Page 39 of Surviving Love

“Oh, come on. You know why.” Jack shrugged.

“Because you’re going to win?”

“Yep.” He smirked. “After talking to you today, I’ve never been more sure of that.”

“You shouldn’t underestimate me,” I muttered.

“I have the numbers on my side. Harold and I will be the last two standing. The TV audience will decide which one of us becomes a millionaire.”

I wrinkled my brow. “And what am I? Just a set decoration?”

Jack’s lips twitched. “Kind of.”

“I’m here to play to win. I’m not taking a back seat to you, Jack.” I shifted my gaze to Harold. “Or you. I put my life on hold to come here.”

“We all did.” Jack shrugged.

“Yeah, well, some of us had more obstacles than others.” I avoided Jack’s gaze.

“Meaning what?” Jack asked.

“It doesn’t matter.”

Harold shifted uneasily. “Look, kid, no need to be in a bad mood. If you play your cards right, Jack and I will bring you to the final three. That’s better than getting cut loose early. Top three get money.”

I glanced at the cameraman and chose my words carefully. “This isn’t about money for me.”

Jack’s gaze flickered. “No?”

I bent down and began gathering the wood. “So, what do we do now? You tested my loyalty for some reason. Now what do you want from me?”

“Isn’t it obvious? We want you to vote with us. We want you in our alliance.” Harold smiled. “We’re a much better option than sticking with Rob.”

“I have no intention of working with Rob.” I straightened, clutching my armful of firewood. “Who all is in your alliance?”

Jack laughed. “Does it even matter?”

I wrinkled my brow. “Of course it matters.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers, Mason,” Jack rumbled.

“Keep sweet-talking me, Jack, and I’ll tell you to take a hike.”

His mouth thinned. “Why do you keep thinking you have any power in this situation?”

“Because you approached me for a reason. You must need me, or you wouldn’t have bothered.”

Harold cackled. “He’s got you there, Jack.”

Jack gave Harold a stern glance. “Look, Mason, we’re offering you protection. Single players never make it far in this game.”

“Since you won’t tell me who you have in your pocket, I’ll have to guess.” I pursed my lips. “I’d bet my left nut you have Sherry and Julia on your side. I’m sure Harold lied about Julia being willing to vote you out.”

Shrugging, Jack said, “Okay, yes, they’re both with us.”

“Who else?”

Harold sighed. “Mary and Billy. Billy is a bit iffy, but for now he’s with us. Lydia is still with Rob, although considering what happened last night, I think we can get her to vote how we want. She’ll want to save herself.”