#nova bachelorette challenge

[hibischush]

What kind of music, or song that instantly comes in your mind each FoM bachelors and bachelorettes would listen to?

God this is going to reveal so much about me y'all better not judge my odd musical escapades 😤🌺

Seriously though, I love character playlists so if any of y'all make one please share!

Bachelors;

Balor

Okay...I dunno why but

Fall Out Boy

Balor just seems like the type of guy to like the content sung in their songs and I think he definitely enjoys pop-punk

Like I immediately thought of "Sugar, We're Goin Down" from Fall Out Boy

Literally any other emo-rock/punk band too

Think MCR

March

Anything from The Offspring tbh

I was listening to "Want You Bad" and I was like. Yep that's him

Same goes for "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid"

For music that he listens to, I also think he would be a rock enjoyer

NOT BECAUSE HE'S A BLACKSMITH. OK?

But more specifically older rock (think Bon Jovi, Journey, The Rolling Stones)

Hayden

Yes I know he looks like he listens to country

But its more folk-country than the pop-country that's super popular these days

I thought of "Southern Nights" by Glen Campbell

Also pretty much anything from Johnny Cash

Specifically "Ring of Fire"

Ryis

I think he would like some country artists similar to Hayden, but I thought of Jimi Hendrix honestly

Like Hendrix's "Purple Haze"

Soft rock basically

"Drive," "Just What I Needed," and "You Might Think" all by The Cars

Eiland

This man definitely listens to classical/orchestral music I mean look at him

I can't really point out any artists for that

But like... if video games/movies existed in Mistria

He'd listen to video game OSTs too

Like you'd be catching him listening to Indiana Jones' OST while digging up artifacts 😭

Bachelorettes;

Celine

I think Celine would listen to pop or pop-punk for sure

Like she's listening to Billie Eilish idc

Esp Billie's HIT ME HARD AND SOFT album

I think she'd listen to Kali Uchi too (her "Moonlight" song came to mind)

But I think she'd also like R&B too (Specifically Ravyn Lenae)

Juniper

She'd get down with rap and R&B man

"Paint the Town Red" and "Agora Hills" by Doja Cat

"Dang!" by Mac Miller ft. Anderson .Paak

She likes the soft beat packed with words or hype music I suppose

makes her feel powerful

Reina

Reina is another R&B enjoyer-- but specifically a huge SZA fan

I thought of "Snooze" by SZA

But Reina seems like the type to enjoy any type of music honestly

Her family really encourages music as a past time with her mom singer and her father playing stringed instruments

Valen

Only piano music

Literally she's the type to dislike music that hypes her up/makes her feel strong emotions like anger

She likes music that calms her and piano music does just that

Adeline

Adeline is similar to her brother in that she enjoys classical music

She enjoys ball room dancing, and often "classic" or orchestral or waltz music plays

But I also see her enjoying Brazilian Bossa Nova music as well

"Brazil" (Aka Aquarela do Brasil) by Antonio Carlos Jor

"So Danco Samba" by Stan Getz & Luiz Bonfa

I think she likes bossa nova because the rhythm is so different from more western music

It challenges to adapt to the beat while dancing and she likes it

Bonus; Caldarus

For Caldarus, it has been a long time since they have heard music

When they hear it from your nearby farmhouse, they find it very pleasing

If they ever get outta statue form then I think they are very eager to seek out all types of music

Whelp hopefully none of these are musical hot takes.🥲 Whenever I mention certain artists just know that I primarily mean the vibes/style of the artists, cause you wouldn't find Doja Cat in Mistria lmao

[smoshgoshbefosh]

2 November

What Smosh Videos were Posted on Your Birthday?

2012:

Addicted to Honey Boo Boo Child- Smosh Main

Smosh Bros Brawl (Game Bang)- Smosh Games

Making it Or Breaking it (Gamer Nation)- Smosh Games

2013:

I'm Cuddle Batman, Bitches! (Arkham Origins Part 4)- Smosh Games

Joker's turn To Play (Arkham Origins Part 5)- Smosh Games

Meet Your Electrocutioner (Arkham Origins Part 6)- Smosh Games

2014:

Surviving Zombies In Space (Smosh Games is Bored)- Smosh Games

2015:

Accent Challenge 2- Smosh Pit

Supply Run Disaster (Maricraft)- Smosh Games

2016:

What If The Walking Dead... - Smosh Main

Epic Foam Fountain (Smosh Lab)- Smosh Pit

Horror Continues in Outlast 2 (Press Start)- Smosh Games

2017:

We Got Lost at Disneyland (Squad Vlogs Field Trip)- Smosh Pit

Learning to Fight In Egypt (Operation: Open World)- Smosh Games

2018:

No videos November 2

2019:

No videos November 2

2020:

Every High School in 2020- Smosh Main

2021:

Eat It or Yeet It Happy Hour Edition- Smosh Pit

The World's Worst Date & An Epic Proposal (Sims 4: Bachelorette Challenge)- Smosh Games

2022:

Fiona Nova Interviews Her Exes- Smosh Main

2023:

Roasting Our Cringey Tweets (You Posted That)- Smosh Pit

This Game is Pure Chaos (Shorts)- Smosh Games

[tvrundownusa]

tvrundown USA 2024.10.30

Wednesday, October 30th:

(exclusive): "Inside No. 9" (BritBox, comedy anthology, season 9 available, all 6 eps), "Go Ahead, Brother" (netflix, Polish crime thriller, all 6 eps), "The Law According to Lidia Poët" (netflix, season 2 available, all 6 eps), "Children of the Church Steps" (netflix, Brazilian drama mini-series, all 4 eps), Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (dsn+, sitcom sequel, first 9 eps)

(movies): "The Exorcism" (Shudder, horror), "Time Cut" (netflix, teen time-travel horror, ~90mins), "Martha" (netflix, Martha Stewart profile documentary)

(streaming weekly): Shrinking (apple+), Where's Wanda? (apple+), Midnight Family (apple+), You Would Do it Too (apple+, Spanish mystery-thriller, first 2 eps), Murai In Love (hulu), The Judge From Hell (hulu, next 2 eps), Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (hulu, next 2 eps), Seoul Busters (hulu|dsn+, next 4 eps, season 1 finale), Ink Master (Para+), Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? (APrime), Buy It Now (APrime, entrepreneurial competition, first 3 eps), Love Is Blind (netflix, season 7 reunion special, in primetime), Agatha All Along (dsn+, next 2 eps, season 1 finale)

(also new): MLB World Series (FOX, game 5, live), "The Neighbor Who Saw Too Much" (LMN original movie, 2hrs)

(earlier - hour 0): Max & The Midknights (NICK, animated series premiere) / . / NFL Slimetime (NICK)

(hour 1): Sullivan's Crossing (theCW), Survivor (CBS, 90mins), The Golden Bachelorette (ABC, 90mins), The Challenge (MTV, 90mins), Nature (PBS, "Dracula's Hidden Kingdom"), Wizards Beyond Waverly Place (disney, special night, next 2 eps)

(hour 2): Inside the NFL (theCW), Sistas (BET), Survivor (CBS, contd) / . / The Summit (CBS, 90mins), The Golden Bachelorette (ABC, contd) / . / Abbott Elementary (ABC), The Challenge (MTV, contd), NOVA (PBS, "The Solar System" part 5/5), "Breath of Fire" (HBO, part 2 of four)

(hour 3): The Summit (CBS, contd), What Would You Do? (ABC), Forged In Fire (HIST), Secrets of the Dead (PBS, "Field of Vampires"), Grotesquerie (FX, ~75mins+, limited series finale)

[repeats, resuming next week: Chicago Med (NBC), Chicago Fire (NBC), Chicago P.D. (NBC) ] [preempted by MLB, returning next week: The Masked Singer (FOX), The Floor (FOX) ]

[theultrablog]

Pulp Storytime #31: Weirder living, underground, Part 1.

Some things are odder than Hollywood. Maude Brown had returned from Nova Roma, the hidden Roman city underneath Libya. She missed her radio fame, she claimed, and was back to take over Hollywood with a new picture: the first-ever sword and surfboard action musical. To that effect, she had brought in Canadian race car scion Maple Saint Lee, and her trusted legal counsel, Tacito Uriel Velasco, a.k.a. the Jade Jaguar. Also lounging in the studio were Devika, Giula Santinella, and Gyatso. Maude served hors d’oeuvres on the soundstage, showing off a weird mystic necklace nobody could place. You might think, aren’t Tacito and Steel Eagle extremely competitive within their niches? Well, only partially. (In fact, at one point Devika asked who is tougher and the Jade Jaguar said “Steel Eagle” without a second’s hesitation.) Anyway, with butler Aldous’s leg mysteriously in a cast, it was up to the group to save the picture. They wouldn’t mind finding the screenwriter, Stanley Brewster? His bungalow had been broken into a few days ago and he hadn’t been seen since. The group raced to the scene. While the others investigated the garage and first floor, Devi skulked around the yard, looking for signs of entry. Her carefulness was rewarded when she found the back doors completely smashed in. The party scoured the first and second floors. They found two weird pools of oily blood that didn’t dry and smelled of gasoline; annotated books on MANTONG, the alleged first language of humanity; and an address book which led to Brewster’s writing partner. At the partner’s writing complex, Devika told the lawyer to ‘memorize the billboard across the street’ as she jimmied open the front door. The missing occupant, Richard Shaver, was a slob. Which meant he left out a lot of evidence, including screenplay pages about ancient robots, and marked-up maps of a small oil town up the Pacific Coast Highway. The fiery stuntwoman Lala Santinella was eager to get there, challenging new girl/race car driver Maple St. Lee. And with Devika’s help, she absolutely smoked her, driving on sidewalks and medians, leaving burnt rubber all the way up Highway 1. Maple had the excuse of carrying the rest of the passengers (the Eagle’s sidekick Jimmy Pulaski and Maude Brown among them), but Lala wasn’t buying it. “If you were being followed by a tail, you should’ve just gone faster.” Sound logic! Lala, for reference: https://imgur.com/a/kk4n1RF The apartment map led to the Carcossa oil company. The racer, lawyer and millionaire-orphan met the boss under the guise of investing. They learned a lot but tipped their hands… only to be ambushed by hordes of humanoid oil workers. Devika and Lala were ambushed by the receptionist, who pulled out a baseball bat. Devi picked up a picture frame from the woman’s desk and glassed her with it; Lala sprung off a wall and toppled a filing cabinet. The woman was smushed by the cabinet, oddly, and exploded in a spray of oily blood! This is where the redundancy came in handy. The Steel Eagle and Jade Jaguar mopped the floor with the roughnecks. Glowing fists, diving sweeps, chain chokes, rising knees, all thrown around like fake compliments at a bachelorette party. At the ladies' request, the pair even did a cool double jump-kick into the boss’s locked door, sending it flying into the far wall. The next part was much less cool, as Maude took out her purse pistol and tried to blow Devika away! Devi rolled to cover, and the group easily overpowered the radio starlet. A suspicious Gyatso ripped off her necklace, and she demanded her servants fetch her royal gown! …Wait, was this whole mission from someone kidnapped and mind-controlled?

Tacito Velasco.

[pilinya]

Pandora Bythewood for @cosmosim‘s Nova

Traits: Creative, Paranoid & Vegetarian

Breed: Half-demon

Special Abilities: None, but she ages slower than the average human

 Every 100 years the demon Darkath begets 13 heirs with human women. He takes the half demons under his care, raises them and trains them in their abilities.

Pandora's one of those kids. But after only a few years Darkath noticed that this child had hardly any noteworthy abilities and did not pass any exam. Pandora was more human than demon and that disgusted Darkath. He was looking for worthy warriors to fight in his legions and not for weak creatures. So he abandoned the little girl, hoping that nature would do the rest.

But Pandora survived, a truck driver found her and took her to the nearest orphanage. Like all children, Pandora wanted nothing more than to be adopted by a loving family. But nothing happened. The potential parents took a glance at her dark eyes with the reddish gleam, her face scarred by the infernal trials, as well as her three belly buttons, and they fled.

Pandora was no unhappy child. Everything was better than fighting with her 12 siblings and being trained as a warrior. Pandora had an awareness of the beautiful things early on. She loves art, music and above all writing. As soon as she had mastered writing, she had begun to fill notebooks and diaries.

And she's still doing that these days. In the tropical paradise of Sulani, she hopes not only to finally finish her first novel, but also to discover love under the warm sun.

And maybe love encourages her to  look for her mother one day.

Quickfacts

◉ Always wears an amulet around her neck - the only thing she owns from her mother

◉ Tries to hide her three belly buttons as good as she can, not because she is ashamed, but because she doesn't want to frighten other people.

◉ Loves the smell of fresh rain on a warm summer evening

◉ Strawberries are their favorite fruit

◉ She always has her notebook or at least pen and paper at hand

◉ Is into photography at the moment - Sulani is perfect for practicing

[unflirtysimmer]

Vanya Naebella for @cosmosim’s Nova

Traits: Genius, Insider, and Slob

Life State: Elf

Growing up as elvish royalty Vanya was expected to do great things in life. Her father, the Great King of Saalnor and the slayer of the Darkling race, foresaw her taking his place on the throne one day much to her mothers dismay who still held old-fashioned views. She thought one of Vanya’s many brother’s had a birthright to take the throne and continuously argued that,” A woman had no place ruling over the entire elvish kingdom, and that their only job was raising children”. After years of pushing this viewpoint down her daughter’s throat Vanya’s father finally had enough... and made a spectacle out of cutting his wives tongue out publicly before banishing her from the kingdom forever. That was the moment Vanya realized how cruel her father and the village she lived in was, and began to fear the very people she shared her day with. From that point forward in her life Vanya’s father put her through vigorous military training and began to expedite the grooming process so she could take the throne one day. Overtime Vanya morphed into someone she didn't even recognize... all because she was too afraid to speak out against her father.

She lived this life for many years, growing to despise the elven race for what they were doing to her and how they didn’t seem to care that she was clearly suffering. Eventually the day arrived for Vanya to take the throne, but at this time in her life she had no interest in ruling over her elvish comrades. Before her coronation, Vanya fled the kingdom and abandoned Saalnor with just a bow and a few arrows. In the outside world Vanya was finally able to be who she always wanted to be... and lived life to the fullest extent, becoming a wild child with the wilderness around her. In fact... with her out of control behavior Vanya angered many forest natives, and as a result was cursed by a forest nymph. Not knowing how to cure the curse put on her, Vanya returned to Saalnor in search of help; however, on reentering the kingdom she was taken in by the royal guard and held captive. Now a lowly prisoner in her own village Vanya was beaten and tortured, causing everlasting damage to her mind and body. All the while this was happening, the curse she was attempting to heal was only growing worse. She couldn’t believe the people she once called family would allow this to happen to her in her time of need, and now completely despised the elven race... or at least the village she had previously lived in.

After weeks of torture Vanya was finally able to make an escape, and vowed never to return to Saalnor for any circumstance. Since abandoning her village Vanya has been in search of a permanent home... somewhere far away from Saalnor where she has no chance of ever spotting any elves from her previous home ever again. While living in the forest Vanya has changed her ways for the better, and has now become a treat to have around! With all the knowledge she had gained from studying to take the throne she has helped the forest prosper in many ways, and now takes great care of the land she walks on along with the animals surrounding her. Now a kind-hearted soul, Vanya is finally happy with who she has become... and is in search for someone who can accept her the way she is, flaws and all, and won’t be scared off when she speaks of her curse.

  Facts About Vanya:

Her left hand is cursed and Vanya refers to it as “The Fade” because it dims and brightens depending on the time of day. At it’s brightest, noon, Vanya is a shell of a person with severe fatigue, an inability to think clearly, confusion, sensitivity to cold and heat, hearing and sight loss, and acute paranoia. At other times of the day she can function normally, with only a few of the less powerful symptoms.

Vanya is pansexual, and is in a poly relationship with a spider and a elf from a different village she met outside after escaping prison. She wouldn’t mind leaving them if the right person came around, as she isn’t particularly attached to either of them.

Want’s to meet her mother again, but is afraid of what emotions might rise when she sees her again after all these years. Vanya also fears that her mother may blame her for her banishment...

Now finds it hard to trust people after all the betrayal she’s faced.

Doesn’t like to talk about her curse, and tries to hide it with bracelets when she is able to.

Loves to explore new lands.

Tends to stay up late and wake up early to get as many good hours in a day she can before the fade hinders her ability to.

Dabbles with herbalism and the art of flower arranging.

Loves to collect things, especially things she's never seen before.

Has a fear of forest nymphs.

Is very soft spoken, but is trying to change that about herself.

Download (Dropbox)

[kingdavidwestergaard]

@cosmosim Here is Edger Harrington he is currently standing in front of his empty lot which will become a home for him he is kind and caring and loving and gentle and he also loves mermaids I will be adding in his parents soon so you can see where he gets his charming looks from he is perfect for Nova.

[simmerjohnson]

Cash Banks

Cash Banks for @nova-plays Joy Keating

Hi, My name is Cash. I am 29, 6‘2“ tall, weigh 180 pounds, dark brown hair, light brown eyes, I’m a Libra ♎️ and I’m single.

Some would say My traits are : Cheerful🍭, maker🕯🛠, outdoors enthusiast🏞. My life’s aspiration is to have a large loving household👨‍👩‍👧‍👦.

For employment I am a professor at the Foxbury Institution of Science . I love molding young minds for the future. I teach Computer science / Physics. There’s just something about making things with your hands that let you know that you can take care of your self and the ones you love.

What are my hobbies you ask... I like to make things at home, like candles and furniture, looking to own my own furniture store some time soon. But I don’t want to give up teaching. I love to Work-out, not to look good but to stay healthy. I have to be able to keep up with these young kids. I really enjoy hanging out at the local coffee shop. I think I’m addicted to caffeine☕️🤪. I like reading a book from time to time. My favorite book 📖 is Moby Dick. Hopefully one day I can read bedtime stories to my daughter, son or both one day, Speaking of kids I want 3. Why that many? Well I really don’t know it just feels right😄

Mood Bored | Playlist

[literalite]

Since most of simblr is Problematic to you (not a dig I promise) who are the blogs you actually enjoy then?

ok lets do it

@novvac aka dom, main characters of colour ONLY, impeccable taste, the gays r always present and represented. has this rlly distinct vibe that is seriously unparalleled. is starting a really sexy story soon so look out fr that.. 👀

@sadb0ysims aka mia, we got more yts but look. stories r fantastic, really emotional, doesnt do the whole. haha look at all the pain thats happening. treats serious topics with genuine respect. the end of january... 🥺🥺🥺 BUT i am waiting for comatose v2. i want to see el and anthony, mia.

@rosymiel aka kyla, my mum, kindness queen. edits will FLOOR u i promise. probably the chillest cishet i have ever known in my life, she puts up with all of our shit 😭 idk how much thr general public knows ab her sims as characters but they diverse as hell and we love that for them.

@softerhaze dude.... the most calming blog on simblr hands down. there will be no better vibes ever. cc is so good i love everything nova is feeding us the hairs we need and the story is smth im super invested even tho im usually like a big sucker for dialogue which is minimal.

@softpine also another story im super invested in and its not just because my boy talon is in it! brandi juggles like 4 distinct storylines at the same time and i could never... every post has so much detail and the symbolism and thought that goes into everything is crazy ok.

@cyberth0t another story im rlly into, and i only just read it like last week jdkgdkdkh the dialogue literally cannot be faulted inheritance is probably the fastest ive ever gotten invested in a sim story. now if sam could just stop hurting river and ro for me and give me the duke so i can beat him up that would be great 😁

@anjellies super nice, made luca fr me, blog has amazing vibes ok. they r SO FUCKIN TALENTED!!! SO! FUCKIN! TALENTED! they r doing a bachelorette challenge rn so.. sign up for it

@warmsol super aesthetically pleasing, really well written characters, even the side characters. idk theres just a rlly distinct vibe with her posts that makes u feel kinda like when ur drinking hot chocolate? idk my brain not working

[star-spangled-eyes]

Forbidden: Part 2: Someone You Loved

This alternate universe fan fiction uses characters created and owned by Pixelberry Studios. Character names, descriptions and likenesses are owned by Pixelberry Studios. Some content in the first part are direct words from TRR Book 3, Chapter 16. The MC, Bragnae Bennett, and story is created and owned by this author.

Book: The Royal Romance (Alternate Universe)

Alternate Universe Theme: The Queen of Cordonia as an adulteress  

Pairing: King Liam x MC / Drake Walker x MC (Bragnae Bennett – *pronounced Brawn-yah)

Warnings for this series: NSFW, Adult content, suggestive and strong language, heavy angst, drama of course, very steamy sex scenes in each part -- IF YOU ARE UNDER 18, DO NOT READ THIS SERIES. Also, if you do not like reading smut, especially mine, please do not read this series.

Series Description: Forbidden is an extremely steamy story that takes place in Cordonia picking up the night of Bragnae’s bachelorette party in Las Vegas. She accepted King Liam’s proposal, despite also being in love with Drake. But when Liam gives Bragnae permission to have one last fling before they’re hitched, she chooses Drake.

Even though Bragnae tells him their dalliance is for one night only, Drake can’t seem to let it go. Once they return to Cordonia and the King marries his betrothed, Drake convinces Bragnae to embrace the forbidden pleasure of being with him in addition to filling her role as queen – consequences be damned.

Master List

A/N: I definitely don’t condone cheating in a relationship, but I have to say this is more a love story, than a lust. And it is delicious! I’m just having fun with this fic (but don’t worry… drama will still ensue), and I hope you are too!

Warnings for this chapter: NSFW, Adult content, sex, angst, suggestive and strong language, (I’m amping up the sexual language in this series!)

Word Count for this chapter: 9408 – Sorry, not sorry. It all needed to be said.

Setting for this chapter: Bragnae and Liam have some fun on their honeymoon, and Drake copes with his decisions.

Permatags: @burnsoslow​​​ @cora-nova​​ @dcbbw​​​ @thorfosterlove​​​ @emceesynonymroll​​​ @edgiestwinter​​​ @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld​​ @msjr0119​​​ @notoriouscs​​​ @drakewalker04​​​ @pedudley​​​ @desiree---1986​ @choices-lurker​ @kingliam2019​ @loveellamae​​ @drakexnadira​ @flutistbyday2020​ @indiana-jr​

Series Tags: @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria​​​ ​@silverofdreams​​​ @texaskitten30​ @mskaneko​​ @jemrmax2love​ @nomadics-stuff​ @queenjilian​​ @yukinagato2012​ @ravenpuff02​ @forthebrokenheartedthings-blog​ @moneyfordiamonds​

Part 2: Someone You Loved

The first few days of their honeymoon went by in a blur. Leave it to the King of Cordonia to own his own private island. With only a few staff around to cook their meals and tidy up the villa, Bragnae and Liam were virtually alone. It was a refreshing change after the whirlwind that was her life once she stepped off the plane in Cordonia for the first time.

Getting a moment alone with Liam was more difficult than she would have liked, but she understood. First, she’d been competing for his hand with five other women. So, he had to be fair to share his time with them all. Next, he was engaged when he didn’t want to be, and Bragnae was branded as a harlot, so having Liam seen with her would have looked bad on him.

Once they were engaged, they had the freedom to be with each other more, but with Liam’s duties as King, Cordonia always comes first. Bragnae accepted that. She knew what to expect with him, but it didn’t make her want him any less. If anything, the moments they could be alone together were that much sweeter.

The honeymoon was a particularly special treat because it was truly just about them. In the days they spent on the island, their pleasure was of the utmost importance. A true honeymoon. They’d eat, have sex, sleep, wake up, have sex again, eat some more, and the cycle just repeated itself. Far from being an exhausting routine, they enjoyed every minute.

After they intimately explored every square inch of the villa, Liam took Bragnae out to discover the island leading to many impromptu erotic moments. In a quiet oasis towards the center of the island, Liam bent her over a downed tree, making her come hard twice while the wild birds scattered from her ear-piercing screams. They had also found a beautiful waterfall to make love under, letting the power of the water invoke many sensual and heightened orgasms.

As if Liam had placed it there himself, a large, smooth bolder sat in the shallows of the ocean, which was the perfect place to enjoy the silvery glow of the moon bouncing off the water while Liam pounded into her. The crashing waves lapping against their lower halves only enhanced the experience. With miles separating them from the nearest person, especially after the staff left the island for the night, Liam encouraged her not to hold back with her pleasured cries, and he made sure she didn’t.

Aside from the frequent, mind-blowing sex, Bragnae and Liam had grown even closer than they ever had before. There was actually time for them to talk about their interests, relax without any major distractions, and just be with each other. It was all she could ever hope for – the perfect honeymoon with her new husband, the King.

Bragnae finished getting ready for bed with a quick spritz of perfume. She looked at herself in the mirror, admiring the black and red negligee that hugged her curves. She knew it wouldn’t stay on long, and being naked made more sense, but the King liked a challenge.

Flipping off the bathroom light, she strolled back into the bedroom to see Liam sitting up in bed with a laptop resting on his thighs. His brow furrowed as his eyes scanned the screen. He wasn’t wearing a shirt, and she hoped he was bare even under the sheets. She’d soon find out.

Bragnae got on the bed, and crawled seductively towards him, catching his attention. “How’s the kingdom, Your Majesty?” Her tone was flirty and playful in hopes to get his mind on her instead.

He smiled at her. “It’s running smoothly, although it looks like we’ll be a bit busy when we return.”

“Why do you say that?” She straddled his knees, and leaned over his computer letting her ample cleavage tease him. His eyes immediately shifted to her chest with an appreciative look.

His gaze returned to her eyes. “Well, for starters, we have to have your coronation. Since you married the king, you automatically fill the role as queen, but Cordonian tradition states that there must be a coronation for you to be officially considered a ruler of the country. It has to happen within a month of us getting married.”

“That sounds nice. I’m looking forward to it. What else?”

Liam sighed. “As soon as we get back, I have to go to Lythikos.” He ran a hand through his silky, blonde hair. “Olivia needs some help with something in her duchy. She’s being vague as to the details, but needs my assistance.”

“Can I go with you?”

“Normally, I’d say yes. But I want you to get settled in at the palace, and start getting to know your role as queen. There will be a lot for you to adjust to, I’m afraid.”

“What’s a queen without her king?” Her lips transformed into a sultry smirk.

“You make a valid point, but I won’t be gone too long. One night, maybe.” Her smirk faltered at the thought of not being with him. “Trust me, I don’t want to leave you either. We can make up for it now, and when I come back.”

Bragnae nodded assertively. “Fair enough. And speaking of now, what do you say we put the country’s needs aside, and focus on ours instead?” She slowly pushed the laptop closed, and put it on the bedside table, making it a point to hover over him in a sexy feline sort of way.

Liam grinned, using a finger to pull down her top for a better view. “I don’t even know why you’re wearing this. I’m just going to take it off of you anyway.”

She inched herself closer, still on all fours. “Maybe I wanted you to work for it.” Leaning forward, she slowly and barely brushed her lips against his before sitting back again.

“I will always make an effort to work for it when it comes to you.” Just then, Liam sat forward grabbing her by the waist, and pulled her on top of him like it was nothing.

“You’re so strong, Liam,” she said biting her lip. Flattening her hands onto his well-defined chest, she admired his physique. “You have such a sexy, toned body. I can’t get enough of it.”

“A king should be strong to defend his kingdom… and his queen.” Liam pushed the satin fabric above her hips before running the back of his hand across her pelvis.

Bragnae tingled at her core. No matter how many times they’d slept together, his touch always inspired such a reaction. Not to mention staring at the blonde Adonis sitting beneath her already made her wet and ready for him.

“Well, on behalf of the citizens of Cordonia, we want to thank you for every chiseled muscle on your body for the betterment of our country.” Her finger outlined his pectorals, dropping down to trace each of his defined abs as she spoke. Her hand slipped further down beneath the sheet to gently grip his already hardened cock.

A low groan rumbled in his throat. “That particular muscle is not for Cordonia. It’s only reserved for you.”

“Yes, but the citizens are rooting for me to have a very pleasurable honeymoon, and this,” she paused to peel back the sheets to expose his monumental erection, “plays a vital role in that.” Bragnae slowly stroked him, mesmerized by his mouth-watering dick.

She briefly wondered if all Cordonian men were as well-endowed as he was. A recent memory breached her mind of the other massive cock she encountered and who it belonged to, but she quickly pushed it away.

Liam smiled, shifting a bit under her touch. “The people are already rallying around you, huh? It makes sense. They, like me, want you to be completely satisfied.” He rolled her on her back, so she was underneath him. “Over and over and over again.”

His mouth crashed against hers, kissing her with everything he had. That was Liam – full of passion, devotion and eagerness to please her. She moaned as his hands moved down her body. He gripped her hips, and tugged her down the bed a bit before lifting her negligee up. Instead of removing it completely, he made it so the fabric both covered her eyes and restrained her arms. She was bound by her own outfit with her body bare and entirely at Liam’s mercy.

She squirmed a bit just to play along. Seeing nothing but darkness made her other senses spike, especially when Liam caressed her breasts, loving each one of her taut nipples with his tongue and a gentle tug of his teeth. Bragnae gasped, her breathing increased.

“God, Liam that feels so good.” A surge of heat rushed to her core as he loved her body.

After assuming he’d move south next, Liam surprised her by capturing her lips once more. “You ready to scream, my Queen?” He bit her lower lip, slowly dragging away from her before his mouth worked its way down her body.

Bragnae moaned deliciously. “You know that I am.” If there was an award given for ‘most skilled at oral sex’, King Liam would win it every time, hands down. He not only was exceptional at it, but he liked doing it as well – almost to the point of obsession. It was thrilling and unbearably hot. A man with such a skill should be afforded as many opportunities as he wanted to perform, and Bragnae would happily and shamelessly enable his pleasurable addiction anytime.

It didn’t matter what position he had her in – because it did vary, she would reach her climax hard and fast, and would soon be putty in his arms. Worthless to the world for at least two minutes, sometimes longer. He was that good. Thinking about it in more depth, it made sense that he excelled in this particular area.

Liam was charismatic, a well-spoken man, and he addressed the public on an almost daily basis. His tongue assisted him in speaking five different languages, negotiating with diplomats and other foreign leaders, and her most favorite, talking dirty to her. It was no wonder that when he flicked his tongue at just the right speed and pressure that she’d fall apart around him.

To add to the suspense of it all, he would always include an extra move that pleasantly surprised her whether that be using his hands to assist his skilled mouth, humming into her, or even biting. Yes – biting. Where she thought it might be too much for her sensitive skin, the way Liam did it made her toes curl. Whatever combination he decided to use never failed to elicit the same response in her – glass-shattering screams, soaked sheets, calling to God… it was all amazing.

Liam spread her legs wide, placing tender kisses on her inner thigh. Bragnae gasped as she felt him blow lightly on her hot, aching center. He chuckled at her reaction.

“I could stare at you like this all day. Spread eagle, your hot, wet pussy in my face, your beautiful breasts moving up and down along with your ragged breathing. You’re. A fucking. Work. Of art.” Liam punctuated each word with a lap of his tongue, making Bragnae writhe with anticipation.

As much as he enjoyed the act itself, it seemed he relished teasing her beforehand as well. She didn’t mind it because she knew what was coming – aside from herself, that was a given – and it was worth any wait she had to endure.

She smiled, exhaling a giggle that turned into a moan. “I wouldn’t mind this all day, but I’m pretty sure the country would need your attention sooner or later.”

“Such a pity.” Bragnae could feel his hot breath before his expert tongue grazed the soft skin between her southern lips. He always knew the right place to start.

Bragnae dreamily sank into the incredible and hastened strokes of his tongue, which he would use in all the cardinal directions as well as the occasional swirl. Her hips would have rolled with him if he hadn’t held her firmly in place.

Just as she felt the warmth start to build, Liam hummed as he licked, making her entire core vibrate. She pressed her head back against the mattress, tensing her body as the flood gates were about to open. His name left her lips in a breathy whisper as he helped to unleash the blissful fury she had expected.

Her body convulsed as her still restricted hands grasped at the pillows above her head. Liam kept up with his mission until her long screams subsided. An overwhelming sensation of pleasure, love and comfort filled her – almost as if she had floated out of her body and was left hovering on cloud nine.

She tasted herself on his lips as he kissed her, and removed the negligee so that it no longer held her captive. Her eyes fluttered open looking at her husband who wore a big, accomplished grin on his face.

“I love when you scream like that. Makes me so hard.” Liam winked at her before hopping off the bed.

Still in a euphoric state, Bragnae barely noticed as Liam tugged her towards the edge of the bed. He picked up one of her legs letting the other rest on the mattress, and stroked himself as he looked at her. Her gaze met his – those blue eyes dark as an ocean with desire.

“I’m going to be useless to you for another minute or so.” Still panting, she barely managed to speak.

He lined the tip of his engorged member to her, teasing her dripping wet entrance. “Hmmm, not completely useless. All you need to do is relax and moan like the goddess that you are.” He pushed himself inside her with ease prompting a throaty moan of agreement from Bragnae.

Leaning over, pumping slowly in and out of her, he smiled. “That’s it. How do you like my dick, Bragnae?”

All she could do was whimper from the wonderful feeling of him stretching her out.

“Tell me you like it,” he demanded in a low, hoarse voice. He increased his pace a little.

“I love it. I love when your big, hard dick is inside me.” What wasn’t to love about that?

“Such a dirty mouth you have,” he said chuckling before bending down to kiss her again. “And I love your tight, wet pussy.”

She smiled. “I remembered to do my Kegel exercises for you too, big boy.” As if to emphasize her point, she used her internal muscles to contract her walls around his cock, giving him a unique, sexy hug.

He smirked down at her. “I do appreciate that.”

“Harder, Liam.” He answered with a powerful thrust that she felt in her throat.

“How’s that?” He did it again. She hissed a sharp breath through gritted teeth.

“Good. Now, faster.”

He kept his eyes on hers as a determined look spread across his face. His abs flexed with each thrust he made into her, pounding at rapid speed. Her leg pressed against his chest as he held onto it with both hands, squeezing her thigh.

The position of her leg and the slight curve of his dick made for the perfect position for him to rub in just the right spot. She felt the hot pressure in her pelvis swiftly change to the promise of more.

“Liam, I’m close. Oh, my God. I’m so close.”

He moved his thumb over her clitoris, lightly rubbing as he kept up his pace. “Go on. Soak my dick, baby.”

The added stimulation sent her over the edge. Gripping the bed sheets with both hands, she squeezed her eyes shut, and became consumed with all that encompassed her sensual release. Seconds later, Liam set free his own climax draining himself into her.

Still nestled safely inside her, he leaned down again to kiss her. “I love you, Bragnae.”

“I love you too.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Empty bottles that once contained alcohol and used glasses littered Drake’s otherwise tidy room. He laid in his bed, fully clothed, as rays from the sun shined on his face. This was the way he’d fallen asleep every night for the past week – drinking until he was good and drunk, and then passing out on his bed with the lights on. He felt a pounding headache throb at his temples that hadn’t seemed to go away since the night of wedding no matter how much whiskey he drank.

Of course, he knew the alcohol wasn’t making things better, but he didn’t care. He needed two things: to be comforted, and to forget. Since he didn’t have the woman he wanted to warm him with her touch, the whiskey sufficed. And because that particular woman was on her honeymoon, likely getting fucked in every position imaginable – and if he knew his friend, he wasn’t far off, he needed to get her out of his mind.

He had grown to realize that even after nearly drowning himself with all that he consumed in alcohol, it hadn’t been as reliable as he’d hoped. Still, through the mind-altering haze, he found himself thinking about Bragnae. There wasn’t an inch of her body he didn’t see in his mind, not a single detail of their dalliance that he didn’t obsess over.

Hoping to find some solace amidst the pain, he even tried to use the thoughts of her to inspire a release of his own built up sexual tension and strife, but knowing he couldn’t be with her took the thrill of the fantasy out of the equation. Frustrated, horny, sad, pissed off – this is what his life was now. He was already a bitter person, but somehow in the last week, he was able to dig down to a whole other level of disturbed.

He wanted nothing from life but Bragnae. Being with her made him happy, in ways he didn’t even know he could be. She challenged him, laughed at his sarcastic jokes, and went out of her way to make sure he was having a good time. They had bonded to the point of friends, which he didn’t expect at first.

But with his desire for her coupled with her reciprocating need for him, they had entered a new plane of existence between platonic friendship and romantic relationship, which was confusing as fuck. And because of his incessant need to put others before him, he missed his chance to be with her for good. He hadn’t even told her how much he loved her, and had loved her since the beginning.

  A knock at the door startled him. It sounded as if a bomb had just gone off, making him cringe. There was a pause before another repetition of knocking came. He drew in a deep breath, heaving himself off the bed to stop the head-splitting noise.

On his way, he stumbled a bit, still feeling the effects of last night’s binge. He opened the door to see the small, but fierce Hana Lee looking up at him in surprise. Why the hell is she surprised to see me? This is my goddamn room.

“Drake, you look awful.” Her mouth had gaped open as her eyes raked over his disheveled appearance. He hadn’t shaved in a few days, so his dark stubble became more than that. His wrinkled clothes hadn’t been changed in a day, and his longer hair hadn’t seen a comb in twice that amount of time. Maybe he shouldn’t be so shocked that she had that reaction.

“Thanks. It reflects my mood. What do you want?” His voice was low and grumbly. When she pulled back, appearing to have been offended, he retraced his words. “I’m sorry. I have a headache. What can I do for you?” His eyelids felt heavy, probably from the lack of decent sleep he’d gotten, but also from the anguish that plagued him. He hoped she didn’t notice too much.

Hana placed a gentle hand on his arm. “I just came to tell you that Liam and Bragnae come back to the palace today. And I thought it’d be nice for us to be there to greet them when they arrive.” As soon as the happy couple was married, Hana stepped in as Bragnae’s Senior Lady-In-Waiting, and she took her role very seriously. “It looks like you could use some time to… freshen up. How about I grab you some coffee, and then you can do what you need to do?”

Hana also grew to be one of Drake’s few friends. She was sweet, caring, talented as hell, and could knock a guy’s block off if she wanted to – even if her confidence told her she couldn’t. Standing at just over five feet tall, he towered over her small frame at his own six and a half feet. She was half-Chinese, half-Cordonian – gorgeous. She’d make any man happy, any man that wasn’t already infatuated with someone else like he was.

He looked into her compassionate, brown eyes that pleaded with him to comply. He hadn’t wanted to leave his room today, except maybe to find something to eat, but he couldn’t say no. Plus, they were coming home today. It wouldn’t look good if Liam’s best friend wasn’t around to welcome him back.

“Sure, Hana. That’d be great. Give me twenty minutes, and I’ll meet you in the dining hall. And I take my coffee black.”

She nodded. “I’ll order some food for you as well. Twenty-minutes, Drake,” she said, pointing at him with a stern look.

He chuckled at her sudden assertiveness. “I promise. Thanks, Hana.”

“You’re welcome, my friend.” He closed the door as soon as she walked off.

Leaning against it, he sighed. Now, he had to do the impossible: prepare himself to face the woman he loved as she hung on the arm of another man. All the while, he had to look presentable as if her marriage to his best friend had not transformed his life, now wrought with despair.

~

An hour or so later, Drake had showered, shaved, and eaten a bigger breakfast than usual. Having a strict diet of whiskey over the past week would surely make a person ravenous. The coffee was strong, just how he liked it, and it gave him the energy he needed to brave the rest of the day. Maxwell and Bertrand had even come in from Ramsford to greet the King and Queen.

Hana had caught them all up with the day’s festivities. They’d have a dinner with the royal couple celebrating their return. Drake grumbled inward – all the royals did was throw parties, it didn’t matter the occasion. He tried to mask his bitterness, but felt like he was failing. His intention wasn’t to snub his best friend and his new wife, but the situation dictated a different response. He felt like an asshole.

His headache had gone away with the coffee and stomach full of food, so after everything was said at breakfast, he excused himself to go back to his room. He had a little over an hour before he was needed in the Grand Hall, so he took some time to clean up his room. The trashcan filled up quickly with the embarrassing amount of empty whiskey bottles. He made his bed, and picked up his floor.

Checking the clock, the cleaning had only taken thirty minutes of his time. He sighed, sitting on his bed, feeling antsy. Normally, when he hadn’t resorted to poisoning his liver with endless whiskey, he would go to the gym to exert his tension, stress or just for the fun of it.

He couldn’t do that now, there wasn’t enough time, and he’d have to shower again. He decided he’d go later. Late night work outs were nice to clear his head before bed, and he’d most likely need it after being forced to be in the same room as Bragnae.

He leaned back, thumbing through his phone. First through social media, then over to a game that could let him escape reality for a bit. His fingers twitched before moving to the other app. What he really wanted to do was look at the few saved pictures of Bragnae he had on his phone.

Some of them were some they took together over the engagement tour, when Liam was still betrothed to Madeleine, and the others were some he’d swiped from her social media. She had modeled in a photoshoot for a friend in New York once, and the second Drake discovered those photos, he was a goner. He’d incorporate them into the background of his phone had it been acceptable, but of course it wasn’t. Still the guy on the outside looking in, he had to hide his desire for her.

Luckily, the game had done its job, and it was time to head to the Grand Hall. Drake slipped his phone into his pocket, and left his room.

When he reached the meeting area, Hana, Maxwell and Bertrand were already in place along with many other servants and guards. Select members of the press too.

“You’re just in time. Their plane landed twenty minutes ago, so they should arrive any minute,” Hana told him. She looked happy, as she should, for their friends’ return. He wished he could be that happy.

Drake acknowledged her, and proceeded to cross his arms over his chest. After a few seconds, he realized the way he stood made him appear unapproachable, so he shook out his arms, and let them rest at his sides. He fidgeted a bit more, feeling uncomfortable.

Loud applause and cheering spread through the room as Liam and Bragnae strolled through the double doors. Camera flashes went off and the crowd swarmed them. Drake and the rest stood in the back allowing the media a chance for their questions and pictures before the palace guards would shoo them off.

After a few minutes, the crowd began to dissipate, and he could now see his friend, the King. Liam wore a polo and shorts, his aviator sunglasses hung on the V-neck of his shirt. He looked relaxed, care free. Why wouldn’t he? He just got to spend the week doing nothing accept his wife. Drake clenched his jaw at the thought.

Finally, the persistent media goons left, allowing Drake full access to look at the new queen. He dreaded this moment just as much as he craved it. No matter how much pain sat in his heart, not seeing Bragnae was worse than seeing her. He missed her – he wasn’t afraid to admit that. She had been such a big part of his life over the past several months, and being away from her for a week was excruciatingly difficult – obviously.

He drew in a sharp breath as he saw her face. She smiled brightly at those around her. Her skin looked tanner than usual, and her long, black hair was tousled in a breezy sort of way. She wore a strappy sundress that extended to the floor, and a long gold necklace, drawing his eye to her impeccable breasts. God, that dress looked great on her.

Drake felt stirrings of arousal hit him suddenly. He wanted to deny them, but they were relentless the more he looked at her. The high slit in her dress gave him all kinds of naughty ideas, and soon he was daydreaming about the things he’d love to do to her. He wasn’t even concerned with anyone else in the room. All that mattered was her.

Liam stepped up to Drake first before greeting the rest. “Hey, buddy. Things been well while we’ve been gone?” He pulled Drake into a bro-hug.

He cleared his throat. “As well as can be expected.” What can anyone expect of a man with a broken and lust-filled heart except that things were all they could be? Unchanging and depressing as fuck.

Liam clapped him on the shoulder. “Good to hear. Looking forward to catching up with you soon.” He quickly moved on to Hana and Maxwell sharing similar greetings.

Drake knew Bragnae was close just by the smell of her sweet perfume. Her scent was intoxicating, both graceful and seductive. It suited her. He watched her traipse over to him with a bright smile. It awakened his heart to see her looking at him like that.

“Your Majesty,” he said with a slight bow and straight face.

Bragnae lifted an eyebrow at him. “Come on, Drake. You don’t have to do that. ‘Bennett’ is just fine.”

“That’s no longer your name.” His responses seemed callous. He didn’t exactly plan on them coming out that way, but it did reflect his mood.

She scoffed. “Fine, Drake. Call me whatever you want.” As she turned to walk away, Drake grabbed her hand. He couldn’t let her leave like that. He had to make it right.

Bragnae snapped her head in the direction of their joined hands before glaring up at him. “What are you—,”

“I’m sorry, Bennett. How was your honeymoon?” He hoped she’d tell him it was terrible, and that she thought of him the whole time, but he knew that wouldn’t happen.

She visibly relaxed, but didn’t pull her hand away. “It was nice. Thank you. How’ve you been?”

“Well enough.” He looked into her amber eyes. She stared right back. He noticed her breathing had quickened, and knew it was a result of holding her hand from the way her gaze dropped to it. She swallowed, trying to hide being flustered, but Drake could see it. He saw everything.

He still affected her with a single touch, even after being a rude asshole to her. He, too, felt the electric current running through his veins stemming from their joined hands. He knew she was experiencing the same thing. Seeing her react that way gave him hope. A hope for what? What would he do with it? He didn’t know just yet, but he had a feeling he’d soon figure it out.

Bragnae cleared her throat and shook off her entranced expression as she gently pulled her hand out of his. “That’s good, Drake. I’ll see you later.”

He nodded, keeping his heated gaze on her. She took a step toward Hana, but looked back at him once more. The end of his mouth curled up into a smirk. Bragnae quickly averted her eyes and focused on Hana instead offering her a warm greeting.

After a week away with her husband, a single touch from Drake still muddled her composure. He decided he would test the waters further telling her what he wanted, and maybe she’d want that too. The night should prove interesting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was good to be back at the palace, even though she already missed her alone time with Liam. After greeting the welcome committee, they went back to their suite to shower and get ready for the dinner with their friends. Liam, as insatiable as he was, caught her before any other clothes could shield her body, and made love to her in their king-sized royal bed. Good to be back, indeed.

Bragnae slipped on a pink, chiffon dress that stopped at her knee, and stepped into a pair of peep-toe heels before her husband escorted her to the Dining Hall.

Everyone was already waiting for them when they walked in the room and took a seat. Liam at the head of the table, and Bragnae to his left. Out of courtesy for their position, their friends waited for them to sit before taking their own seats. Hana sat next to Bragnae, while Drake, Maxwell and Bertrand filled in across from her.

Her eyes flicked over to Drake as he settled in. He was looking particularly handsome today. She didn’t know what it was, but still she tried to ignore that. So, she turned to look at Maxwell, and thought about how nice he looked, and even Bertrand.

Maxwell, the hilarious party-guy she had come to love, was extremely good looking. He styled his hair, in what she considered was purposefully carefree, but he always looked good. He smelled delightful and warm, as a man should, dressed nice, and was toned and fit. Despite all of that, Bragnae had grown to love Maxwell as a brother-figure than anything else, which was probably best as she already had two men, specifically at this table, that she had romantic feelings for.

Bertrand was handsome in his own way. As Maxwell’s older brother, he was the Duke of Ramsford. He had been the indignant man that always gave her a hard time during the Social Season when she wanted to act like her ‘carefree American self’ – his words. Over time, however, he had become something more to her, like an older brother or even father-figure. Raised as an orphan, she was grateful to have him and any of her friends to consider part of her close-knit circle, part of her family.

Drinks had been served, and the servants presented them all with their meals. Everyone started to chat, especially Maxwell with his seemingly endless, but adorable questions about the island they just spent a week on, already making plans for them all to go back.

As she continued to listen and eat her meal, she felt like she was being watched. After taking a bite of the savory pot roast, she looked at Maxwell again before shifting her eyes to Drake. It was him. He was looking at her. But when their gazes met, he didn’t look away. In fact, he made it a point to deepen his stare.

Bragnae had to avert her eyes as a shiver shot down her spine. That was the second time that day one of his looks affected her that way. She took another bite. Maybe he was done staring. Of course, she’d need to check. Looking back in his direction, he had a glass of his favorite libation in his hand, and before he took a drink, his eyes flashed over to her again.

She could feel her heart race. Drake, with his dark eyes, could slay any woman with a single look. Well, so could her husband. But there was something to his smoldering and always brooding expression that made her tingly. She wondered why he was so attentive with her today. Before the wedding, it felt like he did all in his power to avoid her eyes, perhaps so she wouldn’t see the hurt inside him.

But now? He was eyeing her like a predator stalking its prey. Not that she ever felt threated by Drake, but his looks now definitely were intimidating. Mostly because she didn’t know what they meant.

Liam put his hand over hers on the table. Startled, she jumped slightly at his touch.

“Are you okay, Bragnae? Your face is a little red,” Kindly, he lowered his voice to a whisper not to draw the attention of the others, but they all still honed in on her.

Suddenly feeling self-conscious and needing a moment to sort out the mixed emotions running through her head, she stood. “I’m fine. Thank you,” she told him with a soft touch to his arm. “I’m a little warm. I think I’ll go splash some water on my face.”

The men at the table stood, chivalrous as they were, as she left the room. Once she was out of their sight, she headed to the nearest powder room. Closing the door behind her, she walked up to the sink, leaning on the counter as she took a few deep breaths.

She raised her head to see herself in the mirror. She was a bit red in the face. Damn Drake. No matter how hard she tried, he would always get a rise out of her. She shook her head, partly in disgust at herself as well as frustration. How could she move on from him if she saw him every day? He lived at the palace, same as her.

It would have been fine, and easier to deal with had he not started to intentionally capture her attention with his sexy, determined eyes. She put a hand to her chest feeling her heart beat faster than normal. Even her breathing was ragged. That wasn’t good. It was too soon to be around him again. How would she get around this?

Bragnae sat down on a cushioned tuffet she pulled out from under the counter, and gave herself another minute to regain her composure. Then, there was a knock at the door. She sighed. This was how life would be as the queen. She’d never truly be able to escape for a moment alone without someone coming to check on her.

Stubbornly, she let the person knock again before she called out. “I’ll be right there.” She stood, pushing the seat back in its place, and looked herself over once more. Taking another deep breath, she opened the door to see Drake staring down at her.

Her heart rate skyrocketed again. “Drake, what are you doing?”

Without an invitation, he gently pushed his way into the small powder room, closing the door behind him. “Shhh, Bennett. I’m sorry but I’ve got to talk to you.”

He’s got to talk to me? No way. I’m doing the talking. “Why do you keep looking at me at the table like you are?”

The room felt bigger before he was in it. Now, standing over her, crowding her a bit, the room was shrinking. She backed up against the counter, and he continued to step forward. Summoning all her strength, she tried her best to appear confident instead of the reality of her about to melt on the floor in a lustful puddle of herself because of his presence.

“That’s what I want to talk to you about.” He paused to study her for a moment. “I missed you… and I’ve been an idiot. I should have told you this sooner. You’re everything to me. You’re my last thought before I fall asleep, and on my mind immediately when I wake up. I love the way your smile lights up your entire face, I love that you laugh at all my stupid jokes, and I love that you push me to be better — you make me want to be a better man than I was.”

Drake took a small step forward. “I care about you so much, and… I want to be with you. It hurts,” his hands clutched at the fabric of his shirt over his heart, “it physically hurts that I’m not the one you call yours.” He visibly swallowed. “I love you, Benn— Bragnae.”

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Her eyes frantically searched his for an ounce of humor or sarcasm, but there was none. He was sincere. He was pouring his heart out to her, telling her everything she wanted him to say before, and he chose now to do it. What a nerve. Suddenly she felt hurt and irate.

“How dare you say this to me now? You’ve had plenty of chances to tell me how you feel, and you wait until the day I get back from my honeymoon?” Her voice had raised a bit on that last word. “What is wrong with you, Drake?”

He dropped his hands to his sides again, and straightened his posture. “Plenty. And don’t think I don’t know it. But I’m not going to apologize for telling you this now.”

Surprised by his confidence, she gave him a questioning look. “What am I supposed to do with that? In case you forgot, you can’t be with me. I’m married now. You were there. You saw it.”

Drake stepped even closer to her. Their bodies mere inches apart. “Yeah, I saw it. Do you want to know what else I saw that day – on your face in particular? Longing, desire, maybe some regret – and that was just a few minutes after you said ‘I do’. Today, five minutes after you return from your honeymoon, I saw it all again. But this time there was more. I know you care about me, Bennett, dare I even say that you love me.”

He shifted his weight, looking down in attempt to gather his courage again. “I wouldn’t be telling you this – I wouldn’t be trying to ruin your marriage if I didn’t think you felt the same about me.”

I do, but I can’t allow you to think that. Not when my heart is still in this fragile state. “Well, I don’t.”

“Bullshit.” He narrowed his eyes at her. He had the gall to call her out, and at a time like this?

Unwilling to let him compromise her emotions further, she started for the door. She got it open a crack before Drake’s hand slammed it shut. She turned around to face him. His arm extended against the door, not allowing her to leave.

“What are you doing, Drake?” Anger and shock filled her voice.

His stature exuded confidence, but his face and words showed his vulnerability. “I know why you’re running away, but I can’t let you leave until I get all of this out. It’s… it’s okay if you don’t want to be with me. I know you said what happened in Vegas was a one-time thing. And at the time, I was so desperate to touch you again that I didn’t give a shit about the consequences. And now, it’s haunting me.”

Her expression and voice softened. “I was afraid of that.”

Drake looked deep into her eyes. “The day you got married, I sat in the parking lot trying to figure out whose life I was going to ruin: Liam’s, yours, or mine. I considered leaving Cordonia for good, but I knew that would hurt you. And to be honest, I didn’t think I could survive without seeing you regularly. So, I chose Liam because I just had to have you for myself.”

Bragnae listened intently. He was opening up to her, and she wasn’t going to interrupt.

“I walked into that church, spotted your door, and made my way to you. Before I could get there, Liam stepped out of his room, and told me it was time to go. And it was at that point I realized that Liam deserved to be happy too, and I couldn’t ruin his life by taking you away from him. So, I ruined mine instead.”

She so badly wanted to reach out to touch him, but something held her back.

“Bennett, you will never understand the level of pain and regret I have for letting you slip between my fingers. I know I hurt you. I know I didn’t speak up when I needed to. I know that I have no leg to stand on, but I couldn’t go another day without telling you how I felt.” Drake ran his hand softly down her arm. “I’d give anything to turn back the clocks, and tell you all of this before Liam proposed, but I can’t.”

“No, you can’t.” A lump of emotion welled in her throat. “Please don’t bring this up again. It hurts too much.” She turned away from him, hoping to avoid seeing the agony on his face. After a moment, Drake dropped his hand from the door, and she left the room.

~

Later that evening, Bragnae lay awake in bed next to her peacefully snoozing husband. She couldn’t sleep. Even when she and Liam had sex a few hours ago, she was distracted. Drake’s words had imprinted her mind, and she couldn’t stop thinking about what he said, and how he said it.

She hadn’t seen that kind of passion in Drake, when he was speaking, in… ever. The barrier of his friendship and duty to Liam always shielded whatever emotion he’d hoped to convey.

It was half past midnight. Liam had to leave early in the morning for Lythikos, so she didn’t want to disturb him with her restlessness. She decided she’d get up, and walk around the palace to help clear her thoughts. She threw on a camisole before slipping on a pair of pajama shorts. On her way out of the bedroom, she put on a jacket, zipping it up halfway.

Bragnae shoved her hands in her jacket pockets as she roamed the hallways of the palace thinking about Drake. As much as she wanted to hear those words from him, and as wonderful as they were to hear, she was more upset than infatuated. Why did he have to wait so long to tell her?

He had mentioned he wanted to break up their wedding, but changed his mind at the last second. Thinking about her wedding day, she tried to imagine what she would have done had he found her before Liam interrupted his plan. Would she have run off with him, or would she have denied him? Knowing her heart, and how desperately she wanted to be with him, there was no question.

But what about Liam? He wasn’t just this unbelievably attractive guy who was also a king. He was kind, tender, and loving. Even though it had only been about a week, she enjoyed being married to him. Granted, they were on their honeymoon the entire time, but still. He meant the world to her.

So, Drake corralled her in the bathroom to tell her all the things he should have said before, and expected her to jump right into his arms? She shook her head at the thought. Although, she’d be lying to herself if she said she didn’t want to. It was Drake, after all.

Looking ahead of her, Bragnae saw a bright light coming from a room. As she approached, she recognized it as the palace’s gym. The room had a wall of windows looking into the spacious area. She had only seen the gym in passing, never visited it for its intended purpose.

She looked at the vast array of equipment, cardio machines, weights, other contraptions geared towards different muscles in the body. A brief thought came to mind for her to go in there and work out – try to release the stress and pressure she now felt inside her. But before she could make any plans, she spotted someone.

It was Drake. He wore a black, razorback tank top, and a pair of red athletic shorts. She watched him pick up a set of free weights, forty-five pounds in each hand, as he pulled them up and away from the sides of his torso, putting his impressive wingspan on display. His back was turned to her, so he hadn’t noticed her gawking. Thank God.

The muscles in his arms and shoulders rippled with each repetition. His back glistened from the sweat of his hard work. Bragnae’s heart fluttered in her chest at the sight of him. The strength he possessed made her insides ache. Seeing him now reminded her of the few times his strong hands held her, picked her up, and touched her. She wanted more, but it wasn’t right. Not now. Not ever.

And suddenly she was mad again. Mad that she couldn’t have him. Mad that he waited so long to tell her. Mad that he conflicted her already unstable emotions when he confessed his feelings. Before she could think better of it, she opened the door and stepped inside the gym.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Drake set the weights back down, and squirted water into his mouth before wiping his face with a towel. The melodic tunes of American Classic Rock blared in his ears, helping to motivate his work out. He shook his arms out as he rested in between sets. He’d move up to the fifty pounders next.

As he turned back to the weights, he was startled to see Bragnae walk into his view. Why is she here? For only a moment, he froze up, not sure what to do, but then logic set in. He slowly removed his ear buds, one at a time, and gently tossed the cord over his shoulder.

He continued to stare at her, not wanting to speak first. Not after what happened earlier. Plus, it gave him time to catch his breath, both from the work out and his surprise.

“I couldn’t sleep,” she told him, crossing her arms over her chest.

Drake felt guilty. He knew why. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Well, you should be.” Her tone had taken an unexpected direction, and now the softness of her amber eyes burned with ferocity. It had been a very different reaction from what he witnessed from her earlier.

She’s mad at me? He scoffed. “What? Look, Bennett, I know it was a dick move to surprise you with this information, but I do not regret it. I needed to tell you. No matter your response, you had to know.”

“Drake, I was happy!” Her elevated voice stunned him, but he stood resolute as she continued. “After we made love in Vegas, you kept pushing me away. I knew then it was never going to happen with us. I made peace with that. So, I pushed the thought of you out of my mind, and focused on the other man that I love.”

He heard her emphasis, and his heart swelled at the thought of her loving him – actually loving him. The concept was unfathomable.

“I love him, Drake. I wouldn’t have said ‘yes’ to him if I didn’t.” And just like that, her words cut him deep. Now he had to put up his walls again, so he didn’t get hurt anymore.

“So, what? Did you just come in here to rub that in my face? If you did, you can leave. I’ve already been tormented enough seeing you two together.” He turned away towards the weights, hoping she’d take the hint to go before his heart shattered into a million pieces.

“And whose fault is that?!” She screamed at him.

Drake rounded on her, snapping his attention back to her livid face. Even with her as mad as she was, he still wanted to kiss her. “Mine! I fucking said that earlier!” He fumed, staring down at her. With almost a foot of height over her, she had to tilt her head back just to look at him.

“I need you to hear me right now.” Her voice leveled out again. “I’m in love with you, Drake Walker. And if you would have acted on what you wanted instead of trying not to hurt your best friend, I’d be with you right now. I was prepared to hurt Liam’s feelings because you were worth it.”

She was right. Everything she just said, as hard as it was to hear, was true. He hated himself.

Bragnae lowered her gaze, shaking her head. “And now it’s too late.” She looked back up at him, her eyes glossy. “I’m married to a wonderful man who tells me he loves me every day. I’m the Queen of Cordonia. I just can’t erase that. No matter how much I might want to.”

They looked at each other for another moment, letting the words sink in. This can’t be how it ends. She obviously had feelings for him, and desired him still. If his lack of action before was what kept him from being with her, then he wasn’t going to make that mistake twice.

As Bragnae started to walk away, Drake grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him, kissing her deeply. She protested at first, feeling rigid in his arms, but after another second, she melted against him. Her hands ran across his swollen biceps as she pressed her full lips into him.

She felt amazing in his arms, and even better was her kiss. He could feel the love pouring out of her, and the little moan she released told him she was enjoying the moment as much as he was.

Suddenly, he felt the pressure of her hands pushing against him, and the protests returned. He let go of her as she took a few steps back. Both of them breathing heavily, staring at each other. He waited for her to say something or rush out the door, but she didn’t. She just kept looking at him with hunger in her eyes. And he really wanted to finish that kiss.

He took a step forward, so did she, and soon their lips were locked again in a heated kiss. Their bodies pressed together so tightly, it’d take a crowbar to pry them apart.

Drake wanted her. That much he knew. And he also knew he’d do whatever it took to have her. Against his own desires, he tore himself way from her, gripping both of her arms as he looked into her eyes. He needed her full attention.

“You can still be the queen, and be with me if that’s what you want. If I can’t have you completely to myself, I’ll share you with the king. If that’s what it takes to be with you, then so be it. I need you, Bragnae. I can’t live without you.”

Her eyes fixed on his as she contemplated his suggestion. Even he was surprised by it, but he was past the point of caring. His morals were shot the second he agreed to have the fling with her in Vegas, regardless of Liam’s approval.  And now, he was offering himself to her as someone she could fuck on the side of her marriage.

“I’ve got to go,” she finally said, taking another moment to look at him before she gently pushed herself out of his grasp.

Drake watched her leave the gym, as guilt and pain reentered his heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Bragnae stood on her toes to kiss Liam by the front entrance. He would be traveling to Lythikos, and wouldn’t return until tomorrow. Whether that was a good or bad thing, she didn’t yet know. With Liam away, she could have time to sort through her thoughts, to find out what she truly wanted. But with him gone, she was afraid that would present a convenient opportunity to explore Drake’s proposal.

“I won’t be gone long, my love. Just an overnighter, and I’ll be back in your arms tomorrow.” He smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair out of her face.

“I’ll miss you.” She pulled him in for another kiss.

His hand slid down to her curvy tush, giving it a hearty squeeze. “I’ll miss you, too. I’ll call you when I land.” Liam gave another kiss. “Goodbye, my queen. Have fun today.”

She smiled at him as Liam walked out the double doors to his limousine. Heaving a sigh, she turned around to head back to her room. As she walked out of the foyer, she saw Drake standing with his shoulder leaned up against the wall, looking at her. She stopped in her tracks.

Even though he stood several feet away from her, she could see the longing in his expression. She felt it too.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He stared at her not moving a muscle. Everything had been laid out on the table. Now, they knew how each of them felt about each other, and Drake had told her he was okay with being the other man. Still not completely proud of his proposition, he was more than willing to move forward despite it. She was worth the risk and everything else involved.

Bragnae reached around her neck and unclasped her pearl necklace, balling it in her left hand. Curious about her peculiar behavior, he watched as she ascended the stairs, dragging the pearls over the polished banister keeping her eyes down and in his direction. His gaze followed her as she reached the top of the stairs, and turned right down a hallway. Before she walked out of sight, she looked right at him, and that’s when he knew.

Drake waited a minute. He pulled out his phone, and pretended to engage with it in case anyone was watching before casually walking up the red carpet-lined stairs. He nonchalantly looked down both hallways before following Bragnae’s trail. With many closed rooms before him, they all looked alike, but only one had a set of glossy pearls hanging from the doorknob.

[novapark]

Thea’s BC   - Starting August 19th 

Now to the reasons why I remade Kokomo even though probably most of my old friends could see this coming. I’m going to attempt another bachelorette challenge. I have a mixed history on these things so I’m not sure if anyone would be interested in joining. My last one failed due to stuff in my personal life going off the rails but I’ve completed several of them in the past.  Also if it’s any comfort,  as Thea is my main sim it’s pretty likely whomever she pairs up with will be in lots of stuff (ala Francis and Cherry) even if my Nova Park revival project goes nowhere.

I don’t really rp but if you do and win and want to use her in your story/rp save my only request is that you play her like her traits would dictate. In turn your sim will show up in my story attempts and yager/nova gameplay saves. Also note I have an annoying chronic pain illness and cptsd and sometimes disappear to manage those things. I do plan on being back for good now though and hopefully I can stick to that. I missed this place and you peoples. 

So as for the challenge, it’ll probably be run like her best friend Kelsey’s with a small difference- There will be one challenge a sim week but it will just give the other sims a chance to win some alone time with her.  My BC’s are not like normal ones. Please keep that in mind, it’s mostly based on relationship and social interaction for eliminations. There is no immunity.  

For now I’m opening things at five contestants: 

1.  Mathias Fire  @littlefrenchsims

2. Marla Austyn @iselalocke 

3. Ian Cade @indecisivepixels

4. Fletcher Townsend @gaiahypothesims

5.Arabella Moon @jakeobsims

As to what kind of sims I’m looking for, well just read her character sheet HERE for some direction and here’s some helpful things of note -

- Thea is VERY sorta tall. Taller than your average sim because her dad is kinda tall and her mom has legs for days. 

- CC and sliders welcome, I made a new folder for this so it won’t hurt my other gameplay saves to add the extra CAS stuff. 

- As you will read on her profile she is very tempermental and easily upsets other sims so I kind of expect your sim to either really like her or really hate her. Neither of us should feel bad whatever the outcome. 

- My only RULE is that if you’ve had a sim marry into the Yager family that you let others get first dibs. So I’m sorry @msmidnightblonde (think she’s on hiatus anyway) and @ninjaofthepurplethings, I love you guys but as you know it’s my main family so they’re most likely to get attention so I thought in the interest of fairness I’d make this a rule this time. Saves you guys from feeling awkward about asking. 

- Thea is pan so I’m accepting all gender identities. 

- You can reserve a spot  by opening a chat with me or responding here in the comments. 

- Please have contestants submitted to me by August 18th.  Thanks! 

Tag is: thearybc

Anyway let me know if you have any questions and thanks if anyone decides to join. :)

[tabloidtoc]

TV Guide, April 29-May 12

Cover: Jason Beghe, Taylor Kinney and Yaya DaCosta of Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire and Chicago Med 

Page 1: Contents 

Page 2: Ask Matt -- Modern Family, Supergirl, Your Feedback 

Page 4: Will your favorite show be back?

Page 6: Sanjay Gupta of Chasing Life with Sanjay Gupta

Page 8: Tribute -- Georgia Engel, Ratings

Page 9: Blue Bloods’ big day

Page 10: The Roush Review -- The Red Line 

Page 11: Gentleman Jack, Brockmire, Dead to Me 

 Page 12: Cover Story -- Chicago A to Z 

Page 16: Alex O’Loughlin of Hawaii Five-0, Lucas Till of MacGyver and Jay Hernandez of Magnum P.I. 

Page 18: Kellie Martin’s Hailey Dean Mysteries helps Hallmark corner the market on wholesome whodunits 

Page 21: What’s Worth Watching -- Week 1 -- Kelly Clarkson on the Billboard Music Awards 

Page 22: Petri Hawkins Byrd, the bailiff on Judge Judy 

Page 23: The Voice, Nature: American Spring Live, The Show Must Go On: The Queen + Adam Lambert Story, Knightfall, black-ish, The 100, Kids Behind Bars: Life or Parole 

Page 24: Best Room Wins, Liberation Heroes: The Last Eyewitnesses, Get Out, The Amazing Race, Impossible Engineering: Extreme Railroads, Whiskey Cavalier, Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Party Challenge 

Page 25: Camilla Luddington of Grey’s Anatomy, 2019 Miss USA Competition, iZombie, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Station 19, Beat Bobby Flay 

Page 26: 3 disturbing findings in At the Heart of Gold: Inside the USA Gymnastics Scandal, Emilio & Gloria Estefan: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, Masters of Disaster, Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell, Robert Osborne’s Picks 

Page 27: The Predator, Elizabeth Harvest, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Die Hard, The Disappearance of Susan Cox Powell, Ransom, Saturday Night Live 

Page 28: The Spanish Princess, 46th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, When Calls the Heart, Major League Baseball 

Page 44: Netflix -- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile 

Page 45: More Creepy Killer Tales -- The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Mindhunter, Dexter, Bates Motel 

Page 46: Tom Ellis of Lucifer, More Must-See Shows Netflix Saved -- You, Longmire, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt 

Page 47: Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini of Dead To Me, Chambers, Wine Country 

Page 48: Prime Video -- Margo Martindale on Sneaky Pete, Must-See Margo -- Justified, The Americans, The Laramie Project 

Page 49: Hulu -- The Best Mother’s Day Episodes -- The Golden Girls, Everybody Hates Chris, Raising Hope, The Goldbergs, 30 Rock, Britbox -- Shetland 

Page 50: New Movie Releases 

Page 51: Series, Specials & Documentaries 

Page 53: What’s Worth Watching -- Week 2 -- David James Elliott on NCIS: Los Angeles 

Page 54: Jared Harris and Emily Watson on Chernobyl, General Hospital, Shadowhunters, The Resident, The Biggest Bachelorette Reunion in Bachelor History Ever!, State of the Union 

Page 55: Sixteen Candles, Assault on Precinct 13, NCIS: New Orleans, Texicanas, The Carol Burnett Show 

Page 56: David Boreanaz on SEAL Team, Wheel of Fortune, The Goldbergs, Modern Family, Nova 

Page 57: Single Parents, Pitch Perfect 3, Star of the Month: Paul Newman, Paradise Hotel, The First 48, A.P. Bio, Project Runway, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Klepper, Mom 

Page 58: Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Blindspot, Dynasty, The Little Stranger, The Cool Kids, Blue Bloods 

Page 59: Saturday, May 11 -- Trading Spaces, A Feeling of Home, My Dad Wrote a Porno, Night School, Adrift, Phantom Thread, Restaurant: Impossible, NASCAR 

Page 60: Sunday, May 12 -- Veep, Movies for Mom, Valerie’s Home Cooking, Bob’s Burgers, Game of Thrones, Shark Tank 

Page 80: Cheers & Jeers -- Cheers to Hoda Kotb, Billions, General Hospital, What We Do in the Shadows, Jeers to NCIS: LA, Schitt’s Creek deniers, Game of Thrones

[daisydezem]

Ai Wang for @cowplant-pizza‘s Bachelorette Challenge

“Haya! I’m Ai! But everyone calls me Nova for some reason hahaha. Even my parents started to call me that. When I saw Cassandra’s call for contestants, I just couldn’t believe a beauty like herself would need help to find someone! I mean look at her! She is just... Aaaaah! I just can’t get over that fact. So well I would love to join in just to be able to be close to someone so pretty! So a little bit about me... I live in San Myshuno now. I moved here for uni when I was 18 from Del Sol. I study arts and would LOVE to paint for the rest of my life. But I’ll draw on eveything hahaha I mean the world is my canvas right? I love meeting new people! It’s like getting new friend. Oh oh oh and colors did I mention I love colors! The more the better! Sorry I’m getting a bit much aren’t I. I just get excited! And start to talk and talk. So I’ll just stop now and you’ll get to know me more when I get there *winks* Well.... Ta tah!!”

Private download

[tvrundownusa]

tvrundown USA 2024.10.23

Wednesday, October 23rd:

(exclusive): The Disappearance of Kimmy Diore (hulu, French drama limited series, all 6 eps), Car Masters: Rust to Riches (netflix, reality, season 6 available, all 8 eps), "Family Pack" (netflix, French family adventure movie, 95mins), "The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox" (netflix, docuseries, all 3 parts), "This Is the Zodiac Speaking" (netflix, true-crime docuseries, all 3 parts)

(streaming weekly): Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity? (APrime), Shrinking (apple+), Where's Wanda? (apple+), Midnight Family (apple+), Love Is Blind (netflix, season 7 finale, reunion next week ), Ink Master (Para+, competition season 16 opener, first 3 eps), The Judge From Hell (hulu, next 2 eps), Murai In Love (hulu), Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born (hulu, next 2 eps), Seoul Busters (hulu|dsn+, next 2 eps), Agatha All Along (dsn+, in primetime)

(also new): "The Face I Can't Forget" (LMN original movie, 2hrs)

(earlier - hour 0): "Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind" (NICK, a Loud House Halloween special, 60mins)

(hour 1): NFL Slimetime (NICK, special time ), Chicago Med (NBC), Sullivan's Crossing (theCW), The Masked Singer (FOX), Survivor (CBS, 90mins), The Golden Bachelorette (ABC, 90mins), The Challenge (MTV, 90mins), Theodosia (BYUtv, family adventure, season 2 opener)

(hour 2): Chicago Fire (NBC), Inside the NFL (theCW), Sistas (BET), The Floor (FOX), Survivor (CBS, contd) / . / The Summit (CBS, 90mins), The Golden Bachelorette (ABC, contd) / . / Abbott Elementary (ABC), The Challenge (MTV, contd), NOVA (PBS, "The Solar System" part 4 of five), "Breath of Fire" (HBO, Kundalini yoga docuseries, part 1 of four)

(hour 3): Chicago P.D. (NBC), The Summit (CBS, contd), What Would You Do? (ABC), Forged In Fire (HIST), Secrets of the Dead (PBS), Grotesquerie (FX, 2hrs++), Everybody Still Hates Chris (COM, 60mins, season 1 finale)

(hour 4 - latenight): Grotesquerie (FX, contd, penultimate)

[letstalkdancingwiththestars]

Let's Talk Dancing with the Stars Blog 5

I’m back again with another Dancing with the Stars Recap. We are now going to talk about week 2 which happens to be themed… ELVIS NIGHT! This episode was a tribute to the king of rock and roll. In order of the show, I will give you all a recap on the duo's dance, song, and the overall score they received on week 2. 

Jessie James Decker and Alan Bersten : This dancing duo danced the foxtrot to “Trouble” by Elvis Presley. This country music star was working very hard this past week to improve her leg form. Fortunately, this hard work paid off as the judges saw some major improvement in this fun dance. The couple scored a 25/40. 

Jordin Sparks and Brandon Armstrong: This couple danced the quickstep to “Hound Dog”! I love this song. The singer's goal was to improve from last week but Jordin really wanted to focus on “getting everyone in the room excited”. The judges were not super impressed by Jordins quickstep as they said it seemed hard for her to keep up with her pro partner. Jordin ended week 2 with a total score of 27/40.

Sam Champion and Cherly Burke: This couple danced a Vietnamese Waltz to Elvis’s “Heartbreak Hotel”. Sam has been coached with some tough love by Cherly, but it seems it worked out for the couple in week 2. Sam improved his confidence and frame to this Waltz and scored a 26/40. 

Shangela and Gleb Savchenko: This duo danced a quickstep to Elvis’s “Shake, Rattle, and Roll”. Drag queen Shangela brought the drive and energy to the dance floor with this fast quickstep. The couple did a great job on week 2 and scored a 28/40.

Teresa Giudice and Pasha Pashkov: This couple danced the jive to “All Shook Up” this week. Teresa talked about how she did not want to let anyone down this week, especially her father. She was dedicating this dance to her passed away father, who both loved Elvis and DWTS. The couple did not perform that well, as the judges were not impressed with her jive. The couple ended the night with a 23/40.

Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart: The deaf actor Daniel is just coming off from a Tango last week, and is now faced with a jive on week 2. The couple danced to “King Creole” with great passion and energy. The judges were mesmerized by the dancer and they scored a 29/40.

Gabby Widney and Val Chmerkovskiy: Our past Bachelorette Gabby was next to hit the dance floor. I might be biased but she is by far my favorite celebrity dancer this season. Gabby danced a Vietnamese Waltz to “Fools Rush In”. The dance was beautiful and romantic and ended with partner Val spinning her to her new fiance Erich Schwer. 

Vinny Guadagnino and Koko Iwasaki: Star from Jersey Shore scored the lowest in week 1. This week he wanted to focus on improving in all areas to make sure he didn’t feel the guilt of coming in last on week 2. They danced a quickstep to “Viva Las Vegas” and the judges were impressed. Vinny stepped up from his performance last week and scored a 27/40. 

Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas: TikTok star Charli is coming off a 1st place win from last week's performance. This week they were tasked with a quickstep to “Bossa Nova Baby”. The judges gave the couple great feedback, as they said how Charlis personality was shining through. The couple ended week 2 with a 32/40. 

Selma Blair and Sasha Farber: Actress Selma Blair has been thriving in DWTS even with the challenges she faces with having MS. This week the couple was tasked with a jive to “Jailhouse Rock”. The judges were impressed with her style of the jive and they scored a 28/40.

Cheryl Ladd and Louis Van Amstel: This duo was tasked with a tango to “A Little Less Conversation”. Although Ladd looked beautiful, the dance was not. Cherly missed many steps, and got a lot of the dance wrong. This hard dance overwhelmed Cherly as they scored a 21/40. 

Joseph Baena and Alexis Warr: This duo took a hit to COVID this week as Joseph's partner tested positive and wasn’t able to dance this week. Joseph was tasked with dancing a Vietnamese walk with a complete stranger to “If I Can Dream”. His step-in partner performed great and they scored a 24/40.

Heidi D’Amelio and Artem Chigvintsev: The Hulu star from “The D’Amelio Show” was tasked a foxtrot to “Suspicious Minds”. The couple did not perform well last week, and wanted to step it up on week 2. The couple did great and ended the night with a 28/40.

Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater: Actor Trevor Donovan has been very nervous and scared to dance. This week he was able to show off his body in a rumba to “You’re Always On My Mind”. Judges were captivated by the sex appeal these two showed on this romantic dance. They scored a 30/40 for week 2. 

Wayne Brady and Witney Carson: Actor and Emmy Award winning Wayne was tasked with a jive to “Burning Love”. The dance was fabulous as the judges were very impressed with the twos jive. They scored a great score of 32/40. 

The three duos that all tied for first place include:

Wayne Brady and Witney Carson= 32

Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas=32 

Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy=32

The two duos that came up last for this week include  Teresa Giudice and Pasha Pashkov and Cheryl Ladd and Louis Van Amstel. These two couples were wanting to stay, but only one of the two gets that opportunity. The couple that left the show on week 2 was….

Teresa Giuduce and Pasha Pashkov. 

Tune in next week to watch James Bond week!

[legendofsim]

“Hello everyone and welcome to the first ever video game themed web show bachelorette sponsored by the awesome game devs at Legendary Games. My name is Kye Michaels, member of the iconic girl band Super-Nova Crash. I’m excited to be the host of this show!” Kye waved at the camera. “Not a lot of people know this about me but I’m very much into video games! My favorite series of all time are wrestling games. If you couldn’t tell by my Y2J shirt. I will kick anyone’s ass who wants to challenge me.”

“And speaking of challenges....” Kye continued effortlessly. “Let’s talk about how this show is going to go down. Every week the potential candidates are going to compete in video game themed challenges for a chance to go on a date with Lucina. As the competition progresses there will be a chance for audience participation as well as some other surprises we have up our sleeves.” 

“Of course, after every date Lucina will have to choose someone that she feels the least connected with. Let’s get Lucina out here. Ladies and gentleman, the woman of the hour! Lucina, tell us about yourself.”

“Uhm...hi!” Lucina waved at the camera, smiling shyly.  “My name is Lucina Faire. I’m a former employee at a video game store, but my real dream is to make money as a video game journalist. There’s nothing exciting about me, other than I like to play video games. I didn’t apply to this show as a super famous and talented streamer or developer, but I hope to show that video games brings people together and that you don’t have to have a name in the industry to be part of the community. Anyway, I’m beyond excited to meet the guys and feel honored to have them fighting for my affection.”

“So, if you viewers have been paying attention leading up this point you’ll notice that a producer interviewed all of the candidates. So, rather than introducing them again- we’ll let Lucina go and chat to each guy. She’ll give us her verdict and we’ll go on from there. In the meantime, I’ll be prepping some stuff....” Kye winked and pushed Lucina towards the door.