Las Vegas was alive with light and sound, the casino floor a swirling sea of hope and desperation. Su Zhan moved through the crowd, the clatter of chips and the hum of conversation washing over him. He was here on Linderman's invitation, but tonight, he was simply enjoying himself—playing games, watching people, and letting the city's energy fill him.
He was not alone. At his side was a tall, striking blonde whose confidence was matched only by her beauty. She wore a fitted dress that accentuated her figure, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and determination. Su Zhan could not help but notice the way she carried herself, both powerful and feminine, and the subtle tension in her posture as she navigated the casino.
"For example?" Su Zhan asked, glancing at her with a teasing smile.
She caught his gaze, a playful challenge in her eyes. "For example, me. My name is Jessica. I think I'm more than qualified for the job."
"Jessica?" Su Zhan repeated, studying her. He remembered the story: Jessica and Niki—twins, but only one body. Jessica had died, her soul now living within Niki. Niki herself was ordinary, but Jessica possessed strength that bordered on the superhuman. In the original story, Jessica's power was compared to the Hulk's, though that was surely an exaggeration. Still, it was clear she was formidable. In that story, Jessica had eventually worked for Linderman, but it seemed their meeting was happening ahead of schedule. The plot had shifted, and Su Zhan was curious to see where it would lead.
"My secretary position isn't so easy to fill," Su Zhan said, his tone light. "But I don't mind giving you a chance. Let's see how you perform."
Jessica's lips curled into a confident smile. "You'll see."
As the night wore on, the casino transformed into a stage for miracles and heartbreak. Fortunes were made and lost in the blink of an eye. Su Zhan played every game, using the chips Linderman had provided. He relied on luck alone, refusing to use his powers, and to his amusement, he found himself winning more often than losing.
Jessica proved to be an excellent companion. She was attentive, quick to pick up the rules of each game, and unbothered by Su Zhan's occasional flirtations. She did not shy away from his touch, allowing him to rest his hand on her waist or pull her close as they moved from table to table. Her presence drew admiring glances from other players, but she seemed unfazed, focused on the games and on Su Zhan.
"How many rounds do you want to play?" Su Zhan asked, turning to Jessica as they paused at a blackjack table.
Jessica hesitated, glancing at the pile of chips in front of them.
"The chips are here," Su Zhan said with a grin. "If we win, great. If we lose, Linderman won't mind. Besides, you're my secretary now. That means you're playing for me."
Jessica's heart raced at his words, but she nodded, her competitive spirit ignited. She sat on his lap as they played, his arm wrapped around her waist. The other gamblers barely noticed, too engrossed in their own fortunes to care about a beautiful woman at the table.
At first, Jessica was a little uncomfortable, especially with Su Zhan's hand resting boldly on her thigh. But as the game drew her in, her focus shifted. She leaned into him, her body relaxing, and soon she was as caught up in the excitement as he was. Su Zhan found himself distracted by her warmth, the subtle way she pressed against him, and the occasional twitch of her body that sent a jolt of electricity through him.
Jessica was not trying to tease him, but the effect was undeniable. The longer she sat in his lap, the more he wanted her. She felt it too—the tension, the heat, the way their bodies seemed to fit together. After a while, she lost interest in the game, her mind wandering to other possibilities.
"Baby, how about we play something else?" Su Zhan whispered in Jessica's ear, his voice low and intimate.
Jessica shivered, the sensation sending goosebumps down her arms. "Play… what?"
He leaned in closer, his breath warm against her skin. "A game for two. The kind only a man and a woman can play."
Before she could protest, Su Zhan stood, pulling her to her feet. He led her out of the casino, his hand never leaving her waist. As they passed through the lobby, Eden caught sight of them and grinned, shaking her head as she watched Su Zhan lead Jessica away with obvious intent.
Outside, Jessica glanced up at him, curiosity and excitement mingling in her eyes. "Where are we going?"
Su Zhan smiled, his voice gentle. "Somewhere we won't be disturbed."
Without warning, he swept her into his arms, holding her close in a bridal carry. Jessica gasped in surprise, but before she could say a word, they shot into the sky, soaring above the glittering city lights. She clung to his neck, her initial shock giving way to exhilaration.
"Oh my god, we're flying…" Jessica murmured, her voice full of awe.
Su Zhan held her steady, letting her enjoy the sensation of soaring through the night sky. The city stretched out below them, a tapestry of lights and color. Jessica laughed, the sound bright and free, and for a moment, all her worries vanished.
"It's beautiful," she whispered. "I never imagined the night sky could look like this."
They drifted down to the thirteenth floor of a quiet apartment building, landing softly on the balcony. The window slid open at Su Zhan's command, and he carried Jessica inside. As soon as they touched down, Jessica looked around in surprise.
"How did you know this was my place?" she asked, her eyes wide.
Su Zhan smiled, tapping her chest lightly. "Because I can hear what you're thinking."
Jessica stared at him, astonished. But before she could respond, Su Zhan drew her into his arms and kissed her. The world fell away, leaving only the two of them.
They stumbled into the bedroom, their passion igniting. Su Zhan's hands moved to tear away Jessica's clothes, but she resisted, her strength surprising even him. With a single, unintentional push, she sent him tumbling back several steps.
Su Zhan caught himself, a look of surprise on his face. Then he laughed, shaking his head in admiration. "Your strength really is something else. But I like a challenge…"
Jessica blushed, a smile tugging at her lips. "Sorry, I didn't mean to—"
Su Zhan stepped forward, his eyes shining with excitement. "Don't apologize. This just got a lot more interesting."
And as the night deepened, the city outside faded into silence, leaving only the thrill of discovery and the promise of something new.