Cracks in friendship

The next morning, the camp organized a team-building hike followed by a lake day. I showed up late, sunglasses on, looking like I’d just rolled out of bed after a good fuck—which I had. Josh and I joined a group, but my attention quickly zeroed in on Zoe. She was wearing shorts that showed off her long legs and a top that hugged her nicely. Perfect.

Aurora stood beside her in a loose t-shirt and leggings, arms crossed, already shooting me dirty looks.

The hike was easy for me. I stayed near the back with Zoe, chatting her up while Aurora walked ahead, pretending not to listen. Every time I made Zoe laugh, I caught Aurora’s shoulders tensing.

“You’re really easy to talk to,” Zoe said, glancing up at me with that flirty smile.

“I try,” I replied, brushing a stray leaf from her hair. My fingers lingered on her shoulder. “You should come find me tonight after the bonfire again. We can skip the crowd.”

Before she could answer, Aurora suddenly stopped and turned around. “Zoe, can we walk together? I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Zoe looked torn but nodded. “Sure. Catch you later, Press.”

I smirked and watched them go. Aurora whispered something urgently to her friend. I didn’t need to hear it to know she was warning Zoe about me. Good luck with that.

By the time we reached the lake for swimming, the sun was blazing. I stripped off my shirt, enjoying the way multiple girls stared at my abs and the V-line disappearing into my swim trunks. I caught Aurora looking too—for a split second—before she turned away, cheeks flushed with anger.

I spent the afternoon in the water, splashing around, flirting shamelessly. Eventually, I cornered Zoe near the dock while Aurora was drying off farther away.

“Tonight?” I asked, stepping closer, water dripping down my chest.

Zoe bit her lip, clearly tempted. “I don’t know… Aurora’s my best friend. She really doesn’t like you.”

I leaned in, voice low. “You’re a big girl. You can make your own choices. Unless you’re scared she’ll get jealous.”

That hit the mark. Zoe’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Maybe I’ll sneak out later.”

I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, dangerously close to her mouth, knowing Aurora was watching. When I pulled back, the death glare Aurora sent my way could have killed a weaker man.

The rest of the day passed with more games and stupid trust exercises. During one pairing activity, the camp leaders forced us into mixed groups. I ended up near Aurora.

She refused to even look at me.

“Still mad?” I asked quietly while we were supposed to be spotting each other on a low rope bridge.

“I don’t get mad at manwhores,” she muttered. “I just feel sorry for them. Empty life, empty dick, empty soul.”

I laughed. “Big words for someone who couldn’t stop staring at my body by the lake. Jealousy is a disease, fatso. Get help.”

She whipped her head toward me. “Call me that one more time and I swear—”

“You’ll what?” I stepped closer, towering over her. “Tell your mommy? Cockblock your best friend from the best night of her life? Face it, Aurora. You’re only this angry because no one’s ever wanted to fuck you the way they want me.”

Her eyes glistened with hurt for a brief second before pure rage took over. “You are the most arrogant, disgusting human being I’ve ever met. Stay away from Zoe, or I’ll make sure everyone at this camp knows exactly what kind of pathetic fuckboy you are.”

She stormed off before I could reply.

That night at the bonfire, Zoe actually snuck away with me. We didn’t go far—just into the trees. I had her pressed against a tree, hand down her shorts, fingers buried deep while she moaned into my mouth. She came fast and hard, whispering my name like a secret.

But even as I enjoyed it, part of me kept thinking about Aurora’s furious face.

When I returned to the fire later, Aurora was sitting alone, looking worried and pissed. Our eyes met across the flames. She knew. She fucking knew.

I raised my beer in a mocking toast.

She flipped me off and looked away.

I smiled into the fire.

This camp was turning into the best kind of war. And I was winning.