Page 114 of Lost Paradise

Obviously, tattooing is his and Jack's. It’s something I find pretty cool, but I keep my thoughts to myself as I don’t need to pump Astro's already naturally inflated ego.

“What do you mean?” Zane asks curiously. “Like party tricks and stuff?”

“Yeah,” Astro offers.

There's a hesitant pause as we exchange glances, unsure of where this will lead. Feeling a need to lighten the mood, I take a deep breath and decide to go first.

"Well," I begin, my voice uncertain at first. "I can do this thing…” my voice trails off, a little unsure.

“Come on, Princess, you can’t tease us like that. Show us,” Astro urges, and I look at the others who are silently waiting to see my trick.

I smile nervously. “You promise not to laugh.”

Each one says they won’t, and when my eyes land on Astro, I need his confirmation.

Especially him.

“I promise not to laugh, Princess.”

“Okay,” I say as I reach for a smooth rock near the fire and dip it into the soot that’s collected on the stones. “I can’t believe I’m actually doing this.” I shake my head in disbelief.

Everyone remains quiet and watches with curiosity.

“Normally, lipstick would be the thing to use, but resources are limited, so I’m using a makeshift alternative.” I position the rock between my breasts, making sure my bra holds both girls in place.

I can feel everyone’s eyes burning into me as I lower my head to my chest. The fire crackles softly, and a gentle breeze rustles through the palm leaves, causing them to flap against each other, yet no one speaks a word.

Pressing my lips against the makeshift lipstick, I draw a bold line with surprising precision. The soot stands out against my skin, creating an impromptu face paint. I lift my head up, my cheeks burning, hoping I haven’t made a fool of myself.

Everyone smiles and claps.

"That's actually pretty cool," Foster admits, and I feel a rush of relief.

“That’s great,” claps Zane with a bright smile.

“Alright!” Byron roars.

“I love red lipstick, but black is always my first choice!” Jack chimes in.

They all clap happily.

All except Astro.

His clapping is slow and deliberate, his hands meeting with exaggerated force. The sound is sharp and mocking, each clap spaced out as if he’s measuring the impact of his derision. His expression is one of amused disdain, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth as he continues his sarcastic applause.

"Bravo," he says, his voice dripping with irony. The sarcasm in his tone hangs in the air, a stark contrast to the genuine warmth of the moment. “Where did you learn to do that?”

I meet his gaze, trying to decipher the mix of emotions in his eyes. There’s something deeper there, beneath the mockery.

“Riding camp eighth grade,” I reply honestly.

“That was great, Eve,” Foster suddenly interrupts, his voice cutting through the rising tension between Astro and me. He throws a heavy glare at Astro, silently warning him to leave whatever crap he’s planning alone.

I nervously wipe the soot from my lips with the back of my hand. The rest of the group shifts uncomfortably, the brief silence threatening to bring back the earlier unease. But I force a smile and nod at Astro, determined not to let his attitude ruin the fragile peace we’ve found.

“My perception of you is completely shattered,” Astro sneers, his mouth twisting into a sardonic smile, eyes narrowing as he watches me. The malice in his gaze sends a shiver down my spine.

“You’re a twat,” Byron snaps, his voice sharp. “Lay off her.”

---