The Billionaire's Dangerous Obsession (Nivera) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

When Nivera disappeared into the diner, silence settled over the car. The soft hum of the engine filled the space, and the faint buzz of the neon sign outside flickered against the windshield.

Antonio leaned back in his seat, studying hisbrother,r who hadn’t said a word since Nivera lef–he- only sat there with his elbow propped on the window, eyes fixed on the entrance she’d walked through.

After a moment, Antonio smirked. “You’re staring hard enough to burn a hole through the glass.”

Alejandro didn’t move. “I’m making sure she doesn’t do anything reckless,” he said flatly.

Antonio chuckled. “You think she’ll actually get Zabelle to come out?” he asked, his voice mild but threaded with tension.

That earned him a faint twitch of Alejandro’s -not- not quite a smile.

“She’ll

get her,” he said quietly, confidence edging his tone. “She doesn’t stop until she gets what she wants.”

Antonio watched him for a while longer before speaking again, his tone turning quieter. “You like her.”

Alejandro’s gaze flicked toward him, unreadable. “She’s trouble.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

A pause stretched between them. Outside, the wind carried the faint clatter of dishes and distant conversation from the diner. Alejandro exhaled slowly, leaning back against the headrest. “Fine,” he said at last, almost begrudgingly. “I’m in love with her.”

Antonio’s eyes shock,ed in shock as he hadn’t expected to hear Alejandro say that. “Well, look at that,” he said, shaking his head. “Aleja–thearcía the man who swore he’d never f–finallye – finally caught in his own

—

trap.”

Alejandro shot him a glare. “Don’t start.”

“Oh, I will,” Antonio said with delight, his eyes shining like a kid who had beefavoritehis favourite dessert. “Do you remember what you told me when I confessed about Zabelle? You called me pathetic.”

“You were,” Alejandro muttered.

“And you’re not?” Antonio raised a brow, grinning wider. “You used to lecture me about how love made men weak. And -sittingt you sitting here, brooding in the dark because your ‘trouble‘ walked into a diner.”

—

Alejandro didn’t reply. His silence only made Antonio laugh harder.

After a few minutes, Antonio leaned forward slightly, his tone softening. “She’s good for you, you know.”

Alejandro glanced at him, brow raised.

“She challenges you,” Antonio continued. “You’ve always needed someone like that. Someone who doesn’t

bend just because you tell her to.”

Alejandro’s eyes softened faintly, though he didn’t respond.

“Don’t worry,” Antonio said finally, resting an arm on the window frame. “You’ll get used to it. The sleepless nights, the jealous—it’spossessiveness – it’s all part of the package.”

Alejandro’s lips curved slightly, but his tone stayed cool. “Tell me about it!” He sighed as his mind shot back to Damon, wherever the bastard was.

Before he could respond, movement caught Antonio’s attention. Through the windshield, they saw Nivera and Zabelle emerging from the diner, walking side by side. Even from a distance, the change was obvious – Zabelle’s shoulders no longer hunched with defeat, and Nivera’s expression had softened with triumph.

Antonio exhaled, relief loosening the tightness in his chest. “She did it,” he murmured. “She actually convinced her.”

Alejandro followed his gaze, saying nothing. But the small flicker of pride in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed.

As the women disappeared down the road toward the motel, Antonio settled back in his seat. “It’s good to see,” he said quietly. “Zabelle is getting out of that dump. One step closer to getting her back.”

A beat of silence passed before he added, almost offhandedly, “And you… finally letting go of that hatred of love. I never thought I’d see the day.”

Alejandro glanced at him, one brow raised. “You make it sound like I used to hate the concept.”

“You did,” Antonio said simply. “You hated what it did to people, especially aunt- thanks to him.”

The word hung in the air. Him. Antonio didn’t have to say the name for Alejandro to figure out who he was talking about.

Miguel Garcia, his father.

“You’re not so angry anymore,” Antonio said simply. “At least, not all the time. It’s good to see. For a while, I thought you’d never let go of what Miguel did to you.”

The name hung in the air like smoke.

Alejandro’s jaw tensed, eyes darkening at the mention of his father. “Letting go isn’t exactly an option when you grow up under him.”

“I know,” Antonio said softly. “But… seeing you like this, it’s different. You’re not carrying the same hatred you used to. Maybe it’s her influence. Maybe it’s just time.”

Alejandro gave a low chuckle that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Miguel used to say love made men weak. That’s why he hated my mother. Because she made him feel something he couldn’t control.”

Antonio’s voice was gentle. “And yet here you are, doing the one thing he never could–loving someone without destroying them.”

Alejandro’s lips quirked faintly, a small, almost reluctant smile. “Don’t give me too much credit.”

Antonio laughed quietly. “I’m serious. You may not realize it, but you’ve come a long way.”

Alejandro didn’t respond immediately. His gaze drifted back toward the motel where Nivera and Zabelle had disappeared. “Maybe,” he said finally. “Or maybe I was just lucky to meet a woman who could match my

craziness.”

Antonio nodded approvingly. “Now that sounds like a man in love.”

“Shut up.” Alejandro muttered, but the corner of his mouth curved.

Antonio grinned, leaning back. “You can’t take it back now. I’m going to remind you of this conversation every chance I get.”

“I’m sure you will,” Alejandro said dryly, starting the car.

Antonio chuckled as the engine purred to life, the headlights cutting through the fog. “You know,” he said, glancing sideways, “you really did have it coming. The way you mocked me for falling for Zabelle–karma’s got a sense of humor.”

Alejandro smirked. “If this is karma, it’s cruel.”

“It’s fair,” Antonio countered with a grin. “And I’m enjoying every second of it.”

He started the engine, the low growl breaking the quiet, and pulled onto the narrow road. The diner faded behind them as the car rolled toward the motel.

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