Chapter 7

Theodore's chest tightened even more at the sound of Tessa's hoarse voice. He was about to speak when the club manager came rushing around the corner.

Seeing Tessa standing around instead of serving guests in the private rooms, the manager immediately began shouting.

"Tessa! What the hell are you doing wasting time here? Get your ass back to the private rooms and drink with the guests!"

He grabbed her and tried to drag her away.

Theodore reacted instantly. His expression darkened as he shoved the manager aside and stepped in front of Tessa, shielding her.

"She's with me today."

"You want her?"

"That's right." Theodore motioned to his assistant, who promptly came over and wrote the manager a check.

The manager's eyes widened at the amount.

Someone was actually willing to spend a fortune on an ugly ex-con?

Still, money was money. He wasn't about to complain. He happily took the check and walked off, eager to report the deal to Beckett and take credit for it.

But when Theodore turned around, he discovered that Tessa had already passed out.

His heart aching for her, Theodore immediately scooped her into his arms and carried her upstairs to a room.

When Tessa woke up, she found herself lying in a soft bed, with Theodore sitting beside her.

"You're awake?"

He helped her sit up and gently handed her a glass of water. His brow furrowed as he took in how thin she'd become.

Tessa nodded and took a few small sips. Warmth spread through her chest. Ever since she'd gone to prison five years ago, no one had treated her so gently.

Her eyes filled with tears.

"Thank you, Theodore."

The tremor in her voice broke Theodore's heart.

He'd been in love with Tessa since high school. He loved her passion and courage, her boldness and beauty.

But back then, she'd only had eyes for Beckett, so Theodore had kept his feelings to himself.

If he'd known how much she'd suffer, he would've fought for her no matter what.

"Tess, let me get you out of here, okay?"

The light faded from Tessa's eyes.

Of course she wanted to escape.

But Beckett wasn't done making her pay. And there was her son...

Beckett still had him.

She didn't want to drag anyone else into this.

"Theodore, thank you for offering, but I can't leave..."

Bang!

Before she could finish, the door was kicked open.

Beckett stormed into the room, his expression icy. The club manager followed behind him, trembling with fear.

The manager had just told Beckett that Theodore had paid $150,000 to take Tessa away, and Beckett had immediately come looking for them.

Seeing how close they seemed, his eyes flashed with murderous fury.

Theodore immediately stood and stepped in front of Tessa to protect her.

But Beckett didn't even spare him a glance.

He looked straight at Tessa and spoke slowly.

"Figures. You had a baby in prison, and you've only gotten better at seducing men. I'm giving you three seconds. If you're not out here with me by then, you'll never see that child again."

With that, he turned and walked away.

Tessa's eyes filled with tears. Ignoring how weak she was, she immediately tried to get out of bed.

Theodore reached out to stop her, but she pushed his hand away.

"Theodore, I'm sorry. This is the life I'm stuck with..." Her eyes were red with tears, her voice full of guilt. "Please don't come back here again."

With that, she hurried out of the room.

She stumbled toward Beckett as fast as she could, reaching his side just as the three seconds ran out.

Before she could even steady herself, Beckett shot her a cold glance, seized her hand, and strode off, practically dragging her along behind him.