Page 68 of Lust & Lollipops

“Would they let us warn the woman, at least? I don’t want anyone else being suddenly forced into this if there’s something we can do about it.”

“Not before the next season. We’ll need to seal the bond as soon as we leave the island, and we won’t be functioning in Society that first week or two afterward. They won’t wait more than a few days before starting the next game.”

“We could seal the bond after we talk to your parents,” I suggested.

Cam chuckled. “No can do, Lolli. I’m making you mine the moment I’ve won.”

My face warmed. “Rhett told me they started playing our season on TV already. So the next girl will probably have an idea it’s a possibility, at least. She might even have time to strategize.”

A moment passed, my thoughts still turning. “If Rhett won, would he get elected like you?”

“Like us, yes. Quickly,” he agreed. “Rhett is very well-liked, but all of fae Society knows he’s determined not to take a mate, which makes getting elected impossible.”

My forehead creased. “Why is he so against it? I thought he needs a mate to survive.”

“He fell in love with a human a long time ago. Decided he wanted to marry her. He proposed, and she said yes. When he told her what he was a few weeks later, and that he wouldn’t age when she did, she was horrified. Threw the ring at him and ended it immediately. She died a few years back, and he went to the funeral, still in love with her. He’d rather fade than tie himself to anyone else.”

“Holy shit.”

“Fae love deeply, and intensely. It’s how we’re made.”

“Guess it’s a good thing for you that you made sure I’m yours,” I said.

He chuckled. “A damn good thing.”

“How are we playing it when we get back to the beach?” I asked.

“We’re done playing. We already won the game. When we go back, everyone will realize you’re mine. I’ll tell them I managed to seduce you while we were on the boat.”

“If we keep it a secret, it could help the girl in the next season,” I countered. “What if her guard is brought in too?”

“If that happens, he’ll be the first to go no matter what he says or does. No one would let this happen again.”

My lips curved upward. “I guess not.”

“We may have ruined someone else’s plans, though. Good work.” He kissed my forehead, and I laughed.

“You’re an ass.”

“A clever ass.”

I couldn’t deny that.

We spent the rest of the evening watching a movie while snuggled up together, then fell asleep in each other’s arms.

Early the next morning, Rhett knocked on the door and said it was time to go back to the island.

Though I knew it was a little ridiculous, Cameron and I hadn’t been walking around naked together. So, I wrapped myself in a towel before I went back to the bathroom for the despised green bikini. I tossed Cam’s shorts out too, and his chuckle told me he got the message.

He was dressed and waiting when I emerged. Leaning up against the wall in nothing but those shorts, he was chest-achingly gorgeous. My yellow sweatshirt was hanging over his arm, waiting for me.

His lips curved when he saw me. “Good to see you in your favorite outfit again.”

I swatted him on the arm with the back of my hand. “I’m burning it as soon as we’re off the island. And never wearing a bra again.”

“I approve of this plan.”

“Shocking.”

---