Page 3 of Glamour & Gumballs

“All of those requests are reasonable. I had already arranged for the plane’s landing, the blanket, a pillow, and a change of clothes for her. I’ll call the stylists to make sure they’re aware that she gets to approve her wardrobe, and that they’re to go out and get whatever she wants after she’s seen what they chose. They can grab the toiletries while they’re out. The rice will take convincing, but I’ll make it happen.”

“What proof do I have that you are who Rhett says you are?” I countered. She probably didn’t know she was on speaker, but her surprise didn’t matter.

I was the one who was about to be dropped on a tropical island with a dozen horny fae assholes.

“Hi, Erin.” Christina’s voice remained pleasant. “I suppose I don’t have any proof to give you over the phone, but I lead the Society alongside my mate, Charlie. Our son, Cameron, won Survival’s first season. Given that the first contestant, Molly, is our new daughter-in-law, it’s in our best interest to make sure the second season runs more smoothly for you. I’d have a hard time convincing her that I’m sorry for the shit she went through if I didn’t change anything for you, don’t you think?”

My forehead creased.

That made sense, but it wasn’t proof.

“If the stylists don’t let you choose what to wear and provide you with what you need, then you can simply refuse to get on the plane. If they do, you’ll know I’m in enough of a position of power to make that happen, correct?”

“I guess.” My voice was reluctant.

“There will have to be some level of trust involved to have the rice delivered consistently. Even if there wasn’t, I think we both know that Rhett could get you there by force if he wanted. Keeping the peace rather than muscling their way through everything is a choice fae males make. I was human once, too. I understand the difference in strength better than most.”

She was?

My defenses eased slightly.

“Alright, fine. I’m not cooperating if the stylists aren’t aware of the change in plans when I get there, though,” I said.

“That’s perfectly fair. You’ll find them ready and waiting. Good luck, Erin. I hope this experience ends up far better than you’re expecting.”

The call ended, and I felt Rhett’s eyes on me in the mirror once more.

Had he been staring at me the whole time?

I wasn’t sure how to feel about that.

“Buckle up,” he said again.

“I don’t know why you’re so concerned with my safety.” I finally removed my legs from the bench seat and turned to sit properly.

“It’s my job.” He pulled onto the road again as soon as I was buckled.

“We’re in an armored vehicle, and everyone loves the fae. It’s not like I’m in any danger.”

He grunted, and said nothing else.

I glared out the window through the rest of the ride.

As Christina promised, the stylists were ready and waiting for the wardrobe change. They told me how many clothing items I was allowed to bring, and had me list out exactly what I wanted, down to brands I liked.

Two of them disappeared immediately to get that stuff, and everything else Christina had asked for.

As much as I didn’t want to admit it, there was some evidence that she was who she said she was. Rhett hadn’t called anyone else before we arrived, and someone had spoken with the team before we got there.

I refused most of the processes the stylists had planned. I wasn’t wearing eyelash extensions, or getting highlights, or anything else that would change what I looked like. My body was mine; if the fae only wanted me with a makeover, they could find someone else.

Because of my refusals, we were done early. So, I spent two hours sitting on a couch, eating way too many of the pastries that had been provided by the Society. Rhett had confiscated my phone the moment I pulled it out of my pocket, so there was nothing else to do.

When the stylists returned, I put on the sports bra, shorts, and long-sleeved tee I’d requested, all in black.

Then, I went through the bag of items I’d been promised. When I was satisfied everything was there, I followed Rhett out of the building and got on the plane like a good little compatible mate.

My throat constricted as we took off, heading straight for my personal hell.

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