Page 53 of Filthy Rich Bosses

“That’s bullshit and you know it. Now who’s scared?”

Grayson chuckles, the sound rough and strained, but it’s there. A crack in the armor.

I’m not letting her go without a fight. I love her.

Chapter 23

Tessa

Istare at my phone, scrolling through apartment listings with growing desperation. The clock is ticking, and I can practically hear it mocking me with every passing second. Three days. That's all I have left before my contract with Grayson expires, and I'm out on my ass.

"Hey, Tess! Whatcha doing?" Chase's voice startles me, and I nearly drop my phone.

I look up to see him leaning against the doorframe, that signature crooked grin plastered on his face. "Oh, you know, just planning my imminent homelessness," I reply, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

Chase's eyebrows furrow. "What are you talking about? You're not going anywhere."

I let out a humorless laugh. "Chase, my contract is up in three days. I can't exactly squat in Grayson's house forever."

"Why not?" He pushes off the doorframe and plops down next to me on the couch. "I've been saying you should stay forever. So, stay. Forever. Don’t like the house? Fine. We’ll build you a guesthouse out back. Hell, I'll even build you a treehouse if that's more your style."

I roll my eyes, but I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips. "As tempting as that sounds, I need to find my own place. Like, yesterday."

Chase peers over my shoulder at my phone screen. "Whoa, those places look...interesting."

"That's one word for it," I mutter, swiping past another sketchy-looking listing. My stomach churns as I realize just how limited my options are. Who's going to rent to someone with my less-than-stellar credit history and no job?

Who is going to rent to someoneright fucking now?

Shady people, that’s who.

I take a deep breath, stealing myself. "Look, I know it's not ideal, but I don't have much choice. I've got to at least check these places out."

Chase's playful demeanor fades, replaced by genuine concern. "Kitten, you don't have to do this. I want you to stay.Wewant you to stay. I'm sure if you talked to Grayson—"

"No," I cut him off firmly. "I'm not asking for handouts. I've always taken care of myself, and I'm not about to stop now."

With a resigned sigh, I tap on one of the listings and hit the “Request Viewing” button. The confirmation pops up almost immediately, and I feel a mix of relief and dread wash over me.

"Well," I say, forcing a smile, "looks like I've got an apartment to see. Wish me luck?"

Chase wraps an arm around my shoulders, giving me a gentle squeeze. "You don't need luck, Tess. You've got us."

I lean into him for a moment, allowing myself this brief comfort. But as I pull away, I can't shake the nagging thought that this isn't permanent. It can't be. No matter how much a part of me wishes it could be.

“I’m coming with you.”

“You’re not, really.”

“I am though.”

“Fine. But you can’t go dressed like that,” I say with a smirk.

Chase looks down at his slacks and designer t-shirt and grins. "What? It's comfy."

I raise an eyebrow. "You're going to a dive bar, not a wine bar.”

“I thought we were going to an apartment?"

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