Page 43 of My Favorite Sin

Though I can’t see Dan where he stands behind me, I hear the slightest groan in response to mention of my date.

“Ah… it’s… this guy called Liam,” I tell her.

“Nice. What does he do?”

“He’s a jazz musician.”

“Extra nice. And what kind of date is he taking you on?”

It’s not unusual for Jordan to ask me such personal questions. From the moment we met, when shefirst started dating Daxton, she’s treated me like one of her girlfriends, despite the ten-year age gap between us. She’s always felt like more of a friend than an aunt to me, and I suppose she feels the same way since I’m one of her bridesmaids. Whatwouldbe unusual is for me tonotshare details with Jordan. So, I tell her the truth, all while Dan listens to every word.

“He’s making me dinner at his place.”

“So romantic.”

Thankfully, Momdingsa knife against her champagne glass, gathering everyone’s attention. “Lunch is about to be served on the back veranda. Let’s all make our way out there.”

I make a move to follow the flow of everyone, eager to get away from Dan, but he holds me back, behind all the family, and whispers in my ear. “Did you not understand the rules? You’re mine. Or are you just being a brat, trying to make me jealous? Trust me, you’ll be punished.” He grabs my ass and I work hard to not yelp.

“I understood perfectly,” I whisper in return, pushing his hand away from my backside. “No form of sex with Liam. I can still kiss him and go on a date with him. I can let him watch me please myself, just like you taught me to.”

“Sounds like you want to be punished.” He walks ahead of me before I can ask what his idea of punishment is. I swallow hard, a little fearful, mostly turned on.

A long table, decorated with floral centerpieces, awaits me as I join everyone out in the back of the house.

“Mom, this is beautiful,” I tell her. “You shouldn’t have gone to this much effort just for me. I thought this was supposed to be a casual lunch. You’ve got the fundraiser tomorrow night you’re meant to be focusing on.”

Both she and Josh have been running around like madall week, organizing the next benefit for Forever Families, held in the gardens of this beach house.

“Don’t be ridiculous. We’re all so excited to have you back from Paris. It’s worth celebrating.” She speaks up for the family to hear. “There are name tags on your assigned seat.”

Everyone spreads around the table, searching for their name.

I wait behind with Mom. “Isn’t a seating plan a little intense for a family lunch?”

Her voice drops to a whisper. “I didn’t want to risk Josh and Dan sitting next to each other and getting into an argument. I wanted Felix away from Tyler and Harper too.”

Fair point.

“Ally,” Dan calls out. I look in the direction of his voice, finding him already seated in the middle of the table. “You’re next to me.”

Mom places a hand on my back, guiding me toward Dan. “Yes, I’ve got you two kids next to each other since you’re always attached at the hip.”

I suck in a breath of embarrassment over her words. Dan laughs under his breath as I obediently take my seat.

“Bro, you down for a game tonight?” Felix asks Dan from across the table.

“Yeah, count me in.” Beneath the tablecloth, Dan’s hand slides to the inside of my thigh, brushing against my panties and making a statement—a claim on his territory in front of our family and a reminder that I belong to him, regardless of my date.

I’m instantly rigid. His hand shouldnotbe there while we’re surrounded by family, yet I can’t make myself push it away. Dan side-eyes me, doesn’t speak a word, but from thesmug expression, I can tell he’s felt how wet my panties already are.

“Killian, you keen?” He continues conversation with our brothers like it’s nothing unusual to have his hand between my legs.

I’m out of my mind when I tilt my hips forward into his hand, adding pressure to my clit.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

ALLY

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