Chapter 7: The System's First Kiss
Elena arrived at the office early the next morning, clutching her coffee like a lifeline. Her mind raced with images from last night—the city lights, Adrian's gaze, the way his hand had brushed hers just enough to make her pulse race.
Impossible.
She was interrupted by a familiar, calm voice.
"Morning, Carter."
Adrian stood at the edge of the office, coat draped over one arm, his presence filling the room.
Elena stiffened. "Blackwood. I—"
"You have a meeting in ten minutes, correct?" His gaze scanned the office, noting everything. "I'll accompany you."
Her chest tightened. "I don't need—"
"Then consider it my… concern for your safety," he said, voice low and measured.
The system chimed immediately.
[ Mission Activated: Ensure Target proximity during commute. Reward: +10% trust ]
Adrian smirked faintly. Proximity is the first step.
---
The elevator ride was tense. Elena stood stiffly, arms crossed. Adrian leaned casually against the wall, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other brushing just close enough to suggest intent.
[ Bonus Mission Alert: Accidental touch during commute. Reward: +10% Target emotional susceptibility ]
Elena's heart skipped. She resisted the urge to move. It's just an elevator ride, she told herself. It's just a ride.
The doors opened, and they stepped into the lobby. Adrian followed her closely but didn't speak further, letting silence heighten the tension.
---
By mid-morning, Ryan had already tried to contact her, leaving several texts:
Be careful today. Don't let him push you.
Elena ignored them, tucking her phone into her bag. The thought of Adrian's dark, commanding eyes following her throughout the office made her pulse quicken, and she hated herself for it.
---
Lunch arrived, and with it, an unexpected system notification:
[ Host Mission: Initiate Target first kiss within 4 days. Urgent. ]
[ Bonus Mission: Kiss on lips counts as +30% trust ]
[ Punishment: Rival influence doubles if failed ]
Adrian's smirk curved dangerously. The system always knows the perfect timing.
He approached her desk, sliding a folder toward her. "For your review," he said, brushing against her hand lightly as he handed it over.
Elena pulled back instinctively, cheeks flushing. "You're… relentless."
"Persistence is a virtue," he murmured. His eyes locked onto hers. Soon, very soon.
---
That evening, Adrian insisted on taking Elena to a private rooftop garden to discuss the contract details. The city glittered below, an endless sea of lights.
The system chimed.
[ Bonus Mission: Emotional isolation – prevent Target from seeing Rival. Reward: +20% trust ]
"Why do you keep doing this?" Elena demanded, voice tinged with frustration and embarrassment. "Dragging me out of my office, forcing me to spend time with you!"
Adrian's voice was calm, hypnotic. "Because the more time we spend together, the better we understand each other. And because… I want to protect you."
Elena swallowed. His words were meant to reassure, but they also stirred feelings she refused to name.
---
As they walked along the garden path, Adrian's hand brushed hers again, lingering just a fraction too long.
[ System Alert: Opportunity for first kiss detected. ]
Elena stopped, heart racing. "Blackwood, don't—"
Before she could finish, Adrian gently cupped her face, bringing their lips together in a brief, soft kiss—system approved.
[ Mission Completed: First kiss. Target emotional susceptibility +30%. Rival influence temporarily halted. ]
Elena froze, eyes wide. The world seemed to stop. She wanted to pull back, to scream at him, but instead, she felt a confusing warmth spread through her chest.
Adrian's lips lingered briefly, just enough to leave her breathless, before he stepped back, maintaining his calm, unreadable composure.
"System compliance," he said lightly, as if that explained everything.
Elena's fists clenched. "You—system… you—" Her words faltered. I can't believe I… I kissed him.
Adrian's gaze softened, almost imperceptibly. "Do not worry. I will guide you. But know this… you are mine, in every sense the system allows."
---
The next morning, Elena received multiple texts from Ryan, unaware of the kiss.
Elena, I—wait… what happened?
Her fingers hovered over the phone. She didn't reply. She couldn't explain. Not yet.
[ System Update: Host progress 55% complete. Target susceptibility rising rapidly. Rival influence stalled. ]
Adrian watched her silently from his penthouse window later that evening, city lights reflecting off his sharp features.
Four days remain. One kiss accomplished. But this is only the beginning.
[ Bonus Mission: Deepen Target emotional attachment over the next 72 hours. Reward: +40% trust ]
Adrian's smirk was predatory yet controlled. The game is mine. And soon… she will belong to me entirely.