Page 30 of Surviving Love

“You should vote with us.”

“I’ll give it some thought.” It was difficult to meet his gaze. I felt like he could see my guilt written on my face.

“That’s it? Have you forgotten you were originally my first choice to vote off?”

I frowned. “I haven’t forgotten.”

“Well, you don’t seem very appreciative that we’re targeting Luciano instead of you.”

I laughed gruffly. “Shall I kiss your feet?”

“You could seem a bit more grateful that I kept my word.”

“Of course I’m grateful. I’m not sure what you want from me.”

He shrugged. “I’d like to hear you say you’ll vote how we vote.”

I studied him, wrestling with impatience at his conceit and guilt over the fact he had no idea the others were gunning for him. “Even if I gave you my word, you shouldn’t trust it.”

“Why not?”

“Because, as you well know, in this game you can’t trust anyone.”

His gaze flickered. “Yes, but to move forward in this game, you have to have allies.”

“How does that work… when no one can be trusted?”

He didn’t respond; he simply watched me with a funny expression. After a few moments, he said quietly, “I feel like you’re trying to tell me something.”

My heart rate sped up as I considered coming clean about Harold and the others scheming against him. But the words seemed stuck in my throat. If I took Jack’s side, I’d be on the majority of the tribe’s shit list. Being honorable could cost me the game.

I shook my head. “No. I just don’t appreciate being strong-armed into voting how you want me to vote.”

“I was simply making a suggestion.”

“Felt like more.”

“Okay, sorry if I came on too strong.”

I shrugged. “You don’t have to apologize. I just want to play my game, not everyone else’s.”

“You can’t play this game alone, Mason,” he said softly.

“Who says I’m alone just because I’m not with you?”

His cheek twitched. “Fair enough.” We stared at each other silently for a bit, and then he turned and moved toward the deeper water. “Enjoy your bath, Mason. I’ll see you back at camp.”

“Yep.” I turned away and headed toward the beach, cameraman in toe.

I needed to get my head in the game for real. I kept telling myself that, but then I’d get tugged in a different direction because of empathy. I was worrying way too much about hurting people’s feelings. I could guarantee they weren’t worrying about mine.

I’d told Jack I wouldn’t write his name down this week, but I didn’t reallyowehim my loyalty. Once this game was over, I’d never see him again. Was I actually willing to give up the chance of winning a million dollars simply to honor my word to a man I barely knew or even liked?

Something told me if our positions were reversed, Jack wouldn’t hesitate to throw me under the bus. I needed to remember that.

Chapter Seven

Once I returned to camp, I was disgusted to see Luciano and Rob sucking up to Jack. Jack had caught a slew of bangus for the tribe to enjoy, and Rob and Luciano were making a big deal of how lucky the tribe was to have Jack. Since I knew what their plan was for tonight, it just made me dislike them even more.