The Heart System Chapter 515

I passed a hand through my hair, striving to seem somewhat normal once more. Tension emanated from me, the frustrating blue-ball pain throbbing dully in my lower belly. Tessa spun around, adjusting her stockings and flattening the creases in her skirt. She gazed at me, detecting the tempest in my eyes, and a faint, compassionate smile graced her lips.

"Jesus, cowboy," she teased, drawing nearer and tapping my cheek. "You can always finish this back at the penthouse later tonight. Calm down before you give that guard a heart attack."

A sigh escaped me, the fury gradually easing into tired exasperation. My eyes settled on her—disheveled, stunning, still carrying the scent of our interrupted chaos—and a pang of remorse stirred inside.

"Ugh... sorry for making you come all the way down here, Tessa," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "I thought it’d be hot... a quick thrill... but, yeah. Sorry the ending got ruined."

Tessa closed the distance, looping her arms around my neck and drawing me into a gentle, drawn-out kiss. She tasted of the afternoon delight I had craved.

"Hey," she breathed against my mouth, her eyes gleaming. "At least you made me cum. I’m not complaining. And plus, you basically ’ordered’ me to come here, right? Like a fucking king."

"Hey, you could’ve refused."

"How could I? I live in your penthouse, dumbass." She let out a breath. "I have to take your dick in every time you want. Or you throw me out."

"Woah, woah, woah. I was just acting like, like, I don’t know, a tough guy for shits and giggles. If you think of me like that, I..."

"Yeah. There’s the real you." She said, a hint of disappointment in her tone. "A wuss. ’Bathroom. Now.’ my ass."

"My fucking god, Tessa. I knew it."

"Look at me! I’m Evan Marlowe, the toughest guy in the whole world." She chuckled. "Hey, Tess. Bathroom. Now. I’m gonna fuck you with my pee-pee."

"Gaah. Shut up!"

A smile crept onto my face despite myself. I delivered one final squeeze to her ass, sensing the solid shape beneath her skirt's material.

"Anyway," she continued. "Like I said, we can continue this tonight. Okay?"

"True," I agreed. "I’ll make it up to you tonight. Promise."

"I’ll hold you to that, Marlowe."

We emerged from the stall together, the chilly restroom air washing over us. I glanced at my mirror image, dashed cold water on my face to fade the redness, and then we exited the men’s bathroom, making for the elevators to confront the chaos below.

The elevator ascent dragged on forever, the constant motor hum failing to ease the wild, unsatisfied pulse racing through my veins. I straightened my jacket, giving my reflection in the shiny steel doors a final check.

With a gentle chime, the doors parted, revealing the vast, lofty lobby of the corporate wing. The atmosphere here carried a distinct aroma of premium floor polish mixed with the subdued, bustling vibe of the ultra-wealthy.

Off to my right, by the reception desk, Jasmine engaged in intense discussion with a department head, her stance authoritative and assured. She glanced up as I neared, her keen eyes assessing my features before noting the minor mess of my collar. With a courteous nod, she disengaged and approached, a sly, mischievous grin playing on her lips.

"What, you already finished with Tessa?" she murmured upon arriving, her tone laced with wry humor. "You’re a bit of a quick-shooter today, aren’t you, Evan? I thought she’d keep you busy for at least an hour."

I shook my head, jaw clenched. "Nah. I didn’t even get to finish. Some crazy bastard is here again making a scene. I had to cut it short."

Jasmine’s face hardened at once, the teasing gone. She leaned in, her voice turning grave and cautious. "The guy you told us about? The one... with the hidden cameras? You think this is the ’K’ person you’ve been looking for?"

I nodded deliberately, my stare shifting beyond her to the huge automatic glass doors opening to the street. "Maybe. He’s persistent, he’s unstable, and he’s obsessed with the people in this building. It’s a lead I can’t just ignore, even for a fuck."

"Be careful, Evan," she whispered, her hand grazing my arm momentarily. "If he is connected to the cameras, he’s more dangerous than he looks."

"I know," I grumbled.

Leaving her behind, I headed for the entrance. Beyond the glass, the man's outline stood on the sidewalk, silhouetted against the stark, wintry afternoon glow. Indeed, it was Jack—the identical unkempt, manic-eyed fellow who had confronted me earlier, insisting he was Amelia’s father.

Bursting through the automatic doors, a blast of icy urban wind struck my face, sharpening my mind past the restroom's residual warmth. Two security guards from our team were present, appearing indifferent yet resolute. One maintained a firm hold on Jack’s wrist, pinning him in place, while the other blocked access to the door.

Jack fidgeted restlessly, his head jerking about, but upon spotting me on the pavement, his frame stiffened completely. His gaze fixed on me with a chilling, unwavering intensity.

"You!" he rasped, voice breaking in the breeze. "You’re the one! I know you’re the one holding her!"

Halting several paces distant, I breathed out a plume of frosty vapor. Arms crossed, I appraised him from head to toe with feigned icy indifference I didn't fully possess.

"We need to talk, Jack," I stated, tone low and menacing. "And this time, you’re going to tell me exactly who sent you."

"Who sent me?" he mumbled. "Just let me see my Amelia."

"There’s no ’your Amelia,’ you moron," I snapped, louder than planned. "You couldn’t even get her surname right."

"Just let me talk to her," he pressed. "You’ll see. Just... just get her down here. Are you keeping her against her will or something? Can’t you call her and ask her to come downstairs?"

"I could," I replied. "But I won’t." I addressed the guards. "You two can head inside. I’ve got this."

"Are you sure, Mr. Marlowe?" one inquired.

"Yeah. Thanks."

They shared a glance before retreating indoors. The doors sealed behind them. The outdoor space stood deserted now—evidently, the area had been evacuated already. Perfect. No witnesses.

My attention returned to him.

"Why the cameras?" I demanded.

"Huh?"

"The cameras," I pressed. "Why did you set them up?"

"Kid, I have no idea what you’re talking about," he claimed. "What cameras?"

"Don’t bullshit me," I warned, advancing. "Just tell me the truth."

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Persuasion Attempt: Jack

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Remaining Chances: 0/4

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Good. Honeyed Words triggered.