Page 160 of Brutal Heir

A long pause. Then, clear and unwavering⁠—

“Fuck off.”

I exhaled through my nose, rolling my shoulders. “Open this door.”

“May I remind you, Signore Diamanti, that my workday is finished? I’m now on my own personal time.”

“I’m not asking as your boss. I’m asking as your⁠—”

Fuck. I’d almost said husband.

I dragged a hand through my hair, forcing patience I didn’t feel. “Just open the damn door.”

“Go to hell.”

“Sabrina. I’m warning you.”

A sharp, disbelieving laugh rang out. “For once, being forced to live in this stupid prison is worth it. We both know you can’t break down that door.”

She was right. The door was thick, solid oak with wrought iron hinges. It would be madness to throw my shoulder against it. Instead, I stretched my arm out, fingertips skimming the upper doorframe until I felt cool metal.

The key.

After slipping it into the lock, I turned it with a slow, deliberate click before pushing the door open.

From the bed, Sabrina sat up, her midnight-dark hair wild around her shoulders. “What the fuck? That was locked!”

I held up the key, my slow smirk infuriating her further. “Was it?”

Her eyes blazed as I pocketed it, certain this wouldn’t be the last time I’d need it.

Sabrina launched off the bed, her fury palpable. “That is it! I’m done.”

She yanked her suitcase from the closet and threw it onto the bed with a resounding thud. After marching to the wardrobe, she flung it open and grabbed entire outfits, hangers and all. She stomped back to the bed and shoved them inside with forceful, jerky movements.

“I’m leaving. I’m not staying another night under this roof with you.”

I leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “We’ve already been through this, sweetheart. There isn’t a hotel in Rome that will give you a room.”

“Fine! Then I’ll sleep on the street!”

My smirk faded. “You can’t honestly think I’d allow that.”

She turned, her eyes flashing with defiance. “I don’t give a flying fat rat’s ass what you will or won’t allow, Sebastian.”

I chuckled. “Colorful.”

She swept her hand over her bureau, knocking perfume bottles into a makeup bag with a clatter. “I signed a six-month contract with the House of Diamanti, and I will honor it. Besides, I still have unfinished business in Rome. But nothing in that contract says I have to live with you.”

Unfinished business?

My stubborn girl had better not mean the judge. There was no fucking way I would let her anywhere near that man. Last night had been a mistake. One I wouldn’t repeat.

But right now, I had a more pressing matter—convincing her it was in her best interest not to defy me.

“Does it matter to you that this displeases me?”

Sabrina let out an unladylike snort. “Nothing would give me more pleasure in the world than knowing I’ve displeased you.”