Date with a Vampire (12 page)

Remember, he’s a gentleman, she reminded herself as she cut a piece of fish and popped it in her mouth. She continued to eat, hoping he would do the same, thus eliminating the need for conversation. But to her dismay he refilled his glass and stared at her over the rim.

“You look exceptionally beautiful tonight. Quite ravished.”

She chewed quickly to keep from choking.

“—ing. I mean ravishing.” Johnny took a long sip, then set his glass down and picked up his fork. The tip of his nose had turned beet red.

Oh, no. The man couldn’t be tipsy, could he? He’d only had two glasses of wine. But then she had no way of knowing what he might have consumed before their date. Great. Her quiet professor might turn out to be a drunk.

“Thank you.” She smiled sweetly but continued to eat without making any attempt at conversation.

Johnny must have gotten her message, because he did the same, alternating between bites of oyster and sips of white wine.

When the waiter returned to clear their plates he asked each of them in his thick Indian accent—more than half the population of Fiji was Indian—if they’d like a cup of kava. No, no, no, she wanted to scream. No kava. She definitely did not need the fuzzy-headed feeling she’d gotten when she drank the
yaqona
with Guy.

Melody had the uncanny feeling she was going to need all her wits about her if she was going to make it home without any mishaps from her date with the professor.

— : : —

Theo flung the goblet he used as a crystal ball against the wall, spraying blood across the room. Damn that Johnny Evans. And damn that brother of his. At the rate things were going, the professor would be eliminated from the game by tomorrow night, leaving Guystof well on his way to a wedding ring on his finger and a new bride on his arm.

Well, there was no way he was going to allow that to happen. He’d rot in hell first. Theo strode across the room. With his forefinger, he stopped a smear of blood from dripping onto the floor, then licked his fingertip, savoring every drop. His lips quivered and his fangs emerged. But he would not give in to his hunger now. It would have to wait. There were more important matters to care for…like dealing with that senseless professor.

He crossed his arms over his chest, placing his hands on his shoulders, squeezed his eyes shut and visualized Fiji. When he opened his eyes, he was at the beach, the turquoise water lapping over his feet and the pale moonlight glinting over his head. Ah, magic was such a wonderful thing!

A southwest breeze blew his hair across his face. He raked it back, then headed in the direction of Johnny Evan’s
bure
. He found the professor easily, asleep in his bed. The drunken fool. Johnny wouldn’t be a challenge at all. Using his magic again, Theo transformed himself into a fly. He buzzed around the bachelor’s head a few times before landing on his upper lip. When Johnny twitched, Theo flew inside his mouth and took control of the professor’s soul.

C
HAPTER
S
EVEN

M
elody had spent the last week smiling and making pleasant conversation with men she had no interest in, while the man she did care about was probably lounging by the pool sipping margaritas. She wondered if Guy was spending as much time thinking about her as she was about him. She leaned back in the chair and let out a sigh.

Sugar pulled on the strand of hair she’d been brushing and yanked Melody’s head. “If you don’t sit up straight, I’m never gonna finish your hair.” Although she tried to sound harsh, Melody knew she meant no offense. Sugar had good reason to hurry. This evening there was another elimination ceremony.

The ten bachelors would soon be cut to five. There was no question the count was staying, but who the other four keepers would be, she still hadn’t a clue. Most of the remaining men were on a pretty even playing field. She could easily pick the names out of a basket and be happy with the results. The only one she was uncertain of was the professor. After that dinner fiasco, she wasn’t sure she wanted to keep him around. But she supposed she owed him the benefit of the doubt. He might have just been having an off night.

Sugar pulled Melody’s hair up into a twist, secured it to the top of her head with some hairpins, then applied her makeup. She finished it off by dusting translucent powder over Melody’s face, then stood back and admired the finished product. “You look fabulous as always, hon, but I can tell you’re nervous.”

Melody patted the woman’s hands. She had become so much more than just her hairstylist/makeup artist. Sugar had become her friend. “I’m fine. Just a few butterflies in my stomach, that’s all. I have to let some of the men go; and I really hate to hurt their feelings.”

“Sooo, is there one who’s really caught your eye. A bachelor that might be Mr. Right?”

“You know I can’t tell you that. You’ll just have to wait and see along with everyone else,” Melody scolded.

Sugar set her hands on her hips. “I know that. I didn’t want you to tell me his name. Just a simple yes, or no would be fine.”

Melody smiled. “Maybe.”

“When did you become so cold-hearted? Can’t you see the suspense is killing me?”

Melody rolled her eyes at Sugar’s melodrama and kissed the side of her cheek. “Thank you once again for making me look beautiful. As soon as the gag order has been lifted, I promise, you’ll be the first person I pour my heart out to.”

She left the
bure
and headed toward the beach. It was a beautiful night. Hundreds of stars twinkled overhead, helping to light her way. As she neared the sand, instead of finding the bachelors lined up nicely along the water’s edge, they stood huddled together with the crew, Daniel Stone, Henry, and the producers.

Wendy waved Melody to join them. She knew something was terribly wrong and hurried over. Despite the night, she could see their faces were pale and grim. Oh Lord. What had happened? She scanned the crowd, wondering if someone had been injured, or worse. To her relief, everyone was accounted for.

“What’s wrong?” she asked breathlessly.

All eyes turned to the director.

“I didn’t want to alarm anyone, but you all need to know so that you might take the proper precautions,” Daniel said.

Melody’s heart raced so fast surely it was about to jump right out of her chest. “What’s happened?” Her voice sounded unlike her own. Small and very far away.

Daniel drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly before speaking. “I was recently informed by the authorities that the carcasses of numerous sheep and goats were found not far from here.”

Melody’s stomach lurched. “Oh dear. How awful. Have they found the animal responsible for the killings?”

He shifted his weight, obviously agitated. “I’m afraid they don’t think it’s an animal that did this.”

Melody’s eyes widened in fear. “I don’t understand.”

“Not only was the flesh eaten, but the bodies were drained of blood too.”

It took Melody a second to realize the loud gasp had come from her. Her knees grew weak, and before she hit the ground, strong arms encircled her waist and held her steady. She gazed up into Guy’s clear blue eyes and immediately felt safer.

“There’s no animal known to do that to its prey.” Daniel hesitated a second before continuing. “But there were tribes of cannibals that did. They were supposed to have disappeared sometime in the 1800s, though.”

“Apparently not.”

Melody shifted her gaze to the professor. He stood slightly apart from the rest of the group. Dark rings encircled his red glassy eyes. He looked as if he either hadn’t slept a wink last night or was suffering from a terrible hangover.

Daniel shot Johnny a warning look and said dryly, “It looks like there might be a tribe that exists somewhere on the island. The theory is they must live deep in the rain forest and for some reason have become emboldened enough to venture into civilization.”

Guy tightened his hold on Melody, and she cast him an appreciative half smile.

“Security on Malaku has been increased, and I want you all to feel assured that we will do all we can to ensure your safety. There are a few more things I’d like to go over with you before we go forward with the elimination ceremony. If there are any bachelors who, after hearing this news, no longer want to continue with the game, now is the time to come forward. The producers will understand as I’m sure Melody will too.”

She looked over the faces of the men she’d come to know and care about. “Of course. No question about it. If I was in your spot, I’m not sure what I would do.”

Sam, a family therapist and one of the bachelors she’d barely had any alone time with, stepped forward. “I’m sorry, Melody. Nothing against you. You seem like a wonderful woman, but I’m divorced and have two kids. If I only had to worry about myself, I might stay and get to know you better, see where it might lead, but my kids come first. They need their father. Alive.”

Melody slipped out of Guy’s arms and shook Sam’s hand, then kissed his cheek. “No need to explain. It was a pleasure to have met you.”

“Anyone else?” Daniel chimed in.

A short, stocky man with thickly rimmed tortoiseshell glasses came forward. Melody couldn’t remember his name. She thought he was a doctor of some sorts and so shy he’d barely said two words to her during his group date. “I should go too. My patients…my practice. Sorry.” He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose then went to stand beside Sam.

Three more men came forward. Melody scanned the faces of the five remaining bachelors, as did Daniel, wondering if any would remain to the end. The group remained silent.

“Well, then. That makes it easy. No need for an elimination tonight, after all. Oh, and another thing. I spoke with Tristate’s insurance carrier, and due to the liability factor, we’re going to wrap production ASAP. So, Melody, that means instead of five alone dates, tomorrow afternoon we’ll do one group date, you’ll select your bachelor, and it’s a wrap; then we’re off this island.” Daniel turned to leave but looked back over his shoulder. “I almost forgot. No one is to go anywhere alone. Understood?”

A resounding “Got it” ensued. Melody said good-bye to the men leaving and was glad they were going to wrap up the shooting early. She hadn’t been given a choice to leave and since she wasn’t especially brave she would be none too glad to be far, far away from what she had once considered a tropical paradise.

Wendy and Eddie Hatch strolled over to her. “Care to join us for dinner and a drink at the Island Sun?”

Melody’s back stiffened at their offer. She couldn’t believe they could think about food after hearing Daniel’s announcement. Obviously, they had stronger stomachs than she had. “No thanks. I think I’ll call it an early night.”

Guy appeared alongside her. “You two go on, I’ll walk Melody home.”

Wendy raised her pencil thin auburn brows and looked to Melody for confirmation.

“That’s fine. I’ll see you guys tomorrow.” Melody watched the producers disappear from view. Tommy and two other bachelors were headed in the same direction, but the professor stood alone in the shadows. When she caught him watching her with a look she couldn’t quite decipher, he shifted his gaze away and looked out at the ocean. Despite the still-humid night, for some reason a chill ran over her skin.

“Ready?” Guystof draped his arm casually over her shoulder as if he’d done so many times before.

“Yes.” She walked with him along the bronzed beach, forgoing the road. Pleased that he chose the long way to her
bure
, she relaxed against the comfort of his arm and pushed the disturbing thoughts of cannibals from her mind. She was safe with him. Of that she had no doubt.

— : : —

Guystof gritted his teeth as pain stabbed his insides. His stomach ached as never before. He’d cut back on the potion, hoping to make it last until the end of the show. If Melody found out about the monster trapped inside him, not only would he lose his kingdom to Theo, but she’d look at him with fear and loathing.

“Are you all right?” Melody asked, her sweet voice edged with concern.

“A bit of indigestion. Most likely brought on by Daniel’s news. And I’m sure I’m not the only one suffering from it.”

Melody stopped walking, sinking her heels into the sand and bringing him to a halt beside her. “Thank you for staying.”

His gaze searched her lovely cornflower eyes, trying to determine if she was merely being polite or if she truly was glad. Almost as if reading his mind, she added, “I mean it. You, I especially wanted to stay.”

He raised his brows at her. “Really? Even though at times I’m cocky and overbearing?”

“Despite your flaws.” She laughed, and he felt her relax against him.

“I might be many things, Melody, but a coward is not one of them. No cannibals are going to keep me away from you.” Though he doubted very much that was what was responsible for the killing of the animals. Theo’s hand or, more precisely, fangs were all over the incident. The only problem was he hadn’t made his presence known, which could mean he might have taken another form. Theo could appear at any time as anyone or anything. Guystof had to keep his guard up at all times.

He wasn’t surprised that his brother would travel to Fiji. As the game drew to the end, the more desperate Theo would become. And the more dangerous. For his brother would stop at nothing to keep him from succeeding at father’s ultimatum. Well, Guystof was just as determined to win.

“Are you in a rush to get back home,” he asked Melody, bringing his mouth close to her ear so his lips brushed the side of her cheek. “We’ve had so little time alone…together… The night is so lovely.” As he spoke the words he looked straight into her eyes.

“What did you have in mind?”

“Sitting here.” He pointed to an alcove jutting out from the shore sheltered by groupings of large weather-beaten rocks. “Under the stars getting to know you better.”

She did not pause to think it over, nor did she hesitate when she answered. “Sounds lovely.”

Guystof smiled and took her small soft hand in his, then led her through the sand. He chose a secluded spot sure to be far from prying eyes and sat. Melody kicked off her sandals and did the same.