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after arriving back at the villa, i follow the girls upstairs, torn between consoling leah and speaking with liv. i know something is bothering the blonde girl, she is testy at the best of times but i feel the altercation with leah has underlying emotions involved. leah, serena and jana head to the bathroom first, i give them each a hug as they leave, whispering that i would speak to them soon. i join kaylor and liv at the vanity. liv still looks upset, so i sit silently and wait for her to open up. eventually she speaks, her voice cracking with emotion, "i just feel stupid, they were sneaking around and didn't have the decency to say anything to me about it. it's embarrassing." kaylor and i rub her back, "i know you are upset, that's totally valid, i just think you need to talk to them, let them know how you feel. nothing will get better if they don't know how you're feeling." i say gently, not trying to push her further.
we speak for a few more minutes before liv brings up my kiss with connor. i blush, "i know it doesn't mean anything, everyone was kissing during the challenge. i just, i'm a little nervous, rob already wasn't the biggest fan of connor, i wish he would stop provoking him." kaylor soothes me, "you and rob have been solid since the beginning, if anything connor being interested will make you stronger as a couple." liv agrees, "he's crazy about you, babe" i consider their words before thanking them as we share a hug. after the other girls return, we gather our things to take our turn in the showers.
after we all get ready, we walk downstairs, the boys waiting for us at the bottom. rob's face lights up with a smile as he sees me, reaching out to pull me into a hug. "you look perfect, birdie. i like the cowboy boots" he says as he settles an arm around my shoulders. i look up at him, returning his grin, "you look pretty handsome yourself." after we share a drink with the other islanders, rob and i break away from the rest of the group, heading to our spot in soul ties.
as usual, he pulls me into his lap, allowing us to decompress in the comfortable silence. "robby" i whisper, "are we going to talk about the challenge?" he hums as his grip on me tightens. "i just don't want you to be upset with me. i know it was a challenge and it didn't mean anything but i just want you to know, i'm not interested in connor." i explain, hoping he can hear the sincerity in my voice. "i know, sweet thing" he coos before his voice deepens, "i don't blame him, you're a beautiful girl. anyone can see how special you are but he doesn't get to have you. you're mine" butterflies explode in my belly as his words sink in, the possessive tone soothing me as warmth starts to build in my core.
we lock eyes, falling into that special place where only he and i exist. my heart rate rises, a flush coloring my cheeks as i consider the meaning of his words. it's not that i mind being his, but what if he changes his mind. things happen so fast in the villa, and if he suddenly decides to pursue another girl, i would be alone, vulnerable and at risk of leaving without finding what i came here for. "what if you meet someone else?" i ask shyly, "there will be more people coming, and you're a great guy. i don't know, i just worry that maybe you will find someone you like more. and then i'll be alone" he cuts me off with a searing kiss, pulling me closer until there isn't an inch of space between our bodies.
"rory" he chides, wrapping his hand around my neck, holding our eyes level. "silly little girl, you think i haven't already found what i was looking for? my eyes landed on you as soon as i walked in and they haven't left since." he tells me, emotion showing on his face, "whoever walks through those doors, won't be for me, i promise. i'm leaving here with you, one way or the other." my heart stops, his words echo in my brain as i pull him into a kiss. this one softer than any of the previous we've shared, a promise sealed in the warmth of our connection. we stay that way, wrapped in each other until it's time to get ready for bed. he carries me to the beauty room, leaving me with a kiss and tells me he will be waiting in the bedroom.
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i change into my pajamas, feeling as though i'm floating as i breeze through my nighttime routine. my cheeks still flushed with warmth, lulled further into my blissful state by the positive energy of the room. "dollface" serena coos as she wraps me in a hug, "you're glowing" the girls agree, watching me with warm smiles. "he's perfect" i say, as i recount our conversation in soul ties. they cheer, responding with support and optimism as we hug. before i leave, i spend a little more time with leah, promising tomorrow will be a better day.
entering the bedroom, i find rob waiting as promised, propped up talking to the boys with a cute smirk on his face. he pulls the blankets down as i get into bed, snuggling against me as i drift closer to sleep. the lights go out after the last of the islanders enter the room and i'm fast asleep within minutes.
author's note
not y'all getting this story to 5k views 😌
unfortunately, it's almost time for andre ugh to enter the villa, rest assured, rob is going to humble tf out of her during her short visit
let me know if there's anything specific y'all want to see between rory and rob
