Chapter 468
He made a point of saying it was a little something from him. Teresa hesitated for a few seconds, then got out of the car. Sanford glanced at the black Maybach parked across the street behind her, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. Teresa didn’t notice the car at all. As they reached the entrance, she impatiently shrugged Sanford’s hand off her shoulder. “Touch me again without asking, and I’ll throw you over my shoulder,” she warned. Sanford just grinned and let it go.
When they got to his room, Teresa didn’t go in. She waited at the door. Sanford handed her a child’s jade pendant, which was actually quite pretty. Teresa thanked him for Isabel. “She’ll probably like it. That was thoughtful of you. Anyway, I’m heading out,” she said. Sanford leaned against the doorframe, still trying. “Why not come in for a bit? I brought some coffee beans—let me make you a cup.”
“No thanks. It’s getting late. You should get some rest. I left the burn ointment here for you,” Teresa said, heading downstairs.
When she got downstairs, she saw the rain pouring down outside, her car getting absolutely drenched. She settled onto a sofa in the hotel lobby, sipping coffee from the front desk, watching the rain beat against the glass, quietly texting Miriam. Michael had been picked up by Miriam and was staying at her place tonight, so Teresa could finally relax. The rain just wouldn’t let up. It poured for a whole hour. Only when it finally eased up did Teresa drive home.
The road was muddy and slick, and since it was nighttime, she drove extra slowly. The wipers kept swishing across the windshield, making the road ahead go from clear to blurry and back again. By the time she reached the gates of Rosary Estates, a man was just standing there in the rain and mist, looking lost. He was soaked to the bone. Teresa hurried over and held her umbrella over Jonathan’s head.
Jonathan grabbed her wrist, staring Teresa down. “Why are you getting home so late?”
The depth in his eyes made Teresa’s heart skip a beat. She caught a strong whiff of alcohol on him. He’d clearly been drinking, and his eyes were bloodshot.
“Why won’t you answer me? You went to a hotel, didn’t you? That’s why you’re back so late?” Jonathan’s gaze was locked on her. Teresa’s chest tightened. She snapped, “You’re drunk. Go home and sleep it off. Don’t come here acting crazy.”
As she spoke, she yanked the umbrella away, leaving him to get drenched in the rain. He grabbed her wrist again, making her drop the umbrella. Jonathan looked like a trapped animal, both hands gripping her shoulders, his voice low and menacing. “Did you really sleep with him? Tell me the truth.”
“You’re drunk. Just go.”
Jonathan acted like he didn’t even hear Teresa, muttering to himself, “Did you? How did he make you feel? Was he better in bed than me?”
Before he could finish, Teresa slapped him hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed, and Jonathan’s head snapped to the side. Jonathan’s eyes flickered, and by the time he came back to himself, she was already gone.
Chapter 468
Jonathan wiped the rain from his face and chased after Teresa, following her upstairs. Leaning against her door, he knocked. “Open up, Teresa. Let’s talk this out.” There was no response from inside. Jonathan stood there in silence for a few seconds, then said through the door, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said those things. I lost my cool. Please, open the door so we can talk.”
His phone rang. Teresa was calling. He picked up right away. With just a door between them, Teresa spoke, her words cold and clear, “I’ve got nothing to say to a soused dog. Leave now, or I’m calling the police. And don’t ever come looking for me again. I don’t want to see you.” With that, she hung up.