Dangerous Affair

Chapter 11

Tessa

I pull my hair as I pace around the hallway, he leaves me looking like a complete mess. I know I have been difficult around the house, but I never expected him to call off the deal just like that, especially when I am starting to adjust. All I wanted was to get back to school and this happened.

No— it can't end like this.

I can't go back to being a janitor again, not now.

"There must be something I can do to change this fate." I slam the door shut behind me and run straight to my bed, snatching my cellphone in a hurry. I might know someone who can help me at this time. I really need to change his mind.

I dial on my phone but unfortunately, Grace didn't pick up. Left for me, I won't call her not after she abandoned me. I thought we wee best pals, and she had my back, but it turns out that when the tides change, people do too.

"Pick up the game phone," I yell, "I don't have time for this, Grace. I need your help, and you are going to help me."

The call keeps disconnecting and panic surges through me like wildfire. I don't understand why she keeps avoiding my calls. If there's anyone who can help me, Grace is the perfect partner in crime. She knows quite a lot about men and what turns them on. Maybe that's why Jake left me for Nicole. I can still recall how she rode him when I caught them in that s**t hole. Just maybe I can make Nick change his mind if I can seduce him to prove that I am the best candidate for this job.

I definitely can't go back to being just Tessa.

I dial the number once more, but Grace didn't pick as usual and, I yell out of frustration. I slam my cellphone against my bed and yell at the top of my lungs, but only to be cut off by the sudden beep from my phone.

Could that be Grace? I wonder.

I grab the phone in a haste, but my face drops at the annoying name dancing on my phone screen— the last person I was expecting to call at this point.

Father.

"What the hell?!" I snap.

I connect the call reluctantly and hiss through my teeth, but he hears me loud and clear.

"Is that how to pay respect to your father, you miserable b***h?" He roars. "And you wonder why I choose Charlie over you even after death?"

"Now is not the time for this," I whine calmly.

"You don't tell me when to rant," he warns.

"I don't have to listen to this. If you have something good for me, you should say it now, or I am going to hang up. I have so much to deal with and the last time I checked, I don't owe you anything, pa. You have the money you requested and that's it. I have fulfilled my obligations for the week, and I am exhausted."

"Shut the f**k up, woman. You should know what I want by now? Did you see the sharks? I want my revenge, Tessa. That's all I ask of you and what money are you talking about? I need more money and I want it now, or I will come for you like always." His growl erupts into my ears and I bite my lips. My eyes switch in an instant and suddenly goes red.

I can't believe my father.

I swallow as my tears fall freely.

Over the years, he has tormented me, humiliated me and publicly disowned me. Whenever father doesn't get what he wants, he comes at me. My home was never safe around that man. He ruined my life, but yet, I choose him because he is all I have in this world. He is grieving and that can change a man.

"You are so unfair," I yell. "What is with you and the sharks? I won't be a part of this, pa. You asked for money and I gave you just that, but never have you wondered to know how I got to get things done? I am drowning here and all you can talk about is getting more money from me? And a child who is no longer here?" I sniffle a little and grab my hair in frustration as I roam around my bedroom. "You should show a little appreciation, pa. Show some compassion or get off my back."

"The nerves!" He thunders.

"You know what? I am done with this. Get off my phone and never call me again, you are just a waste of time. I will get the transfer done when it's due for the week like I always do. You can rot in hell for all care."

I end the call and fall to my knees with tears in my eyes.

He doesn't deserve me.

There's no one out there who deserves me. They all end up scarring me, just like father and Jake.

"I can't lose this deal," I cry.

Ringing!

I clutch my cellphone and blink back my tears as Grace's name popped on my screen. I rush my phone and connect the call instantly.

"You traitor!" I yell.

"Hey girl! I can explain," she pleads, but I dismiss her.

"I need you to teach me how to get a man?" I rush my words and the line suddenly goes static.

"You cannot be serious! What?!" She yells, I can feel the amusement in her tone as she chuckles over the phone. "What is going on? What happened to Jake? Are you over him now? Be real, girl!"

"I am serious, Grace. I need to know how to get a man. My life is a complete mess, and he doesn't want me anymore."

"He what?! Who the hell are you talking about?"

I take a deep breath, knowing fully well that I sound crazy, all because of a man.