‘The Bachelorette’: Who Will Be Next to Fall — Arie or Ryan?

Since he first stepped out of the limo on night one of "The Bachelorette " Season 8, race car driver Arie Luyendyk, Jr. has been the man to beat. But after a major misstep last week and rumors flying about his demise, is he the next to go? In a recent conference call interview, Luyendyk talked about his trouble with Emily and which bachelor might not have the best of intentions.

Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Got in Hot Water for Not Ratting out Kalon McMahon to Emily Maynard.

In last week's episode, contestant Kalon McMahon brought out the "backwoods hood rat" in the usually demure Emily Maynard by referring to her daughter Ricki as baggage. But frontrunner Luyendyk quickly became the victim of collateral damage.

Yes, Maynard was mad enough at McMahon to send him packing without even giving him a chance to explain. But she was equally angry with her other potential suitors, because she felt none of them stepped up to the plate and told her about McMahon's inappropriate remarks.

Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Explains Why He Didn't Tell Emily Maynard About Kalon McMahon's Remarks.

The super-protective mama bear seemed especially angry with Luyendyk, who she clearly has been developing strong feelings for as the weeks progress. Luyendyk explained why he didn't break ranks and tell Maynard about McMahon's comments. "I wanted to absorb every moment with her, and I wanted to spend it talking about us and our future and if we were compatible or not."

Even though he admitted he hasn't watched previous seasons of "The Bachelorette," any one who does will confirm that was a good strategic move. The contestants who tend to get mixed up in the drama and are constantly talking about their competitors are usually quickly eliminated.

Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Will Break the Rules to Express His Feelings to Emily Maynard.

But as Rose Ceremony time drew closer, Luyendyk clearly was sweating out the possibility that he'd be eliminated. That didn't happen but the 30-year-old from the Netherlands decided after that close call, he needed to speak with Maynard. He gave a sneak peak at Monday's episode, "I had really strong feelings for her at this point, and I break the rules this week to make sure that she knows that… I am proud of it, that I did it, that I took a chance and broke the rules to express how I felt."

It's unclear if Luyendyk will also address rumors of his off-screen connection with female "Bachelorette" producer during this episode, as well. But he did promise that the topic would play out on the show this season.

Arie Luyendyk, Jr. Says Ryan Bowers Will Show His True Colors.

Luyendyk also confirmed that there might still be a bachelor who isn't necessarily in it for the right reasons. When pushed to name names he remarked, "This week you will definitely see a lot Ryan [Bower]'s true colors."

As for whether or not he'd be up for being the next "Bachelor," should things not work out for him with Maynard, he joked, "My fiancée might not approve of that. No, I'm just joking… I said basically it's hilarious because I know that's a hot topic right now, but who knows what happens. And if I am engaged to Emily, I don't think it would be possible for me to become the next 'Bachelor.'"

Will Luyendyk or Bowers get the axe this week? Watch the drama unfold when " The Bachelorette " airs on Monday nights at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST on ABC.

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