My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 55

“I’m not running,” she shot back. “I’m going for a walk. Please move, or are you about to give another speech about how you own the sidewalk too?”

A slow smirk dragged across my mouth, “Vincenzo told me to remember the rules,” I said, “He reminded me that you’re a sister now. He was very clear about the boundaries. I’m your brother.”

Her green eyes darkened.

Yeah.

She didn’t like that word either.

“Is that what this is?” she mocked, “Brotherly concern?”

“Maybe,” I leaned a little closer, “And as your brother,” I murmured near her ear, “I’d say it’s early, Gianna. The world’s still dark, not everything out there is as polite as I am. It’s full of things much meaner than me.”

“I’ve been dealing with mean things my whole life,” she shot back immediately, “I’m looking at one right now.”

I stared at her for a long moment. Even drunk, I appreciated the way she refused to blink.

The alcohol buzzed pleasantly behind my eyes. Slowly, I straightened and stepped back, just enough space for her to pass.

“Go on then,” I said, my voice flat with lazy amusement, “Take your walk.”

She moved quickly, trying to slip past me without touching but I leaned down slightly as she passed, my breath brushing the shell of her ear.

“Try not to get lost, little sister,” I drawled, “It’d be a shame if I had to come looking for you in the dark. I might forget my manners entirely.”

The alcohol made my thoughts reckless.

Made the line between irritation and something else blur.

And before my brain caught up with my hand—

I didn't say a word. I stood there, blood leaking from my nose and staining my mouth and chin, watching her, swaying slightly, the alcohol in my system making the whole moment feel slow and unreal.

And for the first time in years, the boredom was gone. Completely gone.

I let out a low, wet laugh, my teeth stained pink.

She turned, ripped the front door open, and vanished into the grey morning. The door slammed shut with a force that rattled the windows.

I leaned back against the cold stone wall of the foyer, staring at the blood on the floor. My older brother would probably have my head if he saw me like this.

But as I felt the sting of her punch, a dark, jagged smile pulled at the corners of my mouth.

Finally.

Something interesting.