Lahat ng Kabanata ng WANTING MY STEP—BROTHER : Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

Melanie The ride back home felt longer than usual, mostly because my mother hadn’t stopped fussing over me since I was discharged. She sat close, holding my hand like I might vanish if she let go, her words tumbling out like a worried soundtrack. “Are you cold? Do you feel dizzy? Do you need more pillows? Should we ask the doctor to come home with us?” I gave her a soft smile. I didn’t mind all the fussing. After two days in the hospital, with Dante’s warning playing on repeat in my head like some twisted lullaby, having my mother’s warmth close by gave me a false sense of safety which I needed because I was about to be face to face with Dante. My gaze shifted to the front seat where Federico sat, speaking in low tones with the driver. I wanted to tell him that Dante had threatened me, that he wanted me dead, and also about the Vladimir family. But the thought of Dante’s warning made my stomach twist. Snitch on him, and I wouldn’t be worrying about another bullet; I’d be dead bef

Melanie“Art school!” my mom exclaimed the next morning, her face lighting up like I had just told her I wanted to become the next Michelangelo. I knew why she was shocked. She was probably wondering what sparked that sudden interest, especially when she knew I haven’t picked up a brush in years.As I peered at her, I watched as she leveled the coffee mug, looking at me with a curious gaze I knew so well. “Yeah, Aria suggested it.”I nodded, trying to sound nonchalant. Aria—who had her eyes glued to Stephen like he was a rare art piece himself added, “I saw her drawing last night. It was really good.”“You started drawing again?” Mom asked, turning back to me, hope flickering in her voice.“Yeah,” I said, a little sheepishly.“Well, that’s good.” She smiled warmly. “If you want to go to art school, then it’s fine. You should follow what makes you happy.”And then came a voice I did not want to hear.“I don’t mind driving you there.” Dante spoke from the doorway, his tone casual, as

DanteI promised myself I’d stick to Melanie like a shadow, keep my eyes on her every damn second, but that promise went to hell the moment Aaron called. One word from him and I knew this wasn’t the kind of situation you ignore. I needed to handle it. Now.I pulled out my keys, and stormed out of the building, every step a reminder that I was leaving her unguarded. The thought burned, but I shoved it down. I had bigger things to deal with it. I will handle Melanie later.I slammed the car door close, engine roaring beneath me, as I twisted the keys. My ever chaotic thoughts which kept me company as I drove silenced, as the tires of my car rolled into the parking lot of the base. When I stepped into my office, the stench of cigars greeted me before my eyes fell on who it belonged to. Alio was sitting in my chair like he owned the fucking place.His dark hair was slicked back, and he offered me that same cold stare I remembered from years ago.Alio was my grandfather’s illegiti

MelanieLeonardo, who I hoped would be my ticket to gaining answers about Dante and Juan’s relationship, wasn't home when I got back. Neither was my mother. Aria said she’d gone out with Federico, which didn’t surprise me. Those two were practically glued together.I decided to head to my room, glad that at least Aria didn’t follow me inside. She trailed after me down the hallway, chirping about something I wasn’t listening to, but the moment I closed my door, she decided to engage in a conversation with Stephen.I was proud of her, she was taking a bold step to actually speak to him and not keep staring at him like he was an object behind a glass door. Silence wrapped around me like a fragile shield as I stepped into the room. Dante had continued ignoring me after we got to the house and I was glad. I had a good feeling he wouldn’t be bothering me anymore today.I went straight to the shower, hoping to relax and breathe. But just as the steam began to soothe me, a heavy banging so

Dante“You look like someone that had an eventful night,” Aaron muttered the second I stepped into the base, his smirk already pissing me off.The base wasn’t a polished office, it was a fucking den carved in the heart of a warehouse. I had built it piece by piece after I clocked sixteen, when I was still just a stubborn kid trying to spit in my father’s face. It started with small deals, a few dumbass kids running deliveries, until it became what it is now—my own chain. Guns, pills, coke, you name it. I ran it with my fists, my rage, and my refusal to crawl back to my father like some obedient son.But the truth? I had been naïve. Too fucking naïve.I thought I’d rise, crown myself the king of this city, and take Federico’s empire for myself. I wanted his business, his influence, his respect—or better, his fear. But every step I made, he was always there, two steps ahead, tightening the noose. He was a legal genius, cunning, patient, the type of man who’d gut you slowly while smili