Chapter 55 Earnest Rejection
Nicholas, however, remained unaffected, viewing her massage as a professional service. He appreciated the pain relief and didn't want her to feel awkward or uncomfortable.
As he gazed down at her, her head bowed, and her face focused on her work, he noticed something enigmatic and refreshing about her. She wasn't conventionally beautiful, but there was an undeniable charm.
Her delicate hands worked swiftly, finding and soothing the aching spots in his legs. The discomfort receded, and he felt a sense of relaxation wash over him.
The prolonged stare seemed to put him into a trance, and a surge of desire coursed through him, refusing to subside. The impulse to push Tessa down and claim her suddenly felt overwhelming.
He forced himself to look away, pinching the space between his brows as he struggled to maintain composure.
Ten minutes later, Tessa looked up at him and asked softly, "Does it feel better now?"
Nicholas nodded and replied, "Much better."
She let out a dry, awkward cough and murmured, "Well, glad to be of help."
Following that, she quickly positioned his legs and created some distance between them, her intention clear.
The corners of Nicholas' lips twitched with amusement as he thought that there were still things to discuss.
His deep voice broke the silence, piercing through the veil between them. "Miss Reinhart, I hope you will reconsider what we discussed earlier today. I'm sure you can see that Greg has genuine feelings for you, and I hope you'll continue to tutor him."
He added as an afterthought, "If you're concerned about my family causing trouble for you, I promise to protect your well-being as long as you're here, and I'll take care of your duties."
Tessa's heart sank at these words. The only person sworn to protect her was Timothy, and now Nicholas had made a similar promise.
The reassurance warmed her, but she still rejected his offer.
"There's no need for that, President Sawyer," she replied sensibly. "I've already thought this through. I'm grateful for your kindness, but I don't think I can continue teaching Greg."
She met Nicholas' curious gaze, explaining steadily, "You've seen how Greg has taken an unexpected liking to me, and while I'm flattered, there's no guarantee he won't become too attached. What then?"
Tessa eyed him seriously, quietly asking him to consider this possibility. "Also, President Sawyer, I'm acutely aware of who I am and where I stand in society. I never belonged in the same world as you and Greg. You come from the top of the social pyramid, and I'm just an ordinary woman trying to make a living."
Besides, she thought, you'll have to start a family someday. Won't your future wife - Greg's future mother - have something to say about my constant presence in your lives? I have no wish to become a nuisance to someone else. That said, I think it would be better to stop Greg from pursuing this now, while he's still unaware, than to drag things out. It'll save us from trouble in the future, don't you think?"
