Page 39 of Sinful Pleasure

She shared little bits about herself along the way. Not much, but enough to satisfy my curiosity, at least for the time being. I learned that she’s eighteen, just two years younger than me. And that she lives in the mansion full-time, bound to this place, like me.

I didn’t push her for more details. She was still so guarded, and I didn’t want to make her feel trapped or unsafe.

Instead, I let her share what she was comfortable with, hoping that she’d open up more as we spent time together.

We lost track of time as we wandered through the mall, browsing stores and chatting casually.

After a while, we found ourselves sitting in a small restaurant, relaxing. Dylan took a table nearby, always keeping an eye on us. He seemed like a watchful protector, though it was clear he wasn’t thrilled about the situation.

Lara sat across from me, her eyes constantly darting around the busy restaurant, her face tense as if waiting for something to go wrong.

We ordered food and spent a while there, enjoying the escape from the mansion. By the time dessert arrived, I was on my third glass of wine, feeling lightheaded and a little buzzed. Lara, in contrast, was sipping onwater, as expected.

Lara looked down at her phone before glancing back at me, concern written all over her face.

“Miss Delgado, I think it’s time to go back to the house. Mr. and Mrs. King will be expecting us.”

“They can wait.” I waved my hand dismissively, taking a bite of mychocolate cake. I nearly moaned out loud—it was so good, the chocolate melting in my mouth.

“Miss Delgado—”

I interrupted her before she could finish.

“Allyn. My name is Allyn.”

“Allyn.” The word slipped from her lips as if it were forbidden. “Let's get back before someone finds out you’re gone. I don’t want to get in trouble.”

Lara opened her mouth to say something again, but her eyes shifted, drawn to someone—or something. A look of genuine fear crossed her face as she sprang to her feet, as if scalded.

“Sir Maddox.”

The moment the name left her lips, the familiar scent filled the space around me from behind. My blood froze, and I shut my eyes.

Now I’m really screwed.

“Allyn.”His voice rang with dominance, yet without force. My head cleared instantly.

I turned around to face him, the sensation as if someone had just punched me in the stomach. His hands casually rested in the pockets of his expensive pants, his cruel eyes narrowed, drilling holes into me.

Dylan stood next to our table now, his expression anxious. I could almost see the sweat on his forehead.

“Sir, I—”

“Shut up.”

Dylan nodded without hesitation.

Lara’s face was a mask of terror, her cheeks flushed, as though on the verge of tears.

‘‘Let’s go.’’

“But the bill is not—”

“The bill is paid.” he cut me off. “Now go.”

Saying anything more would only make things worse, so I gathered my things and left the restaurant, Lara following me with everyone’s eyes on us. Like a child caught doing something bad, now being grounded. I felt terrible—not for what I did, but for dragging Lara into this with me.But the last thing I expected was for Maddox to appear out of nowhere.

How the hell did he know where I was?

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