Page 34 of Sinful Pleasure

Finally, we stopped in front of a group of people. Angelo’s hand found my waist, pulling me a bit closer as he made introductions.

“Allyn,” he began, his voice smooth, “I’d like you to meet some dear friends of the family and long-time partners.”

I forced a smile as he listed the names of two men and two women. I nodded at them, offering polite greetings even though I knew I’d forget their names in seconds.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to Allyn Delgado. My fiancée.” Angelo’s voice rang out through the crowd, and his hand tightened around my waist, guiding me forward.

The words, fiancée, felt heavy, foreign—almost forbidden. All I could do was offer a polite smile, not trusting my voice to match the facade I was supposed to keep.

“We’re so glad to finally meet you.” The blonde woman in front of us flashed a smile, her eyes quickly scanning me.

“Angelo, she’s much more beautiful than what you described.”

I shifted uncomfortably under her gaze, but Angelo’s eyes met mine, and there was something in his expression that caught me off guard.

Before I could process it, his lips brushed against my cheek in an innocent kiss that somehow left a chill running down my spine.

“I’m one very lucky man,” Angelo murmured, his voice low but loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Lucky indeed,” the man to his right chimed in, his tone laced with something I couldn’t quite read.

I barely had time to react when the blonde woman spoke again, her attention shifting toward Angelo, but her eyes briefly darting back to me.

“Angelo, please tell me you’re taking your beautiful fiancée with you on the trip to Italy?”

What?

“At least I’ll have someone to talk to while you men do business.”

She laughed then, but there was something cold and rehearsed about it. I couldn’t place it, but it didn’t sit right with me.

“We’ll see.” Angelo’s voice was nonchalant, but his gaze softened as he looked down at me. “What do you think, darling?”

Darling.

The word felt wrong coming from him.

I tried not to let my discomfort show, but the way the room seemed to watch me—wait for me to respond— made it harder to maintain a polite smile.

What am I supposed to say?

Of course, I knew this was all part of a show for his guests. A performance. But that didn’t make it any easier.

Do I want to go? Absolutely not.

Do I have a choice? Absolutely not.

‘‘Sounds… amazing,” I said slowly, each word feeling like it took an eternity to form, praying my face wasn’t betraying the reluctance I felt.

“Wonderful,” the woman added, her smile tightening, fake as ever. “Have you been to Italy before?”

“No, it would be my first time.” I forced myself to meet her gaze, playing along despite my discomfort. “I’d love to go.”

“Oh, you’ll love it!” she exclaimed, clearly pleased with my response. She took a sip of her champagne, eyes glinting. “I’ll show you all the amazing shops in Milan. You’ll have such a great time.”

I nodded—a practiced smile still plastered on my face.

Thankfully, their conversation shifted to another topic, leaving me standing next to Angelo, barely paying attention.

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