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After informing us that all contestants will have to undergo a psych evaluation with a staff psychologist tomorrow, we’re invited to the rooftop bar for drinks and some time to get to know each other.
“Can’t we just go back to our room?”I complain to Emmett as we leave the dining room.
“Nope,” Emmett says, his tone resolute.“I think how we interact with each other is going to be critical to getting votes and staying on the show.We’ve got to make friends.”
“Not my strong suit,” I grumble.
Emmett lifts my chin with his forefinger until I’m looking into his cognac-colored eyes.“Don’t let what happened to you define you, Ava,” he says.“You’ve kept your heart and your emotions locked up tightly for too long.You’ve got to stop being so afraid to open up.Not everyone is going to hurt you.”
“Okay,” I say with a sigh.“I’ll try.”
I do try, although years of protecting myself have made it hard for me to remember how to make friends.Emmett, on the other hand, has a natural and undeniable charisma, and people are drawn to him like moths to a flame.It’s funny, I think, how tragedy translates differently depending on the person.Although neither Emmett nor I trust easily, I come across as aloof and closed off, while Emmett is the life of the party, hiding behind a gregarious façade that he’s erected to shield his heart every bit as much as my reserve guards mine.
However, before long I find myself talking to a bubbly blond named Tessa who’s from Chicago, and who’s one of those easy, open people you just can’t help but like.
“Can you believe this place?”she asks, plopping down on the seat next to me.
“It’s amazing,” I agree.“I’m a little intimidated.”
“Same.”She lowers her voice confidentially.“I’m actually terrified.Like, scared shitless.At least you came with your Dom.”
“He’s not my—” I begin, and then I catch myself.I look at her with a mixture of sympathy and curiosity.I truly can’t imagine being in her shoes.“I think you’re amazing.I don’t think I’d have the nerve to come alone,” I admit with admiration.
“So, why are you here?”she asks, throwing back the rest of her champagne and holding up her glass for a refill as a waiter comes by.“I figure everyone’s here for one of three reasons: money, fame, or sex.Or in the case of the guys, two reasons, because you know theyallare here for sex!”
I laugh.
“Wait.Don’t tell me.Let me guess.”She gives me an appraising look.“Fame,” she finally decides.“You have that delicate, reserved look that makes guys think with their dicks.You could totally be a model.”
“Well, now we have to be friends,” I say with a smile.“You are without a doubt the first person who’s ever thought that about me.So why are you here?”
“Honestly?The sex.”
We both bust out laughing and Emmett turns to smile at me.
“Oh my God, he’s gorgeous!”she says breathlessly.“I can’t even imagine him being my Dom.All he’d have to do is look at me with those deep brown eyes and I’d do anything he wanted.”
“So you don’t have a Dom?”I ask, eager to steer the conversation away from Emmett and me.
“No.I’ve actually never had a Dom before.I went to a BDSM club with a friend about six months ago in Chicago and, I don’t know, it just felt right, like I was home.Not to mention totally hot!I’d always thought something was wrong with me because sex just wasn’t all that exciting, but after five minutes in the club, I was more turned on than I’ve ever been in my life.I’ve been back a few more times to play with some of the Doms there, but I don’t really have a lot of experience.I’m kind of surprised my application got accepted.But I’m dying to see what it’s really like to be in a 24/7 type relationship, and I figured this was a safe way to try it without a huge commitment.I doubt I’ll get very far though.There are a lot of women here who are lifestyle submissives and know way more about it than I do.But at least I’m here for the right reasons,” she adds vehemently.“Some of the women here don’t have a submissive bone in their body!”
I look away uncomfortably.“So, who do you want to be paired up with?”
She looks around the rooftop where people are gathered in groups, talking and sipping drinks.“That exotic-looking guy with the dark hair and almond-shaped eyes is pretty hot,” she says, nodding toward an older man who’s probably in his late thirties at the end of the bar.“Ooh!And that guy with the sexy scruff!I wouldn’t kick him out of my bed.”
I follow her gaze.“They’re both pretty attractive,” I agree.I look around, taking in the rest of the crowd.“But I don’t see anyone who really sets my heart pounding or my lady bits tingling.”
“I’m sure your Dom will be glad to hear that.”She’s giving me an odd look.
Crap.I’d better get my shit together or I’m going to totally blow this.We talk for a few more minutes, and then the guy with the scruff makes his way over to join us.I give Tessa a pointed look and excuse myself to join Emmett.When we leave to go back to our room thirty minutes later, his hand is resting possessively on her thigh and she’s gazing up at him with a look in her eyes that makes me wonder what I’m missing.
We’re free until after dinner the following day with the exception of the psychological evaluation, which I’m pretty sure I pass with flying colors.God knows I’ve had enough experience dealing with shrinks.The psychologist is a kind, middle-aged woman, and I know exactly what to say to make myself sound like a well-adjusted recent college graduate who’s interested in exploring my sexuality, having some fun, and hoping to get my foot in the door for my career in design.
Emmett and I spend the rest of the day by the pool along with the majority of the other contestants.With the sparkling turquoise water, the palm trees, and the scent of coconut oil permeating the air, all that’s missing for this to feel like a Caribbean vacation is the sand.Tessa and scruff guy, whose name is Luke, join us, and before long they feel like old friends.I wonder briefly if this will be like the summer camp I attended when I was kid.You end up making close friendships quickly because you’re thrown together in such close proximity day in and day out, sharing a tiny world of your own making that no one else is privy to.
“Anyone want a drink?”Emmett asks.
“I’ll take another one of those yummy frozen things,” I say, squinting up at him from where I’m sunbathing on a chaise lounge.My body warmed by the sun, I feel pleasantly boneless and lazy.
