Page 26 of Lust & Lollipops

I sat down beside her, and she didn’t waste a moment.

“Julian spoke into my mind after he got voted out,” she said, turning to look at me. Those warm, gorgeous brown eyes of hers were slightly concerned. “He said ‘well-played’. Do you think he realized what we’re doing? What if he told someone else?”

“Julian keeps to himself,” I said. “He figured out our plan when I voted for him, and asked me about it during the council. I told him the truth, and he was amused. He wouldn’t risk interfering with our game. That would prevent him from playing next time. Our secret is safe.”

Molly let out a long breath and nodded. Her shoulders sagged, and I itched to put an arm around her.

I couldn’t make a move until she gave me permission, though. She had seemed uncertain about working with me the night before, and I wasn’t risking pissing her off again before I knew she was on my side.

I’d win even if she wasn’t, of course.

I wasn’t walking off the island until she was permanently mine.

But I did want her to make that decision herself, too.

“Who are we going after next?” she asked.

“Reid, Colt, and Kaden. Everyone has started forming alliances, and those three mentioned having suspicions about me. We need them out.”

“Before Ev? I thought he was the biggest risk because of the telepathy.”

“He could become a risk,” I admitted. “But Kaden is well-connected. If he starts spreading suspicions about me and you, the game could be over before it begins.”

She took in a long breath and nodded. “I’ll start acting like I’m gravitating toward him. I have to be pissed about the Julian thing for a little longer, though.”

“I agree. You played that well, by the way.”

“Thanks.” She gave me a small smile. “I’m tired of all this shit already. I just want to be done with it.”

“We’re nowhere near done, Loll.”

“I know.” She looked back out at the ocean and whispered, “What if our plan fails and I end up having to choose between three pieces of shit? What if I get stuck with Kyle? What if?—”

“You’re not getting stuck with anyone but me.” My voice was low, but firm. “If there’s ever a sign that I’m going to get voted out, I’ll tell you which of the men I trust. You’ll pick one of them.”

Considering pairing her off with one of the other bastards made me want to burn our island to the fucking ground, but she needed that promise.

And if I couldn’t have her, there wasn’t a chance in hell I’d put her in the arms of anyone like Kyle.

“How do I even know I can trust you?”

“Look at me, Lolli.”

She turned her head, hitting me with those gorgeous eyes again. There was something in them I’d never seen before.

Something vulnerable.

“I’ve never lied to you. I’ve never manipulated you. The secrets I kept from you were the ones I had to keep to get me here with you, right now.”

She swallowed roughly, but nodded. “I’m just… scared, I guess.” When she looked back out at the water, the urge to have her on my lap and in my arms again hit me hard.

“Ask me something so I have an excuse to bargain for another hug,” I said.

A soft laugh escaped her.

It eased the tension in my chest and the need to have her close.

“What’s a peryton? One of the guys said earth elementals can transform into them.”

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