Page 42 of Cruel Pleasures

“You have a mischievous vibe about you… like a minx.”

“Normally people know each other well before using terms of endearment.”

“What’s normal about anything around us?”

“Good point. This situation is odd as hell.”

Humor flashes in his dark sapphire-like eyes. “We’ll know each other well soon enough. What made you pursue medicine?”

“You’re seriously asking?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

I consider him for half a second, then shrug. “It’s what my family wanted. I’m not sure if you know this about most legacy families—but you do as you’re told and what’s expected of you.”

“Considering my last name is Hurst, I know all too well. What would you be doing if there was no family expectation to go into medicine?”

“Theater,” I blurt out before I can stop myself. I add on a smile, though inwardly I’m chastising myself for letting Imani slip through when I’m supposed to be Sasha. “I enjoy theater. It would be something different and interesting. But medicine has its advantages too.”

“An actress. I can see it.” Archer chuckles as the server arrives and begins setting down a few different plates.

Our appetizer of smoked salmon canapés and salad of mixed greens. Normally, I’d be ready to dig into the delicious food, but I’m too distracted by the conversation.

“Why do you say you can see me as an actress?”

“You seem mysterious, minx. A woman of many secrets. Someone who doesn’t let others in easily.”

Damn. He’s right.

“And what about you?” I counter, arching a brow. “I’d say you’re mysterious in your own way.”

“Care to explain?”

“You present yourself as some confident, charming guy with a sense of humor, but you’ve got a dark side,” I answer. “I can sense that you do. Never mind how I first saw you.”

“Still not over the blood?”

“Maybe that’s why you’re so interested in me. I’m as mysterious as you really are.”

“Interesting take. What is there to say but I’m what you see? A cocky, rich asshole used to getting what he wants. That includes women.”

“I’m not even a little bit surprised.”

“I have a dark sense of humor and am a certified insomniac. My family is incredibly wealthy and my mother is equally as neurotic. My father’s been missing my entire life yet I don’t give a damn that he is. I can’t stand most of the people under this roof and if it were up to me, they’d be the players in the games. Boredom tends to come easily. But every once in a while, there’s something worthwhile that catches my eye.” His smirk and gleaming sapphire blue eyes warm my skin.

“Any examples?”

“I’m staring at her.”

“Smooth. Real smooth.”

“You’re not as easily impressed, are you? Which proves my point. You’re a lot more fascinating than anything Talia ever offered when I took her to dinner.”

Surprise parts my lips. “Oh? You and Talia?”

He roars out a laugh. “Jealous, minxy? Don’t worry—the two of us only ever fucked. There was nothing in that empty head of hers to be attracted to. She was all looks. Now, you, you’re an entirely different story.”

A predatory aura develops about him as he smirks and holds me hostage under his glittering dark blue gaze. His stare communicates one thing and one thing only: he’s trapped me in his company and he’s not letting go anytime soon.