Page 106 of Cruel Pleasures

“You know.” The two words come out in a growl. His hand encloses on my wrist, and he yanks me toward him so roughly, I almost slide off my barstool. He’s moved in toward me to so that our faces almost touch as he glares into my eyes. “You’re being a fucking tease.”

“Am I? Here I was, thinking I was out to enjoy my night.”

I’m aware of how dangerous the situation is. The strategy I’ve adapted could fully backfire on me.

But can I be blamed for trying to take back some control in this fucked up situation?

I’ve been dealt a shit hand, so I’m out to ensure my survival by any means necessary. If I have to use Archer and Ryu’s obsession against them, I’m willing to stoop that low. Both have deceived me—they’ve been stalking me for weeks, surveilling me and reporting back to the club.

The Hostess.

It’s me against all of them. Just like it’s been me against the world most of my life.

Me, myself, and I.

My best bet is to get one of them under my influence. Then finagle my escape from there. In Archer’s case, his family owns the isle. If he wanted off of it, he could surely have it arranged.

I use my free hand to bring my drink up to my lips. Archer scoops it out of my grasp and slams it down on the counter. The rosy pink liquid splashes over the rim and makes a mess.

He couldn’t care less. He’s gripped my chin and forced my head to face his. “I don’t like it when you try to play games, minx.”

“Then what do you want, Archer? Tell me.”

His eyes darken. “You know.”

I choose now to kiss him. My lips touch his in a kiss that’s fiercer than usual. The passionate kiss of a woman seducing a man.

It has all the elements that drive a man wild—soft, full lips that tease him and fingers that trace his jawline and eventually slide through his wavy golden brown hair. My body presses closer to his, my breasts yet another distraction.

A husky noise sounds from Archer’s throat.

Just as he’s about to pull me the rest of the way into his lap, I ease back.

“I have to get going,” I say.

He’s thrown, his brows shifting. “To where?”

“I’m meeting someone in the Market.”

“Who? Ryu?”

“The man in playroom six. He’s invited me back.” I’m off the stool and turning to walk away before Archer has even digested what I’ve said. “Have a good evening.”

I never allow for a look back, though I don’t need to.

Something tells me Archer glares after me every step I make.

25. Archer

Tear You Apart - She Wants Revenge

“Don’t lose your shit,” I rumble to myself. My eyes snap shut and my hands ball into fists at my side. “Don’t you dare fucking lose your mind.”

I compose myself. Slide my fingers through my hair. Tug on my blazer and roll my head on my shoulders, cracking my neck. Count backwards from ten.

Breathe fire.

Fight against the flames that burn me up from the inside.