Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

[Cordelia]

I hold my breath as my heart catches at the sight of him. He looks splendid, freshly shaved and polished in his crisp grey suit and blue tie the same color as his eyes. I find myself turning towards him like a flower towards the sun. I hate how much he affects me, how much

he has always affected me, but I cannot deny how drawn I am to him.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"Atlas,' I swallow, my throat suddenly dry. "I just...I needed to see you and..." I sound like a needy teenage girl. Blushing, I look down to hide my embarrassment, only to find myself staring at his perfectly formed.

Dear gods, pregnancy hormones are the worst.

"Anthony," he addresses his employee by name. "Is there a reason she was delayed?"

"She wasn't on the list, sir." His voice is shaking as he addresses his boss, understanding the mistake he had made by not taking me more seriously earlier.

"I assure you she is on the list. Permanently," he picks up the clipboard and scrawls my name on the list himself in big, bold letters. "Cordelia Greyson Steele is always allowed access to me."

"Understood, sir." The young man bows his head. "I'm sorry, Miss. I will not make that mistake again."

Nodding, I give the poor man a little smile as Atlas guides me toward the elevator leading to the executive floor.

When we reach his office, as soon as the doors close completely behind us, Atlas hugs me, holding me so close to his chest that I can smell his clean soap smell and feel his heart beating against mine. Feeling his breath against my hair, I relax into his arms. "What's wrong, Cordelia?" his usual confident tone is uncertain and cautious as he inquires about my health, the baby's health, and everything that happened after Angelica tried to attack me.

"I'm fine, the baby's fine," I repeat as I comfort him, squeezing him a bit tighter before releasing him. He doesn't release me, however, giving me space but keeping me close. "It's my business that needs help."

I look away, embarrassed and sad that I need to ask him for anything. I built this tiny business with my hard work and sacrifice, and here I am, asking for a quick fix. Unable to meet his gaze, I tell him about the last few days, how I tried and failed to get funding to cover my expenses and the situation I am in with my first orders being due by the end of the month

"I don't have much to offer," I explain, "Less than ten thousand dollars, which I realize is not nearly enough to cover the expenses involved with staffing a sewing room for the time that I need. But once my collection is sent off, I will have the funds to pay you the remaining amount." Twisting my hands in my lap I stare down at my fingernails, fighting not to bite them anxiously. "I brought my portfolio so you can see....

"Yes." His answer is automatic. My head snaps up and when our gazes meet I can see that he is completely serious. "And I don't need to see your portfolio. I already know how talented you are."

"Atlas, thank you I..."

"I just have one condition," he leans forward. "Two, actually..." his smile turns into a bit of a smirk.

ChapterArrogant is an expression I am familiar with but he seems almost, cocky, playful even.

This is a side of Atlas he has never shown me. It has always been cold eyes and flat expressions. I've seen more emotion from him in the last 10 minutes than I have seen during our entire marriage. Usually, the only feelings he has available for me are anger and disappointment. But the way he is looking at me now, I don't have words to describe.

It feels almost predatory.

"What...what are your conditions?" my voice/ unstable.

He stands. Walking around his desk, he leans against our legs almost touching. "My first condition is that you consider taking my job offer here at Steele Industries, at least while you are working on your line. It can be a temporary position if you'd like. I need someone with your skillset and I trust you to run the department fairly and honestly. In exchange, I will give you full use of my staff and all of my equipment at no cost. You will receive a full salary and the same benefits package that all Steele Industries executives earn."

"Atlas, that's too much." I shake my head. "I don't want your charity I want to do this myself."

His solution would solve so many of my problems and yet I find myself unable to simply nod my head and say yes.

Sensing my hesitation and potential refusal, he counters his offer with "If you don't take the job, I'm still willing to take your downpayment for my factory services, but I'd prefer it if you did take the job. The way I see it, you'd be doing me a favor. I've never seen a designer with your raw talent. Your first collection outshines anything I've seen from many leading designers in years. Besides," his eyes softened. "I know you gave up your dream when you became my wife. I can see now how much harm it caused. Please let me make it up to you." "Atlas I..."

"Just consider it," he interrupts me. "Or at least let me show you what you'd be signing up for."

"Okay," I agree.

"Good. As for the second half of my offer...."

He leans forward, resting his hands on my chair.

I lick my lips, his face only inches from mine. "Yes?"

He leans in a little further. My heart skips a beat when I notice the light in his eyes.

"Date me," he begs, his breath whispering against my lips. "Please, Cordelia, I thought I lost you forever." "Yes."

His hand caresses the side of my face and I melt into his touch as he brings his lips to mine.

We fall into one another. I open my mouth and...

"Sir!"

We are broken apart by a knock on the door.