Sinful Pleasure (Sinful #1)

CHAPTER 23

C HAPTER 23

ALLYN

If you could go back and relive one moment from your past, which one would it be?

I often ask myself this question. The answer changes every day, but each time, it always leads me to memories with my father.

Right now, I would give everything in this world to simply sit in his arms, reading a book one last time.

Yes, I’m angry at him. So angry for what he did behind my back, leaving me without even a letter to explain why. But still, that anger isn’t enough to make me hate him. I could never hate him. He was my protector, my best friend, my wings—he was everything to me.

I sit alone in the large garden behind The King’s residence, reading a book and enjoying the nice weather.

I wanted to spend the afternoon with Lara. We had fallen into this routine where she taught me how to cook different meals each day, and I was eager to see what we would make today.

But it seems the King’s family has assigned personal tasks to everyone in the mansion. Lara’s busy, and I’m left alone, as usual.

At least I have the book to keep me company.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading. Somehow, after my father’s death, I pushed this hobby aside. It was too painful to do it without him.

Books were my safe place growing up. I loved the smell of each new book my father bought for me. I loved getting lost in the fictional worlds they offered. I loved how you could escape reality, even if it was just for a little while.

And now, I’m reconnecting with them—turning page after page, smiling like an idiot as I read about two people slowly falling in love.

Ah, love. Such a beautiful and powerful feeling, isn’t it? At least, that’s how I imagine it to be. It’s also making me realize just how much of a mess my life has become.

I keep forgetting that my life isn’t a book. It’s real, and if I keep playing these dangerous games, there won’t be a happy ending.

In fact, I’ll probably end up dead.

Maddox King is responsible for how reckless I’ve become.

He is not the type of man you read about in books. Most of the men in books are sweet and kind. They’re portrayed as gentlemen— who treat women with respect and nothing else. They’re the prince on the white horse. They’re the “right” choice.

But Maddox King is the exact opposite.

I never imagined I could be so dangerously attracted to someone like him—his whole vibe, his essence, everything about him is mysterious, drawing you into the shadows. He’s the type of man a girl would usually run from in books. He carries himself with an intimidating arrogance. The rare smile he grants is like a dark smirk, the kind that sends shivers down your spine.

He’s rude, vulgar, cruel, and his communication skills are nearly nonexistent. He has no idea how to show emotions, and honestly, I’m not even sure he’s capable of feeling anything close to them.

But even though he’s everything I pointed out above, here I am— thinking about him.

If that doesn’t show how messed up I am, I don’t know what will.

“Good choice of book.”

An unfamiliar voice interrupted my thoughts, making me jump at the unexpected company. I turned toward the voice and made eye contact with a blonde guy.

A guy I’d never seen before. Messy blonde hair, chocolate-brown eyes, and a not-so-muscular build, but it suits him. He was wearing work clothes. I realized I’d been staring, so I lifted my gaze to his face, meeting his warm eyes as he looked at me, a smile spreading across his lips.

“I’m sorry for interrupting you,” the boy apologized immediately, his face showing concern as he took a small step back.

“No problem,” I laughed, closing the book. “I have plenty of free time anyway.”

The boy nodded, his warm smile returning. He looked about my age.

“I’m Caleb. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Miss Delgado.”

Did he just bow his head at me?

“Please don’t do that again,” I laughed, shaking my head. “Nice to meet you, Caleb, and please call me Allyn.”

I expected him to offer some excuse for why he couldn’t do that, but he just nodded, to my surprise.

“You work here, I assume?”

He laughed, pointing down at his dirty clothes.

“I’m taking care of the garden.”

“It’s beautiful.” I smiled

“Thank you,” his eyes lit up as though the compliment meant a lot to him.

“I’d be more than happy to—”

“It’s not part of your job to talk to Miss Delgado, Caleb.”

A voice interrupted our conversation. A voice that made Caleb freeze in place. That voice was coming from behind me.

I turned to see Angelo glaring at us, his eyes narrowed.

Caleb immediately dropped his gaze to the ground, his cheeks flushed.

“I’m sorry, Mr. King.”

“Go back to work, and don’t speak to Miss Delgado again unless she speaks to you first.”

Caleb simply nodded and walked away without a word.

I stood up from the bench, the anger pulsing in my ears. “Why did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“You were rude to him for no reason.”

“He was talking to you, Allyn. That’s reason enough.”

“So what? Am I not allowed to talk to anyone now?”

I snapped, throwing my hands in the air, beyond pissed off.

“I don’t want people to be afraid to talk to me.”

“It’s called respect, Allyn,” he said. “People should respect you.”

“Not like this. I don’t want people to respect me because they fear me.”

He leaned in close, like he was sharing a secret.

“People will only respect you if they fear you.”

I scoffed.

“Tomorrow night is our engagement party.”

I stared at him, blinking slowly. Is he for real right now?

“Great,” I said, though it was anything but. “And I’m just finding out about it now?”

“I found out an hour ago,” he replied casually, slipping his hands into his pockets. “My father sent an invitation to your mother, but if there’s anyone else you want to invite, feel free to do so.”

“How thoughtful of you.” I shot him a sarcastic response, but he just smiled at me, his white teeth flashing. His phone rang, cutting our conversation short. He pulled it out of his pocket and, as soon as he glanced at the screen, let out a sigh.

“I have to take this. Maddox will drive you so you can choose a dress,” he said. “I’ll find you later.”

He leaned in and placed a kiss on my cheek before turning and walking away. Did he really kiss me on the cheek?

Since when do we do that?

Oh. God.

What have I gotten myself into?