Page 98 of My Favorite Sin

Violet, on the other hand, is thoroughly invested in the gossip articles and visited us mid-week, proudly insisting we see the paparazzi shots and how happy we look together in them. She showed us several supposed viral images. Me and Ally sharing an ice cream. Kissing in the street. Walking hand in hand. Laughing. There are even photos of me with my hand unapologetically on Ally’s ass. We look good together, I won’t lie. I’m glad Ally has a friend in Violet.

A Lexus pulls up in front of the building and the driver opens the back passenger door. I see Ally’s smooth, bare legs first, as she places a jeweled stiletto on the sidewalk. The question runs through my mind of which dress she chose, both polar opposites in style. The first one is full of bows and ribbons, a pastel pink, as she’s alwaysloved.

The second is black satin, more sophisticated and with a deep thigh split. If she doesn’t feel comfortable wearing it in public, no issues here, I’ll enjoy the dress on her in private.

The driver steps out of the way, and I have to work hard to keep my thoughts under control when I get a full view of Ally standing in front of the car. I fail terribly and blood rushes to my cock.

She chose the black dress and she looks so goddamn fuckable in it.

My girl’s lips are a bright red, her hair is styled in loose waves, and she has a thick shawl wrapped around her shoulders for warmth in the cold night. Staring at her, I can’t form a single word. A camera flash goes off somewhere nearby. If that photo finds its way onto the internet, I can only imagine what the public will say.

Ally smirks, stepping up to me and planting a kiss to my lips, her mouth lingering on mine. “Cat got your tongue?”

“I didn’t expect you to choose this dress. You’re getting fucked senseless when we return home.” She giggles when I place a soft smack on her ass before raising the bouquet of roses between us. “For you. A perfect match to your lips.”

Ally grins and takes the flowers, bringing them to her nose. “They’re beautiful. Thank you. I love them.”

I grab her hand, weaving our fingers, and lead her inside the building for the elevator. When we arrive at the enclosed rooftop restaurant, Ally gasps at the 360-degree city views.

The restaurant is an intimate setting, with soft chandelier lighting cast over the dining area. Each patron is dressed in formal attire, sipping on champagne and engaged in quiet conversation at their table. A pianist sits in the corner playing background music. A seating hostessguides us to our table, taking our drink order before leaving us to read the dinner menu.

“How’s the wedding prep coming along?” I ask as Ally places her roses on the table.

“Jordan looks so beautiful in her dress. Just over two months till the big day.” She thrums her fingers on the table, silently watching them. “I’ve been thinking… This wedding will be awkward if we haven’t cleared things up with Mom and Josh by then.”

It will be. Despite Ally’s angst toward our parents, there’s a touch of sadness in her eyes. We haven’t attempted to speak with Dad and Amabella in a week. Nor have they contacted us. We’ve barely spoken to Tyler and Killian either. It feels weird, considering Thanksgiving is in a couple of days.

I place my hand over Ally’s. “Don’t stress too much about the wedding. All we can do is take things one day at a time.”

“I know. You’re right.” She watches our two hands, quiet for another long moment. I’m about to ask where her thoughts have traveled to, but she clears her throat and beats me to it. “I made a decision today.” A nervous smile accompanies the words. “I’m going to start seeing a therapist again so I can… eventually audition for Juilliard.”

I suck in a quick breath. My eyes widen and I’m suddenly smiling from ear to ear. “Fuck, Ally, I’m so proud of you. This is what you want?”

“Yes.” She meets my gaze, laughing softly. Any sadness that she felt a moment ago has vanished from her beautiful face. “I lost my way for a while. These last few days have made me realize that Icanhave what I want, even if it seems unattainable. There’ll be a lot of hard work ahead of me, but if I get into Juilliard—” She stops herself and smilesagain. “WhenI get into Juilliard, it will be competitive but I’m letting go of this idea that I need to be the best and always perfect. I won’t let fear and panic attacks hold me back. You believe in me and so do I.”

I slide my chair around the table, positioning myself right next to Ally. We’re dining in a fancy restaurant, but I can’t resist kissing her just a little, not when she’s glowing with happiness right in front of me like the most brilliant fucking creature on this planet.

“You’ll get into Juilliard,” I murmur against her lips. “You’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted. I’ll make sure of it, my Queen of Hearts.”

CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

DAN

2 MONTHS LATER

“I can’t believe you two are getting married in a week,” Ally says.

“I can barely believe it either,” Jordan gushes and giggles as she leans into Daxton, the two of them sitting on the opposite couch from me and Ally in the living room of their penthouse. “The date has always felt so far away, and now it’s right here.”

Daxton, too, has a buzz about him. They both look happy and in love, full of pre-wedding bliss.

“So, run us through the plans again,” Ally says, sipping a Pina Colada that Jordan insisted on making for all of us. We’ve been invited over for dinner and drinks. I don’t know what they plan on serving for food, but it smells incredible cooking in the oven.

“We’re flying the wedding party to California on Thursday, which will give us time to settle in at the vineyardbefore the big day. There’ll be a rehearsal dinner Friday night. Then the wedding is Saturday afternoon.”

“So exciting. I can’t wait.”

Daxton shifts, spreading his arms along the backrest, and clears his throat. “So…” That one word has a change in mood to something I can tell he’s treading carefully around. “Amabella tells me the two of you are meeting with her and Josh tomorrow.”

---