Page 115 of Steel Beauty

Magnolia’s laughter is light, cutting through my embarrassment. “Well, I must’ve made quite the impression if Alex is out here singing my praises. I’ll take it as a compliment.” She throws me a teasing glance that sends a twist of warmth straight through me.

Leilani cackles, delighted to stir the pot. “Oh, Magnolia, it’s more than compliments. My brother’s practically writing poetry about you.”

“Keep it up, Lei, and I’ll tell everyone about your One Direction fan-fiction phase.” I narrow my eyes in a half-hearted attempt at intimidation.

Leilani flips me off with both hands. “I think you just did, loser. Thanks a lot.”

Magnolia tilts her head, her grin widening with playful curiosity. “Wait, wait. Back up. I need to know more about this poetry.”

Leilani forms a heart with her hands, mimicking a dramatic heartbeat as her eyes gleam with mischief. “Alex is in looooove,” she declares, dragging out the word with exaggerated flair.

I groan, dragging a hand down my face. “Leilani, I swear?—”

Leilani doubles over with laughter, completely unbothered by my weak threat.

Magnolia meets my gaze, her eyes sparkling with amusement, and for a moment, the world shrinks to the two of us.

I sigh, shaking my head, a reluctant smile breaking through. I should be mad at Leilani, but I can’t bring myself to care. Not when I’m this damn happy.

Behind me, a low whistle catches my attention. I turn to see Niko grinning, his brows raised. “She’s a real stunner, mate,” he says, nodding toward Magnolia.

Elias chuckles, clapping me on the back. “If she weren’t with you, I’d be trying my luck.”

“As if,” Asa cuts in with a smirk, crossing his arms. “She’s way out of your league, Eli. And let’s be honest, Alex—she’s more down-to-earth than anyone you’ve brought around before. Not to mention, easy on the eyes.” His gaze sharpens as he looks at me, clearly angling for a reaction.

I shake my head, laughing despite myself. “You three done with the commentary?”

Asa leans in, his grin widening. “You’ve never brought anyone to Samoa before. That says a lot, doesn’t it?”

They exchange knowing glances, their smirks threatening to grow. I sigh, holding up a hand. “Fine, here’s the deal.” I glance over my shoulder, catching a glimpse of Magnolia laughing with Tina and my sisters, blending into the chaos. “She’s genuine—no act, no pretense. She actually cares about this part of my life, and more importantly, she respects it.”

Elias slaps my shoulder again, his grin turning approving. “Good on you, Alex. Sounds like she’s got more than just looks—sounds like she’s got her priorities straight too.”

I nod, my gaze drawn back to Magnolia. Across the terminal, she meets my eyes, her smile softening into something quieter, something that feels like it’s just for me. A slow grin spreads across my face as I turn back to my brothers. “She’s the real deal.”

Niko leans in, his smirk unrelenting. “Good thing too because she’ll need all that ‘real’ to survive this family.”

The flight crew announces it’s time to board, and one by one, we step onto the private chartered plane. Magnolia stays close as we settle into our seats. With six hours of flight time ahead, I slide my arm around her, drawing her closer.

The hum of the engines grows louder, a persistent backdrop to the quiet buzz of my family getting settled. I glance up to see my siblings seated up front, far enough away to give us a little privacy.

“Shame my whole family’s on board.” I lean closer to her ear. “Because, believe me, I’d love to join the mile-high club with you right about now.”

Magnolia arches a brow, a playful glint lighting her eyes. “Would that be a first for you?”

“It would be. Never thought about it much—until now. And what about you? Am I sitting next to a mile-high member?”

Her laughter rings out, soft and genuine, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. “Not even close.”

The unexpected sweetness of the moment surprises me. I squeeze her hand, her fingers lacing with mine, and the simple warmth of her touch steadies me as the plane begins to taxi down the runway.

As the hum of the engines settles into a steady rhythm, I glance at Magnolia. She leans comfortably against me, her presence calming me in a way I’ve never known, and for a moment, it feels like the rest of the world has disappeared.

Now feels as good a time as any to tell her what I must. “Magnolia, there’s something important I need to explain before we get there.”

She tilts her head, her attention fully on me. “What is it?”

“In my family, fa’aaloalo means everything. It’s more than a word—it’s a way of life. It’s about showing respect to our elders and honoring our culture.” I pause, my eyes holding hers, wanting her to understand the importance of what I’m saying. “That means while we’re staying at my grandparents’ house, we won’t be sharing a bed. It’s considered disrespectful unless we’re married.”

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