Page 1 of Hard as Steel

Chapter One

A gun pointed at his face wasn’t as big of a surprise as most people would think. Krystof had been raised as the son of a mogul and now held the title his father once had. Since he had bought a house in America, expanding his energy company overseas, he had let himself get too comfortable walking around with no security. After all, in Greece, everyone knew of his family. He had to worry about kidnapping, ransom demands, or just straight robbery. In America, no one knew him. He was simply a bloke in an expensive suit. Krystof supposed that was enough to land him in this position.

“Give me your wallet. The watch too.”

An inner sigh rang through his mind. The watch. Of course. A thirty-thousand-dollar piece like his would catch some attention. How tiresome.

Before Krystof had time to react, his would-be bandit hit the ground. Everything moved too fast, yet—somehow—in slow motion. While Krystof’s sight didn’t have time to process what happened, he had time to think a dozen thoughts. Should he kick the gun aside like in the movies? His rescuer didn’t even look winded as he subdued the robber. Steel-colored eyes collided with Krystof’s stare. Time froze. Beyond the sound of his heart beating in his ears, noise vanished. Krystof couldn’t tear his eyes away from the absolute god who had come to his rescue.

“Should I call the police?” Krystof didn’t recall talking, but it was his voice making the inquiry.

The sexiest smile Krystof had ever seen in his life flashed his way. “It’s all good. My friend is on it.”

Krystof didn’t look the way his hero motioned. He had no desire to ever see another sight in his life. This masterpiece had taken his breath. He could die a happy man now.

“I’m Steel.” With his knee on the man’s throat, Steel held out his hand to shake.

Krystof accepted. “Krystof.”

They didn’t release each other immediately. Neither of them looked away from the other. Krystof knew his life had been forever changed. There was no way he could have known exactly how upside down his life was about to be… or how the pain would nearly kill him.

Sometimes, the memory of the night he met Steel would sneak in and punch Krystof in his gut. Before that fateful night, Krystof hadn’t believed romantic love existed. He came from the level of money where people married based on status. Being a gay man in hiding had been a double strike against Krystof. He hadn’t expected a life of happiness beyond what money bought. Krystof damn sure hadn’t believed in love at first sight, but he stood by the truth he had learned that day. Not only could someone be consumed by that first glance, but Krystof had experienced the phenomenon for himself. Outside a French restaurant on the upper-crust side of town, he had stared into those steely blue-gray eyes and lost himself forever. He had also gained a new perspective on emotional pain. Krystof had spent his life staying cold and unmoved by romance. After Steel, all Krystof thought about was the love Steel had given him and taken away.

“I thought I was doing you a favor by inviting him. Also, he’s Diesel’s friend, so it would’ve been pretty shitty if I hadn’t, but still. I thought you’d be happy to have him trapped in your sights for a few hours.”

At his son’s claim, Krystof quickly rearranged his expression. It was Kuba’s wedding and tons of pictures were being taken. He didn’t want Kuba to look back on this day and think Krystof was upset. Not to mention, it was important to him for Kuba to know he was proud of him.

“My apologies. I got lost in thought for a moment.”

Kuba’s gaze moved over Krystof’s face, openly assessing his honesty. “Go ask him to dance.”

Krystof smiled. He was hyperaware of Steel’s every move at the reception. Damn, he looked beautiful. He was Diesel’s boss and friend. Krystof should have known he would be here tonight. “We should dance instead. Or is that too awkward for a son and his father?”

Kuba snorted. “I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks.”

He really didn’t, and Krystof couldn’t be prouder of him for that. Kuba had gained this new bravery and pride for Diesel, as he should. He loved Kuba for embracing what he never had.

Kuba stood. “Come on. We’ll do a father and son dance.”

As Krystof stood, a thought hit. “We should have Diesel join us. He has no father here.”

Kuba snorted so hard, it must have hurt.

Krystof understood. The moment Diesel had shown up in the news, marrying a wealthy celebrity he knew, Diesel’s sperm donor had sprung into the picture by gatecrashing the wedding. Despite having all the proper security, all it had taken was for the guy to say Diesel was his son and he had breezed through. If he ruined the day, no one showed it. Everyone simply ignored his presence while Steel’s employees kept him away from Diesel.

“Diesel has no father here,” Krystof repeated. He didn’t wait for Kuba to agree. Krystof knew he would. He interrupted Diesel’s conversation with someone Krystof hadn’t met. He urged Diesel to his feet. “Come. It’s time for the father-son dance.”

A bright smile lit Diesel’s face. He was exactly who Krystof would have chosen for his son if the decision had been his. Diesel was wonderful and loving. He would be good to and for Kuba.

Krystof led the way to the empty dance floor. He nodded toward the DJ they had hired for the day.

The man nodded back and leaned toward his microphone. “Okay, everyone. It’s time for the father-son dance.”

When the music started, they laughed as the three of them moved in close and awkwardly slow danced.

Krystof couldn’t contain himself. “I’m so happy for you two. You make this papa proud. The only thing I’ve ever wanted for Kuba was for him to be healthy and happy. Look at you now. Both of you. Your smiles are the most beautiful I’ve seen.”

“We love you too, Dad,” they chanted simultaneously.