My Stepbrother's Dirty Little Secret novel Chapter 192

Chapter 192

“Fine,” Salvatore said, “You want your own space? You’ll move into a Capone-owned property. A penthouse with reinforced glass and a security team in the lobby. That is the only ‘moving out’ you are doing.”

“No. I’m finding my own place. Somewhere you don’t own,” I insisted, my jaw set.

Salvatore let out a harsh laugh that sent a chill down my spine. He stepped directly into my personal space, towering over me until I had to crane my neck to look him in the eye.

“Listen to me very carefully, little girl,” he hissed. “If you set foot in an apartment that isn’t under my control, Í will have a guard standing in the same room where you sleep. He will be there when you eat, he will be there when you shower, and he will be sitting in a chair three feet from your bed while you close your eyes. I’m not letting you get snatched and break my wife’s heart just because you want to play ‘independent woman.””

“You can’t do that!”

“In this city, I can do whatever is necessary to protect what belongs to me,” he countered, “You want to fight me? Try it. But you’ll find out very quickly that your adulthood means nothing when I decide to pull the strings.”

“Then you’re going to have to chain me to the floor,” I spat, “Because I will make your life a living hell until you realize that I am not one of your properties.”

Salvatore’s eyes narrowed, “You think you’re the first person to tell me ‘no,’ Gianna? You think your little tantrums will change anything? You don’t have the power, the resources, or the name to stand against me.”

The air in my lungs turned to ice. My blood started to boil, a hot, toxic wave of pride rising up my throat. He really thought I was some nobody?

“You think I don’t know who I am?” I stepped even closer, “You want to talk about power? You want to talk about names? I have the resources, Salvatore. I have the blood. I am the only daughter of Don Giovanni Toricelli. I was born into the Philadelphia Syndicate. My father rules the East Coast.”

“Go to your room, Gianna,” she said, “Right now.”

“You… you hit me,” I choked out, “You’re taking his side? After everything?”

“I am taking the side of your life,” she replied, “It is for your own good. You will not speak that man’s name in this house ever again. Not as long as there is breath in your body. Now, move your feet before I lose what little remains of my patience.”

I stared at her and realized I didn’t know this woman at all. She looked like a stranger wearing my mother’s face.

I glanced at Salvatore. He didn’t look angry anymore. He looked almost satisfied. I didn’t say another word. I pushed past her and ran, the sound of my breathing echoing in my ears as I fled into the house.