Esper Harem in the Apocalypse

Ruby's curiosity grew as she continued to scan the darkened entrance, her eyes locked on the elusive silhouette. The tension in the room heightened until, with a gentle swish, a figure emerged from the shadows into the pool of light.

It was Alice.

Ruby couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in response to Alice's appearance. Her presence at this particular moment seemed a little too coincidental. Without uttering a word, Ruby smoothly slid off Rudy's lap and gracefully adjusted herself beside him.

Alice, noticing Ruby's silent reaction, offered a small, apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to disturb you two," she began, her voice calm and composed. "I was simply searching for Rudy and followed where the hallway led me."

Ruby eyed Alice, assessing her carefully. The explanation seemed plausible, and Alice's demeanor appeared innocent enough. However, Ruby remained silent, choosing to keep her thoughts to herself for now.

Rudy, ever the peacemaker, decided to address the tension in the room. He could sense Ruby's frustration and wanted to assure Alice that her presence was welcome.

With a warm and reassuring smile, he turned to Alice and said, "Don't worry, Alice. Even if it was on purpose, it's okay. I know you must have an 'important' reason to be here." Rudy emphasized the word 'important,' his gaze shifting toward Ruby with a hint of playfulness.

Ruby, who had been silently seething, couldn't help but roll her eyes at Rudy's antics. She shot him an annoyed glare, fully aware that he was intentionally provoking her. But beneath her irritation, there was a trace of affection for the man who seemed to revel in her fiery reactions.

Rudy, still wearing that mischievous grin, couldn't hide his amusement as he met Ruby's angry gaze. He enjoyed the playful banter between them, especially when it was sparked by his deliberate teasing. It was moments like these that made their unique bond even more special.

Rudy patted the spot beside him, inviting Alice to take a seat. She hesitated for a moment, her nerves evident in the way she gulped and took a deep breath. Finally, she settled beside him and mustered the courage to ask him a question.

"Did you talk with Dad and get his permission for me to sleep in your castle?" Alice inquired, her voice tinged with nervousness. She anxiously awaited Rudy's response, unsure of what George had said.

Rudy met her gaze, his dark crimson eyes gentle and reassuring. He smiled warmly before replying, "I went to talk with George, but he wasn't home. However, rest assured, you can sleep here. I'm sure George wouldn't mind."

Alice, still feeling uneasy, shook her head. "I appreciate that, Rudy, but I can't sleep over at anyone's place without getting my father's approval. It's just not something I do."

Rudy's annoyance flickered across his face momentarily. He sharpened his gaze and asked Alice, "Why are you so afraid of George? And since when did he become so strict about this?"

Ruby decided to chime in, her voice calm but firm as she addressed Rudy. "Hey, if she doesn't want to sleep here, you can't force her, you know?" Her gaze flicked between Alice and Rudy, her body language showing her support for Alice's choice.

Rudy nodded in agreement. "Obviously. I wouldn't force her to stay here if she doesn't want to; that's out of the question. However, her reason is different."

Alice remained silent, her emotions in turmoil. She loved Rudy deeply, and the idea of making him sad or disappointed weighed heavily on her. She did want to stay in Rudy's castle, perhaps even move in permanently, but she knew that her father, George, would never allow it.

"My father was strict too," Ruby interjected, sharing a knowing look with Rudy.

Without a down, Rusher was a coward. However, Rudy couldn't help but admire him a little, despite his harshness. Rusher's unwavering determination to protect his loved ones, even if it meant crippling his own syndicate, had left a deep impression on Rudy.

Ruby continued, her tone softening as she empathized with Alice's situation. "I doubt and wonder if Alice's father can be worse than my own in strictness. I've heard about how Alice's mother passed away, and I understand George's desire to protect his only daughter. I can imagine how he must feel, afraid of losing her."

Rudy let out a sigh as he agreed to take Alice home, understanding her concerns. "Of course, Alice. We'll get you back safely," he assured her. However, he added, "But just give me a moment here."

Turning his attention back to Ruby, he gently pulled her closer, settling her onto his lap. Ruby's cheeks flushed a bright red with embarrassment as she instinctively tried to get off Rudy's lap. But despite her efforts, she found herself lacking the physical strength to move him.

Seeing her struggle, Rudy couldn't help but grin mischievously. "What's the matter, Ruby? You were quite assertive earlier," he teased.

Ruby knew that her physical attempts were futile. She decided to use words instead, giving Rudy one of her trademark glaring looks.

She asked him to let her go, her voice carrying a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Rudy raised an eyebrow, genuinely curious. "Why are you acting differently now? You were making moves on me just a moment ago."

Still blushing, Ruby glanced over at Alice before returning her gaze to Rudy. "It's... different with another harem member around," she admitted, her voice soft but resolute.

Rudy chuckled softly, understanding her feelings but also trying to ease her embarrassment. "Ruby, it's something we'll all need to get used to. This is how our relationships are going to be from now on."

Ruby, however, wasn't entirely convinced. She turned to Alice and asked, "Would you really do this if you were in my place, Alice?"

Alice didn't hesitate. She met Rudy's eyes with determination and nodded. "Yes, I would, Ruby. I'd do anything Rudy wants, and I'd do everything in my power to please him, in any way he desires."

"..."

"I would even suck his dick here if he wanted me to."