Page 40 of Taking the Heat

Callum shook his head. ‘So, I just lose you?’

‘I loved you once, Callum, but I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. Let’s talk on our date, yeah?’

‘What about him?’ Callum indicated Nik with a jut of his chin.

‘I’m getting to know Nik too.’ She looked at the New Zealander and smiled. ‘I’d like to see the both of you, while we’re here.’

Nik cut his eyes at Callum. ‘You’re welcome to get to know him, Megs. I just don’t think you’ll find much there.’

‘Nik, I’m confident in what we have, but I owe it to the Callum I knew as a girl. Do you understand?’ Her gigantic chocolate eyes batted at him.

‘Sure, girl. You know I can’t say no to you.’

The tension began to ease. Behind me, a cameraman sighed and whispered to a boom operator, ‘Dammit, I really thought he was gonna punch that guy.’

‘It’ll happen one day. Ten bucks on the Kiwi.’

I turned and gave them both a filthy look and they fell silent.

Meanwhile, Miles looked very pleased with his handiwork. ‘We’re all learning so much about each other, don’t you think? What fun tomorrow’s challenge will be!’

Chapter 14

Transcript of Tara M’s video diary: Day 6

It feels like I’ve been here for months—not less than a week. Maybe because each day feels so epic, I don’t know.

Breakfast was served in my room, which sucks because I really wanted to check in with Clara and Meghan. I’m a bit worried about the girls.

(Assistant director, off-camera:What do you think is going to happen with Meghan after last night?)

I don’t know. She surprised me, actually. I know she’s crazy about Nik, but her head will be saying she’s more compatible with Callum. They’re from the same country, they know each other’s backgrounds and families, and all that. But you can’t fight how you feel.

(Like you with Henry and Chris?)

No … That’s different.

(Why?)

It just is. Now, today.

The production assistant led me down to the poolside, where people were scattered around. I squirted some sunscreen on my shoulders against the harsh island sunshine, but couldn’t reach far enough down my back.

‘Bella!Can I help you with that? I’m very good with my hands …’ Dante’s voice oozed in my ear and I shuddered.

Turning, I raised my eyebrow at him and said, ‘Keep your hands to yourself, creeper.’

‘I love your fire,fica.’He stalked towards me and I backed up quickly. ‘I would be the best you ever had.’

I wanted to reply with something sassy and smart, but the thought of being trapped in the fantasy cabin with that man caused terror to strike me silent. Revulsion rose in my throat and my breathing grew rapid.

‘Bella …’Dante saw my fear and laughed, evil in his eyes. He reached out for my hair and I shied away.

Before his hand could land on me, another appeared and slapped him away. ‘Fuck off, ya weirdo.’

‘Chris.’ The word came out of me sounding like ‘Hallelujah’.

‘Try to touch her again, you’ll answer to me. I’ll smash your oily fucking face in, mate, and I’ll enjoy every second I’m doing it.’

---