I tried to keep those thoughts at bay, but I could only imagine what Demi was picking up from me. My attraction wasn’t exactly subtle. And she was a walking emotional radar.
“Roman,” she breathed, “I’m sorry I didn’t approve any matches for the last few seasons,” she said like she was confessing her sins. “Even though I still think calling yourself the ‘Architect of Love’ is weird. And I do feel like shows like this are cheap and icky.”
“Are you apologizing or trying to offend me?” I couldn’t tell.
“I guess both,” she giggled.
“Fair enough.” I let the moment settle before I added, “While we’re being honest . . . this quest isn’t your penance.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
I tightened my hold just slightly. “Your father told me you’re important to the world. The world needs a daughter of Eros—a goddess of love.”
“They have my sister,” she said flatly.
“Hedone?” I snorted. “She’s worse than you.”
“Are you trying to offend me now?”
“Maybe.” I smiled, but my voice softened. “But I do believe you can’t give up. Quests are never meant to be easy. Did you really think Zeus was just going to hand you your true love? True love is a rare gift.”
Most of the matches made throughout earth’s history were between two people at the right place and at the right time. True love was cosmic and divine. Appointed, even. A soul split in two.
“Well, I was kind of hoping.” She sighed. “I just don’t understand. If it’s not a cast member, then why make me come on this show?”
I brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “That’s a good question. One I don’t have an answer to yet. But I do think we’re supposed to figure this out together. It’s obvious the gods want us to forge a friendship—or some kind of partnership. If we don’t, I’m afraid of what disaster will happen next.”
Demi shuddered. “I hope everyone is okay. I would hate for anything to happen to anyone because of me. Again. These people probably wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for me. Except maybe for Blaine.”
I had a feeling Demi didn’t need to worry about any of the cast or crew. My bet was we would walk out of here and no one except Cassie would be the wiser to what had happened. They wouldn’t even remember the storm.
“Yeah, he’s kind of a tool. But there’s some hope for him. And . . . for you too.”
She leaned away from me. “You really think so?”
“Yes.”
“Did my father really tell you that I was important?”
“He did.”
“And you believe him?”
I tilted my head and studied the beautiful creature in my arms. There was something so vulnerable about her. Something I felt the need to protect.
“Don’t you see how people are drawn to you?” Although it was bad for my show, I was impressed with how easily she’d brought all the women cast members together. And I knew damn well they were having secret get-togethers. And then I thought of how drawn the world had been to her when she was younger and in the spotlight. “How they have always been drawn to you,” I added.
“That’s just because of the divinity within me. It has unfairly made me beautiful and talented. It’s not right.”
Understanding clicked into place. “Is that why you . . .?”
“Dressed like a garbage bag,” she supplied.
“Uh, yeah.” Shame burned through me; I’d earned every bit of it.
“Yes,” she whispered. “I felt like such a lie.”
