[Chapter 48: Wine, Whispers, and Wagers]
Ryan Carter's next destination was a luxurious countryside vineyard — known more for its scandalous wine tastings than its vintage reds. The rolling hills and stone villa promised temptation long before the first cork was popped.
[New System Objective: "Crimson Notes" – Win over the seductive vineyard heiress during her private tasting session.]
[Target: Francesca Bellamy | Age: 41 | Italian-American | Personality: Bold, Sensual, Competitive | Likes: Games, Teasing, Older Reds]
[Reward: New Title – 'Tempter of Taste': Women with refined senses are more easily captivated.]
Francesca appeared like she stepped out of a Renaissance painting — wavy dark hair, hourglass figure, and a silk red dress that clung like sin. She welcomed him with a glass of deep burgundy.
"You're the man who thinks he can handle my collection," she purred.
Ryan sipped. "I'm a man who appreciates a challenge. Especially when it's full-bodied."
She smirked. "Come. Let's see how deep your palette goes."
The tasting room was candlelit, filled with the scent of oak barrels and dark grapes. Francesca poured from various bottles — some sweet, others sharp.
"Each bottle tells a story," she said. "What does this one say to you?"
Ryan swirled the glass. "Bold. A little dangerous. But ultimately worth surrendering to."
She leaned closer. "Describe me the same way."
"Why describe when I can show you?"
[Progress: 74% – Verbal Tease Engaged]
She placed the glass down. "Let's play a wager. For every correct note you guess, I'll remove a layer. But if you fail… you remove one."
Ryan grinned. "Deal."
The game began — smoky notes, cherry undertones, hints of chocolate. Each time he missed one, he unbuttoned. Each time he succeeded, she did.
Soon, she was in lace. He was shirtless.
Then she straddled him on the tasting table, wine dripping down her shoulder.
"Lick it off," she commanded.
He obeyed.
The rest of the evening became a blur of moans and wine-slicked skin. Her cries echoed through the villa's empty halls as Ryan explored every inch of her vineyard.
[Objective Completed: "Crimson Notes"]
[Title Earned: Tempter of Taste – Effectively seduce targets with heightened sensory interests.]
Later, lying beside the racks, Francesca sighed.
"Careful. I might keep you here as part of the estate."
Ryan chuckled. "Then I'd be the best vintage you ever owned."