Page 37 of Sinful Pleasure

Lydia appeared a glass in hand, her wide smile lighting up the night as if nothing unusual had just transpired between Maddox and me.

“I was looking for you everywhere,” she said, her voice upbeat, her eyes twinkling with that familiar mischievous glint. She took a sip of her drink, glancing between the two of us. Her eyes landed on me for a moment before flitting to Maddox.

“Ah, our guest of honor finally decided to join us.”

I swallowed, trying to steady my racing heart, but Lydia didn’t seem to notice.

“What were you two gossiping about?” she asked, wiggling her brows, clearly eager for a bit of drama.

‘‘Nothing,” Maddox muttered, his usual stoic mask returning in an instant. “Take Allyn back to Angelo, where she belongs.”

With that, he turned on his heel, leaving without another word.

Lydia watched him go, her expression one of confusion, as if she’d just missed something important.

“What happened with him?” Lydia asked, her tone curious, but laced with concern.

I shrugged, unsure myself.

Truth be told, I wanted to know the answer to that question just as badly as she did.What had just happened between us?

What would have happened if Lydia hadn’t barged in?

God, I need to be locked in a psych ward. I’m losing my mind.

Lydia sighed, leaning against the railing, her gaze distant.

“I’ll never understand why he’s so grumpy and angry all the time.”

You and me both, Lydia.

You and me both.

CHAPTER10

ALLYN

“Why am I only finding out about this now?”

“I’m just following orders, Miss,” Lara replied, placing her hands neatly behind her back. “Would you like me to help you choose a dress for the evening?”

“No, Lara, thank you.” I sighed, sinking into the bed. “If I need anything, I’ll call you.”

Lara nodded without a word and left the room, the door clicking softly behind her. I lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, trying to process the whirlwind my life had become in just a few short days.

I still couldn’t believe how everything had shifted so quickly. The party two days ago—what a joke— was only the beginning.

What better way to start the day than to find out that Mr. and Mrs. King are joining us for dinner tonight?

And I found this out from Lara—not even Angelo. I was beginning to think Angelo had some serious communication issues.

But oddly enough, I didn’t care as much about that as I did about Maddox’s disappearance.

I haven’t seen him since that night on the balcony.

Everything about The Kings is so mysterious and enchanting.

Well, except for Lydia. She’s different.

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