Page 99 of Steel Beauty

“I don’t care what your father’s done. His actions aren’t a reflection of you.”

A small, shaky sigh escapes her, her fingers tightening slightly around mine. “I know that logically. But it’s still embarrassing. Admitting all of this about my family is hard.”

She hesitates, her gaze dropping for a moment, embarrassment crossing her face. “Honestly, my family is like a never-ending train wreck. Every time I think I’ve escaped it, something drags me right back, reminding me of where I come from.”

“There’s no need for you to feel embarrassed or ashamed. It doesn’t change how I see you or how I feel about you.”

Her shoulders relax, relief softening her expression. “Thank you for not judging me for things beyond my control.”

“There are things I haven’t told you either. Not because I didn’t want to, but because I was afraid that your knowing who I really am might change what we have. This connection has been so good and so real. I didn’t want anything to ruin it.”

Her eyes meet mine, unwavering. “I want to know everything about you.”

There’s no turning back once I tell her. “My family is wealthy, but that’s not where my fame comes from. My career was in rugby. I used to play professionally, and not to brag, but I was kind of a big deal. Highest-paid player in the league actually.”

A spark of amusement lights up her face, her lips curling into a playful grin. “So, you had big Dak energy?”

I can’t help but laugh, nodding. “Yeah, something like that.”

She leans back, her laughter ringing out as she shakes her head in surprise. “Unbelievable. I’ve been dating the Australian Dak Prescott and didn’t even know it. That’s actually kind of hot. Honestly, I’m not surprised. You’ve got an athlete vibe about you.”

Her gaze softens a bit. “I must admit, though, I feel a bit clueless. I could talk football all day, but rugby? I don’t know the first thing about it.”

“That’s all right. I’m more than happy to teach you. I think you’d love it.”

“If it’s anything like football, count me in.”

Her gaze softens, her expression growing serious as she studies me. “Is there anything else I should know?”

I take a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. “There are personal things I’d like to share with you, things that matter. But I’ll tell you in time when it feels right.”

“I can take any truth. Just don’t lie to me.”

“I’ll never lie to you.”

She studies me for a moment, her eyes searching mine. “Are we okay?”

I don’t hesitate, reaching for her. She slides onto my lap, wrapping her arms tightly around me.

“We’re more than okay, favorite.”

Her closeness melts away any doubts. Our lips meet, the kiss starting slow but quickly deepening, charged with something electric. My hand glides along her thigh, my touch instinctive, as the moment between us grows hotter, more intense.

She shifts, repositioning herself until she’s straddling me, her body fitting against mine like it’s where she belongs. The air between us is heavy, wordless, but full of meaning. After a beat, I pull back slightly, a grin tugging at my lips. “Feel like skipping the house tour and heading straight to the bedroom?”

She laughs, her eyebrow arching playfully. “No grand tour of the Sebring estate?”

I wrap my hands around her hips, pulling her even closer. “The bed’s the only tour you’re getting tonight. The rest can wait until tomorrow.”

Her smile turns mischievous. “All right. But I’ll need a minute. I have a surprise for you.”

“A surprise for me?” I shift beneath her, a mix of anticipation and impatience bubbling up. “And I have to wait for it?”

She grins, leaning in close. “Only for a minute. Promise.”

Untangling herself, she slips off me, heading toward her bag. My heart races with the thrill of what’s to come, but then it hits me—she still hasn’t told me her real name. The thought tugs at my curiosity for a moment, but I let it go, caught up in the rush of the moment. Her name can wait a little longer.

Chapter24

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