hips. Jemimah''s hands weren''t idle either. She moved them down his chest, his abs, reaching for the waistband of his pants. She fumbled with the button, her fingers trembling with anticipation. Rick helped her, quickly shedding thest of his clothing. They stood there for a moment, both naked, both vulnerable, butpletely consumed by their desire for each other. Rick gently pushed Jemimah, making her sit on the bed. His hands and lips continued their journey over her body, exploring every inch, learning what made her gasp, what made her moan. Jemimah''s hands roamed over him as well, feeling the hard muscles, the heat of his skin, and the way his body responded to her touch. He reached the edge of the bed and gently guided her to sit down. Kneeling in front of her, he ced soft kisses on her thighs, his hands caressing her legs. Jemimah''s breath hitched, her body trembling with anticipation. Rick''s touch was light, almost teasing, and it drove her crazy with need. Rick''s fingers slid up her thighs, parting them gently. He leaned in, his breath warm against her skin. Jemimah''s eyes fluttered closed, her heart pounding in her chest. Rick''s kisses moved higher, closer to where she wanted him the most. When his lips finally touched her pussy, she gasped, her body arching off the bed. His tongue explored the wet folds of her pussy, finding her most sensitive spots with ease. Jemimah''s hands gripped the sheets, her body trembling with pleasure. Rick''s touch was both gentle and insistent, his tongue moving in slow, deliberate strokes that made her moan. She could feel the tension building inside her, a coil of pleasure that tightened with each pass of his tongue. As he was done wetting her pussy, Rick pulled away. The job of his tongue was done and it was time for his fingers to take charge. Rick''s fingers joined in, sliding inside her, filling herpletely. "Ummm..."Jemimah cried out, her body arching towards him. His fingers moved in rhythm with his tongue, pushing her closer to the edge. The sensation was overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and desperation that left her gasping for breath. Jemimah''s hands found their way to Rick''s hair, pulling him closer, and urging him on. His mouth and fingers worked together, driving her insane and lightheaded. Soon Jemimah found herself close, so close, and she could feel the wave of pleasure building inside her, ready to crash over her. Rick seemed to sense it too, his movements bing more focused, more intense. "Rick! Rick! Stop it... I can feel it. Ummm!!!" Jemimah''s moans grew louder, her body trembling with the force of her impending release. And then, with a final, skillful flick of his tongue, she was there, her orgasm crashing over her like a wave. She cried out, her body shuddering with pleasure, her hands gripping Rick''s hair as she rode out the wave of bliss. Rick didn''t stop, his mouth and fingers continuing their gentle assault, prolonging her pleasure, making her gasp and moan with each aftershock. When she finally came down from her high, she was breathless, her body trembling with the remnants of pleasure. Rick kissed his way back up her body, his touch tender and soothing. He pulled her into his arms, holding her close, their bodies pressed together. Jemimah could feel his heartbeat, steady and strong, and it calmed her racing heart. "Are you okay?" he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear. Jemimah nodded, a contented smile spreading across her face. "More than okay," she whispered, her voice filled with satisfaction. "That was incredible." Rick smiled, his hands caressing her back, "You are incredible," he replied, his voice soft and filled with emotion. He kissed her gently, their lips moving together in a tender, lingering kiss. * * * * * [A/N: Do read my new story: Dual Cultivation: Revenge of two souls] Chapter 233: Rick and Jemimah [4] [18+] Chapter - 233 Jemimah nodded, a contented smile spreading across her face. "More than okay," she whispered, her voice filled with satisfaction. "That was incredible." Rick smiled, his hands caressing her back, "You are incredible," he replied, his voice soft and filled with emotion. He kissed her gently, their lips moving together in a tender, lingering kiss. The connection between them was electric, each touch igniting a fire that neither wanted to extinguish. [Ding!] [ Target Information. Name - Nadia Ahmed Age - 29 years Carnal Calibrator - 100/100 (Extremely Horny) Romance Radar - 00/10 Body Count - 47 Sexual Preferences - She likes it rough. She uses her body to get around and get his job done. Kinks - Loves forey with Anal. Feelings - She does not remember her past. But her body is longing for a cock. ] ''What the Fuck?'' Rick was shocked by the sudden revtion, ''This girl is a fucking whore.'' Rick wanted to pull back from the kiss, but the raging boner down below muddled his judgement. His cock was ruling over his brain. And in that split second that he had to make the decision, Rick was already on decision. ''Will it be even a whole? Will I even feel it?'' Rick thought, but he knew what his cock needed at this moment. They both pulled away from the kiss, breathing heavily. Rick leaned down, kissing her forehead gently. "I don''t think I have ever been with someone like you," he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. Jemimah found herself drawn to Rick''s chiseled six-pack and couldn''t resist running her hands over his abs. The sensation of his firm muscles under her fingers was intoxicating, and she traced each contour with admiration. "You work out a lot, don''t you?" she teased, a yful glint in her eyes. Rick chuckled, his eyes closing in pleasure as she gave him kisses, sending shivers down his spine. "Yeah, I guess you could say that," he replied, his voice a bit strained from the sensation. As Jemimah moved lower, her lips trailing down his torso, Rick felt a surge of desire. But when she kissed the tip of his dick, he stopped her by gently holding her hair. "I don''t think I can control myself after this," he whispered, his breathing heavy, his voiceced with a mix of desire and restraint. Jemimah just smirked at his words, her eyes filled with a burning desire. "Who said I want you to control yourself?" she teased, her voice husky. She ran her tongue over her lips, her gaze never leaving his. Rick ran his thumb over her bottom lip, his touch gentle yet possessive. He then dipped it inside her mouth, pushing her tongue down gently. "You drive me crazy, you know that?" he said, his voice barely above a whisper. She eagerly wrapped her lips around his thumb, swirling her tongue around it while her hand moved up and down his big cock. "Good," she murmured around his thumb, her voice muffled but still teasing. "Because you are doing the same to me." Rick groaned, his hips bucking into her hand as he looked into her eyes, his lust evident. "Can I...?" Jemimah''s tongue rolled around his finger as she spoke, desperate to feel the weight of his member in her mouth. "So eager, huh?" Rick teased, pulling his finger from her mouth to wet his cock. He gestured for her to straddle his legs and she did, cing soft kisses on his thighs before finally taking him into her mouth. Her tongue swirled around the head, earning a quiet groan from Rick. "Good.." his hand soonced through her hair, "Good girl." He praised her and it sent shivers down her spine. Jemimah worked her way down, trying to take all of him at once. But as the tip of his cock pressed against the back of her throat, she pulled away, gasping for air. She couldn''t resist going back to it, taking him deeper and deeper, grateful to feel so full of him. Rick''s groans were like music to her ears as she pumped up and down, getting greedier by the second. His grip on her hair tightened as she pulled away, a string of spit trailing from her lip to his cock. Jemimah looked up at Rick, her face and hair messy with saliva and sweat. He reached out, dragging his thumb across her slick lips, and she licked them, brushing her tongue against his finger. Rick gently pulled Jemimah onto the bed and hovered above her. He cautiously put his hand under her and grabbed her ass. This time, his entire attention was focused on her ass. Rick and Jemimahy on the bed, kissing passionately. Their touches intermingled, resulting in a gentle and rxing experience. Rick pushed away from the kiss, bringing Jemimah on top of him, her back to him. She gasped as he forced her to sit on him and face his throbbing member. Rick began sucking on her ass, prompting her to gasp with delight. Jemimah was ecstatic. Rick''s touch was both tender and demanding, his tongue working slowly and deliberately, making Jemimah groan even louder. She slid down and tightened her grasp with her mouth on his shaft. He groaned while he kissing her hot ass. The two continued to suck each other''s asses and dicks, their moaning bing louder with each passing instant. Rick slowly slipped his index finger into Jemimah''s pussy, forcing her to gasp his name aloud. "Mmmm... Rick..." she groaned, biting his dick head in the process. He was in pain, but he desired that pain from her. Jemimah then sank down up to his balls, her tongue expertly sucking his dick making him groan at her moments. Meanwhile, Rick drove his tongue further into her ass, erging the gaps. His tongue was drilling her ass, and Jemimah gave him the greatest pleasure in the world by sucking his dick. Rick continued to fingering Jemimah from the front and suck her from behind, while she moved away from his dick and grabbed it to give him a blowjob. Soon, Jemimah was on the verge to cum. Rick''s movements became more fast. With a final, skilled flick of his tongue, Jemimah hit her peak, she came with a moan. Jemimah sat between Rick''s thighs, breathing deeply and leaning against his chest. She stared up at him, licking her lips. "That was amazing," she murmured, and Rick grinned pulling her for another kiss. After a few seconds of kissing they pulled away from each other, "Make me cum." Rick whispered over her mouth who in seconds moved away from his chest, and now that they were both facing one other, she went down and began to use her lips again to give pleasure while moving quicker than before. Rick began to feel the thrill, tossing his head back in delight. Rick sumbed to the severe blowjob in thest five minutes, cumming inside her mouth. She swallowed it all in one gulp, her eyes rolling up with delight. They were both sweating, so Jemimah sat back on hisp and took a long breath. She looked up at Rick, still smiling. "It was so good," Rick murmured, and Jemimah smiled wider. Rick held her face as he kissed her lips, and she closed her eyes, wanting more of him. "The fun has just begun," Rick mumbled against her lips, his hot breath sending a tingling feeling through her body. Jemimah''s hands glided over Rick''s bare physique once more, sparking a fire within her that she thought would never get out. "I can''t get enough of you," he said, kissing her earlobe and causing her to moan. The sensation of his touch on her breast sent thrills down her spine, generating pleasurable groans around the room. Rick hands roamed on her body his lips are sucking every part of her naked frame made her feel hot in ways she never knew possible. Rick moved down to her breast, recing his hand with his mouth. She almost cried out when Rick sat in front of her and slid his tongue around her nipples. He flicked and sucked her nipples in a way that made her toes curl, and as he did, she instinctively grasped his short hair and pushed his head closer to her boobs. She bite her lips to stop her sinful moan. When Rick saw that he climbs up and looked at Jemimah face, he stopped her from biting her lips. "Don''t hold back...I want to hear those moans you make." Jemimah only felt her heartbeat faster in burning desire. With each hot breath they shared made their body to feel even more hot and curve for more. Jemimah grabbed Rick by the nape, only to mumble over his mouth. "I will not!" She muttered, "Don''t stop your work." Her teeth grazed his lower lip with a hint of desire. Rick''s uncertainty dissipated as he kissed her forcefully, passion erupting between them like a fire. Their grip tightened around her waist. Rick''s touch and his mouth are burning inside Jemimah that she had never felt before. Rick''s lips continued to explore Jemimah''s body, and she gave in to thewaves of pleasure that swept over her. Her moansbined with Rick''s groans as he rubbed his dick against her pussy. Rick smirked as he noticed Jemimah''s body arching back in pleasure. Rick''s lips found her most sensitive spots, sending shivers down her spine. Rick continued his work of giving hickeys not leaving any part of her naked frame while Jemimah is enjoying every bit of him. "Mmph.. Mhmm..." Jemimah moaned, closing her eyes and stifling her voice. Again she felt the strong orgasm shook her whole body, causing her body to gush into the air while she let out loud moans. Rick lied next her, breathing deeply, taking a moment to breathe before continuing with another session. The night is long, allowing them to indulge in greater pleasure. * * * * * Chapter 234: Rick and Jemimah [5] [18+] Chapter - 234 In the soft, dim glow of the bedroom, Rick hovered over Jemimah, his hand sliding around her waist with a confident ease. Their breaths mingled, creating an intimate atmosphere charged with anticipation. As Rick''s touch roamed over her skin, Jemimah felt a wave of bliss wash over her. His eyes, dark with lust, locked onto hers, reflecting her own desire back at her. "Can I?" Rick''s whisper was low, almost hesitant, but his touch spoke volumes, sending shivers down Jemimah''s spine. "Please," she whispered back, her voice catching as she kissed him passionately. Her hips moved instinctively, seeking more of the electrifying sensation that his touch promised. Rick''s member brushed against her pussy, teasing her entrance. Jemimah''s breath hitched, her desire bubbling over. "Don''t tease me," she whimpered, her voice thick with longing. "As you wish," Rick murmured, a hint of a smile ying on his lips. With a tender urgency, he began to slowly enter her, his length stretching her walls. He tilted his head back, letting out a low hiss. "Fuck, so good," he groaned, his eyes squeezing shut as he buried himself fully inside her. "You alright?" he asked, his voice rough with restraint. Jemimah nodded, biting her lip, her eyes wide with need. "Tell me when I can move," Rick whispered, his lips trailing down to her neck. He left a series of kisses and yful bites, his hands exploring every inch of her body, driving her absolutely wild with pleasure. Rick couldn''t help but think, ''She is not that loose,'' as he felt her tightness around him. He hadn''t expected it, but it only made him want her more. "D-deep, Ah~ y-you can move," Jemimah breathed out, her voice trembling. The feeling of his cock finally inside her was overwhelmingly addicting. The pleasurable stretch, the way he nearly kissed her cervix, had her mind reeling. "More," was all she could manage to say, her thoughts clouded with desire. A deep chuckle rumbled through Rick''s chest as he gently brushed a hand against her lower stomach. "Where am I, babygirl?" he teased, forcing Jemimah to wrap around him even tighter. "Fuck, c''mon, baby, show me where I am." Jemimah, her body trembling, lowered her wobbly hand and pressed his hand harder against her stomach, her eyes rolling back slightly at the sensation. Rick began to thrust slowly and gently, their fingers interlocking as he moved. As their passions grew, their rhythmic movements intensified. The room was filled with their intimate gasps and groans, their breaths mingling in the heated air. Jemimah willed her body to move, thrusting her hips against his. "More...move, more," she whispered, hoping he would listen. Rick''s eyes darkened with desire as he started to move, his thrusts slow and deliberate, each one dragging his cock along every sensitive area inside her. "Rick," Jemimah breathed out, her voice a plea for more. Rick''s heart raced at the sound of her moans, each one spurring him on. With each thrust, he felt her body arch beneath him, her skin flushed with desire. He angled his hips, aiming to hit her g-spot with every movement. "God, you''re so tight," he groaned, sweat beading on his forehead. "Fuck..." he muttered, his head sinking down as he tried to maintain a steady tempo for her. "Right there," Jemimah gasped, her nails digging into his back. "Oh god, right there, Rick." Rick''s movements became more urgent, each thrust deep and powerful. He could feel her tightening around him, her body responding to his every move. "You feel so good," he murmured against her neck, his breath hot on her skin. "So fucking good." Jemimah''s legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him deeper inside her. "Don''t stop," she pleaded, her voice a breathless whisper. "Please, don''t stop." Rick''s thrusts grew more frantic, his control slipping as he neared his own release. "Jemimah," he groaned, his voice rough with need. "I''m so close." "Me too," she panted, her body trembling beneath him. "Oh god, Rick!" She squirmed beneath him, feeling every vein on his cock rub against her silky walls, causing her to whine and moan. Her sounds of pleasure filled the room, urging him on. Rick gripped her hips tightly, his fingers digging into her skin. He knew there would be bruises in the morning, but at that moment, he didn''t care. Every time she begged him to go faster, he tried, he truly did, but a part of him held back, afraid of hurting her despite how incredible she felt around him. Sensing his hesitation, Jemimah reached up and cupped his face with her hands. "I-I''m fine," she panted, her breathing in quick, shallow gasps. "You won''t hurt me." The look in her eyes, a mix of understanding and raw desire, melted his doubts away. Rick nodded, taking a deep breath. "Then I will make sure you feel good." He threw aside his reservations, letting himself be fully immersed in the lust and passion. Pulling his cock out until only the head remained inside her, he plunged back in with a powerful thrust. Jemimah''s cries of pleasure echoed through the room as he drove into her, his cock stretching her with every hard thrust. Her hands dropped to the sheets, wrinkling the fabric between her fingers as she tried to cling onto something, anything. "Oh, my--," she gasped, her words catching in her throat as he buried himself to the hilt. With a swift motion, Rick yanked her hands from the covers and pinned her wrists above her head, holding them in one palm. As her orgasm began to build, her fingers grasped at the air, desperate for something to hold onto. "Rick, I''m gonna-" Jemimah started, only to be cut off by a harder thrust. "Oh, I know," Rick murmured, his voice low and rough. "I can feel you mping on my cock." He didn''t slow down, his thrusts deep and relentless. "God, it feels so fucking good," he groaned, adjusting his hips slightly to hit her sweet spot with precision. Jemimah''s body arched beneath him, her cries growing louder as he drove her over the edge. She cried out, writhing in pleasure as he fucked her. Rick''s breath came in heavy pants, matching the rhythm of his thrusts. "You like that, baby?" he asked, his voice a mix of lust and affection. "You like how I fill you up?" "Yes, yes, oh god, yes!" Jemimah cried out, her body trembling. "Don''t stop, Rick, please don''t stop." Rick''s grip tightened on her wrists, his thrusts bing more urgent. "I''m not stopping," he promised, his voice strained with the effort of holding back his own release. "Not until you cum for me." "Rick! Yes Rick!" Jemimah''s moans turned into a desperate chant of his name as she felt her orgasm crest. With one final, powerful thrust, Rick sent her spiraling over the edge. She screamed his name, her body shaking with the force of her climax. She wiggled beneath him, feeling every ridge and vein of his cock rubbing against her silky walls, causing her to whine and moan. The pleasure was so intense that she couldn''t help but move her hips against his, seeking more. Rick pulled out of her, flipping her over effortlessly. He positioned her on her hands and knees, staring at her moist, writhing pussy, pulsing around nothing. Jemimah whined at the empty, cold sensation he left her with, but before she could protest further, he ttened his tongue against her dripping cunt. Her head fell between her shoulders as he sucked up the remnants of herst climax, his tongue driving her wild. Without warning, Rick positioned himself behind her again, aligning his cock with her slit. Jemimah braced herself for the overwhelming fullness, but instead, he teased her, brushing his tip around her quivering entrance. She got wetter by the second, imagining how it would feel when he finally filled her again. "Rick," Jemimah whined, her voice desperate. Rick chuckled softly, enjoying her need. "Take whatever you want. Today I''m all yours, baby." Wasting no time, Jemimah thrust herself back onto his cock, reveling in the fullness and depth he brought. Rick''s eyes widened at the sight, realizing just how desperate she was for him. Jemimah began to move back and forth, fucking herself on him, trying to take him as deep as possible. Rick''s hands settled on her waist, pulling her hips even closer to him. "Fuck," he moaned, the sensation driving him crazy. "Rick, it''s so good," Jemimah rasped, her voice thick with pleasure. She was already on the brink of her fourth orgasm, and he showed no signs of stopping. One of Rick''s hands left her waist and curled around her throat, gently lifting her body up and bringing her back against his chest. His hips never slowed, each thrust hitting her deeply. "You feel amazing," he murmured against her ear, his breath hot on her skin. Rick sucked on her neck, his teeth grazing her sensitive skin. Jemimah was so close to breaking, needing just one more push to send her over the edge. "Rick, I''m so close," she gasped, her hands gripping the sheets tightly. "Come for me, baby," Rick whispered, his voice rough with lust. "I want to feel youe around me." His words were all it took. With a cry, Jemimah''s body tensed and then exploded in pleasure. Her orgasm hit her like a tidal wave, her pussy clenching around Rick''s cock as she came hard. Jemimah''s body trembled in his hands, tears streaming down her cheeks as Rick fucked her through her high. She was a mix of pleasure and raw emotion,pletely overwhelmed by the intensity of it all. "That''s it, give it to me," Rick growled, his voice husky. Her body ached, but he kept pounding into her, relentless and driven by their shared need. "Rick," she moaned, his name escaping her lips like a desperate plea. She squeezed around him, trying to bring him closer to his own release. Rick paused briefly, then drew out and flipped Jemimah onto her back with ease. He spread her legs wide, positioning himself at her entrance once more. This time, he slid in slowly, savoring the feeling of her wrapped around him. "I know, baby, I know," Rick whispered, his lips brushing against her tear-stained cheeks as he peppered them with gentle kisses. "Just one more time, okay? Can you do that for me one more time?" Jemimah nodded, dazed and exhausted but still yearning for more. Rick''s slow, deliberate thrusts drove her wild. His hand roamed over her body, finding its way to her sensitive spot, making her gasp with pleasure. Rick thrust back and forth, his face buried in the crook of her neck. Jemimah felt a flood of bliss rising within her, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. Each breath, each touch, set off sparks that fueled their lust. "Oh god, Rick," Jemimah gasped, her nails digging into his back. "You feel so good." "Fuck, Jemimah," Rick groaned, his voice thick with need. "You drive me crazy." Their pace quickened, the rhythm of their movements growing more urgent. Jemimah''s moans filled the room, mingling with Rick''s heavy breaths. She felt her orgasm building again, the pressure mounting inside her. "I''m so close," she panted, her eyes squeezed shut. "So close." "Me too," Rick murmured against her neck. "Come with me, baby." Rick groaned, the sensation almost too much to bear. He continued to thrust through her orgasm, his own climax approaching rapidly. "Fuck, Jemimah," he growled, his movements bing more erratic. "I am gonnae." "Do it," she urged, her voice breathless. "Come inside me." With a final, powerful thrust, Rick buried himself deep inside her, his release crashing over him. He groaned loudly, his cock pulsing as he filled her with his cum. They stayed like that for a moment, both of them panting and spent, their bodies still intertwined. Jemimah nodded, a blissful smile spreading across her lips. She replied, her voice soft and content. "That was incredible." "It was indeed," Rick grinned, "We put on a great show for the audience." Rick said as his gaze turned towards the slightly open door of the room. "I am sure everyone enjoyed it." * * * * * Chapter 235: Next morning. Round Two Chapter - 235 The next morning, Rick woke up to sunlight streaming through the window, hitting his face. He squinted, frowning as he tried to block the bright light with his hand. With a groan, he sat up in bed, rubbing his eyes. As he looked around the room, his gazended on Jemimah, who was lying beside him, still asleep. She was peacefully naked, the nket covering only up to her thighs. ''She is a fucking whore. But a beautiful one at that,'' Rick thought to himself as he looked at Jemimah, ''s... You can''t be my woman.'' [ Name: Nadia Ahmed Age: 29 years Carnal Calibrator: 65/100 Romance Radar: 00/10 ] Rick checked Nadia''s Temptation. Afterst night''s intense sex and multiple rounds of fucking, her Carnal Calibrator was still above the halfway mark. [ 1. Get out of the bed and freshen up. (Temptation -20) 2. Tease her. Feel her soft skin. She is already inviting you. (Temptation +10) ] He couldn''t help but smile at the sight of her. Her bare back was exposed, the soft and smooth skin inviting him. He traced his fingers along her spine, enjoying the way she shivered at his touch. Jemimah moaned softly, turning slightly in her sleep but not waking up. [ 1. What are you smiling at? Look at that bare back. Isn''t it alluring? Don''t hold back and let her feel those rough lips of your on her skin. (Temptation +10) 2. Pull back. She is a whore and not worth your time. (Temptation - 30) 3. Wake her up. And let her see you masturbate (Temptation +5) ] Rick leaned in, pressing gentle kisses along Jemimah''s back, starting from her shoulders and moving down to the small of her back. His lips trailed down her spine, teasing her awake. Jemimah stirred, her body responding to his touch even in her sleep. Rick couldn''t help himself; his hands started to roam over her curves, exploring every inch of her. "Morning, beautiful," Rick whispered against her skin, his voice low and husky, almost like a growl. Jemimah stretchedzily, a contented smile ying on her lips. "Morning," she murmured, her eyes still half-closed and her voice all sleepy and soft. Rick chuckled softly, loving how rxed and peaceful she seemed. "Sleep well?" he asked, brushing a kiss against her shoulder. "Mmm, like a baby," Jemimah replied, finally opening her eyes and turning to face him. She reached up, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. "Though I might be a bit sore," she added with a yful pout. Rick smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Yeah,st night was... pretty wild," he said, his voice filled with a mix of pride and amusement. Jemimahughed softly, the sound making Rick''s heart do a little happy dance. "You''re such a tease," she said, turning onto her back to face him fully. "But, honestly, I''m notining one bit." Rick grinned, his hands moving to cup her breasts. "I aim to please," he said, leaning down to kiss her. Jemimah responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck to pull him closer. "God, I love waking up like this," Jemimah whispered between kisses. "If every morning started this way, I''d be the happiest girl in the world." Rickughed, his lips moving to her neck. "I will take that as a challenge," he murmured against her skin. "Guess I will have to make sure every morning is just as good, huh?" Their kiss deepened, and Rick felt the familiar surge of desire stirring inside him. He broke the kiss, looking down at Jemimah with a wicked grin. "Ready for round two?" he asked, his voice low and his tone teasing. Jemimah''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Only if you are up for it," she challenged, raising an eyebrow. Rick didn''t need any more encouragement. He leaned down, capturing her lips in another searing kiss. His hands roamed her body, touching and teasing every sensitive spot he could find. Jemimah''s moans filled the room, her body arching into his touch,pletely lost in the moment. They were utterly wrapped up in each other, the world outside fading away. Rick''s hands slid down her sides, gripping her hips as he positioned himself above her. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, electrifying the space between them. Just as Rick was about to position his cock on Jemimah''s pussy, savoring the moment, they heard his father''s voice booming from downstairs. "Jemimah, are you awake?" Jemimah''s eyes flew open in panic. She pushed Rick away, her heart racing. "Oh my God, it''s your dad!" she whispered frantically, pulling the nket up to cover herself. "We have to stop!" Rick groaned, frustration etched across his face. "Seriously? Now?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair in annoyance. "Why does he always have the worst timing?" "Jemimah? Are you there?" Rick''s father''s voice was closer now, right outside their door. There was a knock. Rick rolled his eyes, and Jemimah, on the other hand, mouthed a silent apology to Rick. "Sorry about this," she whispered, quickly grabbing a shirt from the floor and tossing it to him. Jemimah''s anxiety spiked. She couldn''t risk getting caught. Rick''s father had been incredibly kind to her, giving her a ce to stay when she had nowhere else to go. She couldn''t repay that kindness by being caught in bed with his son. "I am here, Mr. Smith!" Jemimah called out, trying to keep her voice steady. "Don''te in! I am, uh, changing my clothes!" There was a knock at the door, and Jemimah''s panic intensified. "Rick, what do we do? He can''t find us like this!" Rick''s father called from the other side of the door, "Alright... just wanted to let you know breakfast is ready. You shoulde down. And have you seen Rick? I can''t seem to find him." Jemimah, her voice trembling, shouted back, "I am just changing clothes, Mr. Smith! I will be down in a minute!" Rick rolled his eyes, annoyed at the interruption. "Seriously?" he mumbled, getting out of bed and grabbing his boxers. He pulled them on hastily, frustration clear in every movement. "Rick, he can''t know we are... you know..." Jemimah said, her voice a mix of anxiety and urgency. She wrapped the nket tightly around her, trying to hide her nakedness. Rick sighed, running a hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. "I know, I know. Just... give me a second to get dressed." Jemimah''s mind was racing, trying to think of a way to calm herself. Rick''s father had given her shelter, food, and a ce to stay when she had nowhere else to go. She couldn''t afford to lose his trust or make him suspicious. Rick''s father knocked again, more insistently this time. "Jemimah, is Rick in there with you? If you find him, bring him down for breakfast too." Rick''s annoyance turned to determination. "Just stay calm," he said, pulling on his shirt hastily. "I will go talk to him. You finish getting dressed ande down when you are ready." Jemimah panicked, grabbing Rick by the arm before he could leave. "Are you serious? How can you even think that''s a good idea? You know what... Just don''t do anything, please." Rick gave her a reassuring smile, trying to calm her down. "Don''t worry, I have got this," he said, attempting to pull away from Jemimah, but she held onto his arm tight, not letting him go. The tension in the room was thick as they stood there, listening. There was a moment of silence before Rick''s father replied, "Alright, see you downstairs," and then his footsteps faded away as he headed back downstairs. Jemimah let out a deep breath she hadn''t realized she was holding. "That was way too close," she whispered, ncing over at Rick. He was sitting up in bed, looking more than a little annoyed. "Great, just great," Rick muttered, swinging his legs over the side of the bed and running his hands through his hair again. "Why does he always have to interrupt at the worst possible times?" When she looked at Rick, the annoyance on his face visible. Jemimah put her arm around Rick and kissed him on the cheek, "Please understand Rick. I just... I don''t want to mess things up with your dad. He... He has been so good to me." Rick sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Yeah, I know. You''re right." He stood up, grabbing his clothes from the floor and starting to get dressed. "It''s just frustrating, you know?" Jemimah smiled sympathetically, getting out of bed and pulling on her own clothes. "I know, but we have to be careful. Let''s just go down, have breakfast, and then we can figure out some time to be togetherter." Rick moved closer, cing a hand on her arms, squeezing them slightly, "Hey, we are in this together. We will figure it out. Just stick to the n, okay?" Jemimah took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay. Let''s do this." Rick gave her onest reassuring smile before heading towards the door. "I will go down first and talk to him. You follow in a few minutes, just to be safe." Jemimah watched him leave, her heart pounding in her chest. She quickly finished getting dressed, trying to calm her nerves. She took a few deep breaths, willing herself to stay calm and collected. ''What have I done?'' * * * * * Chapter 236: Ricks affectionate father Chapter - 236 Rick reluctantly came down first, taking a seat at the breakfast table. He nced around, noticing the spread of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast. It was a hearty breakfast, and despite his frustration, his stomach grumbled. He stered on a casual smile, trying to mask his earlier frustration and excitement. His father was already seated at the table, sipping his coffee and looking up as Rick entered. "Morning, Dad," Rick greeted, trying to sound nonchnt as he took a seat. "Morning, Rick," Rick''s father replied, eyeing his son curiously. "Where have you been? I was looking for you earlier." Rick quickly concocted an excuse, hoping it sounded believable. "Oh, I just went out for a walk. Needed some fresh air, you know." Rick''s father raised an eyebrow but didn''t press further. "A walk, huh? Well, I am d you are getting some exercise." Before Rick could respond, Jemimah entered the kitchen, looking a bit flustered but managing a warm smile. She took a deep breath before entering the kitchen, trying topose herself. She greeted them both and slid into a seat beside Rick. She sneaked a quick nce at him, and their eyes met for a brief, electrifying moment before she turned her attention to the food on the table. "Good morning, Jemimah," Rick''s father greeted her warmly. "I hope you slept well." "Morning, Mr Smith," Jemimah replied with a polite smile. "Yes... It was one of the best sleeps I have had. And thank you for this amazing breakfast." "And..." Jemimah eximed, her eyes widening at the spread of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and fresh fruit. "You really didn''t have to go through all this trouble. I could have made breakfast for everyone." Rick''s father waved herment away with a smile. "Nonsense, it was no trouble at all. I enjoy cooking breakfast. Plus, it''s nice to have a good meal withpany. After you both have been working really hard." Rick shoveled a forkful of eggs into his mouth, trying to avoid eye contact with his father. He hoped his dad wouldn''t ask too many questions, but that hope was quickly dashed. Jemimah said, trying to change the subject. "You really didn''t have to go to so much trouble. I could have made breakfast for us." Rick''s father smiled, appreciating her kindness. "It is alright, Jemimah. I wanted to do it for you," he said, then hesitated for a moment before adding, "And I had to do it for Rick. It has been too long since we have had a nice, decent meal together." Rick''s father picked up a ss of orange juice and poured it for Jemimah, cing it in front of her with a smile. "Here you go, Jemimah. Enjoy." Jemimah smiled back, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thank you, Mr Smith. This is really nice of you." Rick''s father''s expression softened as he looked at Jemimah. He reached for the pitcher of orange juice and poured a ss, cing it in front of her with a gentle smile. "It is alright, Jemimah. I wanted to do this for you. You deserve a nice breakfast after all the hard work you have been doing around here." Rick felt a bit annoyed and irritated at his father''s words. He knew his rtionship with his dad had been strained, and moments like these were rare. He nced at Jemimah, who was smiling warmly at his father. "Thanks, Dad," Rick said, his tone more sincere this time. "I appreciate it." Jemimah took a sip of her juice and looked at Rick''s father with gratitude. "This really means a lot to me, Mr Smith. You have been so kind to me, and I can''t thank you enough." Rick''s father waved off her thanks with a modest smile. "You don''t need to thank me, Jemimah. You are like family now. And family looks out for each other." While the two of them talked to each other, Rick picked up the jug on the table and he was about to pour himself some orange juice when his father gently stopped him. "Hold on, Rick. I made you your favorite watermelon juice. Just a moment," Rick''s father said with a warm smile. He stood up from the breakfast table and walked into the kitchen, leaving Rick and Jemimah alone. Rick wanted to stop his father, but his father had already left. Rick followed his father with his gaze until he disappeared into the kitchen, but his hand found its way and slipped onto Jemimah''s thigh, from beneath the table. Jemimah was wearing a ck tank top and jean shorts, and the feel of her bare skin against his fingers was irresistible. Jemimah''s eyes widened as she felt Rick''s fingers lightly tracing patterns, rubbing on her thigh. Her body tensed, and she quickly grabbed his hand, her eyes locking onto his with a mixture of shock and a silent plea. She shook her head slightly, trying to convey the urgency and the risk of what he was doing. With her eyes, she pleaded him to stop. Rick, however, only smirked, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He continued to tease her, his hand slipping further up her thigh towards her intimate area. Jemimah bit her lip, trying to stifle a moan as she felt her arousal grow. Her breathing became ragged, and she took deep, shaky breaths, her eyes half-closing in a mix of frustration and pleasure. Rick looked at Jemimah, his eyes glinting with mischief and desire. He leaned in a little closer, lowering his voice to a whisper. "What is the matter, Jemimah? Can''t handle a little teasing?" Jemimah''s heart pounded in her chest. She nced nervously toward the kitchen, her breathing in shallow, ragged gasps. "Rick," she hissed under her breath, trying to sound stern but failing as a shiver ran through her. "Stop it, your dad coulde back any second." Ignoring her protests, Rick''s fingers continued their slow, deliberate journey up her thigh. He reveled in the way her body responded, feeling the tremors of her muscles and the heat of her skin. His fingertips brushed the edge of her shorts, dangerously close to her moist, already sensitive pussy. Jemimah bit her lip to stifle a gasp, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment as a wave of arousal mixed with anxiety washed over her. "Rick, please," she whispered urgently, her voice trembling. She tried to push his hand away, but her strength seemed to ebb with each touch. Her body betrayed her, responding to his teasing even as her mind screamed for caution. In the kitchen, Rick''s father was carefully pouring the watermelon juice into a ss jug. As he nced back towards the dining area, he noticed something odd about Rick and Jemimah. They were sitting closer than usual, and there was a tension in the air that he couldn''t quite ce. His brow furrowed, suspicion flickering in his eyes. He watched as Rick leaned in, his hand hidden under the table. Jemimah''s face was flushed, her eyes half-closed, and she seemed to be breathing heavily. Rick''s father''s grip on the jug tightened, the ss shaking slightly in his hand. He saw Rick''s smirk and Jemimah''s desperate attempts to maintain herposure, and understanding slowly dawned on him. As Rick''s father turned back to the counter, his movements were stiff and deliberate. A few drops of juice spilled from the jug onto the counter, but he paid them no mind. His thoughts were consumed by what he had just witnessed, and a mixture of emotions churned within him¡ªanger, disappointment, and a deep sense of protectiveness towards Jemimah. Back at the table, Rick''s hand had slipped even further up Jemimah''s shorts, his fingers now tantalizingly close to her most intimate area. Jemimah''s body was on fire, her mind a whirl of conflicting emotions. She needed him to stop, but part of her didn''t want him to. "Rick," she breathed, her voice barely audible. "Please, we can''t..." Rick finally relented, sensing the depth of her distress. He withdrew his hand, giving her thigh a final, gentle squeeze before sitting back in his chair. "Alright, alright," he whispered, a hint of frustration in his voice. "We will finish thister." Jemimah exhaled shakily, relief and residual arousal coursing through her. She shot Rick a grateful but stern look, then turned her attention back to her te, trying to steady her breathing and calm her racing heart. Meanwhile, Rick''s father returned to the table with the jug of watermelon juice, his face carefully neutral. He poured a ss for Rick, setting it down in front of him with a forced smile. "Here you go, son. Your favorite." "Thanks, Dad," Rick said, his voice a bit too casual as he took the ss. Rick''s father sat down, his eyes flicking between Rick and Jemimah. "So, Jemimah," he began, his tone deliberately light, "are you enjoying your breakfast?" Jemimah nodded quickly, swallowing a bite of pancake. "Yes, Mr Smith. It is wonderful, thank you." "I am d," he replied, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before turning back to Rick. "Rick why are you not drinking the juice?"Rick''s father said, eyeing the juice in front of Rick. "I made it specially for you." "Huh..." Rick who was lost in his thoughts suddenly snapped out and looked at his father. His eyes serious. He looked at his father for a while before nodding at his father. "I will have it now. Thanks, DAD!" * * * * * The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 237: Farewell? Chapter - 237 Rick''s father returned from the kitchen carrying a jug of freshly made watermelon juice. He ced it on the table and carefully poured a ss for Rick, his movements deliberate and measured. The silence between them was palpable, with Jemimah watching the interaction closely. "Here you go, Rick," Rick''s father said, setting the ss down in front of his son. "Your favorite." "Thanks, Dad," Rick replied, his voice sounding a bit casual. He took the ss but didn''t immediately drink, his thoughts elsewhere. Rick''s father sat down, his eyes flicking between Rick and Jemimah. "So, Jemimah," he began, his tone deliberately light, "are you enjoying your breakfast?" Jemimah nodded quickly, swallowing a bite of pancake. "Yes, Mr Smith. It is wonderful, thank you." "I am d," he replied, his gaze lingering on her. "So, Jemimah, how are you finding everything here? Is there anything you need?" Rick''s father tried to make some unnecessary small talk. Jemimah forced a smile, still trying to calm her nerves from Rick''s earlier teasing, "No, Mr. Smith. Everything is wonderful. Thank you so much for your hospitality." "It is my pleasure, Jemimah," he said warmly, "You have be like family here. If there is ever anything you need, just let me know." As Jemimah nodded appreciatively, Rick''s father noticed that Rick was still lost in thought, staring into space with the ss of juice in his hand. His brow furrowed in concern. "Rick," he said gently, trying to snap his son out of his reverie, "You should drink your juice before it gets warm." Rick blinked, his father''s voice pulling him back to the present. He looked down at the ss in his hand, then up at his father. For a moment, an unreadable expression crossed his face, a mix of emotions that Rick''s father couldn''t quite decipher. Rick took a deep breath and managed a smile, nodding at his father. "Yeah, sure thing, Dad," he said, his voice steady butcking any of the enthusiasm. "I will have it now. Thanks, DAD!" Rick spoke, his lips curling up in a smirk. As Rick slowly raised the ss to his lips, his father''s eyes followed the movement intently. The air in the room seemed to thicken with tension. Rick''s father''s fist clenched tightly under the table, his knuckles turning white as his nails dug into his palm. His eyes bore into Rick, a mixture of concern, frustration, and something else lurking just beneath the surface. Meanwhile Rick was looked very casual, he took his time, his motion neither rushed nor overly slow. When the rim of the ss touched Rick''s lips, his father''s grip tightened even more, his fist trembling slightly. Without breaking eye contact with his father, Rick chugged down the entire ss of watermelon juice in one go. The cool, refreshing liquid coursed down his throat, but it did little to ease the tension he felt. "Good," Rick''s father said, his voice strained as he tried to maintain hisposure. "I am d you enjoyed it." "I didn''t really say anything," Rick set the empty ss down, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "But I would say, it was great, Dad. Thanks," he said, trying to sound sincere. The silence that followed was heavy and ufortable. Jemimah shifted in her seat, sensing the undercurrent of emotions between father and son. She cleared her throat softly, trying to break the tension. "This breakfast is really delicious, Mr. Smith. You are a great cook." "Thank you, Jemimah," Rick''s father replied, his voice softening as he turned to her. "I am d you are enjoying it." Rick''s father turned back to Jemimah, trying to ease the atmosphere. "So, Jemimah, do you have any ns for today? Anything special you would like to do?" Jemimah nced at Rick before answering, sensing the underlying tension but grateful for the shift in focus. "Not really, Mr. Smith. I thought I might help out around the house, maybe do some cleaning. You have made breakfast for us, so least I could do is clean the dishes." Rick''s father smiled warmly. "That''s very kind of you, but please, don''t feel obligated. You are our guest." Rick, finally regaining hisposure, chimed in. "Actually, Dad, I was thinking I might go back today itself. I have my college, and I might have to help out Olivia with Emily and other paperwork at the hospital. I mighte in handy" Rick said with a smile on his face. Rick''s father''s smile didn''t quite reach his eyes. "That sounds like a good idea. They both could really use a hand or two. They are our neighbours, and we need to help them whatever way we can." Rick nodded, smiling at the words of his father, "Yeah, we should, Dad." Rick''s father''s face lit up with pride. "That''s very responsible of you, Rick. I''m proud of you for stepping up." Jemimah''s heart sank. She looked at Rick, her eyes reflecting her sadness and disappointment. She had hoped to spend more time with him, and the thought of him leaving so soon was almost unbearable. Rick noticed her expression but tried to stay focused. "Thanks, Dad. I will make sure to help Olivia as much as I can." "That you should. Hehehe... After all..." Rick''s father giggled meaningfully towards Rick as he spoke, but notpleting his words, leaving Jemimah a bit curious, "That''s my boy. I always knew you would do great things." Jemimah, meanwhile, fought to keep her emotions in check. She forced a smile and nodded along, but her mind was racing with thoughts of Rick leaving. ~~~~~ It was finally time. Rick was in the hallway,cing up his shoes and getting ready to head out. He could hear soft footsteps approaching and looked up to see Jemimah standing there, her arms crossed, and a sorrowful expression on her face. "Hey," he said softly, finishing with his shoes and standing up. "Hey," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You are really leaving, huh?" Rick sighed, walking over to her. "Yeah, I have to. There is so much to do, and Olivia needs help. I wish I could stay longer." Jemimah bit her lip, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "I understand, but I will miss you. It is... It is just... so fast." She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Rick, do you really have to go now? Can''t you stay a bit longer?" [ 1. Why break the heart of a beautiful girl? Stay (Temptation +5) 2. It is time to leave. Longing can be a potent weapon (Temptation +10) ] "I wish I could," Rick spoke as he cupped Jemimah''s, "I really wish. But I am needed more there." Jemimah''s shoulders slumped, and she looked down at her feet. "I know, but it feels like you just got here. We still haven''t managed to get to know each other." Hearing her words, Rick stepped closer, wrapping his arms around her. "I am going to miss you too, Jem. But it''s not like I am gone forever. We will see each other again soon." She nodded, but the sadness in her eyes didn''t diminish. "I just wish we had more time." [ 1. Speak words of constion to her (Temptation -5) 2. Time for words is gone. It is time to take action. Yourp, her perky ass (Temptation +10) ] Seeing the options in front of him, Rick gently pulled her closer and guided her to sit on hisp. She settled onto him, her body fitting perfectly against his. She was still wearing her ck tank top and blue jean shorts, her skin warm and soft. As she settled on hisp, her body pressed against his, Rick''s hands began to trace soft patterns on her thighs. His fingers moved slowly, teasingly, over her soft skin, then around to her perky behind. Jemimah''s breathing became fast, her chest rising and falling against Rick''s. He hoped to soothe her sadness, even just a little. "Hey, it''s going to be okay. We''ll make it work, I promise." Jemimah''s breathing became faster, her chest rising and falling against Rick''s. Despite her sadness, she couldn''t help but respond to his touch. Her body pressed closer to his, her hands resting on his shoulders. But despite her body''s response, she still tried to act angry. "Rick, this isn''t fair," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I know," Rick cut her off with a soft kiss on her cheek. "No what-ifs. We will figure it out. I care about you, Jem. I am not going to let a little distance change that." he murmured, his lips close to her ear. Jemimah''s resolve began to weaken, her anger giving way to the warmth of his touch. His hands roamed over her perky behind, squeezing gently. Her breath hitched, and she felt her heart pounding in her chest. [ 1. With all the built up sexual tension, now let her go. It is time for you to leave (Temptation +15) 2. It can be yourst time meeting her. Why not feel those juicy lips again? (Temptation +5) ] "Rick..." she whispered, torn between wanting to stay mad and giving in to thefort he offered. Rick leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. Just as he was about to kiss her, a throat cleared loudly from the front door. "Rick," Rick''s father called out, his voice firm but calm. Jemimah jumped up from Rick''sp, flustered and embarrassed. She quickly stepped away, smoothing down her tank top and shorts. Rick stood up, facing his father. "Yeah, Dad?" Rick said, trying to sound casual. Rick''s father''s eyes flicked between Rick and Jemimah, a knowing look in his eyes. "Just wanted to remind you to be safe on your trip. And don''t forget to call when you get there." Rick nodded, feeling a bit sheepish. "Of course, Dad. I will call as soon as I arrive." Rick''s father spoke, walking over to Rick. "You know, I am really proud of you. You are doing a great thing by helping Olivia and Emily. And graduating from college is a huge achievement." "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot," Rick said, feeling a swell of pride and gratitude. Rick''s father put a hand on Rick''s shoulder. "Just remember, no matter where you go or what you do, this will always be your home. You can alwayse back." Rick smiled, his face showing a tinge of sadness, "I know, Dad. Thanks for everything." And saying so, Rick pushed the door open and walked out of the house. And as soon as he did, the smile on his face vanished like a fleeting shadow. The bright, cheerful facade he had worn so convincingly melted away. [You act so tough master. But you are actually a softie. You gave up such enticing rewards. Che... Che... Che...] * * * * * Chapter 238: Affectionate father? Or a Deadly Lover? Chapter - 238 Rick''s hands gripped the steering wheel of his Range Rover tightly as he drove down the empty road, leaving his home behind. The expression on his face was serious, his eyes fixed straight ahead as thendscape blurred past him. He was on his way back to Willowbrook, and his mind was racing with thoughts about the events that had just transpired. A shback scene unfolded in his mind, taking him back to the breakfast table where it all began. [shback] Rick''s father returned from the kitchen carrying a jug of freshly made watermelon juice. He ced it on the table and carefully poured a ss for Rick, his movements deliberate and measured. The silence between them was palpable, with Jemimah watching the interaction closely. "Here you go, Rick," Rick''s father said, setting the ss down in front of his son. "Your favourite." Rick took the ss, but just as he was about to drink, a familiar chime echoed in his mind. The system, spoke to him urgently. [Master... Oh dear master. Poison detected in the beverage. If you drink it, you are going to die. Hehehe] Rick''s eyes widened slightly, his grip on the ss tightening. He nced down at the watermelon juice, then slowly looked up at his father, who was chatting with Jemimah, smiling ear to ear as if nothing was amiss. Rick''s thoughts raced. He remembered how his father had always been obsessed with Jemimah, a girl young enough to be his daughter. It made him sick to think that his own father was willing to kill him just because he had been with her. ''Unbelievable,'' Rick thought, feeling a mix of anger and betrayal. ''He''s willing to poison his own son over a girl. This scum, who used toe home drunk and beat my mother, who cried crocodile tears at her grave, and now this.'' ''That too, after I gave him such a great showst night,'' Rick smirked as he thought how his father was peeking on him and Jemimah having Sex like Rabbits. It must have surely given his father a hard-on. The system chimed again, interrupting his thoughts. [Master, the poison is Rat poison. And the concentration it is definitely lethal. My job is to warn you, so if you kick the bucket, don''t me me.] Rick''s mind was a whirl of emotions. He was disgusted by his father''s actions and the depths to which he would sink. The system continued, its tone persuasive. [But even moments of crisis are an opportunity master. So why not turn the tables on your dear old father? I am sure you will appreciate that] [Ding!] [ Quest: Let your father have a taste of his own juice as well Quest Duration: 1-hour Quest Rewards: $2,000,000; 10 Lottery Spins; Serum of Seduction; de of Shadows; Ring of Time Quest Penalties: You won''t be able to use the system except for the inventory for a day once the Quest is over ] Rick felt a storm of conflicting emotions crashing over him. The system''s words echoed in his mind, tempting him with promises of rewards if he harmed his father. He could feel his anger rising, fueled by memories of his father''s abusive behavior over the years. Just then, his father turned towards him, his smile faltering slightly but still trying to maintain that facade. "Rick, drink up. It''s your favorite, after all," he encouraged, his voice deceptively warm and fatherly. Rick looked at his father, his mind racing with thoughts. ''This man, who pretends to care as if he''s done nothing wrong. What a bastard you are, old man. How many times did I watch you hurt my mother? How many times did you make our lives miserable? And now, you want to kill me for sleeping with a chick you''ve known for just a few days? Way to go, bastard.'' Rick''s father continued to smile, but there was an edge of impatience in his eyes. "Come on, son. Don''t just stand there. Drink up." Rick''s grip tightened around the ss, his knuckles turning white. ''How long will it take for the poison to take effect?'' he asked the system, still eyeing the juice in his hand. [Given the improvements you have had ever since meeting me, Master you can hold it in your body for 12-hours before things take a turn for bad.] [But I will still advice you master that you should not drink it. Even if you don''t want to, think of the rewards forpleting the quest.] But despite everything, Rick made up his mind. He raised the ss to his lips, locking eyes with his father. The tension in the room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Jemimah sat silently,pletely unaware of the deadly game ying out in front of her. Rick took a deep breath, forcing a smile at his father. It was a hollow smile, one that didn''t reach his eyes. He nodded slowly, bringing the ss closer to his mouth. His movements were careful, deliberate¡ªnot too fast, not too slow. He wanted to see his father''s reaction. Rick''s father''s eyes were glued to the ss, his knuckles turning white as he clenched his fists under the table. His nails dug into his palms, drawing a bit of blood. He was barely keeping it together, his true intentions masked by a facade of fatherly concern. Rick took a moment to savor the look of anticipation on his father''s face. Then, with one swift motion, he tipped the ss and let the cool watermelon juice touch his lips. Ignoring the system''s frantic warnings in his head, he chugged the entire ss. The liquid was refreshing, the sweet, familiar taste a stark contrast to the bitterness of the situation. As he set the empty ss down with a soft thud, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. Rick''s father''s eyes widened for a fraction of a second before heposed himself. "How does it taste, Rick?" he asked, his voice tight and strained. Rick leaned back in his chair, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Delicious," he replied casually, as if they were discussing nothing more than the weather. "Always loved your watermelon juice, Dad." Jemimah nced between the two men, sensing something was off but not quite understanding what. "What''s going on?" she asked hesitantly. Rick shot her a quick reassuring smile. "Nothing to worry about, Jemimah. Just a little father-son bonding." Rick''s father forced a chuckle, but it sounded hollow. "Yes, just a bit of bonding," he agreed. [shback Ends] The shback ended, and Rick''s focus returned to the road ahead. The memory of his father''s betrayal still burned in his mind, but he felt a strange sense of calm. He had faced the danger head-on, refusing to let fear or anger control him. As he drove towards Willowbrook, he thought about whaty ahead. He needed to confront his father and deal with the situation once and for all. He couldn''t let his father''s actions go unpunished, but he also knew he had to be smart about it. Rick''s thoughts were interrupted by the system''s voice. [Ahh... Master, you turned out out such a softie. Couldn''t even kill an enemy who was out there to get you.] [You should have nipped the trouble when it was budding. Who knows, how fast it will bloom] [If this is how you are going to take care of the mess going forward. I don''t know how long will you survive.] [Your predecessor. He would have chopped of his father''s head even without the rewards. He must be very disappointed.] "I don''t need you to teach me," Rick snapped, a frown forming on his face. "Know your ce and let me do what I need to." The tension in the car was palpable as Rick continued, his voice growing more intense. "Even if that man wanted to kill me, there is no denying that he ''was'' my father. He was once my mother''s husband." He paused for a moment, his eyes darkening with a mix of anger and determination. "I gave him a chance. If his judgment isn''tpletely clouded, he should know where to stop." Rick took a deep breath, his fists clenching at his sides. "But if he doesn''t learn and continues to stoop lower and lower, I will handle it my way. And trust me, it won''t be pretty." Hearing his master''s heated words, the system remained silent for a moment, processing the gravity of the situation. Then, it finally spoke again. [Very well, Master. But remember, since you did notplete the quest, you won''t be able to use the system for the next 24-hours.] [Think of it as sending your beloved servant on a vacation. Thank you, Master] [Well, then, I will see you tomo...] "I don''t think that 1-hour is still up for the quest," Rick interrupted the cheerful system, "Don''t you ck off my faithful servant," Rick reminded the system. "So before you go, like a loyal servant get me something to get rid of this rat poison, will you." [But only 1 minute is...] "Thank you, my dear beloved servant" And with that, Rick ended the conversation. * * * * * Chapter 239: Old Man Graves Chapter - 239 Rick arrived at his apartment building, already in a foul mood. The day had been a disaster, and the sight of the out-of-order elevator sign didn''t help. He cursed under his breath as he started the climb up the stairs, each step feeling heavier with the weight of his thoughts. Rick''s boots thudded against the grimy steps as he cursed the elevator under his breath. "Goddamn piece of junk is never working," he muttered, feeling his frustration grow with every step. He could hear the sound of his own footsteps echoing through the stairwell. In a foul mood, Rick approached his apartment door, ready to shove it open and copse into his bed. Rick was about to insert his key into the apartment door when something made him stop. He felt a strange, eerie presence around him, like eyes boring into the back of his head, sending a chill down his spine. He turned around, scanning the dimly lit hallway. His eyes darted to every shadow, every corner. "Who''s there?" he whispered to himself, frowning as he looked around. "Get it together, Rick." He frowned, muttering to himself, "Am I just being paranoid? No, something''s off." After a few moments of standing there in silence, Rick shook his head, trying to dismiss the unsettling feeling. He turned back to the door. He slowly unlocked the door, opening it with caution. The apartment was dark, the shadows inside seeming to stretch out and wee him into their embrace. As he stepped inside, Rick''s senses were on high alert. He could feel a thick, oppressive sense of blood lust hanging in the air. He had no idea who it might be, but he knew it had to be one of the many enemies he had fucked up in the past few days. "Great," he thought, "Just what I needed right now." Despite the slight fear growing inside him¡ªespecially with the system being unavable for the next 24 hours¡ªRick decided to y along, putting on a brave face. He started whistling a tune as he walked further into the apartment, flicking on the lights with a casual air. The lights flickered to life, casting a harsh glow over the room. Rick turned, and his eyes widened slightly in surprise and amusement. Sitting on his chair with a cigarette in his hand was Zack Warner, the man who had been causing him so much trouble recently. "Well, well, well, look who decided to show up," Rick said, a hint of a smirk ying on his lips. "Zack Warner, back for round three. And here I thought you''d take a little longer to crawl out of your hole." Zack took a long drag from his cigarette, leaning back in the chair with a casual air, his eyes cold and calcting. "Surprised to see me, Rick? I figured you''d be expecting me sooner orter." Rick pushed off the wall, taking a few steps closer. "Surprised you made a move this fast," he replied, crossing his arms. "After that ass-kicking you got at the hospital, I figured you''d need more time to lick your wounds." Zack chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that. But this isn''t about our little scuffle." Rick''s gaze shifted to the old man standing beside Zack, his face marred by a sinister scar that ran across his cheek. The old man''s presence added an extrayer of menace to the already tense atmosphere. Rick raised an eyebrow, taking in the intimidating figure. "Who''s your friend, Zack?" Rick asked, his tone casual, though his eyes were sharp. "Looks like you brought your grandpa along for a chat." The old man''s eyes narrowed at thement, but Zack chuckled again, blowing out a puff of smoke. "This is Mr. Graves," he said, with a mocking smile. "He''s here to make sure things go smoothly." Mr. Graves stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Rick''s. "I''m here to ensure there are no... misunderstandings," he said, his voice gravelly and menacing. "We wouldn''t want things to get out of hand, now would we?" Rick raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Smoothly, huh? Is that what you call breaking into someone''s apartment and sitting in their chair? You must have a different definition of ''smooth'' than I do." The old man stepped forward, his eyes cold and calcting. "Enough," he said in a gravelly voice. "This isn''t a debate. I am here to remind you of your ce." Rick''s eyes flicked to the old man, then back to Zack. "Ahha... Bbysitter?" The old man''s lips curled into a sneer. "I am here to ensure Zack doesn''t make the same mistakes again." Zack stood up, his posture aggressive. "You are going to pay for what you did, Rick. One way or another." Rick pushed off the wall, walking casually towards the kitchen. "You think you can scare me with your theatrics? I have dealt with worse than you." Zack''s expression hardened. "Watch your mouth, Rick. I am not here to y games. You have been messing around with things that don''t concern you." Rick snorted, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Oh, is that so? Amanda seemed pretty concerned. You know, that beautiful nurse you are so fond of? She didn''t seem too concerned when she was with me." "I am not here because of that bitch," Zack scoffed angrily at the mention of Amanda''s name, "She is just a girl I can mess up with anytime I would want." "But you dare mess with me. You made me lose face," Zack''s jaw tightened, his knuckles white as he gripped the armrest of the chair. "That is not something you can get away with. You think you can just do whatever you want without consequences?" Rick shrugged nonchntly. "I don''t think, Zack. I know. And it looks like you are the one facing consequences now. Showing up here with your grandpa doesn''t scare me." Mr. Graves stepped forward, his voice gravelly and filled with menace. "You should show some respect, boy. You have no idea who you are dealing with." Rick looked at the old man, unflinching. "Respect? Sorry, old man, respect is earned, not demanded. And so far, all I see is a couple of clowns trying to put on a show." Zack mmed his fist on the arm of the chair "Enough! This isn''t a joke, Rick. I am going to make sure you regret ever crossing me." Rick''s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Crossing you? Zack, you have been crossing your own lines since we met. You are just mad because someone finally called you out on your bullshit." The tension in the room was palpable, but Rick remained unfazed. He had dealt with worse threats before, and Zack''s bravado didn''t impress him. If anything, it was almost entertaining to watch the man try to intimidate him. Meanwhile, Rick walked away casually and opened the fridge, grabbing a beer. He popped it open and took a long sip, then turned back to Zack. "You sure you don''t want one? Might help you cool down." Zack''s face reddened with anger. "You are ying with fire, Rick." Rick took another sip, looking rxed. "You showed up in my apartment, uninvited, with your creepy grandpa here. If anyone is ying with fire, it is you, my friend." The old man stepped forward again, his voice low and menacing. "You have no idea who you are dealing with." "Is this the only fucking thing you know to speak, old man?" Rick looked at him, unperturbed, "You have no idea who you are dealing with?" Rick mimicked the old man. "Fuck, you have no idea how little I care. Now, unless you''ve got something interesting to say, get the hell out of my apartment." Zack leaned in a bit closer, his voice low and threatening. "You don''t know what I am capable of, Rick. But you are about to find out." Rick met his gaze, unblinking. "Bring it on, Zack. I have faced bigger threats than you. You think you can scare me into submission? Think again." Mr. Graves watched the exchange with a calcting eye, but Rick could see the slight tremor in the old man''s hand. Despite his tough exterior, there was a hint of uncertainty there, and Rick intended to exploit it. "You know," Rick said, his tone almost conversational, "For all your tough talk, Zack, you seem pretty desperate. Showing up here like this, trying to scare me with your grandpa by your side. It''s almost... sad." Zack''s face contorted with rage. "You think you are so smart, don''t you? So untouchable. But everyone has a breaking point, Rick. Everyone." Rick''s smirk widened. "Funny, Zack. I was just thinking the same about you." The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with unspoken threats and challenges. Rick remained rxed, his posture easy and confident, while Zack and Mr. Graves seemed to simmer with barely-contained anger. Finally, Rick pushed off the wall, straightening up. "Well, this has been fun, boys. But if you are not going to actually do anything, I have got better things to do." * * * * * Chapter 240: Rick vs Old Man Graves [1] Chapter - 240 Rick looked at him, unperturbed. "And you have no idea how little I care. Now, unless you''ve got something interesting to say, get the hell out of my apartment." Saying so, Rick turned his back on them, a clear dismissal. But it was far from over. Hearing Rick''s taunt and seeing the sheer indifference in his eyes, Zack couldn''t contain his rage. His taunt was the final straw for Zack. Fury overtook him, and despite his injuries, he tried to get up from the chair with all his strength and lunged at Rick. He used all his force to push himself up from the chair, but his body betrayed him. The pain from his unhealed wounds, particrly the grievous injury Rick had inflicted, was too much. Zack''s knees buckled, and he copsed back into the chair with a pained groan. Rick watched with a mix of amusement and disdain. "You really thought you could take me down in that condition? Pathetic," he said, shaking his head. Zack''s face twisted in rage and humiliation. He had barely survived after Rick had shoved a knife up his ass. His family had spent an enormous amount of money, resources, and even some ancient medicines that one could not even buy if they exchanged their lives with Yamaraj, to ensure Zack didn''t die from the injury. It had taken two agonizing days, but Zack had somehow managed to pull through. And the first thing Zack wanted to do upon waking was to exact revenge on Rick. But his father had other ns. Men were posted outside Zack''s room to prevent any reckless attempts at vengeance, and "Old Man Graves" was left behind to protect him. The day after Zack had recovered enough to talk, he called Old Man Graves into his room. The old man entered, his scarred face expressionless. Once alone with Graves, Zack''s frustration boiled over, "Old Man Graves, you have to help me," he pleaded. "I need to get out of here Graves." "I can''t hold back any longer. You have to take me away from here. You will have to help me. Help me kill that bastard." Old Man Graves shook his head slowly. "Your father gave strict orders, Zack. Leave it to your father, he will take care of that guy. You are not to leave this room until you are fully healed." Zack clenched his fists, frustration boiling over. "Screw my father''s orders!" Graves, an old, grizzled man with a scar running across his face, merely raised an eyebrow. "Your father left me here to keep you safe, not to aid in your revenge schemes." Zack''s expression turned desperate. "I can''t just sit here and do nothing! That bastard humiliated me, nearly killed me! I can''t just sit here and do nothing!" Graves remained impassive. "Revenge is a dish best served cold, Zack. But right now, you are in no condition to take him on." Zack leaned forward, his eyes wild. "I''ll make it worth your while, Graves. Riches, women, whatever you want. Just help me get out of here and deal with Rick." "Zack, your father would have my head if anything happened to you," Graves sighed, clearly torn, "Your father wants you alive. If you go after Rick now, you won''t make it out alive." Zack''s eyes zed with anger and desperation. "I don''t care! I need to make Rick pay," His tone turned pleading. "Please, Graves. You know what it''s like to want revenge. Help me, and I''ll make sure you''re rewarded beyond your wildest dreams." Graves studied Zack for a long moment, the conflict evident in his eyes. He had served Zack''s family for many years and had seen the boy grow into a man. Despite his better judgment, the old man''s loyalty to the family and a deep-seated understanding of Zack''s desire for revenge won out. Graves raised an eyebrow. "Worth my while? How?" Zack leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Money. Power. Women. Whatever you want, I can get it for you. Just help me get out of here and take down Rick." The old man''s eyes flickered with interest for a moment, but he quickly masked it. "I have everything I need, Zack. You know that." Zack''s frustration grew. He knew Graves was a man of few desires, but everyone had a price. He just needed to find Graves'' weakness. "I can get you more, Graves. More money, more influence. You could retire in luxury, never have to work another day in your life." Graves stared at him, his expression unreadable. Zack felt a pang of desperation. He decided to y his final card. "Think about your family, Graves. Your grandchildren. They could have a better life. I can make sure they do. Just help me." The old man''s eyes flickered again, this time with something deeper. Family was a sensitive subject for him. He had always kept his personal life separate from his work, but Zack had hit a nerve. "Fine," Graves sighed heavily, his voice low and his resolve weakening, "I''ll help you. But this is thest time I go against your father''s wishes. And we do this my way. Understood?" Zack''s face lit up with a mix of relief and determination. "Understood. Thank you, Graves. You won''t regret this." ~~~~~ Rick smirked as he looked at Zack, who was barely keeping his rage in check. "Careful there, Zack. Don''t get too worked up and strain yourself, or that tempting ass of yours might even catch Old Man Graves'' eyes and tempt the old man here." Zack''s face twisted with fury. His face turned deep shade of red as his grip on the armchair tightened until his knuckles turned white and his nails dug into the fabric. With a silentmand in his gaze, he turned to Old Man Graves telling him to make the move. Graves, understanding Zack''s unspoken order, nodded and began to walk towards Rick. His movements were slow and deliberate, as if he had all the time in the world. He kept his hands behind his back, exuding an air of calm authority. As he approached Rick, Graves spoke in a low, gravelly voice. "You know, boy, there is no personal enmity between us. But oh boy, you chose the wrong guy to mess with, the wrong family to go against. Some people, you just don''t mess with." "You sure about that, old man? You think I am scared of a couple of old men? You don''t know me very well," on the other hand, Rick''s smirk didn''t falter, "Because from where I am standing, you are the one who is chosen poorly." Even after the taunts from Rick, Old Man Graves continued his advance, his eyes never leaving Rick''s. "You have got guts, I will give you that. But guts can only take you so far. Experience, now that''s what matters." "There are some people you don''t mess with, Rick. People with power, influence, and the willingness to do whatever it takes." Rick shrugged nonchntly. "Yeah, yeah. I''ve heard it all before. Spare me the lecture, old man." Old Man Graves'' eyes narrowed as he moved closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You should listen, boy. I have seen men like youe and go. Arrogant, cocky, thinking they are invincible. They all fall eventually." Rick took a sip of his beer, unimpressed. "Is that so? Well, maybe I''ll be the exception." Graves was now just two feet away from Rick. His face remained impassive, but his eyes held a glint of malice. "You''re out of your depth, boy," he taunted. Then, in a sh, he shot his palm towards Rick''s chest, his speed surprising for someone his age. A smirk appeared on his face as he anticipated Rick''s stunned reaction. But just as Graves'' palm was inches away from making contact and crashing into Rick''s chest, the old man''s smirk froze. Mere inches away from hitting its mark, Rick''s hand shot out and grabbed Graves'' wrist, stopping the strike dead in its tracks. Rick''s grip was irond, and Graves could feel the strength behind it. The old man''s eyes widened in surprise as Rick held him in ce. "You were saying?" Rick''s voice was calm, almost bored, as he tightened his grip slightly, making Graves wince. Graves tried to pull his hand back, but Rick''s hold was unyielding. Zack watched, his face a mix of fury and frustration. This wasn''t going ording to n. "You thought you could intimidate me? Guess what, old man? I have faced tougher opponents than you." Rick couldn''t help but chuckle as he watched the Old Man struggle. Graves gritted his teeth, trying to maintain hisposure. "You don''t know what you''re getting into, Rick. This isn''t just about Zack. You are up against something much bigger." Zack, seeing his enforcer being bested, felt a surge of desperation. "Graves, do something! Don''t let him get away with this!" Graves'' eyes widened in shock. He had underestimated Rick, and now he was paying the price. Rick''s grip tightened further, and the old man''s face twisted in pain. Rick leaned in, his voice a dark whisper that cut through the tension like a knife. "You think you are the first wannabe tough guy I have put in his ce? Spare me." "Now you might want to reconsider your life choices¡ªbecause I am going to make sure you regret every single one of them." He stepped closer, his eyes cold and unyielding. "You see, I don''t just deal with problems; I eliminate them. Permanently. I gave you the chance to back off. But you missed that chance. Now, I will dismantle everything you hold dear, piece by piece, until there is nothing left but your shattered body, waiting for that final blow." * * * * * Chapter 241: Rick vs Old Man Graves [2] Chapter - 241 Rick leaned in, his voice a dark whisper that cut through the tension like a knife. "You think you are the first wannabe tough guy I have put in his ce? Spare me." "Now you might want to reconsider your life choices¡ªbecause I am going to make sure you regret every single one of them." He stepped closer, his eyes cold and unyielding. "You see, I don''t just deal with problems; I eliminate them. Permanently. I gave you the chance to back off. But you missed that chance. Now, I will dismantle everything you hold dear, piece by piece, until there is nothing left but your shattered body, waiting for that final blow." Graves shot a desperate nce at Zack before turning back to Rick. He tried to twist his wrist free, but Rick''s hold was like a vice. He attempted to pull away using brute strength, but nothing worked. Rick''s smirk only grew wider, more mocking. "Come on, Graves," Rick said, his tone almost patronizing. "Is this the best you can do? I expected more from Zack''s ''enforcer''." "Look at those puppy eyes. The poord is hoping, cheering for you to win." Graves, feeling the sting of humiliation, grew desperate. He suddenlyshed out with his free hand, aiming a punch at Rick''s face. Rick easily ducked, his smirk never faltering. "Missed me," Rick sing-songed, his taunt infuriating Graves even more. With a growl of frustration, Graves tried to kick Rick in the groin. Rick anticipated the move, stepping back just in time. "Really? Going for the low blows now?" Rickughed, shaking his head. "That''s pretty cheap, even for you." Graves'' face turned an even deeper shade of red. He lunged at Rick, swinging wildly. Rick let go of Graves'' wrist and began to dodge effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. It was almost like a dance, with Graves stumbling and iling while Rick sidestepped and parried every attack. "Come on, old man," Rick said, his voiceced with amusement. "Is that all you got?" Graves was growing more desperate with each passing second. He threw punch after punch, but Rick evaded them all, barely breaking a sweat. The old man tried a series of quick jabs, but Rick easily blocked them with his forearms. Graves'' breathing becamebored, and his movements slowed, but Rick remained unperturbed. "You know," Rick said casually, ducking under another wild swing, "you might want to consider retiring. You''re really not up to this anymore." Graves, driven by a mix of rage and desperation, let out a roar and charged at Rick, aiming a powerful punch at his head. Rick caught Graves'' fist in mid-air, twisting it around and using the momentum to flip Graves over his shoulder. The old mannded on his back with a thud, gasping for breath. Zack watched, his face a mask of fury and disbelief. "Graves, get up! Don''t let him beat you!" Rick held Old Man Graves'' hand in a vice-like grip, his mocking smirk growing wider. "What''s the matter, old man? Losing your touch?" Graves gritted his teeth, his face a mask of barely contained rage. "You arrogant little punk. You have no idea who you''re dealing with." Rick chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, I think I do. You''re just another washed-up enforcer trying to relive the glory days. Face it, you''re past your prime." On the side-line, Zack''s face contorted with anger. "Graves, don''t let him talk to you like that! Fight back!" Graves, feeling the pressure, tried to wrench his hand free, but Rick''s grip was unyielding. "You think you''re so tough, don''t you?" Graves spat, his eyes narrowing. Rick''s eyes sparkled with amusement. "Tougher than you, that''s for sure." Desperate, Graves attempted to twist and pull his hand away, but Rick''s hold was irond. The mocking smirk never left Rick''s face, adding to Graves'' humiliation. Zack''s frustration grew as he watched his hired muscle struggle against Rick. "Come on, Graves! Stop messing around and take him down!" Zack shouted; his voice tinged with panic. Graves, now desperate, attempted a dirty move. With a quick motion, he aimed a kick at Rick''s groin, hoping to catch him off guard. But Rick was ready. He shifted slightly, dodging the kick, and taunted, "Resorting to cheap shots now? That''s low, even for you." Graves'' face turned red with anger and embarrassment. He pulled back, preparing for another assault. Rick released his grip, stepping back with a rxed posture, ready for what came next. The two men circled each other, the tension in the room palpable. Graves lunged at Rick, throwing a series of punches. Rick dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. Each time Graves struck out, Rick evaded with ease, his smirk never faltering. "Is that all you''ve got, old man? I expected more," Rick taunted, sidestepping another punch. Graves growled in frustration, his attacks growing more frantic. "You little bastard! Stand still and fight like a man!" Rickughed, ducking under a wild swing. "Why would I do that? Watching you il around is way more entertaining." Zack, watching the fight with growing agitation, yelled, "Graves, stop ying around! Take him down already!" Graves'' desperation was evident. He threw a wild punch, but Rick caught his arm and twisted it, forcing Graves to his knees. Rick leaned in close, his voice a low whisper. "You''re outmatched, Graves. Just give up." With a surge of determination, Graves tried to break free, but Rick''s hold was too strong. Rick shoved him back, sending him sprawling to the floor. Graves scrambled to his feet, his breathing heavy andboured. "Come on, old man. I''m just getting warmed up," Rick said, his tone mocking. Graves charged at Rick, his fists flying. Rick danced around him, dodging and blocking with ease. Each missed punch seemed to sap more of Graves'' strength, while Rick remained fresh and unbothered. "You know, for all the hype, you''re pretty disappointing," Rick said, catching Graves'' wrist mid-punch and twisting it painfully. Graves cried out in pain, but Rick showed no mercy. He pushed Graves back, causing him to stumble and nearly fall. Graves regained his bnce, panting and sweating. "This ends now!" Graves roared,unching himself at Rick with all his remaining strength. Rick sidestepped easily, letting Graves crash into the wall behind him. The old man grunted in pain, sliding down to the floor. Rick stood over him, shaking his head. "You''re done, Graves. Stay down." Graves tried to push himself up, his trembling hands pressing against the cold, unforgiving floor. His muscles screamed in protest, the pain radiating through his battered body. He could barely lift his chest off the ground, his arms shaking under the strain. With a determined grunt, he attempted to rise, but halfway through, his strength gave out, and he copsed back down with a thud. The taste of defeat was bitter in his mouth, more so than the blood on his tongue. Rick turned to Zack, who looked pale and shaken. "Looks like your bodyguard isn''t much help after all." Zack''s face twisted with fury. Panic began to take hold of him as he watched Graves, hisst line of defence, crumble under Rick''s relentless assault. Gravesy on the floor, every breath a reminder of the pain coursing through his body. The humiliation was almost unbearable, but what gnawed at him more was the weight of his failure¡ªhe had disobeyed Zach''s father''s explicit orders. As the realization sank in, it felt like salt being rubbed into his wounds. The gravity of his mistake hit him like a sledgehammer. If word got back to Zach''s father, the consequences would be dire. He had failed in his duty, not just to Zach, but to the man who trusted him to be the protector. With great effort, Graves lifted his head, his vision blurred and his voice weak. "Sorry... Master," he croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I''ve failed you... and disobeyed your father. When he hears of this..." Before Graves could finish his sentence, Zach interrupted him. "Don''t worry, Graves," he said, his eyes narrowing as he nced at Rick. "If we finish Rick here, once and for all, it won''t be a problem. My father won''t need to know what happened, and you won''t have to fear his anger. We just need to take care of him, right here, right now." Zack quickly pulls out his phone and sends message for reinforcement. Rick,pletely unaware of Zack''s actions, continued to mock Graves as hey defeated on the floor. "You should take him and leave before things get any worse," Rick said with a casual grin. Zack hesitated, ring at Rick with pure hatred but still holding his phone close. He knew he had no choice but to stall for time until his reinforcements arrived. "Graves, get up. We''re not done here." Graves struggled to his feet, leaning heavily on Zack for support. Together, they stumbled but did not move towards the door as Rick expected. Instead, Zack kept them standing there, biding time. Ignoring them Rick walked over to the kitchen, grabbing another beer. He took a long drink, savouring the cold liquid. He knew he had to stay sharp, stay one step ahead. The game was far from over, and he was in it to win. As he sat down, his phone buzzed with a message from Jemimah. "Are you okay? I heard some things... I''m worried about you." Rick quickly typed a response. "I''m fine. Just dealing with some stuff. Don''t worry, I''ll handle it. We should talk soon." He hit send and leaned back. "Get out of here quickly! Or are you too embarrassed to go back to you Daddy?" But before Zack could respond, the apartment door suddenly burst open. Zack''s reinforcements¡ªseveralrge, menacing henchmen¡ªstood there, ready for a fight. Chapter 242: Oh Boy! Chapter - 242 The door swung open with a heavy thud, revealing seven men standing in the doorway, their presence instantly shifting the atmosphere in the room. Each of them carried an aura of raw power and danger, their eyes locking onto Rick with predatory intent. The first three were mountains of muscle, their broad frames nearly filling the doorway. Their sheer size was intimidating, with arms that looked capable of bending steel. One of them had a long, jagged scar slicing down his face, disappearing into a tangled beard¡ªa trophy from a fight that left its mark. Another''s arm was a canvas of dark, swirling tattoos. The third, bald and brawny, cracked his knuckles, the sound echoing through the room like the prelude to something brutal. Behind these giants were two men who, while not asrge, were every bit as formidable. Their bodies were chiselled and fit, the result of relentless training and countless battles. One had a deep scar running along his neck, a wicked grin on his face that hinted at the sadistic pleasure he took in his work. The other, with cold, calcting eyes, moved with the precision of a seasoned killer, every step measured, every motion deliberate. Thest two henchmen, though leaner, exuded a different kind of menace. They moved with the quiet confidence of men who had faced death and walked away. There was a coldness in their demeanour, an unsettling calm that suggested they thrived on being underestimated. All seven of them wore the same menacing grin, their eyes flicking between Zack and Rick, eager for the moment when the dogs would be unleashed on him. The men acted like they were a pack of wolves, waiting for their leader''smand to strike. But Rick knew better. With his lips curling up in a smirk, Rick''s gaze swept over them, taking in the sheer numbers of dogs ready to bite him. On the other hand, looking at the state of the room, and old man Graves situation, the tension in the room tightened, like a wire drawn taut, as the henchmen stood ready, poised to erupt into violence at Zack''s signal. Rick took another sip of his beer,pletely unfazed by the imposing figures now crowding the room. His eyes flicked over each of the henchmen, but there was no sign of concern, no hint of fear. Instead, he seemed almost amused, as if he were watching a particrly dull scene in a movie, he had seen a dozen times before. The tension in the air, the anticipation of violence¡ªit all seemed to wash over him like a gentle breeze. Thergest of the henchmen, a brute with a scarred face and arms like tree trunks, stepped forward, his heavy boots thudding against the floor. He turned to Zack, a sneer twisting his lips. "Boss, you didn''t need to call all of us for this little insect," he said, his voice a deep rumble that filled the room. His eyes flicked disdainfully toward Rick, who remained seated, still savoring his drink. "Just because he got the better of old man Graves doesn''t make him anything special. Looks like age is catching up to Graves, and he''s getting rusty. But me?" He pounded a fist into his open palm, the sound echoing like a gunshot. "I''m more than enough to squash this bug. I''ll crush him easily." The other henchmen grinned in agreement, their eyes glinting with cruel anticipation. But Rick''s expression didn''t change. He took another slow sip, letting the beer''s coolness wash over his tongue,pletely ignoring the brute''s words. It was as if the hulking man''s presence didn''t matter at all¡ªas if the entire group was beneath his notice. Rick''s calmness was unnerving, a quiet confidence that spoke volumes without him needing to say a word. Therge henchman, clearly irritated by Rick''sck of response, clenched his fists, ready to make good on his threat. But Rick remained in his seat, his eyes finally meeting the brute''s with a gaze so cold, it could have frozen fire. Rick took a long, unhurried sip from his beer, his eyes flicking casually between the seven men standing before the door. A smirk yed on his lips. The tension in the room was palpable, but Rick seemed utterly unfazed, almost amused by the sight of Zach''s reinforcements. "Well, well, well," Rick drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "Zach, you must be getting desperate. First, you bring this old man to do your dirty work," he said, nodding toward the still-struggling Graves on the floor. "And now, you''ve brought in the whole circus." "Seven of you, huh?" Rick continued, his tone light, almost conversational. "I guess you must be thinking that the odds are finally in your favour." He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head in mock pity. "Did you really think numbers would make a difference? I mean, it''s adorable that you''re still trying, but we both know how this is going to end." Rick''s gaze shifted to each of the henchmen, his smirk growing wider with every nce. "Look at you, group of miserable clowns, trying so hard to look tough. But let me tell you something¡ªyou''re not the first group of idiots trying to fight me, and you sure as hell won''t be thest." Therge henchman, clearly irritated by Rick, decided he had enough of the game. His muscles tensed as he stepped forward, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. Without a word, he lifted his leg, aiming a powerful kick directly at Rick''s chest, intending to send him crashing to the ground. The sheer force behind the kick would have been enough to knock any man off his feet, especially one sitting down. But Rick in a sh of moments, moved swiftly. He didn''t flinch or spill a drop of his beer. Instead, his free hand shot up with precise timing, catching the henchman''s leg just as it was about to make contact. With a swift, fluid motion, Rick deflected the leg to the side, using the henchman''s momentum against him. The brute, caught off guard by the sudden counter, lost his bnce. His eyes widened in shock as his leg was pushed past its intended target. Unable to stop himself, the henchman stumbled forward, his massive frame tilting dangerously. In a split second, Rick pushed the leg further, adding just the right amount of force to send the hulking man crashing to the floor. The sound of the impact was like thunder, the brute''s body hitting the ground with a heavy thud that echoed through the room. Rick, still seated, took another leisurely sip of his beer, his expression unchanging. He nced down at the fallen henchman, who was groaning in pain and embarrassment, struggling to push himself back up. Rick finally spoke, his voice as cool as ever, "I''d suggest you stay down. Wouldn''t want to spill my drink now, would we?" As therge henchman groaned on the floor, another of hispanions¡ªfurious at the sight of his friend''s defeat¡ªcouldn''t contain his rage. With a roar of anger, he charged at Rick, his eyes zing with vengeance. Rick hurled the beer bottle towards the charging man. The bottle soared through the air, spinning, before crashing directly into the attacking henchman''s head. The impact was sharp and decisive. The charging bull was stopped that easily. The broken shards of the bottle scattered around him, and the henchmany sprawled, clearly out of the fight. He nced at the two downed henchmen and remarked with a smirk, "Seems like the beer was finished anyway. At least the bottle did some good." Seeing the state of his men, Zach''s face contorted with a mix of rage and frustration. His confidence, which had been so assured just moments ago, was now beginning to crumble before his eyes. His hands clenched into tight fists, his knuckles turning white as he struggled to keep hisposure. "Enough!" Zach roared, his voiceced with both fury and desperation. His eyes burned with anger as he looked at the remaining men, who were hesitating, thrown off by Rick''s easy victories. "Don''t you get it? You''re not dealing with some punk! Attack him together¡ªnow! Do you want to end up like the rest of them?" The men, realizing the gravity of the situation and the intensity of Zach''smand, steeled themselves, determination flickering in their eyes. But even as they began to move, forming a tight circle around Rick, there was an undercurrent of fear, a dawning awareness that this fight was far more dangerous than they had anticipated. Rick, still seated, let out a low, tauntingugh, seemingly unfazed by their sudden unity. He looked up at the men encircling him and then at Zach, his grin widening. "Thanks for the advice, Zach. Saves me the trouble of picking you off one by one. It will be quicker this way! Now, let''s get this over with, shall we?" Hisughter, soft yet resonant, echoed through the room, a chilling counterpoint to the mounting tension. Chapter 243: Ass kicking continues Chapter - 243 The five men closed in around Rick, thickening the air with an undercurrent of impending violence. They moved like predatory wild, hungry wolves¡ªeyes locked on their prey, muscles coiled and ready to strike. The circle they formed was tight, cutting off any avenue of escape, theirbined presence a wall of brute force and savage intent. Zack''s confidence surged as he observed the scene, a twisted grin spreading across his face. Finally, he thought, Rick was where he wanted him¡ªcornered, outnumbered, and seemingly out of options. The tables had turned, and the taste of victory was sweet on Zack''s tongue. "It''s over for you now, smartass. Let''s see how long you keepughing!", a strange confidence and satisfaction ran through Zach''s voice. But despite the five men surrounding him, Rick showed no sign of concern. His posture remained rxed; his smirk unwavering. He looked around at the snarling faces of the henchmen, then back at Zack. "You think you''ve got me, huh?" he said, his toneced with mocking amusement. Just as the henchmen prepared to pounce, Rick showcased quick reaction. He shot up from the sofa, delivering a solid uppercut to the nearest thin henchman. Rick''s uppercut sent the first thin henchman staggering back, and as he did, the familiar chime of the system filled Rick''s mind. [Ding!] [System notification: Weaknesses detected in enemies.] The system''s analysis shed before Rick''s eyes. The thin henchman, still reeling from the punch, was highlighted first: [Weakness: Previous knee injury. Target to cause temporary destabilization.] Rick wasted no time. With a swift, calcted kick to the thin man''s knee, a sickening crack echoed in the room as the man crumpled to the ground, howling in pain. The system then highlighted the muscr brute: [Weakness: Right shoulder¡ªrecently dislocated. Strikes to the joint will cause severe pain.] Rick feinted a punch towards the brute''s face, and as the man instinctively raised his arm to block, Rick shifted his stance and drove a sharp fist directly into the man''s right shoulder. The brute let out a guttural cry, his arm going limp as pain shot through his body. He stumbled back, clutching his shoulder, leaving a gap in the circle. Next was one of the fit, muscr men, his stance firm but his eyes betrayed a hidden vulnerability: [Weakness: Partial hearing loss in left ear. Exploit with feints and loud, disorienting sounds.] With three men temporarily disabled, Rick spun around and delivered a sharp p to the ear of the muscr man. The force caused a loud ringing in the man''s ear, disorienting him and causing him to lose bnce. Before the next man could react, Rick shifted his weight and delivered a precise kick to the side of the first muscr man''s knee. The man let out a guttural groan, his knee buckling under the impact, forcing him down to one knee. The room was no longer closing in on Rick. He had created the space he needed, and the remaining men were reeling from the rapid assault. Zack, who had been watching with growing frustration, finally snapped. "What are you buffoons doing? Get him, now!" Rick, now standing tall andposed, shot a nce at Zack and smirked. "Looks like your clowns haven''t rehearsed for a good performance," Rick taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. "All show, no substance." Frustration boiled over in Zack. In fury, and without thinking, he grabbed a paperweight and hurled it toward Rick with all his might. Rick saw iting out of the corner of his eye and casually sidestepped, letting the projectile sail past him. The paperweight struck one of Zack''s henchmen, square in the shoulder. The man grunted in pain, stumbling backward from the unexpected hit. Rick chuckled; his eyes gleaming with amusement. "If you wanted to beat up your own men, Zack, you should''ve done that at home. This isn''t the time for self-sabotage." Zack''s face flushed with anger, realizing his outburst had only made things worse. The henchmen, bruised and seething with anger, slowly pushed themselves back up, their faces set with grim determination. The earlier chaos had given way to a more focused, calcted fury. They exchanged nces, silently coordinating their next move. The humiliation they had endured fuelled their resolve, and they were eager for revenge. Rick watched them rise with a wry smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Looks like you haven''t had enough," he called out, his tone dripping with mockery. "Well, if you want to get beaten by me that badly, who am I to disagree?" He stood up, stretchingnguidly as he continued, "But I''m still giving you an offer¡ªget out of here now with whatever self-respect you have left, and unharmed. Or stay, and let me make sure you remember this day as the worst of your lives." The henchmen exchanged grim, determined looks, their anger now channelled into a focused drive to make Rick pay for their recent humiliation. They were not about to back down, and Rick''s taunts only seemed to stoke the fire within them. One of the henchmen, a broad-shouldered brute, seized arge, ornate vase. With a fierce re, he hefted the vase, its weight straining his muscles as he prepared for a powerful swing. He swung the vase with all his might, aiming for Rick''s head. Rick''s eyes tracked the motion, and he swiftly ducked, letting the vase pass overhead. The vase crashed into the wall behind him, shattering into a spray of ceramic fragments. Without missing a beat, Rick sprang forward, delivering a sharp kick to the henchman''s midsection. The impact sent the brute stumbling backward, his pained grunt mingling with the sound of the broken vase. As the brute with the vase staggered back, another henchman lunged at Rick, gripping a metal floormp with both hands. At the same moment, another henchman, brandishing a wooden chair, took a heavy swing aimed at Rick. Rick''s sharp eyes tracked the approaching threats. He ducked just in time, narrowly avoiding themp as it whooshed overhead. Themp''s metal base crashed down onto the chair-wielding henchman''s shoulder with a sickening thud, sending him stumbling back with a pained yelp. The chair-wielder, momentarily disoriented, lost his grip and the chair flew out of his hands, its wooden frame splintering as it collided with the metalmp. The chair''s broken legs cracked into themp-wielder''s shins, eliciting a howl of pain. Both henchmen were now caught in their own trap. Themp-wielder''s face twisted in agony as he clutched his bleeding shin, while the chair-wielder rubbed his bruised shoulder, ncing angrily at hispanion. Rick couldn''t suppress a smirk as he observed the chaos. "Careful, you two! At this rate, I''ll need a front-row seat to thisedy show," he teased, his voice dripping with mockery. Rick, couldn''t help but let out a chuckle. "Nice teamwork, guys! If this goes on, I don''t have to do anything. You will finish each other!", he taunted. Zach stood on the side-line scratching his head in agony. The tattooed henchman, with a wicked glint in his eye, pulled out a gleaming knife. The de caught the dim light of the room, its sharp edge promising danger. With a menacing sneer, the tattooed henchman lunged at Rick, aiming to carve a deadly arc. The de swished towards Rick. Rick, however, had already anticipated the move. As the knife descended, Rick executed a precise, swift kick aimed at the henchman''s hand. The impact was jarring. The henchman''s grip faltered and the knife was sent hurtling through the air. It went flying in the air and then fell sharp into the foot of one of the other henchmen, a burly man who had been cautiously observing from the side. The man''s eyes widened in shock as he looked down at the de protruding from his foot. He let out an ear-piercing cry that echoed through the wrecked apartment. "?Madre m¨ªa! ?Esto duele!" he wailed, his voice cracking with pain and disbelief. He hopped around on one foot, clutching his injured leg. Rick''s lips curled into a grin, watching the chaotic scene unfold. "Well, I didn''t expect a knife-throwing lesson today," he quipped, shaking his head in mock admiration. "But I must say, your aim is atrocious! Or maybe it''s just that your friends are an easy target." One henchman quickly grabbed a picture frame and rushed towards Rick. His face was set in a hard line as he gripped the frame tightly, preparing to swing it with all his strength. The wooden frame, adorned with sharp, jagged edges, was poised to strike. Rick''s eyes tracked the movement. As the henchman swung the frame downwards, Rick nimbly sidestepped, the frame crashing into the floor with a resounding crash. Shards of wood splintered and flew in all directions. Seizing the moment, Rick spun around. He grabbed the edge of the frame, using its own momentum to wrench it out of the henchman''s hands. The henchman, thrown off bnce, staggered backward, his grip ckening. Rick closed the distance quickly, driving a hard elbow into the henchman''s side. The impact forced the henchman to drop to one knee, his breath hissing out in a sharp burst. Without giving him a moment''s respite, Rick delivered a powerful punch to his jaw, sending the henchman sprawling onto his back, and the many on the floor like a massive pile of bloated muscles. Chapter 244: Finally some beer break Chapter - 244 Zach''s frustration boiled over as he watched his henchmen stumble and fail repeatedly. His face flushed with rage; fists clenched tightly. "You call yourselves professionals?" he shouted, his voice dripping with disdain. "My father pays you well, feeds you, and this is what I get in return? A bunch of idiots who can''t even take down one guy!" His eyes burned with fury as he looked at the fallen men. "I don''t pay you to flop around like amateurs! You were hired to get results, not embarrass me in front of this clown!" Rick nced at Zach with a smirk. "Maybe you should''ve spent less on their meals and more on their training," he quipped. "I mean, for all the money your daddy''s pouring into these guys, they sure fight like they''re fresh outta clown school." The henchmen slowly began to rise, one by one. Their breaths came heavy,boured from the exertion and the beating they''d taken. Faces bruised, bodies aching, but their determination had not faltered. They wiped sweat from their brows, spit blood from their mouths, and exchanged quick nces with one another¡ªa silent, grim agreement between them. Their eyes turned to Rick, now more focused than ever, and with that shared understanding, they readied themselves. Two of the henchmen charged at Rick simultaneously, one from the left and the other from the right, their movements aggressive and fast but predictable. Rick watched them closely, ready to react. They came at him with synchronized fury, clearly trying to corner him, but Rick moved with ease, his eyes darting between them, reading their approach like an open book. The henchman on the left lunged first, throwing a wild punch aimed at Rick''s head. Rick ducked under it, then spun around just in time to block the second henchman''s kick with his forearm. He twisted the attacker''s leg, using the momentum to throw him off bnce, sending him stumbling backward. It was too easy¡ªtoo clean. As Rick deflected the second blow, a faint sound caught his attention, just barely in time. From the corner of his eye, he noticed the third henchman, creeping in silently behind him. Unlike the others, this one hadn''t rushed in recklessly. His massive arms were raised high, ready to bring them down like a sledgehammer onto Rick''s back. Rick reacted purely on instinct, twisting his body to the side. He barely managed to escape the powerful swing, the brute''s arms crashing down with a force that shook the floor beneath them. Rick could feel the rush of air from the near miss as he dropped to the ground, rolling out of the way. The heavy thud of fists hitting nothing but the hard floor echoed through the room. The third henchman, now realizing his surprise attack had failed, let out a loud sigh of frustration, his breath ragged from the effort, disappointment etched across his face. Rick, now crouched a few feet away, nced up with a wry grin. "Guess I''m not as easy to catch as you thought, huh?" he quipped, brushing the dust from his shoulder. Two henchmen, driven by frustration, decided to act. One, with a determined look, grabbed arge floormp, twisting the heavy metal base off the floor, while the other yanked down the long curtains from the window. Their n was clear: trap Rick between themp''s reach and the thick, choking fabric of the curtains. The first goon swung the heavymp in a wide arc, aiming for Rick''s side with brutal force, while the second one came low, charging with the curtains outstretched like a, trying to tangle Rick in its folds. Rick, anticipating the move, swiftly ducked under the swing of themp, feeling the rush of air as it narrowly missed his head. Without pausing, he rolled forward, escaping the curtain just as it was about to wrap around his torso. The two henchmen red at him, clearly frustrated but now more cautious after their failed attempt. Rick was engaged with two henchmen. He ducked under a wide swing from one, swiftly countering with a sharp elbow that sent the attacker stumbling back. As he turned to face the second henchman, Rick saw a series of jabs and hooks aimed at his midsection. He ducked and weaved, grabbing the henchman''s arm and twisting it behind his back, forcing him to stagger and lose his bnce. Zack, watching from the sidelines, saw Rick grappling with the two attackers and felt a surge of confidence. His eyes burned with a fierce determination as he yelled instructions and encouragement to his henchmen. "Come on! Smash him! He''s wide open¡ªnow''s your chance! Break him!" While Rick was busy with the two, another one spotted a chance to finish Rick off. He grabbed an empty beer bottle and he threw the bottle towards Rick''s head. But Rick caught the sh of movement out of the corner of his eye. Reacting quickly, he ducked to one side, and the bottle whizzed past his ear. The bottle went on towards Zach, who was in that direction. Graves, saw the bottle and and he himself in front of Zach, taking most of the impact on his shoulder. But the bottle shattered upon contact, spraying shards and a sharp piece of ss cut across Zach''s cheek. Zach was momentarily stunned; his shouting has stopped and his eyes were were wide open in shock and surprise. His eyes teared up. He clutched his face as blood trickled from the cut, and he let out a wailing cry. "Ahhh!" he shouted, tears welling in his eyes as he stumbled back. In the midst of the chaotic brawl, his pocket began to buzz. The first long ring was almost drowned out by the sounds of the fight, but the vibration in his pocket became unmistakable. Another ring followed, and then a third¡ªsomeone was calling him. Right after the final ring, a short vibration signalled a message. Rick threw a punch, knocking one henchman back before darting towards the kitchen. He needed space. Moving swiftly, he dodged an iing attack and slipped into the kitchen, mming the door behind him and locking it. The noise outside muffled slightly as he caught his breath and quickly reached into his pocket to check his phone. Three missed calls. One message. It was from Jemimah: "Rick, are you okay? Your father seemed deeply concerned about you for some reason. He was asking if you called or if anyone called about you. Please call him when you have time." Rick''s expression darkened. His father concerned? He knew exactly what that meant. It wasn''t concern¡ªit was about the rat poison. The man was only trying to find out if his attempt had seeded. Rick''s jaw clenched as the anger bubbled beneath the surface, the memories of their twisted,plicated rtionship shing in his mind. Without wasting another moment, Rick quickly typed back: "I''m fine. I''ll be meeting my ''concerned'' father soon." Just as Rick finished sending the message, the door behind him exploded inward with a deafening crack. A powerful kick from one of the brutes had shattered itpletely, sending the door flying off its hinges. The force of the blow hit Rick squarely in the side, sending him tumbling back. Rick staggered for a moment, his body hunched as he tried to regain his breath. The brute stepped through the shattered doorway, his massive frame filling the room as he sneered, clearly pleased with the chaos he had just unleashed. The henchman cracked his knuckles, ready for the next round, while Rick, recovering quickly, wiped the side of his mouth, his eyes narrowing with a mix of pain and anger. The henchmen poured into the kitchen, grabbing whatever they could find¡ªknives, meat cleavers, even a heavy cast-iron skillet.Graves, looking bruised and battered but still very much in the fight, joined the men, snatching arge carving knife and eyeing Rick with cold intent. Behind them, Zach, still nursing the cut on his cheek, limped into the room, grinning through the pain. He winced with every step but was clearly savouring the moment. "You think you''re clever, huh, Rick?" Zach sneered, his voice dripping with mockery. "But now? Now we''ve got the tools¡ªand the numbers. This is over for you. Let''s see how fast you can dodge when you''re cornered!" Rick''s eyes scanned the room as the group slowly advanced, weapons in hand. Zach, emboldened by the sheer number of armed men around him, swung a kitchen knife wildly, trying tond a blow. Rick dodged the sloppy attack, but Zach''s grin remained, his confidence swelling. "Come on, Rick! You''re notughing anymore, are you?" Zach taunted, as the others circled closer, their weapons gleaming under the kitchen lights. Rick''s mood had shiftedpletely. The moment he saw the message from Jemimah, the fight became something else¡ªno more games, no more quips. His father''s scheming, his betrayal, all of it had lit a fire in Rick. As the armed henchmen closed in, Rick''s face hardened with cold determination. He was done ying. One of the hulking brutes, gripping arge kitchen knife, lunged at him with raw power, aiming to gut Rick. Without hesitation, Rick grabbed a heavy cutting board from the counter and raised it like a shield. The brute''s de mmed into the wood, splintering part of it, but Rick spun on his heel and smashed the cutting board into the brute''s face. The impact was brutal¡ªblood sprayed from the man''s nose as he staggered back, stunned. Before the next henchman could react, a second brute charged from Rick''s left, brandishing a meat cleaver. Rick, still holding the shattered cutting board in one hand, reached for a cast-iron pan with the other. The cleaver came down, but Rick blocked the blow with the cutting board and, in the same motion, swung the pan at the brute''s temple with a sickening thud. The man crumpled to the ground, unconscious before he even hit the floor. Another attacker¡ªa wiry, skinny guy with a deadly gleam in his eyes¡ªmoved in fast, shing wildly with a knife. Rick deflected the first attack with the pan, but the knife-wielding henchman was quick. Too quick. He came at Rick again, this time aiming for his neck. In a split-second decision, Rick grabbed a bread pan and used it to trap the man''s wrist, twisting it sharply. The knife ttered to the ground as the man let out a howl of pain, only for Rick to follow up with a knee to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. He folded in half, groaning in agony. As Rick dealt with the wiry attacker, another brute made his move, raising a kitchen stool over his head, ready to crush Rick with it. Rick, eyes zing with fury, dodged the swing and in one fluid motion, hurled a nearby ss bottle of olive oil at the brute''s head. The bottle shattered against the man''s skull, the oil spilling across the kitchen floor. Zach, standing too close, slipped on the oil and crashed to the ground with a loud thud, his head smacking against the floor as he let out a pitiful groan. His earlier bravado was gone¡ªhe was out cold, his fall leaving him unconscious. The chaos only intensified as the remaining attackers closed in. Rick, showing no mercy, mmed a frying pan into another henchman''s jaw, disarming him instantly. The brute fell to the floor, clutching his face in pain. One of the medium-built, athletic henchmen tried to get the drop on Rick with a powerful knife thrust, but Rick sidestepped the attack, grabbed the man''s arm, and drove his elbow into his throat. The man copsed, gasping for air, eyes wide in panic. Rick then turned to thest of the skinny, deadly-looking attackers. This one was more cautious, keeping his distance. But Rick, sensing the man''s hesitation,unched himself forward, striking with a precise, vicious kick to the man''s knee, copsing him in an instant. Rick finished him off with a savage punch to the face, sending the henchman sprawling. Graves stood by, thest one remaining. His cold eyes watched as Rick dispatched each of his men with cold efficiency. He tightened his grip on the knife in his hand, readying himself for the final confrontation. But Rick was already advancing toward him, fists clenched, breathing heavy, his eyes still burning with rage. It was time to finish it. Rick and Graves squared off. Graves, still holding therge kitchen knife, moved in quickly, his experience evident in his footwork. He shed towards Rick with deadly precision, aiming for his midsection. Rick, in no mood for games, dodged the de with lightning speed, weaving to the side and delivering a sharp elbow strike to Graves'' jaw. Graves staggered back, but he wasn''t down. He retaliated with a vicious swipe aimed at Rick''s neck, but Rick was faster, catching Graves'' wrist mid-swing and twisting it sharply. The knife ttered to the floor as Graves grimaced in pain. Without hesitating, Rick brought his knee up, mming it into Graves'' abdomen, forcing the older man to double over. Rick finished the fight with a brutal punch to the side of Graves'' head, sending him crashing into the counter. Graves copsed, dazed and barely conscious, his body slumping against the kitchen cabs. Just as Rick turned to assess the rest of the room, one of the henchmen on the floor¡ªstill groaning from his earlier beating¡ªgrabbed a fire extinguisher from a nearby corner and hurled it with all his remaining strength. His aim was clumsy, the extinguisher sailed through the air, crashing into the refrigerator. There was a loud *hiss* as the impact ruptured something inside. Before Rick could react, the room erupted in a fiery explosion. mes engulfed the kitchen, debris flying in every direction. Rick, with lightning-fast reflexes, dove behind the kitchen ind, using it as cover. The st rattled the entire apartment, but Rick managed to shield himself, taking almost no damage as the mes roared around him. Through the ringing in his ears, he could hear the distant sound of sirens approaching. The sirens grew louder, cutting through the chaos as smoke and fire filled the apartment. Chapter 245: Old Friends Chapter - 245 The door burst open as emergency care workers rushed into the smoke-filled room. Rick, still tucked down behind the counter, stayed low as the professionals quickly assessed the scene. His body was shielded from the worst of the explosion, but he remained hidden, watching as they moved. One by one, they loaded the stretchers. Nine in total¡ªeach henchman bruised, bloodied, and majorly injured from the fight and the explosion. Graves was among them, he was carried out, his injuries severe but not life-threatening. Zach, too, was brought out on a stretcher, though his injuries were less grave. His body showed moderate bruising apart from his previous injuries, and he was unconscious, likely knocked out from the force of the st. Rick watched quietly from his position; his breath steady as they wheeled the stretchers past him. The scene was almost surreal¡ªthe carnage left behind; the broken bodies of his enemies being carried away towards the harsh, blinking lights of the emergency vehicles outside. One of the care workers spotted Rick, crouched behind the counter. They rushed over; concern etched across their face. "Are you alright?!" they asked, bending down to meet his eye level. Rick slowly stood up, dusting off his clothes casually. "I''m fine," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. The worker hesitated, looking back at the devastation. "What happened here?" Rick shrugged, his gaze still lingering on the stretchers being loaded into the ambnces. "ident," he said, his tone indifferent. The worker blinked, uncertain how to respond, but sensing no need to press further, they nodded and moved on. Rick, now fully upright, watched thest of the stretchers disappear out the door, the sirens growing louder as the night air filled with the chaos of the aftermath. The chaos had barely subsided when the sound of approaching sirens changed¡ªpolice cars this time. The shing red and blue lights bathed the already ravaged apartment in a harsh, flickering glow. Rick stood near the kitchen counter, watching as the police made their entrance, their faces showing a mix of curiosity and caution as they surveyed the wreckage. Two officers, clearly familiar with the situation, stepped forward. One of them, locked eyes with Rick. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he approached. "Well, well, well! Look who it is. The bloody angel of death himself." His partner, equally unimpressed, took a step closer, eyeing the group of stretchers being loaded outside. "How many did you kill this time, Rick? And what is it now? Let me guess¡ªself-defences?" Rick didn''t flinch at the sarcastic tone. He''d heard it all before. Twice, to be exact. "It was an ident and nobody died," he replied calmly. The officer sighed, clearly weary of the pattern. "Third time''s a charm, eh? Can''t help but notice this keeps happening around you." The older officer, arms crossed, let out a dry chuckle. "An ident, huh? We''ll see about that soon enough." He nodded toward the stretchers being loaded outside. "Still, hurting Warner''s kid twice? You''re in deep this time, Rick." Rick remained stone-faced, barely reacting to the mention of Zach''s powerful father. The other officer, shaking his head, motioned to the scene around them. "You''reing in for questioning. Again. This whole thing smells off." Rick gave a slight nod. He''d been through this before. There would be questions, suspicions, but in the end, he knew he''d walk free. He always did. And Marnus Warner, the tthreat loomed, but Rick was ready. >>> Rick sat in the cold, sterile interrogation room, a single light overhead casting long shadows on the in walls. Across the table sat two detectives, their eyes scrutinizing Rick, trying to unravel the mystery. Opening his notebook and clicking his pen, Detective Miller the older one began his interrogation. "So, Mr. Rick! Can you borate what exactly happened in your apartment?" "Like I said, it was just an ident!", Rick spoke without a care. "But nine people! Nine of them severely injured are lying in hospitals. Are you saying that just an ident caused that?", the detectives voice grew sharp. "It was a big explosion! The refrigerator malfunctioned or something. I am sure you got the report by now. It was just a big, stupid, ident!", Rick repeated calmly. "And you? How are youpletely unharmed?", the younger detective, Detective Job sounded usatory. "I was lucky, I guess. I war near counter, so I ducked and hid behind it. I guess the emergency responders can confirm.", Rick replied without even a slight hint of tension. The younger detective, clearly agitated, shot up from his chair, pacing the room. "Luck? What kind of luck makes you walk away while nine others are taken out on stretchers?" Rick just stared at him and shrugged. Detective Jacob, even more agitated, shouted. "That''s it? ''ident'' and ''Luck''? Nine people don''t end up half-dead from an ident, Rick! And what about their wounds? What about the knife marks, what about ss remained on their wounded head? Are you still going to say it was just an ident?" "Huh! Maybe the knives and the sses flew away and collided with them due to the explosion!", Rick acted as if he was clueless. "The knives flew due to the explosion! Ha! Is that even possible?", Detective Jacob burst into anger, almost losing his mind. "I don''t know. I am no expert in explosion!", Rick smirked. "No! No! You attacked them, you clearly caused them serious damage, then you tried to get rid of the evidences with the help of the explosion!", the detective shouted while clutching his hairs. Rick''s eyes remained steady; his tone cool. "I didn''t attack anyone; I did not n any explosion. Like I said¡ªident. That''s all there is to it." "Don''t take us being na?ve Mr. Rick. We know that you have history with Mr. Zach Warner. Now tell us what exactly happened? Why was he at your ce? Why were all those men there? Was he threatening you? Tell us the truth Mr. Rick. If we think your actions are justified, we will help you.", Detective Miller sounded calm andposed, trying to coerce a confession out of Rick. But Rick knew that even if he tells the truth, the police, who is in the pocket of Warner, won''t help him. Rick crossed his hands, took a deep breath and in a calm tone replied, "I have already told the truth! So, can I go now? Although it might not seem like it, I am pretty much devastated about what happened to those people and my apartment. So, if you please excuse me, I would like some time to collect my thoughts. Or am I under arrest?" The detective sighed, clearly not satisfied. "We''ll see about that, Rick. This isn''t over." Detectives Jacobs and Miller were visibly irritated. Their faces were flushed, their patience wearing thin as they questioned Rick. The room''s s cold environment only heightened their frustration. The detectives exchanged exasperated looks, the tension in the room thickening as they struggled to make sense of Rick''s uncooperative stance. Jacobs mmed his hand down on the metal table, the sound echoing sharply. "This story of yours is unbelievable. You expect us to ept that this was all an ident?" Then, the door to the interrogation room swung open abruptly. Sergeant Linda Swan entered with amanding presence, her sharp gaze immediately cutting through the charged atmosphere. The detectives'' irritation shifted to surprise. Linda''s entrance was like a sudden gust of wind in a stifling room, altering the dynamic instantly. Rick''s eyes locked onto Linda''s. His face let out a sly smile, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the situation. Linda''s presence added tension, her demeanour suggesting she was there for more than just routine matters. Linda''s entrance was followed by a deadly silence as she fixed Rick with a gaze that could only be described as murderous. Her eyes, sharp, drilled into him with a menacing intensity that hinted at harsh consequences. It was the kind of stare that seemed to strip away any semnce of safety, suggesting she could end him without a second thought. The air around her crackled with unspoken threats, the weight of her displeasure was felt in the atmosphere. Rick met Linda''s stare with an unshakable calm, an excited glint in his eyes as if he revelled in the challenge her presence represented. His smirk remained, betraying none of the fear or concern that might have been expected. It was as if he thrived on the tension she exuded, his demeanour almost daring her to act on the silent menace she projected. The two detectives, momentarily caught off guard by Linda, exchanged hushed whispers, their voices barely audible over the quiet hum of the fluorescent lights. "Remember thest time?" Detective Jacobs asked in a low voice, ncing at Linda. "Two detectives were supposed to handle him, but she came in on the Commissioner''s orders, right?" Detective Miller nodded, her gaze flickering between Linda and Rick. "Yeah, and Rick somehow managed to get out of that without much trouble. But Linda¡ªshe was a mess for days afterward Jacobs leaned in closer, his voice barely more than a whisper. "I heard she was confused, almost empty-headed for a while. On top themissioner was heavily displeased and unsatisfied with her." Miller''s brow furrowed in thought. "Seems like she''s still carrying some of that weight. Look at the way she''s staring at Rick. There''s more to this than just a simple interrogation." "Silence!", Linda roared, "and you two, get out!" Chapter 246: Old Fuck-Enemies Chapter - 246 The door closed with a sharp click as the two detectives left, leaving Rick and Sergeant Linda Swan alone in the cold, dim interrogation room. The air was thick with tension, almost suffocating, as if the walls themselves were holding their breath, anticipating the inevitable sh between them. The sterile fluorescent light flickered, casting harsh shadows on the cracked, chipped walls. The table between them felt like a dusty saloon bar counter, and the silence was the type you''d find in a deste western town just before a duel. The chairs were hard, metal, and unforgiving, but neither of them shifted an inch. They remained frozen, locked in a silent face-off. It was as though time had slowed down, with the room heavy like the dry heat of a desert, waiting for the first move to be made. Linda''s stare was seething, brimming with a fury that barely masked her desire for revenge and retribution. Her eyes, dark and cold, demanded payback for what Rick had done to her thest time they crossed paths. The memory ran through her mind: Rick brutally thrusting himself into her, treating her like a ve, and she was ashamed that she enjoyed it. But now she wanted to straight things out. Her hands clenched into tight fists at her sides, fingers itching as if ready to draw and fire a gun. She was the hunter, and her prey was sitting across from her, daring her to act. The intensity of her gaze screamed vengeance, but she remained still¡ªcoiled, waiting, but clearly aching for a fight. Rick, on the other hand, sat with a casual confidence that contrasted starkly with her smouldering anger. His posture was rxed, leaning back in his chair as if they were discussing something trivial. His eyes danced with amusement, a yful glint in them as though this entire encounter was nothing more than a game. His smirk never left his face, and his gaze was light but sharp, tracing the outline of her body, teasing her without words. He was the ouw sitting in the centre of town, unbothered, knowing full well that he could handle whatever came his way. The atmosphere between them felt like a ssic Western standoff, two gunslingers in a ghost town, sizing each other up before the inevitable draw. The room seemed to shrink around them, the space between their gazes a battlefield. The flickering light overhead buzzed, mimicking the tension, while outside, the muted hum of the police station seemed a world away, distant and irrelevant. Linda''s jaw tightened as Rick''s smirk grew wider, the silent mockery hanging heavy in the air. The tension was a tight wire, ready to snap. One wrong move, one word, and it would all explode into a chaotic, final showdown. But for now, they remained locked in that charged silence, each waiting for the other to flinch. And yet, Rick''s eyes never wavered showing a yful challenge. He was the ouw with a hand on his holster, daring her to make the first move, confident that when the dust settled, he''d still be the one standing. Rick was testing the waters, bidding his time. Linda was a one time thing, but fuck, thinking about that time still gave Rick a hard on. The silence stretched on, taut as a drawn bowstring, until finally, Linda could no longer contain herself. Her jaw clenched, her eyes burning with unspoken rage, she broke the stillness with a voice low and venomous, each word dripping with menace. "This time," she hissed, leaning forward, her fists nted firmly on the cold, metal table, "I will make you suffer." Her words cut through the heavy air like a de, the sound sharp and deliberate. The anger in her eyes zed, as if every syble was fuelled by the humiliation she had endured. "You think you got the better of me before, Rick? You think you can do whatever you want?" Her lip curled into a snarl, her body vibrating with barely suppressed fury. "But this time, I will show you what real pain is. I will make you suffer for what you did to me." Rick''s smirk widened at her threat, amusement dancing in his eyes. He tilted his head slightly, as if considering her words, then leaned back even further in his chair,pletely at ease despite the heat radiating from Linda''s fury. "Aww! You don''t have to act all angry and threating just to meet me! We could just meet outside and enjoy together like normal people. Oh, my bad. I didn''t give you my contactst time!", Rick replied, his voiceced with mockery and he winked at Linda. Linda''s eyes narrowed, her fingers tightening on the edge of the table until her knuckles turned white. "Enough!", she shouted in anger and mmed the table. "Ouch! Darling, be careful or you will hurt yourself! And please drop this act of anger! You enjoyed itst time and I know you are excited for now!", Rick again mocked Linda "You have no idea what''sing for you, Rick," she growled, her voice low and filled with promise. "But this time, I won''t be making the same mistake." The room felt even smaller now, the air heavy with the threat of what was toe. It was clear that this confrontation was far from over, and Linda''s desire for revenge had only just begun to surface. Linda dialled her phone and shortly two men came into the room with a rope, a baton, and a taser. They hesitated for moment looking at Sergeant Linda. A man questioned, "But Sergent! He isn''t even charged. Shouldn''t we at least¡­." "Shut up and just do as I say. Tie him up nicely and leave the rest to me!", Linda cut off the man with amanding tone. "Yes ma''am!", the men agreed and proceeded towards Rick with the rope. As the two men moved toward Rick with the rope, their steps hesitant but obedient, Linda''s eyes gleamed with anticipation. She crossed her arms, watching with satisfaction, already savouring the control she was about to have. Rick, still unfazed, leaned back, that ever-present smirk dancing on his lips, as if this was nothing more than a game he was enjoying. Just as the men reached him, Linda''s phone rang. The shrill sound cut through the tense atmosphere like a knife. She frowned, annoyed, but pulled her phone from her pocket and nced at the screen. Seeing themissioner''s name shing, she cursed under her breath and answered. "What?" she snapped into the phone. There was a brief pause as she listened to the voice on the other end. Her expression darkened, the tension in her body shifting from anticipation to frustration. The two men stopped mid-step, rope in hand, casting nervous nces at each other as they waited for orders. "Awyer?" Linda repeated, her toneced with disbelief. Her grip on the phone tightened as she turned her back slightly, her voice dropping to a low growl. "From Warner? Coming to press charges against Rick?" Her eyes flickered toward Rick, who was still watching her with a cocky grin. "You''re serious?" Themissioner on the other end confirmed, and Linda''s scowl deepened. She let out an exasperated sigh, her fingers pinching the bridge of her nose as if the weight of the situation was finally starting to wear her down. "Fine," she spat. "I''ll deal with it." She hung up and stood there for a moment, gripping the phone so tightly it looked as if she might snap it in two. Then, with an irritated huff, she turned to the two men and barked, "Stop!" The men froze, exchanging confused looks. One of them, the one holding the rope, dared to ask, "What now, Sergeant?" Linda''s eyes shed with annoyance. "Warner''s sending in hiswyer to press charges against him." She gestured toward Rick, who raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the sudden change in direction. "So, put the damn rope down." The menplied immediately, backing away from Rick with a sense of relief but still unsure what to make of the situation. Linda stared at Rick for a long moment, the anger still simmering behind her eyes. But now, there was something else¡ªdisgust. She shook her head, muttering under her breath as she crossed her arms. "I can''t believe it. Marnus Warner, pressing charges?" She spat the words like they were poison. "The Warner I knew would''ve had you tortured or killed by now for what you did to his only son. But now¡ªpressing charges? It''s pathetic. Warner used to be ruthless," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else. "What the hell happened to him?" "Aww! Are you sad that we won''t be having your private session? So you are into BDSM and power y right? We can meet outsideter and fulfil all our kinks and fantasies!", Rick chuckled mocking Linda. Linda sighed, showing her annoyance and frustration and proceeded to apany Rick out of the interrogation room. Chapter 247: Truce? Chapter - 247 As they stepped out of the interrogation room and into the broader office space of the police station, the harsh fluorescent lights overhead gave way to a more muted ambiance. The sound of phones ringing and quiet conversations filled the air, but Rick''s attention was immediately drawn to a woman standing near the reception desk, flipping through a folder with casual grace. She was striking, her appearance drawing immediate notice amidst the otherwise nd setting. Dressed in a sleek business suit that hugged her curves in all the right ces, her tight-fitting zer entuated a slim waist and ample chest, giving her a poised yet undeniably sensual look. The fabric of the suit was smooth, her blouse slightly undone at the top, offering just the hint of skin, enough to suggest a flirtation with the edge of professionalism. Her short skirt, cut just above the knee, revealed long, toned legs that extended down to a pair of elegant ck heels, her posture exuding both confidence and subtle allure. The skirt clung snugly to her hips, outlining her figure in a way that was both tasteful and enticing, the tight fabric shifting slightly as she moved, revealing the faintest trace of muscle in her thighs. She nced up from the folder she was holding, her gaze locking onto Rick''s with a cold, warning. Her lips remained pressed in a straight line, showing no sign of warmth or friendliness. There was no hint of a smile, only the sharp, cold focus of someone who had a job to do. Linda stepped forward, her expression one of clear annoyance as she addressed thewyer. "Well, well, Erica, here he is," she said, gesturing dismissively toward Rick. Her voice was dripping with dissatisfaction, as though this entire situation was beneath her. "Your target, all gift-wrapped for you. Do whatever boringw stuff you have to do." Her eyes shed with irritation, as though merely acknowledging Erica''s presence and the formalities of the legal system had been a waste of her time. "Honestly, I don''t know how you put up with this paperwork and courtroom nonsense. If it were up to me, we''d handle this the old-fashioned way." She shot a sharp nce at Rick, her lips curling into a scowl. "But I guess that''s your problem now." Linda turned on her heel, clearly eager to distance herself from the legal process. "Excuse me," she added, her toneced with sarcasm, "I''ve got better things to do than babysit criminals." Without waiting for a response, she stalked off, leaving Erica and Rick alone in the office. Erica stood tall; her cold gaze fixed on Rick. She stepped forward; voice steady butced with threat. "You''ll have to face the consequences for messing with the wrong people, Rick. You think this is over? It''s just beginning." Rick, still remainedpletely calm, his expression unreadable. He didn''t flinch or react. Instead, he whistled, folding his arms casually, as though Erica''s words were nothing more than background noise. His eyes followed her as she turned on her heel and approached a nearby detective, ready to file theint. The detective, already familiar with the case, pulled out a form and began documenting the details Erica provided¡ªZack''s injuries, the explosion, and the usations against Rick. Erica''s words came quickly, each one sharp and pointed, as if she believed this would be the nail in Rick''s coffin. As the detective finished scribbling down the details of Erica''sint, Rick stood up with a calm, deliberate movement, his demeanour still casual andposed. He stepped forward, addressing the officer but making sure his words were aimed directly at Erica. "Officer," Rick began smoothly, "I''m sure you''ve already got a record of what happened the first time with Zack. You know, when he attacked me at the hospital? Self-defence, clear as day. That should be in your file. There was a witness, too." He nced sideways at Erica, his voice carrying a subtle, yful edge. "And now we find Zack and his friends in my apartment. All of them armed, supposedly." Erica stiffened slightly, her eyes narrowing, but Rick pressed on, as if the pieces were slowly falling into ce in his mind. "It does make you wonder," he mused, casually leaning against the desk, "what exactly Zack could be doing there, with so many people. Surely, it couldn''t be a social call." He let the insinuation hang in the air, his gaze flickering toward Erica, whoseposure was starting to show cracks. "Funny thing, Officer," Rick continued, now almost addressing Erica directly, "there''s a CCTV camera pointed at my door. I''m sure it would''ve caught everything¡ªZack and his friend entering or I would say breaking into my apartment before I was even there." He paused, giving Erica just enough time to imagine the implications. "So, who knows? Maybe Zack and his friends were the one who rigged my home and nned the explosion but due to their bad luck I was saved and they were the who to face the damages." Erica''s face tightened, her confidence visibly wavering as she considered the possibility. The weight of Rick''s calm but deliberate insinuations clearly took her by surprise. Rick grinned slightly, his voice taking on a more yful tone. "You wouldn''t want to press charges against me without making sure Zack''s own story holds up, would you?" His eyes gleamed with amusement. "After all, thest thing your client needs is a counter-investigation." Erica, caught off guard, shifted her stance, visibly thrown by Rick''s suggestion. Her fingers tightened on the folder in her hands, her mind clearly racing as she recalcted her approach. Rick stepped back, still rxed, his gaze never leaving Erica''s. "Just something to think about before you go through with all that boring legal stuff," he added with a smirk, leaving the ball firmly in her court. Frustrated and clearly rattled, Erica, who hade in with every intention of crushing Rick, found herself caught off guard by his calm, methodical words. Her confidence wavered as she processed the implications of Rick''s insinuations, and the cracks in her demeanor began to show. She stood abruptly from her chair; without a word, she moved away from Rick and the detective. Her heels clicked sharply on the tile floor as she stepped into a quiet corner, her posture stiff with annoyance. Pulling out her phone, she dialed a number with quick, impatient taps. She turned her back to Rick, the frustration in her bodynguage unmistakable as she waited for the call to connect. When the person on the other end finally answered, her voice was sharp and low,ced with irritation. "Yes, it''s Erica," she said curtly, keeping her voice down but not quite managing to hide the frustration. "We''ve got a situation it''s not looking good." She nced over her shoulder briefly, eyes narrowing as she caught a glimpse of Rick still standing there, perfectlyposed, as if the entire situation amused him. She turned back to her call, her voice bing more urgent. "He''s insinuating that Zack and his men were the aggressors, and there might be CCTV footage that supports his ims. He''s got enough leverage to counter this if we press charges too hard." There was a pause as she listened to the person on the other end, her brow furrowing deeper. The annoyance in her expression grew, but she nodded slightly, following whatever orders she was being given. "Yes, I understand," she muttered, her tone clipped. " Are you sure about this?" Another pause, and then Erica sighed heavily, her frustration barely contained. "Alright, I''ll handle it. I''ll pull back for now." She ended the call, her face set in a deep scowl. For a moment, she stood there, clearly irritated at the situation''s unexpected turn. Her eyesnded on Rick, still smirking, and she fought to keep her expression neutral as she walked back toward the table. Erica took a deep breath, regaining herposure before turning to the officer at the desk. With a forced smile, she spoke in a firm tone, "Officer, will you excuse us for a moment?" She signalled Rick to follow her to a quiet corner of the station, her expression trying to maintain control, though the frustration was clear in her eyes. Facing Rick, she crossed her arms, speaking in a low voice, trying to sound as if she still had the upper hand. "You''re lucky, we are letting you go," she said, her tone sharp. "We are giving you a pass on this, so consider yourself fortunate." Rick raised an eyebrow, and a soft, sarcastic chuckle escaped him. "Is that so?" he replied, the amusement clear in his voice. "Lucky, huh?" Erica''s confident facade wavered for just a second. She knew Rick saw through the bluff. He fully understood the situation, and she could sense that her initial n had crumbled. Sighing, she softened her tone but kept her posture firm, as if still negotiating from a ce of strength. "Look," she said, "let''s not drag this out. We can resolve this without anyone pressing charges, without any more time wasted. You won''t press charges, and neither will we. That way, nobody has to deal with the fallout." Rick smirked, clearly not buying her tough exterior. "And what''s the catch?" Erica narrowed her eyes, leaning in slightly. "You have to promise to forget all of this. And you stay away from Zack. No more crossing paths, no more conflicts." Rick''s smile widened, and his voice dripped with confidence as he replied, "As long as Zack doesn''t get in my way, he won''t be crushed. Simple." Erica studied his face, knowing that was as good apromise as she was going to get. Nodding reluctantly, she gestured for Rick to follow her back to the officer''s desk. They stood before the officer, Erica taking the lead. "Officer," she began, her tone now smooth and rehearsed, "after discussing it, we''vee to an understanding. Zack was at Rick''s apartment for apromise after their past altercations. Unfortunately, two of Zack''s men got into an argument¡ªover something ridiculous, really. One thing led to another, and that''s when the explosion happened." The officer blinked, baffled by the sudden change in story. He looked from Erica to Rick and back again, his face sceptical as he picked up his pen to document the statement. "I don''t believe a word of this," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head, "but what can I do?" He finished writing, signed the document, and slid it across the desk for Erica and Rick to sign. As soon as the paperwork was finished, Rick gave a small nod to Erica, his smirk still in ce. "Pleasure doing business with you." Without another word, he turned and walked out of the police station, the cool night air hitting him as he left behind the tense atmosphere of the office. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!