Chapter 14: Fast Forward

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"My administrative leave ended, but the captain gave me paid leave again because the Irish mob swore to take me out," Link said. "So, I went to Las Vegas for a vacation, and in just a few days, I turned $300 into $5 million."

"I realized then that my psychology degree was incredibly useful at the poker table."

"Because of that, I caught the attention of the casino and was invited to a high-stakes game."

"Guess who I ran into?"

Jessica, as if listening to a fantastical story, still asked, "Oh, who did you meet?"

"Tony Stark and Justin Hammer," Link replied with a smug grin. "Each of them brought $5 million, but I ended up taking it all."

"I realized I had a real talent for this, so I quit my job and became a professional gambler."

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying you're a multi-millionaire?"

"That's right. You've got a good eye. You spotted me at first glance," Link teased. Although everything he said was true, he knew most people wouldn't believe him. "Recently, I've been making quite the name for myself in New York. I haven't lost a single game."

"Now, plenty of people are lining up to challenge me."

Jessica gave him a skeptical look. "You don't strike me as a professional gambler. You look more like a professional con artist."

"You don't have any evidence to support that," Link responded, unfazed by her accusation. He was about to delve further into the conversation when their drinks and appetizers arrived. "Let's eat first."

The three of them began their meal, but Link kept the conversation flowing, focusing on Jessica's interests while barely speaking to Trish.

At the same time, Link was keeping an ear on the gallery.

Dinner lasted over an hour, and the three of them finished a bottle of wine. After dessert, Link signaled for the bill, knowing that it would have to be paid with a credit card this time.

Unless it's a small place, there's no escaping the use of a credit card.

"That was a nice meal!" Trish finally spoke up. "But it's getting late. Would it be alright to drop me off at home first?"

"No problem at all." Link appreciated the gesture of a good sister, giving them time alone afterward. He agreed readily.

Jessica didn't object.

The three of them got into the car, seating themselves as before, and Link quickly drove Trish to her apartment.

Jessica got out of the car too, as they still lived together. But just as she was about to follow Trish inside, her sister pulled her aside and whispered, "Don't let this opportunity slip by."

Jessica bit her lip, hesitated, but then got back into the front seat. Link waved goodbye to Trish and drove off.

"So, Miss Jessica, care to visit my apartment?" Link asked.

"You bought all those books on oil paintings and art. Are you planning to decorate your place with them?" Jessica questioned, her curiosity piqued.

"You really do like to dig deep into things, don't you?" Link grinned. "Why not become a cop or even a special agent? Both would suit your inquisitive nature."

"I don't like being controlled," Jessica said. "And trust me, I'm terrifying when I'm angry."

"Oh?" Link laughed. "I don't believe that. Maybe I'll get a chance to see it one day."

The car soon arrived at the underground parking lot of Link's building. Each apartment came with four reserved spots.

They took the elevator to the top floor. Link opened the door and turned on the lights. "Come on in!"

Jessica stepped inside and glanced around, quickly noticing the ceiling in the living room. "Is the ceiling glass?"

"Yes, during the day, the sunlight fills the room, and at night, if you're lucky, you can see the stars," Link explained.

"Can we see them now?" Jessica asked.

"Let's find out." Link turned off the lights, and the moonlight bathed the room in a soft glow, making it feel dreamlike.

In the romantic atmosphere, the two of them quickly found themselves entwined, moving to the couch as they became lost in one another.

Jessica felt out of place in the heat of the moment. She was trying to hold back, clearly unused to controlling her strength. Without any formal training, she didn't know how to manage her powers. She stuck to being the passive one, fearing she might accidentally hurt Link.

Link, noticing her restraint, lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom, where they continued, with Jessica clinging to him carefully, still holding back her strength.

Over an hour later, Jessica lay exhausted on the bed, while Link got up to grab water. He returned shortly and handed her a glass. "Here, drink this. I'll go run the bath."

After running a bath, Link returned to scoop Jessica up and carried her to the bathroom. They both eased into the warm water.

"Ahh…" Jessica sighed in contentment, resting against Link in the tub. Her fingers lightly traced the contours of his chest. "Between Trish and me, you really chose me?"

"Still don't believe it?" Link arched an eyebrow. "Your hair and clothes could use a bit of work, but after some styling, you'll see what I mean."

"Really?" Jessica didn't usually bother with her appearance. Her hair was straight and long, and worst of all, parted in the middle.

"I mainly like your black hair," Link said, running his fingers through it.

"Oh, right. You're Chinese," Jessica said as if just realizing it.

...

That night, they slept in each other's arms. The next morning, after waking up, they got dressed and Jessica wandered into the kitchen. She opened the fridge and found only juice and drinks.

"You don't have any food in your fridge?" she asked as she picked up her clothes from the living room.

"I don't like cooking at home," Link said while getting dressed. "I usually eat out."

"Put on your clothes; we'll grab breakfast and then get your hair done."

Jessica smiled sweetly. "I actually live with Trish in her apartment."

"I know. You forget my ears are sharp," Link winked. "Do you want to move in with me?"

"That soon?" Jessica leaned in close, gazing up at him.

"Didn't I do well enough last night?" Link teased as he kissed her again.

At 5'9", Jessica was almost the same height as Link, and with a pair of heels, she'd be eye-to-eye with him.

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