Master of Lust

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-com playing on the flatscreen 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 flag while you are over here breaking records. Not cool. I seriously can't keep up with you."

Rick couldn't help but let out a laugh and planted a sweet kiss on Amanda's hair. "Maybe I should consider getting some extra ladies 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 playfully patted his cheek. "Don't come crying back to me when you are flat 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 populace? You wound me, girl."

Amanda gave Rick a thoughtful look and then shrugged, saying, "Yeah, that is exactly what I am saying."

"Oh, you, come here." Rick grabbed her hips and began tickling her, catching all her soft spots until she was a laughing, quivering mess, begging for mercy.

Just when Amanda thought she might pass out from laughter, 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 planting 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 so late 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 a twenty-twenty vision."

Amanda slapped 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 accident 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 relationship 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 more comfortable. 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, committing 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-black 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? The last 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 non committed 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 getting late, 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, concern lacing 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 little comfort in the fabric, "And I will explain 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 glanced 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't come in at the last 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 the last 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 that lady 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—"

"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 glass 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 coño, 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 plan here?"

"You think I'm gonna trust a gringo like you? Not happening." Gloria flatly 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—"

"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 are coming tomorrow to—"

"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.

* * * * *

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A/N: Gloria is back.

Q. Should she?

1. Yes

2. No

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