Dick stepped into the main gym area and found Karen leaning against the front desk, eyes narrowing in curiosity as she caught sight of him. She moved closer, her voice low enough not to draw attention.
"How'd it go?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Dick held back a grin. "She's fine. She'll sign up for personal coaching after her shower."
Karen's eyes widened, momentarily stunned. "Seriously? Mrs. Harper?" She shook her head, clearly impressed. "First Paige, now Victoria. You're racking up quite the clientele."
He shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Guess they like the way I work."
"Yeah, that's one way to put it." Karen gave him a squint.
Shrugging, he waved his hand and left.
"Won't you stay back? I have a few more waiting," Karen called after him, her tone half-joking, half-serious.
"I've had enough for today," Dick replied without turning around. He walked toward the showers. The cold water hit his skin, washing away the sweat and grime. After a long shower, he dried off, dressed, and headed back out to the main floor. The gym was still buzzing with activity, but as he scanned the room, his eyes landed on Mrs. Harper. She was standing by the front desk, talking to Karen. Her posture was more composed now, her hair neat.
Karen noticed him first, her eyes flicking toward him as she nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Mrs. Harper followed Karen's gaze, her face flushing slightly when she saw him. She fumbled with her bag, clearly flustered, but she didn't dare approach him. Not after what had just happened.
He walked over to Karen and Mrs. Harper. "See you later, Mrs. Harper," Dick said smoothly. "Karen, you have my school schedule. Mrs. Harper's sessions will need to fit around that. And Paige has priority."
Karen nodded, not missing a beat. "We're already on it."
Waving at her response, Dick turned and headed for the exit. He was barely halfway down to the street when he heard hurried footsteps behind him.
"Dick, wait!"
Mrs. Harper caught up to him, breathless, her car keys jangling in her hand. "I noticed you don't have a ride," she stammered, a slight tremble in her voice. "I-um, I can drop you off."
Dick slowed his pace, glancing at her. "Sure," he said, his tone casual.
They walked in silence to her car. She unlocked the doors, and they both slid inside. The engine purred to life, and she eased the car into traffic, her hands gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.
"Where to?" she asked, keeping her eyes on the road.
He pointed ahead, his voice firm, "Graves Mansion. Take a left at the square."
Mrs. Harper's foot hesitated on the gas as she blinked in surprise. "Graves Mansion?" Her tone was incredulous. "As in Sirius Graves? You're... his son?"
Dick nodded once, expression impassive. He could already see the gears turning in her mind.
She let out a small, disbelieving laugh, glancing at him again as if trying to reconcile the image. "I didn't know he had another son. You must be..."
Her voice trailed off, but Dick could hear the words forming. That whisper, that rumor. She looked at him again, squinting, then mumbled to herself, "The useless son... But that can't be you. You're too... competent." Her gaze flicked over him briefly, a puzzled frown on her face. "Or are you one of Clara's toyboy—"
Dick cut her off, his voice cold. "Don't forget your place, bitch."
Mrs. Harper straightened in her seat, the flicker of curiosity in her eyes snuffed out instantly. She mumbled a quick, "Sorry, I didn't mean that."
There was a pause, and then, as if compelled by something deeper, she added, "It's just... abominable to think about sharing someone with that... Clara."
Dick grinned, his hand moving unceremoniously to her breast, squeezing it through the fabric of her top. "You're not sharing," he said, his voice dripping with dominance. "I take what I want. But if you need to know, I'm not Clara's toy. She's my stepmother, nothing more."
Mrs. Harper's breath hitched as she felt his fingers tighten around her breast. The intensity in his eyes was enough to make her tremble, but there was something else now—something she hadn't expected. She wasn't afraid. She was excited. The power play between them had already shifted, and she knew it. She liked it.
"Of course," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I... I didn't mean anything by it."
Dick leaned in slightly, his breath hot against her neck. "You're going to learn to watch your mouth. Don't think just because I fucked you that you get to talk out of line."
Mrs. Harper's pulse quickened. She couldn't deny the thrill that shot through her at his words, at the way he controlled every second of their interaction.
They rode in silence for a moment longer. When they reached the square, Mrs. Harper pulled the car over, waiting for further instruction. Dick looked over at her, watching the way her hands gripped the wheel, knuckles white.
Leaning over, Dick kissed Mrs. Harper's neck softly, lingering just enough to make her shiver. His voice smooth, held an edge of tenderness. "Take care. And don't speed, okay?"
Her breath hitched at the unexpected warmth in his tone, and she nodded quickly. "O-okay."
He pushed open the car door, but before stepping out, he turned back, his gaze locking onto hers with cold intensity. "Oh, and one more thing," he added, his voice dropping to a dark whisper. "If you let that pig of a husband touch you... I'll make sure it hurts. Got it?"
Mrs. Harper's eyes widened, her pulse racing as his words sank in. She swallowed hard, her throat tight, and nodded once, not daring to speak. She knew better than to test him now.
Without waiting for a response, Dick climbed out of the car, slamming the door shut behind him. He didn't look back as Mrs. Harper's car idled for a moment before pulling away, tires rolling silently over the pavement. He could still feel her tension, the weight of her lust, mixed with the unmistakable pull of submission.
Walking front, he saw Ryan standing in front of the mansion, about to get into his car. Jessica was there too, leaning against the passenger door, her eyes narrowed as she watched him approach.
"Who was that?" Ryan asked, his voice carrying that usual smugness, like he was entitled to an answer.
Dick didn't bother responding at first, but Jessica wasn't about to let it slide. She stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Answer him, Dicky Fatty Fat," she sneered, her lips curling in that familiar condescending smirk.
Dick met her gaze, a faint smile playing on his lips. "A friend from work. Wanted to drop me off."
Jessica raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Since when do you have friends, let alone ones with fancy cars?"
"Since when do you care?" Dick shot back, stepping around her.
Ryan's jaw tightened, his eyes flicking between Dick and the road where Mrs. Harper's car had disappeared. "Just trying to make conversation. No need to get all defensive."
"Right," Dick muttered, his tone dismissive as he made his way toward the front door. He had no time for their petty questions.
Jessica wasn't done though. She followed him a few steps, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "You sure you're not out there doing something... illegal, Dicky? I mean, it's not like you to get dropped off by someone with a life."
Dick's smile widened as he looked at her. "Thank you for looking out for me, Jess. I didn't know you cared so much."
Her face twisted, brows furrowing as expected. The sweetness in her tone evaporated, replaced with her usual venom. "Care? Please." Jessica scoffed, stepping closer, her eyes narrowing to slits. "I don't give a damn what you do, Dicky. Just making sure you're not dragging our name through the mud—again."
He shrugged, his smirk still in place. "Right, because you're such a shining example of dignity and grace."
Ryan chuckled, though it was strained. Jessica shot him a glare before turning back to Dick, her posture tense. "At least I don't rely on pity and handouts."
"Yeah," Dick replied casually, brushing past her, "you're a real self-made woman, Jess. Can't imagine where you'd be without Daddy's wallet."
Her expression darkened, and she took a step toward him, but Ryan quickly put a hand on her arm, stepping in front of her. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by a stern expression as he locked eyes with Dick. "What did you just say to my girl?" His voice was calm, but there was a dangerous edge to it.
Dick didn't even blink. He just stood there, hands in his pockets, watching Ryan like he was barely worth the effort. "I said she's nothing without Daddy's wallet. You got a hearing problem too?"
Ryan's jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring slightly. "You've got a lot of mouth for someone who's been riding on this family's coattails his whole life, Dick."
"That's rich coming from a guy whose biggest accomplishment is lifting weights and riding your old man's name like a trophy," Dick shot back, his tone as casual as ever. He didn't raise his voice, didn't step forward to match Ryan's aggression. He didn't need to.
Ryan's face turned a shade redder, his fists balling at his sides. "You think you're tough now, huh? Think you're different just because you hit the gym a few times? You're still the same loser you've always been."
Jessica crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction, waiting for Dick to react. Waiting for him to crumble under the pressure like he used to.
But Dick didn't flinch. He didn't even bother to acknowledge the insult. Instead, his gaze slid over Ryan's shoulder, landing squarely on Jessica.
"Leash your dog if he's going to bark," Dick said calmly, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
Ryan's face twisted in fury. Without thinking, he swung a fist toward Dick's face. But Dick moved effortlessly, his body fluid and quick, dodging the punch like it was nothing. As Ryan stumbled forward, off balance from the missed hit, Dick casually placed a foot behind him. He didn't even push, just let gravity do the work.
Ryan fell hard, crashing into the pavement with a loud thud. For a moment, there was silence, broken only by Jessica's sharp intake of breath.
"You son of a—" Ryan started, pushing himself up, but Dick just stood over him, completely unfazed.
"You done?" Dick's voice was calm, almost bored, as if he hadn't just humiliated Ryan in front of Jessica.
Ryan tried to get up, but his face was flushed with embarrassment. His hand pressed against the pavement, knuckles white as he scrambled to find his footing. Jessica's eyes flicked over him, a flash of disgust crossing her face. For a second, she didn't even bother to hide it. Watching Ryan, her so-called alpha boyfriend, flat on his ass because of Dick — the "loser" in her mind — was too much for her to stomach. Her lips curled, and she looked away, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
"You're pathetic, Ryan," she muttered under her breath, but loud enough for Dick to hear.
Ryan's face twisted with humiliation and rage. He pushed himself to his feet, barely holding his balance, his chest heaving as he tried to shake off the embarrassment. "Shut up, Jess," he snapped, his voice shaky, but the authority wasn't there anymore. Not after what just happened. Not with her looking at him like that.
Dick stepped back, hands still in his pockets, watching the scene unfold like he was a spectator at a sad, amateur play. His smirk was small, barely noticeable, but the message was clear: This wasn't a fight. It was a joke. Ryan was a joke. He'd always been a clown in a cheap suit pretending to be something more.
Ryan wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, glaring at Dick. "You think this is over?" His voice was tight, a thin veneer of bravado holding it together. "I'm gonna—"
"You're gonna what?" Dick interrupted, his tone calm, almost casual, as he tilted his head. "Take another swing and fall again? Or maybe you'll just let Jessica handle it since she's clearly more dangerous than you are."
Jessica's face twisted, her jaw clenching tight, but she didn't say anything. She was too busy looking between Ryan and Dick, sizing them up like a predator deciding which one to eat alive. There was no loyalty in her eyes, only calculation. She wasn't stupid, and right now, she was rethinking her choice of who to back.
Ryan stepped forward, fists clenched, but it was more of a show than a real threat. "I'm warning you—"
"I'm bored, Ryan," Dick cut him off again, his voice flat, completely dismissive. He turned away, walking toward the front door of the mansion. "Come back when you've learned how to land a punch."
The dismissal hit harder than any fist could've. Ryan's face went redder, his muscles twitching with the urge to lash out, but he didn't move. He just stood there, fists still balled, looking like a child who didn't get his way.
Jessica, for her part, was already done. She brushed past Ryan without so much as a glance, her heels clicking against the pavement as she strode toward the house, completely ignoring him. "Grow up, Ryan," she said over her shoulder, her voice dripping with disdain.
Ryan looked at her, his mouth opening to say something, but nothing came out. He was left standing there, seething in his failure, while Jessica disappeared into the house without him.
Dick could feel Ryan's eyes burning into the back of his head as he approached the door, but he didn't care. Ryan wasn't a threat. He'd never been. All bark, no bite. The real power was in the way people looked at you, the way they reacted. Ryan had already lost that.
He pushed the front door open and he stepped inside. Jessica was already halfway up the stairs, her hips swaying with each step, but there was no mistaking the frustration in her posture. She hated that Dick got the last word. Hated it even more that Ryan couldn't put him in his place.
"Nice chat, Jess?" Dick called up after her, his tone mockingly polite.
She paused, glancing over her shoulder, eyes narrowing into slits. "You're gonna regret this, Dick," she said, her voice low and venomous. "I promise you."
Dick chuckled, not even bothering to look at her directly. "Can't wait."
Jessica stormed the rest of the way up the stairs, the sound of her heels clicking against the marble floor echoing through the house as she disappeared into the upper hallway.