Eclipsed Love

TANGLED HEARTS

TESSAS' POV :

Three days had passed since the incident with Cole, and the silence between us felt like an ever-present shadow. We crossed paths multiple times in those days, but neither of us spoke. The embarrassment gnawed at me. Out of all the people in the world, he was the last person who should have seen me in that state. I had come here for a fresh start, to escape my past, but my nightmares followed me like an unshakable shadow.

Our shared room felt empty, like it was just me living there. I could understand why. Cole must be terrified after what he witnessed. He probably despised the way I reacted. In class, we gravitated towards opposite corners, avoiding even the briefest of glances.

Wyatt had become my only friend. I didn't mind; I liked him. Over the past three days, we grew closer. I confided in him about what happened with Cole, and he generously reassured me that Cole was just being grumpy. Wyatt called it a tantrum, but I disagreed. Cole wasn't just grumpy—he was afraid of me. He looked at me like I was damaged, and perhaps I was. No matter where I went, that's how people would always see me.

I poured the sugar packet into my black coffee and placed the lid on the to-go cup before pushing open the café doors. The halls were busier than usual, likely due to the upcoming freshman party. Everyone was bustling around, preparing decorations, rehearsing dances, and setting up the stage. I clutched my cup close and navigated through the crowd to reach the open lawn. The sprawling grass around the campus was my favorite part—it offered a sense of freedom, a short walk from the dorms.

As I sipped my coffee and admired the festive decorations, a sleek black car pulled up beside me. Three bulky men in black suits and sunglasses climbed out, standing guard a foot from the car door. They looked like bodyguards, providing top-level security for whoever was inside. The sharp click of heels drew my attention to the figure emerging from the car.

First, the gleaming stilettos appeared, followed by toned legs that seemed sculpted in a gym. Red nail polish adorned long, slender fingers gripping the car door. Then, she emerged—a girl no older than seventeen, with a sleek face and a perfect mini skirt paired with a cropped white shirt. She exuded luxury. Her eyeliner was a flawless line, and everything about her screamed sophistication. I shielded my eyes momentarily to adjust to her brilliance. She raised an eyebrow, signaling to her bodyguards, who promptly retrieved three heavy suitcases from the trunk and placed them beside her. I stood there, feeling utterly insignificant.

With a snap of her fingers, the bodyguards picked up the suitcases and followed her into the building. As the sound of her heels faded, I realized my coffee had gone cold. How long had I been staring? I wasn't alone—at least fifteen others had gathered, mesmerized by the new queen bee. Everyone, boys and girls alike, were captivated. Even two bikers stopped mid-ride just to catch a glimpse of her.

I tossed my coffee into the nearest trash can and trudged up the stairs to my room. As I opened the door, the first thing I saw was Cole, and I inhaled deeply. He turned, and our eyes met—his were bloodshot, evidence of sleepless nights. Cole turned back and angrily shoved clothes into a duffle bag. He was throwing in t-shirts, jeans, and random items without a second glance.

Setting my books and bag on the bed, I watched him move in and out of the bathroom, grabbing things, stuffing some into his bag, and putting others back.

I mustered the courage to break the icy silence between us. "Hey," I said softly, but received no response. Expected.

I approached him and gently tapped his hand. He shrugged it off and continued rummaging through his desk drawer. I poked his hand again and again until he stopped his search, slammed the drawer shut, and turned to face me. I blinked up at him with wide, innocent eyes.

Before I knew it, my back was against the bed, a gasp escaping my lips as he pinned me down. One of his hands gripped my wrist above my head, while the other circled my neck, holding me in place. He was dangerously close, his warm breath fanning over my face.

"What," Cole said in a dangerously low voice, "do you want?" His grip tightened slightly.

Words failed me. I swallowed hard. "I... I..."

His gaze bore into mine, an internal battle raging in his eyes. Too afraid to say anything that might set him off, I squeezed my eyes shut.

A whisper brushed my ear as Cole's jaw grazed my cheek. "Open your eyes, Tessa."

I peeked at him with one eye, then the other, seeing his eyes soften and a faint, almost invisible smile tug at his lips. When I felt safe enough, I opened both eyes and took in his sharp features, his mesmerizing eyes. I could stare at them forever. His plush lips were mere inches from mine, sending a rush of sensations through me.

Cole's grip on my neck loosened, and his fingers trailed down to my stomach, lifting my shirt slightly and resting his hand just above my lower belly. I gasped, louder this time, as a wave of butterflies erupted within me. My mouth fell open in shock and confusion as I tried to decipher what he was doing, what he wanted from me.

He seemed proud of my reaction, as if this was exactly what he intended—to drive me wild with euphoria. His hand pressed gently on my abdomen, and his knee brushed against my core. Electric jolts shot through me, making me arch my back off the mattress. One touch from him rendered me helpless, craving more.

Cole's hand, which had been holding mine above my head, released it to touch my lips. He leaned in closer, barely a breath away, and then his lips crushed mine. Until he bit my lower lip. Hard.

A small cry escaped me as I pushed him away. He stood up and stepped back immediately, showing no sign of regret or disgust for what he had done. A small patch of red stained his lips, and I tasted blood. I touched my lip to find a smear of blood on my fingers. A tear slipped down my cheek. Everything was going fine, but then...

I got up and shoved past him. "Fuck you," I spat, hearing him chuckle lightly as I ran to the bathroom and locked the door behind me.