Thomas consulted his watch. “You have almost an hour before the next journalist arrives. One hour to get the material to write the article that will make your career.”
Sasha’s hand hovered over the door handle. “You want to help me?”
“Don’t question it,” Thomas said abruptly. “I’m giving you the opportunity of your career. Use it, intern.” He sat back in his chair and motioned for her to do the same. “Come on. Sit. Let’s start from the top.”
Sasha shifted uncomfortably, as Thomas stared at her intently. Without even knowing why, she paced back to the chair. Something was compelling her to sit, something more than the promise of a career boost. There was a magnetism about Thomas Lloyd, a pull that made her want to be in his company for as long as possible. It was more than just attraction; it was something primal.
He’s an actor, she reminded herself as she took her chair again. He’s meant to make you feel like that.
As she cleared her throat, Sasha glanced down at the list of questions provided by Kelly. “So, in this film, you’re playing a recovering alcoholic…”
But before she had a chance to fully ask the question, Thomas ripped the paper from her hands.
“None of this rubbish!” he cried, throwing it to the floor. “After you, I have three more interviews. They’re all going to ask the same thing. What are you going to ask me? What do you want to know? How are you going to impress your boss back in the office? Huh? Tell me.”
Sasha shrunk back, alarmed by Thomas’s passionate outburst. However, something about it exhilarated her at the same time.
“Don’t shy away from me!” he cried, grasping her shoulders.
Sasha felt the bite of his fingernails in her flesh and bit her lip. The sensation of his touch against her was even more powerful the second time. It was as if a switch had been flicked inside her. She didn’t just want Thomas to touch her, she needed him to.
“You’re sitting in front of one of Hollywood’s finest actors!” he shouted at her, his voice oozing with arrogance. “You, a nobody, an unknown, unpaid intern!”
Sasha wrenched herself away. “How dare you?”
“How dare I what?” Thomas spat.
“Call me a nobody. I’m more than just an intern!”
“Are you? Prove it!” He jabbed a finger aggressively against the notepad resting in her lap. “Be a journalist. Do it. Be more than just a lackey!”
“Fine!” Sasha snapped. “Tell me how a man with an ego as large as yours is ever truly satisfied?” She panted, feeling the anger thrumming in her chest.
Thomas fell silent. The passionate expression on his face melted away. He slumped back into his chair. After a long pause, he turned a mischievous gaze to meet hers.
“Do you have any idea how sexy you are when you break the rules?” he said finally.
Sasha’s gaze snapped up with surprise. “What?”
Thomas leaned forward. “Didn’t it make you feel good? Just for a second?” His voice had changed to a whisper, hot against her skin. “To not be a suck up? To say what you wanted to? To demand what you felt you deserved?”
Sasha’s throat went suddenly dry as Thomas’s eyes bore into her. This was not how she’d expected the interview to go at all. Yet, she knew she didn’t want it to stop. She never wanted his intense gaze to leave her. She never wanted to stop squirming under his scrutiny. She was caught somewhere between discomfort and excitement...and she loved it.
Then, all at once, Thomas leaned back, lengthening the space between them in a way that made Sasha gasp.
“‘How is a man with an ego as large as mine ever truly satisfied?’” he repeated, as if she’d only just asked the question, as if he hadn’t just told her she was sexy. Then he flapped a dismissive hand. “The answer is rarely. People never live up to my expectations. They bore me. They’re predictable. Always trying to please.” His eyes flashed with mischief.
Sasha coughed. Did he really just say that? If this man’s ego could get any bigger he’d explode. But then, what was it that made him so compelling to her? So fascinating? Maybe it was his candor. There was something uncomplicated about a man who just told it as he saw it. No mind games. Just take it or leave it.
And she realized then that she wanted to take it.
“Well,” she said, straightening up confidently. “You said people bore you. What about women?”
If Thomas Lloyd didn’t want sugarcoated questions or a giggling interviewer fawning over him, she sure as hell wasn’t going to be one. He wanted her to challenge him, and she wanted to challenge him in turn.