Chapter 13
Tessy’s POV
I woke up in Anthony’s arms, his warmth enveloping me like a shield. The morning light streaming through the window highlighted the sharp lines on his face, and the tattoos on his body seemed to tell stories of their own.
As I gazed into his eyes, memories flooded my mind. The way he’d saved me from that bully, the way he’d held me close, the way he’d looked at me with such intensity.
But alongside those memories, doubts crept in. Why did Dad want me to stay away from Anthony? What secrets lay between them?
I hesitated, unsure if I should ask. Would Anthony shut me out? Would he think I didn’t trust him?
Instead, I reached out and touched his cheek. “Thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “For saving me, big daddy!!”
Anthony’s expression softened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Anytime, babydoll,” he whispered back. “You’re mine to protect, I won’t let anyone hurt what belongs to me.”
Mine. The word sent shivers down my spine. No one had ever made me feel so cherished, so wanted.
As he pulled me closer, our lips met in a gentle kiss. But it wasn’t long before the kiss deepened, our passion ignites like wildfire.
Anthony’s hands roamed my body, setting my skin ablaze. I felt his strength, his power, and I surrendered to it.
At that moment, I knew I was his, completely and utterly.
But as we lay there, entwined and panting, the doubts crept back in.
“Daddy!!?” I whispered, my voice trembling.
“Yes, babydoll?” he replied, his eyes locked onto mine.
“What’s going on between you and my father?” I asked, my heart racing.
Anthony’s expression faltered, and for a moment, I saw a glimmer of something pain, perhaps, or regret.
But then his mask slipped back into place. “Nothing,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “Just old history.”
Old history!!!! What does that mean? I am still lost here…
One thing is for sure, I knew he wasn’t telling me the truth, but I couldn’t push him further. Not yet.
Instead, I snuggled deeper into his arms, feeling the warmth and safety they provided.
For now, that was enough.
I had to get ready for school as usual and I got a text from Eddy saying, “Don’t forget about our date tonight..”
I have forgotten already, I am glad he sent me a reminder.
Getting to school, I avoided Elizabeth, I didn’t want to talk to her either, she doesn’t care for me as a friend, I love Anthony so much and age is just a number, when the time is right I will let my parents know the truth and if the love me, they will surely support me.
I got a call from my mother after the class on my way home, I placed the earpod on my ear to receive her call. She inquired about what happened between Dad and I.
Blah blah blah, she tried saying Daddy meant it for my good so I asked Mom, “Then will you tell me what transpired between Dad and his best friend? And why am I in this crossfire??”
“It’s an old history…” Mom said the same words Anthony told me and now I misjudged him again, he was not lying but didn’t want to just open up to me but their issues and not mine. I just want to have a taste of Big Daddy all the time, is it too much to ask for?
“But they looked happy during my birthday celebration…”
“You are just a kid, there are lots of things you might never understand, Anthony is not who you think he is, I know he is like an uncle to you but for your safety, you should avoid him and focus on your betrothed, I heard you will be having a date with him tonight… have you concluded on what to wear??” Mom knows how to avoid some sensitive topic and I am not in for that.
“Mom I need to go now, we will talk later, love you, Mom….” I ended the call and took a deep breath before walking into my apartment. Anthony is not a dangerous man and I can prove it and there is the forbidden shit thing again, I can’t say it out so I enjoy it secretly.
I need to rest a little so I can have a lot of strength to attend the date with Eddy tonight, maybe I might ask him things about his Uncle Anthony or will it make it look suspicious? I guess I have to take things slow and ask gradually so he won’t notice I am f**king his uncle.
Elizabeth called my number and I refused to pick up, I am still pissed at her right now.
*
I checked my watch for what felt like the hundredth time 6 PM sharp. Time to meet Eddy for dinner.
I took a deep breath, smoothing out my dress. This was supposed to be a nice evening, but my heart wasn’t in it.
Eddy greeted me at the restaurant with a warm smile. “You look stunning, Tessy.”
I forced a smile back. “Thanks, Eddy.”
Throughout dinner, he treated me with care, asking about my day and listening attentively. But I couldn’t shake off the feeling of restlessness.
It wasn’t Eddy’s fault; he was kind and charming. But my heart belonged to Anthony forbidden and all.
As we finished dessert, I knew I had to be honest. “Eddy, can I talk to you about something?”
“Of course, Tessy,” he replied, his eyes curious.
“I hope you know… we’re just friends,” I said, my voice firm but gentle. “We can’t be together.”
Eddy nodded, his expression understanding. “I remember. You told me before.”
“But?” I prodded.
“But I want you to give me a chance,” he said, his eyes sparkling. “Get to know me better. You might be surprised.”
I smiled, feeling a pang of guilt. “I appreciate that, Eddy. But my heart’s not in it.”
He nodded again, this time with a hint of disappointment. “I understand.”
After dinner, Eddy dropped me home, promising to call when he got back to his place.
As soon as he drove away, I rushed next door to Anthony’s apartment. My heart raced with anticipation.
I knocked at his door nonstop and I got no response from him.
Panic set in. I tried calling him, but his number went straight to voicemail.
Where the hell was Anthony?
Fear crept in, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios.
Did something happen to him?
I paced back and forth outside his door, my heart pounding in my chest.
“Anthony, where are you?” I whispered into the night.