Chapter Ten: Green With Jealousy

(Song: Lost Stars by Adam Levine)

BRANDON

"You couldn't even guess any of my questions right?" My partner, Carina said to me when we got to the bedroom. The rest of the contestants were still cheering on Kyle and Belle's win. "Even when I tried showing you my favorite color on my dress, you weren't getting the hint?"

I didn't give her a response. I wasn't in the right state of mind. My woman was just declared ninety percent compatible with a man that's not me...another man. Why didn't I let...

"Brandon, I'm talking to you." She tapped me vigorously on my knee bringing me back from my thoughts.

"What did you say?" I won't lie this was the first time I have actually looked at her since we were paired together.

"Where's your mind every single time we're together? You barely talk to me. You're always staring into nothingness," her eyebrows furied with annoyance. "Look at other couples. They are always talking and having time together. It's so different with us. You don't even sleep on same bed with me. I get it, you're a billionaire and the prize money doesn't matter to you, but it does to me...a whole lot."

"I'm sorry," I took hold of her hand. "I'm really sorry."

"It's fine. I was only voicing out my concern."

"Can I make..."

Kyle and Belle burst into the room, giggling. She was still in his arms. I thought I was the only one who could make her feel the way she's feeling with Kyle. I wondered what they were whispering about.

"Ummm, Carina, I will make it up to you, I promise." I tried so hard not to look at them. "What do you want to do now?"

"After our first official loss, I think I just want to sleep." She said as she brought her legs to the bed.

"I think I want to do that as well." I fixed our pillows properly.

"Thank you."

While Carina slept, my mind was busy with a truckload of thoughts.

'How the hell was Kyle able to get almost all of Belle's questions ? They were close to ninety five percent compatible. This meant that Kyle has a high chance of dating her outside, that's if he hasn't asked her out yet. I won't let that happen.'

But Belle wasn't making it easy for me either. After she brushed me off when I had tried talking to her, I hardly find her alone. It's either she's with Kyle or Samantha.

'I really need to find another way to get her alone with me again. Time is really slipping off my hands and I don't want to lose my woman.' With that, I drifted off to sleep.

*****************

"El, I need you to be very truthful with me. Is Kyle and Belle a thing?" I asked Samantha after dinner. We were sitting together alone, outside.

"What... No." She said with a chuckle.

"I'm not joking here, El. You don't have to lie, so I won't be hurt. Yes, I'd be mad angry if they're a couple, that's for sure. You can tell me if they're actually a couple, if Belle is his... girlfriend." The last two words sounded bitter on my tongue.

"They are not. I'm serious," she said with a straight face. "No doubt Kyle is starting to like her, but I highly doubt Belle feels same. She already decided before coming here that she wouldn't fall in love."

"She makes breakfast for him every morning." I started with my rant.

"You eat of it every morning as well." Samantha reminded me. Each time Belle gives her her own portion of food, she always give me half portion of it.

"How does he know her favorite color?"

"What! Brandon, really?" She stared at me open eyed. "You know they have been together for a while, she may have told him."

I sighed. "He even knew how many kids she wanted."

"You're overthinking. Anyone could have guessed that."

"He also knew her love language. Come on, that was my thing."

"Brandon, you need to sleep," she gave my shoulder a friendly pat. "At least, he didn't get her favorite sex position." She added.

"I'd have lost my cool if he did." I sighed.

Belle loved it when we spoon during sex, loved it more when I tease her clit while in the act. The night before our failed wedding, I took my time giving her three orgasms in her favorite position, even slept with my dick inside her.

Samantha slapped my head lightly. "Snap out of it."

I blinked, my focus returning as I rubbed the spot where she'd slapped me. "What's wrong?"

"Jesus Christ! Don't tell me you're actually having wild thoughts about my best friend, right before me." She looked at me wide eyed.

"I see nothing bad in it," I shrugged with a smirk on my face. "Damn! I've really missed her. I barely survived the two months I stayed away from her before this show. She's supposed to be my wife by now."

"It's okay, Brandon."

"It's not, El. Very soon, that man would make her fall for him with the more time they are spending together. I'm scared that might be happening very, very soon."

"I thought you were planning on speaking to her."

"Of course, I did and she brushed me off. The way she looked at me when I touched her, I'd have preferred her shooting my brains off. You two are close. She must have told you."

"Yeah, she did tell me. What were you expecting? That she'd jump into your arms after your apology. You hurt her terribly."

"I know and I totally regret it."

"What if after you have tried everything to win her back, and she chooses not to get back with you?" She asked. "There's still other women out there."

"I'd keep trying, even if it takes the last breath in me. I can't move on. I'm very much still in love with her."