Page 229 of Sinful Pleasure

Allyn. That’s exactly what I’ve always wanted for you.”

His words tasted like victory.

Sadly, we had to endure so much to get here, but I suppose it was always meant to be the hard way.

“My people left something for you. It’s on the table.”

Mikael nodded toward the small table in the corner of the hospital room. I glanced over and saw the only item on the table beside a bottle of water—a black folder.

I stood up, releasing his hand, and crossed the room. As I lifted the folder, I felt a knot of confusion tighten in my chest.

“What is this?”

“Look inside,” Mikael urged, his eyes fixed on me.

I opened it slowly—as if it were some kind of trap. Page after page I flipped through, my heart racing, until I reached the end.My eyes widened as I saw the family seal with my father’s signature stamped beneath it.

I looked up at Mikael, who met my gaze with a proud smile.

“Congratulations to the new head of the Romano family.”

I looked down again, reading the document a few more times—just to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me.

But no. His signature, his name, along with the seal, were still there, boldly stamped on the piece of paper.

“I have no doubt that you will be a great leader.”

Oh. My. God.

Mikael was no longer the head of the Romano family.

I was.

I rushed to him, wrapping him in a careful yet tight hug.

He was trying. He was trying for me.

I stayed in his arms for a while, savoring the comfort and the weight of the moment. Then, a knock at the door broke the silence, and one of Maddox’s men appeared in the doorway. He cleared his throat before speaking.

“Miss Romano, Mr. King is waiting for you outside the hospital.”That was all he said before quickly exiting, apologizing for the interruption.

I turned to Mikael, who smiled, urging me to go.

“Go, I’ll be fine.” His grin widened. “King’s not a very patient man.”

He tried to joke, and this time I laughed.

“He is with me,”He nodded knowingly.

“Damn right he is,” a little smile flashed on his face “Now go.”

I kissed Mikael’s cheek before making my way to the door.

Like always, I reminded the guards to keep a close eye on him. I moved quickly through the hospital, eager to see Maddox.

As I reached the exit, I spotted him leaning casually against his black sports car, his hands in the pockets of his perfectly tailored suit. The sleek watch on his wrist gleamed in the light. His hair was neatly styled, and his beard was freshly trimmed.

I couldn’t help but smile, my heart fluttering just at the sight of him. Hewas mine.When he noticed me, his expression softened from its usual seriousness to that familiar, warm smile that never failed to make my knees weak.

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