Page 32 of Cruel Pleasures
“Yes, I want to know what I’m dealing with. The real man behind that mask.”
He stares down at me, equally amused. “And will you show me the real you?”
“Maybe,” I reply demurely. “It depends.”
“On?”
“If I feel like it.”
My answer intrigues him enough he squeezes my hip and then dips me. The room flips upside down as I’m bent backward over his arm, staring up at the coffered ceiling. I’m wrenched upright in the next second, so fast it feels like whiplash.
It feels like foreplay.
Archer’s showing me how easily he can handle me. How easily he can maneuver me, contort me to fit his every desire…
I swallow against the heat rising up inside me. I’m supposed to be keeping a clear head, yet here I am flushed over a dance. I’m practically melting over his touch.
“Do you know what happens after dark in this club, Sasha?” he asks.
“I have a feeling you’re about to tell me.”
“I would love to do one better. I would love to show you. But only if you can handle it.”
“I’ve heard rumors,” I admit.
He leads us away from the others in another smooth slide. His moves are so good they’re almost professionally trained, drawing my mind to what other moves he’s capable of once off the dance floor.
“It’s called the Market. The place you go for any fantasy you’ve ever had,” he explains. “But it’s not for everyone. It’s for those who are a little more… adventurous in the bedroom.”
“It’s a good thing I can relate.”
“Are you sure about that? There are rooms that could make your skin crawl. Your toes curl. Most wouldn’t last five minutes in a playroom like six, where pleasure meets pain.”
“Am I supposed to be intimidated? I can handle anything.”
“I’m sure you believe you can. But maybe you should tread lightly. You’re still new to this place.”
My smirk spreads. “I’ve realized the first real thing you should know about me, Archer. I like sex and I’m not ashamed of saying so.”
Surprise glistens in the dark blue of his eyes and he gives a chuckle. “Well, in that case, maybe we’re a match after all.”
“Maybe. If you can keep up with me.”
I get in the last word as the twinkling music comes to a graceful end. The couples break apart in applause. Jerome’s voice comes over the intercom to greets us.
“Thank you, esteemed Midnight Society members, for joining us on this special occasion. We are pleased to announce the first official round of the Midnight Games is underway. Please proceed to the theater for the event.”
“Theater?”
Archer’s wrapped my arm with his, escorting me among the others. Everyone’s started milling toward the doors, their excitement palpable.
“What’s about to happen?” I ask when my first question goes unanswered.
“We’re about to sit down to a delightful, award-winning Broadway production.”
“That can’t be?—”
“Jesus fucking Christ, Sasha, you can’t be serious. Have you really been this unaware of this club and what goes on? Has your grandfather kept you this in the dark?” he asks. His hand falls to the small of my back as he guides me through the crowd. Dropping his voice a decibel, he says, “Here I was, thinking you were playing the part of sweet and innocent.”
