Page 228 of Sinful Pleasure

I stopped, turning to face Angelo.

“You weren’t pretending the whole time, were you?” The question left a bitter taste in my mouth, but I had to ask. “You felt something for her, right?”

He curled his lips into a small, irritating smile.

“In a certain period of time, yeah,” he said, his tone light, but I could see the edge of truth in his eyes. “But I knew it was a lost cause. I sensed someone else was occupying her mind.”

I swallowed, nodding. I’m not proud of my actions.

Sleeping with my brother’s future wife behind his back was a new low, evenfor me. But she’s my woman. She’s made for me.

I loved her, and if our worlds colliding means I had to do it all over again, better believe I would fucking do it—no matter who I hurt in the process.

“I just didn’t know you were the one in her mind,” Angelo laughed.

“Then I would’ve known from the start I had no chance of winning herat all.

E P I L O G U E

ALLYN

I hated hospitals.

There was something about those sterile, white walls that made me want to stay as far away as possible. I couldn’t stand the sight of dying people in their beds—or the not-so-sincere faces of doctors who likely couldn’t care less whether you live or die.

I want to give birth at home.

Maddox and I had talked about it often. I didn’t want to step foot in a hospital to bring our child into the world. Maddox’s team of doctors was among the best, and I trust them completely.

But for the past few weeks, I’ve found myself spending more time in this white-painted hospital than I wanted, all because my father decided to make life harder and receive treatment here instead of at home, where I could keep a constant watch over him.

“Please, stop staring at me like I’m about to die.” Mikael tried to joke, but I didn’t laugh.The damage to his body is extensive, with Maddox’s signature marks all over him. He was healing, but it will take time.

Broken ribs, a broken leg, a broken arm, and a broken nose—those were just a few of the injuries.

It would take a while for him to fully recover, yet somehow, he found the strength to smile as I held his hand.

“I’m sorry, you just look awful.”

He laughed softly, resting his head back on the pillow. His beard had grown out more than usual, and for the first time, he looked less like thecold-blooded mob killer I knew—and more like a nice old man.

“Don’t make fun of your old man.”

“You know you can always come home with me.”

He sighed, tired of hearing the same thing every time I visited.

“I’ll get better here, Allyn. We’ve already talked about it.” He said. “Besides, I have people here at my disposal 24/7. What I don’t like is allthe guards in front of the room.”

“Maddox’s orders,” I replied. “He wants to know you’re safe.”

Mikael stared at me for a few seconds, then a big, warm smile spread across his face.

“That man loves you so much.”

“And I love him.” I smiled back.

“I know,” he chuckled softly to himself, gently squeezing my hand. “It’s written all over your face. You’re glowing,

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