“A little.” He gave a blank look. I couldn't read his expression, it unsettled me, did he mean hungry for food or blood . . . my blood?
“Oh, um, okay. Well, we can stop at a restaurant if you like, I don’t mind.” My smile was weak. I pulled the sleeve on my dress down to cover my wrists, and moved my shoulders up a little higher.
I glanced across at him, his eyes were straight ahead, his lips curved skywards. “I won’t suck your blood, Amelia.” He turned to look at me with a cheeky expression. “Unless of course you would like me to?”
Alarm bells rang in my head. “Tooth fairy,” I said.
***
The diner was busy. Soft country music filled the space with its loved-up tunes. There were a few families with rambunctious children eating fries and drinking milkshakes. Their weary looking parents sipped coffee. We ordered and secured a booth by the window.
The thought of food after finding the dog was nauseating. I looked out the window, the sky was solemn, the clouds threw shadows across the landscape. Cars flew past, like ants scurrying to a nest. A white sedan pulled into the parking lot, a worn-out mother and her two young kids trundled out. I was looking to see if we’d been followed, but if we had, I couldn’t pick anything out of place.
I could feel Karson’s gaze lingering on my face. I glanced back, his eyes were warm, making my insides quiver.
“Does what we eat affect how our blood tastes?”
“Yes, it does. So let’s fill you with champagne, shall we?” Light shone in his eyes. He rested his arm along the back of the booth casually.
“You’re not funny.” Though, I wasn’t entirely sure if he was joking or not.
“If I was going to fill your body with champagne.” He glanced around the diner. “Rest assured, it would be a better quality than I could buy here.”
“In future, I’ll just stick to water then, maybe toss in some lemon and garlic.”
He laughed softly. I glanced back out the window as a dark colored SUV pulled in across the road. The windows were tinted so I couldn’t see in. It was silly to think we were being tailed, but the dog had left me cautious.
“What is it?” he asked, as if he sensed my discord.
“Who do you think would do such a thing, and why?” I asked still staring at the SUV. The doors hadn’t opened.
He followed my line of sight and dropped his arm down. “Unless we’re being stalked by an oversized woman with three screaming children, that SUV isn’t a threat.”
“You can see in?”
He nodded. “And in answer to your question. I’m not certain, but I am certain we can keep you safe until we find out who. You have no need for concern.”
Who, or what? Coming to Portland had been so stupid. If I’d just stayed home none of this would’ve happened. I would be perfectly oblivious.
I rested my chin in my hand and sighed. “I’d almost drink that champagne now.”
The smile he gave me was worth my angst. Almost. The waitress, a pencil-thin lady with a mop of bright blonde hair and thick makeup, brought over our order.
I pushed the fries around on my plate. “So, when do we plan our breakup?” I said lightly.
He waited until he’d finished his mouthful to speak. Good table manners at least, I thought wryly. I wondered did his table manners cross over when he drunk people’s blood, would he talk with his mouth full? Then I realised it was ridiculous, if he tried to, the liquid would spray and dribble out.
“The sooner the better, as soon as we know you’re safe.”
I was only a fake girlfriend, but he found even that thought untenable.
“The sooner the better, don’t hold back how you really feel, will you,” I said, with an uncomfortable laugh.
He paused, his eyes broody as he took me in, taking my measure. “Do you have feelings for me, Amelia’”
Caught off guard I choked on nothing. “No. Don’t be silly. I . . . no.” I laughed awkwardly. Aside from wanting to remove his clothing, run my fingers over his entire, gorgeous, body,and fuck him until we both cried out in ecstasy. Thank god he couldn’t read my mind.
“Really, because it almost sounds like you do.”
