Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

I watched as Nia’s chocolate hair flared in the wind while I sped down the highway. She had not said a single word since we got into the car. Her body stayed turned toward the window, shoulders tense, fingers tapping lightly against her thigh like she was fighting the urge to speak.

I actually demanded a day off from Mr. Hale yesterday after Nia had left his office. I asked him straight out how we were supposed to build any kind of believable relationship when she was expected to work Monday through Saturday every single week. He had stared at me for a long moment, then agreed to remove Saturdays from her schedule completely she would also get any day of my choosing from Monday to Friday dedicated to strengthening our public image. No argumen No negotiations. Just done.

“So you aren’t going to say anything?” I asked, glancing sideways at her.

“Is there something you want me to say?” she replied, still staring out the window, her voice flat.

“It is so odd for you to be this quiet,” I said simply, gripping the wheel a little tighter.

“Are you trying to call me a talkative?” she turned to me sharply, her hazel eyes flashing with irritation.

“No, I am not.” I turned to face her for a second too long.

“Keep your eyes on the fucking road,” she spat as I swerved, dodging a car coming from the opposite direction. Her hand shot out to grip the dashboard. “Are you trying to get us killed?”

“No. I am not. Relax.” I straightened the wheel, my pulse kicking up from the close call. “Back to our conversation. You are supposed to be happy that we are going on a date. You’re supposed to be excited. Or is that only when it’s not me? and this is not just dinner. It is an entire day.”

“Oh lucky me,” she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. “I am so glad I am going on a date with Canada’s Beastie.”

“C’mon Nia, do not be like that.” I pulled over in front of a cute café named Ruelle, The place had a ton of positive reviews on Instagram, soft lighting visible through the windows, and the smell of fresh pastries already drifting out when I cracked the door.

“What are we going to do here?” she asked, unbuckling slowly.

“Having breakfast,” I answered, killing the engine.

“Is this your way of apologizing for ruining my lunch with Beck?” she said pointedly, her tone laced with challenge

I felt a sharp pain twist in my chest at the mention of his name. “Do you not want to go in?”

“Oh, we are going in.” She took off her seatbelt and walked into the cafe without waiting I followed behind her, my eyes drawn to the way her hips swayed with each annoyed step.

Damn.

Her pissed-off walk was really sexy.

“Hi, welcome to Ruelle,” the cheery waitress greeted us as soon as we stepped inside, her smile bright against the warm wooden interior.

“Hello,” Nia greeted her, matching the enthusiasm as the waitress directed us to a corner table by the window.

“Here is the menu,” she said, setting it down. “I will be back in a few minutes to take your order.”

“They have a wide selection of breakfast options,” I said, glancing through the menu, the smell of bacon and fresh coffee

Tue, Jul

Chapter 35

filling the air around us.

“Yeah, they do.” Nia replied, her fingers tracing the edge of the laminated page

The waitress returned exactly as promised. We both ordered the full English breakfast. I stuck with my regular black coffee with three sugars while she chose an iced caffe latte. When the plates arrived, steam rising from the eggs and sausages, Nia

took her first bite.

“Mmm, this is really good,” she let out a little moan, her eyes closing for a second.

Fucking hell.

That sound went straight to my core. She sounded really sexy. I watched, fascinated, as she shoved another forkful into her tiny mouth. I could not help but wonder. My gaze lingered longer than it should have. There was something about the way she let her guard down over something as simple as food… something that made it hard to look away or had life changed her in ways I did not want to think about?

“What is it?” she asked suddenly, catching me staring.

“What is what?” I replied, forcing my eyes back to my plate.

“You are staring,” she said, sounding irritated, her fork pausing mid-air.

“And?” I asked, unable to stop the smirk tugging at my lips.

“It is making me fucking uncomfortable,” she spat, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“Relax,” I said, chuckling as I scratched my beard. “And where did you learn to curse like this? You went to a seaman’s college or something?”

“Ha ha, very funny,” she said, sipping her drink, the ice clinking against the glass. “It is because I have to deal with arrogant, egotistical pricks every fucking day of my life.”

“Sounds rough,” I said, taking a slow sip of my coffee, the bitterness matching the tension between us.

“It is rough. Very rough,” she said, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction as she ate. “Are we spending the rest of today here’ Not like I mind though. It is very cozy.”

“No. Finish your food. We still have a couple of things to do.”

We drove through Central Vancouver until we reached the silver dome of Bloedel Conservatory. The morning sun glinted off the glass structure, making it look almost magical against the clear blue sky.

“Wait, where are we?” she asked, her eyes going wide, a spark of genuine excitement breaking through her guarded

expression.

“Bloedel Conservatory,” I said casually, pulling into the driveway.

“Wait, really? I thought it was closed. I tried coming here early this year but they said it was not open to visitors,” she said. her voice lifting with surprise.

“It is not open to the general public yet,” I replied, killing the engine.

“Oh! How are we going to get in then?” she asked, turning to me fully now, curiosity winning over her earlier irritation.

“I have my ways,” I said smugly, stepping out of the car.

“Nothing illegal, right?” she asked, following me, her face still showing that mix of doubt and wonder.

14:38 Tue, Jul 7 M

Chapter 35

“Have some faith in me, c’mon “1 led her toward the entrance. Nia stayed close, her steps quick on the gravel path her cheetah-print tote swinging at her side.

My phone rang, cutting through the quiet. It was the PI

“You are being tailed,” he said without greeting.

“Anything I should worry about?” I asked, grabbing Nia’s hand and pulling her closer to my side. her fingers cool agains

mine.

“No, it is the paps. They are sneaking photos of you and Dr. Page,” he replied.

“Then let’s give them something worth chasing.” I said, smirking as I ended the call.

“Is everything okay?” Nia asked, concerned, flickering across her face as she looked up at me.

“Everything is fine. We are just being tailed by the paps. But it is alright. This is as far as they can get,” I said, trying to reassure her, my thumb brushing lightly over her knuckles.

“Oh. Okay,” she said, not sounding convinced at all, but she did not pull her hand away.

“Mr. Kane, it is a pleasure. You too, Dr. Page,” the owner of the conservatory greeted us warmly as we approached

“The pleasure is mine, Bill,” I said, shaking his hand firmly.

“This is Bill Porter. He is the owner of this fine establishment,” I told Nia.

“You flatter me,” he said, chuckling.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Porter,” Nia said politely, offering her hand.

“Just Bill, please,” he replied, taking it with a firm handshake. “I will have an experienced tour guide show you around Make sure you enjoy yourselves, okay?”

“Of course, Bill. Thank you very much,” I said.

“You are welcome. I will leave you to it,” he replied, walking off with a nod.

Our tour guide, Emily, led us through a beautiful path covered with exotic plants in temperature-controlled environments The air grew warmer and more humid as we walked deeper inside. We saw cuite ponds filled with beautifully patterned kor fish gliding beneath lily pads.

I watched as Nia stooped low like a little kid to get a clearer view of the fish, her ponytail falling over one shoulder She took several pictures on her phone, a small genuine smile tugging at her lips for the first time that day

Emily explained each plant we came across and their origins, her voice calm and informative She finally led us to a lush point really high up. The conservatory sat in Queen Elizabeth Park, practically the highest point in Vancouver, offering sweeping views through the glass dome.

“Right here we have the aviary,” Emily said, gesturing ahead.

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