43. Teasing Rudy

The question caught Cara off guard, stopping her in her tracks. She hadn't anticipated this conversation, and for a moment, she struggled to form a response.

"I found out yesterday," Cara finally admitted, sitting on the bed beside Ashley. "He drove me home and dropped the bomb then."

Ashley's expression hardened. "And when, exactly, were you planning to tell me?"

"I was waiting for the right time," Cara replied softly.

Ashley's voice carried a sharp edge. "I guess the right time never came, did it?"

"I'm sorry," Cara said, her tone apologetic but firm. "I should've told you right away. But if you're worried about him exposing us, don't be. He won't dare."

Ashley's skepticism was written all over her face. "You sound so sure of yourself, but I know my brother. He'll use this against me somehow. That's what he does."

"Trust me," Cara said, her voice low and confident as she leaned closer, placing gentle kisses along Ashley's neck and cheek. "He won't say a word. I'll make sure of it."

Ashley pulled back slightly, her eyes narrowing. "What do you have on him? Tell me."

Cara hesitated, then shook her head. "You don't need to know. I've got it under control."

Ashley wasn't convinced. "What do you have on him, Cara?"

Cara sighed, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "Man, you're relentless. Fine, I'll tell you. Your brother demanded sex from me the night I resurrected, barely fresh from the morgue. He's terrified I'll spill the beans to everyone, especially my mother."

Ashley's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? He demanded sex from you?"

Cara nodded, her voice tinged with sarcasm. "Oh, yeah. He even said he'd settle for a handy that night."

Ashley recoiled in disgust. "What a pig! But still, he could tell my father about us. And my dad—well, let's just say he's a closeted homophobe."

"Wait, Rudy? A homophobe?" Cara asked, her brow furrowing.

Ashley sighed. "Yep. In public, he's all progressive and tolerant, but behind closed doors? Not so much."

Cara smirked, her mischievous side surfacing. Oh, man, it's going to be so satisfying when he catches me with Lucrecia and Jackie.

[He might go berserk,] Hagrit warned in her mind.

'And I'll enjoy every second of it,' Cara thought with dark amusement.

She turned her attention back to Ashley. "Like I said, I'll make sure this stays a secret for as long as it needs to. If it comes down to it, I'll cut your brother's tongue out myself."

Ashley couldn't help but smile at Cara's boldness. "I hope it never comes to that."

Cara leaned in, brushing her lips against Ashley's. "I hope so too. But for now, let's stop talking and let our bodies do the rest."

Ashley responded with a kiss, taking control as she gently pushed Cara onto her back. Her hands began to roam, exploring Cara's thighs and cupping her breasts. Cara gasped, her breath hitching as she stared up at the ceiling, letting passion consume her completely.

—------

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The next morning, Cara descended the stairs, fully prepared for work. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a crisp white top paired with black leather pants that hugged her frame.

As she reached the sitting room, voices drifted toward her—Rudy's irritated tone and Lucrecia's nervous attempts to explain herself. Cara paused, listening from the doorway.

Lucrecia's voice wavered as she spoke. "Sir, please, that's not how it happened. I woke up in the middle of the night in the locked storage room, not knowing how I got there. The only thing I remember is being attacked from behind and choked until I passed out."

Rudy was not convinced, his whisper sharp with frustration. "You expect me to believe that? I wanted to show you a good time away from this house, and you disappointed me."

"Sir, that is not what happened," Lucrecia pleaded. "You know I've been looking forward to this for a long time."

Rudy sighed, his anger softening into reluctant acceptance. "I believe you. I'm just blinded by the fact that I felt like a fool last night. But who would do something like that to you? Who knew about our arrangement last night?"

At that moment, Cara stepped into the room, unable to hold back a sly chuckle. Rudy's head snapped toward her, his eyes narrowing as he studied her expression. Their gazes locked, and though neither spoke, a silent understanding passed between them. Cara greeted him with a polite smile, her tone disarmingly casual.

Lucrecia offered Cara a quick "Good morning" and made to leave, but Cara stopped her with a simple request. "Lucrecia, please bring me a cup of coffee and some muffins. You know how I like them."

"Yes, ma'am," Lucrecia said, hurriedly retreating to the kitchen.

Cara moved to the sofa, settling into its plush cushions. Across the room, Rudy remained in his night robe, flipping through a newspaper, though his focus seemed elsewhere.

"I wanted to ask," Cara began lightly, "how was your night?"

Rudy didn't look up. "It was normal. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason," Cara said, her smile widening. "Just making conversation while I wait for my coffee."

She didn't need to read his mind to sense his resentment. She could feel it simmering beneath the surface. Still, she brushed it off, knowing he suspected her involvement in his ruined night with Lucrecia.

Moments later, Lucrecia returned with the coffee and muffins, carefully placing them on a small stool in front of Cara.

"Thank you, Lucrecia," Cara said sweetly. Then, as Lucrecia turned to leave, Cara added, "Oh, there seems to be a stain on your blouse. Let me help you."

Before Lucrecia could even glance down, Cara reached for a paper towel and leaned forward, dabbing at an invisible stain on the young woman's chest.

The motion was deliberate, her touch slow. Lucrecia's breasts jiggled slightly under Cara's hand, and Rudy's newspaper lowered an inch as he stared at the scene unfolding before him.

Cara caught his expression, a mix of anger and discomfort, and had to suppress a smirk. She didn't need her mind-reading ability to know what he was thinking—he hated seeing her touch Lucrecia so intimately.

This was just the beginning. If Rudy thought her teasing today was cruel, he had no idea how deep her plans would cut. The games she intended to play with Lucrecia were only getting started.