Page 20 of My Favorite Sin

The audience cheers, drawing my attention away from the Queen of Hearts. I glance back at the stage, seeing the feathers have lowered and the dancer’s breasts are on full display. Again, I can’t seem to make myself care. Her tits are good and she’s pretty. Almost as pretty as the redhead sitting at the bar who’s been sending me smiles all through this act. I don’t care much about her tonight either.

The dancer steps into her final pose and the audience applauds. “You up for another game of blackjack?” Felix asks, occupying the armchair beside me.

I’m already up twenty K tonight from our previous game. It’s only ten p.m. and I have a lot more stamina.

“Or are you keen to get your dick wet?” He nods at the redhead by the bar. “From the way she’s been watching you, I’d say she’s down for more than a friendly chat.”

I could fuck her. I should at least try to do the right thing by seeing other women in an attempt to get over Ally. That was my tactic when she first ditched me for Paris. I was soangry at her that I spent the first few months crashing at Felix’s apartment where there were constant parties and I was rarely sober, fucking countless women to get Ally out of my system. It didn’t do shit for breaking my obsession with her. Sleeping with this redhead tonight won’t do shit either.

Besides, I don’t want to get over Ally. She’s had me in a chokehold since the day I first met her five years ago. I let her run from me once. I won’t let it happen twice.

If I don’t play this right, she’ll be frightened off again. I haven’t yet figured out how, but I’m going to own Ally in every way. I’ll make her drop this good girl act and return to the desperate little slut who fucked that dildo in front of me. She’ll embrace this raw side of her instead of being filled with shame. I want her to admit with pride how fucked up she is for wanting me, then ride my cock and own every part of the decision. I’m going to make her do the most messed up shit that pushes every boundary she has because I know that’s what turns her on the most.

She’s my slut. My Queen of Hearts. I’ll make her see how perfect we are together. Ally Hastings will be so addicted to me that she begs for my dick every day and can’t fathom the thought of running away from me ever again.

“The redhead isn’t my type.” I return the deck of cards to the inside of my suit jacket, deciding it’s time to duck away for my nightly phone call with Ally.

Felix laughs. “Everyone is your type.”

At least I’ve got him fooled.

My phone vibrates with an incoming call just as I reach for it. I pause before answering, seeing Amabella’s name on the screen. There’s a mood-killer, reminding me of what a shitty person I am for all the things I want to do to herdaughter, when Amabella has been nothing but good to me.

Aside from that, the phone call is odd. We speak regularly enough on the phone that a call from her shouldn’t be alarming. But she never calls me at ten p.m.

I raise the phone to my ear. “Amabella, everything all right?”

My suspicion is confirmed when I hear the concern in her voice. “Dan, Ally hasn’t come out of her bedroom all day. She won’t tell me what’s upset her. She’s not speaking to me at all. I asked if she’d speak to you but she said she wants to be alone. I don’t think she’s had a panic attack. She doesn’t normally hide those issues from me. But I’m very worried. I’m hoping you can help. Do you know what’s upset her?”

I’m already grabbing my car keys, standing from the armchair. “No clue. I’m on my way.” In the past, I’ve been the only one who can ease Ally’s panic attacks. Amabella doesn’t think there’s been a panic attack this time, but whatever the issue is, I need to be there for Ally.

“You’re coming here right now? Honey, I don’t want you driving at nighttime.”

“I’ll be fine on the road. See you soon.” I hang up the call before Amabella can try to talk me out of driving.

“Everything okay?” Felix asks.

“No. That was Amabella. There’s some issue with Ally. I need to go to her.” I work hard to keep my voice casual, not letting him sense the protective side in me that’s just flared over Ally.

“Shit. A panic attack?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.” I shrug, playing down the situation. “She won’t speak to anyone. I’ll see if she talks to me.”

“You want me to drive?” There it is, the protectiveinstinct in Felix too. Except for him, it’s brotherly concern, which is a large part of why I don’t want Felix discovering my feelings for Ally. We’re close as brothers. His morals are in the dirt, yet I don’t think even he would accept this thing between me and Ally.

“I’ll handle Ally. Stay here and enjoy the night.”

“If you’re sure. Keep me updated.”

“Will do.” I head for the exit, concerned for Ally but taking any opportunity I can to get in close with my girl again.

CHAPTER NINE

DAN

It’s midnight when I arrive at the beach house. I kill the engine on my car and race up to the house. The front door opens before I have a chance to knock.

“Thanks for coming, Dan,” my father says, with Amabella right beside him in the doorway. They’re both in their dressing gowns, looking as worried as the other.

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