Tessa's Reflection

Chapter 5

Tessa's POV

Landon tried to talk me into staying tonight but I need to get some air. My mind is racing at the image I saw. Why the hell was Hardin kissing Molly. Of all people to hurt me with it had to be her. I left Landon's and walked for what seemed like miles, I past my apartment and kept going until I no longer knew where I was. Luckily Uber knew and I ordered a cab to take me home. I haven't heard from Hardin, not a word. It's 2.20am now. He must be enjoying his night with Molly, so much so he forgot me and everything we had.

My stomach knots and I feel the vomit building as I run to the bathroom. Fuck! The pain in my chest is immense. I can't think straight, I can't concentrate. My heart hurts. Why would he ruin everything we have, why now after we built a life together away from all the shit we had to face in the past. I don't understand this at all. I refuse to call him, I will not make contact with a man who doesn't value me. I will not make contact with Hardin.

Hardin's POV -

I have walked around the city for ages trying to puzzle together what the hellStpeh and Molly are playing at. Why have they made a point of coming here to cause trouble. I laugh at my thoughts, of course they would. They live for drama and destruction. I hate them, I wish I hadn't invited Molly to dinner. Tess was right, she knew it would end badly. Shit! I haven't even called her to say goodnight. I have been wandering around secretly hoping to find Steph hiding behind the next street corner I turn so I can shake the truth from her but so far nothing. As I cross over and make my way to my hotel I see it. Red hair, I stride up behind and grab the shoulder covered with the messy curls and spin her round.

'What the fuck dude. Oh Hardin. How' d you find me?' she spits.

'Find you! You fucking stalked me Steph now what the hell is that all about you freak!' my words are loud and people passing stare at me like I have two heads but I couldn't give a shit right now.

'Well you aren't difficult to find Scott. Your face is plastered everywhere so I thought I' d have some fun. Have you spoke to the virgin yet?' she smirks. The virgin? She means Tessa, my blood boils as her words leave her mouth.

'What the fuck did you do!' I drag her along the sidewalk, her feet barely touch the ground and those awful boots of hers make a scuffing noise as I pull.

'Me?! Nothing. But you and Molly did and I thought Tess should see what her precious Hardin does when he is away from home'. She is full on laughing in my face. I drop her where she is and stride away as fast as I can otherwise I may for the first time in my life hit a woman. Ha! Woman, she is a demon not a fucking woman. Poison and hatred in the shape of a human body. I grab for my phone and call Tessa but nothing. No answer. Maybe she is asleep I hope silently, it's late I guess.

As I enter my hotel room I decide to opt for honesty. So far it has been the best course of action with Tess. I had tried so hard not to hide anything from her so I write out a text and hit send. She will see this, she knows me well enough by now to know I wouldn't hurt her. Fuck, I hope she does.

Tess, tonight has been awful. You was right, Molly is trouble, I should have listened to you. We ate and she decided to tell me all about Washington and the scum in it then she kissed me. Let me be clear here, she kissed me. When I pushed her off I lost my shit and the plot thickens. Steph was there hiding in the restaurant like some odd stalker and made a run for it. I know this sounds ridiculous but baby you know me and I sure as fuck hope you believe I wouldn't hurt you. I walked for ages trying to figure out what the hell was going on and run into Steph. I didn't hit her but by christ I wanted to. She made some shitty remarks. I don't know what she did but I think she tried to involve you and I am worried. Please Tess, call me when you get this. I am in the hotel room freaking out. I love you x

Maybe I should just fly back to New York. Being here isn't a good idea.