Chapter 2 WHOOSH SPLASH

Freezing, muddy water exploded against her legs and splattered across her hoodie. She stopped dead, staring down at herself in shock.

"You've got to be kidding me," she breathed.

Tessa froze, drenched from the knees down, as the black sports car eased to a stop. The tinted window rolled down, revealing the most infuriatingly handsome face she'd ever seen - and the smirk that made her want to throw something.

"You just splashed me with mud water, and you couldn't even say sorry?" she demanded.

Hardin's eyes flicked over her, slow and dismissive. "Do you know who I am? I don't say sorry."

Her jaw tightened. "Oh, really?"

He stepped toward his door. "Smelling bitch, move out of the way. I've got no time for you."

The words burned. She grabbed his wrist before he could duck back into the car. "Repeat what you just said."

He tilted his head, smiling like he was testing her. "Smelling bitch."

Smack! Her palm cracked across his cheek, the sound sharp against the rain.

"That's gonna reset your brain and maybe teach you some manners, moron." She hissed the words at him and turned on her heel, stomping away toward the store.

Hardin stood frozen for a beat, hand pressed to his cheek.

"She didn't just slap me..." His voice was low, almost amused, but there was a glint of something darker in his eyes.

"Oh, no way. She's not going scot-free. Marked her face already."

He slid into the driver's seat, gunned the engine, and the car roared away.

JORDAN'S PLACE*

The rain came down in sheets, hammering against the roof of Hardin's car. He killed the engine, the headlights casting pale beams across the wet pavement before fading to black.

Stepping out, he didn't bother with a jacket-the cold drops soaked into his hair, trailing down his jaw, but he walked like the weather didn't matter.

Up ahead, the faint bass of music leaked from Jordan's apartment, muffled by the thick walls. A couple of guys leaned under the porch light, smoke curling from the end of Capri's cigarette. Anderson stood beside him, hood pulled low, tapping his foot to an invisible beat.

"You guys are here," Hardin said casually, adjusting the cuffs of his leather jacket.

"We got to practice for tomorrow night's concert, man,"

Capri replied, flicking ash into a puddle.

Hardin's eyes shifted to the open doorway. "Jordan."

Jordan appeared in the hallway, one hand resting on the doorframe, that sly grin never leaving his face. He gave a slow wink. "They're in the room."

A knowing smirk tugged at Hardin's lips.

"Bad boy!" Capri and Anderson jeered in unison, their voices half-teasing, half-impressed.

The apartment smelled faintly of liquor and perfume, the air heavy with something warmer-something alive. Hardin's boots echoed against the floor as he made his way past the dimly lit living room, where empty bottles and a half-played game of cards lay abandoned.

He pushed open the last door at the end of the hall, the hinges giving a lazy creak.

And there they were-two girls sprawled across the bed, laughter spilling from their lips as they tangled together in the rumpled sheets. Their eyes found him instantly, a spark of mischief flashing between them.

"Nice view," he drawled with a wicked smirk as he stepped to the bed. The two girls reached for him instantly, their hands roaming over him as he fingered both of them.

"Ahh..." they moaned together, their voices trembling, as Hardin kept working them over, his other hands squeezing their boobs like he owned them.

"On all fours, now," he commanded, his voice low but sharp.

They turned without hesitation, and he tugged his trousers down-his dick bouncing free-before sliding into one of their pußßy.

"Fvck! Ahh!" she cried, gripping the sheets as Hardin drove into her from behind.

"That's it... scream for me, bitch," he growled, his pace ruthless, as if every ounce of his aggression was being hammered into her.

He pulled out abruptly, glancing at the other girl, who was already fingering herself. A dark grin curved his lips as he stepped to her.

"Couldn't wait your turn, huh?" he taunted, pressing his dick into her without warning.

"Ahh... shit!" she moaned, her back arching as Hardin slammed into her nonstop.

EVENING - CRISTIN'S SMALL APARTMENT

"Mum!" Tessa ran to meet her mother as she stepped inside, still looking weary from the day. She had just arrived home.

"You're looking sad. What's wrong?" Tessa asked, gesturing for her to sit down as she took the bag from her hands.

"Go get me a glass of water," Mrs. Cristin said softly. Tessa hurried to the kitchen and returned a moment later, handing her the glass.

"So... can you tell me what's wrong now?" Tessa pressed.

"I'm just tired, that's all," Mrs. Cristin replied, taking a sip.

"You're lying, Mum," Tessa said firmly.

Mrs. Cristin sighed. "Alright.... it's about the rent. The landlord has threatened to throw us out if I don't pay soon."

"Mum, I have some savings-we can at least pay him half the rent," Tessa offered quickly.

"No," her mother shook her head. "You've been saving that money for your school expenses. It's my responsibility, and I'll find a way around this."

Just then, her phone began to ring. She scrambled through her bag, pulled it out, and answered.

"Hello?" she said, her tone shifting slightly. "Yes... yes, I'm here."

Tessa watched her mother's expression soften as the person on the other end spoke.

"Alright. I'll be there tomorrow morning," Mrs. Cristin replied before ending the call.

"Who was that?" Tessa asked.

"The house-help agency," her mother said with a small smile. "They've found me a new placement. I start tomorrow.

"Ahhh, really?" Tessa said excitedly, her eyes lighting up.

"Yeah! I'm so happy I finally found a job," Mrs. Cristin beamed.

"Me too!" Tessa laughed, throwing her arms around her mother in a warm hug.

NEXT MORNING

Tessa and Mrs. Cristin sat on the couch in the Whites' Mansion, their bags neatly packed beside them. Tessa was still grumbling, clearly unhappy with the arrangement.

"Mum, you could've just paid the rent instead of staying here," Tessa whispered. "I don't like living with all these rich people. They'll see us as trash and disrespect us- obviously."

"This is the best choice, Tessa, so you'd better stop talking," Mrs. Cristin replied firmly. Their voices stayed low, careful not to be overheard.

The sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase, and they both stood up quickly. Mr. and Mrs. White were coming down.

"Good morning, madam. Good morning, sir," Mrs. Cristin greeted politely.

"Good morning, ma'am. Good morning, sir," Tessa echoed.

"You're the new house help, right?" Mrs. White asked.

"Yes," Mrs. Cristin answered.

"Alright, you can have your seat," Mrs. White said with a nod.

Just then, Hardin walked in, drawing everyone's attention.

Tessa's eyes widened instantly-it was him. The same guy who had splashed mud water on her yesterday and never apologized. Hardin's gaze locked on hers, equally surprised.

Oh, shit. It's gonna be hot living here, Tessa muttered under her breath.

"Where are you coming from?" Mrs. White asked her son.

"Stop asking like you care," Hardin shot back.

"You don't talk to your mother like that, you brat," Mr. White snapped.

Hardin ignored him, pointing toward Tessa and her mother.

"What are they doing here?"

"She's the new house help, and that's her daughter," Mrs.

White replied.

"Nice one," Hardin muttered sarcastically, glancing at Tessa before heading upstairs. Tessa glared after him.

"Ignore him-that's my son, Hardin," Mrs. White said with a sigh.

"So, have you decided to live here or come from your place each day?" Mrs. White asked, turning back to Mrs. Cristin.

"We'll live here. It's the best option," Mrs. Cristin replied.

Tessa's frown deepened at her mother's words.

"Alright, I'll show you to your room," Mrs. White said, gesturing for them to follow.

LATER *

The hallway was quiet, sunlight spilling through the tall windows and casting gold patterns on the polished floor.

Tessa had just left the small guest room she and her mum were given, still looking around and trying to memorize the place.

She turned the corner-and collided hard with someone.

"Watch where you're going," a familiar, deep voice snapped.

Tessa froze. Great. Of course it had to be him.

"You should be the one watching where you're going," she shot back, straightening herself.

Hardin's lips curved into a mocking smirk. "Still got that attitude, huh? You're in my house now-better learn some manners."

"I didn't know basic respect was taught in this house," she replied coolly, her chin tilting up.

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Careful, princess. You might find it harder than you think living here."

"I'm not scared of you," Tessa said firmly.

"You're sure?" Hardin said, stepping closer until Tessa's back slammed against the wall.

Her breath hitched as he caged her in, both palms pressed to the wall beside her head, blocking any escape.

"What the fück are you doing?" Tessa hissed, but her voice came out softer than she intended.

Hardin leaned in, his face just inches from hers, eyes locked on hers like he was reading every thought she had.

"Finding out something," he murmured, his lips so close she could feel the faint brush of his breath.

Her heart thudded wildly, unsure whether to shove him away or pull him closer.

Just when it felt like he might close the distance.

"Hardin!" Mrs. White's voice cut through the hallway.

He smirked, pulling back, his eyes glinting with unspoken challenge.

"Later," he said before walking away, leaving Tessa breathless and furious.

I'm so sure he's gonna be receiving steady slaps from me.