Page 128 of Steel Beauty

“I almost lost L because I let my fear take over. Don’t make my mistake, Alex. If you feel it, say it. Don’t let hesitation cost you what matters most.”

Their words settle over me, each one clicking into place like the final pieces of a puzzle I’ve been struggling to complete. “You’re right. I need to tell her.”

Laurelyn nods. “Trust yourself, Alex. Trust her. Speak your truth.”

I stand, and Jack claps me on the shoulder. “Don’t let her be the one that got away. Trust me. You’ll regret it.”

Their advice echoes in my mind as I head for the door. For the first time, the fear gripping me begins to loosen, replaced by something else. I know what I need to do, and this time, I won’t let doubt hold me back.

As I drive away, the city lights blur into streaks of gold and white, distant and unfocused. My thoughts, however, are razor-sharp, honed in on one thing: Magnolia. Anxiety twists in my chest, its familiar pull impossible to ignore, but this time, it’s tempered by something stronger—hope. It’s faint, fragile even, but it burns steady, pushing me forward.

This decision feels different—solid, unshakable, like a foundation I can trust. I’m done hesitating, done letting fear steal my voice. Magnolia deserves to know how I feel, and I’m ready to tell her.

No matter what happens, I’ll face it head-on. Because love isn’t about waiting for perfect timing. It’s about diving into the unknown, risking everything, and believing that some people, some moments, are worth it all.

On my way to the penthouse.

See you there.

I take a deep breath, my grip firm on the wheel, determination steadying me.

I’m not letting her slip away.

Chapter33

Magnolia Steel

The deep crimsonwine catches the soft light as I swirl it in my glass, the dim glow casting gentle shadows across the room. It’s the perfect setting—intimate, quiet, and full of unspoken longing. But beneath the calm, there’s an ache—a reminder that Alex and I are almost out of time.

Eleven weeks replay in my mind like a cherished melody—the laughter, the stolen moments, the nights that stretched into dawn with stories and confessions. Alex has a way of making the world fade. With him, I’ve felt seen, understood, and held in a way I never have before.

The ache sharpens, knowing there’s only one week left before this chapter ends. Every second feels like it’s slipping through my fingers. Tonight, I want to freeze time, to hold on to every smile, every glance, every way he makes me feel like I’m home. Just for tonight, I want to savor it all before it’s gone.

The soft hum of the elevator rising pulls me from my thoughts, each passing floor heightening my anticipation. By the time the doors slide open, my pulse is already quickening. I set the glass down, my focus shifting to the sound of his footsteps as they draw closer.

A smile tugs at my lips, unbidden, because he’s here. For tonight, he’s still mine.

When he steps into the bedroom doorway, the world narrows to just him. His gaze sweeps the room before settling on me. The warmth in his expression softens something deep in my chest, replacing the ache with a quiet certainty. In this moment, it feels like we have everything.

“Wow.” His voice dips low, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

The silky red baby-doll gown drapes over me, every curve visible through the sheer fabric, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the matching G-string beneath—a subtle promise wrapped in bold sensuality.

Before I can respond, he closes the distance between us, his arms wrapping around me with a warmth that steadies my racing heart. His lips find mine, slow and deliberate, a kiss that melts everything else away. The world outside fades, leaving us in the quiet cocoon of his embrace.

When he pulls back, his gaze remains locked on mine, a mix of tenderness and heat. His hands rest lightly at my waist, his eyes tracing over me, leaving no doubt about the effect I have on him. “You look stunning in this.”

I lean in enough to feel the warmth of his breath. “I wanted to look beautiful for you tonight.”

His expression softens, his gaze wrapping around me like a promise. “You’re always beautiful, Magnolia. Lingerie or not.”

The sincerity in his words settles over me, momentarily stealing my breath. But then his expression shifts—tender, serious, a quiet intensity replacing the lighthearted rhythm we usually share. His hand finds mine, and he guides me to sit beside him on the edge of the bed.

A prickle of worry surfaces, my thoughts leaping to Celeste and what she might have done.

“Alex.” My fingers tighten around his instinctively. “Is something wrong? Has Celeste––”

He lifts a hand to cradle my face, his thumb brushing softly over my cheek. “No. This is about us.”

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