Page 138 of Eternal Craving

“How do you benefit from giving me this information?” He tried to hurry towards the door.

I threw him backwards across the desk and leaned against him, knocking off items and sending papers flying. “I’m not finished.”

He glared at me.

“Being this close to me,” I sighed dramatically, “it reminds you of that desire of yours.”

He tried to push me off.

I pressed up against him. “Don’t you want more than a sip?”

Something passed between us, and we both felt a connection crackle, igniting an unexpected intimacy.

I stepped back and Archer straightened his jacket, though it didn’t need it.

“Please leave.”

“And risk not knowing?” I replied. “And let’s be honest, now that you have me, I doubt you’ll let me go.”

“Orpheus, such aggression is unnecessary.”

“Mine or yours?”

He regarded me with those idealistic eyes of his. “Despite evidence of your remaining humanity?—”

“Don’t demonize me.”

“You’re a hunter.” He raised his eyebrows in a condescending fashion.

“As are you.”

“Are you trying to find some kind of approval from me?”

I folded my arms. “I don’t believe so.”

“How did this happen to you?”

“What does it matter?”

“I’m trying to understand you, that’s all.”

“That would be a first,” I said. “I hardly understand myself.”

“Your father, was he a good man?”

“Such questions, do you think the answers will make it easier to hunt me?”

“I find myself alone in a room with a vampire. There’s no guideline on how one proceeds.”

“My father was a good man. Was yours?”

“Yes.”

I waved a hand in the air. “And yet he chose this life for you.”

“I accepted my fate.”

“Your father, did he show you affection?”