The Contracted Stripper

The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the room. Luca stirred, slowly waking from a deep sleep. As he blinked his eyes open, he was surprised to find Ivy sitting beside him, her gaze fixed on him with an intensity he hadn’t noticed before.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Luca asked, his voice groggy as he pushed himself up on one elbow.

Ivy blinked, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “Nothing,” she said, her voice soft.

“I’m just… admiring you, I guess.”Luca raised an eyebrow, a half-smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Admiring me, huh? That’s not something I hear every day.

“Ivy smiled back, but there was a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. She seemed to hesitate for a moment before asking, “Do you have a girlfriend?”

The question caught Luca off guard. He sat up fully, running a hand through his tousled hair as he processed her words. “No, I don’t,” he replied, his tone curious. “Why do you ask?”Ivy quickly looked away, busying herself with the sheets on the bed.

“Nothing. Just… wondering.”Luca watched her, trying to read her expression. There was something behind her words, something she wasn’t saying. “Are you sure it’s nothing?”Ivy glanced at him, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before she looked away again.

“Yes, I’m sure,” she said, her voice a little too quick, a little too firm. Luca’s mind whirred with possibilities. Was she interested in him? The thought sent a thrill through him, but he pushed it aside, not wanting to get ahead of himself.

After all, Ivy had been through a lot recently, and the last thing he wanted was to misinterpret her actions.”Alright,” Luca said finally, his voice light. “Let’s freshen up and head to the hospital. We should check on Ryan and see how he’s doing.”Ivy nodded, relieved at the change in subject.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

“Good idea,” she said, slipping off the bed and heading toward the bathroom. “I’ll be quick.”As she closed the bathroom door behind her, Luca leaned back against the headboard, his thoughts still lingering on their conversation. Why had Ivy asked about his love life? Did it mean she was interested, or was she simply curious? The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he reminded himself to stay grounded.

They had more important things to focus on-like uncovering the truth behind the web of deceit that surrounded them.

The drive to the hospital was quiet, both Luca and Ivy lost in their thoughts. Ivy kept stealing glances at Luca, her mind replaying their earlier conversation.

She wasn’t sure what had compelled her to ask such a personal question, but she couldn’t deny the flutter of feelings that had been growing inside her ever since they started spending more time together.

When they arrived at the hospital, the air was thick with tension. The sterile smell of antiseptic greeted them as they walked down the corridor toward Ryan’s room. Ivy’s heart pounded in her chest, a mix of worry and anticipation. She didn’t know what to expect-would Ryan be awake? Would he remember what happened? And most importantly, would they be able to find out who was behind the attempts on his life?

As they approached the door, Ivy reached for the handle, but Luca stopped her, placing a hand on her arm. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice filled with concern

. Ivy looked up at him, the warmth of his touch sending a comforting wave through her. “I’m fine,” she said, though her voice wavered slightly. “Just… nervous, I guess.”Luca gave her a reassuring smile. “Whatever happens, we’ll face it together,” he said, his voice steady and confident.

Ivy nodded, grateful for his support. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open, stepping into the room. Ryan lay in the hospital bed, his face pale but peaceful. The steady beeping of the heart monitor filled the room, a rhythmic reminder that he was still fighting, still holding on. Ivy’s heart ached at the sight of her brother, so strong and full of life, now reduced to this fragile state.

Luca stood beside her, his presence a calming force. “He looks better,” he said softly, his eyes fixed on Ryan.

Before Ivy could respond, the door behind them opened, and Dr. Parker entered the room. His expression was as professional as ever, but there was a coldness in his eyes that Ivy had never noticed before.

“Good morning,” Dr. Parker said, his voice smooth as he approached the bed. “I’m glad to see you both here. Ryan’s condition has stabilized overnight, but we’re still monitoring him closely.”Ivy nodded, trying to read the doctor’s face. “Do you think he’ll wake up soon?” she asked, her voice hopeful.

Dr. Parker’s lips pressed into a thin line. “It’s difficult to say,” he replied, his tone carefully neutral. “He’s been through a lot, both physically and mentally. His body needs time to recover.”Luca’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the doctor, a sense of unease creeping into his mind.

Something about Dr. Parker’s demeanor felt off as if he were hiding something. But Luca knew better than to voice his suspicions without evidence.

“Thank you, Dr. Parker,” Ivy said, her voice polite but distant. “We’ll stay with him for a while if that’s okay.”

“Of course,” Dr. Parker replied with a nod. “I’ll be in my office if you need anything.”As the doctor left the room, Luca turned to Ivy, his voice low. “I don’t trust him,” he said bluntly.

Ivy looked at him, surprise flashing in her eyes. “Why? He’s been our family doctor for years.”

“I can’t explain it,” Luca said, shaking his head. “It’s just a feeling. But I’ve learned to trust my instincts, and something about him doesn’t sit right with me.”Ivy frowned, her mind racing.

“You think he’s involved in all of this?”

“I don’t know,” Luca admitted. “But we need to be careful. There’s more going on here than we realize.”Ivy sighed, her shoulders slumping as the weight of the situation pressed down on her. “I feel like I’m in over my head,” she whispered.

“There’s so much happening, and I don’t know who to trust anymore.”Luca placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You’re not alone, Ivy. We’ll figure this out together. But we need to stay focused and not let our guard down.”Ivy nodded, feeling a renewed sense of determination.

“You’re right,” she said, her voice stronger. “We’ll find out the truth, no matter what it takes.”

Dr. Parker sat at his desk, his fingers drumming against the polished wood as he stared at the files spread out before him. His mind was a storm of thoughts, each one more dangerous than the last. He knew that time was running out, and if he didn’t act soon, everything he had worked for would be at risk.

His phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts. He picked it up, glancing at the screen before answering. “Yes?”

“It’s me,” His mistress’ voice purred through the receiver. “How’s our dear Ryan doing?”

“He’s stable,” Dr. Parker replied, his tone clipped. “But we need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the more likely it is that someone will start asking questions.”

“I’m aware,” She said, her voice cold. “But we need to be strategic about this. One wrong move and it could all come crashing down.

“Dr. Parker’s jaw tightened. “And what about Ivy? She’s been snooping around too much lately. If she gets too close to the truth…”

“She won’t,” she interrupted, her tone dismissive. “I’ll handle Ivy. You just focus on taking care of Ryan-and Kendrick.”

A silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension.”You’d better be right,” Dr. Parker finally said, his voice low and threatening.

“Because if this goes wrong, it’s both of our heads on the line.” Trust me, Parker,” she said with a smirk. “I always get what I want.”

Back in Ryan’s room, Ivy sat by her brother’s bedside, holding his hand as she whispered words of encouragement. Luca stood by the window, his gaze distant as he watched the world outside, his thoughts on the conversation he had just had with Ivy.

Suddenly, Ryan’s hand twitched in Ivy’s grasp, a faint groan escaping his lips. Ivy’s heart leaped into her throat as she leaned closer. “Ryan? Can you hear me?”Ryan’s eyes fluttered open, his gaze unfocused and groggy.

“Iris he mumbled, his voice hoarse.

Ivy’s eyes filled with tears of relief. Ivy’s voice trembled. “You’re okay, Ryan. You’re safe.”Luca turned from the window, his eyes widening in shock as he saw Ryan waking.

He quickly moved to the other side of the bed, his hand resting on Ryan’s shoulder. “Take it easy, man,” he said gently. “You’ve been through a lot.”Ryan blinked