Page 37 of Steel Queen

Turning around, I spotted Tom and Greg standing close by.

“You’ll be safe with me, Milla,” Caleb said in a gentle voice. Sincerity swirled in his emerald-green eyes. “Try trusting me. I won’t disappoint you again.”

I stayed silent as a war raged in my mind.

“Stop living in fear,” he said, holding my gaze.

My eyes widened as a sudden realization hit me.

“This fear will only hold you back,” said Caleb. “If you want to be the CEO, you’re going to have to work with us. How will you do that if you’re scared to be in the same room as us? There will be times when we have to make decisions behind closed doors between the three of us.”

Caleb’s words reminded me of my conversation with Brian that morning.

“They can stay in one of the guest rooms that are booked for Amhurst Co. employees,” said Caleb. “Will that make you feel better? They’ll be close by if you need them.”

I gave a slow nod, making up my mind. Turning around, I faced Tom and Greg.

“You guys don’t have to follow me for the rest of the evening,” I said, injecting authority in my voice. “You’re free to go off duty or stay in one of the allocated rooms in the hotel.”

“We’ll stay here,” said Greg. “We’ll be available for you the whole night, so please don’t hesitate to call if you need us.”

“Thanks, Greg,” I said as the elevator doors opened.

Caleb laid a hand on my back and together, we stepped inside.

A warm hand closed over mine.

“Relax, Milla,” said Caleb as the elevator slowly moved upward. “You’ll never be out of choice again.”

My heart squeezed at those words. How could he know so much about how I felt?

My eyes suddenly pricked with tears. It’d been too lonely these past five years without anyone to understand me.

Why does it have to be him?I wondered as we stood hand-in-hand in the ascending elevator.

10

Camilla

Sitting on a plush couch, I looked around the luxurious suite Caleb brought me to. The quiet interiors relaxed me instantly. It was pure relief to get away from the inquisitive crowd as well as Noah.

I watched Caleb’s broad back as he stood in the corner, pouring us both drinks.

We’d been alone since the time we stepped off the elevator. A part of me waited for him to make his moves but Caleb remained calm and respectful.

“Have some of this,” he said, coming back to me with two glasses. He placed my tumbler before me while he took a sip from his. “Mmm,” he made a little sound of appreciation. “This scotch hits the spot. Do you like it?”

I gave a nod, liking the smoky hints in the smooth liquor.

Caleb sat down beside me, quietly sipping his drink.

“Tell me what you’re thinking about,” he said after a while.

“I’m wondering what I’m doing here,” I confessed.

“You’re here because you’re willing to break away from the past,” he said in a grim tone. His green eyes shone with sincerity. “Five years have passed between us, Milla. You’ve changed. So, have we.”

“You’ve definitely changed,” I said as a small smile lifted the corners of my lips. Reaching out, I caressed his dark locks that’d been slicked back neatly. “You used to let your hair go wild.”

---