Chapter 9 — Checkmate
Lizzie's Bar was a ghost of itself after hours.
No crowd. No music. Just neon hum and the faint scent of chrome polish lingering in the air.
Evelyn waited in the private lounge — low-lit, lounging like she owned the place.
She gave me a slow, deliberate look as I stepped in.
"You're punctual. I like that in a man."
I smirked, closing the door behind me.
"Figure I'd save you the suspense."
Evelyn's eyes held mine — sharp, measuring.
"You strike me as the type who doesn't scare easy."
I stepped closer, slow but sure.
"Why would I? You planning on hurting me?"
Her lips curved — slow, dangerous.
"Depends… you planning on hurting me?"
I stopped inches from her.
"Only if you ask nicely."
---
For a heartbeat, the tension snapped tight between us.
Evelyn met my eyes — no coy smile now. Just challenge.
I moved before she could speak — hand sliding to her waist, gripping firm.
Her breath caught — half surprise, half something else.
I leaned in — lips brushing hers in a slow, deliberate kiss.
Not soft. Not a question.
Claimed.
Evelyn stiffened… then melted into it for half a second.
My other hand slid around — a squeeze at her hip, fingers pressing just hard enough to leave a message.
She broke the kiss, eyes flashing.
"You really don't know how to play safe… do you?"
I met her gaze, steady.
"Why would I… when you don't want me to?"
---
[System Notice: Bold Physical Action — Success]
[Evelyn Parker — Interest +20 — Attraction Unlocked]
[Harem Progress: Stage 3 Initiated — Physical Barrier Broken]
---
Evelyn gave a low, throaty laugh — eyes dangerous, dark.
"Maybe I don't."
She slid her hand down my chest, nails trailing over synth-leather.
"Job's still on. But you… you just made it a whole lot more interesting."
---
I leaned in, lips brushing her ear.
"Good. I hate boring women."
Evelyn whispered back, voice a velvet threat.
"Careful, Alaric… I'm not a woman you get to tame."
I smirked.
"Didn't say I was trying to."
---
[System Notice: Evelyn Parker — Now Open to Flirtatious Advances & Physical Teasing]
---
Romance Targets After Chapter 9 Recap:
Evelyn Parker — Interest: +90 — Stage 3: Physical Flirtation Unlocked
Judy Alvarez — Interest: +45 — Stage 2: Guarded but Intrigued