Page 85 of Sinful Pleasure

“She’s stunning.”

“She’s beautiful.”

“That’s the perfect match for Angelo.”

I heard people whispering, gossiping. Their voices seemed to come from everywhere, all eyes on us.

My gaze landed on the person waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

Angelo King—looking up at us with his trademark smile. His eyes ran down me, taking me in as though seeing me for the first time. He was playing his part well, making everyone believe in this engagement.

But then my attention shifted, almost instinctively, to the person standing behind him—blending with the crowd even though he stood out in every way.

Maddox King, towering over everyone around him, wearing his trade- mark expressionless face, looking like the devil himself. Somehow, his gaze evoked a reaction in me.

I didn’t want to look at him, but it was almost impossible.And I hated that the first person I noticed in the crowd was him.

I forced myself to look away, though it felt almost painful.

I flashed a smile at Angelo as he raised his hand to me. Lydia winked at me before leaving me in her brother’s hands.

I took his hand, and he brought it to his lips, kissing it. As he did, my eyes caught Maddox’s, and for a split second, he looked away at the exact same moment.

“You’re stunning, Allyn,” Angelo murmured, pulling me closer and placing a kiss on my cheek. “As always.”

I smiled, but didn’t speak.

Angelo led me through the crowd of people gathered around us. We were stopped at every step, each person eager to congratulate us on our engagement.

The news of Angelo King’s engagement hit every tabloid and magazine front page like a rocket. It was a shock to many that The King’s older son had finally tied the knot, seemingly out of nowhere. And now, all these people were gathered here to witness it firsthand.

The number of strangers I hugged was insane. I didn’t even know these people, but they sure knew me.

I spotted some familiar faces in the crowd. My mother smiled at me, with Tamara beside her, matching my mother’s excitement.

Tamara practically threw herself into my arms, hugging me tightly. Angelo stepped back, giving us space.

“You’re so fucking sexy, bitch.”

Angelo shot her a look. I laughed.

“Thank you, Tamara. You’re beautiful as well.” I turned to Angelo. “Angelo, this is my best friend, Tamara.”

She didn’t even wait for him to speak, grabbing his hand with a wide grin. “I’m so honored to finally meet you!”

Angelo glared down at their hands but shook it anyway.

“You too.”

Next, my mother pulled me into a hug.

“My beautiful girl,” she whispered in my ear before pulling back to look at both of us. “I’m so happy to finally see you both together.”

“Thank you, Alicent. Always a pleasure to see you,”

Angelo nodded professionally.

“We’re glad you could join us. It means a lot to both me and Allyn.”

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