Page 35 of No Strings Attached
I thrust him back, letting go, my hand shaking with adrenaline. “Maybe not,” I say, “but I think I know how I can still let the world know who you are.”
He straightens his suit, his smile turning colder. “Tame your goddamn Omega,” he says, glaring at Olivia. “This isn’t over. The contract is still there.”
Reggie just sighs, stealing our attention again. “Mr. Hart, we all know that’s not the case,” he says, his voice even. “The ball is in Mr. Woods’ court right now.”
I step closer, my jaw tightening as I glare at Warren. “Just sign the damn nullification. I don’t need the money. I just want this over with.”
Warren’s eyes burn, but he grabs the pen on the table anyway, scrawling his signature on the contract, the paper crumpling beneath his hand. He stomps out, the door slamming behind him as Tristan lingers, his face pale. “We don’t have to end this…” he starts, his voice weak.
I cut him off, my fist connecting with his mouth, a sharp crack echoing in the room. “You fucker knew what Warren did to me in that car,” I say, my voice shaking with betrayal, “and you expected me to bend over.” Tristan stumbles, clutching his jaw, trying to speak again, but I’m done. “Get the fuck out.”
To my luck, he leaves without another word.
Elias
The office falls silent, the echo of the slamming door fading after Tristan and Warren stormed out, Reggie following behind them. My heart’s still pounding in my chest, my good hand trembling from the punch I landed on Tristan’s face. I slump onto the couch as Olivia steps closer, her blouse creasing as she perches on the armrest. “I’m impressed,” she purrs, a sultry edge to her tone, “and really turned on right now.”
My cheeks heat as I meet her gaze. “I’d do something about it but I’m sore.”
Jamie scoots closer on the couch, his hazel eyes crinkling with laughter. “What is this idea you have? Because, both of them are going to try and spin this meeting.”
“I’ve been neglecting the one avenue I do have in all this,” I say, my voice steady despite the nerves. “My fans. Or at least the people who watch my videos. It’s time to make a statement of my own. Before anyone else does any more damage.”
Jamie’s eyes widen, concern flickering. “Are you ready for something like that?” he asks, his hand brushing my knee.
“I have to be. I want to get back to what I love, and I need this not to happen to anyone else.”
Jamie’s smile softens, pride shining through. “I’m proud of you.”
I wrap my good hand gently around the front of his neck, my fingers brushing his skin, and kiss him, his citrus scent flooding my senses. “I love you,” I say, pulling back. He tenses, his eyes wide, and I smile, my heart full. “I guess I really do.” I twist to look at Olivia, her gaze soft but intense. “Maybe it’s way too fucking soon,” I say, “but I love both of you. So damn much.”
They both follow with their own affirmations, kisses in between Jamie chirping I love you over and over again, Olivia laughing when I silence him with another kiss. Olivia softly pats my arm, bringing me back to the moment. “As much as I’d love to continue this, someone is going to end up getting fucked and none of us have the energy. Do you want to practice your speech or…” she says, her voice trailing off, teasing.
I shake my head, my resolve firm. “No,” I say, my voice steady. “I need this to be honest. No practicing, no cuts. No nothing.”
Olivia and Jamie sit on the opposite couch, just behind a professional grade camera set up to a screen, recording my last upload to my account. Well, my last upload tothisaccount. It feels like saying goodbye to a chapter of my life but a much-needed one. I already sent a message that I’d be going live in thirty minutes, people already gathering, wondering what I’m going to say.
It’s been a few days since my designation was revealed and more rumors coming out that I’m romantically involved withTristan, Warren, or both or that some big blowup happened regarding Dane Productions. It’s terrifying to see how the rumor mill has exploded and if I wait any longer, I’ll have no idea what’s going to happen.
Swallowing carefully, I nod to Jamie to press record so that we can upload later, the little red light indicating that we’re now live. I manage a small smile and wave at the screen, several little hearts and frustrated comments running down the side. I ignore those, though, because I’m only here to tell the truth and then say goodbye. As much as it hurts.
Hey guys. I’ve been silent for a while and maybe too long. I’ve really enjoyed the past several years, adventuring with all of you, having you along, all the kind comments, the worried ones, and even the ones that don’t approve of what brings me joy. First off, I’d like to address the biggest elephant in the room. Yes, I’m an Omega. I never intended to hide it but when I never acknowledged it, it was easier. I didn’t have to play into societal norms. It was always just a fun guessing game, I guess. I was also ashamed of what I was and what I wanted out of life. But now that it’s out there, yes I’m an Omega.
And next, since I’m sure everyone is wondering, I have two wonderful Alpha mates—Olivia and Jamie Monroe. They run Dane Productions and while our meeting was accidental, they are everything I’ve ever needed and more. I’m happy with them and happy where our future will take us outside of our careers.
Several comments pop up about if I’ll be working with them and if the switch has anything to do with Nander’s new commercial.
I’m not sure where I’ll be going at the moment. I want to get back to what I love, the simplicity of nature without all the professional cameras. It won’t be on this account, though. As far as Hart Entertainment, I have decided to split from them and Warren Hart for several reasons. Had all of this happeneddifferently, it might have been done in a press conference, professionally, shaking hands and saying goodbye.
Unfortunately, we’re way past that. In the last several days, I have experienced assault both on set and off from multiple parties but most specifically Tristan and Warren themselves. I wasn’t going to say anything, maybe because I thought I wasn’t due forgiveness or that kind of attention but I’m talking about it now. I found out that this is routine, that this is expected and I can’t imagine how many other people have been hurt as well. I can’t just sit back.
More comments pop up saying that Tristan looked a little rough the other day and everyone’s comments softening to say they had no idea. Other comments start explaining their own experiences with Tristan and Warren and I’m horrified that they experienced something similar.
I’ll be taking some time to myself but I wanted to come on here and thank you all for the support you’ve given me over the years. I’m not sure what I would have done without it.
I think about how to address the current situation that happened an hour ago and decide to just come out with it.
Just before this live, we met with Tristan and Warren to nullify my contract. Unfortunately, it did not go as smoothly as planned and Warren threatened my Alphas. Both of them are okay but it did get physical. I don’t regret my actions but I do apologize that I couldn’t keep my emotions in control. However, grabbing my Alpha by the neck was uncalled for. It pains me because while there were a lot of bad moments, I did enjoy working for Tristan at one point. And he does make excellent videos but this is where that path ends.
