Page 38 of The Devil's Hunt

If I were anyone else, I would have let something like this send me running for the hills. My heart pounded in my chest as therealization hit me. I was drawn to his danger like a moth to a flame, reveling in the pain and thrill it brought. But deep inside, anger boiled within me at his deception.

Grabbing at my last shred of dignity, I marched back to my room, determined to uncover the truth the only way I knew how. Retrieving the box hidden under my bed, my fingers trembled as I pulled out the lingerie and slipped it on. As I caught sight of myself in the closet mirror, a surge of desire and fury rippled through me. Turning off the lights, I crawled into bed and faced the wall, wrapping myself tightly in my comforter as I plotted my next move with fierce resolve burning in my chest.

The sound of the shower turning off signaled his return to the bedroom. I could feel him watching me, contemplating whether he should join me or leave. The mattress shifted as he climbed in, and a devious smile spread across my face. His hands trailed up my bare leg and to my stomach, pausing as he touched the lace of the lingerie.

A low groan escaped his lips as he pulled me toward him, the heat of his breath caressing my ear as he whispered, "Are you pretending to be asleep, little rabbit?"

Ignoring his words, I played along.

Two can play that game.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Mila," a dark warning left his lips, but I didn't falter.

"I'm just following your instructions," I countered coyly. "I think your words were, ‘You better be wearing this when I get back.’ But if you don't like it, I can take it off."

I couldn't help but smirk in the darkness as my words hung between us, a thin veil of lies draped over the truth. I knew what I was doing, and I was willing to push the boundaries of whatever our relationship was to get answers.

He chuckled darkly, the brazenness of my comment adding to the intoxicating mixture of lust and danger that had been building between us. His hands moved to my hips and pulled me closer, his hot breath still on my ear, and whispered, "I love it when you play hard to get, Mila."

Before I could reply, he captured my lips in a searing kiss that left me breathless and wanting more. His lips tasted of salt and a lingering hint of the camouflage face paint he wore in the city. As he pulled away, his eyes were dark with hunger and desire, and I could see the battle being waged within him. The need to claim me, to dominate me, and the desire to tell me every dark secret he held close to his black heart.

"Are you ready to give me answers then?"

"If you want answers, you'll have to earn them," he whispered roughly, his breath sending goosebumps across my skin. He pulled away from me, leaving me panting and craving more. I knew I needed to keep pushing, so I played my cards carefully.

"And how do I earn those answers, Archer?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled, the darkness in his eyes never leaving mine.

He traced the line of my jaw with his fingertips. "You want the truth, Mila? You want answers?"

I nodded, my heart pounding as I waited for his response.

"You need to trust me. Completely and without question," he said softly, his voice low and seductive.

"I already do," I whispered.

He smirked. "Oh, I don't think you do, not completely. But that's okay. We'll work on that. You need to give up control. Let me take the reins. Surrender to me, and I'll give you the answers you want."

I hesitated, my eyes widening at his demand. The thought of surrendering control to him was daunting, but I wanted the truth more than anything.

"Okay," I said, my voice shaking slightly. "I'll trust you. I'll give you control."

Archer smiled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "That's my girl," he murmured, pulling me close and sealing his lips to mine in a feverish kiss. His hands sank into my hair, pulling me closer as his tongue tangled with mine, tasting me thoroughly.

When he finally broke the kiss, his breath was ragged, and hiseyes were dark with hunger. "Now," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Let's see what you're made of, Mila."

"Alright then," I said, bringing my hands up to slide his wet hair back from his face. "Tell me what I need to do, Archer." I bit my lip, feeling a thrill of fear and excitement course through my veins.

He laughed, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "I always knew there was a little devil hiding inside you, Mila. Tonight, I will show you just how powerful that devil can be."

It was then that I realized there was something in my mouth.

It was fruity and disintegrating on my tongue.

Archer's smirk grew wider, his eyes dark with desire. "Swallow."

I did.

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