Short Stories: The Detective's Presence Makes Focusing Hard [Tess Version]

Warning: Tess is a character who experiences a significant sexual attraction toward the MC, and some of her thoughts will reflect this. If this makes you uncomfortable, I recommend avoiding reading this story.

Ugh… I really hate this place.

Tess shifts uncomfortably as she waits with the detective for Iris to finish up. The detective has been quietly working on a report for a few minutes without stopping or getting distracted.

As for herself, she's happy to be distracted; especially when there's something worth being distracted by.

She looks at the detective again, her gaze taking in every detail. Yes, there's definitely more than enough to look at...

"Need something?" the detective suddenly asks, and Tess smirks, feeling a pleasant shiver run down her spine as their gazes lock.

"I was just lost in thoughts. Why?" she asks innocently, and the detective tilts their head slightly.

"You were staring," the detective notes, but there's no reproach in their tone.

Tess chuckles. "Guilty as charged." She doesn't add anything more, watching the detective's reaction.

They hold each other's gaze for a moment longer before the detective lowers their gaze back to the report, humming thoughtfully. Prolongedly.

Fuck. Such sounds don't help her to focus at all.

In usual situations, it wouldn't distract her so much, even if she felt someone's interest directed at her.

But now, with the detective sitting just an arm's length away, their presence palpable, it feels... strange. Evident..?

Tess can't remember the last time she felt something so… definitely.

Hell, she can't even remember if she ever felt something she could describe as 'definitely' at all.

Yes, she can always find upsides in everything, especially when they come in the detective's package. But for some reason, that's not what turns her on.

Or rather, it's not just that.

The detective's posture, their tone of voice, their gaze that lingers even after they look away from her. It all feels... teasing. Tempting. Tantalizing.

Their whole presence evokes a sweet ache in her chest, and Tess practically forces herself to look away.

Iris says staring at people is improper. Well, she's never really cared whether her behavior is proper or not. But now...

She manages to maintain her smirk even as a cold, venomous feeling creeps into her chest, recalling the detective's interaction with that lab lady. Her gaze, voice, and gestures—all hinted at one thing.

Desire.

Of course, Tess can't blame her; even with visible signs of fatigue, the detective looks criminally hot.

But the subtle discomfort in the detective's gaze, the palpable shift in their demeanor, a slight tension in their shoulders—it all changes everything, causing this unpleasant feeling to intensify.

What's the point if both parties aren't enjoying it? No wonder the detective is so tense.

But her incomprehensible outburst of irritation is quickly replaced by a more pleasant feeling when another thought surfaces in her mind.

Maybe she can help the detective relieve the pressure. Make them both feel good...

'Behave yourself, Tess,' Morgan's voice echoes in her head, and Tess barely restrains the urge to roll her eyes.

Given the circumstances, given all this foolish ambiguity, and the uncertainty about how the detective is involved, if they're involved at all... She knows she needs to be cautious and focused on their task; that's not something that needs to be spelled out for her.

But at the same time, she's tired of it all: this constant uncertainty and the fact that everything around her is so… fleeting.

But this is the reality she lives in, so she'll take everything it offers. Her gaze once again shifts toward the detective. Just like it offers her now.

The first day of acquaintance isn't something that usually stops her, but it might stop the detective.

Her grin grows wider. How fortunate that the first day of acquaintance happens only once, which means the remaining days of her stay here will give her a chance.

A chance to help the detective relieve tension, if they allow her to. And if the detective will…

She'll start with a light touch, to tease them first, running the tips of her fingers from collarbones to shoulders, feeling their skin against hers, before stepping a little bit closer.

She'll ask them how they want it, show them how much she needs it—craves it—both her and their excess.

She wants to see how her touch affects them, easing the tension and replacing it with a pleasant one—something she can help to release.

And she'll happily do it, and the detective doesn't even have to ask: their permission, their moan, their command—any of this will be enough for her to go further, go lower—deeper, push against them a little bit harder, pull them into the speed, make them ready to feel.

And then, she'll take everything the detective is willing to offer and give back just as much in return until that tension finally dissolves into a sweet release.

...Fuck.

Feeling the growing tension in the lower part of her abdomen, Tess makes an effort not to squirm in her seat, trying to focus on something else. But her gaze can only focus on the detective.

I'd suggest starting with a massage, but it seems we'll have to start with small talk, she almost says it aloud but bites her tongue.

Obviously, Rebecca's behavior has hurt her chances with the detective. But if what she is feeling now is so intense, how much more intense will it be if something actually happens?

She wants to taste it. She needs to feel it before...

Her smirk slips from her lips. Before something happens, or nothing happens at all.

Uncertainty sucks.

What's certain in her life right now are two things: first, the fact that they'll leave soon, regardless of what happens.

And second, something that is always there, always real—her feelings. And right now, she feels the desire to experience this attraction before it all ends.

Tess almost chuckles, already anticipating disapproval from the others.

It'll be challenging. It'll be fun.

Her gaze once again focuses on the detective, not for the first time today, and certainly not for the last. As for this...

She doesn't know how this will turn out. But she's eager to see how much she's willing to take from everything she has right now before the tension fades and sweet relief arrives, leaving only nothingness behind.

Just like it always does.