Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158848 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 529(@300wpm)
“Makes sense. It’s probably a tax write-off for some douchebag.”
I step out of the car and walk around to open her door. The crisp, late autumn air feels good on my face after the long drive.
“I’ll grab our stuff later.” Once I’m sure we’re staying.
I glance at the open gates and pat the car keys in my pocket to reassure myself I’m free to leave at any time. This time they’ll have to pry my license and cell phone from my cold, dead hands. I never want to feel trapped like that again.
Molly curls her fingers around mine. Love for her and overwhelming desire to keep her safe thrums through me.
“Ready?” she asks.
“No.” I stare at the huge mansion, its opulence hiding the ugly truth—it’s nothing more than a giant shark tank. Inside those walls, blood and lies triggered a feeding frenzy of cameras to capture every moment for someone else’s entertainment. “You should take the car and go home. Leave me here. I should’ve listened to Remy.”
What the fuck was I thinking, dragging Molly into this sick world where everyone has a hidden agenda we can’t even guess? I’m supposed to protect Molly, not bring more chaos into her life.
I suffered through drama, isolation, and exploitation in this house for months. But I agreed to it. Molly didn’t. She’s doing this for me. All because I admitted I basically want to come here waving my middle finger at everyone. Sure, the money’s an incentive but it’s not worth whatever falsehoods the producers have cooked up in their relentless pursuit of sensational content.
“No.” She stares up at me with determination shining in her blue eyes. “They used me too. Projected a persona onto me without ever letting me speak for myself. I want to do this. Show people I’m an actual person. Not a naive little girl who can’t think for herself.”
“Whatever we say, they’ll just twist it to fit their story. There’s no ‘reality’ here.”
She shifts her gaze to the house. “I know. But I’ve been silent for months. Even if it doesn’t go the way we want, at least I’ll know I tried to speak up for myself.”
I can’t deny her that chance. I want to protect my girlfriend, but I can’t do it by treating her like a little kid who can’t make her own decisions.
Dread slows my steps as we approach the front door.
Last time, I was here alone. I made friends in the house but never shook the feeling of impending betrayal.
This time Molly’s at my side. I trust her completely.
We’re going to get through the reunion. Together. As a team. Then we’ll collect our money and go the fuck home. Put this chapter of our lives behind us once and for all.
The door opens before we have a chance to ring the bell. Jordan’s mustached face greets us.
“Did you get demoted to butler?” I ask. “Why’re you answering the door?”
“Good to see you too, Stonewall.” He opens the door wider then drops his gaze to our empty hands. “You don’t have an overnight bag?”
“It’s in the car.” I jerk my thumb over my shoulder. “I’ll grab our stuff later.”
“Very well.” Jordan won’t even look Molly in the eye. Guilty conscience? Is he the one responsible for the Kiki storyline? Or did that come from higher up?
I need to chill.
“Well, you’ll be staying in your old room if you want to show your girlfriend—”
“Molly. My name is Molly,” she says in a firm tone, forcing Jordan to acknowledge her.
“Yes. Right. Molly. Nice to finally meet you.”
“Is it?” she asks.
I bite my lip. Damn, she’s comin’ in hot and I fucking love it.
Jordan takes a deep breath. “I’m sure you have mixed feelings about being here. But the SUF family appreciates your attendance. I think you’ll be pleased. We’ll be able to set the record straight tomorrow about a couple of matters.”
I don’t know whether to be happy or terrified.
“A few things.” Jordan claps his hands together. “Naptime, Kiki, and the other ring girls won’t be staying here tonight.”
“Aw, shucks.” I pull a fake sad face to go with the sarcastic comment.
A hint of a smile twitches under his mustache. “People are still arriving. You can give Molly a tour of the house if you’d like. We won’t be doing any filming until a little later.” He leans in and lowers his voice. “All the cameras have been removed from the private quarters.”
“All of them?” I ask.
“Yes. Tonight is just a low-key get together.” He gestures to Molly. “And to give the families a little behind the scenes look.”
Molly nods and lets her gaze wander around the foyer.
“I’ll leave you two. If you need something, just let me know.”
“Thanks.” I rest my hand on Molly’s lower back and guide her toward the kitchen and the hallways behind it leading to the bedrooms.