Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21

TEEA

道

Nia’s champagne glass trembled slightly in her hand. Her smile looked strained now. Forced. I noticed it for half a second before another guest approached our table asking about the suspension.

I raised my sleeve to check my Patek Philippe watch. Forty-five minutes had passed and there was still no sign of Nia Where was she? I hoped she had not gone home already. She looked so uncomfortable earlier.

“Your doctor has been gone for a while,” Nate said with a teasing smile.

“Yeah, she was being very awkward when I tried striking up a conversation with her,” Eva added, scoffing lightly.

“I will go check on her,” I excused myself from the table, buttoned my tuxedo jacket, and headed out of the hall.

I wandered through the crowded space, looking for any glimpse of her black sequin dress. She was nowhere to be found. Had she really left? I did not think so. Nia would not just walk out without saying anything. At least I hoped she would not

I stepped into the garden area. The cool night air hit me. Soft lights glowed under the apple trees. Then I saw them. Nia and Beck. He had his hand on her chin, stroking it gently while looking into her eyes. She smiled softly at him.

My blood boiled.

“Nia,” I called out.

Her mood changed instantly. She looked at me and the softness disappeared.

“Come with me. Now,” I said.

“You are not taking her anywhere,” Beck stepped in front of her, protective.

“Stay out of this, little bro. Trying to play the hero again I see,” I said dryly. “This is not high school. Step out of my way. 1 have no business with you right now.”

Nia looked at Beck with pleading eyes. He got the message and stepped aside.

“I will be fine,” she told him quietly before walking toward me.

Beck’s eyes stayed on me the entire time like he did not trust me with her. Maybe he shouldn’t have. He watched us leave with worry in his eyes. Good for him.

I waited until we were a good distance from the garden before I spoke. “I thought I warned you to stay away from him.” I spat angrily. “What if the paparazzi saw you? What would you have done?”

She stared at me blankly.

“Answer me! God fucking damn it!” I stopped walking and turned to face her.

“Fuck you, Maddox!” she snapped back. “I had a panic attack and this is what you have to say? I was beside you struggling to breathe and you did not even notice something was wrong with me.”

“How was I supposed to know if you did not say anything?” I shot back.

She ignored me and started tapping on her phone like crazy.

“What are you doing?”

“What does it look like?” She headed out of the garden while booking an Uber.

14:35 Tue, Jul

Chapter 21

TICA

“Where do you think you are going?” I asked angrily.

“Home, bastard,” she spat and tried to head toward her ride.

“No you are not.” I grabbed her arm and pulled her into the elevator.

“What is wrong with you?” She yanked her arm away from my grip.

“Do you want to end up on the news tomorrow? Because it seems like that is what you are trying to do.” I pressed the batton labeled R. The elevator took us up to the rooftop. I always came here during events like this because the paparazzi were now allowed.

“What is your problem?” I asked.

“What is my problem? I was struggling and you claimed you did not notice. Just because I am not your stereotypical blonde or brunette does not mean I do not deserve basic care.” She crossed her arms, her hazel eyes dark with anger.

“Wait, what? Brunette?” I asked, shocked.

“Do not play dumb with me, Maddox. Who you fuck is none of my business, but tell me why one of your whores is flexing in my face. Making snide comments and smirking.” Her voice rose. “You are making me look like a fool in front of everyone Like I am your mistress or something.”

“Nia.” I grabbed her chin gently and raised her head to meet my eyes. My fingers brushed her soft lips. I felt blood rush to the lower half of my body.

She stared back at me through those long lashes.

Damn. I wanted her.

“I hate you so fucking much,” she said, snapping me out of my thoughts. She walked away toward the elevator, hips swaying gently.

“Fuck.” I cursed out loud and punched the wall.

What the hell was going on with me? I could not explain why I felt this strong pull toward her. Especially when she was so infuriating.

My phone buzzed. A new email from my father.

“I expect your signature on this document before the end of the week. Kindly find attached. Regards, Victor Kane.”

I opened the file. It was the engagement contract draft for Bella.

“What am I supposed to do now?”

I had no intention of marrying Bella. My father was making everything more complicated than it needed to be. I once loved her, but she broke my heart in the worst way possible. There was no way I could marry someone like her. She was

dangerous. There was no telling what she was capable of.

I took the elevator down to the car park and ran into Beck.

“I do not want to see you around Nia again,” I said before he could speak.

“You have no right,” he shot back. “You cannot make me stay away from her, especially when you are treating her like shit. You needed to see her, Maddox. The poor thing was shaking. She literally threw up in the garden because she was so scared. Yet you were right next to her the whole night and you did not notice something was wrong.”

“Treat her better,” he continued, voice rising. “You do not need to love her to treat her with basic respect. Nia was roped into

23

7

O

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify