Page 56 of Surviving Love

I frowned. “Don’t walk on eggshells around me. I know you were just joking.”

“Okay.” He pushed a piece of coconut into his mouth.

“And don’t you dare start treating me carefully. I’m healed. I won’t break or freak out if someone makes a joke about their arm.”

He nodded, his cheek bulging as he chewed on his food. Once he’d swallowed, he said, “What do you think about Harold?”

Surprised at the sudden shift in the conversation, I said, “I think for now he’s loyal to you.”

“Yeah, for now.”

“Of course, he had me completely convinced he was with Rob and Luciano. Is that because he’s a great actor or because he really is excited about voting you out of the game? That’s the question.”

“I agree.”

“Let’s not forget how he tricked me in the beginning.”

He grimaced. “Exactly. But we’re all putting on an act. Frankly, that’s what people love about this game. The deceit and betrayal is what makes the show popular.”

“Yes.” I fingered the hairy brown husk of the discarded coconut.

“What do you think your chances are of winning?” Jack’s tone was casual, but his gaze was sharp.

“If there is even a game still to be played.”

“Let’s say there is.”

I avoided his gaze. “I’m just enjoying playing the game.”

He laughed. “Come on, Mason. I wasn’t born yesterday.”

I glanced up. “Of course I’d love to win a million dollars, but like I said before, I’m not really here for the money.”

“How far do you need to go in the game to feel as if you’ve accomplished your goal of self-discovery?” His question didn’t seem as innocent as I felt he wanted me to think it was.

“Are you asking me if I need to win to feel I’ve done all I want to do?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m not opposed to winning. Obviously.”

“I’d prefer it if I won.” He smirked. “But I’d be willing to keep you with me for a while.”

“Are you offering me protection?”

He shrugged. “Possibly.”

“So long as you win in the end?”

“I’m going to do my damnedest to be the last man standing,” he said. “But I don’t mind having you with me for much of the ride.”

“Pfft, the minute someone offers that, you’re doomed in this game.”

He grinned, and I was annoyed that my pulse picked up at the sight of his pretty smile. I really,reallydidn’t want to become emotionally attached to Jack, or anyone, in this game.

He bit his bottom lip. “All I know is I want to play with you longer.”

“Yeah?”