Master of Lust

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 Emily lay in a fragile state.

He'd just taken his meds in the car—a 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, relax 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 glance 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—physically 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—Olivia. 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 exclaimed, 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 vigilant 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 displayed 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 Clarke, 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, come on, Mrs Clarke. Age is just a number, right?"

Olivia's cheeks flushed at Rick's playful teasing, though she quickly composed 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 plate." 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—keep 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 plate with Emily right now."

Rick's grin turned big. "Oh, Mrs Clarke, 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 me company."

Olivia's cheeks flushed. "Rick, not the time. No playing games right now"

He bumped her knee with his, "Who said anything about games? You're the only bright spot in this dreary place. 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 Clarke, 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—"

[

1. Back off. Make Olivia come 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 uncomfortably 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 plan. Step one, find a nice comfy bed. Step two, find someone who can fluff my pillows and keep me company.

And step three—"

"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—"

"Who says we can't?" His fingers grazed her wrist, and Olivia's breath snagged in her throat..

She glanced at the ICU door, half expecting the nurses to burst out. "Rick, we are in a hospital. People are—"

"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 playful 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—a 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—"

"Who says we can't?" he repeated, his lips dangerously close to hers. "Besides, Mrs Clarke, I told you I have got a whole list of responsibilities for you. Starting with—"

"Starting with what?" Olivia thought of escaping.

"Rick! Dónde carajo estás?" Just then, the waiting room crackled with tension as the door swung open. In walked a woman—a 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— eyes that shimmered with a mix of mystery and desire.

Rick, propped up on the metal chair, looked equally surprised. His vulnerability was laid 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 slap.

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