Page 8 of Every Bite You Take (Midnight Siren Supernatural Cruises #1)

CHAPTER 8

DAMIEN

I scared her away.

What the hell? Why had I come on so strong? Saying all that shit about how much I wanted her?

And her scent? No wonder she bolted. I was a bloody vampire who’d confessed how her scent affected me. Of course she was going to be terrified—thinking I would attack her.

Memories of past mistakes rushed forward, flooding me like a giant wave had swept over the deck. When I’d been a newly turned vampire fumbling to exist in my new world without killing anyone. Shouldn’t I know better by now? Don’t scare humans. And especially don’t terrify a woman you want so she runs away from you.

“Suave, Rockwell,” I muttered to myself. “You’re really killing it.”

I tormented myself further by replaying our kiss in my mind, the way her lips felt against mine and the invigorating bolt that rushed through my veins. The heat between us had flared so hot, so bright—how could I forget that?

I couldn't. I wouldn't.

What about Kylie? Did she feel anything for me, or was I simply a vacation fling? I'd seen many of those onboard and indulged in a few myself.

The next night, I found Kylie on deck seven after our set. My senses had grown so attuned to her that I’d easily homed in. She’d just left the sushi restaurant with other people. She was wearing a blue dress and black boots, looking absolutely breathtaking. As I drank in how it hugged her curves in just the right places, my mouth went dry.

“Hey,” I greeted her in an oh-so-eloquent greeting.

She caught my eye and then said goodnight to the people she was with. “Damien.”

Her scent filled me, infusing me with desire and—hunger. My fangs itched, longing to break through her smooth neck and taste that sweet ambrosia. I rubbed the back of my neck as I struggled to control my reaction. I searched for the right words. “Just wanted to see if you’re all right.”

“I am.” She gave me a warm smile. “Last night got a little—uh—intense.”

“Right, right.” I nodded. “I didn’t mean to overwhelm you.”

“I’m fine,” she said with a wave. “Just needed a breather, you know?”

“I get it.” I couldn’t tear my eyes from her captivating ones.

Did I affect her even the slightest percentage of what she did to me? Relieved that she was still talking to me, I tried to carry on the conversation. “Do anything exciting today?”

Her eyes lit up. “Yes, indeed. I booked an excursion out to the glacier. It was incredible to see. So majestic and so still, yet slowly melting. I learned so much. What an experience. I met a few others on the ride out and they invited me to join them for dinner.”

A pang of emotion hit me. That was something I could never do—go with her in the daylight to explore. Or even share a nice sushi meal. Perhaps pursuing her was wrong. I should leave her alone and let her spend time with others.

“I was thinking of going to the comedy show.” She tipped her head. “If you’re not working, join me?”

Her invitation snapped me right out of that dark tunnel heading toward self-despair. “Sounds great. I’m off for the rest of the night.”

She glanced up at me, her eyes searching mine. “Then I get to spend it with you.”

I swallowed. Did she mean for the show or for something—more?