Page 52 of Knot Their Starlet

His words stop me in my tracks.

What?

That’s certainly a line I haven’t heard before.

“Well, I don’t have control over that kinda stuff.”

“Well, we do,” Leo nods.

I shake my head. I don’t know what he plans, but these guys are part of Beck’s team. I’m not going to get my hopes up that they’ll put in work to help me when they’ll have their hands full keeping Beck safe.

“I should go check on Beck,” I mumble, pushing past Leo to head down the hall.

CHAPTER 12

Beckham

My chest is tight, and there’s a buzzing on my skin I can’t seem to get rid of. It’s like I can physically feel the stares and whispers of the people on set.

They think they’re being subtle.

They’re not.

I’ve developed a pretty good radar for this kind of thing.

Nowadays, eyes and whispers always seem to follow me, even if I’m hiding in a dark, shadowy corner like I am now.

Honestly, the looks and comments feel more intense when I’m trying to hide. Maybe because they feel less invasive when I’m under the spotlight. Because at least then I consent to being seen.

My mind is reeling after that kiss with Eli.

I wonder what Andi is saying to him.

Not knowing is making the churning in my gut worse.

“Ah, there you are,” Stephan, the creepy photographer, says, materializing next to me. His nose twitches and his lips turn down in something that looks awfully close to a grimace.

Is it my scent? Shit, it’s pretty strong right now. I need to calm down.

I jolt a little before directing my attention to him. Andi’s manager, Stuart, stands beside him.

I don’t think I’ve ever been as acutely aware of the fact that I’m shirtless as I am now. Their gazes feel... strange. Almost proprietary.

How does Andi do this sort of thing regularly?

“Hi,” I say to fill the awkward silence, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Hi,” Stephan says with a tight smile that doesn’t quite meet his eyes. “I understand that you’re new to the industry. You’ve had quite the meteoric rise, young man, but those sorts of tantrums aren’t something you want to build a reputation for.”

Stuart’s hands are clasped in front of him as he nods gravely. They’re so serious, it almost feels like they’re formally reprimanding me. Like they’re my bosses, writing me up for constantly being tardy.

“Oh, sorry about that,” I say with a shake of my head.

Maybe they’re right. I shouldn’t have just gotten up like that, especially because I just left Andi sprawled out on the floor.

My chin drops to my chest when I remember the look of betrayal in her expression. I was torn between two people who needed me, and I can’t help but feel like I chose wrong.

This whole situation is my fault.