Chapter 50 — "Play It Safe"
The sun cracked the Badlands sky, casting long shadows over the Aldecaldo camp. Inside Panam's tent, the only heat wasn't from the desert.
Panam lay sprawled atop Alaric, her chest rising and falling against his, skin slick with a sheen of sweat.
"Fuck… you're insane," she murmured, lips brushing his collarbone.
Alaric smirked, fingers grazing her waist.
"You say that like you didn't beg for it."
Panam lifted her head, eyes narrowing—then softening.
"You know what scares me?"
He raised a brow.
"That I'll break you again tonight?"
She gave a breathless laugh.
"No… that I'll want you to."
Alaric kissed her slow, deep.
"You already do."
---
[System Feedback — Emotional Metrics Updated]
Panam Palmer
[Affection +30] — Morning Intimacy
[Attraction +40] — Aftermath of passion
[Possessiveness +20] — Panam marked, claimed, and still aching for more
---
Later, as he pulled his jacket on, Panam sat on the edge of the bed, watching him.
"You heading out?"
Alaric nodded, zipping his coat.
"Gotta settle some business in the city."
Panam gave him a look — sharp but soft.
"Come back in one piece. I'm not done with you yet."
He grinned.
"Wouldn't dream of it."
---
Back in Night City — Japantown
The Parade loomed — an Arasaka show of force, swarming with Tyger Claws and snipers.
Standing on the rooftops, Alaric scanned the horizon, Satori in hand, Johnny's voice muttering in the back of his mind.
"Play it safe, huh?"
Alaric smirked, eyes sharp as razors.
"I don't do safe."
---
Footnote — Total Emotional Points (as of Ch 50):
Panam: Affection +400 / Trust +230 / Attraction +390 / Possessiveness +40