Page 9 of Taking the Heat

Annoyed, I looked around again, only to see more cameras. They were everywhere. Lining the dance floor, remote-controlled in the ceiling, built into the walls. I know, I know, it’s reality TV with an international audience, but still. Can’t you chuck a blanket over them, or use a two-way mirror, or something?

That thought made me shudder. What about the mirror in my bathroom? Was there someone behind it? Actually, that’s a good question.

(Calling off camera to a producer)Hey, are there cameras in the bathrooms?

(A muffled reply)Notreally?What the hell does that mean? Ew. Forget I asked …

Anyway, by some miracle, Henry appeared back beside me, a drink in his hand. ‘I brought you a vodka and cranberry. I hope that’s okay?’

With his slender fingers holding the glass hopefully and his giant brown eyes beseeching me for approval, I smiled. Taking the drink, I said, ‘Thank you. That’s perfect.’

Henry grinned goofily, and I decided to give him a little show. Lowering my mouth to the straw, I extended my lips to wrap around the plastic erotically. It was my favourite trick for catching eyes across the bar in the clubs at home.

Instead, my mouth missed the straw, and it slid straight up my nose.

As I snorted and coughed at the same time, my eyes teared up. I dropped the drink and clutched at my face. The glass hit the deck and shattered, the noise horrifically loud even against the music. Pulling the straw out and batting it away, my hands massaged the outside of my scratched nasal passage. Meanwhile, through my watery vision, I noticed two different camera lenses zooming in for a close-up of me completely losing my pride.

Unable to look at Henry, I slipped my hands up to cover my eyes. ‘Henry, oh my god! Can you just walk away and not look at me ever again? Please?’

A gentle chuckle reached my ears as soft hands touched mine and lowered them. ‘No. No, I don’t think I can do that.’ I squinted and peeked at him. His chocolate eyes met mine as he cupped my chin gently. ‘I’ve only just started looking at you, you see, and I’m afraid I’m already rather fond of doing so.’

I laughed, and shook my head, as if I could shake away the mortification. Henry laughed along with me. Being around him was so different to the raw sensation I felt with Chris. Henry was all gentleman, considerate and subtle. Did he immediately light my body on fire? No. Was that a problem? I don’t think so.

Anyway, Henry wrapped me slowly in his arms, and danced me away from the broken glass. As the track changed and the music grew hotter and more arousing, I allowed myself to close my eyes and simply rock with Henry in time to the song.

With my back against Henry’s chest, I took a moment to catalogue the other people in the room. Right next to us, a gorgeous girl with epic curves and midnight skin grooved away between two guys, who must be identical twins. Behind them, a couple were pressed up against the wall, tongue-wrestling, both of them with flaming red hair. Two girls danced with each other on the bar,Coyote Uglystyle, running their hands up and down each other’s bodies, while a cluster of guys cheered them on.

And against the far doorway, Chris stood, wreathed in shadow, cutting into my soul with the heat of his glare.

Rolling my eyes, I felt like showing off. I leaned over, pushing my butt into Henry’s groin. I heard him moan as I swung my head around, hair flaring wild. Henry’s hands found the smallest part of my waist and spun me around to face him, while I let myself loll back, confident that Henry wouldn’t let me fall.

Upside down, I could still see Chris watching me, absorbing me. Even from across the room, I felt his energy, as strong as if it were his hands on my back and his leg between mine. Maybe that’s why, when I brought my head back up, I was surprised to see it was Henry’s face in front of me, going in for the kiss.

Startled, I recoiled, turning my face quickly. Henry’s kiss landed on my ear.

‘Oh! I’m sorry,’ he said, his cheeks pinking up deliciously.

Horrified, I said, ‘No! That was totally me—I’m so sorry!’

Even without looking, I knew that Chris would be laughing derisively at me as I embarrassed myself again.Fine.If he was going to watch, I would give him something to look at.

I grabbed Henry by the hair. ‘Let’s try that again.’ I moved my lips up towards his, pursing and ready for him to meet me.I will kiss Henry and forget about any cash-hungry Douche-faces.

Before I could do it, the lighting changed, the music went silent and aboowent up from our little crowd.

‘Ladies and gentlemen!’ boomed Miles Shield. He stood outside on the beach, where a small stage had been erected and tiki lamps flamed. ‘May I have your attention?’

‘May I have another thirty seconds?’ called back a very angsty female voice in a Brazilian accent.

As laughter spread through the room, Miles replied. ‘I’m afraid not. Outside please, everybody. You need to hear the rules—before anybody makes a mistake that may cost them a million dollars.’

Chapter 4

With our cash prizes on the line, the ten guys and ten girls filtered outside. Henry kept an arm around my waist, until the crew members directed us to opposite sides of the sand in front of the stage.

Lined up by sex, I finally had a chance to observe my fellow competitors properly. The ladies beside me were like a gorgeous, feminine rainbow. Hair shone in colours of gold, platinum, sable, burgundy, ginger, mocha and even pink. Skin tone was similarly varied, with our complexions ranging from silken ebony to glowing translucence.

Seeing us shoulder to shoulder, I realised that despite our obvious differences, we were all physically very similar. Each one of us sported long hair, flowing well past our shoulders, and our builds were all petite. No one had a bust size under a B or over a C, and we were all within an inch or two of the same height.Freaky …

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