Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

Chapter 30

1 barged into the cafe, rage radiating from my body like heat off asphalt. I took a deep breath in and out. forcing the feeling down. I had warned Nia countless times to stay away from Beck, but she refused to listen. It was time I took a completely different approach.

It was not difficult to spot them. They sat tucked in a quiet corner, looking cozy. Beck leaned toward her. Nia’s shoulders looked relaxed in a way they never did around me.

I crossed the room in three long strides, plastering a radiant smile on my face. Bella hurried beside me, her boots clicking fast as she struggled to keep up.

I tugged the brim of my black face cap lower, the shadow cutting across my eyes. It did not matter much-people had already started whispering.

A couple near the counter leaned closer, phones angled just slightly too high.

Recognition.

It always came fast.

“Hockey player, right?” someone murmured.

“Is that Maddox Kane?”

I ignored it. Let them look. Let them record.

If this ended up online, so be it.

My gaze locked on Nia again, sharper this time. Let the whole damn world see it.

“What exactly is all this, Maddox?” Beck whisper-yelled, his voice low but sharp.

“All what?” I shrugged, keeping my tone light.

“What in God’s name are you doing here?” He leaned forward, trying desperately to keep his voice down.

“Joining you guys.” I smirked and pulled out a seat for Bella first, then dropped into my own.

I scanned the cafe. Heads had already turned. Eyes followed us. I locked gazes with Nia and flashed her a brilliant smile. She had not said a single word since I walked in.

“Excuse me,” I said, gesturing to the waitress. “What would you like, Bella?”

“I want an iced double berry matcha, swap out regular milk for oat milk and add two pumps of chai,” Bella answered, smiling sweetly.

“Don’t you want anything else?” I pushed, my eyes still fixed on Nia.

“Do you have any healthy snacks?” Bella asked the waitress.

“I think today is a good day for a cheat meal,” I said to Bella, voice teasing. “We’ll split a croissant. I’ll have a black coffee with three sugars.”

“You’re making me cheat on my diet, Maddox. That isn’t fair. I’ll have to spend more time in the gym later,” Bella said, pouting as she placed her hand on my upper thigh, fingers pressing lightly.

“Can you leave please, Maddox?” Beck said through clenched teeth. “You’re making her uncomfortable.”

14:37 Tue, Jul 7 MA

Chapter 30

“Making her uncomfortable? She doesn’t seem to be complaining, is she?” Bella butted in. “If she was, she should have said something about it.”

“I don’t see the problem here, Beck. Is there anything wrong with us spending quality time together?” I chuckled. “We’re family, are we not?”

“What if we have our pictures taken by the paparazzi?” he said sternly.

“Now you care about the paps?” I shook my head. “You didn’t seem to when you were frolicking around with Nia in public spaces, huh? And why is she suddenly quiet now?”

“Cat’s got your tongue, Doctor?” I turned to Nia, smiling broadly as I watched her hazel eyes darken with anger.

Bella giggled beside me. We watched Nia’s reaction together. I had found my new favorite pastime-getting under her skin. The satisfaction that rolled through me was sharp and addictive.

“Why is she even here?” Beck spat, disgust clear in his voice.

“She’s here because I want her here. Mind your fucking business, Beck,” I retorted. “You are the cause of all this. Things have just been complicated since you returned.”

The loud scrape of a chair cut through the tension. Nia stood up fast and waved the waitress over, card already in her hand.

“No, Nia, I’ll handle it,” Beck said, grabbing her hand gently, playing the perfect gentleman.

“Thank you,” she mouthed to him. They walked out together without sparing me a glance.

I dug into my pocket, pulled out a wad of cash from my wallet, and slapped it on the table. Then I followed Nia, hot on her heels.

“You’re not going to say anything?” I grabbed her arm and pulled her toward my chest the moment I caught up to her in the parking lot.

“What do you expect me to say? You bastard!” She hit me hard in the chest, trying to shove me away, but I did not budge.

“What the hell is your problem?” I asked.

“My problem? Really, Maddox? What is she doing here?” She gestured angrily at Bella.

“So you were just going to leave me here, Maddox?” Bella said, frustrated, running toward us. Her augmented chest bounced with every hurried step.

“Fuck you,” Nia spat. She yanked her hand free, climbed into her car, and drove off.

“Oh my God, I’m so out of breath,” Bella wheezed as she tried to hold onto my arm for balance.

“Go home, Bella,” I said, already turning away.

“Wait! So you’re just going to use me and leave me here? You practically used me to make that skank jealous. Do you see me as some kind of object?” She flipped her blonde hair back angrily

“Not the time, Bella.”

“It’s never the time with you, Maddox. I was excited when you told me we should have lunch together. I thought you were trying to apologize to me, but it was all for her. It’s always about her, Maddox. Can’t you see me?” Her voice cracked with real sadness. “Why not me, Maddox? It’s me, Bella.” She grabbed my sweater gently. “Why can’t you look at me softly the way you used to?”

“It’s because you ruined it, Bella. You ruined us. You broke my heart so badly. I trusted you. I really did.” I swatted her hand

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Tue, Jul

Chapter 30

away and walked to my car.

“Wait, Maddox! My car is still at the arena. Maddox!!” she screamed as I started the engine and drove off, paying her no mind.

I felt a deep ache settle in my chest the moment I saw Beck’s message. Nia’s reaction hurt even more. She had just left me there to deal with Bella alone. I had my private investigator track down their location.

I hate that she chooses him over me every fucking time.

Why him and not me?

I keep asking myself that question. Just yesterday we were so good. I had even convinced myself we had called a truce. But it was way too early for me to draw any conclusions. I did not realize.

The hatred in her eyes tonight was chilling. She had looked at me differently last night. So differently it almost made me hope.

I hope that things could be significantly different. But I was so stupid.

My phone pinged, pulling me out of my thoughts. A text from Father.

Father: Do not forget your duty to this family, Maddox. I’m sick and tired of your constant disappointments.

Constant disappointments?

I am tired of hearing that word. It has followed me for a very long time. Maddox the brute. The Beast. The brawn. That is all I have ever been.

But I can’t help wondering if I will ever be enough. My struggles, my wins, my trophies. Will any of it ever be enough for you, Father?

AD

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14:37 Tue, Jul 7 MAA