Page 38 of Taking the Heat

While he was occupied, I took the moment to say, ‘Maybe this is how people court in Italy, but I’m an Aussie. And you can go fuck yourself.’

‘Porca!You’ll be sorry you did that to Dante!’

Looking back over my shoulder as I left the hill top, I grinned at his mussed hair, ravioli decorating him like an abstract painting. ‘Maybe. Right now, I’m not sorry at all.’

***

I skipped back to my room, happy to be rid of the wretched Dante and his revolting ways. Feeling dirty from his words, I ran a bath, going heavy on the bubble mixture. The aromatic scent filled the bathroom and I slid happily into the suds.

With my eyes closed, I heard banging at the front door.Makeup are early …

‘Come on in!’ I yelled, unwilling to get out just yet. ‘Just set up, I’ll be out soon.’

The door creaked open and a voice said, ‘Would you like me to get you a towel, then?’

‘Chris!’ I gasped, clutching my hands to my breasts. Not that you could see anything through the bubbles, but still.

He leaned against the open door of the bathroom, dark lust in his eyes. In a fitted rash vest and boardies, he was dripping wet and still, like candy for my eyeballs.

‘What are you doing here?’

‘I didn’t mean to catch you in the bathtub, but you did say come in …’

‘That’s not what I meant.’

‘I know. I was on a snorkel date with Mila and a crew member told me you had a run in with Dante.’ Worry creased his face. ‘I just needed to see that you were okay.’

‘It’s fine. I threw pasta on his stupid head.’

‘Watch out for that guy. I don’t like him.’

‘You don’t like anyone I talk to.’

‘True.’

Even though I had full bubble coverage, I could feel his gaze probing me. Under the water, my nipples were already tight buds, pleading for touch. My core tingled and I squeezed my thighs together, trying to crush the feeling. It didn’t work.

‘I’m sorry about your date,’ I said, my words husky.

‘I’m not. I’d rather be here.’

‘You’re meant to be giving me space.’ I looked away from his hands, from the fingers I wanted on me, in me.

‘I’m trying, babe. It’s just not that easy.’

‘Try harder,’ I squeaked, with the last of my self-control. The next words out of my mouth would have been,take me …

‘No promises,’ he said, leaving the room, and leavingmein a twisted, horny mess.

***

Dinner was served in our rooms. I wondered if the producers were getting concerned with the amount of food being thrown in anger.

After I polished off my chicken and quinoa salad, I checked my reflection and headed for the bungalow. Above me, an electrical storm brewed, the air heavy with unshed rain.

I was the last to arrive. Miles beamed at me and gestured to a seat. I sat, smoothing the lines of my white linen skirt, and he started. ‘Welcome back, contestants! Another date day, another two secrets! Who shall it be tonight? Oh, this is so hard for me …’

I’ll bet.I crossed my arms crossly, finding this part of the competition even more loathsome than the idea of forced copulation or snogging with Dante.

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