Page 204 of Sinful Pleasure

I want to keep her.

I returned my gaze to Lydia, waiting for her to speak.

“I helped you when you wanted to get her out of Mikael’s mansion only because I owed her for saving you.” She said, her voice low and cold, her colorful eyes shooting invisible daggers in my direction.

“But this is fucking insane. I won’t be a part of it.”

“Then you’re free to leave my territory.” I cut her off. “With or without you, this is happening. It’s your choice whose side you take—mine or theirs.”

“I’m not picking a side. We’re family.” She raised her voice, and I couldn’t help but laugh at her naivety. My father had clearly brainwashed her.

“We’ve never been a family, Lydia.”

I told her the harsh truth, gesturing to the door.

“You can leave now. You’re not welcome here anymore.”

“Fuck you, Maddox.” She shot me the middle finger before storming out of the room. I turned my attention to the men around the table.

“So…” I sighed. “Let’s continue, gentlemen, shall we?”

CHAPTER61

ALLYN

Another day passed by, followed by another.

It’s been over 2 weeks since I’ve been here, and still no word from my father.It’s too good to be true—like calm before storm.

If it were up to Mikael, Maddox’s head would already be hanging on the wall like a trophy.Not just because he’s a King, but because Mikael knows exactly how much Maddox means to me.

Mikael wants him dead as much as I want him alive. But my father doesn’t know him like I do. He hasn’t seen the side of Maddox I see every day—the man who, despite his sharp edges, softens just for me.

Last night, Maddox even cooked dinner.

Just the thought of Maddox King—a man who commands armies and strikes fear into everyone—taking time to Google how to make mac and cheese made me laugh.

A knock at the door broke me from my thoughts. I turned my head toward the sound.

“Come in,” I called, loud enough for the person outside to hear, as I sat brushing my hair in front of the mirror.

The door opened. It was Betty, a kind woman in her forties who always greeted me warmly. She met my eyes briefly before lowering her gaze, reaching into her pocket.

“As you requested, Miss Romano,” she said, holding something out.

I glanced down at the small box she was offering me, my breath hitching. My hands trembled slightly as I took it from her.

“You didn’t tell anyone about this, right?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

“No, miss,” Betty assured me, shaking her head. “No one saw me when I went to buy it.”

Relief washed over me, and I exhaled slowly.

“Thank you, Betty. I really appreciate it.” I smiled, leaning in to hug her impulsively.She froze for a moment, clearly startled, before giving a hesitant pat on my back.

“I owe you,” I said softly, releasing her.

Betty nodded quickly and left the room, closing the door behind her.

---