My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 729

Chapter 729

My eyes never left Leone’s.

And that’s why Raphael deserves more than me. He deserves someone who can take care of him the way he’s always taken care of everyone else. Someone who gives instead of only asking. Someone who can carry some of his weight when he gets tired. Someone who makes his life easier instead of becoming another burden he has to bear.

I want to be that person for him.

I don’t know if I am yet.

But I will be.

“I belong to him and he belongs to me,” I drew a slow breath, “So if you think I’m ever going to betray him…” I shook my head, “I’d die first.”

Leone stared at me like he didn’t recognize the woman standing in front of him. Then he laughed, “So that’s it? That’s what I waited six years to hear?”

He dragged a hand over his face before looking back at me.

“I never touched another woman. I never wanted to,” his eyes searched mine desperately, “I had women throw themselves at me. I turned every single one away. I never kissed anyone. I never shared a bed with anyone. I spent six years believing you’d come back,” a bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth,” And now you’re standing here telling me another man owns your heart.” 1

I didn’t answer.

There wasn’t anything left to say, I had said what I wanted to.

Leone gave a small shake of his head, “I wasted six years.”

“No,” I said quietly, “You chose to wait. I never asked you to, I left my engagement ring behind.”

His jaw clenched, “I would’ve waited sixty.”

A sharp knock echoed through the office. Leone’s head turned toward the door.

“Leone,” Dad’s voice carried through the wood, “Open the door.”

Another laugh slipped out. This one was louder, not because it was funny, but because it was unbelievable, “You?” I shook my head, “The man who just told me he spent six years waiting for me… is engaged?”

Dad answered instead, “Yes. He is, and I suggest you remember that every single time you find yourself alone with my daughter. You had your history. It ended. My daughter is my heir. You are my underboss. From this moment forward, the only conversations I expect the two of you to have are conversations that concern this syndicate.”

Leone lowered his eyes, “Got it, boss.”

Dad gave one short nod, “Good,” then he looked at me, “Come. I still have a lot to show you today.”

I glanced at Leone one last time, shook my head with a laugh and left with my Dad.

Raphael

The wind coming off the bay carried the sharp smell of salt and diesel.

I sat on an old wooden bench outside a weather-beaten bait shop, a faded baseball cap pulled low over my face and a pair of cheap sunglasses hiding the rest. A paper coffee cup rested in one hand. It had gone cold nearly an hour ago.