Page 514 of The Bonding Games: Part 1

She’s actually here. In our Bonded chambers. For the first time ever.

And I just screeched in her face.

Fire scorches my entire head and down my neck.

“I-I’m so, so s-sorry,” I gasp, palm on my chest to try and quiet the pounding there that I pray to the universe she can’t somehow hear. “I didn’t—I didn’t scream because it was you, ju-just because I didn’t expect you to be here,” I stammer out my pointless explanation like a total loser.

“I’m coming, Bestie! Don’t panic!”

Tiger rushes past me with a pillow in hand.

Was that really his first choice of weapon when there’s two armoury sticks attached to his back?

“OH MY GOD!” He ceases all movement when he takes in the cause of my humiliating reaction, pillow halted mid-motion beside his head. “Ezla!”

“What?”

The deep, rough voice comes from the other room. Then there’s heavy footsteps that get louder and louder, until they stop right beside me.

Tate’s breath audibly catches. “Havoc . . .” he breathes with what can only be described as pure worship in his tone.

“Player 4,” that robotic-like voice replies coolly.

A rumble builds from the pits of him, and I cautiously step away.

But then more footsteps sound out, two pairs this time, and Scotty and Cooper are there. Both pausing, their brows jump up before smoothing out almost in unison.

“Ezla,” the former greets, a hint of shock and pleasure slipping into his level tone even though he tries to hide it. And is that . . . a blush tinting his cheeks?

At least I’m not the only one turning red every time we see her.

Without comment on everyone’s shock, the object of all our fixation finally lets it be known why she’s made her astonishing appearance here: “Eat.”

A slow blink is all I can manage.

On my second blink, my eyes shift to the left, taking in the table properly like I didn’t before because every part of me was focused entirely on Ezla. And I freeze.

Oh . . . wow.

My mouth drops open, and my stunned gaze darts everywhere, taking in the large array of food: sausages, bacon, fruit, avocado on toast, eggs, pancakes and pastries of all kinds, smoothies, water, juice, milk, cereal, breakfast burritos, and more and more and more . . .

My gaze hops back to Ezla, then returns to the table, then jumps back again, bouncing about like a yoyo.

“Holy shit . . .” Tiger exhales in awe, voicing what we’re all thinking.

“This . . . this is for us?” I somehow manage to find my voice, although it’s quiet and shakier than ever before.

“Yes. You may count this as a cheat day; I have reviewed your diets, and it is best for all of you to stick to them for the time being. If you wish, that may of course change after The Bonding Games.” My heart starts to drop along with my head—until she continues, “All of you except for Player 29.”

My chin snaps back up faster than an Avri tribike at full speed.

“Come here, 29.”

I’m pretty sure my lungs break down.

Swallowing roughly, I force my legs to take me to her, wiping my palms that have started to sweat on my thighs as discreetly as possible. When I reach her, I stop as close as I dare, fighting a shiver at the proximity.

Why is it the first time I’m attracted to someone it’s a woman who could crush me with her pinkie while she’s sleeping?