Page 13 of Hard as Steel

Steel shook his head. He needed to remember Krystof knew him like no one else. At least, he had. “I’m not the same person. Life has hardened me.”

Krystof’s smile turned sweet. “I’ve seen and heard about the way you treat your employees. They’re like family to you. I have a feeling life hasn’t changed you as much as you believe.”

This was the aggravating thing about Krystof. He was so soft-spoken, kind, and levelheaded that he was impossible to argue with. Steel could toss all the anger and frustration his way, and Krystof would just absorb it. Then he would open his mouth, and the most reasonable words would come out. People felt dumb and ridiculous for shouting in the first place.

“You must have been such a quiet peace in Ana’s upheaved life.”

“I wish that were true. When Dread disappeared, she went a little mad, I think. While she was an amazing mother to Kuba, I believe he was the only thing keeping her alive. A brain aneurysm might have been the coroner’s explanation for her death, but I know better. She mourned herself to death.”

Steel couldn’t lie and say talking about Anastasia didn’t hurt. He had spent years resenting her. Steel also wanted to claim hearing about her changed nothing. She had still stolen his life. Each time Krystof spoke of her love and broken heart, the weight on his chest at the sound of her name eased a bit. She hadn’t been a bad person who stole Steel’s life. Anastasia had her life stolen, and Krystof had forced her to keep breathing.

A kind smile flashed his way. “I’d rather talk about you. You’ve done so much. You’ll get sick of me saying how impressed I am. I knew you could do it, and I’m still blown away. How did you end up with so many locations, and why haven’t you dropped dead from trying to manage everyone?”

That was it. That earnest expression of excitement and pride was why Krystof was so hard to resist. The guy was literally a billionaire who had brokered unbelievable deals across the world, and he genuinely thought Steel was impressive. He had always made Steel feel ten feet tall. “I’ve hired a lot of good men over the years. Some of them stuck around long enough to end up managing a local office. I’d be nothing without my amazing crew. Despite their propensity to end up in clients’ beds.”

“I suppose it’s to be expected. Close proximity and all that. Who all have you personally gotten the chance to protect?”

“Only you.”

Krystof looked taken aback. “Really?”

Steel nodded. He didn’t expound. The bitterness in Steel when Krystof had kicked him to the curb wasn’t fit for company. He had made enough money to strike out on his own without personally taking another client.

“Why does it feel like there are no safe topics?”

A surprised laugh burst from Steel. Krystof wasn’t wrong. Even though the comment struck him as funny, since their thoughts matched, Steel gave the question serious consideration. “You know, when I really think about it, and even though things feel like walking on eggshells, we really aren’t. At the end of the day, no matter how much time has passed, I still feel like I could say anything or ask anything right now. I hope you feel the same. While I can’t promise how I’ll react, I’ll still hear you out.”

“Yeah.” Krystof’s soft-sounding response did something to Steel’s chest. That kiss still lived on his lips. The biggest revelation slammed into him. He had never let go. The betrayal wasn’t what kept Steel from ever falling in love again. Krystof was still the one.

The way Steel looked at him had Krystof ready to grip the edge of the table. He needed something solid to ground him. The urge to do too many things to list had him ready to jump to his feet. He hadn’t stopped reeling from that kiss. Krystof hated how confused he felt. Steel had told him not to leave. Krystof had already given up his rental. All the possessions he had accumulated in California were on a truck headed for Seattle. His entire life was in the air, and Krystof was terrified to point that out. What were they? Where did they stand? What did Steel expect of him? He had to know the answers to those questions. The clock ticked on major decisions for his life.

“Should I have the truck—”

“Holy shit, dude. I’m seeing you everywhere.”

Krystof’s gaze snapped to the man who loomed over Steel, wearing a bright smile. He was likely in his late twenties to early thirties. His entire aura screamed he was a nice person.

Steel laughed and stood. They exchanged a quick, impersonal hug. At least Krystof told himself that. “What brings you to California? I thought you lived in Seattle.” Steel reclaimed his chair and pulled out the one beside him for their visitor to sit.

The guy sat. His eyes never budged from Steel. “Yeah. I had such a great time with you after the wedding, hearing all your stories about how amazing it is here. It made me realize how long it’s been since I took a vacation. So, I called work and cashed in some of my vacation days and jumped on the first flight out of town. How have you been?”

Krystof sat in silence as he watched in horror. Steel’s smile said a lot. He was happy to see a guy he had obviously gone to after the wedding. Steel saying he had been with other men kept going through Krystof’s head on repeat. He recognized the man from Kuba’s wedding, but he couldn’t recall his name. All he remembered was the way the guy had kept everyone around him laughing. People didn’t react to Krystof that way. Steel definitely hadn’t smiled at Krystof the way he did for this person since they reconnected.

“I’ve been good. Just staying busy.”

The man’s dark blue eyes swept Steel in a way that set all the alarm bells clanging. “It looks like you’re off today.”

“Yeah. Like we talked about, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for so long. Well, you know.”

“Yeah.”

Krystof felt sick. He glanced around, making an escape plan. It was likely that he could slip away, and no one would notice.

“Did you meet Krystof at the wedding?”

Dark blue eyes finally focused on him. “I saw you, but I don’t think we spoke.” He held his hand out for Krystof to shake. “I’m Sandy.”

Krystof shook. “Charmed.” It was difficult, but Krystof kept the distaste from his voice. Krystof gripped his hurt close to his chest and looked Steel’s way. “You should invite your friend to stay.” His gaze flickered toward Sandy. “I ordered something called a surf’s up salad. You’re welcome to have it. I need to figure out where I’ll be sleeping tonight. It was nice to meet you.”