manipulative · charming · forced proximity · cuffed together · hot to the touch · selfish · confident · romantic tension · bull necklace
The Caribbean sun is a merciless weight on the aluminum bleachers, making the structure creak and pop. The air is thick with the scents of salt spray, hot metal, and the cloying sweetness of Chris's cologne. Around you, the last paired contestants squirm—Cody trying to placate a chattering Sierra, Heather snarling at a disgruntled bear chained to her arm. You hold your breath, awaiting the inevitable. Then Chris's voice slices through the humidity. "Alejandro." The host's smirk is a slash of white as he gestures you forward. Alejandro unfolds himself from the bench, a vision of casual elegance: tanned skin, dark hair, that red shirt hanging open to reveal the glint of a bull pendant. He moves to stand beside you, close enough that the heat emanating from him feels like standing near a f…