Temptation Trials Regime

Part 2

     Edge of Ecstasy Bay was beautiful like the rest of the island. The first part of the date had gone fairly well. Kimi and Devin went snorkeling. Underwater was peaceful, exploring the colorful exotic fish life. Being in the water filtered Devin's mouth—a bonus. The guy's mouth ran like a motor, and Kimi didn't like most of the stuff coming out of it. Pegging Devin as arrogant was dead on. Their guide and a cameraman were never far away. Kimi tried her best to ignore that she was being filmed.
     The day started with sunny skies. As it progressed, the clouds took on an angry gray appearance. By dinnertime, the sky looked like it would open any minute.
      "Are you thinking about your boyfriend?" Devin asked Kimi over dinner. "You look like you're somewhere else."
     Kimi had zoned out of the conversation a while ago. She had finished her meal. Devin's favorite topic was himself. Sipping on her virgin daiquiri, Kimi's head began to feel loopy. The Trials didn't allow underage drinking, so Kimi pondered why she felt high. Her thoughts wondered to Deidrick and how romantic it would be on the island with him, instead of motor-mouth in front of her. She might even climb over the table, so Deidrick could claim her right here.
     "Kimi?" Devin called her name—the irritation evident in his voice.
     Kimi shook her head, trying to clear her provocative daydream. She was a sexual creature, often thinking of sex. Her fantasy of Deidrick boning her on the table while she was on a date with another man, was a little much. Even for her.
     "Sorry, my mind drifted." Kimi shifted in her chair. Closing her thighs, she tried to calm the heat pulsating in the center of them.
     "That's obvious." Devin smirked. "Your boyfriend must really have you messed up in the head."
     Kimi snorted. Not like he thought. "Deidrick isn't just my boyfriend."
     Devin's eyebrows rose. "Who is he, then?"
     "My fiancé."
     Devin's eyes grew large. "Are you serious?"
     "Deidrick popped the question after we both got accepted to the Trials."
     "Your man must be in love with you."
     "I would hope so."
     "Well, I guess you can't be swayed to be tempted."
     Definitely not by you!
     "Nope, I'm dedicated to my cause—the only reason I'm here."
     The thunder rumbling through the sky was an indication, the date was over. A storm was on the way.

* * *

     The following evening, the Temptation group gathered in the media room. The huge flat screen mounted on the wall must be at least one-hundred inches wide. Enforcers stood guard, waiting for one of the women to attempt to flee. Enduring all episodes of the Trials was one of their precious rules. If they tried to leave, the enforcers would stop them in their tracks.
     The fidgeting, shifting of weight, and deer in headlights expressions spoke volumes. Kimi's first date, although irritating, had been benign. As Kimi thought more about it, maybe the girls were nervous about what they would see on the other end. Deidrick had never been far from her thoughts. She hadn't been worrying much about his first date, believing he would stick to their plan. But what if he was drawn to one of the beautiful temptresses and decided to have fun like Sophie and Becca. Kimi's stomach took a nosedive as she contemplated this.
     Sophie interpreted Kimi's thoughts, sitting nearby. It might have been a welcomed distraction if it wasn't gossip coming from her mouth.
     "I heard you're engaged." Sophie's baby-blue eyes twinkled with mischief.

     Looked like Devin had a big mouth.
     "You heard right," Kimi smiled brightly.
     "Do you think your man will be faithful during the Trials?"
     Sophie sounded like a walking contradiction. "Do you think your man will be?"
     Sophie's brow knitted. "I hope he will."
     "Same here."
     "Well, I wish you luck."
     Calling Sophie on her shit seemed to straighten her right out.
     Hearing the provocative intro song created a hush over the room as the Temptation Trial's Episode 1: Part I, lit the screen. The first hour seemed to be set-up for entertainment. Zimmerman introduced himself, promoting the Trials like it was the best thing since sliced bread. He gave a summary of what was to come. After his intro speech, Zimmerman announced it was time to get to know the thirty-six contestants with up-close-and-personals. Kimi wasn't buying Zimmerman's explanation about the interview being part of the process. From the ludicrous questions Zimmerman had asked in her interview, Kimi felt they were geared as part of a joke.
     The up-close-personals started with island Maui. The largest resort with twelve women and men that were separated on different parts of the island. It looked like Kimi wasn't the only person who had gotten asked intrusive questions. Everyone did. Some of the staff and enforcers found the interviews amusing. Kimi had hit the nail on the head. Embarrassing the contestants had been the point.
     The next segment of interviews flipped back and forth between Oahu and their island, Kauai. Oahu was the island Deidrick was on.