Page 102 of Obsession

“You’d be writing that onto your skin for your own benefit.” He grins. “Thinking if the ink sinks into your pores, maybe you’ll stay away, but you won’t. You can’t because your body and mind are not in agreement.”

“Well, fuck my body and my mind,” I growl, scrambling off his lap.

Hunter reaches over to tap on the black divider and it comes sliding down a moment later. He then tilts his head to study me, his expression dark and his tone back to business.

“Why were you at school so late? Did he do anything else to you?”

It was then that I remembered the tickets. I immediately open my bag and take them out, breathing a sigh of relief. For a moment, I thought that Ricky might’ve managed to swipe them.

“I had a meeting with Miss Maverick. She’s the new evaluator the university brought in. She wanted to give me my friends and family tickets for the showing. Ricky–“ I hesitate, my hands tightening around the precious slips of paper. “He wanted me to invite him along. I refused. I would rather stab myself in the eyes with a spoon than take him.”

The corner of Hunter’s lips turns up, and he plucks the tickets from my hand, making me blink.

“So, who’re you going to take with you?” he asks, studying the slips of paper.

“I don’t know. Naomi, maybe.”

“That still leaves one ticket.”

“I don’t have to use it.”

“You’re going to need a plus one,” He states as if it’s obvious. “Someone who can help you mingle and network. These exhibitions can help your career if you work it right.”

“I know.” I shift in my seat uneasily. “Why do you think everyone wants to be selected?”

“It would be useful to have someone by your side who can help draw attention to you,” he continues casually. “And to your work.”

In the rearview mirror, I see Parker’s lips twitch, and a suspicious thought forms in my mind as I glare at Hunter.

“Are you inviting yourself?”

He shrugs. “I don’t need to use your invitation. I receive regular invitations for most artistic or fundraising events in the city, including this one. But considering that you have a sketch of my face up there, I think it would be the polite thing to invite me.“

“You’re unbelievable.”

“Thank you. I’ve heard that many times.”

“It’s not a compliment.” I grit my teeth.

The quick smile he shoots my way makes me melt and then get angry over my reaction.Come on, mind and body, and work with me here.

“I’m the obvious choice to go.”

“How so?”

“I would be of benefit to you.”

“I don’t like to use people,” I say coolly.

“Well, sweetheart, you need to learn,” he smirks. “You won’t get far in life if you let your misguided moral compass dictate all your choices. Sometimes you have to climb on people's backs to achieve your goals in life.”

“Or annihilate them?” I ask, thinking about all the people I imagine Hunter has dealt with in his work.

“That too,” he replies without skipping a beat.

“You’re a terrible role model,” I say quietly under my breath, although his offer isn’t all bad. If I go to this once-in-a-lifetime showing, I should make the best of it. That’s the entire point of going.

I shoot him a cautious look. “What do you get out of it?” I press when he moves his shoulders in an elegant shrug, remembering that Parker is listening. “I’m serious, Mr. Middleton. You don’t seem to be the kind of person who hands out favors expecting nothing in return.”

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