This is being completed soon so it is going to be a little messy. I have other things I need to work on.

Chapter Twenty-Three:

"Guys the show is starting!" Marci said to her friends, Brianna and Jessica.

"I still can't believe it," Jessica said. "Five of these women were part of mercenary terrorist group."

"Do you think it was all a publicity stunt?" Brianna asked. "Like how could he not see these women weren't here for the right reasons?"

"He was blinded by love," Marci said. "We also don't know how much he actually did know about what was going on."

"It's starting!" Jessica said.

Drake Rolland appeared on the screen and show began.

…

"Ladies and gentlemen," he said. "In all my years of hosting this show I never experienced some of the drama that occurred with this particular Heart. I knew from the beginning he was special, but I never imagined he would bring out so many characters. Characters that were not only creative, but deceptive. Thanks to one of the many twists in this show some of these woman, are behind bars. You may know their names but you do not know the story. This is Lonely Hearts: Deceptive Love Edition."

Drake walked to TV and pulled out a remote.

"Let's start from the beginning, shall we?"

He turned the TV on and Reid appeared.

He was putting his tie on.

"I never thought I'd try seeking loving on reality dating show," he said in a voiceover. "I didn't even know what Lonely Hearts was until a producer found me sitting on a park bench. I am at crossroads in my life where I can't decide if it is time to try to rejoin the FBI or pursue other paths. But right now, I have decided to pursue love here and hope for the best."

Episode Two:

He was wiping tears from his eyes.

"I can't believe after such wonderful ride, that everything would fall apart when we came down. There is a relationship between love and adrenaline but I thought the love aspect was more important. I…I just can't believe all she cared about was my time in prison and my body. From her remarks, I'm beginning to question this process already."

He did a voice over as he danced with different women.

"Bella surprised me today. I knew she was different from the others and I considered that I good thing. I think she is sweet and there is potential there."

He was watched as the limo departed.

"I know I need to get used to this process but I don't think I ever will. It just hurts to see these women leave."

Episode Three:

"I felt like a piece of meat on display when I swam. I only wanted some exercise and these women treated it like a water ballet. I think I might have feelings for Sarah but it is hard to tell after what happened. I am still questioning this process. I question what women are really looking for when they see me."

Mel and Reid smiled at each other as they ate.

"Mel seems like a great woman. She is smart and witty. We have a lot of common ground beyond her cousin. I look forward to exploring a relationship with her."

Reid was gazing at the ink block alone.

"Every time I think I've found something special it feels like I am taking two steps back. I trusted both women to care about me. This process is already getting to me. I am still holding out hope that I can find love with one of these women."

He watched Halia leave:

"Halia is a special woman. I wish her all the best."

Episode Four:

He and Leah kept smiling at each other after the picnic was over.

"Leah is special and she has no idea how special she really is. I enjoy every moment of time I spend with her. I don't regret kissing her as it felt so perfectly natural."

Reid and Mika parted ways in the VIP area.

"I felt no real connection with her. I was trying to enjoy the show and live in the moment when all she wanted to do was talk. I suspect she had something else on her mind but I can't figure out what."

Episode Five:

"Seeing Lila woke up some old emotions in me. It was nerve-wracking at first but in the end, I think it was a good thing. It reminded of the passionate love I had experienced and now was my chance to try it again."

Reid walked with Ava on the beach.

"The relationship I have with Ava is more complicated compared to the others. There is a push and pull with her that I like. I also sense there is something deeper about her motivations for being on the show. I hope to explore them in the future."

He watched the limo leave:

"I liked spending time with Star, but I couldn't see a future with her. Mel and I don't have the same level of chemistry but there is something about her that fascinates me but I can't figure out what though.

Episode Six:

He watched J.J. and his father greet the women.

"I'm so glad to have J.J. and my father are with me. I trust them to give their honest opinions about each of the women. J.J. in particular as she is a profiler and I consider her family."

He watched Bella leave:

"Letting go of Bella probably one of the harder eliminations I have had to make. She has a special place in my heart and always will. I'm still trying to find what I see in Mel. I think she belongs because she is such an unknown entity."

Episode Seven:

Reid sat on a step and outside.

"Seeing Leah leave hurts because I hurt her. She deserves better than me but she doesn't know it. I wish her all the best and I wish the guilt would go away."

Episode Eight:

Leah was sitting in pod on the jet looking out the window when Reid approached her.

"What do you want?" she spat out.

"To apologize with all my heart," he said tearfully. "I know I hurt you, even if the reason was good. I know Mel and Ava are dangerous so I had to make them my top two. I don't love either of them. My heart is torn between you and Bella."

She stared at him.

"You really expect me to believe all that?"

"I don't like to lie Leah," he said. "I care about you. Please, give me a second chance."

She stared at him and waited a beat. "I'll give you a chance. What do I do?"

"Sit tight and wait for instructions from the producers."

"I'm making a big jump for you, you know that?" she said tearfully.

"I know."

He approached Bella's pod.

"Hi," she said lightly.

"I'm sorry," he said. "You're in the final two but Ava and Mel are—"

"Spencer?" she said. "Do you have feelings for me?"

"Yes," he said.

"Then stop worrying and let the producers do their job."

"You're not mad?"

"A little, but I had a feeling something was off about the final two."

"How did you know?"

"Because I know you Spencer, as well I can in the time we've had."

Reid walked to his own pod.

"I have never felt so nervous in my life."