arcy met Maggie and the five judges in the portrait room. "Tonight, you'll be judging the men according to the last qualification on your list�� intelligence. I've prepared a question for you." She handed the paper to Lady Pamela.

The ladies sat on the couches that faced the two remaining portraits on the wall. Austin and Roberto.

Loud voices reverberated in the foyer. The door swung open.

"I'm here!" Sly announced. He strode inside, carrying a four-foot-long posterboard check. He propped it against the wall, then turned to greet the ladies. "Wowza, you look hot!"

Princess Joanna and Maria Consuela blushed and lowered their gazes to their hands in their lap. Lady Pamela and Cora Lee giggled. Vanda raised an eyebrow and glared back at Sly. Maggie slipped behind Darcy, her face pale.

Darcy realized how uncomfortable Maggie was in Sly's presence. "Could you see if the men are ready?"

"Sure." She rushed from the room.

Sly watched her leave. "She looks familiar." He turned back to the ladies and focused on the two blondes. "So, I hear one of you is fond of the hot tub."

Darcy cleared her throat. "Has Corky Courrant arrived yet?"

"No, she's finishing up her show at DVN," Sly answered. "She'll be here soon."

The door opened. The cameramen swooshed in. Maggie and Gregori walked in, followed by the last two contestants. Darcy eased over to a dark corner of the room. It was going to be miserably hard to be in the same room with Austin, but tonight would be the last time. Maggie joined her in the corner with a sheepish smile. They were both hiding out and knew it.

The cameramen turned on their lights and began doing closeups. Darcy blinked when she noticed how Austin was dressed. Roberto looked slick as usual in an expensive suit, but Austin was wearing faded jeans and a wrinkled T-shirt. His shaggy hair stood up in spikes. Whiskers lined his jaw.

Darcy realized he was trying to look messy and disrespectful, but his strategy was backfiring. He looked sexier than ever. With a sinking heart, she also realized there was no need for her to hide in the corner. Austin wasn't looking at her. He was glowering at his scruffy brown boots. Meanwhile, Roberto was casting languorous looks toward the female judges.

"Welcome to the final episode of The Sexiest Man on Earth," Gregori began. "Tonight, the ladies will make their final choice. Either Roberto of Buenos Aires or Adam of Wisconsin will win the title and become the Sexiest Man on Earth."

Bart zeroed in on the two men. Roberto flashed a dazzling smile. Austin ignored the camera and scowled at his boots.

"Tonight, all five ladies will be judging." Gregori introduced them while Bernie focused his camera on them.

"We also have a special guest," Gregori continued. "Sylvester Bacchus, the producer of this show, will present the winner with a check for five million dollars."

Sly smiled for the camera. "This is the night we've all been waiting for. Since the show's debut, we've received over five thousand phone calls and emails. I'm sure you're as eager as I to see who will win."

"Indeed," Gregori agreed. "Tonight's winner not only receives the title of the Sexiest Man on Earth, but a check worth five million dollars."

"And that's not all!" Sly raised his hands dramatically. "The winner will be receiving even more!"

"But first," Gregori interrupted, "a word from our sponsor. How do you celebrate those special vampire occasions? With Bubbly Blood, of course. Romatech's fusion of synthetic blood and champagne." Gregori's smile froze until the cameraman stopped recording.

Darcy's eye twitched. Obviously, everyone assumed both the male contestants were vampires.

Gregori cued the cameraman to start again. "And we're back, just in time for Sylvester Bacchus's important announcement."

"Yes." Sly smiled when the camera switched to him. "As you know our five beautiful judges were once part of Roman Draganesti's harem. It would be a crime to leave these women without a master to take care of them. So, tonight's winner not only wins the title and the money, but he also becomes a master with all these lovely women in his brand-new harem!"

Austin's head snapped up. His mouth fell open.

Roberto's eyes gleamed. Licking his lips, he looked the ladies over.

Darcy glanced at the women. A few weeks ago, this was what they wanted more than anything. A new, wealthy master who would take care of their every need. But somehow, they didn't seem very excited or relieved. Instead, they looked uncomfortable, even embarrassed. Darcy suspected they'd developed enough pride that they didn't enjoy being labeled as a contest prize.

She glanced at Austin. He was looking at her now. No, glaring. No doubt, he was a bit peeved at the thought of winning a harem. But it served him right. She'd warned him over and over to get himself eliminated.

"Tonight's winner will be judged on how well he answers one question." Gregori turned to the two male contestants. "Who would like to go first?"

"Me," Austin grumbled. "I want to get this over with."

Gregori's brows lifted at Austin's surly tone. "Very well." He turned to Roberto. "If you would excuse us a moment?"

Maggie rushed forward to escort Roberto outside. Austin stood in front of the judges, waiting.

Gregori nodded at the ladies. "You may ask your question."

Lady Pamela read the question out loud. "If you were our master, and we were your harem, and we were embroiled in a terrible disagreement, how would you resolve our conflict?"

Darcy inched forward, curious how Austin would answer. So far, he was simply glowering at his boots.

He lifted his chin and gave the judges an irritated look. "I would do nothing." He turned to leave.

Shock and dismay flitted across the women's faces.

"Prithee," Princess Joanna said. "Could you explain your refusal to be of assistance?"

Austin hesitated. "Look, you're intelligent women. You can solve your own problems." He strode toward the door and left.

Vanda cast a furtive glance toward Darcy. "He's a jerk."

Darcy held her breath. With Vanda's help and Austin's abrupt behavior, this prickly situation might work out all right.

Princess Joanna sniffed. "He has no sense of chivalry."

"And that sour expression." Maria Consuela frowned. "I knew torturers from the Inquisition with friendlier faces than that."

Cora Lee crossed her arms, pouting. "He practically snarled at us like a rabid dog."

"And his manner of dress was most disrespectful," Lady Pamela added. "We cannot have such a man for a master."

Vanda smiled. "Then it's all settled. Adam is out."

Darcy heaved a huge sigh of relief. She mouthed the words thank you to Vanda. Now, Austin wouldn't find himself stuck with a harem. And she could keep her job.

Maggie came in with Roberto. He strode toward the ladies and bowed. Lady Pamela repeated the question.

Roberto's smile was as oily as his slicked back hair. "Allow me to say it would be a great honor to be your master."

"We thank you, good sir," Princess Joanna answered. "But how would you resolve a disagreement amongst us?"

Roberto shrugged. "The question is moot. There would be no disagreement."

"I beg your pardon?" Lady Pamela asked.

"As the master, only my opinion will matter. Therefore, you will always agree with me, and we will live in peace and harmony."

There was a moment of silence. Roberto smiled, apparently believing the era of peace and harmony had begun.

Vanda's eyes narrowed. "What if we don't agree with you?"

"I am the master. You will do as I say, and believe as I tell you to believe."

More silence. The women exchanged looks.

"If you will step out for a moment?" Gregori motioned to the door. "The ladies must make their final decision."

Roberto bowed, then strode from the room.

"Well." Cora Lee sighed. "At least he was well dressed."

"He's handsome," Lady Pamela murmured. "And he... bows well."

"And yet," Princess Joanna said, "there is something about him that makes me want to rip his head off."

Maria Consuela nodded. "He is evil."

"He's an arrogant bastard," Vanda muttered.

"Aren't those good qualities for a master?" Cora Lee asked.

Vanda snorted. "If that's true, I don't want a master."

"But we must have one!" Lady Pamela insisted. "We cannot fend for ourselves."

"We've been doing fine," Vanda replied. "We don't need a man to take care of us."

The princess frowned. "But we need money to survive. We must have a master in order to have money."

Cora Lee tilted her head. "Can someone remind me what was wrong with Adam?"

Darcy gulped.

"No." Vanda stood. "We all agreed. Adam is out."

"He wasn't well dressed," Lady Pamela answered.

"Fiddlesticks." Cora Lee huffed. "We'll just teach the man how to dress."

Maria Consuela stood to face them. "He was discourteous. He refused to help us resolve our dispute."

"True." Princess Joanna rose slowly. "But he refused because he believed we could resolve it ourselves. He said we were intelligent."

Cora Lee jumped to her feet. "You mean he wouldn't try to tell us what to think? Or say?"

The princess nodded. "I fear we have misjudged Adam."

Darcy's jaw dropped. She shot Vanda a look of desperation.

"Listen!" Vanda raised her hands. "We don't need either of them. We're doing fine on our own."

"I vote for Adam," Princess Joanna announced.

"Me too," Cora Lee and Lady Pamela piped in.

"I will also," Maria Consuela said. "We must have Adam."

Darcy groaned inwardly. She could kiss her career goodbye.

"I vote no to both of them," Vanda insisted. "Look how far we've come. Don't throw it all away now."

"The vote has been cast, and the majority wins." Gregori motioned for the ladies to sit. He retrieved the special flashlight from the wall safe. Maggie opened the door and invited both men to return. Austin looked nervous, but Roberto's smile oozed with confidence.

Sly stepped forward. "It will be my honor to announce the winner who will bear the title of Sexiest Man on Earth."

"If for any reason," Gregori interrupted, "the winner is unable to fulfill his duties as the Sexiest Man on Earth, the runner-up will be given the title and reward in his stead."

Sly held the four-foot-long check in front of his chest. His eyes twinkled with excitement. "Roberto of Buenos Aires?"

"Yes?" Roberto stepped forward. His eyes gleamed as he reached for the check.

"You lose." Sly chuckled at his cruel joke.

Roberto's smile froze. "What?"

Austin's face paled. He stepped back.

"The Sexiest Man on Earth is Adam from Wisconsin!" Sly announced.

Gregori pushed a stunned Austin forward.

"Congratulations!" Sly grabbed Austin's hand and pumped it. "Here's your check for five million dollars." He shoved the giant posterboard into Austin's arms.

The ladies, except for Vanda, clapped politely.

Sly motioned to the women. "And here is your brand-new harem!"

Austin's gulp was audible. "I��I don't deserve this." He tried to hand the check back to Sly.

Sly laughed. "Now, don't be shy. The ladies picked you."

"Then they are fools!" Roberto shouted. "How could they choose this... this ruffian over me?"

"Hush," Maggie told him.

"Look," Austin said. "I don't want a harem."

The ladies gasped.

"You don't want us?" Cora Lee whimpered.

"I'm sure you're very nice ladies, and I've actually grown fond of you all, but you don't want me. I��I'm not your type."

Princess Joanna frowned. "You prefer men?"

Bart's eyes lit up. Literally.

"No!" Austin gritted his teeth. "I only want one woman. The one I love. Darcy." He shot her a beseeching look for help.

Everyone stared at Darcy. Bart stuck his camera in her face. She winced at the bright lights in her eyes.

"Well, isn't that sweet," Cora Lee murmured.

"Yes," Lady Pamela agreed. "We'll just keep Darcy in the harem, too. Then, we can all be happy."

"Wait a minute," Austin interrupted. "That's not gonna happen." He gave Darcy an apologetic look. "I know this will cause trouble, but everyone should know that I'm mortal."

A series of gasps crossed the room. Vanda and Maggie exchanged worried looks with Darcy.

She sighed. Now it would really get ugly. "It's true." She walked forward and took the flashlight from Gregori.

"It cannot be true," Princess Joanna insisted. "We saw him lift the settee with one hand."

Darcy pointed the flashlight at Roberto's portrait, and his fangs appeared. She lit up Austin's picture. Nothing.

More gasps.

"He's a mortal?" Sly demanded. "I just gave five million dollars to a damned mortal?"

"I didn't intend to win." Austin held out the check. "You can have it back."

"No." Darcy shoved the check back at Austin. "You earned it. You're the Sexiest Man on Earth."

His eyes flashed. "I don't want a harem! Why didn't you tell me about that?"

"You weren't supposed to get this far," Darcy shot back.

"This is your fault!" Sly pointed a finger at Darcy. "You let a mortal win. I warned you what would happen."

Darcy's eye twitched. "He won fair and square."

"No!" Sly shouted. "No mortal could defeat a vampire. You've betrayed us all." He leaned forward and hissed, "You're fired."

Darcy flinched. She tried to turn away, but Bart had the camera in her face. Great. Fired on international television and labeled a traitor in front of the vampire world. She'd never find employment again.

"You can't fire her." Austin glared at Sly. "It was my fault. She begged me over and over to get myself eliminated."

"But that would have been fixing the contest," Gregori observed. "By attempting to stay in, you kept it fair."

"Who gives a shit about being fair?" Sly yelled. His eyes narrowed on Gregori. "You're fired."

Gregori shrugged. "You should have that phrase patented. You do it so well."

Lady Pamela raised a hand to attract everyone's attention. "We still have a problem here. We cannot have a mortal master. How would he protect us?"

"Aye," Princess Joanna agreed. "Our master must be a vampire."

"Well, he's not," Sly growled. His eyes widened suddenly as if an idea had just popped into his head. He cast a sly look in Austin's direction. "Though his condition could be changed."

Darcy gasped. "No."

Austin dropped the check on the floor. His face paled.

The ladies exchanged looks.

"Are you suggesting we transform him?" Princess Joanna asked.

Sly shrugged. "If you want him, take him."

"Whoa!" Austin raised his hands. "I'm not agreeing to this."

"You can't transform someone against their will," Darcy insisted.

"Why not?" Sly sneered. "Did anyone ask you for your permission?"

Her eye twitched.

"Come on, ladies." Sly gave them an encouraging smile. "You'll get the man you wanted and five million dollars. Which one of you has the guts to do the deed?"

Austin grabbed the check off the floor. "Look, ladies. I'll give you the check if you leave me alone."

Their eyes widened.

"You'd give us the money?" Vanda asked.

"No!" Roberto cried. "He is disqualified. That money is mine!"

"Hush," Gregori muttered. "Look, Sly. Darcy's right. You can't transform this guy against his will."

Sly glared at him. "Who's listening to you? You're fired, too." He turned to the camera. "Ladies and gentlemen, this will be the most exciting moment in vampire history! A live transformation performed right before your very eyes."

"You can't do it." Darcy clenched her fists. "You can't transform someone without killing him first."

"Your point?"

She gave an exasperated huff. "It's murder. Don't you think that's a bit... unethical, even for television?"

Sly shrugged. "But imagine the ratings."

Austin stepped in front of a camera. "I'd like to state for the record that I'm thoroughly opposed to murder. Especially my own."

Princess Joanna waved a hand in dismissal. "Relax, young man. We're not going to kill you."

"No." Maria Consuela clutched her rosary. "It is evil."

Lady Pamela shook her head. "We don't need a master that badly."

"Yes, you do!" Roberto jumped forward. "You need me."

"Hush," Vanda muttered.

"You don't need a master at all," Austin stated. "You just need a little financial assistance to help get you on your feet." He laid the check across the ladies' laps.

"Oh, my!" Cora Lee gasped. "All this money. Whatever will we do with it all?"

"I��I suppose we could go into trade?" Lady Pamela suggested.

Vanda grinned. "Let's open our own male dancer club. With vampire men."

The ladies jumped to their feet, all jabbering at the same time. Laughing, they scurried toward the door with their giant check.

"Wait!" Roberto called after them. "Come back with my money."

"Adios, Roberto." Vanda shut the door.

"Come back!" Roberto stomped a foot on the floor. "You must do as I say. I am your master!"

The ladies' laughter could be heard from the foyer. Maggie grabbed Austin and escorted him from the room. Darcy sighed with relief that he was safe.

Sly turned to her. "You crazy bitch."

She gulped. Her nightmare wasn't over.

"Hey." Gregori grasped Sly by the arm. "Don't talk to her like that."

Sly pulled his arm free. "Look at what she's done. We don't have a winner. The women have run off with the money. The whole thing is a freaking disaster."

"I disagree." Darcy lifted her chin. "It's more like a miraculous transformation. Those ladies once believed they couldn't survive without a master. They were trapped in the past and frozen with fear and self-doubt. But they blossomed before our eyes. Now, they're strong, independent, intelligent women who know the truth. They don't need a master."

Sly snorted. "And you think that's good? Every male vampire in the world is going to hate you."

"I don't hate her," Gregori said.

"You're an idiot," Sly snarled. "How can we have a Sexiest Man on Earth contest without a winner?"

"Adam was the winner," Darcy insisted.

"He's a mortal!" Sly hissed. "You've insulted the entire vampire world."

Darcy squared her shoulders. "That's a chance I'm willing to take. When the ladies wanted to follow their dream, Adam encouraged them. That makes him the Sexiest Man on Earth."

"You're an idiot, too. You're both fired."

"Then, let's get outta here." Gregori held out a hand to Darcy. She lifted her chin to make a dignified exit.

"You were great," Gregori whispered as they walked down the hallway.

"I'm doomed." She stopped as her whole body started to shake. "I've lost Austin. I've lost my career. And vampires all over the world will hate me."

"Not your friends." Gregori patted her on the back. "And I think you'd be surprised by how many friends you have."

She took a deep breath. "I hope you're right."

"Thank you for not... attacking me," Austin told the ladies in the foyer.

Cora Lee giggled. "Thank you for all this money."

"Are you really opening a male stripper club?" Austin asked. "For vampires?"

"Yes." Vanda laughed. "I think we should call it Horny Devils." She looked him over. "Do you need a job, cutie?"

"I'm not that desperate." But he might get there fast, especially if Sean Whelan blacklisted him. The front door burst open, and Corky Courrant entered with her crew. "Time for me to go." Austin nodded to the ladies. "Good luck to you."

He ran up the stairs to fetch his luggage from his room.

"Wait up." Maggie zoomed to catch up with him. "I'm not sure you should just leave. You know all about our world."

"I won't tell anyone."

"I could try erasing your memory," she suggested. "But I'm not sure you want to forget Darcy."

One vampire wouldn't have enough power to erase his memory. More the pity. It would be such a relief. No memory and no pain. But the memories were too priceless to give up, no matter the cost of the pain. "I want to remember her."

"I understand." Maggie frowned as she walked beside him. "I'm sorry it didn't work out for you."

"So am I." He opened the door to his room. "I'm sorry I made her lose her job. Would you tell her that for me? And tell her I wish her a long and happy... life."

Maggie nodded. "I'm sure she wishes the same for you."

A few minutes later, Austin took his bags down the back stairs. When he reached the first floor, he could see the foyer. It was bright with lights and cameras. Corky was busy interviewing the ladies.

He spotted Darcy standing to the side. She turned to look at him. He raised a hand in farewell. She did the same.

So that was it. No final kiss or embrace. With a sigh, he headed toward the service elevator in the kitchen. No final proclamations of undying love. No final rush into each other's arms. No tears spilled over a love that could never be. Just this savage pain in his chest as he slipped away into the dark night.