Page 66 of Monster

I grinned. “Trust me, I’m good with questions.”

He chuckled. “Of that, I have no doubt.”

I felt more relaxed and at ease in his presence. “I don’t know, really. I guess between the family business being what it is and wanting to make a difference in the world, it seemed like the logical choice. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love what I do. I just never had that existential epiphany, you know?”

“You just knew, and that’s okay, too.”

I giggled. “All right, you little poet.”

He smiled, and it lit up his fucking face. I hadn’t seen him smile properly ever since he’d bought me and brought me back to his place, and I couldn't get enough of it. The way the sunset reflected off his dark brown orbs. The way his smile warmed the harsh tones of the sun as his sparkling white teeth overtook his face. His entire demeanor changed with his smile, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

You’re his hostage, not his lover. Always remember that.

“You have a wonderful smile,” I said.

He cleared his throat and it quickly faded away. “I’ve been told that on various occasions, yes.”

“You should do it more.”

He snickered. “Give me a reason to and I will.”

I smirked. “I’ve got a few reasons at my disposal I could give you.”

“Really now?”

I shrugged. “If you play your cards right, sure.”

His gaze held mine. “And if I simply decide to take it from you?”

I pierced a piece of jackfruit with my fork. “I hope you like a good fight, then.”

He growled to himself. “I never back down from a fight.”

“Then it’s a good thing I don’t, either.”

Teo drew in a deep breath through his nose. “So, what do you wish to do with your career once you’re no longer working at the behest of your family? I assume there’s a plan to take over the family business?”

I paused. “You’re very curious about my career.”

“No, no. I’m very curious about you. And you strike me as the kind of woman whose career is the bulk of her. Hence, the questions.”

My face fell. “There’s more to me than my job.”

“I’m sure there is.”

“I have an entire life outside of my career, thank you very much.”

He took a bite of his steak. “I’m sure you do.”

“And it’s offensive, the fact that you think otherwise.”

He snickered. “Then, maybe you should change your outward perception of yourself to the rest of the world. Because you could’ve fooled anyone with how you carry yourself.”

His words cut deep. “Well, until I’m free from you and this place? There’s absolutely nothing I can do with my career.”

He reached for a piece of bread. “Give me the right answers to my questions and I’ll let you go as soon as possible.”

“Then, start asking questions.”

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