Dangerous Affair

Chapter 18

Tessa

The look in his eyes makes me wonder who this man truly is. Just last night, he almost threw me out of his mansion and now, he is worried about me but what Nick doesn't know is the fact that he is responsible for what I am going through. I can't believe that he just stood me up this afternoon. I literally had to brag with Nick when Jake came to me in school. I can still remember the look in his eyes, it was hilarious. Nicole felt like her world had ended when Jake walked up to me in front of everyone. He tried to apologize for being a crackhead but I ignored him and boasted about my fake fiance who obviously doesn't love me— it's all a game for Nicolas and nothing more.

"You don't have to be extra," I pull away from his grip and his eyes go red, his anger is evident– Nick looks rather displeased and I completely understand. "I just had a long day, that's all."

"But your expression says otherwise, Tessa. Let me guess, you felt bad for your ex and almost ran into his arms when he came crawling after he found out about your fiance? Is that it?" His brows lift and he gives off a weird vibe. "I have been with you for a while now to understand that you are indeed naive and emotional."

"Eww!" I snap and glare into his eyes. "Why would I want Jake back? Have you seen him lately? He looks like garbage. I bet they deserve each other. It's a good thing he actually broke up with me because heck no…. Jake is all bad news. You should have seen Nicole today," I slip out a soft chuckle and Nick smirks— I pause briefly, eyes all puffy as I stare at his handsome face, his smile is somehow captivating. I swallow as beads of sweat form all over my body. I know this feeling but what the heck is wrong with me? This can't be happening….. "I should go," I clear my throat and rub the back of my head but his hand grips my wrist and a soft exhale escapes my lips. "I have lectures in the morning and I don't think it's right to stay up late. You should freshen up, you smell like dirt."

"Are you sure about that?" He asks but his lips curl up and his brows narrow. "You know I can see right through you, right? Tessa…" he pulls me close and runs his fingers through my hair and I clear my throat. "You are sweating. Why are you still up? Were you waiting for my return?" He asks slowly but I look away and then comes the awkwardness as he grins.

"I have to go now," I clear my throat and flicker my eyes at the stairs but Nicolas pulls close and I can feel his body pressing gently on mine. "Nick—" my voice starts to crack when his breath settles all over my body. "I need to go so I can get ready for classes tomorrow. You are too close."

"I know," his deep yet mesmerizing tone rings in my ears and I bite my lips anxiously. "You should get some rest, Tessa. I will see you in the morning and please, don't stay up all night waiting for my return, you don't want to fall sick worrying about a grown ass man."

"Yeah!" I say. "I will see you in the morning."

Nick didn't make a move, he watches me from behind as I walk along the stairs heading to my bedroom. I take a glance at him at every stop but he stands still with a smile on his face and his fingers interlocking behind him.

He gives off the boss vibes.

"Tessa…" he calls and I rush to turn my face to meet his eyes from a distance and a soft chuckle slips his lips, he shakes his head and waves at me but I feel completely ashamed of myself. I try to raise my hand to exchange pleasantries but it feels stuck and I swallow slowly. "Sorry about today," he says softly. "Meet me at the office after school and I will make up for today. Have a good night's rest…."

I blink in confusion, nod at Nick and turn around to leave.

Tears wells up in my eyes, almost making me cry but I blink them back and run along the hallway down to the bedroom. I reach for the door, eyes all flooding with tears I tried so hard to hold back when I was with Nick.

"Nicely done," hands clap behind me and a surge of emotions runs through my body.

I turn to face the worst face I can possibly see tonight and I roll my eyes. "Look Clinton, I don't have the time for all these. You should be sleeping by now. What happened? I need to go now, please don't be a bully tonight."

"Look here girl, you don't know what you are getting yourself into, do you? Nicolas will never come to love a lowlife like you, the sooner you realize that, the better it will be for you. You may think that he has a soft spot for you but Nicolas doesn't. You don't know him better than I do and all of this is just a game."

"And yet he keeps me back here," I yawn right in his face. "Look, it's late and you should care more about your health than young people's business. I get it, you don't like me and guess what, I don't like you either. I am not going to displease myself just to please you, that's not happening. You can think whatever you want about me but that doesn't change the fact that I am still here."

"You will come begging after I am done with you," he warns.

"But not today," I whisper.

And then comes the slam on the door right in his face as I make my way out.