Page 28 of Surviving Love
Rob patted my shoulder, and to anyone watching, it probably just looked like he was consoling me. I, of course, knew he was congratulating me on obeying him and Luciano. It took all of my self-control not to bat his hand away.
“Congratulations, Karangalan tribe, you get the night off from my charming presence.” Shep turned to my tribe. “Matapang, you have the unfortunate honor of seeing me tonight at the Fire Council, where one of you will be voted out of the game.”
I hung my head, feeling sick.
Harold moved to stand beside me. “You had no choice, kid,” he whispered.
“Yeah, I did.”
He sighed. “Rob was livid that you were ignoring him. He said you were the first person he was going to go after if you didn’t come through.”
Anger rippled through me. “This is bullshit.”
“I know. But what else can we do? We’re looking out for ourselves.” Harold glanced around. “It’s best that Jack goes tonight.”
I gave him a surly look but didn’t speak.
Pink touched his fleshy cheeks. “You don’t even like Jack. You should be thrilled.”
“Whatever. It’s out of my hands now.” I moved away from Harold. I understood that the game was all about alliances, but I’d never wanted to be in an alliance with people I despised. I really didn’t like Luciano or Rob. I didn’t trust them at all. Even if I did what they wanted, my instincts told me I was probably next.
Once my tribe got back to camp, no one really talked. The atmosphere was depressing. Jack seemed to funnel his frustration into action, and he stoked the fire so we could cook some rice. While most of us sat in strained silence, Sherry and Julia went off to get drinking water for the tribe.
The paranoia was palpable. Everyone was worried that they were the person who’d be voted out. Alliances couldn’t always be trusted, so even if people were in one, there was always doubt. The only two who seemed carefree were Luciano and Rob. They were laughing and joking with each other, as if they had nothing in the world to worry about. The two of them made my blood boil.
Once Jack had the fire going nicely, he stood. “Can one of you make sure the fire doesn’t go out? I’m going to catch some fish for dinner.”
“Really?” Sherry perked up. “That sounds wonderful.”
Jack shrugged. “Fire Council is going to be stressful. We could use a nice meal, right?”
“I know I could.” Julia’s freckled cheeks curved in a smile. “My stomach is growling so loud, it’s embarrassing.”
“Thank you for taking such good care of us, Jack.” Sherry smiled at him.
“My pleasure.” He returned her smile and then left to gather the fishing gear.
I watched him leave camp and make his way out into the choppy ocean to hunt for fish. I absolutely hated the idea of blindsiding Jack tonight. His bossiness annoyed me, and he definitely had a big ego, but I respected him. He was a natural leader. The last few days would have been far worse if Jack hadn’t been on our tribe. The only reason we were sleeping in a shelter and eating fish instead of only rice and coconuts was because of Jack. My gut told me getting rid of him was a huge mistake.
As lazy as Rob and Luciano were, I highly doubted they planned on picking up the slack once Jack was gone. That meant, by voting Jack off, we were cutting our own throats. Without protein, we’d suck at the physical challenges. I couldn’t understand why I was the only one worried about that. Harold wasn’t dumb. Why wasn’t he thinking about those things?
Rob was cackling behind me with Luciano, and I decided I needed some space from them. I stood abruptly. “I’m going to go wash up before we eat.”
Lydia laughed. “Going to use your peppermint soap so you smell nice for the Fire Council?”
I grimaced. “I can’t stand stinking.”
“Well, you’re the best-smelling man on the tribe, that’s for sure.” Lydia twisted her lips. “I wish I’d thought to bring soap. I brought night cream and lip gloss as my two luxury items.”
Harold guffawed. “I brought floss and toenail clippers.”
Julia giggled. “Hairbrush and hair ties for me. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
I smiled and said, “I’ll be back in a bit.” I went to grab my pack in the shelter and then made my way to a small private cove I’d discovered my first day. Most of my tribe preferred dipping themselves in the water along the main beach near camp, but I liked the seclusion of the cove.
When I reached the tree-lined beach, I dropped my clothing onto the white sand and entered the azure water. I washed my hair and body with the natural soap and breathed a sigh of relief at the peace and quiet. The beauty of the cove took my breath away, and I had to pinch myself that I got to experience this beautiful island. I felt so grateful.
As I soaped my body, I ran my fingers lightly over my jagged scar. That mark was a reminder that every day was a gift. Just a year ago, I’d never have believed I’d be here swimming in the Philippines. I’d been uncertain if I’d even have the use of my arm back then. Now, I was swimming in the most beautiful ocean I’d ever seen and playing a game I’d loved my whole life.
