Page 30 of Branded Hearts

Amanda chuckles, shaking her head. “Oh, Amelia, dear, you’re too pure for this world.”

Stella leans in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I think we need to give you a crash course in swearing. Lesson one: the art of the word ‘fuck’. It’s so versatile.”

“And‘Cunt’,” Jamie adds casually.

“Oh, that one’s my favourite!” Amanda joins in.

I clear my throat. “Yeah, I think I’ll pass on that lesson, thanks.”

“At least tell us you’ve seen a real dick before?” Kristie asks, her tone teasing.

Oh my.I instantly feel those tummy flutters, images of Bradley from yesterday in the shower flashing through my mind. “Th-that’s none of your business, thank you very much.”

“Hold the fuck up! She’s blushing!! You have! She has!” Jamie exclaims, her excitement palpable.

“Amelia Brown, you better not have seen a dick and not have told us!” Kristie adds, her voice a little too loud for my likingas she scans the surroundings to make sure no one heard.

I can’t help but think that she really needs to work on her no-filter mouth. Sometimes, I swear she forgets we’re in public.

“Shush, would you? My goodness!” I exclaim.

“You better tell us right now. Please and thank you!” Stella insists, her words making me wish for another drink.

As if on cue, one of the bartenders comes round to collect our empty cups. I take this opportunity to order another round of drinks, asking for mine to be a double shot.

“Oh, she’s sure as hell seen one alright. Asking for double shots ‘n all,” Amanda chirps, earning laughter from the group.

“Well…” Kristie says, waiting for me to answer. I hesitate, feeling the weight of their expectant gazes.

I feel my cheeks flush as their expectant eyes bore into me. “Um, yes! I have. There, happy?” I try to muster confidence, but I’m already second-guessing my response.

“When? Where?” Kristie’s curiosity spikes, leaning in with a grin.

“The other day, on my laptop,” I state matter-of-factly, hoping to steer away from the real details. Lies.

“Oh no, no, no. We don’t mean porn, hunny,” Jamie chastises, her tone playful. “Kristie meant inreallife, up close and personal. Veins and all.”

My mind involuntarily drifts to Bradley and his very, very large member, and I feel myself growing increasingly flustered.

“It’s okay. You can tell us.” Jamie nudges me, eager for details.

Kristie chirps in, “Yeah! Remember that time I toldyouabout thatguy Ben and how he had a monster schlong.”

I can’t help but snort. “Yeah, information that YOU willingly shared. I didn’tpesteryou about it.”

“Same shit, different smell,” she fires back with a smile.

I squirm, feeling like I’ve dug myself into a hole.

“Well, it was the other day at Liv’s house,” I begin reluctantly. “I went to pick something up, and I may or may not have stumbled upon her brother, Bradley… in the shower.”

The girls erupt into giggles and exclamations. “You walked in on him?”

“No, no. He left the bloody door open!” I exclaim. “I mean, who does that?”

Jamie squeals with excitement. “Was he all soapy and steamy?”

“Um, yeah,” I stammer, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.

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