My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 573

Chapter 573

She held out her hand, “I forgive you.”

The second Raphael placed the money into her palm. She snatched it so fast it practically disappeared. She folded the bills twice and then tucked them into her back pocket with complete satisfaction, “I still like her more.”

Raphael nodded, “I’ve liked her more than myself for quite a while now.”

Jules smiled for the first time, “I knew there was a reason I decided not to hate you forever,” she pointed a warning finger at him, “But if you make my sister cry again…”

Raphael answered before she could finish, “I’ll have earned another five hundred dollar payment.”

Jules smirked, “So you do learn.”

Raphael looked at me, “I adapt.”

I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt, watching the two of them stand there, quietly negotiating my emotional well- being with cash.

Jules looked down at the money one more time before nodding to herself, “Pleasure doing business with you.”

Raphael gave a small nod, “The feeling is mutual.”

She turned to me, “I’m leaving before he changes his mind.”

I laughed as she walked away, humming happily to herself. The moment she disappeared around the hedge, the gardens became quiet again.

Raphael looked down at me, “So…’

“So?”

“I’ve officially been forgiven.”

I smiled, still holding onto his arm, “I think she actually likes you.”

“I certainly hope so.”

“You bought her loyalty.”

He looked thoughtful, “I rented it.”

That made me laugh again. The morning sun had climbed higher now, warming the stone path beneath our feet. Somewhere farther into the gardens, birds chirped softly between the trees.

Raphael’s eyes stayed on mine. He lifted one hand and brushed his thumb beneath my eye, “I have to go.”

He leaned down again and instead of kissing my lips, he pressed a slow, lingering kiss against my forehead. His lips stayed there for just a second longer than they needed to.

When he pulled back, his forehead rested lightly against mine, “Take care of yourself today, ballerina.”

I smiled, “I will.”

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