Page 9 of My Boyfriend Bites

“Fucking rich, entitled Westerners,” replied a heavily accented voice.

“Not for long,” cackled the other.

Those suspicious words reminded him why he’d come aboard.

With Selene in her room for the night, Dante decided to go find himself some supper—and answers.

Chapter 3

A pen-chewingSelene almost crossed out the last part. Given her ability to hermit and avoid people she didn’t know, she’d decided to bring a notebook and each day jot down three things that would get her out of the cabin and force her to socialize. It would be too easy to just stay in her room and read, but she’d promised herself, and her family, she’d try and mingle, even as it daunted. With her lycan secret, Selene trusted no one except those already close to her. However, currently at sea on a boat, she didn’t have them to cling to. Just herself. And strangers.

So many strangers.

They crowded the dining room at the breakfast buffet, coughing without covering their mouths, some grabbing food with their hands instead of using tongs—totally cringe-worthy. A good thing she could give a sniff to the things she chose to put on her plate, opting for those that lacked the scent of another.

Once she’d filled her plate, the next dilemma hit. While much seating existed in the massive space, the tables tended to be large, nothing for the person who wanted to sit alone. The idea of joining a noisy group of people had her hesitating while the conversation din rang in her ears. Overwhelmed, she fled withher breakfast to find a quiet spot to eat, not easy on a ship with sold-out berths.

She ended up down by the lifeboats, sitting cross-legged, her satchel by her side, book in one hand, picking at her bacon and sausage with the other.

A cleared throat drew her attention to a man in his forties or fifties dressed smartly in a suit. A strange choice on a tropical cruise, which, of course, reminded her of Dante. The man just wouldn’t leave her thoughts.

“I’m sorry, am I in your way?” She’d thought herself tucked far enough to allow passage.

“No, you’re fine. I’m looking for Selene McMurray.”

Hearing her name, she frowned. “That’s me. Am I in trouble?” She glanced at her porcelain plate, which she’d removed from the dining area. “I planned to bring it back when I finished eating. The dining room was a tad crowded.”

“You’re allowed to remove dishes. I’m actually here to inform you that your room has been upgraded.”

“Uh, why?” she blurted out.

“My employer noticed a vacant suite on his level and requested it for you.”

“Your employer?” Selene frowned as she tried to make sense of his statement. “You work for the cruise line?” Her confusion came from the fact his suit didn’t match the uniforms she’d seen thus far.

“No. I’m the personal assistant for Mr. Marino.”

“Who’s Mr. Marino?” she asked, only to clue in. “Do you mean Dante?”

“Yes, ma’am. He mentioned meeting you, and as I said, when he realized there was an upgrade available?—”

She shook her head and cut him off. “I’m sorry. But I can’t afford to pay extra. Please thank him for suggesting me, though.”

The fellow stiffened. “You misunderstand, miss. You don’t have to pay for the upgrade, as it’s already been covered.”

“Because Dante paid for it.” Her lips twisted. “No thank you.”

The man, his silvered hair cut short like his beard, pursed his lips. “I’m sorry, are you saying you don’t want it?”

“That’s correct.”

“Why not?” he blurted out. “It’s spacious and comes with added benefits.”

“As well as strings because Dante arranged it. While your boss seems nice and all, I’m a woman who prefers to pay her own way.” Not entirely true since this cruise was a gift from her brother and mother, but accepting a gift from her family remained a far cry from accepting a present from a stranger.

“I see.” The fellow obviously didn’t, given his expression of puzzlement.

“How did you even track me down?” Selene asked as she stood with her empty plate. She tucked her book in her carry-all bag.

---