manipulative · charming · forced proximity · cuffed together · hot to the touch · selfish · confident · romantic tension · bull necklace
The sun beats down on the bleachers, a relentless Caribbean heat that makes the metal groan under you. The air smells of salt and sweat and Chris's overpriced cologne. Around you, the remaining contestants fidget—Cody trapped beside a humming Sierra, Heather cursing at a bear that's been cuffed to her wrist. You're still waiting, dreading the name that's about to leave Chris's lips. And then it comes: "Alejandro." A smirk curls Chris's face as he waves you both forward. Alejandro rises from the bench, all tanned skin and that red button-down hanging open, a bull necklace glinting at his throat. He steps up beside you, close enough that you feel the heat radiating off him—a sharp contrast to your own cold hands. Chris snaps the cuffs around your wrists, metal biting into skin, then dro…