Inside the villa, the music dimmed, replaced by the soft hum of air-conditioning. The marble staircase gleamed under the lights what Tessa didn't notice was the thin, slick layer of oil glistening faintly across the steps, carefully poured by Cathryn earlier.
Unaware, she started climbing. One step. Two steps. The sole of her sandal met the slick surface.
Her eyes widened. Her body jerked forward as her foot slipped.
She let out a sharp gasp, arms flailing in the air.
And then----
Continuation....
And then—
A strong arm caught her in midair, pulling her against a solid chest. One hand gripped her waist firmly, the other steadying her trembling wrist.
"Open your eyes, Tessa. You're safe. Not a single bone's out of place," a deep voice murmured.
Her lashes fluttered open. Her breath hitched.
"Nikolai. You… again?"
A smirk curved across his lips as he slowly lifted her upright, his hand lingering a second too long on her waist.
"Seems fate keeps throwing you into my arms, sweetheart. I guess I'm your savior tonight."
Tessa's cheeks warmed. "Oh God… thank you. If you hadn't— I don't even want to imagine what could've happened."
He winked. "Don't thank me yet. You fall into danger too much, you might start owing me."
Her nervous laugh filled the quiet hall.
"Tessa, do you have the phone?" Cathryn's voice sliced through the moment as she stepped into the room.
"Oh no! I'll get it." Tessa hurried into the guest room, leaving them alone.
Cathryn's eyes narrowed into daggers. "What are you doing here? Who invited you?"
Nikolai's smirk vanished, replaced by a cold edge. He stepped closer, his voice low and dangerous.
"I don't need an invitation. But hear me, I know what you're trying to do. If you ever lay a hand on her again, if you so much as touch a single strand of her hair… consider yourself finished."
Cathryn's lips curled into a mocking smile, though her fists clenched at her sides. "Is that supposed to scare me?"
He leaned in, his gaze unflinching. "It isn't a warning. It's a promise."
Just then, Tessa reappeared, waving the phone. "Got it!" she chirped, oblivious to the storm brewing between them.
Cathryn quickly plastered on a sugary smile. "Perfect. Let's get back to the party."
Nikolai's eyes lingered on Tessa for a heartbeat longer before he walked away, his presence heavy even as he disappeared into the crowd.
Tessa bit her lip, watching him leave. A strange twist of unease and curiosity knotted in her stomach.
"Is he… okay?" she murmured under her breath.
Cathryn slipped her arm through Tessa's, her fake sweetness almost suffocating. "Come on, babe. Don't keep the others waiting." she said as they both left.
_________
Nikolai left the noisy party behind, his car slicing through the night until he pulled up at a secluded garden—the one place that had always calmed him. The air was cool, scented with roses, and the soft rustle of leaves brought a rare smile to his lips.
He sat on a wooden bench, the cool breeze brushing against his face. A laugh escaped him as old memories crept in, pulling him eleven years back.
Flashback – 11 years ago
The playground was alive with children's chatter, the swings creaking as they swayed back and forth. The golden evening sun stretched long shadows across the grass, while the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries drifted from a street vendor nearby.
On a stone bench near the fountain, a little boy sat hunched over, round cheeks damp with tears. His small hands fidgeted nervously with the hem of his shirt.
"Nikolai, don't cry."
The voice was soft but firm. Nine-year-old Tessa plopped down beside him, her ponytail bouncing as she crossed her arms with determination. "I'm here, okay? We're best friends. If anyone dares bully you, I'll fight them all. No one hurts my bestie."
Nikolai sniffled, his eyes red. "They keep calling me fatto. Maybe they're right. Maybe I'm too fat."
Tessa leaned in, her eyes shining with fierce loyalty. "Don't you dare believe them. You're cute the way you are. You only listen to me, not those idiots. And I like you exactly how you are. Always remember that."
A shy smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you, Tessa."
"You're welcome." She gave him a quick hug, then pulled back and tapped his nose. "Now wipe those tears. Stop acting like a crybaby. You have to be strong."
"Yes, madam," little Nikolai chuckled, saluting clumsily.
She laughed, her giggles ringing brighter than the children's voices around them. "Do you want ice cream?"
Nikolai's eyes lit up instantly. "Yeah!"
"Oops… I don't have any money." She stuck her tongue out as she dug into her tiny purse.
"I've got some." Nikolai pulled out a crumpled bill from his pocket.
"Perfect! Hand it over!" Tessa grinned, snatching the note and grabbing his hand. She dragged him toward the ice cream stand, their laughter echoing through the park as the sun dipped lower on the horizon.
End of Flashback*
Nikolai tilted his head to the stars above. The once-chubby boy was gone—replaced by a tall, broad-shouldered man with steel in his eyes.
"I'm slim, I'm strong, and I don't cry anymore. From now on, I'll protect you, Tessa. I know I left when I moved away, but I never forgot you. Even if you've forgotten me…"
His phone buzzed sharply in his pocket. The smile on his lips vanished. One look at the glowing screen, and his expression darkened.
He shot to his feet, shoved the phone into his jacket, and bolted toward his car. The engine roared to life, and with screeching tires, Nikolai tore out of the garden, disappearing into the night.
NEXT DAY_ CRESTVIEW COLLEGE*
The campus was alive with chatter, students drifting across the wide courtyard, sunlight bouncing off the polished benches. Tessa and Mulan sat on a molded bench beneath a maple tree, the shade shielding them from the heat.
"Wait—she actually invited you to the party at her villa?" Mulan asked, brows arched.
"Yeah. It was fun." Tessa grinned, her eyes still sparkling at the memory.
Mulan frowned, crossing her arms. "Hmm. I don't know why, but something feels off. Cathryn suddenly wants to be your friend? That doesn't sit right with me."
Tessa narrowed her eyes. "Are you jealous I'm friends with her now?"
"Hell no," Mulan scoffed, rolling her eyes. "I'm happy for you. You're friends with your favorite singer now. I just… don't trust her. Anyway, let's drop it before you start sulking."
"Better," Tessa muttered. "You love spoiling my mood."
Mulan chuckled, leaning against her shoulder. "I'm sorry. You just love getting angry at me, you this girl."
"And you love upsetting me," Tessa shot back with a pout.
"Fine, fine. Want me to beg now?" Mulan teased.
"Yes," Tessa said stubbornly.
They both laughed, but the laughter quickly faded as Mulan tilted her chin toward the pathway. "Uh-oh. Look who's coming—your new friends."
Tessa glanced up to see Cathryn, Sabrina, and Caroline striding toward them like they owned the courtyard.
"Hey, Tes," Cathryn sang, her lips curling in a practiced smile.
"Hey." Tessa forced a small smile back.
"I think I'll excuse you guys," Mulan muttered, grabbing her bag.
Cathryn's gaze followed her with disdain. "She's always glued to you. Your bestie?"
"Yeah… she's my friend," Tessa replied cautiously.
Cathryn's smile hardened. "Well, you're one of us now. You can't be hanging around with people like her anymore. It's either us… or her."
Tessa's eyes widened. "What? But… Mulan and I have been friends since first semester. I can't just—"
"So you're choosing her, then?" Cathryn's tone turned sharp, cold.
"N-No!" Tessa blurted quickly.
"Good." Cathryn's smile returned like nothing had happened. "We're going shopping tomorrow. You'll come with us. Don't worry—bills on me."
"Really? Thank you!" Tessa brightened instantly.
"Catch up later," Cathryn said smoothly, turning on her heel as the trio walked away.
Sabrina snorted. "This girl is so foolish. She's desperate to be in our circle."
"She doesn't know what I'm planning for her," Cathryn muttered darkly, her eyes glinting.
Caroline slowed her pace, frowning. "Don't you think this is too much? You're taking things too far."
"If you don't want to get involved, then keep your mouth shut," Cathryn snapped. "Always acting like a saint."
Caroline pressed her lips together. "I think you should stop—before it gets ugly. What you're doing isn't right."
"No one asked for your opinion," Cathryn sneered.
Caroline looked at Sabrina. "And you? Can't you talk some sense into her?"
Sabrina only smirked, her voice dripping with amusement. "Why would I? I'm enjoying this. Doesn't matter why Cathryn's doing it—it's fun being wicked."
"You're both bitches," Caroline hissed, storming off.
"You too, my love!" Cathryn called sweetly after her.
Caroline shot her a middle finger without looking back.
Cathryn only laughed.
(Abandoned Warehouse – Late Afternoon)★
Sunlight struggled through the broken windows of the warehouse, painting long dusty beams across the cracked floor. Rusted pipes groaned in the silence, and the smell of oil and damp wood hung in the air.
Cobra sat on a dented metal chair, rolling a toothpick between his teeth while his men lingered in the shadows. His eyes were cold, his beard twitching with every smirk.
"This Mrs. Cristin still believes I won't touch her," he said slowly, voice dripping with venom. "She's playing with fire."
One of his men snorted. "Boss, why drag it? That daughter of hers is ripe for the taking. She should already be in our hands."
Another man cracked his knuckles, grinning wickedly. "Should we strike now? My body itching. It would be nice to drill new hole . Its good for my dîck."
Cobra leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He chuckled darkly, stroking his beard.
"Tonight, we'll take her. And when we do… Mrs. Cristin will finally understand the cost of not paying me back my money."
The men roared in approval, their laughter bouncing off the hollow walls.
Cobra didn't join them. He only smirked wider, eyes gleaming with cruelty.
"Debt always gets paid… one way or another."
CRESTVIEW COLLEGE ★
HARDIN'S SUITE – AFTERNOON
The air was thick with the smell of expensive cologne and half-empty bottles of whiskey scattered on the coffee table. Hardin lounged back on the couch, his shirt unbuttoned halfway, while Capri, Jordan, and Anderson laughed over nonsense.
"Man, can't you just tell Cathryn to stop daydreaming already?" Jordan said, shaking his head. "It's hilarious how she goes around calling you her boyfriend. Like bro, the girl's delusional."
Hardin smirked lazily, twirling his glass of liquor. "Why would I stop her? Free pussy's free pussy. And damn—she's sweet."
Capri snorted. "Sweet? Bet she's wide."
The guys roared with laughter. Hardin shrugged, smirking wider. "Wide or not—I fuck anything in sight."
Jordan leaned forward, grinning. "Just wait a few seconds. I bet Cathryn's gonna show up knocking. The girl's clingy as hell. I feel for you, bro."
"Shut up," Hardin muttered, chucking a pillow at him.
As if on cue—knock knock.
Jordan slapped his thigh, laughing. "Called it!"
Anderson shook his head. "Man, she's hopeless."
Capri stood, smirking. "We'll leave you to your little… distraction." He winked, and the three slipped out the side door just as Hardin opened the main one.
Sure enough—Cathryn stood there, dressed to impress, her lips curling into a smile.
"Hey," she purred.
Hardin leaned against the doorframe. "How you doing today?"
"I wasn't fine," she whispered, stepping closer, "but seeing you? Brightened my whole mood."
Hardin smirked. "Guess you're fine now, huh? What should I offer you?"
"You." Her answer was instant.
He chuckled, pretending not to take her seriously. "You already have me."
"Not enough." She brushed past him, hips swaying. "Let me grab some wine. You'll drink with me, right?"
Hardin shrugged, watching her disappear into the kitchen.
KITCHEN
Cathryn plucked two glasses from the rack, her eyes glittering. She uncorked a bottle of red, but before pouring, she slipped a tiny vial from inside her bra. With a sly smile, she sprinkled a fine powder into Hardin's glass.
The substance shimmered briefly before vanishing into the wine. A drug—designed to set his body on fire with lust, leaving him unable to think of anyone but her.
She licked her lips, hiding the vial back between her breasts, and carried both glasses out.
"Here," she said sweetly, handing his over. Hardin took it without question.
CAMPUS GROUNDS*
Meanwhile, Tessa was juggling her books when a delivery man stopped her.
"Afternoon, miss. Sorry to bother you. Do you know where I can find Hardin White? He ordered this pizza, but I can't track him down. Please, could you pass it to him if you see him? I've got too many deliveries lined up."
Tessa hesitated. "I… uh—fine. I'll take it."
"Thank you! Just sign here." He thrust a pad at her. She scribbled her name, muttering under her breath as the man hurried off.
"Ugh. Why did I agree? Where am I even supposed to find him?"
She spun around and spotted Jordan walking past.
"Wait! Crimson Kiss," she whispered. "He's one of them."
"Hey!" she called, jogging up.
Jordan looked her over. "Yeah?"
"My name's Tessa. This package is for Hardin White. Delivery guy handed it to me, but I don't know where he is. Can you…?"
Jordan shook his head. "He's at his suite. You can drop it off. I've got something to handle."
"Suite? Where exactly?"
He rattled off directions.
"Thanks," she sighed, trudging off with the box. "Hardin better pay me back for this stress."
HARDIN'S SUITE *
By now, Hardin was sweating. The drug had hit his bloodstream like fire, spreading through his veins. His eyes darkened, his body thrummed with restless energy.
Cathryn leaned close, letting her robe slide just enough to reveal her bare shoulder. He didn't wait, he grabbed her, lips crashing onto her neck as he shoved her against the bed.
"Hardin slow down," Cathryn gasped, though she was smiling underneath. "You'll have me all day, don't worry."
But he wasn't listening. His hands roamed roughly, tearing fabric as his breath came ragged.
Then—knock knock.
Cathryn froze, scowling. "Ignore it."
The knock came again, louder.
Hardin growled, trying to drag her back down, but she pulled away, throwing on a robe. "Stay here. I'll check"
Hardin grabbed her wrist, eyes glazed. "No. I'll do it."
"You can't—look at you!"
But he staggered to the door anyway, body burning, eyes wild.
He got to the living room door ,when he yanked it open Tessa stood there, clutching the pizza box. Her words died in her throat as her eyes landed on his bare chest, muscles slick with sweat. She swallowed hard.
"Uh—I… delivery for—"
Before she could finish, Hardin's hand shot out, dragging her inside.
"Wait—what are you—!" Tessa gasped, stumbling against him.
Behind them, the bedroom door slammed shut. Cathryn rushed to it, twisting the knob only to realize it had locked from the outside. Seems it's jammed.
"No. No, no—" she hissed, pounding the door.
Meanwhile in the living room, Hardin pressed Tessa against the wall, his grip like iron around her waist.
"Hardin! Let me go!" she shouted, shoving at his chest. His body was hot—too hot, like he was burning alive.
"Hardin, what's wrong with you?"
He didn't answer. His pupils were blown wide, his breath ragged, animal-like. With a sudden growl, he yanked at her top, the fabric tearing apart in his fists.
Tessa's breath hitched, terror slamming into her chest. Before she could react, she felt a coldness on her nîpple.