Chapter 10
1024 Words
Nick
I watch as she trembles before me even though I am not being serious with her. There's no way I will allow a complete stranger get access to my body— contract or no contract. I have my principles and the sooner she understands that, the better for her. She makes a turn in the hallway, I just keep watching her every move. She tries to run away, and I instantly burst into laughter.
She's funny!
She pauses and glares at me, although she looks terrified from a distance. That's all I ever get, that look— he's the monster.
"What's so funny?" She asks, but I clearly ignore her and roll my eyes.
I have had a long day with the boys already. She squeezes her fist as if she wants to punch me right in the face and I raise a brow.
"What happened to being terrified of this monster?" I ask and click my tongue. "Just a while back, you feared for your life, but right now, you want to fight me. You are something, Tessa."
I strode across the hallway with a smile on my lips, the scent of cigarette lingering in the air as I exhale deeply into the air. I can smell the glass of champagne I had with the boys on me. Slowly, she starts to tremble as my expression dawns on her.
"You know, Tessa…."
My steps echo in the hallway, and she drags her leg on the ground, trying to make her way out of my sight.
"Don't come close to me," she yells.
I grab her hand and pin her against the wall, our eyes meet and she cries bitterly. She turns, hoping to escape her reality, but I inhale her scent and a small grin curls on my lips. I gently run my fingers through her hair, and she swallows, I notice her legs shaking and it amuses me.
"Don't tell me you don't want this," I whisper. "It's not like you are new to this, Tessa. You signed the contract and took my money and now, I want what is due to me. Satisfy me tonight and I will grant your wish."
"I-I," she stammers when I plant a kiss on her neck. Her body instantly goes stiff and beads of sweat surround her forehead. "I can't," she yells, but yet her voice can't be heard. "I haven't done this before. Please let me go…." She suddenly burst into a loud cry and I stagger back with my eyes almost popping out.
Unbelievable! It can't be.
"What did you just say?" I release my hold on her and lift my face to meet hers. "You cannot be serious. What about Jake? You've been together for years, and you want me to believe you haven't gone down with him?"
"I'm sorry," she sobs.
She falls to her knees and clutches the helm of her garment. Her body trembles on the ground and I twist my lips in actual realization. She's telling the truth but what the hell?! I didn't see that coming. I mean, she works in a bar and dated the hottest guy in college. Now I am confused. I know Tessa is good, I have done my research, but I never knew she was this good.
I grab my hair, exhaustion settling over me.
If this is true, then it means that Tessa is the wrong candidate for my mission, but I am so far gone and can't turn back. Father is already on my case and that annoying brother of mine is probably scheming behind my back to pull me down.
For years, I have gone to war with my family over the empire Father willed me, but it seems like everyone and everything is against me. The board wants me out of my position and my rivals keep increasing in numbers day after day.
"Then why are you here?!" I summon the courage to question her.
"I didn't have a choice. You never gave me no choice, my debts never gave me a chance. I need the money as much as you need a child."
I can't deny this feeling but I feel betrayed. I could never hurt a woman's feelings, but in the end, they keep taking advantage of my kindness and leave me high and dry. I never intended to abuse Tessa's body. I only wanted to get to know her a little, now I feel like s**t.
A true monster.
Back there, I saw a young woman so scarred, right in front of the crowd, trying so hard not to strip with tears in her eyes because she was drowning in debts.
Then, I saved her.
I know I want her to carry my baby, but I was never going to screw her to get the job done. But hearing her say this, the wounds cut deep because I know she will never imagine any good of me.
"You should go," I say. "The deal is off."
"W-What?" She half yells and almost chokes as the lumps in her throat piles up. "You can't do that. We had a deal and I accepted, remember. If this is about me not pleasing you, I will adjust." She runs towards me and grab my leg with tears falling from her eyes. "I need this even though I don't act like I do. I really do. What about my finals in college? How do I cope? I know you paid off my debts, but I am yet to graduate and I need you…. I can't pay back what you have given me. It's all gone."
I pull away and shoot her a cold glare.
"You should go Tessa," I roar. "I won't take back the money."
"Please…."
I clench my fist, the tears in her eyes are real and not what I was expecting. If only she knew the reason for my decision. I can't possibly add to her trauma, she's had a rough life already.
I bite my lips, turn to the side and gently walk away.
She's too good for me, I whisper in my head.
- Writer
