Page 158 of Tricky Girls

We were furtive on our return. It wasn’t that I felt guilty or bad for Elly, I just knew whatever we’d done tonight would be so obviously painted all over me and that’s not how I want her to find out. She deserves a conversation. They both do, really. Probably with each other more than me.

We had bumped into Nic though, the last person I ever want to see but always seems to be everywhere I turn.

Makes me think of Haz’s red thread of fate. Except ours is black and lined with barbed wire.

Haz grinned when she saw her, dragging me closer. ‘You haven’t seen a thing,’ she said.

Nic only shook her head, disgust and disapproval so starkly written on her face it made my cheeks burn. It was probably obvious by the state of me what we’d done. She granted us access, after all. It was like a bucket of cold water, dampening all the fun of tonight.

She’s such a vampire. I’m sick of her sucking the life out of me. If it wasn’t for the other two, I’d probably be back at Portia House. Ryan was easier to deal with than this. He doesn’t get under my skin like she does.

But I feel comfortable in Haz’s bed, hidden from her judgement here.

I crack open my eyes when light floods in from the landing. Haz is in black joggers, a loose t-shirt over the top. Her arms are bare, the muscles flexing as she sets about putting her phone on charge.

She stands over the bed regarding me, a speculative look in her eyes that makes my heartbeat quicken.

She goes to a drawer and pulls it open, emerging with a length of ribbon. Without a word, she ties one end around my wrist and the other to the headboard.

She doesn’t need to say anything. The message is clear. I belong to her tonight.

She gets into bed, snuffing out the bedside lamp. It takes a while for my eyes to adjust. Her back’s to me, the broadness like a barrier. I wait for her to turn round, to do something, anything, but she only sighs, clearly comfortable where she is.

‘Seriously? You’re making me sleep in your bed, no sex, nothing, and you won’t even cuddle me?’

Haz tuts, her eyeroll audible. ‘Fine.’ She shifts round, arm held out. ‘Bring it in then. Fuckingbrat.’

I snuggle into her smugly, making sure to hook a leg over her as well as an arm. If she wants the same treatment as Elly, thenshe’s going to get it. Call me old fashioned, but I need cuddling after being deepthroated like that.

She’s firmer than Elly, her hold around me more possessive despite her initial protests. Usually I’m asleep in two seconds doing this with Elly, as comforting as it is, but it’s different with Haz. She cuddles, sure, but it’s more of a hold. More of aI own this, this right here in my arms.

I feel her breathe in my hair before pressing a kiss there. ‘Did you like that?’ she hushes.

‘What do you think?’

‘I need to hear you say it.’

‘I liked it, Haz. I liked it a lot. Thank you.’

She snorts, making me smile.

‘More where that came from, princess. Just say the word.’

‘I don’t remember saying any words tonight.’

‘Tonight was different. It was punishment.’

‘For what, exactly?’

‘For what,she says. For you fucking that motherfucker and keeping it a secret. For you deciding to love pussy and keeping it a secret. The fuck, Tilda. I’m here for you if you want to explore. Haven’t I made that pretty fucking clear?’

‘Elly said I had to level up first.’

‘She said that, huh? Well, tonight I expedited your education. Consider yourself graduated.’

I’m quiet for a while. This is exactly what I’d been afraid of. ‘I’m not, though.’

‘Not what?’

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