Page 32 of Sinful Pleasure

“Why am I not surprised?” Lydia laughed. “Well, I expect to see you tonight.”

“Of course,” I nodded, still processing everything.

Maddox groaned from beside us, clearly impatient.

“We have to go, Lydia.”

Lydia shot him a playful grin. “We’ll be leaving before you witness me killing my brother.”

She joked—at least, I hoped she did.

“I’ll see you tonight,” she added, flashing me a smile as she walked off.

“See you tonight,” I echoed, then, just like that, they were gone, leaving me standing there like an idiot.

Why did Angelo forget to mention something as simple as a party— or that his sister is back?

I thought we had a good time on our date last night.

The least he could’ve done was mention to his future wife that his sister was coming home and they were throwing a big party for her.

While I was eating my breakfast, I texted Tamara.

I missed her and I missed the shelter. She was angry that I left without saying goodbye, but I couldn’t tell her the real reason why I had to leave.

I promised I’d visit her next week, though I wasn’t sure if that would happen. Just as I finished my breakfast, Lara burst into the kitchen holding a towel in her hand, looking at me expectantly.

“Miss Delgado,” she said, “Mr. King instructed me to prepare you for the party tonight.”

Ah, just on time.

“Which Mr. King?”

Lara pursed her lips, a faint hesitation in her expression.

“Sir Angelo King, miss.”

I nodded, a sudden wave of disappointment washing over me. I stood up from my seat, walking toward her, taking a deep breath.

“Lead the way, Lara.”

*****

I spent the whole day getting ready for the celebration, and when the night rolled down — it was time.

As expected, the Kings outdid themselves once again.

I’d only read about their parties in articles and magazines before, and now I was finally attending one.

The ballroom of their residence had been transformed into the center of the celebration.

If I had to guess, I’d say there were at least a hundred people, probably more, all dressed in designer clothes. It was as if they were trying to outshine one another, proving who had the most money. The fake smiles, the forced laughter—everything about it was a facade. A spectacle.

I didn’t belong here, nor did I particularly want to.

I scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face. And there, in the distance, I saw Lydia, walking toward me with a confidence that was impossible to ignore.

“Allyn!” Lydia’s voice rang across the room as she reached me, flashing that big, welcoming smile.I barely had time to respond before she wrapped me in a tight hug.

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