Page 44 of A Taste like Sin

should surrender such trust to—”

“But you’re wrong.”

He stiffens and slowly lowers himself onto the chair.

“Is it pathetic that you’re one of the few people in my life toaskme who I am? What I want?

I don’t think you understand how much that affects me,” I concede. “Being asked a question and

having someone actually care about the answer. If you’re worried about hurting me, then don’t be.

Love isn’t what I need from people. I’ve had it. Have it. I know I could easily find someone out there

to cherish me. A man who would coddle me and keep me on a leash just like Heyworth has. But it’s

not what I want. Not what I need. I need…challenge. Someone who will shove me into a room

stocked only with blank canvas and dare me to strip.”

His jaw twitches as though he’s recalling that very memory.

“A man who tests my limits and preys on my fears,” I continue. “I’m sorry if this is making you

uncomfortable—”

“No. Never.” He shakes his head. “Far from it. But I am not sure if I am quite the man you think I am. I

could disappoint you.”

“And I think that’s part of the thrill,” I confess. “You could. You could be the worst kind of monster

under all this suave polish. But for some reason, I still want to play your twisted little game a little

longer.”

Unlike Simon, at least he’s given me a choice.

“So, now what?” I ask, pushing my plate aside. “More stalling?”

“Oh, no, Ms. Thorne.” His devilish laugh stiffens every hair on the back of my neck. “Now, I’ll take

you up on your proposal. We will play my twisted game. May the best man win.”

“Or woman.”

“Sí, sí.” He chuckles even more deeply. “Or woman.”

W e arrive at his club well past the hour when other establishments would be closing. I vaguely

recognize the gilded hallway marking his private entrance, but this time, we stop short of the

hall leading toward the viewing booths.

There’s a peculiar tension I sense in the air even before he speaks.

“I’ll allow you a minute to rethink your request,” he warns, his hand on mine, imparting heat. “You

say the word and we’ll leave. I’ll take you home and you can rest—because I’m partly sure delirium