Thystle didn’t hesitate to launch into the next one. “Who are the other two band members of TalonStorm?”
I exhaled through my nose. That struck a sore spot, but I didn’t dwell on it like I usually would. The high of being on stage and the pleasure of lobbying back and forth with Thystle swamped any anxieties swimming in my gut.
“Vani and Keaux,” I said, their faces flashing in my mind.
“Correct.”
Gaius shrugged and mimed tossing his cue cards over his shoulder, causing the crowd to laugh.
“In which city was TalonStorm’s last concert supposed to take place in?” Thystle asked.
The last concert before the band broke up. It must’ve been a sore spot for Thystle.
“Glazeby,” I recalled, remembering it well. I looked forward to its calm energy compared to some of the heavy nightlife in other tours.
A slow grin spread over Thystle’s face. “You got it.”
“Five correct answers!” Gaius exclaimed. His positive attitude infected the cheering crowd, distracting them from the fact that none of them had a chance with the bachelor. Or maybe they’d already figured it out and were just happy to be here, partying while getting their chance to be on TV.
“I’m calling it,” Thystle stated. “Matteo, you win.”
He looked like he wanted to launch himself at me, but didn’t dare take a step closer lest he lose control. Instead, he thrust the mic at Gaius, shot me a final intense stare that went straight to my dick, then disappeared behind the stage curtain.
I went straight to my hotel room after the second challenge ended. The urge to beat off was almost impossible to ignore, but I miraculously managed. I tempered the urge with the knowledge that it would be so much sweeter when Thystle was finally in my grasp.
The date was set for seven on the beach. As I showered and dressed, my blood vibrated in my veins. It was my first official date with Thystle—and unlike our secret tryst, this one would be filmed.
The anxiety from earlier snaked back around. The Dragonfate Games had exploded in popularity since season one. I’d blended into the background the first time around, but I’d lost all chance of that with Thystle. Our date would be broadcast, and I’d be front and center.
Vani and Keaux would see me. What would they think? Would they try to interfere? Or was I being paranoid for nothing?
My anxiety spiralled. Dammit, I’d done a decent job of holding it at bay until now.
I took a few deep breaths. I didn’t have time for this shit. I had a date with a sexy alpha dragon.
Checking the time, I swore. Ten minutes until the date started. Where had the time gone? I didn’t want to be late. I rushed out of the room—and instantly bumped into somebody.
Talon.
I frowned in confusion. “What are you doing here?”
“About time,” Talon said under his breath. “You’re going to be late.”
I arched a brow. “I appreciate it, but that’s not any of your business.”
Talon stepped closer, scowling. He dropped all pretense of friendliness. “Thystle doesn’t deserve a man who’s late,” he muttered. “Or one who cheats.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“You cheated during that challenge!” Talon snapped. “Nobody could’ve known those answers—except me.” Oh, good gods. Was he wrapped up in his own delusion?
“I didn’t cheat, thank you very much,” I said mildly.
He shook his head. “You looked up the answers beforehand. I bet somebody on the inside fed you the questions.”
Great. As if stealing my identity wasn’t enough, now he’d cooked up conspiracy theories.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed the camera crew lurking behind corners. Conflict made excellent TV. But would they interfere if things got physical? I’d already gotten a pair of black eyes before security swooped in the first time.
