Page 45 of Sinful Pleasure

She is not the mother of The King’s siblings, but she is Martin King’s wife. No one knows much about their real mother.

“Please, call me Rosetta,” she laughed lightly, stepping back. “You’ll be part of the family soon.”

Before I could respond, an arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me close. Startled, I looked to my side to see Angelo standing beside me, his presence strong and reassuring.

I couldn’t help but glance over at Maddox. For some reason, I hadn’t expected him to care enough to notice us, but there he was, his eyes locked onto mine once again.

His expression was unreadable, his usual mask in place, but I did notice the way he clenched his jaw before he deliberately shifted his gaze away as if I were the last person he wanted to look at.Rosetta stepped back with a gentle smile.

“Please dear, join us for breakfast” she insisted with a warm smile.

Angelo, pulled the chair out for me to sit. I nodded, offering a soft “thank you,” before sitting down between Angelo and Maddox.

“We hope you’re feeling better today,” Rosetta added, her voice tinged with concern. “Maddox told us you were sick.’’

I glanced at Maddox, but he didn’t even look at me. He just kept eating, ignoring the conversation entirely.

I turned back to Rosetta, nodding with a small smile.

“Yes,” I lied. “I’m sorry I couldn’t join you for dinner last night.”

“It’s not a big deal, darling,” Rosetta replied sweetly. “The important thing is that you’re feeling better now. Your health is our top priority.”

I didn’t say anything. I simply nodded in response, picking up my fork and starting on my breakfast.

The silence hung heavy until Lydia spoke up.

“For how long will you be staying with us?” She looked between Rosetta and Martin King, a curious glint in her eyes.

“Not much,” Rosetta said with a warm smile. “We only came to congratulate Angelo and Allyn on their engagement.”

I almost choked on the water I’d just sipped, coughing violently as everyone turned to look at me. My face burned with embarrassment, but I managed to cover the moment with a forced smile, muttering a quick “sorry” under my breath.

“So…” Martin began, his cold gaze shifting between Angelo and me. “Have you chosen a date for the wedding?”

“No,” Angelo replied casually, leaning back in his chair with one arm draped over the back of mine. His tone was as unbothered as his posture. “Why don’t you choose it? You arranged this marriage anyway.’’

“Angelo!” Rosetta scolded him, but Angelo just glanced her way with an unimpressed glare.

“The sooner you get married, the better,” Martin interjected, his tone final and unyielding.

I could feel the nausea bubbling up inside me. And Martin King only made it worse. The way he stared at me, so cold and detached, sent chills down my spine. His effortless dominance was suffocating.

So, this is where Maddox gets it from.

“Allyn isn’t even twenty-one yet, Father,” Angelo said, his irritation as clear as mine. His words didn’t feel like a defense—more like an added frustration for him to vent.

“Why don’t we change the subject, yeah?” Lydia interjected, her tonesharp enough to cut through the growing tension. “You’re boring me a little over here.”

“It’s important to set a date,” Martin replied sternly.

“And they will,” Lydia shot back with a raised brow. “Leave it to them.”

Martin’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he took a long sip from his wine, choosing to retreat into silence.

“Allyn,” Rosetta’s voice pulled me back, soft and soothing compared to the icy exchange that had just taken place. “Do you like Scarlet Vale so far?”

“Yes,” I replied, managing a genuine smile. “It’s a beautiful city.”

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