Page 52 of Sinful Pleasure

But that night in his car, something shifted.

Because of the way he kissed me back?

That wasn’t robotic. It wasn’t detached.

No, he kissed me like a man starved, as if he was dying for my lips the same way I’d craved his.The memory of that kiss flooded my mind again, unbidden and unwelcome. The sheer intensity of it, the raw hunger—it was enough to make me question my moral values, my sanity, and every damn thing in between.

And that’s the problem.

That one kiss has been haunting me since it happened, worming its way into my thoughts at the worst possible moments. But I couldn’t let it consume me.

I promised myself these three days were for me.

To breathe, to have fun, to feel something that wasn’t dread or obligation. I wouldn’t let anyone ruin it—not my mother, not this sham of an engagement, and definitely not Maddox King.

With that resolve, I shoved every thought of him out of my head and turned toward my closet.

My fingers skimmed through the hangers, searching for the perfect dress. Something bold. Something that screamed confidence. If tonight was about letting go, I wanted to do it in style.Ipulled out a crimson dress that hugged every curve, unapologetically short and undeniably daring.

The second I slipped it on, I felt a flicker of the old me—the Allyn who wasn’t afraid of anything or anyone.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I let a slow smile spread across my lips.

Grabbing my heels and some lipstick, I headed downstairs, ready for whatever this night had in store.

*****

“I can’t believe I rode in an Uber,” Lydia said, practically bouncing out of the car with a grin that made it clear she felt like she’d just done somethingwild.

I laughed, shaking my head.

“Do you have a driver and bodyguard with you everywhere you go?”

Lydia shot me a look, raising an eyebrow.

“Girl, I don’t need a bodyguard or a driver. I’m both.”

She winked at me, and I laughed again.

Lydia’s style was a whole statement in itself.

Tonight, her usual high ponytail was replaced by perfectly straightened hair, sleek and shining under the neon lights. Her outfit was the kind that demanded attention—a black leather bra, adorned with small chains that traced down her stomach. A ragged, see-through blouse hung loosely over her, ending just above her waist, leaving her breasts practically on display.

Her black leather shorts clung to her like a second skin, and her black heels clicked confidently against the pavement. She had a few silver chains around her neck, the pieces catching the light every time she moved.

She was fire— and she knew it.Every step she took made heads turn, and it wasn’t just men—girls were eyeing her too. She didn’t seem to notice or care, her focus completely on the club ahead.

I, on the other hand, kept it a little more low-key, though I wasn’t exactly blending in. My hair was straightened, my makeup light but defined, and I wore a simple little dress that showed just enough skin to catch interest.

Casual — but effective.

“Allyn!” A familiar voice called out just as we neared the entrance of the club.

Tamara came rushing toward me, and before I could react, she threw her arms around me in a bear hug, squeezing me like she hadn’t seen me in years.

“I missed you so much,” she said, practically squeezing the air out of my lungs.

I laughed, hugging her back tightly.

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