Chapter 19: The New Girl Next Door
The morning sunlight filtered through the blinds in Olivia’s penthouse, painting golden stripes across Charles’ bare chest. He lay still for a moment, feeling her warmth against his skin, her head resting on his shoulder. The night had been intense, filled with fire and whispers, but his mind wasn’t on her now.
It was on the name that had appeared last night:
> [New Target Suggested: Shy College Student – Name: Mia Alvarez]
He hadn’t expected the system to ping a new name so quickly. Lust Sync was always hungry. The stronger his bond with one woman became, the faster it pulled another into his path.
Charles slipped out from under Olivia without waking her. Her hair fanned across the pillow like dark ink. Beautiful, but possessive. She wouldn’t take well to being replaced. Not that he planned to replace her. He was building an empire, not a harem of discarded hearts.
He dressed, noting the scent of jasmine still clinging to his shirt, and walked out into the city’s buzz.
---
Mia Alvarez lived in the apartment across from his new place. That was no coincidence. Lust Sync had synced her into his orbit like gravity. She was a literature major, quiet, reclusive, with thick-rimmed glasses and oversized sweaters that didn’t hide her curves so much as tease them. Innocent. A different flavor from Olivia’s fire.
Charles waited until evening before he made his move. He knocked lightly on her door, heart steady, mind tuned to the system’s hum.
The door creaked open. Mia peeked out, eyes wide behind her glasses. "Hi?"
"Hey. I just moved in across the hall," Charles said with his easy smile. "Thought I’d introduce myself."