Page 44 of Sinful Pleasure

By the time I got back to the house last night, she was already in her room. I’d had to ask the guards to confirm it.

At least I slept peacefully, knowing she made it back safely.

“Okay,” I nodded, standing up from the chair. “Are you okay after last night?”

“Yes,” she flashed me a faint smile. “Are you?”

Her voice was soft, almost a whisper, as if unsure whether she should ask.

I offered a small smile in return. “I’ll be fine.”

Or at least I hoped so.

I followed Lara out of my room, down the grand hallways, descending the staircase, and into the dining room.

Each step brought my heart closer to imploding.

Why? The answer is simple— Maddox Freaking King.

The consequences of last night weighed heavily on me, and they would continue to haunt me forever.I was dizzy, yes—but not drunk enough to blame my actions on the alcohol.

I knew exactly what I was doing. And I wanted to do it.

That kiss.

That damned kiss haunted me all night, replaying on a loop in my head. My lips felt like they’d been marked—no, claimed—by him.

It was toxic, like a poison I had willingly let seep into my veins. How was I supposed to face him now?

How was I supposed to face Angelo?

Great job, Allyn. You’ve outdone yourself. Managed to make your already chaotic life even messier.

Lara opened the door to the dining room, stepping aside to let me pass. She gave me an encouraging look, but it did little to calm the nerves tightening my chest.I took a deep breath and walked in, greeted by the sight of the entire King family seated at the table.

The moment they noticed me, their conversation halted, and every pair of eyes turned my way.

Martin King sat at the head of the table, his posture relaxed and commanding. To his right was his elegant wife, Rosetta King, who sat beside Lydia. The King women were the only ones smiling warmly in my direction.

On Martin’s left sat Angelo, and next to him was an empty seat.

An empty seat between him and Maddox.

God, why are you doing this to me?

My gaze betrayed me, sliding over to Maddox as if magnetized. A flood of conflicted emotions surged through me.

And, of course, he looked up at that exact moment, locking eyes with me for a fraction too long before dropping his gaze back to his plate. His face remained impassive, but that brief connection felt like a seismic shift.

“Allyn, my dear!”Rosetta’s warm voice broke the tension. She rose gracefully from her chair and approached me with an effortless charm that only she could carry.

Wrapping her arms around me in a warm embrace, she smiled down at me.

“I’m delighted to see you again after all this time. As beautiful as ever.”

“Thank you, Mrs. King,” I replied softly.

Rosetta King was a stark contrast to the King family’s intimidating reputation. She was in her forties but radiated youth and elegance, easily passing for someone in her thirties. Tall, with a slim figure, blond hair, pale, flawless skin, warm brown eyes, and a dazzling smile that could melt glaciers.

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