Category: Mild angst, romance
Features *pictures* of Jeff Satur & Bible Sumettikul
Being in this beautiful villa in The Philippines had been a great experience but the pressure was on since the females and males would soon have to separate from their established love partner and be tested.
Laiyah sighed as she laid in the arms of Banks.
Banks gently rubbed her thick curly locs out of her face. “What’s on your mind, mama?”
Laiyah looked up at him. “You’re not nervous?”
“About?” He asked as he rose an eyebrow.
“In a couple of days we’ll have to separate and you’ll have a new set of women to choose from.”
Laiyah slapped his chest. “Be serious, Banks!”
“I am, I just don’t understand why you even care about this.”
“Because I could come back to this house and you’ve fallen for another bitch!” Laiyah sat up from him. Tears were welling in her eyes.
Banks sat up as well. “Your lack of faith in me is really starting to get irritating.”
Laiyah flashed him an evil stare. “Irritating? So you’re not worried that I’ll fall for someone else?”
“We’ll be apart for 6 days, Laiyah so no I’m not worried plus I actually have faith in what you feel for me. But in the small chance that you choose to see someone else. . .well it is what it is. I can’t change it.” Banks rubbed his hands together. This was something he always did when he was overwhelmed.
Laiyah hurriedly wiped the tear that had escaped. “It is what it is? Really, Banks?” She was flabbergasted by his response to this situation.
“What do you want me to say? I have established that I’m here for you. I’ve gained more than I could ever be worthy of with you but you just don’t get it. You’re trying to pick a fight and I’m not doing this with you!”
“Me? I’m picking a fight? You’re acting like this isn’t a big deal, Banks! So who’s the one inciting a fight?” Laiyah countered.
Banks chuckled once more as he stood from the bed. “Still you!”, and with that last word he left out to get himself some air.
Jules threw back another shot. He had been sitting at the bar by the pool for a while. He watched the other paired couples playing as if a storm wasn’t about to flood their lives. So many thoughts were rushing through his mind and too many potential decisions were occupying his mental capacity.
Suddenly he felt a warm embrace from behind captivate him as lips and a quick sniff laced his cheek.
“Papii, why are you downing drinks without me?” Skyy asked as she beckoned for the in-house bartender to fix her a mixed drink.
Jules nuzzled the side of his face into her shoulder. “Where have you been?” He asked softly.
Skyy caressed his cheek. “Flirting with other guys.” She said with a giggle.
Jules immediately raised up and gave her an eerie look. “Don’t play like that.” He pouted.
“I’m sorry, I was just kidding. Really, I’ve just been reading a novel, trying to take my mind off of this separation that’s about to happen.” She admitted as she took a sip from her blue drink. She winced at how strong it was.
Jules nodded as he tapped on his glass. Whatever was in his glass must’ve been strong if her mixed drink even was. “I don’t know how to approach this situation, baby.”
Skyy smiled. “There is no doubt that we have feelings for one another but who knows what this experiment is going to bring.”
Jules looked over at her with a partially calm expression. “Promise me that you won’t hold back.”
“Hold back? What do you mean?”
Jules sighed and took a sip of his brown whisky. “If you meet someone that feels more right for you than me, don’t hold back.”
Skyy giggled. “Who would ever feel more right for me than you?”
Jules pulled her into his side. “I just want you to be happy even if-“
Skyy covered his lips with her finger. “Don’t finish that.” She reveled in his embrace for a moment and gathered her thoughts together. “But since I have to follow this order, so do you. Don’t hold back either.”
Two days had passed quickly and all of the established couples were saddened by the burden of having to say their goodbyes for nearly a week.
Jules held both of Skyy’s hands as he stared deeply into her eyes.
Skyy looked away for a moment as tears begged to be released.
“Look at me please.” Jules spoke just above a whisper. “Remember what I told you?”
Skyy nodded as she sniffled. The tears were running profusely down her face. “Remember what I told you too?”
Jules forcibly pulled her into a tight hug as he nodded in the crevice of her shoulder. “I’m gonna miss you, Skyy.” He tried to force a smile as a tear graced his cheek.
“Me too. It’s just 6 days, right?” She could barely speak.
Jules nodded as he wiped her tears from her face. “6 days. Now go before I get the urge to run away with you.” He chuckled as he wiped his own face.
She walked towards the exit of the villa but looked back at the man who she hoped would be awaiting her return.
Laiyah stood in a corner, overwhelmed by emotions. She and Banks hadn’t talked much since their small argument. She was shocked that he had even slept in the bed with her, but she was relieved, nonetheless.
Banks wiped her tears and pulled her into his embrace. “Stop, mama. I’m here. It’s just an experiment.”
Laiyah shook her head. “I’m scared.” She admitted.
“Of your feelings or mine?” He asked seriously as he held her face.
“I don’t know. I just don’t want to do this with anyone else but you.”
Banks sighed loudly. “It’s an experience, just consider it as nothing more than that, okay? In a week we’ll be standing right here all over again.”
Laiyah rubbed her nose. “Together, right?”
Banks pulled her into another hug and kissed the top of her head. “You gotta go, mama.”
She stared at him for a moment and then finally worked up enough courage to leave the villa as she heard Skyy call after her.
The remaining guys all sat in a spot on the couches that were in the living room as the game host came in to share with them the rules of the experiment.
“As you know you will be separated from your already established partner, during this time we will bring in new prospects and in these days to come you will have multiple couple building games and activities that you have to participate in, this is not optional. The only optional thing is that if you choose to not sleep with another prospect, we have tents outside that you can choose to sleep in. Ready to meet the new prospects?” The host asked with a huge smile.
Jules and Banks looked at one another with a peculiar expression. Neither of them were truly ready for this. The unknown scared the hell out of them. What if they’d fall for someone new? What if the cards they’ve been dealt is to place pain in Skyy or Laiyah lives? They were terrified that the girls may even find someone better than them.
“So we can’t just sleep on the couch if we don’t want to sleep in a bed with a different partner?” Ricardo, a contestant from Spain asked.
The game show host shook his head.
“I’m ready! Beautiful women is my love language. Why you looking so sad?” Allen, a contestant from the States asked.
A few minutes later a line of women came walking in. Every guy in the room was appalled and in shock.
“Vivian?!” Jules shouted in disbelief.
“As you can see, these are all of your exes. You have been placed with your exes specifically for the couple building games and activities but while in the house during free time, you can connect with any of these exes not just your own. You can even choose to continue this love experiment with whomever you want to on Sunday during the decision ceremony.” The host revealed.
Banks chuckled as he stared at his ex, Mai. “So I assume that our partners are being greeted by their exes as well, right?
The host smirked. “Does that scare you?”
Banks gave him a stare that could kill. “I’m confident.” He partially lied.
“Let the games begin then!” The host said and left the house.
Skyy stormed outside in the middle of their host explaining the rules as she saw her ex standing only feet away from her staring. Sure they hadn’t ended on bad terms but the fact that she thought both of them had moved on. He even had a child and what she thought was a wife.
Laiyah excused herself to find Skyy.
“Hey, breathe. It’s going to be fine!” Laiyah told her as she held her shoulders.
Skyy began to shake. “Why the hell are they doing this to us? I haven’t seen Travis in years so what’s the point of this?”
Laiyah shrugged. “They’re testing how strong our feelings are. Silly us to be scared over random girls but now we have to compete with females they have history with.” Tears streamed down her face.
“I can’t even avoid this because I promised Jules that I wouldn’t hold back, and so did he. Why couldn’t they have brought one of my douche exes?” Skyy plopped down on the beach furniture by the pool.
“Excuse me, Laiyah, can we talk?” A tall, dark skinned man asked.
Laiyah took a deep breath. “I don’t really have a choice do I, Dante?” She walked to a different area with her ex.
Skyy stared into space as she thought about all the things that Jules could/would be doing with his ex right now. They had once had a conversation about an ex whom he was still in contact with from time to time because they were close friends before they dated. This fact made her even more insecure about their relationship. Could two months on a dating experiment really compare to a real-life ex whom he was even best friends with at some point?
“Boo!” Travis snuck up on Skyy and sat beside her. “Shocked to see me here, right?”
“I guess I should explain?”
“Seems like it.” She responded as she continued staring out at the palm trees in the distance.
Travis sighed. “I know it’s been years since we had an actual conversation but when this opportunity rang, I figured what’s the most I could lose? I’m single again and we had an amazing journey together when we dated so why not see if anything is there anymore.”
Skyy shook her head. “It’s been years, Travis. We are adults now. I’m sure we have changed in so many ways that how could we ever go back to that?”
Travis nodded. “We don’t have to go back to that. We can start over fresh and if there’s a spark then we go for it and if not we just let it fizzle. I just want you to try.”
“I don’t have a choice but to try because I promised Jules that I wouldn’t hold back. I guess you can count him as your genie.”
“Dante, why are you here? This just confuses me in a way that I don’t need to be.” Laiyah revealed.
Dante smiled. “I miss the kid. We had good times and I know we ended from some bullshit but I’m different now. I’ve grown a lot and I realize you’re the best woman I’ve ever encountered.”
Laiyah’s eyes welled up with tears. “Why couldn’t you figure this out a long time ago? You know anything you need I’ll always have your back-“
“Exactly, which is why I’m here now! This is our chance at another shot. I want to make it up to you.”
Laiyah smiled at him as she caressed his face. “But not like this. I’ve moved on from that pain. I’ve grown from that person I used to be and-“
“You’ve been here for what. . .two months? That can’t compare to our years.”
Laiyah threw her hand up. “Don’t interrupt me!” She stood and smoothed her sundress down. “Two months with someone like Banks can compare because he’s never made me feel anything but security, love and care.”
At this moment it dawned on her that she had questioned Banks loyalty for nothing. He had never flirted with any of the other women in the house. During the first week he had pegged her as his and had never changed up on her but now he might change because of their little fight. Her thoughts swirled in her head: what if he can’t deal with someone who doesn’t trust him? What if she had picked one too many fights the other day? Her confidence in him slowly started to decrease but it was her own fault for not having faith in what they shared anyway.
Laiyah waved to him a goodbye and walked away from Dante and headed to the bed they were supposed to share. She couldn’t imagine sleeping in a bed with someone other than Banks and that made her sad but she had no choice because she wasn’t about to sleep with the mosquitoes.
Skyy was sharing a room with Laiyah and she flopped on her assigned bed. “Any feelings come back?”
Laiyah turned over to look at Skyy. “I’ll always have love for Dante because he was with me during a really important time in my life but I can assure you that I’ll be heading back to the main villa by myself.”
Skyy smiled. “I love your confidence.”
“I don’t have it. That’s why Banks and I had an altercation before we left.” Laiyah revealed.
“Anyone would be insecure in a situation like this. Don’t beat yourself up.”
Laiyah nodded. “What about you?”
Skyy giggled. “I’m trying. I’m scared that Jules is trying with his ex too but a promise is a promise and if we’re meant to be then we’ll be. If not then it is what it is I guess.”
Laiyah cringed. “It is what it is? I’m so tired of that line. Banks used it on me during our scat and it pissed me off. There’s nothing wrong with fighting for what you love.”
“There’s not but at the end of the day I could walk into that Villa and he’s chosen his ex. Me and Jules dynamic is different from yours and Banks. Banks assured you that he would always choose you. I don’t have that luxury. I got burdened with ‘If you find someone who you like more than me then don’t hold back’ , so I burdened him with the same task and now knowing that it’s exes involved, I’m not that sure if what we have is enough to make him choose me in the end.”
A knock sounded on the door.
The girls looked up to see Dante and Travis. “Can we come in? We have a early start in the morning.” Travis spoke.
Skyy nodded and patted the other side of the bed.
Travis grabbed a blanket from the closet and laid on top of the comforter that Skyy was already under. “I don’t want to invade your space and privacy.” He assured her.
She nodded with her back to him. She couldn’t take her mind off of Jules. Every moment they’d ever had flashed in her mind like a movie ending with the moment he made her promise to not hold back. Tears filled her eyes as the thought of these being the last memories she would ever share with him suffocated her.
Travis knew she was emotional so he wrapped his arm around her to console her. “It’ll be okay, Skyy. No matter what happens, everything will go well for you.” He whispered
She found solace in his words. Sure she’d rather have been in Jules embrace but Travis was a good substitute.
Dante stood at the side of the bed waiting for Laiyah to invite him in.
Laiyah turned over and raised an eyebrow. “What are you doing?” She was irritated just by his presence at this point.
“I’m waiting. . .” he smirked.
“On what? An invitation? Boy bye, either you sleep or don’t. I really don’t care.”
Dante sighed and climbed in the bed. He laid on his back staring at the ceiling with his arms behind his head. “I’m just trying, Laiyah.”
“And I’m not in a place where I can accept it. Thank you for finally understanding just how great I am but it’s too little too late.”
Dante simply nodded and stared at her back to him.
Banks sat on the side of his bed as he contemplated what he should do. He really didn’t even want to be there any longer. Throwing in the exes was a hard blow. This particular ex had cheated on him during his third year of University.
Mai walked in and kneeled in front of him. “Banks, we should talk.”
Banks hands were clasped together as he looked down at her sitting on the floor. He simply nodded.
“I know I’m the last person you want to see but you do deserve an explanation.” She softly said.
Banks sighed. “What could possibly excuse you from cheating?”
“Nothing Banks and I know that but my parents were pressuring me. Had I not started dating Tops, my dad would have took matters into his own hands. He’s a dangerous man, Banks. He would have went after you and I couldn’t allow that to happen.”
Banks looked up from their hands. “What do you mean by came after me?”
“He would have removed you from the picture forcibly by hurting you as a warning and if that didn’t work then he would have made it permanent.” Mai begun to cry.
Banks scratched his head. He was in total shock. “So why are you here now? If he finds out you came here for me I’ll be the one who suffers. That’s selfish, Mai!”
Mai shook her head. “He got really sick last year and passed. We don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
Banks pulled his hands from her gently. “I understand what you went through was tough but stringing me along was still unjustifiable.”
“I couldn’t let you go, Banks! I tried to, but a life without you seemed unlivable.”
Banks chuckled. “So had you not got caught you would have just kept me in the dark and still dated both of us?”
Mai shrugged. “I don’t know. All I knew was that you were the most important person in my life, and I wasn’t willing to lose you. If that makes me selfish then so be it.”
Banks stood from the bed and helped her off the floor. “You should get some sleep.” He left out of the room and headed outside to a vacant tent.
Vivian pulled Jules to the Amour room where the magic usually happened.
Jules felt highly uncomfortable being in this room with her. He hadn’t even visited this room with Skyy as of yet and really didn’t plan to.
“Why are we here?” He asked as he sat on the fresh bed beside her.
Vivian smirked. “Why do you seem nervous? We’ve known each other for what 10 years now, right?”
Jules nodded as he looked around the room. He noticed a glass bowl of condoms on the nightstand. His heart began to pound in his chest.
“Pipe down you animal. I’m just trying to talk to you.”
“What? No! I was just observing.” He gulped loudly.
Vivian giggled. “So how are things here?”
“Good. Really good.” He stated plainly.
“Have you found love yet?” She urged as she grabbed his hand and caressed it softly.
Jules felt a lump in his throat. He and Skyy hadn’t used the ‘love’ word yet and he really didn’t know how to put into words the description of their relationship. “I’ve found someone who understands me and I understand her. I’m enjoying my time with her.”
“So you’ve found understanding? Isn’t the experiment to find love?” Vivian giggled as she brought his hand to her bare thigh. She was wearing a short skirt.
He moved his hand back to the bed. “Why are you here? We’re friends, it’s been a long time since we’ve had romantic feelings for each other.”
“Maybe for you but not me. I never stopped loving you. I only went along with what you wanted.”
Jules chuckled. “You barely noticed me when I was with you like that. You made me feel guilty for working hard to make my dream come true. I’ll admit that I wasn’t the best boyfriend but I definitely treated you better than you ever treated me.”
She rose off the bed and nudged his legs apart so she could stand between them. “Well allow me to treat you well now.” She pushed his back to the bed and climbed on top of him. “I’ll make sure you get love out of this experiment instead of a measly understanding.”
Jules froze as her face moved closer and closer to his. His thoughts flashed to what Skyy could have been doing with her ex as Vivian’s lips connected with his. For a split moment he had lost his clarity but he was coming to grips with the fact that having someone else’s lips on his felt wrong unless it was Skyy’s. He immediately threw Vivian off of him and stood up.
“I can’t do this!” He rushed outside to find Banks tent unzipped.
Banks rose up off the sleeping bag. “Bro, you okay? You look paler than me!” He chuckled.
Jules was shaking. “Vivian kissed me.”
Banks sighed. He didn’t know how to calm him down. “It’s . . .okay, man.”
“No, it’s not. I should have never allowed her to take me to the Amour Room, Banks. I’m a terrible person. I’ve never cheated on anyone my entire life, why now?!” Jules was freaking out.
Banks patted his back. “Didn’t Skyy make you promise to at least give this experiment a try? So you did that and you hated it. Skyy will understand, okay?”
Jules blew out a breath of relief. “Right, she’s understanding. She won’t be mad, right?”
Banks shook his head. “Plus, you don’t even have to tell her. It was just a kiss. It was just a kiss, right? Not like a full on make out session, right?” Banks needed clarity.
“It lasted for like 2 seconds top. Just a peck and I felt nothing. She was on top of me though.”
“Whoa- okay dude just leave out that last part, it sounds terrible. Just say it was a peck if she asks. Matter of fact don’t even say where it happened, otherwise you risk being in deep shit!” Banks patted his head.
Jules simply nodded. “I think I’m in love with her, Banks but I don’t know how to say it. I don’t know if this experiment is real enough to expect something more when we leave this villa.”
“Sure we’re living an experiment out but that doesn’t make what y’all feel any less real than if y’all had met outside of it. Say what you feel before it’s too late and worry about the details later. Find a way to make it work if that’s what you want.” Banks gave him a partial smile.
“How’s Mai? Is she the one you mentioned had cheated?”
Banks nodded. “Yep but she just revealed why to me and part of me is confused now.”
“Why?” Jules interrogated a bit.
“Because it softens the blow in a way. I love Laiyah, and I’m not ashamed or scared to admit it. She knows that I adore her, she’s the best person I’ve ever met. Someone so pure doesn’t come around often but hearing Mai’s reasonings behind her actions makes me feel like if that had not been the cards we were dealt, we’d still be together and I would have never met Laiyah in the first place.” He sighed as he laid back down.
Jules stared at him for a moment. He could see the turmoil on his buddy’s face. “Follow your heart. Sometimes love gives us second chances to make things right and then there are times when the grass on the other side truly is greener.” He laid down to get himself some rest.
Decision Ceremony (Sunday)
The ladies dove into hair and makeup as they prepared for the decision ceremony that was only a couple of hours away.
Laiyah begun curling her hair. “You’ve seemed pretty cozy with Travis these few days.”
Skyy looked at her through the mirror as she placed her lashes on. “Decisions, decisions. Travis is a really sweet guy and has truly never hurt me so it’s easy to fall back into a safe space with him.”
Laiyah simply nodded. “Just make sure whatever decision you make, you won’t regret it.”
The host stood as he waited on the ladies to file in. Some had chosen to finish the experiment with their ex and some were seated alone, praying that their original partner would join them.
“So ladies, tonight is the night. How are we feeling?” One of the hosts asked as he scanned the ladies faces. Nervousness was apparent. “Amelia, I see you’re sitting alone. What are your hopes tonight?”
Amelia stood and walked up to where the host was standing. The Decision ceremony was beginning. “I hope that Allen comes out here alone. We promised one another that we would finish this experiment together.”
The host nodded. “And if he doesn’t, what’s going to happen?”
“I guess we’ll just have to see.” She smirked.
The lights dimmed as a spotlight shone on the spot that the men would walk out from.
“Allen, come on out!” The host spoke over the mic.
As Allen proceeded through the entrance, following behind him was another female.
Laiyah’s mouth dropped. This couple had been stuck under each other since the experiment began, so seeing Allen bring out another female really was shocking. “Jesus, this is hard to watch.” She said under her breath.
Skyy simply nodded as she watched the drama.
Amelia slapped Allen’s face. All of a sudden the other woman grabbed Amelia’s hair and a fight broke out.
“Bitch, don’t you ever touch my man again!” The woman yelled.
Amelia and the woman were going blow for blow until security separated them.
“Allen, you piece of shit! What was the point of making that promise?” Amelia screamed while still being held back by the security.
Allen shook his head. “I’m sorry, Amelia. I really had every intention on just having my fun this week and then coming back to you but plans changed when I saw my ex.”
Tears fell from Amelia’s face. “I hope she’s worth it. I hope she can stay faithful this time, I remember you telling me that she slept with four different guys during your relationship. I guess I wasn’t slutty enough for you!” Amelia left the area to pack her bags.
Allen and the ex were seated.
The area was silent. You could cut the tension with a knife.
“I guess we’re starting this night off with a bang! Skyy, are you ready?”
Skyy had zoned out. She was stuck in her thoughts.
“Huh?” She looked to her.
“Skyy come on down!” The host beckoned for her.
Skyy’s eyes widened. Her heart began to pace quickly.
Laiyah squeezed her hand. “You got this. Everything is going to be fine!”
Skyy took a deep breath and headed down to where the host was.
“I was almost certain that you might finish with your ex, you both seemed to be enjoying each other’s company, why?” The host asked her.
Skyy thought for a moment. “I truly did enjoy my time with Travis. I hadn’t seen him in years and it was refreshing. I think the reason we were able to enjoy one another’s company is because we truly care about one another. He wanted to try and see if there was still a spark there and there truly was but the difference is that our spark is simply from being familiar, not romantic at all anymore.”
The host nodded. “That’s good that you were able to explore your feelings. If Jules comes out with another woman, what does this mean for you?”
Skyy took a deep breath. “We promised one another that we would actually take this experiment seriously and give it a real try so I technically don’t have the right to be mad if he finds what he wants in someone that’s not me but it will hurt and hurt people hurt people so let’s just hope we don’t have a redo of what Amelia just went through. My emotions are all over the place today so I really don’t know what to expect from myself if he walks out here with another bitch. I know what I bring to the table and I pray he’s smart enough to know it’s what he needs.”
The lights dimmed again as the spotlight shone on the entrance.
“Jules, come on out man!”
Skyy immediately closed her eyes. Her hands were shaking and her heart was still pounding.
Jules grabbed both of her hands. “Skyy, open your eyes.”
Skyy peeked with one eye open and was relieved to see him standing in front of her smiling. “Oh, thank God!” She let out a sigh of relief.
Jules continued holding her hands. “This experiment has proven to me that the only person I want touching me, caring for me, kissing me, or just in my world is you. I know that when we leave this villa, we might struggle in finding our footing but if I have you I know I’ll be fine because love is love no matter how it is obtained. I love you, Skyy. Are you ready to escape this loop with me and enjoy our journey together?”
Skyy’s eyes welled with tears. “Of course I’m ready. I was so scared.” She giggled.
“Why, baby?” He smiled as he wiped her tears.
“Because I wasn’t sure if whatever we had was strong enough to beat your ex. You’ve never told me you loved me before.” She admitted as she nuzzled her face in his chest.
He held her tight. “I’ll say it every minute if you need me to. Have no doubts, you’re the only one I want, love and cherish.” He stared at her for a moment then lowered his gaze to her lips.
Skyy gave him a faint nodding gesture letting him know he could go for it.
He grabbed her face gently and allowed their lips to connect so sweetly.
The ceremony continued. Finally, it was Laiyah’s turn to be in the hot seat. She walked down to stand with the host.
“You okay, Laiyah? Your face looks flushed.” The host asked as he rubbed her shoulder gently.
Laiyah tried to control her breathing. “This is a tough spot to be in. You don’t know what’s in a person’s heart and I’ll die if I see Banks walk out here with another woman. I can’t handle that! I love him so damn much, that will kill me.” Tears began to run down her face.
“I have observed the two of you and you spend every waking moment together, why wouldn’t you be confident that his ex couldn’t sway him just like yours couldn’t?” The host asked.
Laiyah giggled for a moment in a cynical way. “Did we not all just witness Amelia’s situation? They were joined at the hit every single day since day one and Allen’s ass still chose his cheating girlfriend and left Amelia crushed with nothing. What makes my situation any better?”
The host nodded. “Well all we can do is hope for the best, right?”
Laiyah begun to lose her footing.
Noticing, Skyy immediately ran to where she was to catch her. They both were in a squat position as Laiyah leaned into her crying. “Laiyah, you have to have faith in him. Banks is not Allen. Banks will never leave you hanging like that. You know he adores the ground you walk on. No ex can compare to you.” Skyy’s affirmations began to give Laiyah the courage she had been so desperate to find.
They both stood but Laiyah tightened her grip on Skyy’s hand. “Stay, just in case you have to hold me back from committing a murder.” She said comically. “I’m ready now.”
“Come on out here, Banks!”
The lights dimmed and the spotlight revealed Banks walking in solo with a big grin on his face.
Laiyah immediately dropped Skyy’s hand and ran up to him and showered his face with kisses. “Papa, you chose me!?” She began crying again.
“Your faith in me really sucks, we’re gonna have to work on that, mama.” He said as he kissed her forehead and they walked hand in hand back to where the host was standing.
“So Banks, tell us about your experience in the villa over this past week!”
Banks took a deep breath. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions honestly. I wasn’t expecting to see Mai. I haven’t seen her in so long and seeing her here was the lowest blow I think I’ve ever suffered. Hearing her explain why she cheated confused me on so many levels. I won’t lie, I was torn. In no way was I questioning what I felt for Laiyah but I was questioning my resolve for Mai.”
Laiyah stood in shock as she listened to his words. She never let his hand go though, he was simply speaking his truth and she refused to make him feel bad about it.
“What was your deciding factor?” The host asked him.
Banks chuckled quickly turning his attention to Laiyah. “She was. She is. I struggled for a moment wondering if Mai and I had never been put in that terrible situation, would I have ever even met Laiyah but what ifs shouldn’t matter because there’s no reality in them. The here and now has given me Laiyah, who will always be the best woman I have ever met besides my mom and why should I allow a ‘what if’ scenario to decide what I should do right now for my future? Laiyah will always be my answer.”
Laiyah grabbed his face and kissed his lips softly. “I love you, Papa.”
Jules and Skyy sat by the pool with their feet dangling in the water.
Skyy hugged his muscular arm. “Thank you for trying, Jules.”
He looked over at her in confusion. “Hmm? You’re okay with this week?”
She nodded. “Of course. It makes your decision even more valid to me. It proves to me that no one else can have your heart but me, and that means the world to me.”
“Well in that case I guess I should be thanking you too. I can’t my life without you in it. The life I had before, I can’t go back to it. My world must have you in it, forever.”
Skyy giggled. “Forever? There’s no such thing as forever.”
“There is when two people work towards it. Forever isn’t out of our reach. It should be our goal.” Jules lifted her chin and placed a kiss on her lips. He allowed his lips to linger on hers faintly, waiting for her response.
She took the bait and deepened the kiss full of love and passion.
Laiyah sat in front of Banks on the beach recliner that was near the pool.
Banks massaged her tense shoulders. “Are you going to start giving me credit and believing in me now?” He smiled. He knew it would be a process but he loved messing with her.
Laiyah rolled her eyes. “Yes, papa, yes! I know I was wrong for picking a fight with you. I was just scared that I’d lose you. I know two months doesn’t seem like a long time but it was enough time for me to fall head over hills for you and the thought of you not catching me terrified me.”
Banks pulled her into his chest and squeezed her body. “You don’t think losing you scares me too? It does but I had to try and think positive thoughts because whether I liked it or not this experiment was happening so may as well make the best of it.”
Laiyah simply nodded. “I’m glad we came out on the winning end though. I’m grateful for the way you love me.”
Banks stared into her eyes as he closed the distance between them. “I’m grateful for your entire being.” His breath fanned her bangs.
Laiyah felt like his stare was putting a spell on her. She felt captivated in a way that she never had.
Banks crashed his lips into hers suddenly, wrapping his arms around her body as he caressed her back.
Laiyah finally broke the spell and tried to catch her breath. “Should we take this inside?”
Banks was in shock. “Amour Room?” He asked just above a whisper.
She nodded with a wink and stood with her hand out, waiting for him to allow her to lead them.
He followed. “If I’m terrible, it’s because I haven’t slept all week really so my energy may not be up to par.” He warned her.
“All week? Why, Papa?!” She exclaimed as she examined his eyes. His eyes looked so weak.
Banks chuckled. “I’m fine. Me and Jules slept in the tents outside so the heat, mosquitoes, and uncomfortable ground made it damn near impossible to sleep well.”
Laiyah turned her attention to Jules and Skyy. “Skyy!!!!” She yelled.
Skyy abruptly broke away from the kiss that she and Jules were lost in. “What girl?”
“They haven’t slept all week! They slept in the tents.” Laiyah revealed.
Jules ran his fingers through his long, wavy locs.
Skyy stood and grabbed his hand so she could snatch him. “Time for bed, Papii!”
As the two couples headed back in Banks stopped in his tracks. “Where did y’all sleep though?”
Jules eyes Skyy. “Yeah, you don’t look like you lost a wink of sleep at all.” He examined her face.
Banks cocked his head to side waiting for a response.
Laiyah and Skyy gave one another a hard glance and both answered simultaneously:
