Love or Lust (LOL): Part 1

And mine.

Ammo I can pull out later on if need be because I guarantee someone will not be happy with these events.

“Whatever,” I retort. “Let’s go. The van is waiting.”

Milo and Natasha lead the way, confirming my suspicions even more. Her entire back is caked with leaves. When I chance a glance in Jace’s direction, he’s shaking his head and laughing to himself. On the other side of me, Lennon is more reserved, his mouth flat, but the look in his eyes tells me he’s beyond irritated at the situation now. He’s pissed we wasted time looking for them when they weren’t actually lost.

They chose to disappear.

It’s all in the name of the game, I want to remind him, but I don’t. It’s not my place. He’s here for the same reason I am. He signed the same contract. He has to know what’s going on around him even if he doesn’t agree with it. Because Lennon, of all the guys, is the one I assume is here looking for more than a quick roll in the sheets. He’s looking for love.

By the time the van pulls up in front of the main house, I’m beyond exhausted. It takes all my energy to strip off my clothes and get in the shower. Placing my hand against the cool tiles, I hold myself up beneath the heavenly spray of cold water and let the events of the day wash away along with the dirt, sweat, and grime.

I felt bad for Jace and Lennon. I sat between them on the ride back, and I was certain I could smell myself. Not exactly a turn on for guys. Women are supposed to smell like flowers, vanilla, or peaches.

The smell emanating from my clothes was anything but sweet.

Clean and refreshed, I’m browsing the books on the shelves when there’s a knock on my door. We all have the night off to do as we please. It doesn’t mean we all won’t end up at the same place, together, but I was enjoying my alone time.

Glancing out the window, I’m surprised to see Natasha patiently waiting for me to answer, towel draped over her arm, sunglasses holding back her long jet-black hair. Her bikini leaves little to the imagination. I thought Courtney’s was revealing until Natasha and Teegan showed up at the pool. There may have been enough for two bathing suits between the three of them.

“Hey,” I say greeting her with a warm smile even though I’m still angry with her for wasting my time today.

“We’re headed to the pool to soak our feet. Just wanted to see if you wanted to come along.”

Looking down the sidewalk, I notice Teegan and Courtney standing a few villas down, waving at me.

“I think I’m going to stay in for a little while, but thanks,” I say, stepping back to close the door.

“About today,” she starts before I can get away.

“What about it?”

“You looked kind of mad, so I wanted to make sure we were okay. You know, considering...”

Considering what?

You purposely bailed on the group and had wild sex in the woods. Or is she referring to the time we wasted only to realize they purposely “got lost”?

“What do you want me to say?”

“That you’ll keep my little secret,” she spits back quickly.

“Not my story to tell,” I retort, giving her as much attitude as she’s giving me.

“You’re right and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t share what you saw with anyone else. Some people don’t like gossip,” she states, turning to walk away.

“Yeah, the people who are at the center of it,” I mumble as I close the door but not before I see her glare at me over her shoulder.

Well, I’ve made at least one enemy, I’m guessing. Not that it matters. I want nothing to do with Milo. She can have him. And, if she’s a bitch to me, she’ll have to deal with the fallout of her actions, and she knows it. I highly doubt we’ll hang out together unless necessary, but I also don’t see her outright being rude to me for the fear of how she’ll look when I open my mouth and spill the beans.

That’s another win for me.

Could this game get any easier? All I have to do is be myself.

Or whore myself out. There’s that option. Not that I think Natasha is a whore. Not yet anyway. If she starts sleeping with the rest of the guys, I may have to rethink my decision.

Still, day four... really?