Chapter 22: Muscle and Mischief – Lauren's Power Play
[Saturday – 12:30 PM – Ryan's Apartment]
The door had just closed, but Ryan's brain was wide open in panic mode.
Lauren. Early 30s. Gym gear, yoga-toned body, perfect skin with a light sheen of sweat that screamed natural glow not makeup illusion. Her tight-fitting workout tank did little to hide the fact she could probably bench press him and his regrets.
And she had winked.
[System Alert – New MILF Detected: Lauren | Status: Alpha Candidate]
[System Info – Lauren's Traits: Dominant • Fit Addict • Playfully Aggressive]
Ryan barely turned around before Julie leaned against the wall, arms folded.
"So that's your new neighbor?"
Olivia was smirking. "Looks like competition."
Brianna sipped from her mug. "She's hot. You're doomed."
[System Alert – Stability Wobbling: Additions to Harem Trigger Rivalry Risk]
He managed a weak laugh. "Guys… let's not jump to conclusions. I just met her."
[System Objective Updated – Make Lauren Interested Without Triggering Jealousy Explosion]
[Later That Day – Gym Next Door]
Ryan didn't even like gyms. But the system had thrown a prompt:
[Mini-Quest – Impress Lauren: Join Her Gym Session. Win Her Respect. Possibly Her Thighs.]
So he changed into semi-decent gym wear and walked in. The gym smelled of sweat, iron, and insecurity.
Lauren was in the middle of deadlifts, her form perfect, her body glistening.
She spotted him and waved. "Decided to stretch more than just excuses, huh?"
"I figured I could use a workout buddy."
She sized him up like a hungry lioness.
"Hope you can keep up."
[Challenge Activated – Lauren's Trial: Strength + Endurance Training]
It was hell. She made him squat. She made him plank. She made him push-up until his arms trembled like noodles.
And through it all, she teased.
"Bet you've never had a woman dominate you like this in public."
Ryan wheezed, "Can't say I have."
After an hour, he was sprawled on the floor, soaked in sweat and shame.
Lauren offered a bottle of water, crouching beside him.
"You did better than I expected, cutie. Want to recover together? My place has a hot tub."
[System Alert – Major Event Unlocked: Lauren's Private Spa Session]
Accept Invitation?
Option Selected: Yes
[Lauren's Apartment – 2:15 PM]
Her apartment was clean and minimalist. Kettlebells on the floor. Smooth jazz playing. Diffused lights.
The hot tub was on her private balcony.
"Strip and soak, big guy. No peeking at my body unless you earn it."
He chuckled. "And how do I earn that?"
She walked past him, towel hanging loosely on her hip. "Survive."
Inside the hot tub, Lauren turned surprisingly gentle.
She asked about his life, dreams, struggles. When he admitted his loneliness before the system, she didn't laugh.
"Everyone needs something," she said. "Some people just need someone to remind them they're wanted."
[Lauren Intimacy: 52% | Interest: High]
Then she pounced.
One moment he was sipping wine. The next, she was straddling him in the steaming water, pressing against him, her mouth inches from his.
"Say you want me."
"I… I want you."
And with that, she kissed him. Hard.
[System Trait Acquired – Aquatic Temptation: +20% Success in Water-Based Scenes]
The next hour blurred into moans and steam. She wasn't gentle. She was intense. Each movement of hers was power mixed with desire.
When it was over, he lay against the side of the tub, chest heaving.
"You're strong," she whispered. "But I'm stronger."
[Lauren Emotional Bond: 68% – Status: Competing Alpha]
[Saturday Night – Ryan's Apartment]
Ryan barely made it home before collapsing on the couch.
[System Warning – Energy Critically Low: Activate Restorative Buff?]
He groaned. "Yes. Please."
[Buff Activated – Recovery Mode: +Stamina, +Mental Clarity]
But peace was short-lived.
Phone buzzed.
[Olivia: "Movie night. Your place. Now."]
[Julie: "I'm making dessert. Come taste test. Or else."]
[Brianna: "Need help grading papers. Might need punishment ideas too."]
[System Alert – Incoming MILF Traffic Jam]
Ryan blinked.
Then came a knock. Lauren again.
"Forgot my towel. And maybe my bra." She smirked. "Mind if I grab them?"
He opened the door, and froze.
Julie was at the stairs.
Brianna just arrived.
Olivia's car was parking.
And Lauren… walked in, still wearing a towel.
"Ladies," she said casually, "I'm Lauren. New neighbor. Ryan's fitness partner. We worked out hard today."
The silence was atomic.
[System Alert – Harem Stability: CRITICAL]
[Major Event Triggered – Chapter 23: Showdown in the Living Room]
To be continued...