TESSA I wished the ground would open and swallow me whole. I pulled out from his hold, not daring to look up at him nor the other men. “Storms get bad this time of the year. We leave for my safehouse in the city during the weekend.” He said in a business-like tone as if he wasn't a bit affected by what happened. I nodded, not finding my words. “Um… I should get going now..,” I rambled on as my hand raised up to clutch the side of my neck. Without a second thought, I scurried away, passing by the huge men and rushing back up to the room. I mentally cursed myself for how I reacted. What the hell did I say? I couldn't even form a proper sentence? “Oh my God,” I groaned, burying my face into a pillow as I laid down flat on my stomach. I beat at the bed while kicking my feet in the air as muffled sounds escaped through my screams. I knew I was as red as a tomato. Oh my God, they'd probably be thinking we did something! And why did I lean in to him when I should have pushed him a
TESSAMy heart leaped into my throat as the darkness consumed me.“Shit!” I half yelled as the knife slipped from my grip, making a clattering sound as it hit the ground. I squinted my eyes to see who it was although from the voice I already knew. It was Leonardo. “What's happening?” I asked him, my heart still pounding in fright from the thunderstorm. He stood a few feet away, closer to the bookshelf which was a makeshift door to wherever this was.I didn't realise when he came in and now, I felt like I was caught in the act although technically I didn't do anything wrong. ‘Yeah. Except snooping around!’ My mind mocked.“You still haven't answered my question,” He asked. His voice was cold as I saw a dark shadow approach me. “Why are you here?”“I–I was looking for you,” I backed up against the wall.“Why?” He kept coming close till he invaded my personal space. This was my first time seeing him in about two weeks after that night.I suddenly felt claustrophobic. “Um…let's get out
TESSA I stood rooted to the spot as I watched him storm out of the room. My chest rose and fell rapidly. I felt a sting on my chin where he grabbed. I raked my fingers through my hair as I tried to calm myself down. This was all too much. A part of me wanted to be thankful that he saved me from eating that food, but a stronger part hated that his first resort was to kill. She pleaded till her last breath yet he didn't show mercy. How heartless can one get exactly? I wiped the tears on my cheeks, the rain hitting loudly against the windows. I could sense the anger in his tone when I said it would be better if I was dead. Frankly speaking, I think it would. But saving myself is the least of my problems. My family comes first. I need to ensure their safety first. I'd realized I let my emotions get the best of me tonight. But what exactly can be expected when even in my dreams I couldn't get a second of peace. I sat down on the bed, watching the night fade while silently battlin
LEONARDO “Tessa, open this door. Or I'll break it down!” I pounded my fists against the shut door. My patience was running low with this girl. I twisted the knob, ready to break it. “Signore, here are the keys,” one of the maids hurried to me, handing me a bunch of keys. I glared at her. I couldn't trust anyone, not even my workers. If my rivals could infiltrate my employees then I couldn't let my guard down. She scurried away after handing me the keys. I slid it into the key hole and was about to turn when I heard sobs. They were loud at first, then muffled, as if she placed her palms over her mouth to silence herself. I stopped, listening to the sound of her cries. My insides were in disarray. I couldn't understand her. I saved her and she's hiding from me? She should have been thankful for the hidden cameras I had installed all over the place, if not… I pulled back the key and turned on my heels, heading towards my study. My men already had the dead maid in a body bag, r
TESSA I must have imagined it all last night because this morning, the bed was very much empty. I felt stronger today and was tired of being cooped up in this room so I got dressed in some casual clothes and headed downstairs. This was my first time stepping out of the room since I got here and the place was beautiful to say the least. My interest spiked, I needed to explore. I headed downstairs, passing through the living room before reaching the entrance doors. It was guarded by two men, but surprisingly, when I got closer, they made way for me to pass. I knitted my brows in confusion. That was easy. I'd thought they'd stop me from going out just like the other time back at the villa. The wind blew at my hair which I let fall in their natural waves.The blue ocean stretched endlessly before me, disappearing into the horizon. I wrapped my arms around myself, rocking slightly on my feet as I absent-mindedly admired the beautiful scenery before me. The air was fresh. I really n
TESSA I woke up to a cold and empty space. I turned over on my back, using the inside of my elbows to shield my eyes from the morning light while slowly adjusting.I sat up, taking a look at the empty space, my mind going back to last night. I buried my face between my knees. What was I thinking last night when I asked him to stay?I mentally groaned at the thought of that. I was so out of it last night. I'd let my emotions get the best of me but I couldn't keep it all to myself. I went through something so traumatic. It was too much to bear. I stood up and went into the bathroom nearly startled by my reflection. My eyes were red and puffy, dried tears stained my cheeks.I stripped off the clothes and got into the shower to freshen up while being careful with my arm.I came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel when my mind flashed back to that night when I stood before him in just a towel. Heat crept up to my face. I couldn't believe he was the first man that ever touched me dow