Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28472 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
“He is rather attractive,” Anna says. “Athletic and smart. The best of both worlds.” Suddenly it’s me that has the urge to run and cover up Leo so they stop looking at him.
I try to ignore what the other girls are saying. I can’t take my eyes off of him. He’s not going full speed. I can tell by his stride and the flex of his muscles. He’s preserving energy for when he needs it. It reminds me of the behavior of a leopard. How fitting with his name.
Leopards are the ultimate cats. Not only is the leopard the smartest, but they never let on to what they are truly capable of. How they can suddenly strike. They get a burst of energy that can come with the flip of a switch. One that was planned steps ahead after it already assessed its prey.
They aren’t going to show you what they are capable of until they have to. Until you’re in their grasp. Pretending they aren't as big of a threat as they truly are. That makes them the most dangerous. They are still the least understood feline to this day.
Yes, Leo is most definitely a leopard. I have no clue what to make of him or his intentions. He’s unpredictable. At every turn, I’m not sure what he might say or do.
The leopard has always been my favorite. They’re solitary creatures. They come out only to spend time with others of their kind for mating or raising their young. The rest of the time, everyone can fuck off. They are my biggest adversary to win favor with.
I watch as Leo closes the gap between him and Ryan. I expect Leo to grab the rope first and start to climb. Instead, he uses his momentum from running to push down hard with his right leg to spring forward. He grunts, grabbing the rope, using all of his strength to pull himself up. The muscles in his arm flex with each inch he climbs.
“Oh God.” I gasp, scared he is going to fall. I’m wrong. He powers through, ringing the bell shortly after Ryan.
“Holy shit.” A few of the girls whisper as Leo slides down the rope and heads toward the last part of the competition, the riddle. Ryan is already there, but I can tell he’s frustrated that he’s unable to solve it.
It only takes Leo a matter of seconds to get the answer before he strides through the gate to victory.
“Tech is hot.” Christina licks her lips. The hell? What about Owen? All the girls are staring at Leo now. Why does my stomach turn?
“Hey.” Serena bumps my shoulder with hers. “He wants to keep his roommate, remember?” she whispers. My face flushes because I know the mics can hear her trying to reassure me. I must have given something away on my face, and now anyone watching will know that when this airs.
I only hear part of what Owen is saying. Mark and Ryan both are super pissed. Their faces are probably as red as mine. At least only production can hear what is said in low whisper into the mics.
“What shall it be?” Owen asks Leo.
“I’ll be keeping Quinn.” His tone sounds possessive, but maybe he’s out of breath.
“Well, there you have it,” Owen announces. “We’re going to let everyone get comfortable in their rooms. At sunset, we’ll have a party down on the beach. I think everyone will be getting to know each other a lot better. Sparks are already starting to fly.”
“Got it,” a woman standing next to the man holding the camera facing Owen says. He pulls his earpiece out. Owen might be done filming, but cameras are on us at all times.
“I guess we should go get ready.” Serena loops her arm into mine. I catch Christina hurriedly walking in the opposite direction of the rooms. I’m sure she’s going to look for Owen, but it’s Leo she jumps in front of.
“Can you two talk about Leo and your feelings about how the competition went down?” the cameraman following us asks. “Serena, ask Quinn how she’s feeling about Leo choosing to stick with her,” he pushes, wanting us to engage in conversation. I tense up. Didn’t they already witness a flash of my jealousy? That’s enough for one day.
“Isn’t this reality TV?” Serena pushes back.
“Yes, but sometimes we need to push some conversations along. Ask the question naturally.”
“We need to go get ready.” Serena walks faster, making me do the same since our arms are linked together.
“Thanks,” I whisper.
“It will hold them off for now, but I don’t think it’s going to be so easy later. Careful,” she says before letting my arm go when we get to my tent. “See you later.”
She’s right: I need to be careful. I haven't been here long, and I’m already getting jealous over Leo.