Chapter 20 — Lines Crossed
The Mox hideout was quiet when I walked in — blue lights humming, music low.
Judy Alvarez sat at her workstation, goggles pushed up, fingers dancing over holo-screens.
She didn't look up right away.
"Evelyn said you might show."
I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.
"And here I am."
Judy gave a small smirk, eyes flicking my way.
"Guess you don't spook easy."
I shrugged.
"Not my style."
She eyed me for a beat — guarded, curious.
"You're different."
I stepped closer — slow, unhurried.
"Yeah?"
Judy leaned back in her chair, legs crossed, studying me.
"Most edgerunners I know? They either burn out fast… or break."
I met her gaze — even, cool.
"I don't break."
Her eyes lingered a little longer than necessary.
"You sure about that?"
I gave a slow smile.
"You want to test me?"
Judy's smirk deepened — the edge of challenge there.
"Maybe."
---
[System Notice: Judy Alvarez — Interest +10 — Mutual Intrigue Detected]
---
I circled her chair, leaning in slightly — voice low.
"Evelyn talk about me much?"
Judy snorted softly.
"Yeah. She said you're cocky… arrogant… impossible."
I leaned down by her ear.
"She left out irresistible."
Judy gave a soft laugh — not quite mocking.
"Keep dreaming, hotshot."
I straightened — giving her space, letting the tension hang in the air.
"Don't worry…
Dreams have a way of coming true around me."
---
Judy shook her head, turning back to her work — but her lips stayed curved.
"Uh-huh. We'll see."
---
[System Notice: Judy Alvarez — Interest +20 — Tease Exchange Successful]
[Harem Progress: Judy Alvarez — Stage 3 Advanced — Trust Building Phase Open]
---
As I walked out, she called after me — voice casual, but with a hint of something warmer.
"Hey…
Try not to die out there, Alaric."
I glanced over my shoulder.
"Not planning on it."
---
The game was on.
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Romance & Loyalty Recap After Chapter 20:
Evelyn Parker — Interest: +195 — Bonded
Judy Alvarez — Interest: +80 — Stage 3 — Trust Phase Active
Jackie Welles — Loyalty: +70 — Ride or Die
Dexter DeShawn — Neutralized