Contracted To The Beast novel Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“It is a wrap guys.”

I let out a long breath. My shoulders dropped as the tension finally left my body. I forced a smile and thanked Jose and the entire crew.

My eyes caught the mirror on the way out. Tan France had worked magic. My hair fell straight and glossy. My skin glowed under the lights. The leather corset and lace skirt hugged every curve perfectly. I had never straightened my hair before because I always worried my forehead looked too big. But right now, for once, I didn’t pick myself apart in the mirror.. No wonder the man was so famous.

“Won’t you love to see the pictures?” José asked with a big grin.

I paused. I did not want to stay here any longer. Maddox’s presence felt suffocating. His eyes had been on me the whole time.

“Surprise me, José,” I said.

“That will be perfect. You will not be disappointed, I promise you ma’am.” His grin stretched wide.

I felt Maddox’s stare burning into my back as I walked away. The intensity made me want to turn around just to see his face. When I first walked into the studio in that outfit, he had gone speechless. That alone felt like sweet revenge.

I smiled to myself. The lace skirt moved softly around my legs as I entered the dressing room.

“Thank you so much, Tan,” I said and turned so he could unlace the corset.

“You are welcome, hun. I told you I would make you look fabulous, didn’t I?” He laughed lightly. “Take my card. Call me anytime you need me.”

“You are the best.” I took the card from him.

“Too bad I have to say goodbye to this beauty,” I said as I stepped out of the dress and changed back into my normal clothes.

“Your man paid for the entire outfit, girl,” Tan said with sass as he packed everything-dress, jewelry, and shoes. “He bought it all.”

“He did?” I asked, shocked.

“You better spend that money, girl. He has it for a reason.” Tan pulled me into a quick hug and chuckled. “I have another appointment. We will see each other again, Nia.” He hurried out.

I walked slowly to my car, still trying to understand why Maddox would buy me such an expensive outfit. The shoes alone, those spiral jeweled Rene Caovilla heels in black cost thousands. I had not even added the dress and jewelry in my head.

I sighed and started the drive home. I was not going back to the condo tonight. The building was nice, but sleeping just two floors below Maddox felt too close. Too dangerous.

The drive to Richmond took about thirty minutes. When I finally walked into the house, it was quiet. Mom was still at work and Zara had dance practice. I set my bag on the couch and looked around. Toys were scattered everywhere. The kitchen counters were messy. They had clearly left in a hurry this morning.

I carried my bag upstairs to my bedroom. The walls were a soft cream color. I loved sage green, so my bedsheets, lamp, and bean bag were all different shades of green. Plants and fake vines decorated the corners. I changed into comfortable clothes, pajama shorts and my oversized college hoodie, wiped off all the makeup, and went back downstairs.

I started cleaning. First I picked up Zara’s toys, then wiped the counters, put away the laundry, and loaded the dishwasher.

OM

14:33 Tue, Jul 7 MADO

Chapter 9

After that I began dinner, pasta, roast beef, and a simple side salad. The beef was sizzling in the pan when I heard the front door open.

“Mamaaa!” Zara’s voice filled the house.

I opened the door wider. She ran straight to me with Mom right behind her.

“Hey, Zar Bear.” I scooped her up and twirled her around. “How was preschool today, baby girl?” I kissed both her cheeks.

“It was so much fun! We did coloring and arts and crafts.”

“That sounds amazing. Let us go take a shower,” I said, carrying her on my hip. “How was your day. Mom?

“Stressful,” Mom sighed. “We need more nurses. Mira went on leave and I had to cover her workload.”

“I am sorry. I will try to come help you soon.” I handed her a glass of water. “Dinner is almost ready. Let me give Zara a bath first.

After her bath we ate dinner together. I helped Zara with her homework, then took her upstairs to bed. Her room was bright butter yellow with pastel pink bedsheets.

“Can you stay until I fall asleep, Mama?” she asked in her sweetest voice.

“Of course, baby.” I climbed into her small bed and pulled her close.

She looked up at me with those big gray eyes. “Is Hockey Man your boyfriend, Mama?”

I froze. Shock ran through me.

“You do not have to answer,” she said with a mischievous little grin.

“He is a special friend,” I managed to say. The lie sat heavy on my chest.

“Okay. Can you sing me a song please?” She yawned.

“Twinkle, twinkle little star…” I sang softly until her eyes closed and her breathing became steady.

“Good night, Zar Bear.” I kissed her forehead gently and slipped out of the room.

Guilt pressed down on me the second I closed her door. How was I supposed to explain that her real father was so close yet completely out of reach? I had told her he died in a plane crash. Now I was trapped in this fake relationship with him for money. The weight of all the lies made it hard to breathe.

My phone rang and pulled me out of my thoughts. It was my best friend Natalie.

“Hey girl,” I answered.

“Check Instagram right now, Nia,” she said urgently.

“What do you mean?”

“Just check!”

I hung up and opened the app. My stomach dropped.

The first post I saw was a clear photo of me and Beck hugging at the arena. The caption read: “The Beast’s girl caught in 4k canoodling with his younger brother.” It already had thousands of likes and hundreds of nasty comments.

My knees felt weak. I sat down fast on the edge of my bed. What had I done? This could ruin everything.

14:33 Tue, Jul 7

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