Page 33 of Steel Beauty

But I want this. I want a taste of what he’s offering me. “Don’t stop.”

Caesar captures my lips again in a searing kiss as his hand slips beneath the fabric of my dress, gliding between my inner thighs.

I gasp into his mouth when his fingers barely graze my heated core through the damp lace of my panties. He swallows my moan, kissing me harder as he rubs me through the wet, flimsy barrier. Electric pleasure shoots through my veins and my hips rock instinctively against his touch, seeking more.

Caesar gently moves his hand to push my lacy underwear to the side, exposing me. A soft gasp escapes my lips as he grazes his fingers over my most sensitive spot, sending electric currents of pleasure through my body. I hold on to his shirt tightly for support as my legs threaten to buckle under the intense sensations coursing through me. My body feels like it’s on fire, every nerve ending ablaze with desire and need.

He pulls back enough to watch my face as he slides a long finger inside me, then another, pumping them slowly. My head falls back against the brick wall behind me, my lips parting on a silent cry of ecstasy. Caesar leans in to trail hot, open-mouthed kisses along my neck as his curled fingers continue their sweet torment, driving me closer and closer to the edge.

“Just let go, Charleston,” he murmurs against my ear, his breath warm and close, sending shivers cascading down my spine. “Give in to it.Give in to me.”

His words are my undoing.

I shatter in his arms, my inner walls clenching around his fingers as wave after wave of intense pleasure crashes over me. He captures my lips with his, muffling my cries while swallowing every whimper and moan.

My body trembles, my skin flushes, and my heart races as his fingers gradually ease up. I slowly float down from my high and he presses soft kisses along my cheekbone, jaw, and the corner of my mouth.

He whispers, his words carrying a quiet reverence, “You’re absolutely radiant when you come.”

He tenderly brushes my hair away from my face, his eyes shining with both wonder and adoration as they lock on to mine. I can only manage a shaky smile in response, still reeling from the intensity of my release.

Caesar seems to understand, pulling me into his arms and just holding me close. I rest my head against his chest, listening to the strong, steady beat of his heart as my breathing gradually slows.

We stay like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, savoring the intimacy. Part of me wants this magical night to never end. Being in his arms feels so right.

But the spell is broken by the distant sound of a car horn, jolting us back to reality. He sighs, his breath ruffling my hair. “As much as I’d love to stay here with you all night, you should probably head inside before someone sees us.”

He’s right, of course. The risk of getting caught only adds to the thrill in the heat of the moment, but now, modesty and prudence make themselves known. Reluctantly, I untangle myself from his embrace, though I keep hold of his hand, not ready to let go yet.

I gaze up at him, the moonlight casting soft shadows across his chiseled features. “I had a wonderful time tonight. Thank you for a lovely evening.”

The pleasure is all mine.” He lifts my hand to his lips, brushing a kiss over my knuckles, slow and deliberate. His dark eyes smolder with the burn of something undeniable.

“Dinner tomorrow night?” he asks, his words low, carrying a quiet promise.

A smile teases the corners of my lips. “Yes. I’d love that.”

He nods, satisfaction dancing in his gaze. “I’ll pick you up at six. Meet me around the corner from the hotel, by the service entrance. Deliveries come during the morning hours so no one should be there.”

My heart skips, the thrill of secrecy igniting within me. “All right,” I whisper, barely louder than a breath.

For a moment, neither of us moves, as if the night itself is reluctant to let us part. But finally, he releases my hand, leaving behind the unmistakable pull of him even as he steps back into the shadows.

“Goodnight, Charleston.”

“Goodnight, Caesar.”

And the night ends, but the promise of tomorrow awaits.

Chapter9

Alex Sebring

It’s beenone of those lazy Sundays that seem to stretch on forever. The day started as it always does—with my family, packed shoulder-to-shoulder at Sunday service. When your tina tells you to show up for church, you show up. No excuses. No exceptions. In my family, there are two nonnegotiables: family events and Sunday morning service.

The same women were there, as always—the ones who’ve been circling for years. They smile a little too brightly, wait around a little too long, and try to strike up the same small talk they always do. Their mothers aren’t any better, watching me like I’m a prize bull they’ve already decided belongs to them. If subtlety was ever part of their playbook, it’s been completely abandoned.

You’d think they would’ve given up by now. If I were interested in one of them, I’d have made it clear a long time ago.

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