“Wait—what?”I narrowed my eyes at her.“What spell-gone-wrong?You tethered yourself to Roan?”
“Never mind.”Her cheeks tinged slightly.
“I know about the little prank you played on Van.Is that what this is?”
“Now, really, Bria.Would you really think that of me?Why would I play a prank on you?”She planted her hand on her hip.“So I played one little prank on a shifter to teach him a lesson, and you think I’m casting pranks across the ship like?—”
“Maribelle!”I cut her off.“This is serious.I need to know if your magic was involved because not only is it my panther who thinks we’re mates but”—I took in a deep breath and exhaled—“his dragon.”
Her eyes gleamed.“A dragon.Talk abouthawt.”She fanned herself and flashed a sly smile.“But none of this is on me, Bria.”She tapped my upper arm.“You found your mate.Congrats.”
See?my panther said smugly.
I grimaced as I left the spa.As I took the stairs down, I continued to deny it.You’re wrong.Why get all wrapped up in something that’s only going to cause us pain?
Why do you think that it would?He’s our mate.
Because look at him.He’s gorgeous.Rich.A total playboy who only wants to play.Even tonight, our arrangement—it’s all make-believe.
And maybe agreeing to play this game was a mistake.
* * *
Wreathsand white fairy lights draped over marble in the atrium.The scent of cinnamon and cider perfumed the air.A massive pine fir tree took center stage, glittering with ornaments and seashells that fit the Caribbean setting.Passengers dressed in an array of styles, from red gowns to jeans and green sweaters, gathered around with drinks in hand, waiting for the big lighting.
And then I saw him.
Darius.
My pulse jumped, like a thief caught pirating through jewels.But he didn’t see me.He was talking to an older couple, his back facing me, but I caught the edge of his profile.His dark golden hair gleamed beneath the twinkle of lights draped across the space, looking lighter against the dark of his charcoal suit, which fit his broad shoulders to perfection.
Even from this distance, I felt the pull.The heat.The awareness of his proximity.
He was danger dressed in an expensive suit.
My panther stretched inside and purred,There he is.
Behave, I warned and straightened, smoothing invisible wrinkles from my red satin dress.We’re here to perform.
In more ways than one.Not only did I have a song to sing, but a dragon to flirt with.Just part of another act.
Sure, my panther drawled.I don’t know why you keep pretending you don’t feel it.
Darius turned and saw me, and when he caught my eye, the rapid beat of my heart drowned out the thrum of the crowd.One side of his mouth curved up, slow and mischievous, as if he could read what was on my mind.
He walked over to me, each stride unhurried and deliberate.By the time he reached me, my hands were fidgeting and I forced myself to drop them to my sides.
“Bria,” he said, his voice a low rumble.His scent of warm spice and smoke hit me, triggering strange flips in my stomach.“You look stunning.”
“Part of the job,” I said, forcing a smile.
“Great.I’d like to introduce you to the investor I’m trying to impress.Ready for Act One?”
“Ready and willing,” I agreed with a conspiratorial smile.
He offered his arm and I slipped beside him.Heat danced along my side where we touched.His vibrant energy hummed, heightening every sense.My panther arched inside, leaning in closer.
Darius led us through the crowd, a dizzying mix of supernaturals with various scents.He stopped in front of the gray-haired couple he’d been talking to near the tree.
