Page 100 of Seduce

“Max has spies.”

While Tessa should have been surprised, she wasn’t. Max was good at knowing what was going on. Tessa almost giggled.

“This is Tessa’s best friend and my girlfriend, Sierra.”

Tessa’s father huffed out a breath. “Tessa, a moment alone.”

“It’s okay,” she told Sierra. “The spare bedroom will have to do.” She wasn’t letting her father in her bedroom. He followed her down the short hall and into the room.

“I’m having a press conference tomorrow at city hall. You will be there and denounce this Damon person.”

“We’ve been over this.”

“Be there or I’ll ruin his life.” With that, her father stormed out of the room—the slamming of the door telling her they were gone.

“Tessa,” Sierra called.

Tessa walked back into the family room and stared at her friends. “I need help,” she said. She had a plan in mind, but she was going to need to talk to Damon first.

“Tell us what we can do,” Max said.

“Not here.” She felt like the walls had ears. She was also sure reporters were going to be camped on her doorstep once again. “Can I come crash at your place for a day or two?” She’d go over everything that had happened with them first.

“Let’s pack you a bag.” Sierra took her by the arm and led her into her bedroom.

* * * *

Two hours later, she’d explained everything not only to Max and Sierra, but to Crystal and Jordan as well.

“Well, damn. I thought my family was messed up,” Crystal said.

“I think mine takes top place.” Tessa felt better than she had a few hours ago. Being here with her friends, talking things out. She had some very big decisions to make.

“Any legal options?” Max asked Jordan.

“Coercion, but hard to prove,” Jordan said.

“Can we stop the press conference?” Sierra asked.

“Not a chance,” Tessa muttered.

“Might be an unpopular opinion at the moment,” Max said. “Tessa, you need to talk to Damon.”

“I do.” She stared at her feet. She wanted to see him so badly, but she had decided to wait. He’d called her yesterday to warn her about the article. Who knew a tiny gossip article could create such a stir? Now, her father was going to make an even bigger spectacle of her life. Yeah, she needed to talk to Damon.

“I’ll call him to come over,” Max said.

“No offense, but I really need privacy to talk to him,” Tessa said. “I have some ideas how I might fix this, but Damon will play a big part in it.”

“We’ll go over to the club while you talk,” Sierra said.

“I can’t kick you out of your house.” No, if she was going to do this. She was going to do it right. “Max, would you drive me to Damon’s house?”

“Sure. Do I warn Damon?”

“I’d rather surprise him.”

“Works for me.”

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