Page 29 of Forsaking All Others

Right now both these worries are still at the forefront of my mind.

Normally I have a positive outlook, but learning that I’d been correct about Regina’s fate, realising I still don’t have an ally in this game, and now being forced to have a one-on-one date with the bachelor, which I somehow need to come out of with blood still coursing through my veins, is starting to chip away at my confidence. It’s one thing to fight to the death against twenty-four other competitors for the hand of a vampire royal, to solve riddles, undertake physical challenges, and keep one step ahead of their deadly intrigues. It’s another entirely to have to, at the same time, hide your true identity and avoid capture by your enemies from outside the game.

Now, as I stare at my deep-fried sardines and twirl my glass of red sangria around and around on the white tablecloth, the director’s shout brings me out of my reverie.

“Cut!”

“Contestant, you’ve been coached. When on a dinner date it’s imperative you angle your body to face the bachelor and meet his eyes at all times. Surely that’s not asking too much?”

“Ah, no, sorry.”

He nods and sighs heavily.

“And…Action!”

I raise my glass to my lips and look at the Viscount, as directed, trying to appear interested as he gives me a penetrative stare, his lip quirking at my expression.

“I know you don’t want to be here, but generally these dates are aimed at having you and I exchange information,” he drawls. “I expect the purpose is to help me decide whether to keep you or kill you, and to give the audience a deeper insight into both of us.”

‘Shit.’

“What makes you think I don’t want to be here?” I frown.

“Perhaps the fact that you deliberately came in second behind Laura,” he murmurs.

My face pales, then blazes, but I decide the truth is probably my best option. He’s clearly more perceptive than I’d anticipated.

“I didn’t want to come first because it’s too soon in The Games to come out as a forerunner,” I shrug, “and as it happens, had I done so I’d probably be where Laura is right now.”

“Did you see Miranda put the snake in Laura’s pack?”

“No,” I frown, “but she must have done it when she reached the beach. Laura didn’t work with her in the challenge.”

“And you know this how?”

“I just know.”

“Challenges aside,” he shrugs and changes the subject as though bored and desiring to speed things up. “You’re here now. Why not use the opportunity to tell me about yourself?”

“Sì,” I gulp, suddenly aware that the cameras are panning in on my face. “Ah, what would you like to know?”

“If the formula is to be followed I’d ask you why you entered The Games,” he sighs, taking a long drink of his whisky before putting the glass down firmly on the table between us. “But let me save you the trouble of answering and take a wild guess,” he shifts his gaze to stare away from me towards the opposite bank of the river at nothing I can perceive. “You’re looking for love; you saw my profile and knew I was the one immediately. You think you and I are destined, and you can list a thousand reasons why I should choose you to be my wife.”

‘Wow, he’s already made up his mind that we’re all the same. Fuck. I need to turn this around, and fast.’

“Not at all,” I swallow hard and wait for him to look at me once more before going on. “I’m not looking for love.” I meet his surprised gaze unflinchingly. “I would have had any vampire in any series. This is the series. You are the vampire.”

He raises an eyebrow.

I shrug.

“You wanted the truth, or at least I have to presume that’s what you want. It sounds like you’ve heard enough bullshit since this game began to last even your long, long lifetime.”

His lips quirk slightly.

“You’re right,” he turns back to the river view. “But truth or no. I don’t care whether you aspire to love, or power, or eternal life. I’m here to marry whoever wins; end of story.”

“Although the choice is yours,” I frown. “So what contestants say to you must have some sway on your decision — you just pointed that out.”