Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53

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Was she scared of takeoff?

With every increase in altitude, her breath hitched harder. Small beads of sweat appeared on her forehead and along her brows. Her whole body trembled slightly.

Without thinking, I reached over and took her hand.

Her fingers were cold.

She flinched at first-like she hadn’t expected anyone to touch her, then stilled when my thumb started traging slow circles against her palm.

Her grip tightened.

Not pulling away.

Holding on.

Her breathing came in short, uneven bursts, shoulders rising with each one. I shifted closer without thinking, my arm brushing against hers.

“Hey… breathe,” I murmured, low enough that only she could hear.

Her head tilted slightly in my direction, eyes still shut. Trust. Reluctant, but there.

I didn’t let go.

Not when her breathing started to steady. Not when her fingers curled tighter around mine.

And definitely not when I realized I didn’t want to.

Gradually, her breathing evened out. The plane leveled off smoothly in the air. Niajlet out a long, shaky exhale.

“Thank you very much,” she whispered.

Her voice was soft. Too soft.

I glanced at her and she was already looking at me.

For a second, neither of us moved.

Her lashes were still damp. Her lips slightly parted. Close enough that if I leaned in-I looked away first.

“Don’t mention it,” I said, a little rougher than I intended.

I didn’t let go of her hand.

“Not a fan of flying?”

“I’ve only traveled by air once, back in college. We hit turbulence right after takeoff,” she explained, still avoiding my eyes. “I haven’t flown since. I thought I would be okay by now. I’m sorry?

“Don’t apologize, Nia. There’s no way you could have known,” I said, turning toward her. “I was worried for a second you were about to have a full panic attack.”

“It’s alright, Nia. You’re fine now,” I added softly, My hand lifted before I could stop it.

I brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face instead, my fingers lingering just a second too long near her temple.

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Chapter 53

“Relax, okay?” I said quietly.

“What are yo-”

“Shhh. Relax, okay?” I interrupted, keeping my voice low and steady.

I needed her calm. Everything had to go smoothly this weekend. No cracks. No chaos.

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“My back hurts,” Nia said after reading the same book for nearly two hours.

“You’ll need to take a proper nap,” I told her, sipping my whiskey.

“How did you get your chair to do that?” she asked, gesturing at my fully reclined seat.

“You won’t need your chair for this,” I said casually.

“Why?” she pouted, looking genuinely curious.

“Because there’s a bedroom right across here,” I answered.

“Private jets have beds?” she asked, stunned.

“Not all of them, Nia. But this one does,” I said, signaling the flight attendant to show her the way.

I watched her walk off. She really did need the rest. I still couldn’t believe Liam and Jasper had dragged me into that last- minute slumber party the night before our trip. Jasper had banged on my door like a maniac, demanding we all hang out before I left. Liam was always up for chaos. Before I knew it, we were standing outside Nia’s apartment with whiskey and fresh pie.

Jasper had probably been drunk before he even reached my place.

I took a deep breath and looked around the cabin of my jet, Marina. One of my most prized possessions. I made good money renting her out to other athletes and celebrities who wanted true luxury. Full crew included. People with money paid whatever it took for comfort.

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