Page 26 of Surviving Love
Jack’s mouth twitched. “Don’t worry. There’s enough of me to go around.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I mumbled. “You know that wasn’t how I meant it.”
“I know.” He smirked. “But it’s fun watching you squirm.”
“I’ll bet.” I crawled into the shelter. “I’m going to sleep off that big meal now. Feel free to go away.”
He watched me, which made me annoyingly self-conscious. I reclined on the bamboo floor, shifting to find a comfortable position. When he stayed where he was instead of leaving, I lifted my head.
“Did you need something?” I asked gruffly.
He hesitated, then said softly, “You did really well today at the challenge, Mason.”
Surprise rippled through me at the compliment. “Oh. Um… thanks. So did you.”
He grinned. “Yeah, I know. But no one doubted I’d be good today.”
I shook my head and lay down again. “No one will ever accuse you of being too humble, Jack.”
“God, I would hope not. I know I’m awesome.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Go away, Jack.”
“Sure you don’t want me to spoon you?” He sounded amused. “Sherry isn’t around. I have some free time.”
“No, thanks.” I rolled onto my side so I had my back to him. “I need somemetime.”
“Sweet dreams, kid.” He gave a husky chuckle as he walked away.
If we lost the challenge tomorrow and I went along with Harold and the others, Jack would be voted out of the game. I should have felt exhilarated at the idea of Jack leaving, but I didn’t. If I was honest, the thought of Jack being kicked out of the game depressed me.
And I had no idea why.
Chapter Six
The next day, the producers had a balancing challenge for us. They set up platforms on the water, one for each contestant. We had to balance on the small bobbing platforms, and the last one to fall into the water won protection for their tribe. The tribe that lost had to go to the Fire Council to vote a member out.
I noticed that Rob and Luciano took the platforms on either side of Jack. I had no idea what their exact strategy was, but from what they’d told me yesterday, I knew they wouldn’t want our tribe to win this challenge. They actuallywantedto go to the Fire Council just to vote Jack out. It was unclear to me how they’d throw this challenge since it wasn’t a group effort and relied instead on personal performance. Jack was an extremely strong player. Odds were he’d be the last man standing.
Things became a little clearer for me when Rob intentionally fell into the water, almost knocking Jack off his perch. Jack gave Rob a scowl but somehow managed to steady himself. It couldn’t have been lost on him that Rob had basically done a cannonball when he fell, intentionally creating a huge splash.
“Careful there, Rob,” Jack growled. “You almost knocked me off.”
“Oops.” Rob smirked.
Jack eyed him suspiciously but didn’t respond.
After thirty minutes passed, most of the other tribe had fallen into the water, and it was just down to Thomas and Larry on the Karangalan side. On our team it was Jack, Luciano, and me.
I was surprised I was doing so well. I hadn’t slept the night before, and I felt drained of energy. I eyed the black storm clouds in the distance warily. The humidity was unbearable, and my clothes were stuck to my body with sweat. The space we balanced on wasn’t big enough for both feet, and my toes were going numb. My leg and shoulder also ached a little, as they usually did when it rained.
Shep stood on a larger platform, where the players who were out of the challenge sat. As the minutes ticked away, he paced back and forth, giving a running dialog of what was happening in the game.
“Fifty-five minutes have passed. How are you all feeling now?” Shep called out. “Anyone in pain yet?”
“Not me,” Larry announced and promptly fell into the water. He came up to the surface, blowing out air and scowling. “Damn it. I lost my balance.”
“Uh-oh. It looks like it’s just you now representing the Karangalan tribe, Thomas,” Shep said. “How does that make you feel?”
