by Kim Linwood
“Tosser. What’s going on, then?” Danny perks up. He’s always been a sucker for gossip.
“Sarah is actually Liz.” I pause to let that sink in.
“Liz? There’s no Liz on the list.”
“Liz. My old stepsister.” I know he knows who she is. He wouldn’t stop giving me a hard time about her that first year at school.
“What? How?” He leans back, stunned. “No bloody way.”
“The one and only.”
“Are you sure you’re not just crazy? It’s been years. I think she did your head in.”
“I swear. It’s her. She doesn’t know that I know, but there’s no fucking way I wouldn’t recognize her, even after so long. She’s here, and I just went on a date with her. With Liz.” I stand back up, pacing the room. Just like it has all night, adrenaline has me on edge.
Danny shakes his head. “All right. Fair enough. Did you figure this out before or after she gave you the blue balls?”
“Oh, ha fucking ha. I recognized her as soon as I saw her. I just didn’t know what to do about it.”
“Has it been that long?”
I stop pacing and give him a look. “Tell me again why I’m talking to you?”
“Sorry, sorry. Go on.” Danny makes a get-on-with-it motion with his beer.
“Using my dick isn’t the problem.” The memory of holding her naked body in the water as my hands roamed and my tongue plundered her mouth has me half hard just thinking about it.
He shrugs. “So use it. Just do me a favor and wait ‘til I’m out of the room, will you?”
“I don’t think you fucking get it. It’s Liz.”
“Yeah. A girl. No, sorry. The girl. The one that got away. So now’s your chance.” He makes a shooing motion. “So what are you still doing here?”
Maybe he’s right. Maybe I should go to her room. Not give her time to back out, to say no.
She’s mine.
“See, the Hunter I know is a predator.” Danny keeps going. “He stalks the savannah like a bloody lion. He takes what he wants, when he wants, and the girls drop to their knees wherever he goes, for he is the alpha fucking male. He doesn’t mope around like an angsty teenager when there’s conquest to be had.” He cocks his head and looks at me with a sad face. “Is that what we’re reduced to now?” He takes a deep swig of beer. “Well, is it?”
“I’m not going to fuck her while she’s pretending to be someone else.” There it is. As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I know it’s true. No matter how hot and bothered she got me tonight, it was easy to brush off Sarah.
I don’t want Sarah.
When it happens, and it will happen—I’m sure of it—it will be when we can look each other in the eyes honestly. Whatever happens after, I want it to be Liz beneath me. Her name on my lips, like mine will be on hers.
22
Liz
I’ve avoided Hunter all day, but there’s no way my luck will hold. Today was easy because they were doing shoots with him and the other women after our “date” yesterday, but at some point I’ll have to deal with him. The camera people were more than happy to get footage of the others snubbing me, though.
Even Amanda’s not talking to me again.
Doesn’t matter now. They’re all asleep. It’s three in the morning, and the house is ghostly quiet. If I find what I need tonight, then they can vote me off the island if they want. It’s better if I get sent home, anyway. I only barely managed to keep from spilling everything over dinner.
Chalk it up to terrible planning. All I had was: first, get to the island, second, find the deed, third… I’m still working on that. One date with Hunter and I’m already getting off-track.
I’d make a really horrible secret agent, but I’m trying to make up for it.
I’m going to find that deed.
I tip-toe down the stairs. The light is on in the kitchen, but I don’t see anyone around. Standing in the doorway, I hesitate while trying to decide if I should go another way, or chance going through the lighted room.
“Well, hello.”
I squeak in surprise, my heart jumping clear up into my throat. That voice. Like Hunter’s, but deeper and scratchier, worn by a lifetime of yelling and smoking cigars. It’s a voice I’ve never forgotten and never will. The voice that sent Mom and me packing ten years ago.
Hollister Campbell.
“H—hi,” I answer without turning. Shit. Hunter didn’t recognize me, but will his father? I need to start avoiding the kitchen.
“You must be one of the lovely ladies competing for my son’s favor. What’s your name?”
“Sarah.” Can I risk turning around? Standing here with my back turned must seem more than a little suspicious. I have to chance it. If Hunter was fooled, hopefully his father will be too.
“Well, Sarah. You couldn’t sleep either? No need to be shy. I’m Hollister Campbell. Hunter’s father.” His good ol’ boy voice doesn’t fool me. That’s what he sounds like when he wants something.
Taking a deep breath, I steel myself and turn. “Nice to meet you, Mr. Campbell.”
He’s right there, closer than I expect. Hunter’s blue eyes, muted with age, look out at me from a face I know all too well. “Call me Ollie, no need to be formal.” He reaches out and strokes my upper arm, his gaze traveling casually down my body.
Words cannot describe the ick factor of having my ex-stepfather checking me out. I cross my arms over my t-shirt, regretting not wearing my bra. He smiles, teeth as white as Blaze’s and just as unnatural.
I lick my lips nervously, cringing at the way he eagerly watches. “I was just coming down to… make some tea.” Thank God the tea is in the same spot it always was. I slide away from him, grabbing a box of chamomile and scanning the counter for the kettle.
Ollie—ugh—grabs a beer from the fridge, throwing the cap on the table and leaning back against the counter. He watches me while I fill the kettle with water and turn it on.
“I just got in after dinner,” he says. “Going to take a couple days to adjust to the time change. Was out in Hollywood, pitching some new ideas to the investors.”
“Oh?” Is that supposed to impress me? I suppose it might if I was interested in spinning my fifteen minutes of reality fame into a career like some of the other contestants. I turn to grab a mug. There are so many reasons I don’t want him studying my face too long.
“Yeah.” He walks up behind me, and brushes a lock of hair off my shoulder. “You know, we’re always looking for pretty girls.”
My skin crawls at his touch. This man was married to my mother. He’s literally old enough to be my father. Because he sort of was. Not to mention that he stole my home. I resent Hunter, but I don’t hate him. Not like his father.
The kettle comes to a noisy boil and clicks off. I pour steaming hot water over my tea bag, hand shaking. All I have to do is say goodnight and go lock myself back in my room.
And maybe shower a time or three.
“You know, my room’s a bit cold tonight. Isn’t yours?”
My stomach lurches. Is he for real?
“No. You know, I really hadn’t noticed that.”
Not put off by my deflection, he pushes on. “Are you sure? Because you have an opportunity here. It would be a shame if it went to someone else. Hunter might be flashy, but don’t knock the benefit of experience.”
That’s it.
I turn around and glare at him. “Seriously? That’s just gross, Mr. Campbell. I can’t even begin to count how many levels this is wrong on.”
Anger flashes across his face. Then disbelief.
“You.” He sounds disgusted as realization sets in. Which, quite frankly, is a relief.
“Yep. Me.”
“What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Drinking tea?” I take a sip to hide my nerves. Inside I’m shaking like a leaf, but I’ll take an angry Hollister over a horny one any day of the week. I’d rather get sent home now than deal with that.
&n
bsp; Seeing who I am, he looks like he’d rather spit on me than touch me again. Good. “I should’ve known you’d grow up into as big a bitch as your mother.”
“Yeah, well. Genetics I guess.”
He rakes me over with his gaze. “You got her looks. It’s too bad you got her attitude too.”
That actually stings a little. I’m nothing like my mother, but I’m not going to stand here and argue with him about it. He can hate me as much as he likes. He doesn’t know shit about my life anymore.
“How’d you get here? I personally approved every applicant and I know you weren’t on the list.”
I keep my mouth shut and shrug. Nothing I say can help at this point. He’ll kick me off the show no matter what, and I don’t want to be responsible for getting anyone fired.
“Wait… let me guess. The hair, the contacts…” Hollister Campbell narrows his eyes and his mouth twists into an ugly smile. “You lied your way in. But why?” He taps his chin, devious brain working overtime. “Some misguided dream about seeing your old home one more time? Left your favorite Barbie behind? Finally decided you want to fuck my son?”
“Don’t be disgusting!”
He grins and takes a swig of beer. “Yeah. That’s it, isn’t it? You think I didn’t see you sniffing after him when you two were teenagers? It shouldn’t surprise me. You are your mother’s daughter after all.”
My fists clench. It takes all the willpower I have to keep from slapping him.
“How is she, by the way? Drink herself to death yet?” he taunts, not waiting for an answer. “I suppose that’s hard in her current situation.”
“You know?”
“I check in now and again. Just to make sure she’s not up to anything. A smart woman, your mother. A little less booze and a little more loyalty and she’d have had it made. What a waste.”
I’ve hated my mother more often than I’ve loved her, but this man is a whole new level of vile. “Does Hunter know?”
Hollister laughs. “Hunter has his island and his charity shit to keep him busy. I doubt he’s given more than ten seconds of thought to Irene in the last ten years.”
“I bet he’d care if he knew how we were living.” Guilt floods me as I realize it’s true. Hunter is full of himself and a bit of a jerk, but he’s a genuinely nice guy. If I’d come to him with my situation, he probably would’ve helped from the start. Maybe he wouldn’t just hand over the island, but he wouldn’t turn his back on us.
But now? He might help, but I’d lose him, and I’m not ready for that.
“Does he know who you really are?” Hollister asks.
I hesitate, and he guesses the truth.
“He doesn’t, does he? Oh, that’s too perfect. Sarah… you were the girl who won the first date. I heard that went exceptionally well. Some quite nice footage from what I saw on the plane flying down. Blaze has been good about keeping me up to date. I wonder how he’d feel if he knew you were in this to screw him over.”
“I’m not!” Lie.
“No? Then give me one good reason for sneaking in like you have.” He looks at me speculatively, but this time it’s not creepy, it’s scary. “Wait, don’t. I don’t actually care why you’re here, but as long as you are… let’s make this work for both of us.”
“There is no us. I’m not working with you. Just send me home and get it over with.”
“I can do that, you know. You signed a contract, which you are clearly in breach of. Did you read that part? The part where if you fail to uphold the conditions of the show, you will be responsible for all expenses? Travel, food, lodging, the works.”
I can’t afford it, not without draining the only savings we have left.
From the look on his face, he knows it. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not a monster. It’s not like I want you to kill someone.”
“I won’t do anything to hurt Hunter.”
He waves a hand. “Oh don’t be so melodramatic.”
“If you think I’m going to work with you, you’re nuts. You ruined my life.”
“No.” He looks me straight in the eyes. “Your mother ruined your life. I was just there to capitalize on it. Success is about taking advantage of opportunities, and right now that’s what you are.”
“I hate you.” My words are flat and I’m all alone here. There’s nobody I can turn to who would understand. The other girls hate me right now, and Hunter…
I won’t risk him hating me too.
“Do you want to hear my deal or not?”
“Fine,” I spit out, draining what’s left of my cold tea into the sink.
“Everyone knows these things are rigged, right? There’s enough reality to keep it interesting, but the whole world’s a stage, ya know? I’m going to let you stay, on one condition.”
“And that condition is?”
He grins. “That you make this yawnfest interesting.”
“What if I win?” No! I don’t want to win. Do I?
Hollister looks at me like I’m crazy. “You can’t seriously want to marry Hunter.”
“No, but—”
“There you go. I’m going to let you in on a little secret. At the end, the final girl will be given a choice. Money, or love. You can pick the money and run, but if Hunter finds out we talked? I promise you’ll go home with nothing but a giant bill and a letter from our lawyers. Think about it.”
“How much?” I don’t want to be tempted, but I am.
“One million dollars,” he says with a smile, knowing how much I need it. “Minus taxes, of course.”
“Of course.” Shit. I’d have time to keep looking for the deed, and even if that failed, I’d have enough to make a serious dent in our bills, and even start working on my degree again.
“What if he finds out who I am? Or what if I win, and then tell Hunter? I’d have money and love.”
He laughs like I’m an adorable little idiot. “Don’t kid yourself. I know my son. He’s soft in a lot of ways, but if he finds out you’ve been using him, you won’t have either. I’ll just tell everyone about how it’s all a part of our script. Drama is the name of the game, Lizzie. It might suck for you, but it would make great TV.”
“Don’t call me that.” I’m stuck in a mess of my own making. Considering how I got here, nobody would believe it wasn’t a setup from the start. “What would you want me to do?” I trust Hollister as far as I can throw him, but I’ll play along for a while if it means buying time.
“Just keep doing what you’re doing. Give me drama.”
23
Liz
“Ladies and gentleman!” Blaze’s voice cuts through the thickening afternoon air. It’s muggy today, and it’s only going to get worse.
We’re gathered on the terrace, contestants in a semicircle on one side, with Blaze and Hunter on the other. Hunter’s only wearing shorts, and his chest glistens in the sun. Oil? Sweat? I’m not sure, but from the way the others are practically devouring him with their eyes, I’m not the only one who’s incredibly curious. Blaze might be the one speaking, but there’s no question where everyone’s attention is focused.
I don’t want to be one of the drooling fangirls, but I can’t help exploring his cut torso with my eyes. What’s worse, is that as soon as I do, I find him looking right back at me, his deep eyes smoldering. Even from across the terrace the heat of his gaze makes it difficult to stand still.
The sunlight spills over his hard planes and sharp angles, the swirls and lines of his tattoos standing out in stark contrast to his golden skin. Sleek black lines, jagged edges and abstract designs compete for space down his left arm and wrapped around his wide shoulder blades. With his blond hair and his clear blue eyes, he looks like a Norse god, powerful and incredibly, amazingly handsome.
I look away before I embarrass myself.
“I hope you’re all enjoying your stay so far. It’s been an exciting first week, but as we’re nearing the end of it, it’s time to pick six contestants to stay,” Blaze pauses dramatic
ally, “And two who will leave us.”
Time has flown, and I have nothing to show for it. The show’s kept us busy with all sorts of contrived situations. Group dates, board games, tennis, some with Hunter, some just to pit us against each other and build some good drama. I’ve done my best to fly under the radar after my solo date, but it’s obvious Hunter seeks me out sometimes, and it’s not exactly doing good things for my popularity.
Elena stands next to me, smiling and acting friendly for the cameras. “He’s so perfect. Don’t you think?”
“I guess.” We both know she’s only talking to me because she thinks I’m a favorite.
Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer.
Amanda and Megan stand on the other end. They’ll talk to me if I go to them, but I can tell they don’t trust me. Which I guess is fair.
I wouldn’t trust me either.
Bianca elbows me. “Hey, he’s talking about you.”
“Huh?” I snap back to attention.
“…went very well. In fact, their date went so well that they managed to give poor Chuck, their camera guy, the slip. For several hours, they were alone and unsupervised, spending that time on a deserted beach under a romantic sunset.”
On a screen in the background is a still shot of Hunter dipping me backwards in what looks like a passionate embrace. Oh, great. Just in case they didn’t hate me quite enough.
Amanda stares coldly at me, and Megan whispers something to her.
“Looks pretty intense, doesn’t it? But the show isn’t over, and today, you’ll all have the chance to make your own impression on our lucky bachelor, right up close and personal. Win this challenge, and you’ll get your own date with Hunter, starting as soon as the contest is over.”
There’s buzzing and excited whispers. Someone claps. I’m almost looking forward to losing so I have someone to share the burden of female jealousy with. Almost. When I think about one of these other women cuddling up to Hunter and stealing kisses under the stars, I see red.
“About time,” Bianca whispers.