Page 85 of Steel Beauty

Simple.

Unassuming.

Exactly what I need.

The breath I’ve been holding slips out, and the rage begins to ebb, the tension loosening its grip. She’s the pill that takes away my pain. For the first time since stepping into this stadium, I feel something steady, something real. Just knowing she’s there for me pulls me back to myself.

Without a word to anyone, I leave. An Irish goodbye feels fitting—no explanations, no farewells. The cool night air greets me as I step out of the after-party. The tension in my shoulders persists, knotted and tight, but Charleston’s message dulls its edge. The hum of the city surrounds me, a quiet rhythm that steadies my thoughts as I take a few breaths. Slowly, the anger settles, receding piece by piece.

Celeste and Tyson don’t get to have this power over me anymore. They’re relics of the past—parts of my life I need to leave behind if I’m ever going to build something real, something good. The life I want? It doesn’t exist here, tangled in a world I’ve outgrown.

With each step, my resolve hardens. The past doesn’t define me anymore.

On my way.

The penthouse is still when I step inside, a sanctuary from the chaos of the night. I move quietly toward the bedroom, pushing the door open to find Charleston already in bed, her hair spilling over the pillow like a chestnut halo. She stirs, turning toward me with sleep-heavy eyes and a soft, welcoming smile.

“Hey, big guy. Everything okay?”

The sight of her undoes the last of the tension in my shoulders, and I exhale deeply. “It is now.”

I strip off my shirt and pants, letting them drop to the floor, and slide into bed beside her. Pulling her close, I fit myself against her, the warmth of her body soothing me like nothing else ever could. In her arms, I find a sense of ease I haven’t felt in years.

She shifts slightly, her hand finding mine and resting over it. “You’re sure everything’s okay?”

For a moment, I hesitate, unsure if I should even bring it up. But the thought of keeping it to myself feels heavier than it should, and I know talking to someone as understanding as Charleston is exactly what I need. “I ran into my ex tonight.”

She rolls over to face me, her eyes sharpening with curiosity and concern. “Did something happen between you two?”

“She flirted a bit. Made some suggestions.”

Her brow furrows. “What kind ofsuggestions?”

I let out a dry chuckle, the memory more irritating than amusing. But the slight edge of jealousy I catch in Charleston’s voice…… I can’t deny liking it. “She wanted us to slip away so she could remind me of what I’ve been missing.”

Charleston’s eyes narrow. “What exactly was she wanting to remind you of?”

“Exactly what you’re thinking.”

Her expression grows unreadable, the pause stretching a beat too long before she finally responds. “Of course she wanted to hook up. Why wouldn’t she? The sex is amazing.”

Sensing her growing jealousy, I feel the need to make things clear. “I left and came here. My ex doesn’t mean a thing to me. You know that, right?”

Her eyes search mine, her features softening. “I believe you.” Her words are heavy with something unspoken, something that reaches beyond the surface. “I know we haven’t known each other long, and I don’t have any right to tell you who you can or can’t see, but––” She pauses, drawing in a breath. “I can’t stay in this if you’re interested in being with anyone else. I should’ve said it sooner, but this is new to me. While I’m really enjoying this—us—I won’t share you with anyone else while we’re together.”

I won’t share you with anyone else.The quiet intensity of her words strikes me, vulnerable yet firm, sinking deep in a way I didn’t expect. I like hearing it—more than I probably should. Knowing she cares enough to set that boundary is reassuring, giving me a sense of certainty I didn’t realize I wanted. With her, it’s not about control. It’s about clarity. She’s drawn her line, and I respect it. Hell, I admire it.

There’s a shift between us, something sharper, clearer than before. “I’m not interested in that life anymore. I’ve done it—juggled dates, spread myself thin, kept everything casual. That’s not what I want right now.”

I pull her closer, brushing a kiss against her forehead. “You’re the only woman in my life, Charleston.”

Her hand finds mine, her fingers threading through, her touch warm and sure. “And you’re the only man in mine.”

Charleston tilts her head, studying me in the dim light. “You still seem upset. Is that all that happened tonight?”

I take a breath, steadying myself. She deserves to hear it all. “No. The guy who caused my injury—Tyson—he was there too. He taunted me, got up in my face and tried to push every button he could find.”

Her eyes flash with a sudden fierceness, and her grip on my hand tightens. “This guy injures you, ends your career, and then has the nerve to taunt you about it? That’s a fuck ton of horse shit right there.”

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