Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
See, this right here is why I’m feeling guilty. “You can’t discuss eliminations with me, Luca. I think you should talk to the producers. She does make for good TV, and you have to think about that. You’re here for a reason.”
He slips his shoes on, and he’s so adorably disheveled it takes everything I have to not throw myself at him again. “Reasons can change. Or perhaps evolve is a better word. I still have to think about Ralavia, but that doesn’t mean you’re not a priority. You are, and I won’t let you go easily.” His lips curl up. “The good news is I still have two weeks to convince you. I think I’ll practice looking pathetic so you can’t deny me when I ask you to be my queen.”
I laugh because if he asked me right now, I would absolutely say yes. I would chuck my whole future to be with him. He’s straightening his clothes when I remember I wanted to ask him a question. “Where did you hear about Ivy?”
“Uhm, we’re supposed to do something with a woman named Emma later this week,” he explains. “She’s coming in with your friend, Ivy.”
My jaw drops. Well, she’s found a way to get her ass in here. I shouldn’t have doubted her for a second. “Emma’s not a person. She’s Ivy’s matchmaking AI. They’re going to run us through to see if we’re compatible. Now I know why all the women were filling out forms earlier. I didn’t have to. They already have mine.”
He frowns. “You were going to allow a computer to find you a boyfriend?”
“You’re allowing a reality show to choose a wife.” I point out the obvious.
“No, I’m allowing a reality show to give me a pool of candidates and then I choose, and so far it’s worked out well for me,” he replies.
“Only because someone dropped out at the last minute. Otherwise, I would be the person getting you drinks,” I counter.
“No, my darling, you would be the crew member I was secretly fucking and the reason none of this worked out because I’m so crazy about you. It’s fate. You can’t run from it. I don’t care what that silly computer says,” he returns.
Another knock. So Hans is getting impatient. “Go run your country.”
“Fate, Schatz.” He winks at me and then he’s gone and I’m alone again.
But his side of the bed is still warm and still smells like him, so when I settle back down I fall asleep.
It’s no surprise that I dream about him.
Confessionals
Shelby
I don’t care that they had a house meeting about me. They’re sheep. I’m a lioness, so they should watch out for me.
Hannah
I think most of us are here for the right reasons. I don’t know why they’re going after Anika. She’s a sweetheart. I mean, Riley’s my closest friend here, but Ani’s second. I’ll be honest. I’ve never had a relationship quite like this one. It’s easy and natural. Oh, I was talking about Riley. About friendship. But it’s obviously not as perfect as my relationship with Reg.
Tiara Kate
I can’t believe he picked me for the one-on-one date tomorrow. I’m so relieved. I didn’t want to do that computer thing. Like, why should I believe what a computer says? Especially one Ivy Jensen programmed. Didn’t she like get canceled or something? Wasn’t she Tech Barbie for a while?
Riley
Who do I think is the nicest person in the house? Oh, it’s Hannah. Hands down. I feel like I’ve known her my whole life. Like I don’t even know that I care if I win anymore because of the friends I’ve made here. I didn’t expect that.
Ashley F
That house meeting did absolutely nothing but send Shelby on a tear since naturally she found out about it. Drama. That woman lives to create drama. She’ll make Reg’s life hell if he picks her.
His Majesty
I’m more certain than ever that my queen is in that mansion. There’s a treasure in one of those rooms, and I’m not a man to let a treasure slip through my fingers. You think I seem more relaxed? Well, perhaps it’s because I’m back on a good exercise schedule. Nothing like exercise to relieve some stress.
Anika
How do I feel about being called out? By Katy? I feel like… I’ve been told not to say those things out loud. Lawyers. Yeah, I have feelings. Big feelings, but I’m going to be a lady about them. I mean, what are the right reasons? Can someone define them for me? Is wanting to get into that man’s silky boxers the right reasons? Because I’m totally here for that. Wait. I probably shouldn’t have said that. Can we edit that out?
Chapter Seventeen
I stand with Hannah three days later as Shelby walks out of the room where they’re filming individual sessions with Luca and the team behind Emma. Katy and Emily have both been sent to the sequester hotel. I’m getting oddly comfortable with the elimination ceremonies, but I’m surprised at the emotion from Shelby.