Page 21 of Knot Their Starlet

More important? More important than her own daughter’s physical well-being?

“We have a proposal for you, Mr. Knight,” Stuart says, clearing his throat.

“We weren’t aware this would be a business meeting,” Leo says, stepping up.

“And you are?”

“Leo Park, Beck’s publicist.”

“You’re new to the industry, dear,” Gina says, her expression twisting into what I’m pretty sure is supposed to be placating or comforting, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I’m sure you’ll find everything is business, at the end of the day.”

Her words are sweet, but there’s something about the way she says them that makes my skin crawl.

Andi seems to shrink further and further into herself the more her mom and the slimy beta keep talking. I hate it. She’s named after a galaxy. She shouldn’t be trying to disappear.

She won’t even meet my eyes anymore.

“What exactly are you proposing?” The words leave my lips before I even know what I’m saying.

Eli grunts next to me, but I don’t look his way. I can’t. If I look at him, any semblance of a backbone I’m trying to use for whatever the hell this interaction is will disappear, and I’ll have to let him handle everything.

But he shouldn’t have to handle everything.

And I also know his priority would be me, not the poor, broken omega in the hospital bed. Despite the many people crowded into her hospital room, none of them seem to actually be there for her after what was probably a terribly traumatic night.

“I’m sure you’ve seen the headlines, Mr. Knight,” Stuart says, pulling out his tablet and turning it to face me. Headline after headline, picture after picture of Andromeda and I flash across the screen.

“I have,” I nod. “What about them?”

“I’m sure with your rising fame and growing popularity, there are many questions about your status as a male omega and what that means for your interpersonal relationships.”

Eli stiffens beside me.

“My what?” I ask, shooting a panicked look in Andi’s direction.

“Your fanbase is mostly female. Young women who can’t help but be drawn to something they’ve never had the opportunity to see before. But you haven’t been linked to anyone, at least not in a romantic capacity. No random drunken hookups. No teenage flings making their way out of the woodwork. So there’s an element of untouchability to your brand.”

“What are you getting at?” I snap. “Just spit it out. No need to sugarcoat your sales pitch.”

“We want you to pretend to date my daughter,” Gina interrupts, her voice practically a purr. She pats a silent Andi’s head, her lips twisted in a saccharine smile as she stares down her daughter.

What in the world is going on?

I knew this was going to be weird the moment I stepped foot into this room, but not this weird.

“Excuse my language, but what the fuck?” I ask, shaking my head.

“A beta woman is too plain. No one would believe that a man in your position would pursue one,” Stuart continues. “But another omega? Your fanbase could buy that, and it would mean you’re a little less untouchable. Imagine… it could revolutionize your image.”

“Beck’s image doesn’t need to be revolutionized,” Eli growls, his alpha dominance leaking out from him and swirling around in the air, filling my lungs with his blood orange scent.

“Can I talk to them?” Andi asks, her voice small and shaky. “Alone?”

She and Gina share a long look that leaves me feeling even more uneasy.

“Of course,” Gina says, squeezing her daughter’s shoulder. “We’ll give you all some privacy.”

CHAPTER 5