Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele novel Chapter 133

[Cordelia]

Even though I don't know this man at all, I find it surprisingly easy to open up to Magnus.

As we sat in the diner, the storm outside got stronger, and my feelings poured out of me like the torrent of rain on the street. Maybe it is because I probably won't ever see him again, but I told him everything about Atlas, my sister, and my work. He didn't have a single negative thing to say, he simply held my hand while I ate large amounts of carbs and wept about potential futures gone sour.

"It'll be okay Miss Cordy," he pats my hand as my words finally slow and I finish off another waffle. "You are young. You have so much life ahead of you. Even if things do not work out between you and your young mister, there is still so much more out there for you to discover.

"I guess so," I sniffle, blowing my nose on a napkin and then looking around for somewhere discreet to hide it, feeling gross and a bit rude. "Sorry."

He snaps his fingers and gets the attention of one of the waitstaff who gives him a little bow. "Mr. M."

"Wastebasket," he says simply and the person nods, and then hurries off to procure a small basket for me to place my used napkins. They also brought a box of tissues.

"Is the service here always this good?" I stare amazed at how responsive the staff is.

"It is for me," he gives a gentle smile. "Now as you were saying, about Atlas."

"Um, yes," I take another swig of hot chocolate. "I just don't know if he knows what he wants," I sigh. "He says he wants me, but whenever either Sydney or my sister bat their eyes and whine about the next big problem in their lives, he comes running like a knight in shining armor," I vent, irritated.

"And you are upset because he doesn't do the same for you?" He queries.

I pause to think. Well, he has done a lot to help me. He rescued me from the island with his brother, he rescued me financially after the fire, and he also rescued my line when Angelica ruined it in her attempts to "help" me. Even this move, of trying to get my parent's approval and agreeing to work with Sydney again is about protecting me.

"I wouldn't say that," I swallow. "Maybe I'm being too harsh on him."

"I don't think so," he shakes his head. "If he is as devoted to you as he says he is, he'd be willing to give it all up for you. He wouldn't need all of the money or the fame, he'd only need you."

"Do you think that's reasonable?"

"I don't know," he takes a sip of coffee. "But it sounds like it's what you want and need. Have you ever thought of leaving all this, taking your child, and running away from this city and this shallow world of fashion billionaires? You'd be a lot less stressed. And if this Atlas fellow loves you like he says, he'll follow you."

"I..." Is he right? Would Atlas be willing to give up his entire way of life if it were to make me happy?

"Because if you were my girl," he winks, "I'd move mountains to keep you."

My cheeks grow hot at his flattery. Here I was thinking he was a safe old man but it turns out he's a bit of a dashing flirt.