Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

I arrived home that night feeling drained. The gala had been meant to kill the rumors about Bella and me, but I still had this nagging feeling it had not worked. It was not enough. Not nearly enough.

I stepped into my penthouse and dropped my keys on the table. The place felt too quiet. I shrugged off my sust jacket and unbuttoned my shirt. It fell softly onto the plush carpet. I walked straight to the balcony after pouring myself a generous glass of whiskey. The city lights spread out below me like a sea of stars. I took a slow sip and let the burn slide down my throat.

Damn Nia.

She was supposed to play her part tonight, but she had struggled the whole time. I hoped the pictures would still look convincing despite everything that happened. She had gone so pale at one point. I kept seeing her face in my mind. The way her shoulders stayed tight. The way she gripped my arm like she needed something solid to hold onto.

I knew she had not signed up for any of this when she took the job. But we were in it now. Whatever went wrong would hi both of us. Her more than me, if I was being honest.

She tried hard to hide it, but I still caught the small things. The tension in her shoulders. The way her fingers trembled around the champagne glass. The forced smiles. No matter how composed she acted now, some part of the girl from high school still panicked under too many eyes.

I had to give her credit though. She kept it hidden most of the time and wore a mask that almost fooled everyone.

I prayed the paparazzi had not caught photos of her with Beck by the fountain in the garden. I thought she would have learned by now how unforgiving the media could be. Still, I could not explain the rage I felt when I saw them together. She was a completely different person around him. Softer. Easier. It pained me more than I wanted to admit.

I took another sip of whiskey and leaned against the railing. Just six months, Mr. Hale had said. I scoffed and shook my head. I had not even made it through one month yet and my sanity already felt like it was hanging by a thread. How in God’s name was I supposed to survive six whole months?

Every day something new comes up. If she found me insufferable in high school, she hated me now. She had said it to my face without hesitation.

Being around Nia was exhausting in the worst possible way. One moment she pissed me off so badly I wanted to shake some sense into her. The next moment I wanted to drag her into my lap, bury my face in her neck, and forget every other woman I had ever touched.

I finished the whiskey and went inside. I took a long shower and tried to wash the night off me. Then I dropped into bed. That was enough thinking about Nia for one night.

I woke up early the next morning and got ready for the day. The coach had demanded I come see him. I hoped he would lift the suspension and let me play again. Fingers crossed.

I drove to Rogers Arena. I was not mentally ready, but I had to pull myself together. I parked my truck and stepped out.

“Maddox,” Liam called as soon as I got out. “How are you doing, man?”

“I am good. You?” I replied as he pulled me into a bro hug.

“I am great. Are you feeling alright?” He flashed a bright smile.

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Chapter 22

“Yeah,” I mumbled as we walked into the Coach’s office.

“How is your leg, man?” I asked Jasper, who still had a cast on.

“I am alright, man. I am feeling a lot better than I did that day. I thought I was going to die,” he replied. The room exploded into laughter.

“Dramatic much?” Liam said, chuckling lightly.

“I am not making shit up, man. Dr. Page literally saved me. That woman is a gift from God,” Jasper said.

“Speaking of which, I was glad when I heard your engagement news. I thought it was the medical goddess/But it turned out to be Bella? You are seriously on some Beauty and the Beast shit.”

“Nothing is going on between me and Bella,” I responded. My voice came out sharper than I intended.

“That is not what the photo said though.” Jasper snickered.

“Do not fucking test me,” I said coldly.

“Such a buzzkill,” Liam said as the laughter died down.

“Boys.” Coach said as he entered the room. “Sorry I am late. I had a strategy meeting with Mr. Hale. That is why I asked every single one of you here.” He locked eyes with me directly.

Coach Riggs went on to discuss the meeting with the owner and new strategies and formations for the upcoming games. There would be a series of friendly matches to prepare for the playoffs.

The meeting ended on a light note. Jasper was expected to heal and join practice in a few weeks. He had started rehabilitation and his cast would come off today. That was good news. We needed everyone at full strength.

“Kane.” Coach said behind me as I turned to leave.

“Sir.”

“Sit.” He pointed to the chair. “The rest of you, to practice.”

I sat down. The others filed out.

“I am sorry, Coach,” I said before he could speak. I interlaced my fingers and kept my head low.

“Apologizing will not solve the problem, Maddox. You have to fix yourself. I cannot have you getting into fights on the rink. Pull your self together and watch your temper. That nickname, the Beast, is not a license for you to act like an animal.” The coach’s voice rose with anger.

I stayed silent, head low, unable to find words to defend myself. I screwed up badly this time.

“I do not want this happening again,” he said finally.

“It will not.” I replied as I stood up.

“Hope you do not have any injuries?” he asked, looking me over,

“I do not-”

“Go to physio and get cleared,” he interrupted. He did not believe a word I said.

I shut the door gently behind me and headed straight to the physio suite.

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Chapter 22

CITA

“Dr. Page.” I said as I barged into her office.

“What?” she asked coldly. She kept going through her files.

“coach sent me to get checked for injuries. Against my wishes, I have to add.” I smirked as I sat down on the examination bed.

“Take your shirt off.” She grabbed her stethoscope.

“You want to see my body that badly?” I teased lightly.

“I am not in the mood for your antics, Maddox. I have a lot of shit to do.” She snapped and pushed her glasses back up Her

nose.

Her eyes flickered briefly across my chest before she looked away again like she was annoyed at herself for noticing.

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