Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Your hey

I drove straight back to my penthouse. The moment I stepped inside I went to the shower. I turned the water as hot as it would go and stood under the spray. I hoped it would wash away the smell of Bella and the shame of what I had just done

I could not believe I fucked her. After everything she had done. After all the lies and games. I still lost control around her It was like some sick habit I could not break. And the worst part? She was not even the one who leaked the engagement news. ! basically drove forty-five minutes just to lose myself in old habits and walk away feeling worse.

I felt cheap. Disgusted with myself. I knew I could do better. I had to do better. But there was something about Bella I cou never explain. Something that pulled me back even when I hated her. I still loved her in some twisted way I hated that still did. Especially after how she broke my heart.

I sighed deeply and sprawled across my bed. I hated this so much.

Notifications kept dropping on my Instagram. Fans were questioning the legitimacy of my relationship with Nia. I searched for her account but could not find it. She had deactivated her Instagram and TikTok.

“Shit.”

She had told me she was being bullied online. It was no surprise she deleted everything. Bella’s fans would have attacked her without mercy. Especially after the photos with Beck.

It was a shame Mr. Hale had pulled her into my mess and then left her to deal with it alone. I remembered calling him during the Beck scandal. He just said, “Look for a way and sort that shit out. Kiss on camera again if you have to, but make sure everything is cleared.”

The news had cleared itself when Bella leaked an old photo of us. The internet went crazy again. People loved scandals. They treated people’s lives like entertainment. Reducing everything to one degrading blog post. That was exactly why I hated the press, the paparazzi, and the bloggers. They never cared about the truth.

This engagement leak came at the worst time. The internet was split about me hitting Jimmy. Some supported me. Others bashed me hard. I knew I was not a saint. I could never be one. But Jimmy also had a reputation for starting fights. I wasn’t innocent, but Jimmy knew exactly what buttons to push. I was the victim of both his taunting and my own poor decisions.

I grabbed my phone and called Nia. We had events to attend. We needed to be seen together. Publicly.

She picked up on the third ring. “What?”

“We need to make a public appearance,” I said. “There is a charity gala tomorrow night at Le Noir. It is an art event. Pieces will be auctioned for charity. It doubles as a formal gala. I already booked an appointment for you with Tan France. He is your stylist now. He will handle your glam and outfit. Just show up early. I will pick you up from there.”

“Okay,” she said coolly and ended the call.

I got off the bed, poured myself a glass of whiskey, neat, and walked to the balcony. My sweatpants sat low on my hips as I stared out over the city lights. I took a slow sip. The burn felt good as I looked out at the city lights.

When did life become this complicated? I wondered. Things used to be simpler. Not easy, but simpler. My father. Victor Kane, enjoyed making everything difficult. Especially after my mother passed. I think he became ruthless because he needed to feel something. The day my mother died, whatever softness existed in him died too.

I closed the glass door and went back inside. I needed all the rest I could get. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. I could already feel it.

14:35 Tue,

Chapter 19

EXEA

65 young

I woke up the next morning, did my workout, took a shower, and ran some errands. The gala was at eight Red carpet at seven. My plan was to arrive right on time to reduce public scrutiny as much as possible.

I got home by six to get ready. I put on a classic black tuxedo with matching pants and a white dress shirt. No tie. It was a black-tie event, but there was no way I was wearing one. They would have to take me as I was.

I took the white limo and my private chauffeur with security. We parked in front of Tan France’s atelier. I stayed in the car to avoid causing a scene outside, I wanted this evening to stay peaceful.

I watched as Nia stepped out of the elevator. Tan walked beside her. She wore a black sequin strapless dress that hugged her body in a way that should be illegal. Her hair was in an elegant updo. Her lips were painted a deep scarlet red. I was not usually a fan of red lipstick because of Bella, but I wanted to kiss it off her perfect lips.

Nia got into the car without looking at me.

“This better not be how you plan to act tonight,” I said as the driver started moving. “Remember we have to sell it. Us. So wipe that scowl off your face.”

We arrived a few minutes before eight. I stepped out first and turned to help Nia. I wrapped my arm around her slender waist possessively. Cameras flashed immediately.

“This way, Maddox. Dr. Page.” More flashes.

“Smile, Nia,” I ordered through gritted teeth.

She did. Slowly.

“Make it more natural,” I whispered in her ear as the cameras kept flashing.

Her breath caught softly.

I felt it.

And for one dangerous second, I forgot the cameras were even there.

We walked the red carpet unbothered until a reporter stepped in front of us.

“The Beast, we heard rumors of your engagement to Bella Laurent. What is going on with this love triangle?”

I felt Nia go stiff beside me.

Fuck. What the hell was this?

I kept my face calm and pulled Nia closer. “There is no love triangle. Nia is my girlfriend. The only woman I am with. The rest is just noise from people who have too much time on their hands.”

The reporter pushed. “So the engagement rumors are false?”

“Completely false,” I said firmly. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we’re here to support charity tonight.”

I guided Nia away before the reporter could ask anything else.

The second we stepped deeper into the venue, another wave of camera flashes exploded across the ballroom. Staff moved smoothly through the crowd carrying silver trays of champagne and bite-sized appetizers that probably cost more than most people’s rent.

A massive crystal chandelier hung above the center of the room, scattering warm golden light across the marble floors. Soft violin music drifted through the air from a live quartet performing near the stage beside towering white floral

arrangements.

14:35 Tue, Jul 7 M

Chapter 19

Large paintings and sculptures surrounded the ballroom, each displayed beneath soft spotlighting with small gold plaques listing auction prices high enough to make normal people faint.

“NHL’s favorite couple finally made it,” someone whispered nearby.

I felt Nia tense beside me again.

Guests subtly turned to stare as we walked past. Wealthy businessmen in tailored tuxedos. Socialites dripping in diamonds. Influencers pretending not to look while secretly recording us on their phones for social media.

A group of women near the champagne tower openly stared as we passed.

“Oh my God,” one blonde whispered loudly. “Maddox Kane is even hotter in person.”

“Look at the shoulders on that man.” her friend muttered shamelessly.

“I would absolutely let him ruin my life,” another said dramatically, making the group burst into laughter.

One brunette let her gaze drag slowly over my body before finally noticing Nia beside me.

Her smile faltered instantly.

I felt Nia stiffen at my side.

Women throwing themselves at me wasn’t new. It happened after games, at bars, online, everywhere. Most days I barely noticed anymore.

But tonight, for some reason, I tightened my hand around Nia’s waist instinctively.

Possessive. Protective, as it should be.

And judging by the disappointed looks on their faces, the message landed perfectly.

“Mr. Kane.” An older man approached with a champagne flute in hand. “Hell of a game the other night.”

“Could’ve gone better,” I replied smoothly.

The man laughed awkwardly, clearly unsure whether to bring up the fight.

His wife smiled warmly at Nia. “You’re even prettier in person.”

“Thank you,” Nia replied politely.

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