Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

TLTA

“Nia, Beck answered on the first ring. His voice sounded heavy with sleep.

“Were you sleeping?” I asked softly.

“No, I wasn’t,” he yawned. I heard the rustle of sheets as he sat up.

“Are you sure about that?” I replied with a small chuckle. “I’m so sorry for waking you up though.”

“It’s alright, Nia.” His voice grew clearer. “I told you to call me anytime, didn’t I? Even if it’s past ten.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect you to still keep your nine-thirty bedtime,” I teased lightly. “You are acting like a retiree who seeps right after the night news.”

“Oh please, you cannot judge a man for loving a good night’s sleep,” he shot back with playful sass.

“I’m sorry our dinner ended on such an unfortunate note,” I said. The memory of Maddox and Bella still sat heavy in my stomach.

“You should not be apologizing, love. It was not your fault in any way.” His tone turned steady and warm. “Maddox gets off on control. He spirals when he cannot have direct authority over someone. That was just him acting up, trying to get under your skin and make you jealous.”

“Jealous? Really?” I let out a dry laugh. “You think Maddox would risk messy paparazzi photos with Bella just to make me jealous? Oh please, he does not care about me like that.”

“You will be pleasantly surprised,” Beck replied.

“Surprised that he cares?” I asked, genuinely puzzled.

“He cares about his ego. His pride. Every time you tell him no, you chip away at it? Beck’s voice stayed gentle but firm. “That is why he showed up with Bella and caused a scene.”

“Hmm. You are probably right,” I murmured.

“But that is not why you called, is it?” he said, shifting the conversation. “You sounded really worried when you rang. I was waiting for you to bring it up.”

I took a slow, deep breath. My fingers twisted the edge of my blanket. “It is your dad.” I forwarded the message to him. The GPS coordinates glowed on my screen like a warning.

“I really do not know what his motives are. You never really do with him. But I know where those coordinates lead. Warehouse, a five-star restaurant. He is a regular there.”

“What do you think?” My voice came out smaller than I wanted. “Do/I really have to go? I do not want to.”

“I really do not want you to go see him, if I am being honest,” Beck said quietly.

“Maddox told me not to go alone,” I added.

“I cannot believe I am saying this, but I have to agree with Maddox on this one.” He sounded tired but serious. “We can go together, if you do not mind me asking, of course.”

**I trust you. Beck.” His calm presence was the only thing that could make me feel steady in a room with Victor Kane.

“As you wish. Nia. I will pick you up then. I really have to get back to sleep. My brain is shutting down on me already,” he said, ending with a dramatic yawn.

Chapter 32

“Thank you so much, Beck. Good night.”

“Good night, Nia.” The call clicked off.

I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. A surprising lightness settled in my chest. There was just something about talking to Beck. His steady voice and quiet concern made the weight of the day feel a little easier to carry.

I checked the time. Past eleven. No wonder he had been yawning so much. I set my phone down and tried to sleep, but my mind kept spinning.

The next morning I drove to work with Sabrina Claudio playing softly through the speakers. Her smooth, emotional voice wrapped around me, trying to lift the heaviness that still lingered from yesterday. I pulled into the arena lot and managed to slip into my office without running into anyone. The early quiet was exactly what I needed.

I got a good chunk of paperwork done before a knock sounded on the door. I glanced at the clock. Twelve thirty-four.

“Come in,” I called, looking up.

“Good afternoon, Nia,” Maddox greeted as he stepped inside and dropped into the chair across from my desk.

“A pleasant afternoon to you too,” I replied, keeping my tone even.

“You seem to be in a good mood today,” he said, smirking as his fingers idly traced the edge of my desk.

“Did you sleep well?” he added casually.

I narrowed my eyes. “Why do you care?”

“Just curious.” His gaze lingered on me. “You sounded… occupied last night.”

My stomach tightened.

He knew. Or at least he suspected.

I paused and crossed my arms. “Is there something you need, Maddox? I am really not in the mood for your shenanigans today, especially after yesterday.”

“Are you still mad?” He rested his tattooed forearms on the table and leaned in slightly.

“Is there a reason I should not be?” My eyes traced the veins running along his arms before I caught myself.

“Eyes up here, Nia,” he said cockily. “If you want a closer look, all you have to do is ask.”

I stood up from my desk and headed toward the door.

“Nia, wait!” He grabbed my arm gently and pulled me back. “Mr. Hale wants to see you.”

“He asked for me specifically?” That was unusual.

“Well, both of us, if I am being honest,” he sighed.

“Why did you not say something sooner? You were just wasting my time.” I walked back to my desk, shrugging off my lab

coat.

“You are such a rule follower,” Maddox replied.

KISA

Chapter 32

I felt goosebumps rise along my neck as I tugged down my baby tee that had ridden up. When I turned, Maddox’s intense gaze was locked on the strip of exposed skin. I quickly pulled on the oversized button-down I had taken off earlier, then shipped my lab coat back on.

“Let us go.” I said after making sure my hair looked decent.

We walked side by side down the hallway in complete silence. I preferred it that way. I could not handle any conversation right now.

What could Mr. Hale possibly want to talk about?

“Maddox, Dr. Page.”

I turned to see a tall man with dreadlocks approaching us.

“How are you doing, man?” Maddox said, pulling him into a quick bro hug.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify