Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

“Please,” they both begged together.

1 paused and twirled my pen between my fingers. Would it be so bad if I skipped dinner with Victor Kane? Just a few days ago I had been thinking about a girls’ night. This felt like perfect timing, almost like divine alignment.

“I am sorry girls, but I already have plans,” I replied.

“With your boo?” Vera asked. I smiled instead of answering. “It is quite short notice, if I am being honest. Promise me though, your birthday is very close…”

“How did you know that, Vera?” I asked in shock. I had never told anyone here about my birthday. It took Natalie months to even find out.

“I am Mr. Hale’s right hand,” she said proudly. “I know quite a lot. Not everything though. That man is sneaky, but a significant amount.”

“Okay, right hand,” I replied, laughing.

“Enjoy the rest of your day though. I have to go get ready for the night,” Vera said as she stood up.

Edna stayed seated. “Do you have something to say?”

“Well…” she paused.

“Well?” I leaned back in my chair.

“I have completed my designated duties for the day so…” She stared at me with big puppy eyes.

“Yes Edna, you can take the rest of the night off,” I said, laughing.

“Yess! Thank you very much,” she squealed.

“We are going shopping.” Vera said with glee.

“Tell the others they can go home also,” I called as they headed excitedly toward the door.

“We are going to Decadence though,” Vera added with a wink before shutting the door.

“Decadence, huh?” I said quietly to myself.

I had heard a lot of great things about that club. Too bad I had never been. I hoped they had fun.

I grabbed my phone and checked the time. It was past two in the afternoon. I shrugged off my lab coat. I might as well call it a day too. I did not have much pressing work left anyway.

I felt glad I no longer had to work on Saturdays. The letter from HR came as a surprise, but a welcome one. I still did not know what made Mr. Hale change the schedule, but I was grateful. Now I could have more time for myself and my daughter.

I arranged my things neatly in my tote bag and stepped out the door. I drove straight to the condo.

I still could not believe I was returning here willingly. I did not want to, but it felt necessary. I could not risk Beck running into Zara. I had already talked with Mom and the babysitter. They would take turns watching her. I planned to be back home by Saturday evening at the latest.

I pulled into the driveway and popped open the trunk. I grabbed my suitcase, duffel bag, and some groceries since I had nothing in the apartment to eat.

I decided to pack a few more outfits, makeup, and skincare products to keep here on standby in case another last-minute situation came up. The team had provided kitchen equipment, hair tools, and multiple Vipers uniforms. The basics were

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Chapter 38

covered, but I needed a few personal touches.

I managed to offload everything from the car in one trip, though my arms burned from the weight.

“You know it is okay to ask for help, right?” A deep voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Liam,” I said in shock.

“I am glad you remembered my name,” he said with an easy smile. “Let me help you please, Nia.”

“Thank you,” I replied. Heat rose to my cheeks as he lifted the suitcase and duffel bag with ease.

“I can help you also,” Jasper said, walking over and taking the grocery bags from my hands.

“You look a lot better. How is your leg?” I asked Jasper.

“It is healed nicely, all thanks to you,” he replied.

“Where is your apartment?” Liam asked as we entered the building and reached the elevator.

“Eighteenth floor,” I answered. “Do you guys live here also?”

56 you h

“It is a temporary home. I stay here only when we have something serious going on at Rogers. I stay in Toronto mostly. The condo is way closer,” Liam explained.

“Yeah, only during games or intense training periods. The team owns the condo,” Jasper added.

“It is squeaky clean,” Liam said as soon as they stepped inside my apartment.

“Thank you very much,” I said to both of them.

“You are welcome,” they chorused as they headed back toward the door.

“Nia?” Liam said after Jasper stepped out. “You look really beautiful today.”

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