My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 27

Gianna

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I paced back and forth across the rug in my new room. I was already dressed for my classes, a pair of tight blue jeans, a soft white crop top but I couldn't bring myself to open the door.

My stomach felt like it was full of angry snakes. Every time I thought about going downstairs to that long, marble breakfast table, I felt a wave of cold sickness wash over me.

He knows.

I stopped in front of the mirror and stared at my face. I looked pale. My eyes were wide and filled with fear. I kept seeing Raphael’s face in my head. I saw the way he looked at me on the dance floor.

I closed my eyes, and the memory hit me so hard I had to grab the edge of my dresser. I saw the club. I saw the bright, hot lights and the smell of perfume. I saw myself on that stage, wearing almost nothing, just tiny scraps of black lace that left nothing to the imagination. I remembered the way I had danced for him, moving my body for the money he held out.

He hadn't just seen me. He had paid for me. He had touched me. He had watched me in the skimpiest lingerie ever made, and now he was my stepbrother. He lived in the same house. He ate at the same table.

I leaned over and took a deep breath, trying not to throw up right there on the expensive rug. The thought of him telling my mom made my head spin. He could destroy our lives with one sentence. He could tell everyone that the good girl who studied hard was actually the girl who took off her clothes for strangers in a dark room.

My mom would never trust me again.

Maybe I can just jump out the window. Maybe I can run to the bus station and never come back.

Just as I was about to grab my bag and try to sneak out the back way, a soft knock hit my door. I jumped so hard I nearly hit the ceiling.

"Gianna? Are you awake?"

The door creaked open, and Madeleine stepped inside. She looked beautiful and bright, her hair perfectly done, wearing a soft dress that made her look like a dream.

Madeleine guided me to the long table, and I slid into the same spot I had sat in before. I was squeezed right between Maddie and Claire. It felt like being trapped between two soft pillows.

Claire looked up and gave me a warm smile. Without a word, she picked up a heavy silver spoon and started filling a plate for me. She piled on eggs and fruit, treating me like I was a guest of honor.

"Eat up, Gianna," Claire whispered, pushing the plate toward me.

I tried to smile back, but I didn't look up. I kept my eyes locked on the eggs, watching the steam rise. But I didn't need to look up to know who was sitting directly across from me.

I could feel him.

I finally risked a tiny glance, just a peek through my hair.

Raphael was sitting right there. He was wearing a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up just enough to show his expensive watch. His hair was neat, and perfectly styled.