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“We can’t stay,” I say. “Someone will come after us in a second.”

“Let them. They can film it without us.”

“Comeon.” I giggle, prying her off my neck. She kisses me one more time on the lips before we run back downstairs, trying to calm our breathing and look as casual and innocent as we possibly can.

They’re waiting for us in theNotte Infinitaroom as we enter, all the girls and producers and crew.Sorry,I mouth as we take our places. Isaac gives me an exasperated look, and Jordy double-takes when he sees me. It’s only then that I remember he hasn’t had the pleasure of witnessing my new haircut yet. I fluff up the top and give him an innocent shrug. It’s impossible to tell from his face whether he’s amused or irritated, and I can’t find it in myself to care either way.

Maya is swaying rather concerningly, and I tune out during Grayson’s and Jordy’s speeches as I keep an eye on her. Note to self: drinking every time Jordy screws around with a nearby woman is an awfully efficient way to give oneself alcohol poisoning.

I don’t pay attention until Jordy announces he’s decided who he’s going to spend the night with.Thatcauses me to straighten extremely quickly. In all the fun, I’d forgotten one of us might draw that card tonight.

“I had so much fun with all of you this week,” he says, “and it’s brought up so many memories. Some I’d forgotten, some I’ve refused to let go of. But one date in particular made merealize there’s one girl I’d love to spend some more time with tonight. And that girl is… Perrie.”

Something inside me collapses with relief as Perrie totters up, keeping her composure impressively. Well, with any luck, she won’t remember much of tonight, and will be in bed nice and early.

Before I can worry there’s a chance I might leave tonight, Jordy continues. “Skye.” I take a deep breath, focus, and cross the floor unsteadily on my heels. I forget to give Jordy a hug at first, so I have to double back while Maya breaks into giggles across the room.

“Kim.” Kim gives Jordy a strange look as she approaches him, and the hug she gives him is far more detached than normal. It’s difficult to say if she’s cold because of the game, or because he chose Perrie over her. More than likely, it’s a combination of both.

“Lauren.” Lauren gives Jordy a pleasant smile, hugs him, and joins us.

Jordy pauses, and I realize a beat too late Maya isn’t up here with us. My heart leaps into my throat, and I seem to sober up in an instant. He can’t be letting her go, can he? Surely not? But she… she did what I told her to do, right? Was she sufficiently standoffish in her date yesterday? Did something go wrong? Did she tell me everything?

She can’t be leaving.

We catch each other’s eyes, and hers widen slightly in a panic.

“And Maya,” Jordy says finally, and I’m so relieved I feel light-headed. Maya hugs him, then takes her place next to me. I brush my finger against hers as casually as I can, to let her know I’m happy she’s here. We’re still in the game.

She draws in a sudden, quiet breath.

“So, ladies,” Grayson says. “At least one more week together.”

One more week. The same chances as last time.

Jordy truly doesn’t like sending people home, does he?

TWENTY-TWOMaya

On the morning of the episode-four group challenge, Skye wakes me up by playing “Hit Me with Your Best Shot,” and it’s literally impossible to start your day with a song like that and not be pumped and ready to go to battle.

Unfortunately, that mood quickly deflates when we find Kim crying at the breakfast table, flanked by Perrie and Lauren.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” I ask, as Skye and I sit across the table from her.

Kim sniffles and rubs a fist under her eyes as she stares at the table. “My best friend was in a car crash last night.”

“Oh my god, Vivaan? Is he all right?” Skye asks.

“Apparently he’s fine. Butbecausehe’s all right, the producers won’t let me call him. They only let me send him a message through them.”

“It’s so messed up,” Perrie says, shaking her head.

“I’m sure he understands,” Lauren says, rubbing Kim’s back.

“How would you feel?” Kim asks thinly. “If it was your best friend who was hurt, and you weren’t allowed to talk to him in case you leak somebloodyinformation? It’s fucked!”

Skye looks sideways at me, and I know she’s thinking the same thing as me. “Kim,” I say. “Can I talk to you upstairs for a second, please?”