Chapter 5 — The Invitation
Evelyn's hand brushed my arm — a whisper of contact, soft as silk but sharp as a blade.
"Walk with me?" she said, voice low, laced with challenge.
Judy gave a look — unreadable — and sipped her drink, staying silent.
I caught her eye before I answered.
"I'll be back."
Judy gave a small shrug, but her eyes didn't leave mine.
[System Notice: Judy Alvarez — Interest Level +5 — Emotional Hook Established]
---
Evelyn led me upstairs, heels striking the steel stairs with soft clicks.
The hallway beyond was private — low-lit, rich with the faint scent of heated chrome and synth-leather.
She leaned on the railing, one hand sliding along the edge as she faced me fully.
"So… Alaric."
Her lips curled slightly.
"Dexter DeShawn. You know the name?"
I nodded.
"Big man. Big money. Short temper."
She laughed — soft, knowing.
"Smart mouth. I like that."
She stepped closer — near enough I could feel the warmth of her skin beneath the perfume.
"You know how this city works, don't you?" Evelyn murmured. "Power's just… knowing the right people. And knowing how to play them."
I met her gaze, steady.
"And you want me… to play along?"
Evelyn tilted her head, eyes scanning mine like a slow scan.
"I want you to play it smart. And… maybe play me a little too. If you dare."
[System Notice: Evelyn Parker — Interest Level +20 — Seduction Threshold Approaching]
I let a grin touch the edge of my mouth.
"Is that a challenge… or an invitation?"
Evelyn leaned in, her breath a whisper against my jaw.
"Maybe both."
---
A soft sound behind us.
Judy.
Leaning on the doorway, arms crossed — that guarded look on her face, eyes shadowed but watching.
Evelyn turned her head slightly, not looking back.
"Don't worry, Judy. We're just… talking."
Judy's gaze flicked to me — held.
"Uh-huh."
[System Notice: Dual Seduction Path Progress — Judy's Curiosity Intensifying]
---
I smirked, stepping a fraction closer to Evelyn, letting my hand brush her hip — barely.
"You know," I murmured, voice low enough for Judy to hear too,
"I don't mind an audience."
Evelyn's laugh was a soft purr.
Judy's eyes narrowed — but she didn't leave.
---
[System Notice: Seduction Tension Unlocked — Both Targets Reactive]
Evelyn's lips curved.
"Looks like you've got bigger balls than most in this city."
I leaned in, voice a low growl by her ear.
"And bigger everything else."
Evelyn's breath hitched — for half a second.
[System Check Passed: Confidence Overload — Evelyn's Interest Level +10]
---
Judy finally spoke, voice calm but sharp.
"You're gonna get burned playing with matches in here."
I met her eyes, steady, unflinching.
"Maybe… but where's the fun if you don't light a fire?"
---
The tension crackled like live wires.
And I was loving every second of it.
---
[System Notice: Dual Harem Route Initiated — Evelyn Parker & Judy Alvarez]
Progress Locked at Stage 1 — Further Actions Needed.]