Sinful Pleasure (Sinful #1)

CHAPTER 66

C HAPTER 66

ALLYN

The next morning, I was struck with the idea that I needed one last conversation with Mikael before we decided his fate.

I want a new fresh start, but I can’t move forward without that conversation. Maddox wasn’t thrilled about it, but he supported my decision nonetheless. He has every right to be bitter about it.

The list of things I could use as proof that Mikael deserves no mercy is endless.

But my gut tells me I’ll regret it if I let him die just like that.

Enough blood was spilled.

I took a deep breath, gathering strength before I turned the handle and entered the room. He was exactly where I’d left him yesterday, leaning against the wall, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

He looked tired, almost resigned.

As soon as he sensed my presence, he turned toward me. Something flickered in his eyes when he realized it was me.

“I didn’t think I’d see you again.”

“That was the plan,” I confirmed. “But it looks like I’m not as tough as I thought, even though you deserve it.”

“You got that from your mother,” he said, curling the edge of his mouth into a faint smile.

My heart sank at the mention of her, a woman I would never have the privilege of knowing. I didn’t want to dig into a wound I’d been trying to heal for so long.

That’s the reality—she’s gone, and nothing will change that.

“Don’t start with this,” I said, closing the door and leaning against it. “I didn’t come for that.”

“And what did you come for?” He raised an eyebrow. “To see me one last time before your boyfriend kills me?”

I approached him, but he didn’t meet my gaze. His eyes tracked my movements until I stopped right in front of him.

“You’ve done terrible things, Mikael. Things you’d kill a person over.”

“Things I’ve killed for,” he corrected me.

I closed my eyes for a moment. That didn’t help at all.

I pushed his words aside as if I hadn’t heard them. “I’m here to make you a proposition.”

That caught his attention.

I’d been discussing this with Maddox all morning, trying to gauge if he would be okay with my decision.

He didn’t like it, but he still supported me.

“You have two options,” I began, crouching down so that we were at eye level. I felt a surge of confidence now that I held the power in my hands. ‘’Make peace with The Kings, serve your punishment, and maybe you’ll live to see your grandchildren or refuse my offer and die.”

The words hung in the air, and I felt like the very breath had been sucked from my lungs as Mikael studied me.

“Why are you doing this?” His words cut through me, and I shrugged.

“You fought for me until the end.”

And it was true. If it hadn’t been for him, I would’ve spent my whole life living a lie.

“It’s only fair to do the same for you.’’

He narrowed his eyes.

“And what does your boyfriend think of all this?”

“He is willing to consider mercy after you serve your punishment’’

He let out a laugh.

“Do I have to expect a bullet in the leg?”

He tried to joke, but it fell flat—an awful attempt at humor. The memory of my father caused pain to Maddox still haunts me.

“Maybe,” I answered honestly.

That’s something Maddox will have to decide.

He had through so much because of my father, and if he wants redemption, he had to endure the same. Mikael appeared to be considering my proposal, his expression rather surprised.

“Who will be head of my family if I agree? A King, or you?”

“I’ll take your place permanently,” I said. “And after me, the position will be rightfully inherited by your grandchild, who will be a King, whether you like it or not. His father is a King, and so will our child.”

I was sure that wasn’t something my father wanted to hear, but it’s non- negotiable. My child, no matter the gender, would be heir to both the King and Romano families.

A power that belongs to them— by right.

“And what am I supposed to do?”

“Live a normal life. Spend time with your daughter and grandchild,” my voice softened with hope. “Be a part of our family.”

I wanted this.

I wanted to give Mikael a chance. I wanted him to be part of my future, but only if he desires it as much as I do. I had given him a choice, but the decision remains his.

His eyes narrowed as he rested his head against the wall, a tired smile creeping across his old face. It felt as if he didn’t want to fight me—he neither had the strength nor the will to.

It felt like an eternity passed before he finally spoke again.

“I accept your offer, my daughter.”

The words escaped his mouth like a dream coming true. I had to blink several times and ask him to repeat them, just to make sure I wasn’t imagining it.

“You know there’s no going back after this, right?” I reminded him. “If you break my trust, you’ll die this time.”

“You learned from the best,” he nodded, grinning at me.

“You know the punishment won’t be easy, right?”

Mikael’s throaty laugh filled the room, his face showing no hint of fear.

“I expect nothing less from Maddox King,” he nodded as if he was looking forward to it.

“Let him show me his worst if it means redeeming myself for the sins I’ve committed against you.”

And for the first time, looking at Mikael, I saw my father. A person who was ready to fight for me, to change, to earn a place in my future.

But first, he had to face the hell he created.

That’s the price you pay when you go against a King.