Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty Five
Landon
Ididn’t see any of this coming. Not from a fucking mile away.
When I signed up for Locked In, I came with one objective—to win.
I knew that finding a partner to at least play the part was going to be a key component of it, but I figured I’d deal with that later.
Then when I ended up locking in with Courtney, I thought it was kinda perfect.
We hated each other from day one, that much was obvious.
But we were both focused on winning, and that I could work with.
Never in a million years did I think things could shift from that to…
this. Especially not this fast. The fact of the matter is, I have been watching her.
From the moment I got here, I looked over all the women, and though they were beautiful, not a single one stood out to me.
Until she came stumbling up the hill, half disoriented, with Luna helping her.
I don’t know what it was about her, but I couldn’t look away.
I wasn’t the only one either.
It took literally no time at all for Noah to swoop in.
We were on the island for less than two hours before he was going around each guy, making it known he was going after Courtney, and that we should all look elsewhere.
I did, happily, because I didn’t come here to get caught up in petty drama.
She took my lack of emotion as a lack of interest, but it was never about that.
Now… fuck, I don’t know. We have an understanding, an agreement of sorts.
Catching feelings was definitely not listed in our verbal terms and conditions.
It isn’t just me, though. It can’t be. We’ve made out before, fooled around a bit too.
That was different, though. Yesterday on the beach was… I don’t know. It was something else.
We’re at the elimination ceremony, and thank fuck, Courtney and I are sitting on the couch.
When Calvin, Kenzie, Savannah and Noah are asked to stand up, Courtney reaches for my hand.
I take it instantly, lacing our fingers together before giving her a reassuring nod.
I know that she and Kenzie have become closer lately and she would hate to see her go.
Savannah and Noah, on the other hand? I wouldn’t just be okay if they left; I’d be fucking ecstatic.
“Hello, everyone. You all look fabulous as always,” Alex schmoozes. “America has cast their votes, and the results are in.”
Savannah and Noah are sweating bullets up there. She’s shaking in her sky-high stilettos while he’s standing there looking absolutely terrified. Calvin and Kenzie look uncomfortable too, but they’re a hell of a lot more composed.
Come on, Alex. Say the words. Savannah and Noah. Savannah and Noah.
“Before I announce who’s going home, is there anything either couple would like to say?” Alex prompts.
Everyone on the couch tilts their head curiously.
We didn’t get that option. Neither did Dallas or Kiera.
Kind of a beg-for-your-life type of thing.
Then again, the results are already in. It couldn’t change the outcome.
Probably a plot to stretch out the moment.
These writers think they’re so goddamn clever.
“I just wanted to say that if it’s our time, Noah and I will never forget all of you. We found love and friendships, and that’s something we’ll cherish forever,” Savannah says, smiling. A tear slips down her face for a little extra flair as she tucks herself into Noah’s side.
The only person over here that’s buying her shit is Angel, but that’s to be expected. Alex sure is eating it up as he places a hand over his heart dramatically before looking to Kenzie and Calvin.
“We’re both really grateful for this opportunity and for bringing us together. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Locked In, I don’t think our paths ever would have crossed,” Kenzie says genuinely as she looks up at Calvin like he hung the moon.
He smiles down at her adoringly and nods. “Thank God I’ll never have to know another second of life without you by my side.”
Several girls aww, including Courtney, and I have to give it to him. Dude has game.
“Absolutely beautiful,” Alex says, nodding to the two couples before looking down at his index cards.
When he flips to the next one, his face clouds with disappointment, and I find myself leaning forward in anticipation.
“Savannah and Noah,” he says.
Relief washes over Kenzie and Calvin, and Courtney breathes out a sigh of relief as I wrap my arm around her.
“You both are safe. Kenzie and Calvin, I’m sorry. You have officially been locked out.”
Wait. What?
Savannah and Noah scream in celebration, and he lifts her into the air in a very tacky move as everyone else’s jaws hit the floor. Shock ripples through us all, and Kenzie and Calvin stand like statues as Alex walks up to them and cuts their bracelets, which drop to the ground.
“Please take a moment to say your goodbyes and collect your things,” he says, gesturing to the rest of us.
Courtney and Luna are the first to stand, rushing over to Kenzie as she begins to fall apart.
Meanwhile, Savannah and Angel are holding hands, jumping in a circle and squealing like they just scored backstage tickets to their favorite band.
We all send them narrowed glares, but they don’t seem to give a shit.
I walk up to Calvin and pull him into a hug. “This is bullshit. I’m sorry, man.”
He shakes his head and shrugs. “It’s the name of the game, I guess. At least I still got the girl,” he says with a forced smile.
I clap his shoulder. “That you do.”
Several others say their goodbyes before Calvin wraps his arm around Kenzie’s shoulder and leads them back to their room to pack.
“Congratulations to Savannah and Noah, looks like you’ll make it to another day here at Locked In.”
Noah smiles proudly. “Thank you, Alex.”
“We knew America wasn’t finished with us yet. Just like we aren’t finished with them,” Savannah says, angling her tits for the camera.
Jesus.
“Of course. Have a good night, and I’ll be seeing you all very soon.”
Alex walks away and we’re all left staring at each other.
“What kind of ominous shit could he mean by that?” Luna asks.