Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

Chapter 12

[Sydney-Earlier that Evening]

"What about this one?" I twirl in front of a mirror. Atlas is standing to the side, speaking with the shop attendant.

He looks up from his phone briefly, giving a weak thumbs up.

Sighing, I go back into the dressing room, shaking my head at his inattentiveness. To be fair he didn't ask to be here, but after his last-minute invitation, I guilted him into giving me a ride. Making a decision, I picked the dress that got the most reaction from Atlas, a gold lame ensemble dripping with crystals and gold sequins.

As I go up to the counter to pay, I realize I must have forgotten my credit card at home. "Oh shoot," I swear, turning to the shopkeeper. "Can you just put this on hold for me? Last name, Bryant." "What's wrong," hearing my distress Atlas puts down his phone. "Don't you need that dress for tonight?" "I forgot my card at the office," I sigh, showing him the inside of my empty wallet.

"Not a problem," he pulls a platinum card from his inside coat pocket, smiling like my own knight with a shining credit record. "We'll just write it off as a business expense."

"Thank you," I look down demurely, trying to hide my look of absolute glee. Atlas just bought me an expensive dress for this gala without batting an eye. I wonder what else he'd be willing to do if I just asked.

When he arrives at 7:30 sharp, he looks like a fashion model turned businessman, a modern prince of LA. His tuxedo fits him like it was designed for him specifically, the shade of blue just slightly brighter than navy, making his eyes shine like sapphires.

As his gaze meets mine, my heart forgets how to beat. He is possibly one of the most beautiful men I have ever met.

"So your dad called me and told me to make sure you had a great time," he helped me into my coat as we headed to his car. "He also mentioned something about an allowance for the auction?"

"One million dollars," I announce, as he pulls away from the curb. "He said I should get myself a new- trinket or two."

Atlas' eyes widen subtly in surprise but he doesn't say anything.

It takes us about a half hour to arrive at the gala. When he helps me out of the car I see that what was a warehouse just hours before is now a showcase for the rare and avant-

garde. As the CEO of a fashion enterprise, Atlas Steele is no stranger to high fashion. He can set and break trends with a simple wave of his hand.

And tonight, I'm the person on his arm,

"Mr. Steele! Over here!" a few photographers shout. "Who's the new girl? The new Mrs. Steele?"

Atlas doesn't answer most of them, but for the few he does speak to, his words are brief, almost brisk.

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Chapter 12

As the paparazzi continue to snap our photos, I feel almost regal, like a queen.

While Atlas takes a tour of the artwork on display, I decide to take a look at the auction pieces, hoping to find something grand to purchase.

While roaming the collections, I hear a familiar laugh. Snapping my head around I spot Atlas' wife, Cordelia, talking to none other than Mathilda Madison. The two of them are pointing to an item in the main case, the one featuring the final collection with the most exquisite Cautiously, I move in a little closer. I can hear Cordelia's excitement over the rare jade necklace, which has a starting bid of $100,000.

"Do you think I should get it? It's a lot of money and 1

"You should DEFINITELY get it," Ms. Madison confirms, "With what the bastard has put you through, you deserve a little treat for yourself."

As she stands up straighter I can see that Cordelia is also wearing a one-of-a-kind Madison Original. It looks perfect on her and I can tell it was altered by the designer herself to get the perfect fit.

She looks good. Too good.

I scan the room for Atlas and sigh in relief when I see him in the far gallery. That means he hasn't seen her yet.

Gliding elegantly across the room to the other side, I tuck my hand into the crook of Atlas" arm. When he first sees me he jumps back, startled, but then his surprise slowly turns to recognition as his lips turn up into a small smile. "Sydney." Atlas is the type of man who needs to feel useful and in charge. Taking advantage of this, I make a pretense of being shy. Pulling on his naturally protective nature, I asked if he could help me bid for an item with the money my father gave me. His smile grows warmer as he squeezes my hand. "Of course, Sydney. I'd be glad to help. Which piece is it?"

I show him the necklace just as the auctioneer announces the start of the final auction. The jade necklace is the first piece to come out of the rack. Looking over, I see Cordelia almost bouncing on her toes in excitement. This is going to be fun.

"The starting bid is $100,000," the auctioneer reminds the crowd as he holds the necklace up for everyone

to see.

"How much do you want to bid?" Atlas asks.

"All of it," I squeeze his arm.

"Are you sure?"

I took over at Cordelia once last time. "Absolutely."

With a bid that high, the necklace is easily won. Nobody else stood a chance. Knowing that Cordelia is watching, I make sure I am by Atlas' side when he collects it for me. It looks like he has just given me an +25 BONUS

Chapter 12

expensive declaration of his love.

I turn around just in time to see Cordelia rush into the bathroom.

Perfect.

I follow her in.

Cordelia is vulnerable and hurting. For a moment I just stand there watching her cry.

"Oh, it's you." I eventually say, announcing my arrival. She jumps, startled to see me as I walk to stand behind her.

Over the next few minutes, I take pleasure in watching her shrink as I cut her self-confidence to ribbons. with my words. But words alone are not enough.

I want to see her break. I want to see her lose control.

Smiling, lean over and pour the entire contents of my drink down the front of her irreplaceable dress.

I have less than a second of warning before she reaches back and slaps my face so hard that I see stars.

I am dazed, blinking up at her from the floor as she orders me to stay out of her business.

It only takes me a few minutes to find Atlas. Stumbling, I hold my face, walking as if my ankles hurt.

"Dear God, Sydney, are you..."

was y

"It was your wife! I weep. "She's stalking me, Atlas! She followed me into the bathroom and when I said hi, she slapped me to the floor and called me a homewrecking whore!" I curl up in his offered arms.

"Where is she?" he bellows, outraged by her behavior.

"I think I saw her head outside," I whimper as I start to shake. "Atlas, I'm so scared what if..."

"Shhh," he wraps his coat around me. "Stay here."

I curl up into the warmth of Atlas' tuxedo jacket and imagine it is his arms wrapped around me as I watch him march out into the dark street to confront his wife.

It doesn't take long for the two of them to start shouting loud enough that I don't need to struggle to hear their word

"...The only reason your family business has survived this long is because of Steele Industries," Atlas shouts as Cordelia flinches. "We should have cut ties with you ages ago..." Opening my phone I send a short text:

"Mission accomplished. Greyson Mills will be no more by the end of the month. I will call tonight with the details."

"And your other plan?" he responds, ending the message with a heart and a wedding bel.

Soon. He lean

free." I type quickly.

"Perfect." My father praises me. "Can you bring Atlas to dinner?"

Chapter 12

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Closing my phone, I lift my arm and call out, "Atlas, darling! Daddy wants to meet us for dinner."

He turns toward me. I see the look of pain and anger on Cordelia's face and I know that I have won.

Our plan worked. Atlas and Cordelia are done.

As he walks away from his marriage, I tuck his coat mare closely around my body, inhaling his masculine

scent.

I wonder what it would feel like to have his scent covering the rest of me, my clothing, my bed.

With Cordelia out of the picture, maybe I'll find

out

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