Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 84

Chapter 84

Chapter 84

58 vurmay

I woke up the next morning after taking a long-needed nap. I spent the whole of yesterday thinking about my life and staring into space.

I couldn’t really explain the overwhelming weight of guilt I was feeling. Maddox’s face when he called me a liar is tattoged in my memory.

I kept replaying the look in his eyes over and over again, as though if I replayed it enough times, I’d find proof that he didn mean what he said.

The problem was, every time I remembered it, he looked sincere.

And somehow, that made me feel worse.

He was wearing a pained look. I’ve never seen him wearing such an expression before.

My phone pinged, catching my attention. My eyes widened. It was an alert of $75,000.

“Is this for real?” I said out loud while rising to my feet immediately.

I was expecting 50k, not 75k. The difference may not be so much to others, but to me it’s significant. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to seeing this amount of money at once so casually.

For a brief moment, I forgot about Maddox.

Money had always made sense to me. Numbers made sense. Work made sense.

Feelings didn’t.

I decided to keep a significant portion of money aside for now. I wasn’t really sure of what I wanted to use the money for yet.

What did I want to do today?

I didn’t even have the slightest clue on how I wanted to spend my day. I plan on going home later today. I need to get something to do in the meantime.

Maybe I’ll go to a spa. I need all the relaxation I can get before work resumes officially.

I didn’t want to spend the entire day thinking about Maddox and all the things I would have done differently.

I booked my appointment for a facial, wax, and full body massage. I’d also love to squeeze in a nail appointment. Today will be great for a full body maintenance. I’m due for one anyway.

I took a warm shower, did my skincare, and got dressed in a white flowy maxi skirt, white tank top, and a blue cardigan. I wasn’t wearing makeup today because of my facial. I grabbed my mini Kelly and Chanel slippers.

I put my hair up in a lazy bun, grabbed my sunnies, and was out the door.

“Doc, hi.”

I turned to see Liam standing a few feet away.

“Liam, hey.” I managed a smile.

“How are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m alright. You?” I replied, hoping he wasn’t about to ask me about Maddox.

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Chapter 84

“I’m good.”

He didn’t sound particularly convincing.

I studied him for a second. “How’s the shoulder?”

He blinked. “Uh, good. No pain.”

“Have you been keeping up with the rehabs exercises I gave you?”

He grinned sheepishly. “Most of them.”

“Liam.”

“Okay, all of them. Coach has been on my case too.”

“Good. Playoffs are around the corner. I don’t need my star winger deciding physical therapy is optional.”

His smile widened. “You really think I’m the star winger?”

“I think you’re fishing for compliments.”

He laughed, and some of the awkwardness disappeared.

“Have you guys been practicing?” I asked.

“Twice a day now. Coach is trying to kill us before the playoffs even start.”

“As he should. I’d hate to have spent weeks patching you all up just for you to get eliminated.”

“Ouch, Doc.”

“I’m serious.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly looking uncomfortable again.

“Actually… there was something else.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Do you think Natalie would mind if you gave me her number?”

I stared at him for a second.

Then another.

“Nia,” he said cautiously.

“Are you blushing?” I burst out laughing.

“Oh my God.”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” I clutched my stomach. “I swear I’m taking this seriously.”

“Doesn’t feel like it.”

“I am!” I said, still laughing. “Wait. You like Natalie?”

He looked away.

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Chapter 84

“Maybe.”

Oh, this is incredible.”

“Nia.”

“Okay. Fine. Serious face.”

I pressed my lips together.

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“I wanted to follow her on Instagram,” he admitted, “but Maddox told me not to. If people start trolling her because of me I’d never forgive myself.”

The laughter faded immediately.

“Yeah,” I said quietly. “The trolling gets really bad.”

He nodded. “So…?”

I smiled. “She won’t mind.”

The relief on his face was almost adorable.

“Really?”

“Really.”

I sent Natalie a quick text letting her know I’d shared her number before forwarding it to Liam.

“Thank you,” he said, and his usual charming smile finally returned.

“You’re welcome. And Liam?”

“Yeah?”

“Try not to get yourself concussed before the playoffs.”

“No promises.” He turns to leave.

“That’s exactly what worries me.”

“Good morning, ma’am,” Leo greeted, startling me in the process.

I stared at him for a while. I don’t know why I expected him to disappear just because I had a disagreement with Maddox.

“Good morning, Leo,” I replied. “I would love to drive myself today.”

What’s the purpose of having my dream car if I can’t drive it? Don’t get me wrong, I love the Escalade. It’s such an imposing car, but I can’t just ignore my new baby.

“Of course, ma’am,” he nodded, opening the driver’s seat. “I’ll drive behind you.”

“Do you really have to?” I asked, raising my eyebrow. “The car is big enough for both of us.”

He stared at me wordlessly.

“It’s alright anyway. We’re heading to Imperial Hotel.”

I got into the car and shut the door. I’m tired of arguing with Leo constantly. It’s getting a bit old now.

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I started the ignition and began the 35-minute drive. I played Sabrina Claudio, hoping her voice would distract my thoughts.

I’ve been getting a series of texts from Maddox, but I keep ignoring them. I really don’t know what to do with this new attitude.

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