Page 73 of Filthy Rich Bosses

Tessa turns in my embrace, her angular face softening as she studies me. I can see the walls she's built, the same ones I've constructed around my own heart. But there's something else there too—a flicker of hope, maybe?

"But this?" I continue, my voice low. "You? This feels like a good decision. Maybe the best one I've made in a long time."

I can feel her hesitation, the slight tension in her body as she processes my words. Her eyes dart away, focusing on the horizon where the sun kisses the sea. I know she's still not sure about us—about me, Chase, Grayson. The whole complicated mess we're offering her.

"Tessa," I say softly, cupping her face in my hands. "I hope you'll choose to stay."

She sighs, a sound so full of longing and fear that it makes my chest ache. "I'm scared, Cole," she whispers, her voice barely audible over the ocean's rhythm. "Nobody's ever...nobody's ever stayed for me before. Nobody's ever chosen me."

The vulnerability in her admission hits me like a punch to the gut. I want to wrap her up, shield her from every hurt she's ever experienced. Instead, I take a deep breath, willing my voice to remain steady.

"That's not true," I tell her, my thumb tracing the curve of her cheekbone. "Chase has. Chase has chosen you over and over again."

Her eyes widen slightly, a mix of surprise and something like hope flickering in their depths.

"And yeah, it may have taken us more time," I continue, thinking of my own stubbornness, the walls I'd built. "But I've chosen you too, Tessa. Hell, even Grayson..." I pause, remembering the moment that shocked us all. "Grayson took off his wedding band for you."

I watch as she processes this, her eyebrows drawing together in that cute little furrow she gets when she's deep in thought. The breeze ruffles her hair, and I resist the urge to tuck a stray strand behind her ear.

I take a deep breath, my hands settling on her shoulders. "Look, I'm not saying it'll be easy," I tell her, my voice low and earnest. "It won't be. And I'm definitely not promising perfection." I can't help but chuckle, thinking of the volatile mix of personalities we're dealing with here. "But Tessa, I am saying it'll be worth it."

She looks up at me, those mesmerizing eyes searching mine. I can see the war of emotions playing out on her face—hope battling with fear, longing with doubt. It's a struggle I know all too well.

"Worth it, huh?" she says, a hint of her usual sarcasm creeping into her tone. But there's a softness there too, a vulnerability she rarely allows anyone to see.

I nod, feeling a surge of affection for this complicated, beautiful woman. "Yeah, worth it. You're worth it, Tessa."

She ducks her head, and I swear I catch a hint of a blush on her cheeks. It's endearing, seeing this tough-as-nails woman flustered.

"Oh, and speaking of worth it," I say, injecting a note of playfulness into my voice. "We've got a surprise for you downstairs. You know, when you're ready."

Her head snaps up, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "A surprise? From you three? Should I be worried?"

I laugh, the sound echoing across the balcony. "Maybe a little," I tease. "But in a good way, I promise."

Chapter 34

Tessa

Iwatch Cole's broad shoulders as he walks away, his confident stride carrying him back out of my room. A small smile tugs at my lips despite the swirl of emotions in my chest. Turning back to the railing, I'm struck anew by the breathtaking sunset before me. The sky is ablaze with streaks of orange and pink, the sun a fiery orb sinking into the shimmering water.

"Well, that was...intense," I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. It’s due for another dye job. I contemplate changing colors or sticking to the badass black cherry.

The salty breeze caresses my skin, and I inhale deeply, trying to clear my head. I came up to this balcony to figure things out, but Cole's visit has only left me more conflicted.

"Stay or go, Tessa. It shouldn't be this hard," I grumble, my fingers drumming restlessly on the railing.

My eyes trace the horizon, as if searching for answers in the distant clouds. Can I really trust Cole, Chase, and Grayson to choose me? To want me? The cynic in me scoffs at the idea.

"You've been burned before, remember?" I remind myself sternly. "Men like that don't fall for women like you. Hell, your own parents couldn’t bother to choose you."

But then I recall the intensity in Cole's eyes, the gentleness in Grayson's touch. The pure joy that radiates from Chase and the way he fought for me. My heart flutters traitorously.

"Oh, who am I kidding?" I sigh, a rueful chuckle escaping my lips. "I'm in way too deep already."

The last rays of sunlight catch on my forearm, highlighting the small scar there. It’s a reminder of my strength, yes, but also of the risks that come with caring too much. I trace it absently, lost in thought.

"Maybe...maybe it's worth the risk this time," I whisper, surprising myself with the hope in my voice.

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