Page 81 of Forced plus-size Bride of the Bratva

“You didn’t tell me he was hurt,” I say, my voice low, shaky with anger. “That Kaz had to rescue him. That he nearly died.”

Adrian exhales, runs a hand through his hair. “Jennie—”

“No.” I get up, the blanket falling from my legs as I step toward him. “Don’tJennieme. You promised me you would protect him. You said I had nothing to worry about. But you were lying to me.”

“I wasn’t—”

“Don’t.” I hold up a hand, my voice rising. “You don’t get to decide what I can or can’t handle, Adrian. You don’t get to filter things to control me.”

His jaw tightens. “You would’ve panicked.”

“I deserved to know.” My voice breaks at the edges. “That’s my brother. You’re not just keeping him locked up—you’re keeping me locked out. You made me feel crazy for asking questions. You acted like I was overthinking everything.”

He walks closer, but I step back.

“Did you even plan to tell me?” I whisper. “Or were you going to keep lying until I found out from someone else again?”

There’s silence.

His mouth opens like he wants to say something, but nothing comes out.

And I don’t know what’s worse—his silence or the fact that I expected it.

“I need to go see him. Now.” My voice is steady, even though everything inside me feels like it’s shattering.

Adrian doesn’t blink. “No.”

I blink at him, stunned. “What?”

“You’re not stepping out of this house, Jennie.” His voice is calm, but it’s got that cold finality threaded through it—the one that makes my blood boil.

“I’m not a prisoner.”

“You are protected,” he says tightly.

“That’s not the same thing, and you know it!” I shout, pushing past him—but he steps in front of me, blocking the door like a wall of muscle and steel.

“It’s not safe,” he repeats. “Not with what just happened. Someone on the inside planted explosives. You think I’m going to risk you walking into another trap?”

“I don’t care!” I yell, heat rushing to my cheeks. “He’s my brother, and he almost died! I should’ve been told. I should’ve been there.”

“You’re being dramatic, Jennie. He didn’t almost die. He just got a little hurt. And that was his fault. All I wanted to do was protect him, but he kept running.”

I laugh bitterly. “Wow. Just wow, Adrian. Some protection you provide.”

His eyes flash. “He wouldn’t be hurt at all if he had just trusted me.”

“And maybe I wouldn’t feel like I’m losing my mind if you’d just stop lying to me!” I shoot back. “You kept this from me. You made me believe everything was fine while my brother was being hunted like an animal. You want me to be calm about that?”

“I didn’t lie,” he growls, stepping forward. “I protected you. There’s a difference.”

“No, there’s not,” I hiss. “You use that word like it makes everything okay. Protection. Control. Power. You twist everything to justify your obsession.”

“Jennie—”

“You don’t get to decide what I know. You don’t get to lock me in a room like I’m your possession and then act like the hero.”

He flinches, just slightly, like the word hits deeper than he expected. But then his expression hardens. “I’m doing all of this for you.”