Page 146 of Knot Their Starlet

This industry loves new and shiny things.

“Look,” I say, swallowing past a lump in my throat. My burnt caramel scent takes on a harsh edge with my anxiety.

Andi reaches out, her fingers pressing gently onto my thigh.

I flash her a small smile.

God, she’s perfect.

“I’ve been passive in every aspect of my life for a long time,” I start. “It wasn’t until I met Andi that I started to gain a little bit of perspective.”

“Me?”

“Yeah.” I nod. “I think this sort of industry makes it so that the only comfortable place for omegas is one where we’re following the whims of other people. I just didn’t realize it until I saw an omega with bad people around her. It’s why I was so adamant to help you.”

I lace my fingers with hers, squeezing her hand.

“You were very adamant,” Everett says, letting out a soft huff.

“And you took a lot of convincing,” I say, turning my gaze to my boss. “Which is exactly my point. I want to take charge of my life a bit more. I don’t want to cause any trouble, and you’re a fantastic boss, so please don’t be offended. I just...”

“Go ahead, Beckham,” Everett says, his expression softening.

“I think we should accept Cameron Foster’s request. I’ll do the interview. But… I don’t think we should stop there. The guy makes documentaries. Docuseries, even. Legit ones. What if we agreed on the condition that he shifts the focus of his piece to omegas in the industry, rather than just male omegas?”

The silence from everyone else makes me uneasy.

I turn to Andi, who stares at me with wide eyes.

“You deserve a voice too, Starlight.”

She opens and closes her mouth, as if she’s struggling to find something to say.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Eli grunts.

I shoot him a relieved look of gratitude, some of the tension lingering in my shoulders seeping away.

“I think it could work,” Leo adds, nodding. “That way the burden isn’t all on Beck, either, considering he’s the only real male omega public figure.”

My gaze turns to Everett. I’ve never done anything in this industry without his go-ahead. I’d ideally not like to start now, though I feel passionately enough that I’d be willing to do it without his blessing.

“This is an intriguing idea. I’d be curious how this ‘Cameron Foster’ reacts to the proposal. But if it’s my support you’re looking for, you have it.”

Only one more person to go.

“What about you, Starlight?” I ask, my voice going quiet when I see the expression on her face.

A maelstrom of emotions swirls through her dark gaze.

Right when she’s about to answer, an annoying pinging sound echoes through the room.

“The hell is that?” Eli grunts, standing from his barstool.

Andi’s eyes go wide and she drops my hands.

“Shit, shit, shit, where’s my bag?”

“Over on the coffee table,” Leo answers. “Why?”