Page 4 of Lipstick Kiss

“Seriously, no touching?”

“Especially no touching.”

“Well, that’s a bummer,” Freya said.

“For me, no, as I have Jason, but for you, yes. It’s the biggest tease, but at least you can watch.”

“Feels a bit pervy,” Freya said, wrinkling her nose. “Maybe I can take one of the rooms upstairs and watch from the window?”

“Nope, not allowed in. Kitchens are the only place we’re allowed to go.”

“Definitely, Army,” Freya said, nodding. “Okay, food. Then maybe I might come back and see if they want me to spot them.”

Heidi laughed and dragged her away from the verandah.

Chapter Two

Luke

It was too early in the morning to deal with a bunch of bullies who thought five-on-one was a fair fight.

Luke had come off the first boat to cross to Copper Island with his duffle bag. Walking along the quayside, he saw two fishermen who ignored his nods.

“Aunt Cynthia, making friends again, I see,” he muttered.

He had a short walk to the high street before taking the private path to the Turner estate. He looked down the main street with the shops and saw five boys shoving another kid who wasn’t trying to defend himself or run away. He stood there, taking it. Then, dropping his duffle bag, Luke ran towards them. When he got to their scuffle, he saw they were young teens. He recognised the one being shoved. It was Ralph’s kid, Kenny.

“Kenny, back away, stand over there, and you lot,” hesaid, pointing at the group of five kids he’d put at fourteen, “come over here.”

It was too early for them to be up. They were teenagers. All of them should be in bed and not get up until midday.

“What’s going on?” Luke said to the five boys, but then got distracted.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Kenny edge away.

“You stay still,” he said to him.

The kid was so scared he froze mid-stride and stood legs apart outside the newsagents.

Luke turned back to the kids and glared at them. “Who is the leader?”

Four eyes looked at the boy in the middle, who stared at Luke like he was Lord of everything.

“You lead this chicken shit bunch of losers?” Luke asked.

“We’re not losers,” he called back, chin lifted, his lips scrunched together.

“You think five to one is brave?” Luke bellowed.

The shopkeeper came out of the newsagents. He nodded to Luke and then went back inside. Luke spotted Lucy come out of the greengrocers with a crate of apples.

“Hey, Luke. Good to see you home,” she called out.

At least one person was happy to see him back that wasn’t blood.

Turning back to the lead punk, he nodded for him to explain, crossing his arms.

“He hasn’t paid up this week. He knows his money is due on a Friday. It’s now Saturday, and he hasn’t paid.”

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