Chapter 39: Shadows at Vanessa's Place
Ryan Carter leaned back against Vanessa's plush cream sofa, his chest rising and falling slowly. The warm afterglow of their shared intimacy still lingered in the air. Vanessa, wrapped in a silky robe, padded barefoot into the living room with two glasses of chilled white wine. The golden liquid shimmered as she handed him a glass and perched herself beside him.
"You always surprise me," she murmured, brushing a finger along his jaw. "Not many men know how to take control without being reckless."
Ryan gave her a lazy grin. "And not many women enjoy giving it up while still holding the reins."
[System Notification: Emotional Resonance Detected – Vanessa's Trust +6]
They clinked glasses. Vanessa took a slow sip, eyes never leaving his. The atmosphere was heavy with something more than lust — a strange, unspoken bond had started to form.
"You ever wonder what you're really doing with all of us?" she asked, her tone shifting to something deeper. "You say you're living strange days, but you're collecting pieces of people — not just bodies."
Ryan didn't answer right away. The system had always given him goals, targets, percentages. But behind all of that, was he building something real? Or just enjoying the illusion?
Before he could answer, the doorbell rang. Vanessa raised an eyebrow.
"Expecting someone?"
He shook his head. Vanessa set down her glass and walked over. Through the peephole, she glanced, then opened the door cautiously. A tall woman with honey-blonde hair stood there, her curves encased in a sleek beige trench coat.
"Good evening," she said with a confident smile. "I'm looking for Ryan Carter. I was told he might be here."
Vanessa's eyes narrowed. "And you are?"
The woman extended a hand, revealing perfectly manicured nails. "Genevieve Lark. I'm Ryan's counselor — or at least, I'm supposed to be. He missed two of our scheduled sessions."
Ryan blinked. "Wait, what?"
[System Alert: New Encounter Detected – Genevieve Lark Age: 45 Occupation: Licensed Sex and Relationship Counselor Personality: Playful, Sharp-Witted, Sensually Disarming Compatibility: 91% Objective Unlocked: "Unpack Her Luggage"]
Vanessa stepped aside slowly, letting Genevieve in. "Well, Ryan… your therapist is here. And now I'm intrigued."
Genevieve laughed softly, shrugging off her coat to reveal a snug black dress that hugged her figure a little too well for someone claiming to be a therapist. Her heels clicked as she entered the apartment, glancing around like she was already reading every detail.
"You have quite the taste in company," she said, eyeing Vanessa with curiosity. "May I?"
Vanessa gestured toward the wine glasses. "Be my guest."
Ryan cleared his throat. "So… I don't remember booking any therapy."
Genevieve tilted her head, mock offense on her face. "Don't tell me you forgot our late-night chats on the app. Anonymous guidance? You asked for help balancing your, uh… demanding lifestyle."
He winced. That had been him, months ago. A drunken rant after his third MILF encounter in a week. "Balance between pleasure and reality," he'd typed.
She poured herself a glass, settled into a chair across from him, and crossed her legs with deliberate grace. "I thought I'd make a house call. You're a special case."
Vanessa laughed softly. "You've collected quite a fan club."
Genevieve took a sip. "So, Ryan. Shall we begin our session? Or do you prefer unconventional therapy techniques?"
His heart thumped — not out of fear, but anticipation.
[System Objective: Begin Session One with Genevieve – Progress 0%]