Page 64 of Taking the Heat

(It’s your word against his—technically, the other girls are lucky not to be facing assault charges.)

Jesus …

(So … how are you feeling after such a crazy day?)

Seriously? Do you expect me to keep yammering like a trained parrot while you let a would-be rapist walk around unpunished? I’m done.

(For good?)

For today. Be buggered if I’m gonna let Dante take my million away from me.

***

Transcript of Tara M’s video diary: Day 15

Date day. Reveals. End of diary.

(Producer:Uh … Tara? Can we get a little more detail than that, please?)

Fine. I ordered brekky in my room, trying to avoid seeing anyone at the bungalow who might attempt to sexually attack me.

My muesli bowl and Vegemite sour dough arrived with a surprise: Chris, followed by a camera crew.

‘Good morning, babe,’ he greeted me, looking fine in cargo pants and a green muscle tee. ‘I got permission to come and see how you’re doing this morning before we head out on our dates.’

‘You’re amazing,’ I smiled. It felt so limiting to not be able to touch him, so I gestured for him to come in and we sat at the table outside, admiring the clear day. ‘I’m doing pretty well. I definitely won’t be skipping any more meals. Do you want some?’ I offered him food and he accepted a piece of toast.

‘I’m glad you’re eating. You look stunning, by the way.’

I had Mama Ruby to thank for that. Along with informing me she’d cast a voodoo spell on Dante, shrivelling his penis whenever he thought about having sex, she’d brushed my hair long and loose. It draped prettily around my outfit, a short green smock dress with long bell sleeves. For the second day in a row, I wore leather walking boots and I felt empowered from the weight of them on my feet.

‘Thanks.’ I stared at Chris, wanting to crawl into his lap and rub my fingers down his stubble. The restrictions were killing me, and his face showed me he felt the same.

‘You know, one of these days it’ll be our turn for a date and we will be using a strike.’ He licked his lips a little and my body responded, tingling zooming along my nerves.

‘Yes, we will. How much do you think we can get done in five minutes?’ I asked.

Chris snorted. ‘Babe, I’m so strung out right now, I could do you twice in five minutes, and still have a minute left over for cuddling.’

I dissolved into giggles. ‘I’m feeling the same. Oh god, I can’t wait until this is all over.’

Chris’ face was torn. ‘I don’t know how I feel. I worry that when we leave this place, you’ll try to disappear on me.’

‘You’d find me,’ I answered. ‘Or I’d find you. I know where you work, after all.’

‘Work, god, I haven’t even thought about it since we landed. I hope it’s holding up alright without me there.’

‘Baby, I bet you make a mean latte, but I’m pretty sure they’ll cope okay.’

‘Yeah …’ he trailed off. ‘I should tell you something. I—’

‘Guys? That’s time. Chris, you have to go meet your date, and Tara, yours is on the way.’ Greg spoke up from behind the lens and we groaned.

‘Fine. Hey, tell me later, okay?’

‘I will. Try and enjoy your date.’ He rose and I walked him to the door.

‘Do you really want me to try and have fun with another man?’

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