Chapter Six: Truth or Dare

(Song: Arcade by Duncan Laurence)

BELLE

Why was I affected being close to him? It's been two months, why do I still feel butterflies in my belly? I noticed he still wore his rich cologne, the particular one I complimented him for when we were still a couple. 'Stop thinking, Belle. Remember you stopped loving him a long time ago. Remember when he left you on your wedding day without a word till this very moment.' I brought myself back to my right senses.

I was grateful to Kyle for coming to rescue me from Brandon. I wasn't in the mood to speak to him. "Is there a problem?" Kyle asked.

"No, not at all, Kyle. I only came to find one of my earrings. Luckily..." I turned my attention to Brandon. "He found it." I said as I picked my earring from Brandon's palm, avoiding his touch and eyes.

"Ohh, thanks man." Kyle smiled at Brandon whose face was in a frown. Kyle did not seem to notice that. He put his hand around my waist and led me back to the bedroom.

I could swear that Brandon's eyes were on us till we entered inside.

'Why was he bothered though?' I questioned myself. He shouldn't be mad because I'm cozy with another man. He made his point clear that he wasn't interested by dumping me on our wedding day.

Samantha wasn't in the bedroom when Kyle and I got there. I sat on the bed, while Kyle stood up, holding my hand.

"So, what would you like to do now? Shower, eat or sleep?" He asked, his green eyes sparkling through his glasses. "I'm happy this bed is quite big for the two of us."

"We're staying on this bed together?" The only people I have shared the same bed with are Dillon, Samantha... And of course, Brandon.

"Yeah. Read your rule book. Look around, there are only five beds here, one for each couple."

"Ohh."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Nothing. The bed is big." I laughed nervously as I rub my hands on the bed. "I think I'd like to shower first."

"Alright, that's fine. What would you like to eat? I can get it for you."

"I don't know, Kyle. I think I'd settle for snacks. I don't have much appetite for something heavy," I stood up and turned by back to him. "Please, can you help me with my zip?" I packed my hair in a bun.

He gently grasped the zipper tab and slowly began to zip down my dress, his fingers brushing against my skin. "What about your necklace?" He asked, after zipping down my dress.

"Oh, yes. Please do." I said.

He struggled to get clasp of the necklace.

"Your hands must be big." I joked.

"Not really." He chuckled. "Your necklace seems to be tiny."

"Wait, Kyle. We can stay here till the show is over and you will not still not be able to remove my necklace." I raised my hands to the back of my neck.

"That's not nice." He laughed.

"See, voilà!" I showed him my necklace. "It didn't take me..."

The door opened and Brandon stepped in. Our eyes jammed at once. His flashed with annoyance. Is that hurt I'm also seeing?

"It didn't take me a second." I completed my sentence. I wasn't going to let Kyle notice any awkwardness between Brandon and I.

"Is there something else you would be needing?"

"Yes, I think a towel... My night wear as well. I haven't been able to get my bags inside yet. Or you can help me with my bags. But I'd be needing a towel first."

"Give me second. It should be easier than unclasping your necklace." He winked before leaving.

I gave a weak laughter. I sat back on the bed, avoiding to turn to see where Brandon's bed may be. I picked up my rule book, going through what was written to get my mind occupied while I wait for Kyle.

I heard Brandon long sigh. I hope he doesn't want to talk.

"Here." Kyle opened the door. He was holding a white towel with 'Love Isle's inscribed on it. "What do you women put in bags that makes it damn heavy?"

"None of your business." I snorted. "You shouldn't be complaining. What are all those abs and muscles for? Wait..." I gasped teasingly. "Are they fake?"

"What! Hell no! They are hundred percent real, straight up from the gym." He boasted as he passed the towel to me.

Before I could give him a response, Samantha came in. "Belle, you're here. I've been..." Her words trailed off when she noticed Brandon was inside too.

"Samantha, I was about having my shower." I quickly chipped in.

"Ummm, Logan is in the living room. He wants everyone to be there asap."

"Really? I want to shower."

"You can go ahead. I'd tell him to extend the time a bit." Kyle offered.

"Thank you, Kyle."

"Don't worry, I'd let him know." Samantha said and left, shutting the door behind her.

Brandon quietly walked out of the room.

"Have you noticed since he was introduced as a contestant, he has been in a sour mood." Kyle made reference to Brandon.

"Who?" I asked, pretending to be totally oblivious of what he said.

"The Brandon King." He said, as he gestured with his hand on quote.

"Ohh. Maybe he's homesick." I grabbed the towel and made my way to the bathroom. I hastened up in the shower and went back to the living room.

When I stepped in, everyone was seated already, seemed like they were waiting for me.

"Oops! I'm sorry for keeping you waiting." I said as I went to seat by Kyle's side. He put his arm around my shoulder.

"We would having a short game tonight. But before that, there are phones for everyone specifically meant for this show. You're to keep it with you all the time to get info on the activities of the show."

"That's cool." One of the male contestants murmured. He was Samantha's partner.

"You will getting them after the Truth or Dare tonight."

"Woah, spicy." Brandon's partner whose name I'm yet to know, commented.

"Every is paired now. On my left, I have Belle and Samantha with their respective partners, Kyle and Max. On my right, Carina, Raine and Jodi are with Brandon, Crew and Richard. Remember, if you refuse to say the truth or do a dare, you have to take two shots of tequila. First off, I'd be starting with Brandon King. Truth or Dare."

"Truth." Brandon said.

"What is it you would have done differently if given a second chance?"

"I wouldn't have left the love of my life at the altar because of a silly threat. Well, it's not too late now. I strongly believe in second chances."

'Liar.' I scoffed in my head. He's probably saying this because I'm here.'Second chances my foot.' And why the hell was he looking at me?

Logan asked a few more truths and dares to other contestants. I nearly spat out my tongue when Samantha lapped danced on Jodi's partner, Richard. Never knew she had stripper moves. We have to talk urgently. I wondered if there were other things I didn't know about her.

"Last round for tonight...and it's for you, Belle. From the look of things, it's a dare."

I shrugged. "I'm ready, Logan."

"I dare you to kiss Brandon King."

"I... I'm sorry. I did not hear you properly."

"Kiss Brandon, Belle."

I paused a while, trying to catch my breath as my eyes darted around everyone, including Brandon. I could not read the expression on his face.

"Two shots of tequila, please." I'd rather have an infinity number of tequila shots than kiss that man again.