by Kim Linwood
“There is no us. I’m not working with you. Just send me home and get it over with.”
“I can do that, you know. You signed a contract, which you are clearly in breach of. Did you read that part? The part where if you fail to uphold the conditions of the show, you will be responsible for all expenses? Travel, food, lodging, the works.”
I can’t afford it, not without draining the only savings we have left.
From the look on his face, he knows it. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not a monster. It’s not like I want you to kill someone.”
“I won’t do anything to hurt Hunter.”
He waves a hand. “Oh don’t be so melodramatic.”
“If you think I’m going to work with you, you’re nuts. You ruined my life.”
“No.” He looks me straight in the eyes. “Your mother ruined your life. I was just there to capitalize on it. Success is about taking advantage of opportunities, and right now that’s what you are.”
“I hate you.” My words are flat and I’m all alone here. There’s nobody I can turn to who would understand. The other girls hate me right now, and Hunter...
I won’t risk him hating me too.
“Do you want to hear my deal or not?”
“Fine,” I spit out, draining what’s left of my cold tea into the sink.
“Everyone knows these things are rigged, right? There’s enough reality to keep it interesting, but the whole world’s a stage, ya know? I’m going to let you stay, on one condition.”
“And that condition is?”
He grins. “That you make this yawnfest interesting.”
“What if I win?” No! I don’t want to win. Do I?
Hollister looks at me like I’m crazy. “You can’t seriously want to marry Hunter.”
“No, but—”
“There you go. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. At the end, the final girl will be given a choice. Money, or love. You can pick the money and run, but if Hunter finds out we talked? I promise you’ll go home with nothing but a giant bill and a letter from our lawyers. Think about it.”
“How much?” I don’t want to be tempted, but I am.
“One million dollars,” he says with a smile, knowing how much I need it. “Minus taxes, of course.”
“Of course.” Shit. I’d have time to keep looking for the deed, and even if that failed, I’d have enough to make a serious dent in our bills, and even start working on my degree again.
“What if he finds out who I am? Or what if I win, and then tell Hunter? I’d have money and love.”
He laughs like I’m an adorable little idiot. “Don’t kid yourself. I know my son. He’s soft in a lot of ways, but if he finds out you’ve been using him, you won’t have either. I’ll just tell everyone about how it’s all a part of our script. Drama is the name of the game, Lizzie. It might suck for you, but it would make great TV.”
“Don’t call me that.” I’m stuck in a mess of my own making. Considering how I got here, nobody would believe it wasn’t a setup from the start. “What would you want me to do?” I trust Hollister as far as I can throw him, but I’ll play along for a while if it means buying time.
“Just keep doing what you’re doing. Give me drama.”
Liz
“Ladies and gentleman!” Blaze’s voice cuts through the thickening afternoon air. It’s muggy today, and it’s only going to get worse.
We’re gathered on the terrace, contestants in a semicircle on one side, with Blaze and Hunter on the other. Hunter’s only wearing shorts, and his chest glistens in the sun. Oil? Sweat? I’m not sure, but from the way the others are practically devouring him with their eyes, I’m not the only one who’s incredibly curious. Blaze might be the one speaking, but there’s no question where everyone’s attention is focused.
I don’t want to be one of the drooling fangirls, but I can’t help exploring his cut torso with my eyes. What’s worse, is that as soon as I do, I find him looking right back at me, his deep eyes smoldering. Even from across the terrace the heat of his gaze makes it difficult to stand still.
The sunlight spills over his hard planes and sharp angles, the swirls and lines of his tattoos standing out in stark contrast to his golden skin. Sleek black lines, jagged edges and abstract designs compete for space down his left arm and wrapped around his wide shoulder blades. With his blond hair and his clear blue eyes, he looks like a Norse god, powerful and incredibly, amazingly handsome.
I look away before I embarrass myself.
“I hope you’re all enjoying your stay so far. It’s been an exciting first week, but as we’re nearing the end of it, it’s time to pick six contestants to stay,” Blaze pauses dramatically, “And two who will leave us.”
Time has flown, and I have nothing to show for it. The show’s kept us busy with all sorts of contrived situations. Group dates, board games, tennis, some with Hunter, some just to pit us against each other and build some good drama. I’ve done my best to fly under the radar after my solo date, but it’s obvious Hunter seeks me out sometimes, and it’s not exactly doing good things for my popularity.
Elena stands next to me, smiling and acting friendly for the cameras. “He’s so perfect. Don’t you think?”
“I guess.” We both know she’s only talking to me because she thinks I’m a favorite.
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
Amanda and Megan stand on the other end. They’ll talk to me if I go to them, but I can tell they don’t trust me. Which I guess is fair.
I wouldn’t trust me either.
Bianca elbows me. “Hey, he’s talking about you.”
“Huh?” I snap back to attention.
“...went very well. In fact, their date went so well that they managed to give poor Chuck, their camera guy, the slip. For several hours, they were alone and unsupervised, spending that time on a deserted beach under a romantic sunset.”
On a screen in the background is a still shot of Hunter dipping me backwards in what looks like a passionate embrace. Oh, great. Just in case they didn’t hate me quite enough.
Amanda stares coldly at me, and Megan whispers something to her.
“Looks pretty intense, doesn’t it? But the show isn’t over, and today, you’ll all have the chance to make your own impression on our lucky bachelor, right up close and personal. Win this challenge, and you’ll get your own date with Hunter, starting as soon as the contest is over.”
There’s buzzing and excited whispers. Someone claps. I’m almost looking forward to losing so I have someone to share the burden of female jealousy with. Almost. When I think about one of these other women cuddling up to Hunter and stealing kisses under the stars, I see red.
“About time,” Bianca whispers.
Elena nods. She looks down at me. “Must be sad knowing you have no chance today.”
“Why do you say that?” I ask through clenched teeth, tempted to work my ass off to win just to spite her.
“Oh, just that there’s no way they’ll let the same person win twice in a row. Bad for ratings.”
Blaze claps his hands. “Ladies! I’m sure you’re all wondering what’s going to happen, but I will begin by assuring you that while there might be a little wrestling involved, there is definitely no mud. I’m sure that’ll disappoint one or two of you.” He grins at me and Bianca.
“Last time, it was a test of physical strength and agility. This time... you can set those aside. Today’s contest I’m sure you’ve all practiced plenty for. We’re going to play... the kissing game!” His tone rises at the end along with the volume, while he holds his hands out dramatically like a circus ringmaster.
The what?
“One by one, each contestant will approach this lucky man while he’s blindfolded, and give him her best kiss. Hands at your sides ladies, but I want to see you give it your all. By the time you girls are done, I want to have to scoop this guy off the floor!”
Hunter has a broad smile plastered
to his face, but his eyes flick to me. The memory of his hands on my bare skin, and his lips on mine heat me up faster than the sun ever could. Nothing we do here could come close to that.
“The hottest kiss will win, and the two poorest, dullest, saddest kisses will get sent home.” He pouts for the camera. “Our sexy bachelor will be blindfolded for the whole event so he can’t affect the results. This is a test of your ability to show how good of a kisser you are.”
Kissing Hunter shouldn’t be a problem.
Keeping our clothes on seems to be the problem.
“To make this interesting, I’ll be the one judging this contest. So it’s not just about technique—you’re going to have to make it look good too. Anyway, time’s a-wastin’, let’s get kissin’” The woman who gave kayak instructions stands next to him, holding a long black piece of silk. “Sheila, would you do the honors?”
She grins and pulls out a chair for Hunter to sit on. He gives us all a smile, and then she binds the silk around his eyes. “Can you see anything?” Sheila waves her hand in front of his face. Hunter shakes his head. “Good.” She gives him a peck on the cheek and everyone laughs.
Blaze wags his finger at her. “Hey now, that one didn’t count!”
All eight of us line up, many of the girls really hamming it up for the cameras, reapplying their lipstick and blowing kisses.
Blaze puts himself in a good position to watch. “Well, Hunter, I hope you’ve applied plenty of lip balm, because the beautiful ladies in front of you are all dying to engage you in a battle of tongues.”
Hunter licks his lips. “I’m good to go.”
“Remember, the no touching rules goes both ways. No wandering hands to search for clues.”
“Got it.”
Elena is the first one up. She approaches with a sway to her hips as if he’s watching, her heels clacking on the stone floor. Maybe she’s hoping he’ll recognize her by the sound. She settles herself comfortably on his lap and leans in close.
I want to run over there and tear her away from him, and she’s not even kissing him yet. I have no right to Hunter. When he finds out what’s going on, he’ll boot me right off the island, but until that happens, I can’t help the way I feel.
Their lips touch, and my fists clench at my sides.
My nails dig into my palms, sharp spikes of pain to distract me from an unexpected surge of jealousy.
Hunter
As soon as her breasts smack into my chest, I know it’s Elena.
I start off cautiously, but her tongue flicks my lips like a viper preparing to strike. This woman kisses like she’s going to war. It might almost be fun if she’d been someone else. Like Liz. Elena wiggles in my lap, and my arms jerk as I resist the urge to shove her away.
Thinking about Liz turns out to be a bad idea. Elena notices my interest rising and parts her lips, expecting me to follow. I do, but only enough to keep up appearances. Even without seeing her face, I can tell she’s disappointed.
Sorry, babe, but yours aren’t the lips I’m looking for. Please move along.
More follow, one after another. Some are sweet and shy, others as aggressive as Elena. One basically just licks my face while I attempt to make it look passionate.
The more that pass, the more worried I get that I’ve missed Liz. Maybe she came and went, and I didn’t even notice.
No, I’d know.
I know her scent. The sound of her breath. The feel of her ass.
The next girl sits down. Long straight hair brushes against my face. Is it her? No, she doesn’t smell right. Bianca maybe. Her lips are soft, and her kiss more than adequate, but I feel nothing.
She pulls away with what sounds like an annoyed sigh.
And then suddenly, my wait is over. It’s her. I know it is. Her perfume is some subtle flowery smell I can’t name, but would recognize anywhere. Her full, soft lips press against mine, and unlike with the others, this time it’s my tongue that teases her to open.
God, it’s almost impossible for me to keep my arms still. I want to grip her hips and pull her to me.
Liz starts hesitantly, carefully, but then something loosens, her tongue slipping into my mouth as mine slips into hers. She tastes sweet, like candy. My eyes close behind the blindfold and I get lost in the feeling of her mouth moving against mine.
We’re lost in our own world when Blaze clears his throat next to us, bringing us back to reality with a crash. “Still two contestants to go there, big guy.”
Liz pulls away, and I want to tell him to go fuck himself. I can hear her heavy breathing and in my head I can see her lips red from our kiss and her cheeks flushed. There’s no way she isn’t winning this, and when we have our next date I can finish what we started. She stands up and I immediately miss the feel of her in my lap.
Fuck, can they tell I’m hard?
I barely register the last two girls, and it’s pretty obvious they know they’ve been beat anyway. I feel bad for the two who will be sent home, but honestly I don’t really give a shit about anyone but Liz. Some of the others seem nice enough, but they can all fly home for all I care. They’d already lost as soon as I recognized Liz on the plane.
I fumble with the knot, and toss my blindfold to the ground, grinning.
“Well, phew.” Blaze draws his hand across his forehead and pretends to wipe off sweat. “That was some hot stuff, but unfortunately there can be only one winner.” Dramatic pause. “And two losers.”
“Megan, Bianca, Elena.” As soon as he lists a third name, they all smile, knowing they’re safe for now. “Sarah.” Obviously. “Meredith.” The girls whose names have been called gather together, already celebrating their victory. “You’re still in the running.”
There’s a long pause while he looks at the last three contestants, before he finally speaks. “Kate. I’m sorry, but you didn’t make the cut.” A cute strawberry blonde with really expressive eyebrows looks around like she doesn’t know what to do. A tear rolls down her cheek as reality hits like a ton of bricks. She’s out.
These shows are brutal. We don’t even really know each other, and she’s crying.
Blaze focuses on the two remaining contestants. “Amanda. Cherry. You are the last two contestants. One of you will stay... and the other will join Kate and go home.”
Everyone’s silent, waiting, while Blaze drags it out. He could just say it, but no. Maybe it’s good TV, but he’s still an asshole.
“Cherry.” Her eyes widen hopefully as he holds her hostage with a single word. Then he releases, like a fist to her gut. “You’re out of today’s competition and off the island. I’m sorry.”
Her face falls, and she barely keeps her composure. I feel bad, even if they’re only here for some harmless fun. It still feels shitty.
I look over at Liz with a grin. There’s no way anyone else is winning this.
Blaze speaks again. “And Amanda?”
She looks up at him, the apprehension clear on her face. He said only two were leaving, but with these reality shows, who knows?
“Enjoy your date!”
She squeals and clasps her hands, looking in disbelief at Blaze, and then turning those big blue eyes to me. Her arms go around my waist, and out of reflex, I hug her back. Liz watches, expression unreadable.
What.
The.
Fuck?
Liz
Hunter looks about as stunned as I feel.
His arms close around Amanda’s shoulders, and I feel a painful tug on my heart. I wanted someone else to win, but I know for sure that nobody else’s kiss was as good as ours. Trust me, I was watching. When Blaze said she was the winner, I was absolutely floored.
Blaze drags them off to do an interview and then sends them on their date. They walk towards the helipad, Hunter’s arm still around Amanda. He looks over his shoulder, catching my eye for a second before he turns back to something she’s saying. I want to be happy for her, but instead I just feel cheated.
Elena stalks over, a c
ameraman on her heels. “Not so fun, is it? Welcome to the club.”
“It’s just a show.” I stand up straight and pull my hair back into a ponytail. “I’m sure they’ll have a great time.”
“Oh, I’m sure they will. Amanda will make sure of that.”
I bristle at her tone. “Is that supposed to bother me? Hunter is a big boy, he can make his own decisions.”
“God, you are so naive.” Elena shakes her head and puts a hand on her hip. “You took the early lead, right? We all know it, but you act like it doesn’t matter and you’re better than us, or whatever. But you’re not, and while you’ve been off sulking, Amanda has been with him constantly.”
“No, she... I...” I’d have noticed that, right?
Bianca puts a hand on Elena’s arm. “Leave her alone. You’re just pissed he hasn’t said more than two words to you.”
The cameras are eating this up, circling us like vultures.
Elena glares down her nose at Bianca and then walks away, followed by a cameraman.
I smile thankfully at Bianca. “Thanks, but I don’t think she’s going to want you in her inner circle after this.”
“I don’t care.” She shrugs, looking more relaxed than I ever remember seeing her. “Neither of us are winning anyway, so at this point I just want to enjoy the vacation. The only reason I was hanging out with her was because I figured if there was going to be backstabbing, it’d probably be from their group. I’d rather see it coming.”
“Smart.”
Bianca laughs. “I went to an all-girls high school.”
“I was home schooled. I guess I missed out on some important survival skills my tutor didn’t clue me into.”
“Yeah... Can I give you a piece of advice?”
I nod, curious.
“Elena is mostly full of hairspray and shit, but she’s right about one thing. If you’re really interested in Hunter, keep your eye on Amanda.”
She leaves me there on the veranda, second guessing everything that’s happened so far. Mr. Campbell and Blaze are orchestrating this whole thing, playing us like pieces on a game board. In the end, it won’t matter how I do. Whether I win or lose is entirely up to them.
