Page 43 of Filthy Rich Bosses

Grayson breezes past, briefcase in hand. "Have a good day, Tessa," he says with a nod, his usual stoic self once again.

I manage a weak smile. "You too."

As soon as he's out the door, I exhale. At least things with Grayson and Cole have settled back into some semblance of normalcy. But then there's Chase...

"Morning, beautiful." His voice makes me jump. Chase appears in the doorway, all tousled just-woke-up hair and easy grin. "I made you some coffee."

He sets a steaming mug on the counter in front of me, the rich aroma curling through the air. It’s tempting—comfort in a cup—but I can’t bring myself to accept it.

"Thanks, but I’m good," I mutter, sliding the mug away.

Chase’s grin falters, concern creasing his brow. "You okay? You seem a little...off." He steps closer, tentative but determined.

"I’m fine," I insist, stepping back instinctively. "Really."

Chase's brow furrows. "You sure? You seem tense." He moves closer, reaching out to rub my shoulders.

I flinch away from his touch. "I'm sure. Just...don't."

"Come on, Kitten. Talk to me." His puppy dog eyes are too much to handle.

"There's nothing to talk about," I snap, harsher than intended.

Chase recoils slightly, hurt flickering across his face. "I’m just trying to help."

He studies me for a moment, his usually easygoing expression clouded with worry. "Tessa, you don’t have to keep pushing everyone away. Let me help. You’ve been through a lot—"

"Chase, stop," I cut him off, sharper than I intended.

His face falls, hurt flickering across his features.

"I’m just trying to be here for you. If you’d let me." The earnestness in his voice makes my chest tighten.

I don’t doubt his sincerity, but the intensity of his concern is suffocating. I need space—space to think, to breathe, to figure out what the hell I’m doing.

"I know you mean well," I say, softer this time. "But I just...I need some time alone."

Before he can respond, I brush past him and head for the safety of my room. As I close the door behind me, I catch a glimpse of Chase's crestfallen expression. A pang of guilt hits me, but I push it aside.

This is for the best, I tell myself. I can't let anyone get too close. Not again.

I flop onto my bed, staring at the ceiling as my mind races. Lulu curls up against my side and I absently run my fingers through her soft fur. Zeus pads into the room, his nails clickingon the hardwood floor. He rests his head on the edge of the mattress, looking at me with those soulful brown eyes. I get up and shut my door. I don’t need any other visitors coming in.

"At least you're making progress, buddy," I murmur, scratching behind his ears. Zeus lets out a contented sigh, and I can't help but smile. "Three weeks ago, you wouldn't even let me near you, couldn’t even be in the house without wreaking havoc. Now look at us."

The German Shepherd's tail wags slowly, and I feel a twinge in my chest. I've grown fond of Zeus, but I can't forget why I'm here.

"One more week," I remind myself aloud. "Then I'm out of here. No attachments, no complications."

A soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. "Kitten?" Chase's voice calls out. "Can we talk?"

I groan internally. "Not now, Chase."

"Please?" he persists. "Just for a minute."

With a sigh, I slide off the bed and open the door. Chase stands there, looking uncharacteristically nervous, his hands shoved deep in his pockets.

"What is it?" I ask, crossing my arms.

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