Page 14 of Taking the Heat

‘I’m the next Katy fucking Perry, bitch. Do you want to hear me sing?’

I watched horrified as she prepared to burst into song. I lovePitch Perfect, but it was a little early for one-on-one a capella. Thinking fast, I said, ‘That would be great—do you have an album?’

She stopped in her tracks and said, ‘Of course. I’ll fucking lend it to you.’

‘Great. So, where are you from? You sound American.’

‘I grew up in the US,’ she said, tossing her shiny mane over her shoulder. ‘But my fucking family moved back to Japan when I was nineteen. I figured it would be easier to become a huge pop star there than in America, so I followed them.’

‘And that’s where you met Toshi?’

‘Yeah. Fucker broke my fucking heart.’

I tilted my head in disbelief. It was hard to believe anyone would have the courage to dump this girl. ‘Why? What happened?’

‘Oh, fuck knows. He was totally fucking threatened by me wanting a fucking career and chasing my dreams and living big.’ She was talking it up, but I could see the hurt of the break-up still showing in the cracks of her façade. ‘I just wasn’t fucking traditional enough. The worst part was, I really fucking loved him.’

‘I’m sorry.’

‘Fucking whatever. I’m over it. I just don’t understand why he’s here! It’s like he wants to fucking torment me.’

‘I know how that feels. Have you seen him this morning?’

‘No, not yet—wait, fuck, here he comes. I’m out of here.’

She pushed away from the table and exited the bungalow in a whirlwind of glossy hair and indignation. I watched as she gave the finger to an elegant Japanese man on his way in.

‘Kako, please—’

‘It’s Clara now, fucker.’

‘Clara—’

‘Fuck you,’ she called, prancing away.

I watched as Toshi’s shoulders rounded over, his jet-black hair falling forward over his face in sadness. Sympathy panged through me and I couldn’t help myself. Walking over, I spoke to the poor guy. ‘You really love her, don’t you?’

He looked up, surprise in his deep eyes. ‘Hai.Yes, very much.’

‘Hang in there, mate. I think she still loves you too.’

Relief broke over his face in a wave. ‘Do you think? I hope so. I followed her here, just to show her I do support her dreams, but she is so angry.’

‘She’s hurt. It’s easier to be angry when your pride is bruised.’

‘I understand.’ He inclined his head slightly at me in gratitude. ‘I hope in three weeks, I can win her back.’

A question struck me. ‘So, will you still enter the fantasy cabin? If you’re in love, wouldn’t that be weird?’

A devious grin pulled at his lips, and I wondered if Toshi was a bit deeper and darker than I’d given him credit for. ‘I believe in winning. I will play that way. I hope it will be Kako—Clara —who waits inside for me, but even if it’s not, I will fulfil my obligations to the game. Otherwise, I will deprive my cabin mate of their chance to win also.’

It was weirdly honourable, in its own way. I hadn’t thought of what would happen to the other person if I didn’t go into the cabin—of course, they would miss out. Suddenly, the stakes were raised again.

Looking at Toshi as he wandered away to the buffet, I observed him from a sexual standpoint. He was incredibly intriguing, with his slender fingers and gallant ways.Yeah, I could go there.

So, out of the ten guys, I could live with myself if I got teamed up with the twins or Toshi. About Chris, I couldn’t say. The thought of being naked with him was beyond arousing. It also made me feel like I’d be selling my soul.

Oh, what about Henry?I’d totally forgotten about the Englishman.How did I do that?

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