Page 46 of Love Galaxy

I wrap my arms around my knees. “That’s so creepy.” Bad enough, I’d thought, that my face was going to be all over Australian TV. Now we’re going to be watched by potentially millions or billions, or even trillions, of aliens across multiple galaxies.

Thinking about it makes my head swim.

“Agh!” The sound that comes out of my mouth when I spot Chloe in the background of Lydia’s call isn’t one I’d describe as ladylike.

Hearing me, Chloe changes direction, stepping closer to the tablet. “It’s always a pleasure to see you, too, Briar.” She practically spits my name, like a snake spitting venom. “Where’s your boyfriend?”

“His name is Sorin,” I correct her just so I can be as obtuse as possible. “And he’s in the other room.”

“Sick of you already.” She laughs.

“No.” I snap my mouth shut. Who the fuck cares what Chloe thinks?

My reaction makes her laugh louder.

“Why Humans and Ril’os?” I ask her. “What was the reason for picking us?” And I gesture between Lydia and me. I hate that it’s Chloe I’m coming to for answers, but when I’d ask Mr. Smith this same question, back when all six of the contestants had first confronted him about the abduction, his answer had been less than forthcoming. He’s been too busy reminding us that he’s the only one with a working spaceship.

“Yeah.” Lydia looks at Chloe. “I want to know, too. Why us?”

Chloe sighs, like us asking her a simple question and expecting an honest answer is the worst fucking thing that’s ever happened to her. “Because,” she says in a drawl, “do you remember those medical tests you took before being accepted?”

Lydia winces.

So do I. I’m not likely to forget. Blood tests, urine tests, sexual health tests—we did them all. Talk about invasive. I’d loathed every second but had been too desperate not to go through with them.

“We were checking for compatibility between Humans and a few other species. It so happens that Ril’os sperm acts in much the same way as Human sperm.”

“Gross!” Lydia claps a hand over her mouth.

“That’s why you brought us here? Sperm?” I ask, dubiously.

“Surprise pregnancies make for thrilling TV, even in outer space.” Chloe grins.

I’d very much like to hit somebody—that somebody obviously being Chloe. And Mr. Smith, too. What fucking losers they are, hoping we’d unknowingly get pregnant, for shits and giggles. Sorin and I haven’t had penetrative sex yet, thank God. But we very easily could have.

“Yeah, well, you realize you’re not going to get a pregnancy storyline now we know?” I’d have thought that was obvious.

“Don’t care.” She rolls her eyes. “We’re getting enough juicy footage regardless.”

“You’re a real bitch,” I tell her, throwing my words like stones.

Of course she doesn’t look hurt in the slightest by my insult.She collects a cup of water from the kitchen and waves bye, giving her perfectly curled, perfectly blonde hair a little flick in a way that seems to shoutI’m so much better than you, losers.

“How can you stand her?” I ask Lydia, not caring if Chloe is still within earshot.

“I’ve seen people do crazier stuff for money.” Lydia shrugs, like she’s got bigger things to be worrying about. “You know what I think?” She lowers her voice until I’m straining to hear. “Harlee’s got a crush on Roan.” And she shudders, like the idea’s repulsive.

Well, this is awkward.

“This is a dating show. That’s kind of the point.” I know my answer is weak before Lydia gives me ayou idiotlook.

“Nobody back home signs up for these shows because they actually think they’ll fall in love,” she says. “It’s about all the Instagram followers.”

“You’d better tell her about the sperm thing.” I say, proud that my voice sounds normal.

Something about my expression, though, must tip her off because Lydia narrows her eyes. “What?” she demands.

“What?” I feign innocence, blinking.

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