After They finished eating Bliss leaned back in the chair and patted her stomach, "The meal was delicious."
Luka looked at his watch, "You should go change."
"I'm wearing this."
He knitted his eyebrows together. "I understand you aren't interested in participating, but you should realize if you wear that tracksuit you will be setting yourself up to be ridiculed. Not just by the other contestants but by the viewers. Stop your self-defeating behavior."
"I really don't care."
"I'm beginning to wonder if you want to be an actress."
Bliss took a sip of water, "I do. Maybe you don't understand this business. I have no backer and have lost several roles not due to lack of talent but for a variety of different reasons. No matter what I wear it won't equate to me getting more roles. I don't want to be here... so... dressing casually is my silent protest."
"You could have a backer now."
Bliss picked up the empty dishes to take to the sink. "Stop dangling carrots in front of me. I'm tired of being a fish on a chopping block."
Luka shook his head, "You really like to reference food. Do the show well and I will reward you. No strings attached. I don't want my brother to have the satisfaction of destroying my production company's first show."
" I will think about it."
After Bliss left the kitchen she ran into Louie and he pulled her to the side. "If anyone finds out you and the producer..well."
"Louie, thanks for your concern but there is nothing going on between us. I was hungry and went into the kitchen and he happened to there."
"That is a relief. Watch out for Vivienne. I think she wants that Bachelor, she might play some dirty tricks."
"Vivienne, the Supermodel?"
"Yeah, rumor has it she wants to break into acting. This production company just acquired the rights to The Woman In The Tower."
"Really? I thought the author refused to have his book turned into a movie."
"I don't know the details, he was persuaded somehow."
Hmmph, persuaded or compelled? Bliss patted him on the shoulder, "Louie, you are wasting your talents as a cameraman you should be a gossip columnist."
He crumpled the Coke can in his hand then tossed it into the trash. "Haha..probably make more money."
While we were talking the Director came rushing down the hallway followed by a terrified Nicole who from the murmurings apparently discovered Nina drowning in the ice cold lake.
The Director was sweating and his red rimmed eyes were filled with worry. "Where is the ambulance? It should be here by now."
The sound of sirens could be heard as one of the crew members carried Nina through the French doors that led to the garden. Her short burgundy hair was dripping water, her face was deathly pale and her lips had a bluish tint. The blanket wrapped around her was soaked.
Bliss was puzzled, what the hell happened to Nina? Did one of her tricks go awry and she ended up in the lake? I doubt a selfish person like her would commit suicide.
The man carrying Nina put his finger under her nose. "I think she stopped breathing. Does anyone know CPR?"
Looking around Bliss hoped someone would step forward. When there wasn't a peep she reluctantly said, "Lay her flat on the ground."
The Director gave Bliss a grateful look that she disregarded and then he yelled at the man holding Nina, "Put her on the floor!"
Regretting taking CPR classes and having a conscience, Bliss knelt on the floor next to Nina then pinched the cute little upturned nose on the face she hated. She was about to begin when a hand pulled her away. She looked up to see Luka with an angry expression. "The ambulance is here."
A man in an EMT uniform rushed over and began CPR then they lifted Nina onto a stretcher.
The Director held onto the side of the stretcher, Bliss could see his desperate expression as he followed them out the front door. Hmm..If Nina survives she definitely has the part in his next movie.
Luka's piercing gaze was riveted on Bliss and she saw a flash of red flames in his eyes.
"What?"
"Why would you help a woman that almost killed you?"
"Because no one else knew CPR."
"You are stupid."
"I have had enough of your judgy comments. I couldn't not do anything, I would feel guilty. I wouldn't be any better than Nina." When she saw the disgusted look on his face she spitefully added, "It's called being human."
"Naive. Being human? I have seen too many humans destroy each other without a trace of remorse. Did she feel an ounce of pity for you when you almost drowned?"
"Luka, I do what I think is right. Was I happy about being the one to volunteer? No. Anyway with the Director going with her to the hospital, the filming will be delayed. I am going to my room."
As Bliss walked up the stairs Nicole came rushing up behind her. She grabbed Bliss' sleeve and her eyes darted around, "Bliss...I am afraid."
"Why?"
She shivered and her voice trembled, "I was walking in the garden..well..come to my room okay?"
Bliss was surprised how strong the delicate looking woman was as she dragged her down the hallway to her room. Once inside, she locked the door and she appeared terrified, "I saw Nina by the lake. I called her but she kept walking into the water. Like she was in a trance. I ran up to the lake but she was already in too deep. I saw..."
Suddenly, Luka appeared in the room and before Nicole could say another word he held her by the shoulders. His eyes turned crimson red as he compelled her to forget what she witnessed. Bliss motionlessly watched him stare into Nicole's frightened eyes, then he turned towards her.
Bliss saw the blank look in Nicole's eyes and was angry. "Are you going to compel me too? It was your doing? Nina drowning?"
"Yes. I had Lorena compel the bitch. She deserved to die for harming you."
"What gives you the right? You are unbelievable!"
Luka's eyes were dyed scarlet and his razor sharp fangs were visible as he lifted Bliss' chin and squeezed, "I didn't want to have to compel you, Bliss Quinn, but I can see you won't accept me if I don't."
Bliss struggled when he grabbed her shoulders, "Luka Lenovich! If you compel me, I swear I will never speak to you again."
Luka laughed, "I feel if I don't compel you that will be the outcome."
Hating the fact he could control her and that she was helpless to prevent it she pleaded, "Don't. I will try to understand you. I know you did it to avenge me... but...you can't interfere in my life."
After tenderly brushing her hair back he stroked her slender neck with his finger. His deep and seductive voice was full of evil charm. "Will you?"
Bliss felt a familiar rush of heat in her body and wanted to swat his hot hand away. She bit her lower lip and looked away from his mesmerizingly beautiful eyes then answered, "Yes. Yes, I will."
He hugged Bliss and her face was pressed against his chest. She could hear his heart pounding and wondered if that was normal for a Vampire.
When he let Bliss go he whispered something in Nicole's ear then disappeared out the door.
Sounding annoyed, Nicole scrunched up her pretty face, "Bliss Quinn, why are you in my room?"
"Ah..I came to borrow..ah..". Bliss looked around, "Your blow dryer. I didn't bring one."
Nicole picked up the blow dryer and handed it to her. "Well, you better hurry, we need to go to dinner soon."
"I don't think they will film tonight, there was an accident. The Director's assistant fell into the lake."
"Oh my God! Is Nina okay?"
Nicole really has no recollection of what happened. "They transported her to the hospital."
"I hope that doesn't interfere with the rest of the filming. Tomorrow we are supposed to have our one on one with the bachelors. I drew the most handsome of the three, Luka Lenovich. I am so excited!"
"..."