Sinful Pleasure (Sinful #1)

CHAPTER 15

C HAPTER 15

MADDOX

“Maddox, are you listening?”

My father’s deep voice on the other end of the phone snapped me back to reality.

I had been staring out the window, watching Lydia and Allyn lying on the grass, talking and laughing. I quickly averted my gaze, stepping back from the window to avoid any further distractions.

‘’Yes.”

“He’s messing with our family,” my father continued, droning on in that annoyingly calm tone. “Show him why no one dares to fuck with us.”

I exhaled sharply. “I know what to do.”

I placed my gun on the table, the cold metal a reminder of the task ahead.

“Make it painful,” he added, a smug edge in his voice.

I rolled my eyes as I sank into the chair, taking a deep breath.

“I’ll do my part, but I’m skeptical about Angelo’s role in this.”

My father was quiet for a beat before speaking again.

‘‘What do you mean?’’

“The meeting in Italy.”

“What about it?”

“You know how important it is to us.” I clenched my jaw. “Why would you let his fiancée accompany him?”

Silence. Painful silence.

All I could hear was my father’s steady breathing and the impatience that was rising in me with every passing second.

“Just do your job, Maddox.” My father stated flatly.

“It’s dangerous,” My voice was laced with anger as I rose from my seat. “Angelo isn’t cut out for this.”

“Leave this to me,” he interrupted his tone as cold and impatient as ever. I clenched my fist, frustration bubbling inside me.

“You wanted me to keep her safe.”

“Yes, when Angelo isn’t around,” he said, his tone dripping with disdain. “The little bitch is worth more than she deserves.”

“Why?” The question slipped out before I could stop it. ‘‘Why is she so important to us?’’

And why the hell does he speak about her like she’s an enemy?

“As I said, it’s none of your business, Maddox,” he replied, his voice colder, more detached. And with that, he hung up.

Just like always, my father kept me at arm’s length. In his eyes, I was good only for carrying out his dirty work—nothing more.

I slammed my hand onto the table, picturing his face, wishing I could tear it apart. He sends me to do his bidding but never gives me the trust or answers I need.

Why the hell is Allyn so important to him?

Allyn Fucking Delgado.

I wanted to gouge my eyes. I swear.

I closed my eyes, the memory of her from last night flashing vividly. My whole body tightened at the image of her legs, bare beneath that short dress—so little fabric, and yet it hugged her curves so perfectly.

The dress was a temptation. Allyn Delgado was the weapon wrapped inside it.

She’s been getting on my damn nerves from the start. It’s frustrating— how much she’s crawling under my skin when she has no business being there.

At all.

*****

ALLYN

“So you slept with her?”

My eyes flicked back to Lydia.

We were at the shelter, helping entertain the new dogs. Lydia had quickly fallen in love with the place. She was playing with Deisy now—the sweetest bulldog we rescued a year ago.

“I did,” she nodded, as Deisy gave her a quick kiss before curling up in her lap. “It wasn’t that great, though.”

I almost laughed.

One thing about Lydia is she’s brutally honest, even when the truth cuts deep. She is free-spirited—wild, untamed. I admire that about her. It’s something rare. I wish I could be as open-minded as her, but I’m just not built like that. At least, I wasn’t… until last night.

My inner voice never misses a beat.

My cheeks flushed. His hands on my body. His lips, my skin. The sounds he made while rubbing against me.

I need holy water.

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned.

Over and over again.

I spent the morning with Lydia, having a picnic in the garden, while we waited for Tamara to wake up from her drunken sleep. Afterward, the three of us went to the shelter so Tamara could work and I could check on the dogs.

“Do you have plans for tonight?”

Tamara asked, finally joining us. You’d never guess she was wasted just last night. She looked fresh as a cucumber.

“Maybe just a walk around town and rest?” I shrugged, petting Deisy.

“What? Hell no!” Lydia shot me a look like I was insane, then turned to Tamara. “Do you have anything in mind?”

“Of course,” Tamara laughed, glancing down at her phone. “Last night at the club, I met a guy. He got my number, and we’ve been texting all day. He invited me to hang out at his place with him and his friends tonight. Wanna come?”

“Yes!” Lydia immediately said, clapping her hands with excitement. Her eyes practically sparkled. “We’re coming.”