Page 109 of Vying Girls

Haz leans higher on her elbow, watching Tilda writhe in her arms. ‘I need you to come for me, pretty girl.’

Tilda tucks her head into me, fingers grasping the material of my t-shirt. ‘Gonna come,’ she breathes.

Haz slaps her pussy lightly before resuming her rapid strokes. ‘Now, Tilda. Won’t ask again.’

I pinch her nipple more tightly, giving her what she needs to get over that edge. She draws in a sharp breath, then she’s moaning her orgasm into my chest, undulating her hips in the scant space between us. I close my eyes, absorbing her pleasure, fighting the urge to do something about my own.

‘Finally,’ Haz says when Tilda relaxes. ‘Thought you’d lost it, like some shrivelled up old lady.’

Tilda laughs, shoving at her. ‘You are such a dickhead. That was literally so fast.’

‘One down,’ I say, smiling at her.

‘Nineteen more to go,’ Haz chimes in.

Tilda lets out a breathy laugh. ‘Excuse me?’

‘Told you we had exercise planned for you today.’ I stroke her head, kissing her warm cheek. ‘One orgasm for every year.’

Tilda looks between us, excitement warring with wariness. ‘Twenty,’ she says weakly.

Haz grins, licking a line up the two fingers she just used. ‘Twenty orgasms, baby.’

CHAPTER 19

Nic

I loiter in the kitchen, listening for signs of life as I fill up a glass and catch my breath. Glorious run, the sun dappling its light on me, most people still home nursing hangovers. Not a bad start to my birthday.

The thought makes my lip curl. At least no one’s jumping out shoutingsurprise!Haz threatened as much but she’s usually full of shit. Besides, she’s got someone else to divide her time with today.

I enter the lounge, eyes snagging on the mess of balloons and bunting. For me or her?

I shake my head. I’m not doing that. I never cared that we shared a birthday before, not starting now. Not like they haven’ttried getting in touch, the missed calls and texts on my phone being testament to that. Not their fault I decided to stay at the tent last night.

Just thought I’d get out the way. Make it easier on them.

Then I snort, because when did I get so fucking considerate? Probably when I found out my psycho cousin wants her. There are tonnes of things I’d wish on Tilda, but never that. Makes me uneasy that I haven’t heard anything since that note. What’s the fucker scheming?

I shake off the thought, drawing comfort from the puddle of sun warming my feet. Don’t know why I’m back here so early. The event isn’t until later and I’ve still not decided if I want to bring Tilda or not. I can pretend it’s for the purpose of protection, but I’d be a lying piece of shit. I just want her today, simple as. There’s probably something to that. Some long-lost inner child wanting to recreate simpler times. Don’t even know if she’ll agree yet. I’ve hardly shown myself to be the best company. But I’ve got her a little something to sweeten the deal, something I need to set up without the rest of them seeing. Kindness still makes me feel vulnerable.

I ascend the stairs on weak legs, thankful for the endorphins still coursing through me. I hear laughter from Elly’s room, the door to Tilda’s ajar and showing it’s empty. Convenient. I jog up the stairs to the top floor. Might as well get her gift over with now.

But as I enter my room, my eyes land on something small and colourful on my bed. I pick it up, twirling the box. Origami. There’s no tag to say who it’s from, but the gold ribbon clues me in. A gift for me too? Aren’t we all chummy.

Sitting down, I give the box a shake. It feels as empty as air, nothing at all rattling inside. I hesitate before undoing the ribbon. Wouldn’t blame her if it’s a gag gift.

There is something inside, though, a folded-up piece of kitchen roll. I frown as I pull it out, turning it over in my hands before unfolding it.

My breath catches at the sight of the lipstick kiss, the colour a dark red, and the words scrawled next to it.

For pastime’s sake. Happy birthday xx

I grind my teeth as I work out whether this is supposed to be a taunt. The kiss she denied me as kids? The one that sent me into a fucking spin and a half. My first whiff of heartbreak. A prelude for everything to come.

Or is this something else entirely?

Do you fancy me?