Page 99 of Knot Their Starlet

My own lips quirk into a tentative smile of their own, but I freeze when I realize I’m smiling at another man while still holding Beck’s hand.

Beck steps up behind me, dropping his face into the crook of my neck.

Is he... scent-marking me?

I stiffen in shock.

“It’s okay,” he murmurs against my skin, the warmth from his breath contrasting with the heavy air conditioner. “Don’t worry, I know.”

“And you... are okay with that?” I whisper back, my eyes locked on Leo, whose smile remains unwavering.

Beck brushes his lips against my jaw.

Wow. What alternative universe did I enter? I wonder how many girls would literally sell their souls for an opportunity like this one.

“More than okay. It just makes me jealous because I want to be yours, too.”

My eyes go wide as I stare at Leo, who doesn’t seem to have any form of protest.

With those parting words, he grabs my hand and starts walking me down the hall.

Is Beck saying he wants this thing between us to be... real?

My jaw is slack. I’ve lost all control over my facial muscles. I’m glad we’re inside, away from the prying eyes and camera lenses of the paparazzi, because if someone snapped a photo of my face, I’m sure my mother would blow it up on her tablet and pick apart everything wrong with my expression.

“Wait a second, Beck,” I say, as he guides me into a dimly lit studio.

I barely have time to take in my surroundings before he’s pressing me against the wall of the studio.

“But—but what about the contract?” I stutter, my hands coming up to rest on his shoulders.

This is all moving so fast.

“Screw the contract. I’m not pretending.”

His words make my brain short-circuit.

My entire life so far has been dictated by the whims of my mother. I’ve had contracts hanging over my head ever since I can remember.

There’s never been room in my life for what I actually want.

But I know, deep down, there’s a part of me that loves this. Loves his attention, his affections, his consideration.

I hear all the positive things he’s been telling me since I crashed into his life, and I desperately want to believe him.

What’s the worst that happens if I do?

“Tell me you want this too,” he murmurs, his arms bracketing around my head, caging me in.

We’re so close our breaths are becoming one. The air is thick with an intoxicating mix of my soothing chamomile and his sweet caramel perfume. It’s like no other combination I’ve ever scented, thick and heady.

The words I do are on the tip of my tongue, but before I have a chance to answer, the door to the studio opens.

Elijah stands there in the doorway, his gaze darting between Beck and I. In his hands are two cups of coffee.

There’s something heavy about his look. Beneath the hint of disapproval is… interest? And it’s not purely aimed at Beck either.

I have to be seeing things.