The girls quickly got ready and headed to the kitchen. “You don’t think they’ll pull a dumping right after a recoupling?” Iona asked.

“That would be sadistic if they did, “Elladine said. They all had a cocktail because it seemed to be that type of night. They could see the boys over on the lawn seriously discussing something. The recoupling, most likely. “Who do you think they’ll pick?”

“I’m betting Nicky will pick Elladine, and Camilo will pick Iona,” Viv said with a sigh. “But I’m not sure where Harry’s head is at.” Her gaze came to rest on Rian.

“I haven’t talked to Tai much about either,” Rian admitted.

“What makes you think Camilo or Bill won’t pick Rian?” Iona asked.

“I like Seb, but he seems to have his eye on someone else,” Yasmin said.

“Well, I didn’t come here to be bored,” Viv said, brightening up.

Iona smiled, “Viv’s right! What’s life in the Villa without a few surprises?”

“I don’t think it’s fair. The boys get to go first,” AJ pouted.

“We went after the new islanders did last time, so technically it was ladies’ choice.” Rian reminded her.

“I know, but…” AJ was interrupted by her phone. “It’s time.”

“Boys, fire-pit!” Yasmin called out, but they didn’t seem to hear her.

Rian smile as she leaned over to the girls and snickered. “Watch this…” She twisted toward the boys and announced out. “Why no, Viv, I’ve never done bits in a yurt.”

All the boys’ heads immediately whipped around as the girls burst into laughter.

“Who did bits on a yacht?” Harry asked.

“I thought she said, putting bits in yogurt,” Tai said, brow furrowed with apparent confusion.

“She said yurt,” Bill stated.

“That’s not even a word,” Camilo said. Iona face-palmed.

“Yogurt is a word,” Tai shot back.

“Just get over here. It’s recoupling time,” Elladine said, shaking her head in exasperation.

They started walking. “You said yurt, right?” Bill asked. “Who was it?”

“Viv, at the festival,” Rian stated.

Viv looked at Rian in surprise. “How did you know?”

“Lucky guess,” Rian teased.

They got to the fire pit and lined up. “Good luck, everyone,” Iona said.

“Yea, good luck,” Viv said, smiling at Seb.

The girls stood in line as the boys sat. The wait for the first text seemed to drag on endlessly as everyone looked nervously at each other. A phone buzzed. Harry jumped up, “It’s me.” He fist-pumped. “I get to go first.”

“I’ve been waiting for the opportunity to couple up with this girl since day one. I think she’s full of life and the right person to win Love Island with. I just hope she will give me a chance,” Harry smiled cheerfully, “The girl I want to couple with is Rian.”

Rian had to admit this turn of affairs shocked her. The girls looked just as puzzled except for Viv, who seemed to expect it. Rian walked over to Harry and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for choosing me. I wasn’t aware you felt that way.” Harry slipped his hand in hers as they sat down.

Seb was next. He looked over at Rian, who smiled at him despite the confusion of her own situation and said. “Seb, follow your heart.”

He gave her a lopsided grin. “You’re right. Thanks.” He took a deep breath to steady his nerves. “I know this is going to be a surprise to everyone but Rian. But I’m going against my usual MO because I think this girl could be the sunshine to my darkness. She’s so cheerful and nice to everyone naturally. So the girl I want to couple up and get to know better is Viv.”

A huge smile broke over Viv’s face as she walked over to Seb. He slid an arm gently around her, and they sat down. Nicky chose Elladine, which everyone expected. Camilo chose Iona, no surprise there. Bill chose Yasmin and Tai chose AJ. Rian thought Tai and AJ might get on rather well. She wasn’t so sure about Bill and Yasmin, though. The couples wandered off, leaving Harry and Rian at the fire-pit.

Rian had to admit she was happy for the others… they seemed to be pretty pleased about their couples, mostly. She hadn’t really thought of Harry as someone to pair with. But eh, why not?

“Hey,” Harry said, breaking Rian out of thoughts. Rian looked at him.” I’m so excited to be coupled up with you. I’ve wanted this for so long. To get to share a bed with you feels like a dream come true. I’ve got some stuff I want to say to you. Is that alright?” He looked around, “well, it seems this is the only place we can be alone. So as good a spot as any.”

Rian nodded. “Right here is fine.”

“Thanks,” He said, taking her hands in his. “Feelings are so hard to get a hold of in here. There is so much uncertainty. The one thing I am certain of is you.”

“How so?” Rian asked.

“You’re beautiful.” Harry said, “I can’t forget our date. I had so much fun with you. But more than that. You’re crazy smart, and the public has to like you. There’s no way we won’t win this whole thing.”

That’s the moment it clinked in Rian’s head. Harry didn’t want her for her. He wanted her for what she could give him—his ambitions. The thought chilled her, but… wasn’t that what she was doing as well. Perhaps but it wasn’t for herself. Maybe… that was the difference. “But if we didn’t win, that would be OK too?” She asked. She was testing him to see his reaction. It was OK with her if she lost. That would be fair.

His face screwed up in disgust for a moment. “I’m actually going to be annoyed if we don’t win.”

“Sure, but there’s more to it than just winning,” Rian said, looking at Harry curiously.

“I’ve tried to concentrate on finding love… but I love to win,” Harry replied. “At the end of the day, this is a competition. If I don’t win, I’ll feel like it was a bit of a waste.” He shrugs. “That is who I am.”

Rian’s mind was whirling. She could use this to her advantage. However, she liked the people she had met and became friends with, and honestly, the thought that if her partner won the money, she would still have half to work with. But Harry… he might take it all. After all, she was obviously a pawn for him, a trophy on his arm.

“Thanks,” Rian said dryly, standing up.

“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” Harry tried to backtrack as he stood up. “I’m happy I met you. But that part of me needs to win. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t that way.” He looked repentant, but Rian was skeptical.

“Why don’t we try focusing on the present and not worrying about the final?” Rian offered. A piece of her wanted to believe that Harry wasn’t that bad, but her stomach twisted.

“I can try that,” Harry said, giving her a beaming smile. He wrapped his arms around her, giving her a slight squeeze. “How about some celebratory bits?”

“Maybe another time,” Rian said, faking a yawn. The very idea turned her stomach after what he had just told her. “I think I just want to get some rest.”

“OK, sure.” Harry looked disappointed.