Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

[Cordelia]

"Atlas..." My breath catches as his hand touches the edges of the veil.

"May I," he asks as he gently reaches for the lace comers that trail along the edges of my bodice.

Afraid to shatter the magic of the moment with words, nod.

He steps up onto the raised platform and for a moment, time stops. My lungs fill with his clean scent, his body so close that I can feel the heat of him radiating outward, melting whatever ice was in my heart. It has been so hard since I told him I wanted to be friends. The more I see him with Angelica, the more it tears at my heart.

But right now, at this moment, I don't want to think about her. It is just the two of us as he lifts the veil revealing my face as he places it gently behind my tiara

"You are so beautiful," he moves a strand of hair behind my ear and I close my eyes at the gentle touch." Such a beautiful bride. How did I ever let you go?"

"Atlas," I try not to cry, but a tear slowly rolls down my face.

"Shhh," he gently wipes it away with his thumb as he caresses my cheek. "None of that. This isn't forever."

"Neither were we, I remind him and I watch as his gaze falls.

"True," he admits, taking a step back off the platform. "You deserve so much better."

Holding my hand out to him, I decide to be bold and ask. But what if I don't want better? What if all I want is you?"

He takes my hand and pulls me down to him. Falling into his arms, I grin as he closes the distance.

His lips taste of promises and regret, of love that could have been but never got the chance to bloom, As my fingers muss his perfect hair he deepens our kiss and my whole body melts as he dips me backward, his hands supporting me. "Atlas," I pull away as I struggle to breathe, "What if someone sees us?"

"Let them," he growls bringing my lips to his again. "I don't care anymore."

He sweeps me up in his arms bridal style and carries me off towards the dressing room, kissing me, his mouth demanding all of my attention. A small moan escapes my mouth as he continues his gentle assault.

-And although I don't want to think of her, I don't want to think of anything but his mouth and his hands on

my body, I can't help but wonder about Angelica.

Did he kiss her like this too? Does he tell her she's beautiful as he convinces her that he is still in love?

"Atlas, stop, Angelica..."

"Is not here," he murmurs as he begins unbuttoning the neck of my dress, placing a kiss along my newly revealed flesh. "And I don't want her, I want you." Chapter 97

I almost let myself be drawn in by his arms and his lips. They were both so warm and tempting. But I need to stop this before it goes too far.

"Atlas, I mean it," I sit up and push myself away from him. He looks so devilishly handsome with his messy hair and undone shirt, his lips full and red from kissing.

"Cordelia," As he pulls himself back I see his heart retreating into its dark, inner chamber where he keeps it trapped most of the time. It breaks me a little to see him cut himself off from his feelings.

Reaching forward, I place my hand on his and squeeze. "Atlas," I whisper. "I need to know something. And I want you to answer me honestly."Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Encouraged by my touch, he sits up straighter, adjusting his cuffs nervously. "Whatever you need to ask! will answer truthfully." His eyes are hot with passion as he adds. "But when I am done I am going to kiss you until you cannot remember your name. You are mine, Cordelia Steele. I know you want to just be friends, but I have no desire to give you up ever again.

Blinking, I let myself slowly process what he just said. "I belong to nobody but myself." I declare proudly.

"If you say so," his lopsided grin is almost hidden by his usual stoic expression. "You should probably ask your question before I change my mind and prove you wrong."

"Fine," I take a deep breath. Closing my eyes I ask. "How long have you been sleeping with Angelica?"

VictoryAnne Vice Author

Are Atlas and Cordeila finally going to connect with one another? Or will they bungle it again?

And what about Clark? Where has