Page 72 of Tricky Girls

‘This honest work isn’t so bad,’ she says as I drive us back to campus. ‘Pays peanuts though. Think I’ll stick to my inheritance.’

I shake my head. ‘God, you’re an asshole.’

‘And you love it,’ she purrs into my ear.

She’s not wrong. I really do.

Dammit.

‘You gotta take this back now?’

‘Usually do, why?’

‘Thought we could go on a little joyride after all.’ She snakes her hands over mine on the handlebars. ‘I think it’s my turn to drive this thing, don’t you? Feels wrong not being the one in the driver’s seat.’

Reluctantly, I relinquish control of the handlebars. We delivered everything in good time; they won’t be missing the quad bike for a while.

There’s not much room on the seat, nowhere for me to go but fit to the curve of her body. She’s all but enveloping me in this position but the late November wind is so cold I welcome the additional heat.

‘Don’t be a boy racer,’ I warn.

She only chuckles, turning off the path onto a forest track. ‘Fucking looking forward to this.’

I should’ve known she wouldn’t listen. As soon as we’re away from prying eyes, she revs the bike and thrusts it forward. With a yelp, I grab onto her arms.

She rubs me soothingly. ‘I’ve got you, beautiful. Relax. I’ve done this before.’

I can believe her with the ease in which she wends around the forest, trees rushing past in a blur of grey green. Gripping onto her thighs, I push back into her body. It’s the only way I can stay on the bike.

‘Knew you were a secret adrenaline junkie,’ she shouts into my ear.

I close my eyes, becoming one with the vibrating, roaring bike and the solid girl behind me. ‘You bring it out in me.’

Safe.

That’s what I feel with her.

Safe and just as intimidated.

An intoxicating mix I’m quickly becoming addicted to.

She takes me further than I’ve ever been before. Hazelhurst Island isn’t huge but it’s full to the edge with forests and rocks and caves and cliffs. It’s a never-ending maze of wilderness.

I didn’t realise there were paths this far out. They’re not inhabited by any walkers, at least not at this time of day, making me wonder if they’re here for this very purpose. Not many of us have cars here, mainly only the staff. Quad bikes are a favoured mode of transportation, though you have to apply to use them.

I wonder if there’s a club for it or something. I curl my hands tighter around Haz’s thighs, comfortable against her broad chest. I bet she’d love something like that. Might look into it for her.

The track dips down to a lake I never knew existed. Pine trees and crags reflect in the strangely still waters. There are swans out there, long necks craned in our direction, pissed we’re disturbing their peaceful morning.

‘Bet wild swimming’s ace here,’ Haz calls. ‘We should come back at midnight for a skinny dip.’

‘Ask me again once it’s summer.’

‘I won’t forget that,’ she says into my ear.

Her warm breath blooms on my cheeks. Turns out adrenaline is as much of a turn on as vodka.

She slows down on a little peninsular of grass, water stretching out in all directions. She releases the handlebars, hands resting loosely on top of mine on her thighs.

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