Chapter 14 #2
“That must be nice, having roommates like that,” I say, placing the beautiful flowers in the vase before pushing it to the center of my island countertop.
“It definitely is, I think...” he trails off, glancing out the window.
“You think… what?” I rest my hands on my hips as I let out a huff of laughter. “You’ve got to say it now! You can’t leave me hanging. Now that we’re getting to know each other, you should know that I hate that. If you have something to say, just say it.”
“I’m learning your pet peeves. That’s progress,” he says, flashing me a smile. But it’s a different smile than his usual. It’s a bit sad. His eyes aren’t nearly as bright as they normally are. “I was just saying I think I’d be a lot less happy if I lived alone.”
His words stab me right through the heart.
“Yeah,” I say, my throat tight.
If I had the option of living with my friends, I probably would.
The thing is, I don’t have very many of those.
“We should get going.” I nod.
Beck, thankfully, doesn’t push any further.
A blacked-out SUV is waiting for us in my apartment complex’s roundabout.
“After you,” Beck says, opening my car door with a flourish.
“You’re so overdramatic,” I scoff, biting back my laughter.
“He really is,” a teasing voice from inside the car calls. My gaze jerks up as I climb in to see Leo in the passenger seat and Elijah next to him, in the driver’s seat. “You ready for tonight?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” I answer, smoothing down my skirt after clicking my seatbelt in.
Elijah offers me a single nod in the rear-view mirror. I shift nervously, offering him a far more awkward nod in return.
“Could you go over the plan again, Leo?” Beck asks. “You always remember these things better than I do.”
“We’re headed to Musso & Frank’s,” Leo says, turning around in his seat to face us. “The paparazzi will be there. Our team gave them a tip. Your job will be to act like a happy couple. Don’t stop for any questions tonight. The plan is to leave them wanting more.”
“Does that go for physical affection, too?” I ask, picking at my cuticles nervously.
“She’s asking ‘cause she’s obviously dying to get her hands on me,” Beck teases, flashing me one of his winks.
I think I’m going to be rolling my eyes pretty often around him.
“You guys can cuddle up in the booth. The restaurant has a policy against photos, but I’m sure someone will break it. And if they don’t, Eli and I can always snap backup photos of you from ours. But save anything more for later,” Leo explains.
“Got it,” I nod, grateful for his straightforward nature. “I can do that.”
There’s a buzzing sort of anxiety that won’t leave and it only intensifies the closer we get to the restaurant. Despite my best attempts at controlling it, my scent still turns a little bitter.
“Hey, you okay?” Beck murmurs, leaning closer to me, his brows drawn down in concern.
“I’m okay,” I say, my lips pulling back in a tight line that’s supposed to be a smile. “Just a little nervous.”
“You’ll be okay,” Beck says, reaching across the middle seat to hold my hand. I’m overcome by the urge to scoot closer to him and tuck myself under his arm. It’s like the small taste of physical contact isn’t enough. My inner omega craves more.
The urge only gets worse when he brushes his thumb gently against my pulse point.
I don’t envy his and Elijah’s situation—at least emotionally—but man, would it be nice to have someone I could receive physical contact from living in my apartment. Especially someone who looks as good in a suit as Elijah does.
“We’re here,” Eli grunts, pulling into the parking lot.
I can see the crowd of paparazzi conversing together, some leaning against what I assume to be their own cars, some more eager ones ready and waiting with their cameras in hand, practically poised in front of their faces.
“You ready?” Beck murmurs.
I offer him a jerky nod, my eyes fluttering shut as I lock away all my anxieties into a little room at the back of my head.
“Ready.”
Elijah exits the car first, opening the door on Beck’s side. I follow quickly after, clinging to Beck’s extended hand as I’m assaulted by the blinding flashes of the cameras.
I can’t see.
I can’t fucking see anything.
My breath catches in my throat. I can feel phantom blood dripping into my eyes, the memory of the night at the Grammys woven into the fibers of my being.
I shouldn’t have worn these fucking strappy heels, because the one attempt I make at taking a step forward fails and I nearly stumble.
Beck pulls me into his chest, noticing instantly that I’m freaking the fuck out.
“I’ve got you, Andi.”
Unfortunately, the move just makes the paparazzi’s cameras flash even more. Their yells and calls out to us blend together into this one big, blinding monster.
And then the flashes dim.
I blink, shocked, as I stare into Beck’s crystalline eyes inches away from mine. His hands are cupped around our eyes, blocking out the rest of the world. I lift my own shaky hands to rest alongside his.
“You’re okay, Andi, I’ve got you,” he says, flashing me that blinding smile.
The sight of his face calms me. It was the last face I saw that night before passing out. I think that the primal part of my brain understands that Beck is safe. He saved me that night. And he’s saving me right now.
“Th—thanks,” I stutter. “The—the pictures of this—the headlines will be crazy.”
“Let them talk,” Beck answers. “I’ll stay like this as long as you need. Just let me know when you’re ready.”
As I do the breathing exercises all omegas are taught as soon as we go into pre-awakening, Beck’s scent seems to wrap itself around me in a wave of comfort.
“I—I’m ready,” I nod.
Beck’s hands fall away from my face, one resting on my waist and the other waving to the crowd of rabid paparazzi, going even crazier after our interaction.
“Everything okay?” Leo asks, coming up beside us.
“Yup, everything’s good now,” I say, turning towards Beck before I let my expression melt into a smile. “All thanks to Beck.”
Leo looks uncertain, but continues doing his job, helping Beck and I past the crowd of screaming paparazzi and into the restaurant. Even Elijah looks uncertain, but I focus on not tripping and keeping a pleasant smile on my face.
“Mr. Knight! Is this a date?”
“Beckham! Is this confirmation that you and Andromeda Sterling are together?”
“How long has this been going on for?”
The questions are thrown at us from all directions.
“Andromeda! Any commentary on your ex? Do you believe you have anything to do with him going to rehab?”
Beck’s steps falter at the question aimed at me.