Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

I walked out on Maddox, unable to keep up with his drama with Bella. I really could not take it anymore. It felt almost physically impossible.

Their voices echoed down the hallway. Players passing by turned to stare. The attention pressed on me like a heavy weight. I hated it. I was never one for eyes on me, and this kind of attention-the messy, dramatic kind that made my skin craw

I was so grateful Beck’s text came at the exact right moment. He was saving me even when he was not here. He really was ar angel.

I sent a quick reply telling him I would be delighted to have late lunch. It had been a while, and we had so much to catch up

Back in my office I locked the door and started getting ready. I was glad I wore jeans today instead of my usual tracksuit over the Vipers polo. The beige tank top, sage green sweater draped loosely over my shoulders, and white Adidas Sambas felt comfortable. Safe.

Beck suggested Lantern Cafe. It sounded like a cozy spot and fairly popular. He offered to pick me up, but I politely declined. I preferred driving myself today.

I touched up my lip gloss, brushed my ponytail and bangs smooth, grabbed my purse, and headed out. The day had been slow anyway. Most players stayed home after Coach gave everyone the day off. I had only come in to finish some paperwork.

I got into my car and waited for Bluetooth to connect. Kehlani’s Blue Water Road album filled the speakers as I pulled out. The smooth beats matched the strange flutter in my stomach. I felt like I was going on a date. I could not even remember the last real one. It had been so long. A giddy feeling bubbled up inside me, and I could not quite place where it came from.

After the cafe I would head home to see Mom and Zara. The location was convenient, close to downtown Vancouver, so it would be easy to move around. The main reason I turned down Beck’s ride was because I did not want him dropping me off at home. I could not risk him seeing Zara. He would be heartbroken if he found out I had kept her from him all this time.

Beck had always been a sweetheart, right from high school. The first day we spoke was on a rainy afternoon. He lent me his umbrella even though he barely knew me. He became one of my closest friends during those tough years.

Both him and Natalie made high school a little more bearable. Even when the bullying got bad, they gave me something to look forward to every single day.

I pulled into the driveway, stepped out, and walked toward the entrance, adjusting my sweater lightly as I entered.

“Nia, you made it,” Beck said, standing up with a warm smile. He pulled me into a big bear hug.

“Of course I did.” I nuzzled into him for a second. “You smell really good.”

“Thank you,” he replied, flashing his perfectly straight teeth as we sat down. “What would you like to begin with?” He flagged down a waiter.

I paused to take in the cafe. It was cozy, just as I expected. Only a handful of people sat scattered around. Fake vines and fairy lights decorated the space. Lots of warm woodwork on the cabinets, tables, and chairs. Fresh tulips in small vases sat on every table. Their soft scent made me want to lean in and breathe them in.

Beck looked like he belonged here. Black slacks, white linen shirt with sleeves rolled up, brown belt, and matching Chelsea boots. Clean and effortless.

I ordered chamomile tea and a Caesar salad. Beck chose an iced matcha latte and a croissant.

“You seem to really like matcha,” I said as he took a sip.

Tue, Jul

Chapter 29

That obvious?” He chuckled. “I love it. It’s really healthy too.”

“It tastes like grass,” I said, scrunching my face in disgust.

“Are you serious? It is not that bad.” He laughed heartily, his gray eyes sparkling beautifully.

“How did you find this place?” I asked, looking around again.

“It’s serene, right?” I nodded, taking a spoonful of salad. “I was driving past one day and spotted it. It became/my go-to pot whenever I want to work outside the office.”

“Fair enough.” The cafe was perfect for that quiet and calm.

“What was Harvard like?”

“It was tasking, to say the least, but I had to do my very best. I was tired of living in Maddox’s shadow. I needed to succeed so I could make a name for myself and make Dad proud.” He shook his head gently. “But it was all worth it in the end.”/

“You have done really well for yourself, Beck.”

“You too, Nia.” He reached across the table and took my hand gently. “You have done so well for yourself. I bet your life would have been so much easier if you did not have to deal with Maddox.”

“Hmm.” I sighed deeply. “You have no idea.”

“The moment I saw the video of you two kissing on TV, I knew I had to be here.” My cheeks turned the shade of a ripe

tomato.

“You are still this shy, Nia?” He chuckled. Then his voice grew serious. “On a more serious note, my heart broke for you when Dad told me about your arrangement with Maddox. It really saddened me to know you were coerced into cleaning up his mess. And the worst part is you have to stay close to him every day to keep the story going.”

“It is really unfortunate, but there is not much I can do. The contract lasts six months. I will try my best to make it through. It is too late to back out now.” I sighed, defeated.

“Let me help you, Nia. Please.”

“Thank you very much for the offer, Beck. I really appreciate it, but let me handle this myself.” He reached out and stroked my jaw gently with his thumb.

“My strong Nia,” he whispered.

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