Page 16 of Lust & Lollipops

It wasn’t as empty as I’d thought.

Cameron was sitting on his ass, sprawled out on the sand and staring at the ocean.

Part of me wanted to turn around and walk back to the fire. The angry part.

The frustrated part of me wanted to find my own beach to sit down quietly on.

But the confused, hurt parts of me?

They propelled me across the sand.

My footsteps were quiet, and Rhett remained in the trees when I made my way to Cameron’s side.

“Hey, Loll.” His voice was quiet, but upbeat as I sat down next to him.

I didn’t reply to that.

I didn’t know what to say.

A minute of tense silence went by before I finally spoke. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It was against the rules. The Society was very clear that if I told you anything about the new game or my presence here, I wouldn’t be coming. Considering they can read minds, they would know if I broke that rule.”

“Why did you even want to come?” My voice rose slightly.

He chuckled. “The same reason the rest of these bastards are here.”

“You want a mate.”

“Do I?”

“Stop. I’m not dealing with your avoidance anymore. Answer my questions honestly, or walk away.”

He let out a long breath. “Habit. Sorry.”

I shook my head. “Julian told me you’re dying.”

“Of course he did.”

“Why didn’t you go on Bachelorette? We both know you could talk just about any of those women into mating with you. You’re charming when you want to be.”

He chuckled. “If I gave a damn about any of those women, maybe I would’ve.”

“What does that mean?” I frowned.

“I’ve lived a long time. Even without mating, fae don’t have short lives. I’d rather die with my freedom than tie myself permanently to a woman I didn’t want.”

My forehead creased further. “If you want to say something, just say it.”

“I have connections. More than any of the other guys here. I knew I’d be fighting for you before we ever met, Lolli. And I was always going to play to win. Guarding was just a way to get to know you first.”

Holy shit.

Holy shit.

What was I supposed to do with that information?

“I can admit the island caught me off guard. No one told me we’d be starting a new game show until I got the invitation letter last week,” he added. “But when I did, I put together a plan.”

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