Page 206 of Sinful Pleasure

Without a word, Maddox brushed past me, his cold presence like a storm front. He didn’t spare me a glance, not even a second.

“Not now, Allyn.’’

“It’s important,” I insisted, my words trembling as I took several steps to catch up with him.

But he didn’t slow down. His broad back was tense, his suit straining against the rigid muscles beneath it. His breath was sharp, uneven.

“It can wait.”

“No, it can’t.”

I reached out and grabbed his arm. I spun him around, desperate to make him listen, to make him see me.

The instant his eyes locked onto mine, the air between us turned cold.

Dark. Like death itself.

His gaze cut through me, leaving no space for softness.

“We need to talk,” I said again.

His jaw tightened. The rage in his eyes deepened, but something else was there too—pain, frustration, and… maybe fear?

“Your father is holding my sister captive. He sent me a video of him torturing her.’’ His voice was tight and controlled, as if he were holding onto his sanity by a thread.‘‘He wants to meet me, or Lydia dies.”

The words hit me like a slap across the face, the blood draining from my face.

I released his arm, my heart hammering in my chest.

“So, I’m fucking sorry, Allyn, but I don’t have time for this right now.” His voice was a growl, raw with anger. “I need to save my sister.”

“I’m coming with you.”

He froze, his eyes narrowing.

“What? No!”

“Don’t do that,” I warned, stepping closer. “I’m his only weakness, Maddox. I’m the best chance you have to save her.”

His jaw clenched tight.

His eyes momentarily flickering with the knowledge that I was right.

I wish that wasn’t the case. I wish it was easy.

But that’s not who we are, and it never will be.

We are not meant for this.

There’s no room for happiness in the world we’ve chosen.

Not while we’re still breathing.

CHAPTER62

ALLYN

War was near.

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