Page 33 of Sinful Pleasure

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

Lydia stood out from everyone around us. There was a natural beauty about her that couldn’t be masked by makeup or fancy attire. She wore very little makeup and still managed to look effortlessly stunning. Her face was radiant, her presence magnetic.

Lydia’s silver hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, and large round silver earrings dangled from her ears, perfectly completing her look. Her dress was a shimmering silver, hugging her body in all the right places.

It was a short, vintage-style dress that showcased her long legs, makingthe guys at this party practically snap their necks just to get a glimpse of her.

“You look amazing,” she exclaimed, taking me in with a glowing smile. “My brother got himself a hot future wife.”

I looked down at myself, feeling awkward next to her.

She looked like a model, and I felt like a child standing beside her, wearing a short violet dress that Lara had helped me pick out—definitely not anything close to Lydia’s level of elegance.

I had curled my hair, letting it fall loosely down to my waist, did a light makeup look, finishing with red lipstick, and that was it.

Nothing like Lydia’s flawless, put-together appearance. I tugged nervously at the hem of my dress, hoping I didn’t look too ridiculous.Why were these guys staring at me like that?

I couldn’t decide if their gazes were mocking me or if they were just captivated by the massive ice sculpture behind me. The sculpture, an impressive work of art, had Lydia’s face carved into it, glowing under the spotlight.

“You look beautiful too, Lydia,” I said sincerely, trying to ignore the self-doubt creeping up inside. “Do you know where Angelo is?”

I scanned the crowd, but it was difficult to pick him out among so many people.Lydia glanced around too, furrowing her brows.

“He was here a few minutes ago”

I nodded absently, then, without thinking, I asked, “And is Maddox here?”

I hoped Lydia wouldn’t find it odd that I was asking about her other brother. I don’t even know why I asked. It’s not like I cared if he is here or not.

Lydia paused for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered my question.

“Let’s just say that this picture is not his favorite to be part of.”

I nodded, deciding not to push any further despite the many questions swirling in my mind.

‘‘Allyn.’’

The husky voice, familiar and commanding, said my name from behind me. A hand slid around my waist, warm and firm.

Turning my head, my eyes met Angelo’s.

His gaze swept over me, his lips curving into a slight smile.

“I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You look stunning, as always.”

“Thank you.”

I wasn’t sure if I’d ever get used to receiving compliments from him. I wasn’t sure I’d ever get used to the idea of him being my husband, either.

I took a good look at him. He was effortlessly handsome, dressed in his black Armani suit with his hair slicked back, highlighting his chiseled features.

“Come with me,” he said, his voice soft yet commanding. “I want to introduce you to our guests.”

Before I could protest, he took my hand, pulling me along with him. His fingers interlaced with mine, and the touch—so simple, so intimate—felt out of place, sending an odd shiver through me. I didn’t know why his touch was affecting me like this, but it did.

As we moved through the crowd, Lydia waved at us from across the room, her bright eyes shining as she took a sip of her cocktail. I glanced back at Angelo, his lips still curled into that small, confident smile as he led me through the sea of people.

Their eyes were on us—on me—whispers and murmurs following in our wake. I could feel their stares, the curiosity almost palpable, but I chose to block it all out.

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