cross asks , tapping his right hand on his knee . `` babe , move your foot , your shoe is about to pierce the skin on my shin . '' i thought , feeling absolutely sick at the thought . `` what if i told you there was a mercy clause in the rules , an out for one of the contestants ? '' too much food makes me too slow . leaving the living room , she went into the bedroom , which was done in rich tones of gold and red . 