Page 43 of Cruel Pleasures

I’m not sure I want him to.

Tension cinches tighter inside me and I try to release some with a breath. A warmth has settled over me, flushing onto my brown skin.

Archer must pick up on the effect he’s having on me. The left side of his mouth quirks even further and his smooth, rich voice feels like it’s trickling over me when he speaks. “What’s the matter, minxy? You seem to be getting flustered.”

I clear my throat. “I’m fine. It’s hot in this room.”

“If you’re hot now, just wait ’til later. If you’re up for a little fun.”

“That depends on what kind of fun you’re talking about,” I say despite the flush warming me up. I’m feeling flirty and spontaneous, which usually only leads to one thing.

“You were traumatized last night. I’m not sure how you’ll handle the Market.”

“Last night was violence and bloodshed. Two things I don’t do. Other things… I do. If the situation feels right.”

“Say no more, minx. We’ll take the night one moment at a time. First dinner. Then, maybe some after hours fun.”

Archer resembles a prince as he lifts his wine glass and takes a sip. If the fairytale was dark and forbidden and I was the princess about to fall prey to his machinations. I’m not sure how I know there’s more than meets the eye to him, but I sip from my wine glass anyway. I decide, for the night, I’m going to let loose. Relieve some tension.

And maybe take him up on that offer for a little after hours fun.

11. Archer

Hotel - Montell Fish

“What’s the matter, minxy?” I whisper into Imani’s ear. “Too much for you?”

Imani’s stilled a few steps before the black door, gold trimming its edges. Standing so close at her side, my hand on the small of her bare back, I can feel the slight tremble her body gives.

Her throat works in a slow swallow, and she cuts me a sideways glance. “How involved are the playrooms?”

My hand rubs a soothing pattern across her lower back. My reassurance in touch and then in words as I say, “Anything you want. We can watch one of the shows. We can reserve our own room. Or we can join someone else’s.”

“What kind of shows?”

“Come. You can leave anytime you want.”

“You say that now…”

I let my hand roam ’til it’s curling around her hips. “You’re with me, Sasha. I won’t let anything bad happen to you. If you’re uncomfortable, we’ll leave. Is that fair?”

She gives a rigid nod, the same rigidity felt in her body. “You know, I’m no stranger to the world of kink. I’ve been to sex parties. I’ve had plenty of experience in the bedroom. I just… this entire environment…”

“So you’ve told me. I have to admit, I’m very curious about what kinds of things a beautiful, well-mannered heiress like Sasha Newton is into. But fear not, minxy, we’ll go at your pace. This is all about your experience, making it as enjoyable as possible for you.”

I’m so soft, so gentle as I guide her toward the door, feeling like the devil luring an angel to the pits of hell. My dark, perverse lair where I’ll soon rip the mask off and reveal the truth of who and what I really am.

I can barely contain myself stepping past the threshold where we’re greeted by a staff member and a long hall of more doors. Each one painted as dark as the midnight the club is named after, framed by gold detailing with a number designated on the front.

“We’ll try one of the live shows,” I inform the staff member. At the same time, I give Imani’s hip a reassuring squeeze. “Two front row seats please. Champagne and some spice. Oh, and how about some of those delicious chocolate truffles? Make it quick.”

We’re brought into theater room nine, the space engulfed by shadows and the sparse glow of seductive candlelight. Tables are arranged throughout the room where different club members sit, chat in whispers, sip drinks, and enjoy the show in front of them.

The stage spans the entire front half of the theater. More mood lighting illuminates what’s most important—the bed that’s centerstage where a woman’s sprawled out, legs parted wide, wrists bound. Her face shines under the spotlight as her body racks uncontrollably.

The brawny, muscle-backed man that’s on stage with her twists a thick dildo into her pussy. He drizzles more lube onto her at the first sign of resistance and then works it in deeper, his identity concealed by a ram mask with giant, violently curled horns. She arches, her mouth forming an ‘O’ of pleasure, as the silicone toy slips in even further than she expected.

An audience member seated to our left whistles and thumps their hands together approvingly.