My jaw dropped and I gasped loudly. "You didnotjust call me a lizard. When was the last time you saw a lizard fly and breathe fire?"
"I haven't seenyoudo either of those things," Taylor said with a wry grin. "In fact, I haven't seen this so-called dragon form of yours at all. Maybe it was all a big scam to entice contestants."
"Taylor, your audacity astounds me. I'll have you know I—"
I was interrupted by a knock on the wall, followed by a voice calling out, "Yo, Tay, you good in there? I heard moaning and screaming."
Instantly, I pursed my lips. Had I beenthatloud?
Taylor ducked his head. "Crap. Muzo heard us," he said under his breath. "You'd better go, Crimson."
My shoulders drooped in disappointment. Even if he was right, I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay right here beside Taylor.
Pouting, I leaned against his shoulder. "But I'm so weak after coming. What if I break my knee?"
He snorted. "You won't break your kneeflyingaway. Come on. I'll see you tomorrow anyway."
Stupid logic.
"Fine," I mumbled. "But what about you? You didn't get to finish."
He shrugged. "I'll deal with it myself."
That felt like such a waste. I wanted to wrap my hands around him, too. "I can quickly—"
Muzo's voice came again. "Hello, Earth to Taylor. Did you die?"
Taylor sighed, rubbing his temple. "I'm fine, Muzo. Go to bed."
"Okay..."
Once that was settled, the room fell quiet. Taylor gave me a look that indicated it was time to leave. He was right. Tomorrow was another day of the Games—another challenge, another day of filming.
Another day of me pretending I didn't already know who my final choice was.
I slowly got up from the bed. "Well... I suppose I'll see you then."
To my surprise, Taylor followed me to the balcony door. Just before I shifted, he grabbed my arm and turned me around.
He pressed a soft kiss to my cheek.
"Goodnight, Crimson," Taylor murmured. "And by the way... I never found that hidden mic."
Then he disappeared behind the hotel room curtains.
Eleven
Taylor
After a late-night definitely-against-the-rulestryst with Crimson followed by a furious jack-off session, the last thing I wanted the following morning was a confrontation with Alaric.
I didn't get my wish.
"Yousmelllike Crimson," Alaric hissed.
All the contestants had gathered in the lobby, waiting for Gaius to arrive and announce the next challenge. Upon Alaric's declaration, every single one of them turned to stare at us.
I closed my eyes and sighed. Unfortunately, that never made the problem go away.
