Page 16 of Deadmen's Captive

"That's none of your business, Kate," I muttered. "I don't ask you about your sex life, do I?"

She shrugged. "No, but I tell you everything anyway. Unless you aren’t telling me everything and you have some hot guy stashed away somewhere?"

She looked at me hopefully, and I sighed and shook my head, feeling my annoyance drain away. In all truthfulness, It had been forever since I'd gotten laid. Literally.

She nodded. "That's what I thought. We need to get you some hot totty, and Tristan is perfect.”

“Kate, I do not want to be fixed up for a one night stand."

"You really do. You're always so serious, Paige. When was the last time you really just let loose?"

I sighed. "I don't remember."

"So what's the problem then? You on a sausage fast or something?"

"No, nothing like that. I just... I haven't... you know... before."

I muttered the words without looking at her and for a moment, I thought she hadn't heard me. I glanced quickly at her, and she was standing with her mouth hanging open, her eyes wide.

"You're a... a virgin?"

"Jeez, Kate, you say that like it's a crime or something."

"No, no, not at all! Sorry, I'm just surprised, that's all. I mean you're..."

"I'm what, exactly?" I asked, raising my eyebrows.

"You're hot as fuck," she said matter of factly, and I blushed.

"I mean, have you never been tempted or anything? Not even with someone from college?"

I shook my head. "No. My parents are… old-fashioned, and I guess I just went along with it. I didn’t really get much chance to date."

Kate nodded slowly. "I get that. But you know, it’s your life. Sometimes you just have to take a chance. Let yourself go and see where it takes you. You might surprise yourself. I’m not saying jump into bed with Tristan if you don’t want to, but maybe this is a side of you you need to explore?"

I considered her words for a moment. Could I do that? Actually date someone? My mother wanted me to find a suitable husband, and surely I couldn’t do that without dating? But what if they wanted to… do more than I was able? I needed to talk to her first.

“I’ll think about it,” I told Kate. My phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out, my eyes widening when I saw the caller. “Shit!”

“What?”

“Oh, nothing. It's my mother. i was supposed to call her at seven and it’s five past. Shit.”

“Didn’t you call her last night at seven?”

“Well, yes, but… look, sorry, I have to take this.”

I hurried into my room, closing the door, the heavy feeling of dread settling on my chest as I swiped the icon to answer the call.

“Where the hell have you been? It’s five past seven!”

“I'm sorry, Mother. I was about to call you. I got talking to someone on the way home from class, and I didn’t realise the time.” I looked down at the floor, noticing a flash of colour against the beige carpet. I bent down, picking up a small red envelope with my first name typed on it. Weird.

“Stupid girl,” she snapped. “I've got better things to do than wait around for your call.”

“Yes, Mum.”

“Who were you talking to?” she asked.

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