Page 6 of Wicked Dares
I’m not entirely surprised. He looks like a man who has power and assets, and the world bends itself around him without him ever needing to ask. It’s just that the likelihood of me meeting someone who owns what’s clearly a million-dollar business is next to non-existent.
“Impressed?” he asks, leaning closer, his eyes searching my face.
“Of course. Has anyonenotbeen impressed when you tell them that?”
“No. But there’s a first time for everything.” His voice drops on the last word, like he wants me to pay attention.
“Were the dares your idea?”
He tilts his head. “Yes. What gave me away?”
“Wild guess.” Not exactly. It’s the undertone of mystery and menace. It’s stronger now.
“So, looks like we’re talking. Have I convinced you to stay yet?”
His eyes hold mine with a fascination that tempts me to stay. The look brightens the longer he stares, as though he can see something in my mind I can’t. The potency warms my insides, and I wonder what harm could come of staying a little longer.
But with him?
That’s the dangerous part. I already know I’d enjoy it.
No. I stop whatever thought I was going to have abruptly.
I have to go.
“Sorry, I have work in the morning.”
“It’s Monday night. At least eighty percent of the people here have work in the morning. Plus, you’re in Wicked Dares, a placewhere the real world and work don’t exist. Come up with a better excuse.” The dimples come out again.
I chuckle despite myself, but I can’t think of anything better to say. At least nothing that won’t make me sound pathetic.
“Can’t think of anything?” He raises a brow and bites the inside of his lip.
“You don’t take no for an answer, do you?” I grin.
“I never have and I won’t start tonight.”
This guy is smooth. “Okay. Let’s try this. Why do you want me to stay?”
“I think that’s obvious.”
Yeah, very smooth. “You’re gonna have to help me out. I may have danced too much; my head is spinning a little.”
“Yes, I noticed the dancing. As for why I want you to stay… Let’s just say you caught my attention.”
I let out a little laugh. “There are a ton of gorgeous women here to catch your attention.”
“But I wantyou.”
The blunt honesty of his answer catches me off guard more than any cheesy line ever could.
The words land low in my stomach, and a shiver runs the length of my spine, fast and scattered, like my body is telling me what my mind hasn’t agreed to yet. It’s been a long time since I felt anything close to that, so long I can barely remember.
“Me?”
“Yes. You’re the only gorgeous woman I can see here.”
“I’m wearing a mask.”
