Sinful Pleasure (Sinful #1)

CHAPTER 13

C HAPTER 13

ALLYN

“Finally.’’

Lydia exhaled loudly as she stepped out of the car, her face hidden behind large black sunglasses.

T he drive had felt like an eternity.

It was only two hours, but with Maddox in the backseat, shooting me these unsettling glances when he thought I wasn’t looking, the time seemed to stretch on endlessly.

But now, here I was. Home.

A big smile stretched across my face as I stared at the familiar house in front of me. It wasn’t as grand or luxurious as The King’s residence, but it was my home.

And just in time, my mother appeared from the front door, her smile warm as she walked toward us, with Clarissa by her side.

‘‘Allyn!”

She wrapped me in her arms before I could say anything, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to relax in the embrace.

It felt… strange. Genuine. Warm.

It was the first time in years I felt this type of affection from her, and it left me momentarily speechless. But I hugged her back.

Pulling back, my mom turned her attention to Lydia and Maddox. Her eyes brightened as they met theirs.

“I’m so happy to have you here as my guests. Lydia, it’s so lovely to finally meet you.”

Lydia smiled politely.

“Thank you for having us, Mrs. Delgado.”

My mom waved it off with a soft laugh.

“Please, call me Alicent. We’ll be family soon enough, after all.”

I felt a pinch in my chest as the words hit me, but I kept the smile on my face.

Lydia, ever graceful, smiled back at her.

But Maddox… Maddox wasn’t even trying to hide his disdain. His scoff came through loud and clear, just behind us.

Mom’s smile remained as she addressed both Lydia and Maddox. “Clarissa will take you to your rooms.”

Clarissa, standing quietly by her side, stepped forward with her eyes cast down, avoiding eye contact.

Maddox and Lydia followed my mother back into the house, leaving me standing alone in the yard. I watched them walk inside, my gaze lingering on them until they disappeared from view.

When the door shut behind them, my mother finally turned to me, a wide smile spreading across her face, one that felt too bright for my liking.

“We have so much to talk about,” she said, her voice full of excitement. She grabbed my hand and began pulling me towards the house with a force that felt almost too eager. “Tell me about Angelo. What do you think of him?”

I should have known this would be the first thing she’d ask.

Not, ‘How are you? Or are you okay?’ No, it was all about Angelo and the future she was already picturing for me.

“He’s fine,” I replied flatly.

“That’s all?” She stopped in her tracks, her disappointment in my answer as clear as day. I sighed, frustration rising inside me.

“What did you expect to hear, mother?” My voice broke off the silence. “If you thought I was going to say I’ve already fallen madly in love with him, you’re going to have to let go of that fantasy. Because I’m not.”

Her face scrunched in momentary confusion, but it quickly morphed into an insistent smile. “I’m sure that will change soon.”

It took everything in me not to roll my eyes at her dismissive response.

“Don’t hold your breath on that one,” I added, my voice edged with sarcasm.

“Give him a chance,” she continued. “Angelo is a good man who will provide you with a future.”

“That’s the problem, mother,” I said, my words sharp now. “I don’t want a man to provide my future. I want to build it myself.”

She halted as well, her face almost frozen in shock, as though she couldn’t comprehend what I’d just said.

“I don’t want to depend on a man.” My voice trembled slightly, but I stood firm. “I want to be able to make my own decisions and earn my own money. I want to be with someone I choose, not someone chosen for me.”

My mother sighed, shaking her head as though I was speaking a foreign language.

“We’ve already talked about this, Allyn. Your father—”

“Yes, I know,” I cut her off sharply, not wanting to hear the same tired justification again. “He chose it for me. I get it. You don’t have to keep reminding me.”

She reached out to touch my hand.

Her touch should have been comforting, but it felt anything but.

“You have to look at the bright side, Allyn. Think of all the possibilities this marriage opens up for you.”

I laughed, the sound hollow and bitter.

“Whatever’’ I muttered, already turning toward the house. “I’ll see you at dinner.”

I didn’t wait for her response, walking away before she could say anything more to twist the knife.

I headed straight to my room, letting the door close behind me with a satisfying click.

Moments ago, I’d been excited to be back home.

Now, all I wanted was to escape again. My mother had managed to ruin everything within minutes.

*****

“Where are we going tonight?”

Lydia asked, flopping dramatically onto my bed after dinner.

I glanced up from my phone.

“I’m texting Tamara now,” I said. “She’ll be here soon.”

“Tamara?” Lydia’s interest piqued. “The famous Tamara you always talk about?”

“Yep,” I replied, managing a small smile. “The one and only.”

“Well, this should be fun,” Lydia said with a grin, sitting up slightly. “I hope she likes me.”

“She will,” I said, my tone softer. “She likes everyone.”

Even if Tamara didn’t, Lydia had a way of winning people over. At least for tonight, I could try to enjoy something normal— something that reminded me of who I was before all of this.

‘‘A girl’s night in?’’ I suggested.

“Girl, no fucking chance.” She got up from my bed, a playful smile on her lips. “Let’s go out and have some real fun.”

I considered it for a second. Tamara would be up for it. I could already hear her enthusiastic “yes” in my head.

“Do you want to go to a club? I can arrange that.”

Lydia’s grin grew bigger, and she clapped her hands.

“That’s what I’m talking about.”

But then the reality hit me, and my smile faltered.

“What about Maddox?” I asked, watching as Lydia’s excitement remained undeterred.

“What about him?

“Angelo ordered him to keep an eye on me. I doubt he’d let us go out without him.”

She just laughed.

“Leave my brother to me, babe,” she winked at me. “Get dressed, and we’ll meet downstairs in thirty minutes.”

Before I could protest further, she blew me a kiss and left my room. I stood there for a moment, uncertain of what was going on in my head.

Why did the idea of Maddox not being with us feel off? Shouldn’t I be relieved that he wouldn’t be there? There was that nagging feeling deep in my gut— like I wanted him to be there.

And that realization was maddening.

I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t even be thinking about him.

That kiss we shared had meant nothing to him.

He’d made that clear with every cold, calculated move since then, avoiding me like I didn’t exist.

But for some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe it meant something to me. A small part of me was still reeling from it.

I sighed, pulling myself together.

I should be thankful for the chance to go out, have fun, and let go. I should be putting on a short dress and enjoying the night with Lydia and Tamara.

But instead, I stood there like a fool, still thinking about a kiss that I had no business thinking about.

I might hate his guts, but I’m not a liar.

Maddox King is one devastatingly attractive asshole. The key word here is asshole. God must have taken his sweet time crafting this man, but beyond that, he was nothing more than an arrogant dick.

That much we’d already established.

I was convinced this man had no emotions, no depth. He carried himself like a robot, cold and calculated, programmed to intimidate and destroy.

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. I pulled 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 something wild.

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.

“I missed you too, girl. It’s been way too long.’’

My eyes shifted to Lydia, who was still standing there, watching us.

“Tamara, this is Lydia,” I introduced “Lydia, this is Tamara. My best friend.”

Lydia gave a polite nod.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

Tamara, being the social butterfly she was, didn’t even hesitate. She stepped forward and wrapped Lydia in a big, enthusiastic hug. Lydia stood frozen for a second, caught off guard by Tamara’s warmth, before awkwardly patting her back like she had no idea what to do. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing at the awkwardness. Tamara pulled away first, grinning.

“Did you reserve our table?” she asked, already in her element, eyes scanning the crowd.

The bodyguards at the entrance nodded as we passed through, making our way to the VIP section.

“Of course,” I said.

When we reached our usual spot, a bottle of vodka was already waiting for us on the table. I sat down, looking around at the familiar faces, feeling that rush of excitement return.

“So, Lydia,” I asked with a teasing smile, “Do you like it here?” Lydia took a moment, her eyes scanning the crowded club.

“I’ll tell you after a few drinks,” she replied, winking at me before her gaze shifted to the waitress, who had appeared out of nowhere.

“I think it’s time for welcome shots. Yeah?”

Tamara burst into laughter, leaning back in her chair.

“I already like her.”

The drinks arrived, and before the waitress could even leave, we’d already slammed back a shot each. I felt the burn of the liquor hit my throat, a bitter aftertaste coating my mouth. The adrenaline of the night started to surge through me.

“We’re going to get wasted tonight,” Tamara yelled over the thumping music, raising her glass high in the air.

“Welcome back, babe!” We all cheered and took another shot, the warmth spreading quickly through my chest.

A few hours later, the night was in full swing.

I wasn’t drunk, not by a long shot but I was definitely feeling it. The music pounded in my ears, the bass reverberating in my bones. Tamara and I had migrated to the dance floor, our bodies moving together in sync with the beat.

Now and then, I could feel eyes on us, the men around us clearly impressed by the show we were putting on. Tamara was already a few shots deep and practically falling over with laughter as she spun around and pressed her body against mine.

The club is packed, with drunk people dancing all around us, moving their bodies to the rhythm of the music.

I looked away from Tamara and focused on Lydia, who was kissing a random girl on the dance floor right next to us.

It was shocking, but at the same time, it wasn’t.

It’s only surprising because Lydia never told me she liked women too, but at the same time… that’s Lydia.

“I like your friend,” Tamara practically screamed in my ear. Her voice was slower and higher than usual. “She’s cool.”

“Yeah, she is,” I replied louder so she could hear me over the music. “She’s also Maddox’s sister.”

Her eyes went wide. “What?” she yelled, and I nodded.

“Maddox, like your super-sexy, hot-as-hell bodyguard Maddox?”

I bit my lip, nodding again.

Then, almost without thinking, I decided to spill it all—I’m pissed, she’s drunk, and I don’t care anymore. I can’t keep her in the dark forever.

“Maddox is also my future husband’s brother.”

Her jaw nearly hit the floor, and she stopped in the middle of the dance floor while everyone else around us kept dancing.

‘‘What the fuck?”

She looked more sober now, after my shocking news.

“Yep, it’s an arranged marriage.”

She gasped. “That’s so fucked up.”

What’s even more fucked up is that we’re having this conversation in the middle of the night, on the dance floor in a packed club.

“Yep.” That’s all I managed to say. She pulled me closer.

“But it’s more fucked up that you want to fuck your fiancé’s brother.”

She said it loud enough for the people around us to hear and stare, their faces judging us. I blushed.

I pulled her hand away from my face. “Tamara, what the fuck? I don’t want to do that”

“You totally want to fuck him.”

My face was getting warmer and warmer.

“No, I don’t.”

Tamara’s smug smile only grew bigger as she took a sip from her cocktail. “Of course, whatever helps you sleep at night, babe.”

“I hate you.”

“I love you too.” She blew me a kiss.

Lydia approached just as the awkward conversation was winding down. I definitely didn’t want her to hear how Tamara thought I wanted to fuck Maddox, which I totally didn’t.

Lydia was with the girl she’d been kissing minutes ago, standing next to her. Lydia leaned closer to me.

“I’m leaving,” She gestured toward the girl. ’’Are you going to be okay on your own? I can call Maddox to come pick you guys up.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

Tamara and I said in unison, causing Lydia to look between us, confused. Then, out of nowhere, Tamara burst into laughter. She’s so drunk, she can barely stay on her feet.

I turned to Lydia.

“We’ll be fine,” I assured her, nodding. “Go have fun.”

“If anything comes up, call me right away,” she said, her expression serious. I just nodded.

She kissed me on the cheek, said goodbye to Tamara, and then left the club hand in hand with that mysterious girl.

Once they were gone, Tamara turned to me, leaning against me.

“I wonder what it’s like to have sex with a girl.”

Okay, it’s time to go.

“Okay, that’s enough for tonight,” I said, taking the cocktail from her hand. “Let’s go.”

“What? Why?” She looked like she was about to cry.

I pulled out my phone to read the clock, realizing it was already past three a.m.

I took Tamara by the hand and made our way through the crowd. We grabbed our things and left the club. When the cold air hit my warm body, I felt drunk even though I wasn’t.

I managed to get us into the first taxi I saw. As soon as it started moving, I relaxed, closing my eyes for a moment. Tamara was leaning on my shoulder, mumbling something under her breath.

I’m not leaving her at her house. If her parents see her like this, they’ll kill me after they kill her.

I was tipsy enough not to even notice how fast we reached my house. I paid the driver and, with much effort, somehow managed to get Tamara out of the car and drag her to my house.

I dragged her inside. It was dark and quiet, which was a relief. The last thing I needed was my mother giving me life lessons at 3 in the morning.

I took Tamara to the guest room and somehow succeeded in getting her into bed. The moment her head hit the pillow, she was out.

After that, I left the room, sighing in relief.

I need sleep— ASAP.

As I closed the door and turned to walk to my room, my body collided with a much bigger, more muscular one. My head almost hit the door behind me.

When I looked up, I found myself face to face with an angry Maddox, his arms crossed over his white T-shirt, making his biceps bulge under the pressure.

He was looking down at me with his jaw clenched and a murderous look.