Page 5 of Sinful Pleasure

He nodded, his eyes meeting mine for only a moment.

“Pleasure to meet you, Miss.”

That’s it? No introduction, no name?

Enough with the polite formalities, apparently.

Then again, there was nothing about this man that suggested politeness or manners. Even his voice—low, rich, and dripping with darkness— carried a subtle, dangerous allure that sent a shiver down my spine.

It’s going to be a long night.

*****

Dinner was awkward as Hell.

I was used to silence at the table. My mother and I ate together in quiet almost every night. It had become routine at this point.

But tonight, the silence was different. Sharper. Heavier.

Or maybe it’s just the man sitting across from me, calmly enjoying his food, completely unfazed by the awkward tension hanging in the air.

I tried not to stare, but it was impossible not to. He was so massive—a towering presence that demanded attention without trying.

This mysterious man, who hadn’t even bothered to introduce himself, terrified the life out of me. He exuded an energy that screamed danger, perfectly fitting the role of someone who would work for The Kings.

It suited him too well.

“Maddox,” my mother’s voice cut through the silence. “I hope you find your room comfortable for your stay with us.”

Maddox.

So that’s his name. Dark, sharp, and enigmatic—just like him.

“Yes, thank you, Mrs. Delgado,” he replied curtly, his attention already drifting back to the food on his plate. Even though my mother kept smiling at him like a lovesick teenager, he didn’t return the favor.

Not once.

His expression remained stoic, completely void of emotion, as if he were carved out of stone.I started to wonder if this man even had emotions—or if he’d traded them for that unshakable, lethal calm.

“If you need anything else, you can always turn to me,” my mother added, her tone syrupy sweet.

I nearly snorted.

Maddox gave her a slight nod, his voice as sharp and dismissive.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

His answers were clipped and precise, as if everything about this situation bored him to death.At least we had that in common.

“I’ll be late tomorrow,” I said, my tone as casual as I could muster. “So don’t wait for me for dinner.”

Both my mother and Maddox turned their attention to me. I caught a quick glance at him—still no sign of emotion on his face. It was like staring into the soulless eyes of a machine.

As I’d already noted, everything about this man was mysterious and terrifying. His eyes, his hair, the way he carried himself. As if someone had stamped “WARNING” across his forehead in bold letters.

“Why?” my mother asked. Her hands rested delicately on the table; her voice strained with forced calm.

“I’ll be helping out at the shelter. Tamara mentioned they need me.”

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