Semua Bab The Obsession Of My Stepbrother: Bab 31 - Bab 40

The moment we stepped off the plane, the humid Hawaiian breeze wrapped around me like an unexpected embrace warm, salty, and unapologetically real. It wasn’t like the manufactured warmth of a heater or the soft comfort of a blanket; this was wild and raw, the kind of heat that clung to your skin and whispered, “You’re far from home.” The scent of the ocean mixed with tropical flowers hit me immediately plumeria, hibiscus, a hint of salt, and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. For a brief second, I let myself believe this could actually feel like a vacation. But reality was quick to remind me otherwise. As we descended the private steps from the plane, a sleek, black luxury SUV waited for us, its polished surface gleaming under the sun like it belonged in a car commercial. The driver, clad in a crisp white shirt and dark sunglasses, stood with military-like posture, holding the door open as if we were royalty. Dino and Mr. Alessandro led the way, exchanging casual remarks ab

Dino’s POV The evening sun dipped low, casting streaks of orange and pink across the sky as we gathered on the villa’s sprawling terrace for dinner. The long wooden table was set beautifully, candles flickering, the soft glow making everything look like it belonged in a magazine. Plates of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and warm bread filled the space, the salty breeze carrying the mouthwatering scents. But the tension at the table was thicker than the Hawaiian humidity. Matteo was in full charm mode, entertaining Anne with tales from London, his easy laughter grating on my nerves more than usual. Luca, of course, found it all hilarious, tossing in snarky comments just to stir the pot. Dad looked genuinely relaxed, sipping her wine and occasionally giving me that “try not to scowl like your life depends on it” glance. Then there was Eloise. She sat across from me, her face partially hidden by her glass of water, pretending to be invested in the menu, though dinner was alrea

The yacht sailed smoothly across the glistening blue water, the hum of the engines blending with the rhythmic crash of waves against the hull. The sun cast a golden glow over the deck, but despite the picturesque setting, the air between Eloise and Dino remained thick with tension. Matteo, ever the entertainer, had already claimed a spot near the bar, lazily sipping a cocktail while chatting up one of the crew members. Luca had abandoned his phone for a book, flipping through the pages with an air of practiced indifference. Anne and Alessandro sat at the shaded dining area, exchanging occasional glances at the younger group, no doubt sensing the barely concealed hostility simmering between Eloise and Dino. Eloise, still at the railing, tried to focus on the vast, endless ocean instead of the irritation bubbling beneath her skin. It wasn’t just Dino’s presence, it was the way he always knew exactly how to get under her skin, as if he thrived on riling her up. She heard footsteps

Smoothing down her sundress, she turned and walked back inside, keeping her expression neutral. “What?” Dino leaned against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, watching her with that familiar mix of amusement and challenge. “What did Jess say about me?” Eloise scoffed, moving past him toward the fridge. “Why would she say something about you?” Dino smirked. “Because I know she was talking about me.” Eloise grabbed a cold bottle of water, twisting the cap aggressively. “You think you’re the center of every conversation?” Dino shrugged, stepping closer. “Not every conversation. Just the ones where your heart starts racing.” Eloise froze mid-sip, the bottle halfway to her lips. “You’re delusional.” Dino tilted his head, eyes scanning her face like he could read every thought. “Am I?”

The villa was quiet when Eloise and Dino snuck out like kids, the only sounds being the distant crash of ocean waves and the occasional rustling of palm trees. The air was warm, carrying the scent of salt and tropical flowers. It felt like the entire house was in deep sleep except for the two of them. Eloise still wasn’t sure how she let him talk her into this. Maybe it was exhaustion, maybe it was frustration, or maybe it was just easier than arguing with him. Either way, here she was sitting in the passenger seat of a Jeep, arms crossed as Dino drove them toward the party. “You’re pouting,” Dino remarked, his eyes on the road but amusement clear in his tone. “I’m not pouting,” Eloise shot back. He smirked. “Sure.” The road was quiet, the headlights slicing through the darkness. Eloise glanced out the window, watching the palm trees blur past. She didn’t know what to expect from this party, but she was sure of one thing, it wasn’t her scene. The drive wasn’t long, and soon, the