Jade shot a slightly confused look at Crimson, who nodded in confirmation.
“You broke down Muzo Zavala’s door because you had to find him?” Jade repeated.
“Yes.”
“Did anyone see you?”
Crimson interjected. “Only about two dozen people rubbernecking in the hallway, crew and contestants alike.”
“Oh, dear.” Jade gave Crimson a pointed look. “At least you and Thystle were stealthy about your forbidden encounters.”
“Yes, an attempt was made,” Crimson replied. “The same can’t be said about Cobalt’s door-demolishing ways. Those hinges were utterly annihilated.”
All of this administrative drudgery was keeping me from Muzo. An impatient growl rolled in my throat.
“I don’t care about the hinges,” I said. “I care about Muzo. I would break his door in all over again.”
“By the way, this has been bothering me,” Crimson complained. He thrusted an accusatory finger towards me. “Why is the beautiful outfit I picked for yousoaking wet?And where is your blazer? It’s pure merino wool!”
“Oh.” I pinched the wet shirt, which I’d forgotten about. “I was in the shower with Muzo. I must’ve left it in his room.”
Crimson made a shrill, gutted sound. He looked like he was about to pass out.
“We’ll get the blazer back,” Jade promised.
“It’s too late. It’s ruined,” Crimson muttered under his breath. “All my effort was wasted on this... thislizard-brain!”
Crimson must’ve been quite upset. He’d never insulted me before. It didn’t bother me. Showering with Muzo was worth the life of an outfit.
“Now, let’s all calm down,” Jade said gently, putting a hand on Crimson’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go snuggle with Taylor until you relax?”
Crimson nodded shakily, then stalked off like the world’s most haggard man. When he was gone, Jade shook his head.
“He’s dramatic, but itishis hoard, you know,” Jade reminded me.
“I know,” I murmured, feeling guilty.
If one of my brothers had treated my hoard that way, I would’ve been upset, too. But none of them knew what I hoarded. It was hypocritical of me. I’d never allowed my brothers into my hoard because I feared their mockery or some other negative reaction, and here I was disregarding Crimson’s hoard. I’d have to apologize to him later.
Jade flashed a sympathetic smile. “I’m going to go out on a limb and assume you’ve found your fated mate.”
Feeling erupted in my chest. Hearing it from someone else validated the already ironclad emotions within me.
Muzo. My fated mate.
Yes, that felt right.
Too overwhelmed to speak, I nodded.
Jade didn’t look surprised. “That’s wonderful, Cobalt. I’m genuinely happy for you.” He gestured to the stage further back on the beach. “However, as you’re aware, we have a show to run. Reality TV is fueled by conflict, and the whole will-they-won’t-they drama.”
I stared at him with a frown. Wherever this was going, I didn’t like it.
“Simply put, it’s not good TV if there’s no suspense,” Jade explained. “And if you’re googly-eyed over Muzo before the first challenge even begins, the audience will pick up on it.”
“Let them,” I growled. “I won’t fake my emotions for people I don’t even know.”
Jade’s pencil-thin brows rose. I was surprised at the ferocity of my own words. I wasn’t the type to get worked up over little things.
