Page 26 of Steel Beauty

“Okay, but let’s not forget—this guy’s a client, Mags. And he’s been matched with someone else. You’re playing with fire here.”

I sigh, the reality creeping back in. “I know, and I feel guilty. Caesar paid a ton of money for this match as did Cleopatra. And now, I might be the reason it’s not working out between them.”

Violet’s words take on a practical edge. “This guy lives in Australia. You live in Charleston. In three months, you’ll be back home. This could never develop into more than a fling.”

“The logical part of my brain knows that.”

Violet’s laughter spills through the line. “Are you sure the logical part of your brain is still functioning?”

I laugh along with her, shaking my head. “Honestly? I’m not sure. This guy has me completely unhinged, and I’m low-key okay with it.”

Violet’s words are edged with gentle concern. “Be realistic for a second. What do you actually think can happen with him?”

“I don’t know, Vi.” I twist a strand of hair around my finger, the motion as aimless as my thoughts. “The only thing I know for sure is that I’m drawn to him—in a way that doesn’t even make sense.”

“Who is he?” she asks, shifting into full-blown detective mode.

“That’s the thing—I don’t know.”

“Not even after meeting him?”

“Especiallyafter meeting him.” I let out a sigh. “He said he’s in the hotel business. I strongly suspect some kind of hotelier magnate.”

“Hmm.” Violet perks up. “So, obviously he’s notfamous-famous? Are we talking billionaire-with-a-private-jet famous?”

“No idea. But his family owns the hotel we’re staying in.”

Violet hums thoughtfully. “Since you know he owns the hotel, finding out who he is would be easy enough.”

I sit up straighter, frowning. “No. That would be crossing a line.”

“Magnolia Steel,” she says, balancing patience with a hint of reproach. “As if you haven’t already crossed lines.”

“I can’t see him again, can I?” The moment the words leave my mouth, a pang ripples through me, unexpected and unsettling. The thought of never seeing Caesar again feels heavier than I’d anticipated, gnawing in a way I can’t quite shake.

“You’re asking the wrong question, Magnolia. It’s not about whether you can see him again—it’s about whether you should. You need to let this one go.”

“Thanks, Vi. I needed a reality check.” Violet always knows how to set me straight, pulling me back when I’m on the edge of making a bad decision. “It’s late, and I’m meeting the others in the morning. I should go.”

“Anytime. And whatever you decide, please be careful, okay?”

“No worries, Vi. I won’t let this become a problem.”

Who am I kidding? This is already a problem.

I end the call, and the silence in my room feels suffocating. The rational part of my brain knows this has to end before it even begins. But something deeper, something wild and reckless, whispers that I’ve never felt this kind of pull with anyone else before.

I clutch the phone tighter as if the connection to Violet might steady me. But no amount of logic can quiet the ache spreading through me at the thought of walking away from him.

And the worst part? I’m not even sure I want to.

Chapter8

Magnolia Steel

The coastal walk was breathtaking,and the markets were filled with shiny trinkets and tempting sweet smells. Whitney and Sophie sampled every pastry in sight. But me? I spent most of the day wandering around in a daydream, replaying every moment from the night before with Julius Caesar—the way his voice curled around my name, the warmth in his laugh, and how he’s gotten under my skin.

Dinner should’ve been enjoyable—a cozy restaurant tucked away with a warm, intimate charm. But Elijah ruined it, flirting with Sophie and then eyeing me when she wasn’t looking.

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