Page 87 of Sinful Pleasure

CHAPTER26

MADDOX

I drank another glass of whiskey, watching the whole scene unfold before my eyes.

I don’t even know how many glasses I’ve had. I just know it’s enough to keep me stuck here in this fucking bullshit of a celebration.I was hiding in the shadows, where I belonged. Watching everyone dance on the floor.

Fine.

Watching Angelo and Allyn dance on the floor, surrounded by a crowd, but somehow, my gaze was locked on them.She had her arms wrapped around his neck, his hands sliding down her waist. They were talking, dancing, and laughing as if they were the perfect couple.

She was laughing.

She. Was. Fucking. Laughing.

Wearing the same dress, I fucked her in yesterday against that wall.

I’m still trying to understand why my body fills with this strange rage as I stare at them.Maybe it’s because she dares to play the role of the happy fiancée, not even a day after coming around my cock.It really isn’t that deep. At least, it shouldn’t be.

I don’t usually dwell on these thoughts when Angelo and I share a girl.

It’s not the first time. Not by a long shot.

But it’s the first time we’re sharing a girl he’s about to call his wife. And somehow, that makes everything more complicated.

Seeing her in his arms just doesn’t feel right, not after she was in mine hours ago.It’s not because she’s grown a place inside me. Feelings aren’t my strong suit—definitely not something I’m capable of.

I’m hollow as fuck.

But still, it’s like a punch in my stomach watching them dance happily right in front of me.

“At least pretend you’re having fun,”My father said as he joined me in the corner with his judgmental tone. “You look like you’re about to kill someone.”

Close enough, father. Close enough.

“I’m having fun, can’t you see?” I raised the glass, inhaling it in one breath, grabbing another from the passing waitress.

“Keep an eye on Allyn” his fake happy smile long gone. “We need her to be safe.”

“Can’t Angelo watch after his fiancée?” I rolled my eyes. “I want to enjoy my drink in peace.”

“Do as you’re told.” he commanded. “You’re still her bodyguard.”

“You should think about changing that,” I muttered. My eyes locked on the lovebirds again. “I have more important things to do than follow her spoiled ass around like a dog.”

“For now, this is your only job until I say otherwise. This is an order.”

I clenched my jaw, deciding that keeping my mouth shut was the more rational choice than smashing my father’s head into the ground.

“Your brother is getting married. I think it’s time for you to do the same.”

“No.” I cut him off immediately.

I’m not boyfriend material, let alone husband material. It never even crossed my mind to settle down with one woman. Not in this lifetime, anyway.

My job is to do my father’s dirty work. I kill people for revenge, for the thrill. That’s my fucking job, and I think that’s a good enough example of why I can’t do the married life. That shit’s not meant for someone like me.

“I’m serious, Maddox,” he continued, pushing past my limits. “I’ve spoken to several of the main families who would happily offer their daughter’s hand in marriage to you.”

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