37

One by one, men got out of the car, each as gorgeous as the last. Every one of them could have been a movie star or model. The crowd, especially the ladies, screeched as the men—all attired in tailored tuxedoes—waved.

I did my best to hear all the names as they were called out and file them away in my memory, but the screams, flashing lights, and my nerves made that impossible. I’d have to wait until later to try and get them all straight.

The men looked up at the stage and tried to catch my eye as I smiled and nodded at whatever the hell Von was saying. I didn’t really care for the intent and greedy way they looked at me. Like I was nothing more than a prize to be won.

After the eighth man stepped out, Von raised his hands and addressed the crowd. “We have a bit of a last-minute change regarding our tenth and eleventh contestants. The eleventh contestant was delayed and will join us on Bloodstone Island. And due to unforeseen circumstances, our tenth competitor had to drop out.” Murm