He moved toward me, his chest bumping mine and stared me down. The intensity radiating off him was almost intimidating. “Teach me, then,” he whispered.

I huffed a breath. “I’m not even sure if you’re teachable. You don’t know how to treat a girlfriend because nobody’s ever demanded anything of you. No one’s ever told you to act right, because they’re too dazzled by how good-looking you are. They’re too busy feeling blessed that you deign to grace them with your presence. Well, that’s not going to be me. I’m not going to let you walk all over me like the other girls you’ve been with.”

I felt a little awkward after I finished speaking, like I had to mentally step down off a podium or something. Trev didn’t say a word, and his expression was unreadable. I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. Slowly, he reached down and took my bag and case. He set both items on the floor then took my face in his hands. I swallowed when he started backing me up into the wall. My shoulders met the cold concrete as he levelled me with a sincere look.

“I’m sorry,” he said. “You’re right. Everything you just said is true, but I don’t act this way intentionally. Sometimes I can’t help it.”

I felt a twinge of guilt. I knew he had personal problems that made it difficult for him to be reliable, but I didn’t completely understand them yet. It was hard to understand someone you could hardly get in touch with over the phone, never mind sit down and delve into sensitive issues. I eyed him warily. “Do you really mean that, or are you agreeing with me for the sake of peace?”

“No. People only like me because I’m pretty. I believe you.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it,” I sighed.

His thumb swiped over my bottom lip and I trembled. His voice lowered to a whisper. “What did you mean then, Reya?”

“I mean, people don’t expect you to do certain things because of your looks and your charisma. They’re just happy to be around you. And that’s not your fault. It’s theirs for being shallow. I’m trying not to be shallow, too.”

Trev started to smile as he bent and pressed a soft kiss to my lips. “That’s why I love you,” he whispered, and for a second time stood completely still. “You’re the most honest person I know.”

I pulled back and stared up at him, tiny acrobats doing backflips inside my chest. “What did you just say?”

Eight.

The apartment was amazing. It was a penthouse and the balcony looked out over a large market square. And don’t even get me started on the architecture. Absolutely beautiful.

There was a frenzy of activity as everyone got settled in their respective rooms. I hadn’t a chance to check out the one I was sharing with Leanne yet, because Neil and I were too busy making various arrangements for the upcoming days. Although at times, I felt a bit superfluous, like I was fumbling in the dark and just slowing him down. At least he was a patient sort. Anyway, I was determined to learn the ropes quickly and actually be of some use.

I’d rounded the corner leading to the main bathroom when I overheard voices coming from Trev and Callum’s room.

“Just try and be a bit nicer, yeah? I know Leanne looks tough, but that’s only because she hides what she’s really feeling. When you say shit like you did earlier, it upsets her,” said Trev.

“But she looks at me with a face like thunder every single day. She’s nice to everyone but me. She talks to everyone but me,” Callum argued. “How do you expect me to deal with that shit?”

“Aw, does it hurt your delicate feelings, puddin’?” Trev teased, and I heart a grunt from Callum.

“Piss off.”

Trev chuckled before his voice sobered. “In all seriousness though, I thought you two made up. Now things seem even worse than before.”

“It’s not like the truce was optional,” Callum replied. “Barry said that if we didn’t kiss and make up we’d be kicked off the show. We didn’t have another choice.”

Barry was their director. He was a middle-aged guy I’d spotted around throughout the day. He was either staying in one of the other apartments with the camera crew, or he was at a hotel.

“So, you two didn’t even talk things out? You just shook hands, promised to play nice and that was it?”

“Pretty much.”

Trev swore under his breath. “You’re going to have to talk to her. When we head out for dinner tonight, maybe take her aside and clear the air. As soon as we start filming the cameras will pick up on the tension, even if you think you’re doing a good job of hiding it.”

Knowing it was bad to eavesdrop, I quietly continued to the bathroom. I had to admit though, I was surprised by Trev’s maturity. I’d never known him to be the peacekeeping type. In fact, he’d always been one of those people who craved chaos.

I shut the door to the large bathroom and went about my business. I’d be sharing this space with several other people for the next few days, which would be an experience. James and Paul’s room had an en-suite, but the rest of us were stuck sharing this one. Don’t get me wrong, it was big enough, with a large walk-in shower and separate tub, but I was used to having my privacy.

In fact, it was going to be a challenge being around people twenty-four/seven in general. I’d lived alone for years, and I often found I needed time on my own to recharge after being around others for prolonged periods. Needless to say, the next few weeks would be a learning curve.

When I came back out, everyone had gathered in the communal kitchen and living area. I grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl and went to wash it under the tap as they discussed dinner arrangements.

“There are a few steakhouses nearby if that’s what everyone’s in the mood for,” said Neil, scrolling on his phone.

“What about night clubs?” Callum asked. “I think we should go out afterwards. Tomorrow’s our only day off for a while so we should make the most of it.”

“I’ll do a search,” said Neil, not looking up from his phone.

Trev came over as I took a seat by the counter and bit into the apple, leaving the others to continue their discussion.

“Hey, you okay for steak?” he asked, eyes wandering over me.

I tugged on the hem of my top and swallowed a bite of apple. “Actually, I think I’ll just stay in. I’m tired.”