Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 87

Chapter 87

Chapter 87

“Thank you, Leo,” I said as I turned toward the apartment entrance, cradling the big bouquet in my arms. The flowers smelled sweet and fresh, but they felt heavy after a long day.

“You’re welcome, ma’am.” I reached the door and realized Leo was still standing outside, hands clasped behind his back; watching the hallway like he expected trouble.

I didn’t want to be alone with my thoughts tonight.

That was the truth.

Every time I was alone lately, my brain found a way to circle back to Maddox.

“Come with me,” I said, with a nod and a slight smile.

He gave a small nod and followed me inside the building. We stepped into the elevator together. The ride up was quiet. Just the soft hum of the cables and the faint scent of his cologne mixed with the tulips.

I unlocked my front door and pushed it open. “Come in.”

“Pardon the intrusion,” he said. He wiped his shoes carefully on the mat before stepping inside.

“You’re not intruding. I promise,” I chuckled. “I invited you in.”

He took a seat on the couch and looked around slowly. “It’s squeaky clean. Exactly as I expected.”

He sounded a lot like Liam the first time he visited. I was not surprised. When things get too heavy in my head, I clean. Scrubbing floors or organizing drawers helps me feel like I have control over something.

Stress cleaning is my coping mechanism.

I kicked off my shoes and slipped on my fluffy bunny slippers. Then I went to the fridge and pulled out a bottle of wine.

“Hope you don’t mind,” I said, holding up the bottle.

“I don’t,” he replied. The corner of his mouth lifted in the smallest smile before his face went back to its usual calm mask.

I set the bouquet on the kitchen counter. I would deal with the vase later. Right now I just wanted to sit down.

I carried two glasses into the living room and took the seat across from him. While I waited for my Uber Eats order, I tapped my fingers lightly on the side of my glass.

“I’m sorry for calling you in so suddenly,” I said. “You probably had other things to do.”

“I don’t,” he answered and took a slow sip of wine.

“We haven’t really talked much since you started working for me. We’ve had a few awkward moments here and there,” I looked straight at him. “I really appreciate what you did that day at the pool. You saved my life. I want us to have a good working relationship going forward.”

“We will,” he said with a light chuckle. “I’m glad you’re safe. I resigned from the hotel job right after.”

I grinned. “So tell me about yourself.”

“I’m Leo Winters. I’m thirty-eight. I served eight years on active duty with the Marines before moving to the Inactive Ready Reserve.”

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Chapter 87

“IRR?” I asked, tilting my head.

“Inactive Ready Reserve,” he explained.

“Eight years in the Marines? That’s intense.”

A knock sounded at the door. Our food had arrived. I tipped the delivery guy and brought everything to the table Steak. creamy mashed potatoes, and lasagna soup from Oasis. The warm, rich smells filled the apartment and made my stomach

rumble.

“What was it like?” I asked quietly as I handed him a plate.

He took a deep breath and stared at the ceiling for a moment. “It was a lot. And pretty gruesome at times

I could tell right away he did not want to go deeper. I had heard enough stories about military life to know not to push er it drop.

“I don’t know if you know this, but I have a daughter.” His fork stopped halfway to his mouth.

His expression didn’t change, but something in his posture softened.

“How old is she?” he asked quietly.

“Five.”

He nodded once, like he understood something about me that he hadn’t before.

“I didn’t know,” he said.

“It’s alright. Most people don’t. I’d like to keep it that way for now,” I told him. “I’m sharing it with you because her safety matters more than anything to me.”

“I understand completely. Your privacy is your own,” he replied.

“It has been hard. I used to take her to the park or the grocery store without thinking twice. Now I’m always looking over my shoulder, scared someone with a camera will show up or worse.”

“It must have been a big change. Going from regular life to all this attention,” he said before taking another bite.

I gave a small laugh and shook my head. “I’m not a celebrity.”

“You are now,” he said with a gentle smile. “You just haven’t accepted it yet. Mr. Kane is a big name in sports. He has a huge fan base. People notice who he’s with.”

“There’s no way they won’t pay attention to you. You’re his girlfriend. That comes with similar attention,” he added.

I took a slow breath. Being watched all the time felt exhausting. It made simple things like going outside feel heavy.

I wasn’t even famous. I was just standing too close to someone who was.

I could not picture Zara growing up with cameras in her face. Kids need room to run and play without worrying about tomorrow’s headlines. The pressure breaks a lot of people. I had seen it happen to child stars and influencers. The media does not forgive mistakes.

“I will do everything I can to keep the press away from her,” Leo said firmly.

“Thank you. Leo. That means a lot,” I replied.

“Thank you for having me over,” he said after a while.

Chapter 87

“You’re welcome.”

“Where do you stay?” I asked, curiosity getting the better of me.

“I have two apartments. One right across from the condo and another close to your childhood home,” he answered honestly. 1

“Oh.” I was surprised Maddox would spend that much just to keep Leo nearby.

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