Page 91 of After the Chase

Chase is quiet for a moment.

"That's still protection."

“Chase, don’t conflate this with caring. You know me. I don’t care about that woman, I care about making sure you’re safe around here. We all got something out of it.”

“No need to sugarcoat the truth…my god you can be blunt, Noah.”

“Yes, and you’ve always loved it.”

"Can we go home now? I need attention,” he whines and I’m expecting a little foot stamp with how needy he sounds.

“You’re spoiled.”

“Shut the hell up, I’ve never been called spoiled in my life.”

“Is it a bad thing to be spoiled?”

“It depends.”

“I don’t have the mental capacity for this conversation, baby. Let’s just go home so you can make me cum.”

“How could I refuse such an offer?”

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

CHASE

Two Months Later

My agent calls on a Tuesday afternoon. After the hype that somehow started on social media for my upcoming second book, I managed to get signed by a literary agent.

"Chase, darling, I have incredible news," Rebecca says, her voice bright with excitement. "We have an offer for book three."

I'm sitting at my desk, laptop open, working on the manuscript. "Already?"

"Already. A publisher is thrilled with the pre-orders for book two and they want to lock you in for a third book immediately."

"That's…" I trail off, stunned.

"That's what happens when you write bestsellers, darling. You become valuable. They want to ensure they have you locked in before another publisher tries to poach you. But the real issue is that I know you've been private. I know you've wanted to avoid public appearances, but at this level, Chase, it's expected. It's part of the job."

I'm quiet for a moment, my mind racing. Public appearances, people digging into my life asking questions. No, it’s non-negotiable. I can’t risk the world I live in with Noah.

"No, I only accept the deal with no public appearances. No book tours. No in-person events. Only written interviews and controlled media where I can craft my responses carefully."

“Chase…”

“Take it or leave it, Rebecca. I’m happy to continue as I am.”

“Leave it with me, I’ll call you soon.”

“Okay, take care.”

The call comes three days later.

"They agreed," Rebecca says, and I can hear the surprise in her voice. "They want you badly enough that they're willing to work with your conditions. Written interviews only with no public appearances. They'll handle all publicity through carefully controlled channels."

Relief floods through me. "Really?"