Tangled: A New Adult Romance Boxed Set (12 Book Bundle of Billionaires, Bad Boys, and Royalty)

by Lakes, Krista

  Twist? Janelle didn't like the sound of a twist. She caught Mason's gaze and he shrugged.

  "We've decided to do a little matchmaking for the fantasy date, which will take place in Rome, Italy. The couple going will be the last man standing and the last woman. So the congratulations also goes to Bambi. We hope you both will love your four-day and night fantasy date."

  Janelle felt sick to her stomach. Mason was going to have four days in Rome with Bimbo Bambi! Sure, they'd developed a bond in Miami, but what if he realized he liked Bambi more? She knew she couldn't think that way. She just had to wait it out and hope he came back to the mansion still wanting her. It was going to be a long four days sitting and waiting. Too long.

  *****

  Mason knocked on the door of Janelle's room and waited. He didn't have much time, he was supposed to be packing and had to be outside to catch the limo in fifteen minutes. He was excited about Rome, but not excited about Rome with Bambi. What in the name of God was he going to talk to her about? He gave his head a shake, he doubted he'd have to worry about finding topics of conversation; she seemed pretty comfortable with filling every second with talk about her.

  The door flung open and Janelle peered up at him, bewildered. "What are you doing here? I thought the limo was going to pick you up and you had to get ready to catch a plane."

  Mason was speechless for a moment. She'd changed from her sweatpants and tank into a short terrycloth robe. She had a towel in her hand, apparently preparing to jump into the shower. He longed to tug the single tie holding the robe together to get a view of her curvy body under the robe.

  Giving his head a shake he tried to refocus back to the reason for his visit. "Yeah, I do." He pushed past her into the room and shut the door behind him.

  "Then what are you doing here?"

  "I wanted to see you. I wanted to make sure you knew that nothing will happen between me and Bambi. I promise you that much."

  Janelle frowned, making him uneasy.

  "What's wrong?"

  She sighed. "Well, it's just that," she shrugged, "you might decide you like her... And that's okay. I mean... It's not like..."

  Ahhh shit-fuck! If he were to be honest with himself, he wouldn't have been too pleased to see her going to Rome with one of the other guys in the house. "Come here."

  Janelle gave him a soft smile and closed the distance between them, sliding her arms up his chest to lock her hands behind his neck. "I'm here."

  "I don't have much time."

  "I know."

  He slid his hands around her waist and pulled her tight to him. Her soft, curvy body brushed against his and his cock jerked awake, beginning to rise in his jeans. "God, I wish it was you." He lowered his mouth to hers.

  "Me too."

  Not being able to hold himself back a moment longer his mouth claimed hers. She moaned and pressed her body tighter to his. She was so soft, so perfect. His tongue thrust between her lips in search of hers. He slowly backed her up until she was pressed against the wall, trapped between the wall and his hard body.

  His lips left her mouth and began to trail their way down the side of her neck. She moaned a little louder and her hands slid to his shoulders and her fingers dug into him. When his mouth reached her collarbone, she arched her back, inviting his mouth lower.

  His eyes slid down her chest to the low dipping V of the robe. One tug and he'd be able to touch her soft, silky flesh. Her body bucked against his, taunting him. Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of the camera mounted in the corner of her room, the green light lit, indicating it was recording the interactions within the room.

  "Damn."

  She opened her eyes and her gaze followed his to see the camera. "Damn," she echoed.

  "I got to go, Janelle." He touched her cheek, and traced her lower lip with his thumb. "Don't worry. Okay?"

  She nodded, looking a little more confident than she had when he arrived. "Okay."

  His cock throbbed in his pants, demanding he stay and continue what they'd started. "I gotta go." He could hear the regret in his own voice as he lowered his lips to hers for one final chaste kiss before leaving.

  Chapter 4

  ––––––––

  "Oh my God, you wouldn't believe what was just said about me on Twitter!" Bambi proclaimed, lifting her eyes from the small screen of her phone and meeting his gaze across the small iron cafe table.

  As predicted, the past couple of days with Bambi had been a test of his patience and endurance for bullshit. Bambi put a good show on when the cameramen were in tow, but as soon as they were left alone, her complete focus was on her favourite topic - Bambi. Mason was seriously thinking the producers were going to have to rename the show from "The Game Of Love," to "All Bambi, All The Time."

  "Mason? Did you hear me?"

  Mason took another swig of his beer and nodded. "Sure, yeah. What's going on with Twitter?" If it wasn't for the fact he feared what it would do for his reputation when the show aired, he would have spent the past couple of days so damned wasted he would no longer care about her jabbering on and on about herself.

  Of course he also had Janelle on his mind. What was she doing? Did they send out another couple on a private date? Did one of the other guys in the house make a move on her? Would she respond to their advances if they did? She wasn't his, and that was the whole point of the game - meet and get to know various people. God only knew what was going on at the house. A tinge of jealousy surged through him. He hated that he couldn't enjoy his time in Rome. The city was amazing, in every way, he just wished it was Janelle he was spending his time there with.

  Bambi placed a hand on his hand. "Well, apparently I wasn't vocal enough in my latest movie."

  "I couldn't imagine." The words left his mouth before he had a chance to filter them, but she didn't seem to catch the sarcasm in his tone. Mason lifted his beer to his lips and took another long drink.

  "Yeah, me either. It's not my fault the guy’s cock wasn't doing it for me."

  "You're not supposed to have your cell phone are you?" he asked, knowing the answer.

  She shrugged. "Our babysitters are gone, so who's going to tell them?"

  Mason's mouthful of beer came spewing from his mouth and across the table, as he was overtaken by a series of coughs. There's no way he heard what she said right. No way.

  "Oh my God Mason, are you okay?" She grabbed her napkin and thrust it out to him.

  Recovering, Mason nodded and began to wipe the beer off his clothing as best as possible. "Yeah." He was tempted to ask if what he had heard was correct, but decided against it. He didn't need to know the answer and he knew he'd heard correctly.

  Before either of them could say another word, the camera crew rejoined them at the cafe, keeping several feet away, but close enough that their presence was too noticeable. Not that Mason minded in this case.

  Just enjoy Rome, Compton, just enjoy it. It'll be over soon and you'll be back at the mansion. And Janelle, he coached himself.

  *****

  "Hey, what are you doing out here all alone?"

  Janelle looked up to see Jamie exiting the house, a large wicker picnic basket in hand and making his way over to her sitting in the gazebo. A cameraman was hot on his heels. Jamie was an attractive man in his early thirties. He owned a surfing shop in Miami and spent his days surfing and playing volleyball and it showed. His blonde hair was shaggy, in a sexy surfer type f way and his frame tall and lean.

  Janelle gave him a soft smile. "Just thinking."

  "Do you mind?" He motioned to the empty spot next to her on the white painted wooden bench.

  "No," she replied with a shake of her head. The wind picked up and a strand of hair whipped into her face. Before she had a chance to brush the hair from her face, Jamie reached out and brushed the strand out of her eye and tucked it behind her ear.

  Her dark eyes caught his blue ones and she smiled a little more shyly this time. His touch was soft and gentle. It didn't give h
er the delicious chills that Mason's did, but nonetheless it was a sweet gesture.

  "You know, I wanted to take some time to get to know you when we first got here, but you were whisked off to Miami with Mason so quickly. I never had an opportunity."

  "Well, we still have five weeks to get to know everyone here," she reminded him. Mason was coming back to the mansion tomorrow and she was dying from the anxiety from the wait. "Well, maybe we do..."

  Once Mason and Bambi left, Grant had announced a second twist, and he sent another couple - the male and female who had second place on the challenge - on a dream date. They had been sent to Paris, France. That couple had been Nadine and Trevor. She didn't know much about Trevor so his leaving the house was of no consequence to her, but she missed having Nadine to talk to. None of the other girls seemed too inclined to be friends with her. She kept telling herself it was a game and not to take their snobbery personally.

  "Have you eaten?" He motioned to the basket sitting on the floor of the gazebo at his feet and flicked the cover open. The mouth-watering aroma of chicken tantalized her nostrils.

  She hadn't eaten and as she peered down into the basket, the combination of chicken, wine, cheese and fruit seemed too tempting to ignore. It wasn't as though anything was going to happen between them. Mason was spending four days with Bambi, she could have a simple picnic with Jamie, right?

  She shook her head. "No, I haven't." Her stomach grumbled and she flushed with embarrassment.

  He grinned at her and nodded. "Then will you join me?"

  "All right."

  There was a small two-person table sitting at the center of the gazebo, which Jamie proceeded to walk over to and unload the basket. By the time he was done, the set-up was a little more romantic than she was comfortable with. Wine, candlelight, he even had a soft romantic R&B melody playing in the background.

  Once done, Jamie took her hand and led her over to the little set-up. His hand was firm around hers, but again, she didn't feel the sizzle she felt when Mason took her hand.

  But, Mason isn't here. Mason is with the porn star, a voice in the back of her head reminded her. She sat, and he gently pushed in her chair for her and then took a seat across from her. Filling both of their glasses he handed her a glass of white wine and took one for himself.

  Seeing her hesitation, he frowned. "It's just a little picnic. Just getting to know each other, nothing more or less Janelle."

  He was right, she knew that. And she knew she was being silly. She'd only spent a couple of days with Mason. She needed to be smart about this and keep her heart guarded for now. Once she spent more time with Mason she knew she could overanalyze at that time.

  Yes, she'd just enjoy dinner and get to know Jamie a little. No crime in that.

  *****

  When the producers said they were cutting the fantasy date between Bambi and himself short by a day Mason couldn't have been happier. The producers didn't give a reason but Mason suspected it was because he and Bambi were far from making a connection and their fantasy few days were making for extremely poor television.

  Their flight back and the ride in the limo from the airport to the mansion were taken in virtual silence. It was apparent Bambi had come to terms with the fact that Mason had no interest in her whatsoever and she wasn't pleased with it. He doubted she got turned down often, but it was what it was and he wasn't about to fake an attraction he didn't feel to spare her feelings or win some money. He was going to play the game fairly or not at all.

  As the mansion came into view Bambi's attitude seemed to perk up and she sat straighter in her seat. Reaching her purse she fumbled for her compact and examined herself in the mirror. Mason had to force himself to keep from rolling his eyes.

  The limo came to a halt at the front door and moments later the driver opened the door for them. Bambi jumped out and without a word to Mason scampered into the mansion. Mason's eyes caught the sympathetic driver’s and he gave him a nod.

  Making his way into the mansion, Mason's first and only thought was to find Janelle. He wanted to make sure she knew nothing happened between him and Bambi before Bambi got to her and fed her her version of the past few days. There wasn't much to say, but he'd give Bambi credit in the fact that he could see she was determined to win the game and the money and he wouldn't put it past her to try and sabotage whatever chance there was for him and Janelle.

  His first stop was Janelle's room, which he found to be empty. The mansion was surprisingly quiet as he made his way through the hallways looking for Janelle, or anyone who could direct him to her. Making his way towards the back of the house where the pool and one of the numerous hot tubs were located he stopped short in his tracks. Before him in the hot tub were a naked Sandy and Terrance. They were fucking so hard and fast they didn't even realize he was there watching.

  "Only in the Game of Love," he murmured under his breath as he backed back into the house. Standing in the Victorian-styled front foyer Mason thought back to their conversations and he remembered she'd mentioned how much she loved walking through the community gardens when she wanted to think. He immediately made his way to the west wing of the house, which led to the gardens and gazebo on the property.

  As he opened the side door, the soft seductive music caught his attention. Scared he was going to burst in on yet another couple he proceeded a little more cautiously. But once again he stopped dead in his tracks. His jaw clenched as he watched Jamie dancing with Janelle, holding her tight to him, their bodies swaying in time with the music. He was about to continue forward when Jamie lowered his lips to Janelle's.

  Not wanting to see anymore, Mason gave his head a shake, spun around and marched back into the mansion, without a look back at the couple.

  *****

  Mason? Before she had a chance to get a better look to confirm what she thought she saw, Jamie's mouth lowered to hers, kissing her aggressively. Shocked by his sudden bout of boldness, Janelle froze, as his mouth covered hers.

  As quickly as the kiss began, it ended as Janelle pushed against his chest while stepping away from Jamie. "I'm sorry Jamie. I'm just not..." She chewed at her lower lip as she looked up to meet his questioning blue eyes.

  "Mason?" His jaw clenched and hurt flashed in his eyes, but he said nothing more.

  She nodded. "You're an amazing guy. I just..." She nodded. "Mason."

  He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's all right. Can't blame a guy for trying."

  Janelle smiled at him. He truly was a great guy... for someone else. "I gotta go."

  He nodded, and she rushed past him. Had Mason really been there? Was it her imagination? Guilt for the dance, for the kiss? She rushed through the house in the direction of Mason's room aware that one of the cameramen was hot on her heels. She didn't like how the cameraman was following her, because he was confirming - without saying a word - what she feared. Mason had seen her with Jamie and jumped to conclusions and the cameraman wanted to be there to get the reaction when she found him.

  As feared, when she reached Mason's room the door was open and light spilled into the hallway. She slowed and stepped into the room to see him unpacking his bags. The sound of her footsteps made him pause, his back still to her.

  "Mason, you're back."

  "Yeah." He didn't bother to turn to face her, but continued to unpack and put his clothing in the dresser.

  "You came to find me at the gazebo."

  "Yup."

  She turned to the cameraman, and was about to ask him to leave, but remembered the contract she signed. He wasn't going to leave until he was damn good and ready. And he wouldn't be good and ready until he saw that the drama between her and Mason was over.

  Janelle entered the room and stepped up behind him. Touching his upper arm she tugged lightly, urging him to turn and face her. He stopped unpacking and turned. His expression was unreadable, making her even more uneasy. She suspected what he was thinking because she knew what she'd be thinking if the roles were reversed. Bu
t then again, she had no idea what happened between him and Bambi. Maybe he'd changed his mind about her anyhow.

  "I was in the gazebo, by myself. Jamie brought me a picnic."

  Mason brought a finger to her lips, stopping her ramblings. "It's none of my business."

  She frowned. Mason's voice was too calm and cool. She'd rather he be angry than this. "I want you Mason. That kiss wasn't anything. It didn't mean anything." His expression softened slightly and Janelle released the breath she'd been holding.

  "Look, I'm tired. I'm sorry. I overreacted. I just..." He looked over at the cameraman and scowled. He focused his attention back to her. "This is such a stressed situation and my past few days with Bambi were... not so enjoyable."

  Oh thank God. Janelle had to force herself to keep from smiling. He'd just said what she'd been hoping to hear. "So, you and Bambi didn't... hit it off?" she pressed.

  Mason laughed, "Far from it." A soft smile remained on his lips after his laughter subsided. "Truth is I spent the whole time wishing it was you with me. Not her."

  Not being able to stop herself, Janelle threw herself into his arms.

  Chuckling at her exuberance, Mason caught her and stumbled backwards. The back of his legs hit the edge of the bed and Janelle squealed as she found herself toppling over with him onto the bed.

  Chapter 5

  ––––––––

  Mason rolled the giggling Janelle onto him, straddling his waist. The skirt of her sundress slipped up her bare thighs. Placing his hands on her thighs, his hands slid slowly upwards and under her skirt, taking care to not inch the skirt up any further than it already was for fear the camera would get a shot of something he didn't want it to.

  "I was so concerned that maybe you'd spend time with Bambi and change your mind about her," she lowered her voice slightly, "and me."

  He threaded his fingers into her hair, and brought her mouth closer to his. "The only person I could think about was you."

  The worry and anxiety drained from her eyes and an excitement combined with her desire began to slowly replace it. The woman was so damned sexy; he had a hard time controlling himself with her. At that moment, with her body pinning his down to the bed, her breasts crushing against his chest, and her mouth so close to his neck, he was aching to flip her to her back, strip her naked and do all the things to her that he'd been fantasizing over since the first day they met.