Page 44 of Steel Beauty

Chloe pulls back slightly, her eyes red but filled with gratitude. She glances at Charleston, her lips quirking into a playful smile. “This big bloke here is one of the good ones, you know.”

Charleston’s gaze meets mine, her lips curving into a soft smile. “I’m starting to see that.”

Chapter11

Magnolia Steel

The private elevatorascends with a soft, steady hum, but the tension between us is anything but subtle. I focus on keeping my breathing steady, but it’s impossible to ignore his scent in this confined space—faint yet intoxicating.

Caesar stands beside me, close but not touching, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his impeccably tailored trousers. He radiates an easy confidence, a presence that only amplifies the tension between us.

The floor numbers tick upward, our destination drawing near, yet time feels excruciatingly slow. Each second drags, stretching the charged energy between us closer to its breaking point.

I steal a glance at him, my heart pounding so fiercely it feels like it could crack a rib. He catches my gaze, and a slow, knowing grin spreads across his face—teasing, confident, as if he’s perfectly attuned to the thoughts swirling in my mind.

The elevator feels impossibly small, the walls pressing in, and him… he’s overwhelming, all-consuming. If he makes even the slightest move toward me, I’m not sure I’ll have the willpower to resist.

And truthfully, I don’t think I want to.

This man’s not looking like a snack. He’s a full-course meal.

The elevator doors finally slide open, and we step directly into the penthouse. My breath catches as the sheer grandeur of the space hits me—soaring ceilings, walls of glass framing the Sydney skyline, and an open-concept layout that feels like it’s been pulled from the pages of a design magazine. Everything gleams—from the polished marble floors to the sleek, modern furniture.

“This is––” I trail off, struggling to find the right words. “This is way too much. You can’t possibly let me stay here for three months.”

“That’s the beauty of owning the hotel. I can do whatever I like. And this place is yours for as long as you stay.”

I wander toward the center of the room, drawn to the towering arrangement of fresh flowers. Roses, orchids, lilies—some so exotic I can’t name them. I brush my fingers lightly over the petals, their delicate fragrance wrapping around me, soft and inviting. It’s the kind of beauty that feels almost untouchable, yet here it is, real and within reach.

“This is mind-blowing.” I say it more to myself than to him.

Caesar slips his hands into his pockets, at ease in the luxurious setting, looking every bit like he belongs here. “It’s all yours.”

My emotions waver between awe and gratitude. “Thank you.”

He inclines his head slightly, the warmth in his eyes genuine. “My pleasure.”

He steps closer, his presence filling the space between us. “Each morning, you can call the kitchen and request your in-room breakfast—only the freshest ingredients, of course. Or, if you’d prefer, you’re welcome to dine at one of the restaurants. And if you ever want something from the bar sent up, it’s yours. Whatever you need, whenever you need it.”

I shake my head, stunned. “I can’t let you spoil me like this.”

“Oh, I’m definitely going to spoil you.” A sly grin tugs at one corner of his mouth. “Best three months of your life, remember?”

For a moment, I’m at a loss. The depth of his sincerity and the way he looks at me leave no room for argument.

It’s hard for me to wrap my head around someone wanting to give me everything. I’ve never had that before. I’ve always been the one taking care of myself, figuring things out on my own, never expecting anyone else to step in. The idea of someone being eager to spoil me is foreign, almost impossible to accept.

Caesar gestures for me to follow him, leading me farther into the penthouse. The open layout strikes a balance between sleek luxury and inviting warmth. The oversized sectional faces a wall of glass, perfect for taking in the glittering nighttime skyline. A modern chandelier hangs above a gleaming glass dining table, casting soft light over the space. The kitchen, with its polished marble and stainless-steel finishes, blends into the design—understated but impressive.

He stops near a section of built-in cabinetry, opening a panel to reveal a sleek control system. “This is the surround sound.” His fingers glide over the touchscreen. “You can connect your phone via Bluetooth. It’s wired throughout the penthouse—living area, bedroom, even the bath.”

I arch a brow, intrigued. “You’re telling me I can have my playlists follow me everywhere?”

He grins, the kind that’s equal parts charm and pride. “Every room.”

Without hesitation, I pull out my phone, excitement bubbling up. Music has always been one of my favorite escapes—a pure, unfiltered joy. I’d choose a good playlist over television any day.

Caesar leans casually against the wall, watching me with a faintly amused smile as I navigate through my phone’s settings, pairing it to the penthouse system. A soft hum fills the room as the connection locks in.

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