Sinful Pleasure (Sinful #1)

CHAPTER 60

C HAPTER 60

MADDOX

“You’re crazy if you think I’d support you on this, Maddox.”

Lydia’s colorful eyes met mine from across the room, drew the attention of all the men around the table—my most loyal soldiers, the ones I trusted with my life.

Her presence in this meeting was her choice—she insisted on taking part. She wasn’t pleased when she found out how I sent Angelo back to our father.

He may have a broken rib… or two. Broken nose, beaten face. Minimal damage, but enough to send a message to my dear father, wherever he’s hiding now.

I’m not a man who prides himself on self-control, and right now, my little sister is stepping over the line, allowing herself to speak to me like this in front of my men.

I rested my hand on the chair’s armrest, scratching my jaw, letting my rings scrape my skin as I stared at her with narrowed eyes.

“Feel free to leave, Lydia.” I relaxed into the chair as she glared at me.

“You realize this is madness, right?” she hissed, her voice sharp as a snake’s, while the men’s gazes shifted from her to me. “You want to kill our father?”

“Yes.”

I didn’t hesitate. It’s ridiculous that she’s still trying to protect him after everything he’s done to us. Another reminder that, despite being one of the deadliest assassins in the fucking world, she’s still weak, letting her feelings cloud her judgment.

“And for what? All of this for this bitch?” She spat the words out with venom. “She doesn’t deserve the war that’s been started because of her.”

“Choose your words more carefully in my presence, Lydia. The next time you disrespect my woman, I’ll slit your throat along with your vocal cords to make sure you never do it again.”

The room fell into a suffocating silence, the temperature plummeting, and the tension between Lydia and me hung thick in the air.

“Your woman?” she laughed, shaking her head with disappointment. “So she’s your woman now?”

“Yes.”

Allyn had been mine from the moment she kissed me for the first time and I was just too dumb and stubborn to admit it aloud. I was terrified by the way she made me feel.

But not anymore.

It’s ironic when I think about it.

I never wanted to keep a woman longer than one night. The idea of even looking at a woman after I was done with her, let alone fuck her again or let her touch was absurd to me. But with Allyn, I find myself doing all these things and begging for more.

It’s different. She’s different.

She has me wrapped around her little finger, and she doesn’t even know it. I’d do anything for her—cross any line. For the first time in my miserable life, I want to keep someone.

I want to keep her.

I returned my gaze to Lydia, waiting for her to speak.

“I helped you when you wanted to get her out of Mikael’s mansion only because I owed her for saving you.” She said, her voice low and cold, her colorful eyes shooting invisible daggers in my direction.

“But this is fucking insane. I won’t be a part of it.”

“Then you’re free to leave my territory.” I cut her off. “With or without you, this is happening. It’s your choice whose side you take—mine or theirs.”

“I’m not picking a side. We’re family.” She raised her voice, and I couldn’t help but laugh at her naivety. My father had clearly brainwashed her.

“We’ve never been a family, Lydia.”

I told her the harsh truth, gesturing to the door.

“You can leave now. You’re not welcome here anymore.”

“Fuck you, Maddox.” She shot me the middle finger before storming out of the room. I turned my attention to the men around the table.

“So…” I sighed. “Let’s continue, gentlemen, shall we?”