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)
It’s clear from the sheen of tears in her eyes that she didn’t get the outcome she wanted. “There’s something wrong with that machine. Where is Joe? I’m not letting what that stupid computer said about me get out in public. I will sue everyone on this show.”
I exchange a glance with Hannah, who’s already had her session with Ivy and Heath.
Hannah shrugs. “She was super nice to me, though she thinks I’m not political enough to be a good match for Reg. She did say I should look for someone I’m comfortable with because I have a tendency to downplay my own wants and desires. I apparently need someone I can have a deep friendship with before we get physical. I liked her. Is it weird to call a computer her?”
They still call him Reg. I have to be so careful because one of the things I’ve figured out is there is King Reginald and then there’s Luca. He’s the man. He’s my man.
Ashley F snorts. “Well, apparently the thing works because she didn’t pick Shelby for Reg. That proves the computer is way smarter than the producers.”
I’m getting nervous about this whole thing. They’re using the forms I filled out months before. I wasn’t looking for a guy then. I’m not now. I’m looking for a Luca, and now I worry I’m going to walk out of there with vengeance in my eyes like Shelby did. “What did Emma say about you?”
“That I need an ambitious man, one who matches my energy,” Ashley F explains. “She didn’t tell me anything I didn’t already know. She said I would be a good pick, but I would likely be bored as queen.”
“She confused me.” Riley leans in. “I think the computer thinks I’m a lesbian. Which makes me wonder if I am a lesbian.”
“I think that’s something you just know.” What kind of havoc is Ivy wreaking?
“Not necessarily,” Tiara Kate says. Today she’s wearing a bedazzled tiara with a big fake diamond at the center. She doesn’t have to be here since she’s going on the one-on-one with Luca. She’s just hanging out to show us all…support? “Especially if you’re naturally sexually fluid. But I think Riley being a lesbian should disqualify her.”
“Hey.” Hannah frowns TK’s way. “She has every right to be here.”
“Fox, they’re ready for you.” Patrick has one of his patented grim looks on his face as he holds the door open for me.
Teddy bear thief. I haven’t forgiven him for that. I walk past him without a glance because he’s one asshole I don’t give more attention to than is absolutely necessary.
Luca is standing in the back of the mansion’s grand ballroom. They’ve got it divided up into “sets,” the largest being where we hold the king’s choice ceremonies, and I can’t help but remember there’s one of those coming up fast. We’re down to six of us. Me, Shelby, Ashley F, Tiara Kate, Hannah, and Riley. When we get to four, we’re heading to Ralavia for the rest of the show, and I can’t help but feel excited at the prospect. I want to see this place that is so important to the man who is rapidly becoming the center of my world. It also makes me nervous because the closer we get to the end, the more careful we have to be.
He’s talking to Heath, Ivy’s human golden retriever fiancé. He’s one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met, and he balances out Ivy to perfection.
“I walked in here wanting to kill the man, but I like him, so now I’m thinking about murdering you because you got Harper in here and I’ve had to get all my information secondhand,” an acerbic voice says.
I turn and Ivy’s standing in the middle of the ceremony set, a cup of coffee in her hands. I’ve missed her. “Sorry. And I didn’t get Harper the job. That was my mom.”
I walk into her open arms, hugging her tight.
“I know. Your mom told me I didn’t have any skills she could work with. I can make a sandwich,” Ivy grouses.
Oh, I understood why my mom turned her down. Ivy is brilliant, but she’s not what I would call a people person. “You’re here now. That’s all that matters.”
“I’ve been worried about you,” she whispers. “Are you okay?”
I pull back so she can look into my eyes. “I’m okay. It was hard at first, but…”
“But then you fell for him. At least that’s what Harper told me. She said you have the chance to leave but you’re not taking it. Are they holding you hostage? Blink twice if you need me to break you out.”
“I’m fine,” I promise her. “More than fine. I’m really getting to know Luca.”
Ivy looks me over like she’s trying to figure something out. “Like in a biblical way?”