Ah, yes. I had to remind myself I would play the name game for a little while longer. “Ms. Turner. I heard your scores were impressive.” I took Jessica’s hand and the instant our fingers touched, I was brought back to the night I’d met her officially. Or I should say the first time I’d tasted her. The jolt of electricity affected both of us, Jessica hating herself for it.

  “Very impressive,” Elizabeth answered for her and that annoyed the fuck out of me. I gave my employee a stern look. “So did Ms. Jeffries and Ms. Markum,” she added.

  “How were your experiences?” Zach asked. While I didn’t need to glance in his direction, I could tell he was paying close attention to my sweet Desdemona.

  Jessica pulled her hand away first. Her eyes narrowed as she gave me a heated onceover that lingered.

  Fascinating. The woman didn’t like me very much. Likely given my rather disturbing reputation. All three of the Blackwell brothers had been labeled demented by various news sources. We held the title with pride. None of us cared about what others thought of us. We weren’t into a popularity contest unless it had dollars attached to it.

  “Incredible,” one of the women said.

  “Honestly? The most terrifying game I’ve ever played, but I loved it.” The second was very enthusiastic.

  But I was barely paying any attention. I tipped my head to the side and Jessica noticed, lifting her chin almost immediately.

  “And your thoughts, Ms. Turner?” I asked, rather off the cuff.

  She brushed the hand she’d shaken mine with down her jeans as if touching me had been reprehensible. Every action she took only made me want her that much more. “I believe you have a decent product that will ultimately sell well after you’ve worked out the kinks. I’m certain you’re eager to have Dark Nights be the star of the show, not fall underneath your second class works.”

  I’ll be damned if the woman wasn’t baiting me.

  The other two candidates distanced themselves from her physically. It was quite comical actually.

  I was certain Elizabeth would have a heart attack based on the way she was staring at me. No, I wasn’t known for handling such open criticism well. It wasn’t like I’d expected Jessica to evangelize all we offered, but usually the women in her position were interested in getting the job.

  Not pissing off the owners.

  Zach was highly amused. “I understand not only do you work for one of our competitors, but you’ve also developed a couple games yourself.”

  “Yes, I do and yes, I have.” She was quite proud of herself, but wasn’t interested in providing any clues about her thoughts.

  The woman was shockingly able to get under my skin. However, the strongest feeling was one of desire.

  I had the urge to ask her if she knew how horrifyingly easy it had been to pick the locks on her house. Maybe I should offer her security advice while she was in the process of bashing my company.

  “What would you do differently, Ms. Turner?” I threw out just to see what she would do.

  She was smart enough to know I was challenging her. I was more than impressed she’d found a unique way of calling my brothers and me hacks.

  Her smile could be described as more of a smirk, as if she knew something I didn’t. “Well, I don’t think I need to offer you any advice. You believe you know what you’re doing. I wouldn’t dare challenge that.”

  “Oh, please do. I adore hearing from my fans.” Why not toss the arrogance back in her direction. I was eager to get to the bottom of why she hated me so much.

  “Why don’t you take Ms. Turner into your office so she can provide you with some recommendations, Xander?” Zach asked.

  I flashed him a look and nodded only once. When I returned my attention to the prize standing in front of me, I gave a challenging gesture of my hand. “Would that be acceptable to you, Ms. Turner?”

  She seemed uncomfortable that I’d used her name so many times, but she’d need to get used to it. I felt the full enjoyment of making her squirm.

  She looked at her watch as if I wasn’t aware she had nowhere else to be. She’d been bold enough to call in sick, a brave move for someone who always followed the rules. “Fine. I can take a few moments. Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds, for your time.”

  My little lamb was generally courteous to everyone, which was why I was determined to get to the bottom of her immediate dislike, and even repulsion, of me.

  I didn’t say a word to her as I led her the long way around to my office, waiting in the doorway on purpose. As she brushed past, I sensed her body tensing.

  My office could be quite oppressive.

  But she would try with everything in her existence not to let her emotions give her away. I closed the door behind her, immediately heading toward my desk. I eased down onto the edge, using my open hand to gesture to the chair.

  She hesitated before walking closer. “This won’t take long, Mr. Blackwell, as I’m meeting friends for drinks in a little while.”

  I checked the time on my watch myself, wondering if she noticed I was curious that it was only three in the afternoon. If she did, she didn’t react in any way.

  Whereas I’d wanted to fuck her before, my feelings were already turning more sadistic. To some it would seem needy. In my world, the next phase was simply a matter of course.

  “Then by all means, go ahead. What’s wrong with the game?”

  “First. Let me ask you a question. Are there controls on the game so minors aren’t allowed access to the violent, sexual content?”

  “Of course there are, Ms. Turner, as there are with all our games.”

  “But this isn’t just any game. What you’ve created is… monstrous.”

  Her choice of a word to use to describe it couldn’t be more perfect. Perhaps that’s what was missing from the marketing campaigns. “Monstrous. Predatory.”

  “Yes, blood and gore.”

  “Yet horror movies where men who wear ski masks and use chainsaws are allowed to be shown at various theaters across the country.” The flicker of fear that I’d seen before immediately formed in her eyes.

  She blinked it away, doing her best to remain undaunted.

  “But your thoughts are used against you. Right?” she asked, a tightness in her voice.

  “To some degree, yes. Once the brain of the game determines what kind of person you are, the suggestions offered will allow for a more satisfying experience.”

  She shuddered at my words. “Artificial Intelligence.”

  “How did you think we managed to accomplish such an incredible goal, Ms. Turner? We’re not mind readers, as evidenced by our required questionnaire. How do you believe we knew what tormented your every dream?”

  I could almost smell her desire. My cock twitched from the thought.

  “I’m suggesting you should be very careful. You could turn people into monsters.”

  “Or monsters into men. Although it’s my belief monsters are created by the composition of their DNA and upbringing, not fictional realities.”

  “Yet the game goes way beyond fictional realities, Mr. Blackwell. It’s a training ground for psychotics and sexual predators.”

  “Yet you enjoyed yourself, calling it a fantasy fulfilled. Yes?” I could tell I was getting under my little lamb’s skin.

  The flush had returned. So had a new nervous tic in the corner of her lush lips. “I’m a professional. I knew what to expect.”

  “Did you?”

  “Yes,” she stated with utter defiance.

  “I’m glad to hear that. What other recommendations do you have for me? Please, don’t hold back.”

  Perhaps she wanted to shock me with her even more provocative suggestions, but little did she know there was nothing on this earth capable of shocking me any longer. I’d done far too many of the repulsive things she was likely thinking about.

  Worrying about.

  But on which level? The fact a masked man had seen through her defenses or that she wanted to either experience so many of the devious acts?

  I folded my arms, enjoying the flow of her words, the suggestions she made, and the way her lips pursed into small but perfect o’s when she spoke. When she was finished, she locked eyes with mine, both smart enough and self-confident to the point she willed herself not to look away or even blink.

  Impressive.

  But she would look more impressive when I had her on all fours, begging me to fuck her tight little pussy.

  When I said nothing for almost a full minute, I could sense her apprehension increasing. The slight squirm as she shifted from one foot to the other was far too appealing.

  “I do appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. They are invaluable.”

  She wasn’t certain what to make of my comment, the slight blush cresting across her clenched jaw an indication she couldn’t ascertain if what I’d said was a compliment. “Well, I’m glad you think so and I very much appreciate the opportunity.” She turned toward the door, taking confident strides.

  “Ms. Turner, I didn’t tell you that you could leave, but I understand you have a prior commitment. However, you’ll need to let your friends know you can only spend two hours with them. Two. Hours.”

  “And why is that, Mr. Blackwell?”

  “Because as should have been explained to you, either myself or one of my brothers always spends some time with the three top candidates prior to going into the final competition.”

  My words forced her to turn around. “Does that mean…” She also wasn’t committing to either being excited or annoyed at my demand.

  “I believe you’ll find out soon enough. Tell me where you’re meeting them, and I’ll pick you up.”

  “That’s not necessary.”

  I lifted my head, this time the one locking eyes with her.

  What did my good little lamb do?

  She obeyed me.

  CHAPTER 13

  Jessica

  Dark and dangerous.

  That’s the way I thought about Xander Blackwell.

  I was still shivering from the conversation I’d had with him.

  The entire discussion had been unnerving, but obviously another test. How many were there going to be?

  I also thought about my father’s phone call, his insistence the man was the devil. If only I knew what my father was hiding from me. Maybe I should ask Xander. I almost laughed from the ridiculous thought. At least my father’s call reminded me to go into this with both eyes open.

  Wide.

  “Did you hear about the huge anniversary celebration the company you covet is having at the Waldorf on June fourth?” Ashley was enjoying teasing me way too much.

  “Not that I’d ever get invited,” I huffed.

  “Okay. Let me get this straight,” Stephanie said the moment her dirty martini was placed on the bar table. “You applied for and are considered one of the top three candidates at one of the most prestigious organizations in the entire city of Chicago to work for, yet you’re pissed.”

  “It’s more complicated than just being pissed.” I’d told them little about my main reasoning for wanting to work for the Blackwell Group. They didn’t know that side of me, especially since it had taken years of festering to finally bring it to the forefront. Enough to garner courage to do what I was doing. Or hoping to do.

  And I knew about the great gala. Everyone who was anyone was in attendance.

  “Explain,” Ashley chided. “Didn’t you tell us your salary is going to be close to two hundred thousand?”

  “With profit sharing.” I couldn’t lie, the salary was incredible, but I didn’t care about the money. Not really anyway.

  “And you get to game your life away. Oh, just like you’re doing now.” Ashley laughed first after making the comment, Stephanie immediately afterward.

  “It’s complicated because I will at least occasionally run into Xander Blackwell.” Although if this all worked out, I’d spend my time in one of the offsite facilities, barely coming into headquarters. I hadn’t expected the reaction I’d had when seeing Xander, but after so many years he hadn’t had a flicker of recognition, not that he would.

  I’d changed from the freckle-faced kid who was stick thin to what I was today. Plus, I hadn’t spent any real time around him since he hadn’t come to see me. Plus, I hated adults at that point in my life, so I’d stayed away. I had friends. I had my studies. I had gaming.

  “Have you paid attention to what he looks like?” Stephanie asked, obviously in awe. “He’s freaking gorgeous. So are his brothers. Although I heard they are weird.”

  “Not just weird. Creepy.”

  Ashley thought the guy at the taco stand was creepy. “He’s extremely intelligent and masterful within design.” I couldn’t believe I was complimenting the man. He was also the epitome of male perfection.

  “So a game designer?” Ashley teased.

  “I honestly have no clue. Nor do I care,” I told them as I sipped my wine, constantly glancing out the window to see if my stalker was following me. I’d felt him over the weekend, but hadn’t experienced any other surreal moments of being certain he was standing over my bed.

  That was the creepiest feeling of all.

  “So did you say you had to play a game as a test?” Stephanie was genuinely curious.

  As if I could provide them with any details. They’d think I was nuts. I could not imagine what the public and critics would do once the game was released, which was this week. They would go mad with how detailed and real it seemed.

  I’d studied games for so long, the work and the knowhow to play them was instinctive. Not with Dark Nights. I’d lost all sense of reality. The most brilliant aspect of the game was the ability for the sanest person to lose themselves in their own sadistic, murderous desires. I’d caught a mere glimpse of the capabilities the game offered, options catering to every fantasy.

  No matter how twisted.

  I would frankly be shocked if once released, Dark Nights didn’t have issues with laws concerning general consumer protection. Even with their protections, the game went so far out into a new realm that I hadn’t lied when I suggested monsters could be born.

  His answers had been odd and profound at the same time. But he’d undoubtedly learned from the various criticisms he’d received how to handle the most intense pressure. I certainly wasn’t anywhere close to his caliber of talent.

  “Yes, a virtual reality game.”

  Ashley and Stephanie looked from one to the other. “And? You’re like some super critic when it comes to games.”

  “It was okay.”

  Ashley snorted. “I know you. You loved it. Was it sexual?”

  I was shocked she asked me that. “What?”

  “I heard the rumors. Every male at work is excited like kids at Christmas. And the youngest guy at my job is like twenty-six. What is it with video games?”

  “They bring out the worst in people if you ask me,” Stephanie piped in.

  “They can if you take them seriously,” I admitted.

  “So you were technically perfect in avoiding the original question and the second one too. You obviously hate a man you don’t even know so that means you have a reason why.” Ashley wasn’t going to let this go.

  “Let’s just say Xander had a falling out with my father and it wasn’t very pleasant.” That wasn’t technically telling a lie. That was part of the equation by only a sliver of the reason.

  “Oh, wow. Very forbidden.” Stephanie fanned her face on purpose.

  “I guess it would be if I was attracted to him, which I am not. He’s a jerk. A grade-A jerk who thinks his shit doesn’t stink.” Except I was attracted to him, more so than I could believe.

  “Well, then just stay away from him.” Stephanie’s suggestion was a good one.

  “I would if the bastard hadn’t asked me out for a drink.”

  Ashley spit hers out on the table. “What?”

  “Yep. I suspect only because I did tell him in no uncertain detail what areas of the game needed some alterations.”

  “You did what?” Stephanie demanded.

  “Don’t go there. I smelled his arrogance and couldn’t help myself. And I’m not wrong about what I said either.” Not that he would take my suggestions. I’d seen the look in his eyes, as if he already owned half the world.

  “The woman has balls.” Stephanie shook her head. “That could be considered sexual harassment.”

  “Please. He’s no idiot. Each brother is taking a candidate out for a drink to get to know them. I just got the lucky straw in being paired with Xander.” My voice was dripping of sarcasm.

  “When is this great union occurring?” It was so good to see Ashley had recovered. Not. She was teasing me as she always did since men weren’t tops in my life. Ever.

  I checked my watch, remembering the way I’d used it as a prop and I’d been certain Xander had caught it. “About forty-five minutes.”

  “What?”

  I glanced toward Stephanie, feeling a strange sense of dread in going. I had a bad feeling he was going to do everything in his power to kick me off the list. “Yep. He insisted.”

  “Wow. Mr. Ruthless and Powerful.” Ashley was still grinning.

  “That’s why you’re dressed so nice,” Stephanie chided.

  I glanced down at the simple and filmy black shirt I’d chosen to wear. Since I wasn’t into dressing up, this was the best I could do. I had no intention of wearing the little dress I’d been forced to purchase. I’d completed the ensemble with a silver choker. “I just wanted to look decent since I wore jeans to the gaming event. As requested, so do not go there.” I pointed my finger from one to the other.

  “You should have worn the new dress you bought,” Ashley cooed.

  “This isn’t a date. This is what Stephanie suggested, a more casual interview.” I would need my nasty comments, or he’d start snooping. Just the way he’d continually said my name had put me on edge.

  “That’s the way top companies do business,” Stephanie suggested. “They want you comfortable, more like yourself so they have a better understanding of the person they might be hiring. Much less Neanderthal than sitting across a desk from them answering bullshit questions.”