Page 84 of Stalker

Everything about him was primal in nature, a predator comfortable in any surroundings. I’d profiled enough criminals to know what Josie had said was absolutely correct. Some could fit in easily, blending into a crowd or standing out in a room. Whichever fit the situation required.

Yet right now, he seemed at ease as he ripped off his tuxedo jacket and bowtie. There was no carefulness about how he tossed both across the back of one chair, slowly unbuttoning his shirt and sleeves.

I was suddenly transfixed on the ring he wore on his left hand, middle finger. It was a creation of beauty, the diamonds surrounding the large black stone shimmering in the recessed lighting.

He noticed my gaze and flexed his hand, his smile easily labeled as a smirk.

“A symbol of absolute power. Yes?” I asked as I tilted my head toward him.

Wilder twirled the ring. “Symbols of power are used to make others fear those standing in front of them.”

“Ah, you want your enemies to fear you.”

“They simply do given my reputation, Lady Butterfly. Make yourself comfortable. Would you like to try one of our wines?”

His arrogance was far too alluring.

“Absolutely. Whatever you suggest.”

“Then follow me into the kitchen, Cassandra, so our night can begin.”

Wilder tilted his head, studying me more intently than he’d done inside the ballroom. As I’d done before and as he’d done with me, I could clearly read his thoughts.

Tonight was the true beginning of something I’d likely regret, yet for all the wrong reasons, the excitement remained.

CHAPTER21

Wilder

My Lady Butterfly took another sip of her merlot, her throat drawing my attention every time she swallowed. The monster inside of me longed to wrap my fingers around her long neck, not for the intent of killing her, but because that’s what she was longing for.

My rough touch.

My full control.

The taste of her sweet lips lingered, yet I longed to thrust my tongue inside all over again. The itch and the ache were even stronger than before.

Cassandra was digging, trying to find answers even as her body continued to surrender. Soon, her mind would do the same.

I could see such torment in her eyes, dozens of questions written all over her face.

Some were questions I couldn’t answer.

Right now, what I wanted was to rip the dress she was wearing to shreds and fuck her all over again. I had her thong in the pocket of my jacket. Maybe I’d keep it as a souvenir.

At least she’d grown more comfortable being inside my house, now standing barefoot in the middle of my kitchen. The arc of excitement remained between us, her hardened nipples pressing through the thin material of her dress while the scent of her longing assaulted my senses.

“What is the Obsidian Society?” she asked.

We were still standing in the kitchen under harsh lighting, yet I continued to think she was the most beautiful woman in the world. At least she’d cut through the bullshit asking me directly when so many others tiptoed around. At this moment, there was no apprehension in her eyes. Just a desire to learn the truth.

I thought about whether I should be honest with her or quote the typical line from when anyone else asked, including reporters who’d hounded us before. Why not see how much she knew. Of course the hunt itself had been risky, but it had certainly been a vanilla version of what we’d done before.

“You read the ridiculous article.”

“Oh, come on, Wilder. The hunt? Is it true it’s a very secretive environment, men and women from all across the world vying for a chance to play your twisted games?”

“If you mean Dark Nights, they can do that with a simple online subscription.”

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