I scoff. “No, it hasn’t. You just miss what you left behind. Hell, once you’ve had me in your bed, you’ll get the hell out of Dodge and go on to the next girl.”
“You think I’m that shallow? That I’m that fickle and careless with you?”
“I don’t know. Because I don’t know who you are anymore. And I haven’t for a long time.”
He goes silent, nodding. As though he’s just realized something. “I’m never going to leave your side ever again.”
“You already did once. Actions speaks louder than words.”
His jaw tightens. “Things were very different then than they are now.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Just admit that you left and now you’re back for a good time. At this rate, telling me that ugly truth will sound more honest.”
Behind us, a producer calls for contestants to gather for the first official challenge.
I don’t hesitate to leave him there as I walk away and back toward the crowd of voices.
Moments later, I stand beside the female contestants as they stare apprehensively at the blindfolds in front of them—and the giant rope obstacle course. It stands tall and intimidating, stretching across a pool of water.
Scott steps in the circle beside me.
The trust I had with him was severed long ago. But with the way things are looking, I might have to trust him again.
Chapter Four
Scott
* * *
The challenge standing in front of me looks like something out of American Ninja Warrior. We’re gathered at the far end of the villa where the cliffs drop sharply into the ocean. Ropes and narrow platforms are out at a point where it’s more of a drop-off. Below, waves slap rocks in a steady rhythm that sounds deceptively calm from the height of one story at most.
Helmets and harnesses hang from metal hooks. Coiled ropes and planks are tied together to create bridges. And a line of black fabric blindfolds sits on silver trays in front of us like party favors. And not in a good way. My pulse ticks up as I map the course.
This is a two-person challenge without a doubt, given the blindfolds. The planks are wonky and separate on purpose. Lyla would be just nimble enough to get across. But given my own size, I’ll probably struggle more, especially if I’m going to be blindfolded. At least that’s how I think how this will go.
“Today’s challenge tests trust, communication, and teamwork,” Miranda announces. “In your assigned couples, one partner will be blindfolded while the other, on the ground level, will verbally navigate their partner across this suspended obstacle course, down the final descent, and into the water. Once the course begins, no physical contact is allowed. And if you or your partner falls”—she gestures lightly toward the deep water below—“you will be disqualified from the challenge.”
A ripple of tension moves through the group.
Trevor raises his hand. “So the blindfolded partner has to rely completely on the other’s verbal guidance?”
Miranda nods once. “At the halfway point, you’ll switch roles. First team to finish wins an overnight getaway. All-inclusive luxury hotel, private beach, couples massage, and gourmet dinner.”
I look over at Lyla beside me. Color drains from her face for a beat before she smooths her expression into something neutral. She hasn’t looked at me once since that kiss.
The memory flashes hot and fast—her mouth open under mine, her fingers grip my shirt into fists, her soft curves press firmly against me, the sweet whimpers and moans that made my cock hard and ready to claim her.
A trust exercise. With Lyla. Clearly, the irony isn’t lost on either of us.
Twenty-four hours alone with Lyla, without any interference from other contestants, would be all I need to not just explain what happened between us ten years ago, but also—maybe, just maybe—find some reconciliation. I don’t expect to fix what’s been broken overnight, to win her heart back, but with the right words, it could be a step in the right direction at rekindling what we had. And this time, I could give her everything that I couldn’t then.
Lyla grabs the silky blindfold with one hand, looking up at me with apprehension. The thought of Lyla blindfolded, helpless, and having no choice but to follow my every command has me reeling with anticipation. My cock hardens painfully against my trunks.
“I’ll go first,” I offer, stepping forward and grabbing the blindfold.
I notice her at the corner of my eye watching me. She exhales as though sighing in relief. “Fine.”
You’re not off the hook yet, little one.
