“Not exactly.” She narrowed her eyes, and then I quickly amended myself. “Well, maybe.”
Damn. I was fucking this all up.
“Okay, let me see if I have this straight.” She hadn’t dropped my hand yet, so at least there was that. “Because I declined your offer to have lunch, you thought it was suss. I mean, who says no totheTravis Monroe, right?”
Just like my father, I had assumed it was all about me. Thetruth hit me like a punch to the gut as I looked away and nodded.
“And then you learned about the mole and it all made sense. Because of course I should’ve fallen all over myself when Drake Valentino asked me to lunch.”
We were bringing Drake into this now too? I gritted my teeth, but I suppose I deserved it.
“So, my question is,” she continued, the hurt evident in her tone, “why didn’t you tell me when you realized it was the spell book I was hiding? And if not then, why not when my villa was ransacked? I know you may have been developing feelings for some of the other women but?—”
Desperation clawing at me, I lifted my head to meet her gaze and grabbed her hands. “No. I didn’t have feelings for any of them.” I searched her eyes, looking for the right words to say, and decided just to blurt it all out. “I didn’t want to fuck things up with you, okay? At first, I thought you’d be pissed I hadn’t trusted you. And then, when I realized I was falling for you, I wanted so desperately for you to feel comfortable in my world. To feel safe among monsters. Especially when it wasn’t safe for you back home. I thought if you learned something negative or scary about the contest or things here, you’d never consider staying. You’d leave at the end and forget all about me.” I released a ragged breath, then blurted out the rest. “And I know this sounds crazy, because I haven’t considered Darkaway Island my home for a long time—that is, not until I saw it through your eyes—but I really wanted you to love it here. And want you to consider staying in this world. With me.”
I dropped my gaze. There. I’d said it. I admitted it was all about me and what I wanted. Not about her. I was just like my fucking father after all.
Cool fingers brushed my chin and turned my head to face hers. Moisture glittered in the corners of her eyes.
“I never thought your world was perfect, Travis. Rememberwhen you almost killed me on the ferry dock? That was literally right when I got here. So, no, I’m not scared of you or your world—what I know of it, that is. But you have pissed me off a time or two.”
Then she leaned over and pressed that beautiful mouth to mine.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Daphne
Our last group date was at Mama Luigi’s restaurant, located just off Nightshade Avenue and down a quaint cobblestone alleyway. Twinkle lights—actual lights, not fairy sprites—hung from potted crab apple trees and draped across the walkway.
I was surprised to learn that the island had two Italian restaurants. Apparently, the owners used to be married, but they got divorced and now competed for business. But who was I to complain? It was one of my favorite cuisines.
Once inside, we were led to a private room in the back with a large round table. Mia grabbed the spot next to Travis, and Lauren picked the other side. I took a seat directly opposite him. I enjoyed looking at him from a slight distance anyway. Gave me a nice perspective. He shot a heated glance at me as if he knew exactly what I was thinking.
Myprimo piattowas a vegetarian minestrone soup and was delicious. Mia had chosen the risotto, and I was surprised shewas actually eating it. Either she wasn’t trying to impress Travis anymore or it was just too delicious to resist.
After the main course—my lasagna was chef’s-kiss amazing—Travis nodded to our server, who brought out tall flutes of champagne on a very tiny platter.
He tapped on his glass with a fork to get everyone’s attention. “With things wrapping up, I wanted to take this opportunity to say a few words. First of all, it’s been my pleasure getting to know all of you, and to the camera crew,bravo!”
Everyone clapped and he continued.
“Mia, I’ve checked out your social media profiles, and I love your vibe. Brands would be crazy not to partner with you. Lauren, your fitness videos are incredible. I think my personal trainer can get some tips from you. Alice, your music is amazing. I’ve already mentioned you to theSecret Shadowsproducers, who are committed to showcasing indie artists next season. And Daphne,” he said, turning to fully face me, “Your lotions and potions are remarkable. You seem to know exactly what someone needs, even if they don’t know it at first. No doubt you’re a wonderful lab tech and very accurate with your measurements.”
The room buzzed with laughter. Mia bounced in her seat with delight, Lauren did a silly biceps ‘which way to the beach’ pose, and Alice fanned herself with a napkin.
Travis tapped his glass again. “Which is why I’m going to break dating show protocol tonight. I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for all of you and don’t want you to be blindsided at the final charm ceremony.” He gave a dramatic pause and looked around the table at each of us. He was really good at this. Everyone hovered on his every word. “But I’m choosing Daphne. Or rather, Daphne letmechooseher.”
My heart jumped to my throat, and chills skittered down myarms at his public proclamation. Part of me, the part that had been left at the altar once, wondered if he would really go through with it.
The room erupted and all the women looked at me. I expected to see at least a little malice, but all I saw were smiles.
Mia was the first to rush to me. For a half-vampire, she gave great bear-hugs. Then the others joined her in a group hug around me. We laughed and exchanged stories, with Mia saying she knew from the start that he was going to pick me. She said it with the confidence of a content creator who went viral and now sells a course.
From the other side of the table, Travis was grinning. It was crazy to think that I’d met this incredible man in a supernatural dating contest, and my rivals were happy for me. It reminded me of one of my favorite island slogans:I found myself, and my people, on Darkaway Island.
When it came time for dessert, we made our way back to our seats. It was a house-made ricotta with lemon/raspberry sauce, and I couldn’t wait to dig in.
But as soon as the crystal dish was set in front of me, I caught a whiff that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. I could eat it, but something told me Travis shouldn’t, and a vision flashed before my eyes of him clutching at his throat, trying to breathe.
