Page 28 of Cruel Pleasures

“Whatever, I wouldn’t have fucked him anyway.”

Talia merely sighs dreamily and then rolls over onto her stomach to even out her sunbathing.

I’m hardly paying any mind to the other two. I’m still staring at the spot where Archer Hurst was standing a mere sixty seconds ago. The same man who I’d seen soaked in blood last night; the same guy who’d snapped at me and who happens to belong to the same family that’s running this event on their property.

I really hope I know what I’m doing…

8. Imani

The Gold is in the Dark - Cat Pierce

It’s time to pull out the big guns. Tonight’s the opening masquerade and I refuse to let things go down like they did last night. No more running away. No more showing fear. No more acting like some captive victim.

I came here for one purpose only: find out what happened to my best friend. Either I’m getting the answers I seek or I’m getting the fuck off this isle one way or another.

I give myself a pep talk all throughout the afternoon. I return to my room after a rejuvenating full body massage and set to work on the task at hand—looking so damn good tonight, I’ll have the confidence to do what I’ve got to do.

Rummaging through my suitcase, I pull out the ball gown I had discovered at Emerald’s grandmother’s vintage shop. When I slip it on and step in front of the bathroom mirror, I arch a brow at my own reflection.

This is definitely the type of ensemble for an instant ego boost.

I sweep back the skirt train to emphasize the thigh high slit. My hands fall to my cinched waist, and I strike a pose as if there’s a camera snapping away.

It’s impossible not to feel myself in this dress.

The fit is impeccable, molded to my every curve. The bodice hugs my chest and sucks in my stomach. My breasts appear fuller and rounder than usual, a feat I didn’t know was possible considering I’m a D cup. The long skirt drops like a waterfall toward the floor, the high slit slanted enough to expose my thighs.

Bright cobalt blue pops against my brown skin and the charmeuse fabric feels luxurious.

I might as well be a grown and sexy version of a Disney Princess.

Makeup and hair come next. I run a flat iron through my bob and finger comb Argan oil through for some shine. Considering I’ll be donning a mask for the night, I barely bother with eye makeup beyond mascara and light eyeliner. The bold red lip I swipe on is the real star of the show. Paired with the cobalt blue gown, my brown skin, and the delicate lace mask I’m wearing, I’m a ten.

I’m that girl. I’m the one that’s about to turn heads.

Moments later, as I gracefully descend the grand oak staircase a step at a time, I’m proven right. The cavernous hall full of masked Midnight Society members mingling among themselves slowly turn their heads in my direction. A fresh buzz of chatter breaks out as my heel touches the last carpeted stair and I let go of the banister.

Everyone may be studying me, the outsider in their midst, but I’m busy searching for the man who asked to accompany me.

Archer Hurst is nowhere in sight.

Nerves flutter to life inside me. I inhale a deep, calming breath and remain unfazed. At least on the outside. Tonight, I’m unshakable.

Work the room. You’ve done this a million times.

I paste on a pretty smile and step forward. A tall, broad-shouldered Black man in the vicinity breaks away from the small group he’s been conversing with and sidles up toward me.

“I don’t believe we’ve been introduced,” he says. He engulfs my hand in his and brings it up to his lips for a kiss of the back of it. “Chadwick Thomas. Easton District Attorney. Let me be the first to tell you, you’re the most gorgeous and fascinating woman here tonight.”

“How can you say that when you don’t even know my name?” I quip mysteriously.

Though as a citizen of Easton, I know exactly who he is—Chadwick Thomas doesn’t have the best reputation among the average citizen—I’m unsure if he knows who I am.

If he knows Sasha Newton or even that I’m really Imani Makune.

He gives off a pompous laugh. “Everyone knows who you are, Sasha. Let’s be real—there aren’t very many of us in these circles, are there?”

Sasha it is.