46

B I L L I O N A I R E  I N  C A M P  V

PEOPLE TALKED TO me like they knew me for years. It was new to me. Having no friends in my childhood, it was hard to have so many people be friendly with me all of a sudden. Some of them praised me, some of them found me an inspiration, some of them genuinely wanted to be friends with me. They were genuine. I spoke to Rosetta today and she was more than amused with my progress. She said that she heard about the show last night and was secretly proud of me. She was a good acquaintance — more like a friend now.

I can say that I have talked to half of the camp right now. Well, except Fleur and Vanessa, whom I realised was also in the camp later on in the day. Vanessa had crossed my path and I expected her to give me some snarky comment but none came my way which left me confused. What happened all of a sudden? It's a good thing but still, it has been bothering me to be honest. Why can't I be just happy about it like normal people would? Be optimistic, my little pessimistic soul.

It's a wonder how a little confidence, a little hope and a little love can do a lot to a person. It makes everything much easier. It makes life much easier. Hope for a better life, kept me going in my dark days back at home — Should I even call it that? Confidence to face your demons. And, love to know that you will never be alone.

I haven't seen Auden for the whole day even though we are in the same group — Panthera. Uncle West mentioned the progress in a small gathering during the afternoon. He said that Panthera was the leading group. He also said that there is a surprise waiting for us tomorrow.

Darkness had fallen all over the forest and the sound of crickets echoed around the trees. A small breeze flew, tingling my skin. I looked down to see goosebumps rise on my arms and thighs. Yes, you heard that right. My thighs are bare. I smiled as I traced the new tattoo going down from my hip to my thigh. A dark red rose — beautiful but deadly. Every rose has its thorn. My new friend, Archie Hunter drew a beautiful dark rose along the scar using the scar as the stalk of the plant. The other small scars and bruises were covered by rose petals.

No, I am not hiding them behind my tattoos. I'm showing that those who fear the thorns cannot pick the roses. I felt reborn today. I felt new and that I have finally moved on from my past. Because of that, I took the effort to put on makeup today and look good. My face was glowing and I felt like my heart was glowing too. Shira was ecstatic about my new tattoo that she got one of too. A small feather tattoo on her wrist. When I asked her the meaning, she had given me a sad smile before saying that she was fragile as a feather too. It baffled me how a strong person like her could be fragile. But, thinking of the times when she cried over Theo made me realise that she was a fragile person inside. Deep inside.

I wonder what Auden would say when he sees my tattoo.

Today, we had done an activity — like a treasure hunt. It was super fun and exciting. Shira tripped herself on a log and got her leg scratched. She was whining about it the entire time that even Tessa, the redhead who was always silent had to ask her to shut up. Shira's expression was priceless. Our group won though. I didn't expect our group to win because we had been slacking most of the way, forgetting that we were still in the game half of the time. We were just enjoying too much of nature and ourselves that when we saw the next clue lying right in front of us, we had almost walked past it. It was pretty fun and tiring. My legs ached from all the walking and jogging.

"Do you swallow or spit?" Orlanda, the Daughter of Micheal Coventry, a famous actor asked.

The water I was drinking from the bottle flew out of my mouth and landed in front of the small fire I and the other girls had set up. Currently, we were sitting in a circle, playing truth or dare. At least ten girls were sitting around and it was Shira's turn to answer the question now.

"I swallow," Shira answered calmly like it was no big deal and my eyes widened. All the girls cheered at Shira's answer. And, I couldn't help but laugh as she winked.

I thought girls from rich families were neat and they don't talk about stuff like this, especially dirty stuff like this. As if reading my mind, the girl beside me said, "You girls are so dirty." The girl chuckled. One of them said, "Rich girls are naughtier than average girls. We have been taught our entire childhood — we can't even call that a childhood — to keep away from bad words and bad habits more sternly from other parents that when we finally do it, it's more intriguing for us. We are good girls with civil manners and etiquette. We know the customary code of polite behaviour in a society. But, deep down below, we know we can't control ourselves, we do bad things. We are naughty princesses. Admit it, all of you here have lied to your parents." The girl with the British accent said with a smug smirk and the others chuckled in response, agreeing with her.

"I once sneaked out of my house with thirty security guards and no one knew. I went to meet my Boyfriend." Lyra said. She was a petite brunette and imagining her doing stuff like that was hard. She seemed like the quiet type.

But then, it's always the quiet ones.

"I once had a threesome in my room." Another girl confessed and my eyes went wide in alarm as I couldn't help but smile at all these fun and naughty girls. All girls whistled at her answer and laughed.

"We had a grand birthday party. It was boring and I didn't like it. So, I put alcohol and drugs in the drinks. Everyone got drunk and started messing up the whole party. My parents got furious but it was worth it." The Irish girl flipped her bright red hair and gave a smug smirk while everyone laughed.

"I think I was there." Lyra chimed in. "Mr Baxter had scratched his nails on Mr Tennyson's Bugatti and it reached the headlines the next day."

"Oh, I remember that!" Someone exclaimed.

"What about you?" Archie asked me and everyone looked up at me expectantly. "Any scandalous mishaps?"

I tilted my head and gave all of them a smug smile. "I escaped a grand wedding once."

"Oh, I heard about that!" A girl exclaimed excitedly. My confused expression made her answer, "Word travels fast. Ever since the ball, everyone is talking about you. Your life is like a fairytale you know?" The girl said, her eyes shining with admiration.

"Yeah, a beautiful strong orphan girl with an abusive past, escapes from a wedding planned by her evil aunt and falls in love with a Prince Charming who happens to be a billionaire." Audrey Lexington said. She is the daughter of a famous designer, Ms Abarnathy Lexington. I have heard of her skills and creativity before.

"It's a fairytale," Tessa said, her voice sounding dreamy.

"You are a great inspiration, you know that?" A girl asked me and everyone looked towards me. All the sudden attention and compliments got my cheeks burning with flame. I couldn't help but feel shy under all those admiring gazes and for once in my life, I felt powerful, the good kind of powerful. People thought I was an inspiration? When Audrey had put the story of my life like that, it did sound like a person I would feel inspired by. Never in my life have I thought, I would be an inspiration to someone. That's a major stage. A pedestal.

I smiled shyly. "Thank you. That means a lot to me." I said, my voice sounding strong and confident yet humble at the same time, something only noble people can do. My heart warmed up in content. "Let's get back to the game," I added and everyone shifted, their excitement back again as they all looked at me curiously since it was my turn.

"Truth or Dare?" Shira asked me and the girls got quieter to listen to my response.

"Truth," I said because frankly, I was too lazy and tired to walk around and do the dares.

"If you could pick one person to join you and your guy for a threesome, who would it be?" A brunette girl asked and everyone shouted and chucked at the question. My eyes widened at the dirty question, the image of Auden and me having a threesome was just too ridiculous. Before I could open my mouth and answer, I was cut off by someone.

"No one. And, that's the truth, Ms Summer."

Auden's voice reached my ears and I smiled as all the girls looked at me and him back forth. I could see their inner fangirling going on in their heads and I wanted to laugh at the situation. Most of them were swooning over him, but I knew they weren't jealous, and I knew they wouldn't destroy my relationship. They were just finding this entire situation cute for a couple and I could see that.

"Now, can I have my KitKat back ladies? I haven't seen her since yesterday night. And, I need to remind her of her fiancé."

"Aww, he calls her KitKat." A girl squealed from somewhere. Another girl looked like she was going to faint while the others were mostly fangirling inwardly. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the situation.

"You can have her, Mr Milson." The girl, Ms Summers gave me a knowing smile before gesturing for me to get up. I couldn't help but feel butterflies dancing in my belly as I stood up, brushed the dirt off myself before meeting his handsome face.

He held his arm out for me and I held it before both of us walked away from the small group. They were giggling mischievously behind us. A furious blush painted on my cheeks as I felt him squeeze my hand. We disappeared into the trees and I could feel his heated gaze on my face. I didn't turn around to look at him, to just play with him. Suddenly, out of nowhere, he licked my cheek and I looked at him surprised at his sudden action. He let go of my hand and moved away laughing as he bent over at my shocked expression.

"Did you just lick me?" I asked, touching my wet cheek with the tips of my fingers. "My highlight..." I groaned, thinking about the thirty minutes I had spent to perfect my highlight and his laughter stopped as he sent me an unbelievable glare. This time, I laughed at his expression as I held onto the nearest tree. He soon joined my laughter before his eyes landed on my thigh.

"What do you think?" I asked, lifting the edge of my shorts a little bit to show him more of the tattoo. He looked at the tattoo before looking up at me. His bright blue eyes had gone dark and a look of lust and pride filled his expression. I gulped a little as he took two fast steps near me, making me back against a tree. I bit my lip.

"It's sexy." He whispered in a husky voice. "It suits you." He said this time with more pride than lust before his expression darkened once again. "Show me the whole tattoo."

"Sure." I teased him, enjoying this all too well, before lifting my shirt a little and he traced the tattoo on my skin. His cold hands on my warm skin, made me shiver in delight. His hands rested on my bare hip, refusing to let go of me before he leaned in towards my face. Right before his lips met mine, he smiled teasingly before his hand glided its way to my back and slid itself into my shorts as he squeezed my ass hard. I gasped in delight.

"Auden," I whispered, half wanting him to stop and half enjoying it.

"Let's play truth or dare." He teased me as he pressed himself onto me even more. I could feel his chiselled chest against mine and I licked my lips.

"Ok," I said, smiling cheekily. "Dare," I said confidently and he grinned before tugging the line of my panties with his fingers. I tensed up and let my hand squeeze his shoulder.

"I dare you to kiss me." He said. I smiled, reaching forward and kissing his nose much to his disappointment as he groaned. I laughed, before pushing him away from me as I started walking away. "You didn't say where Mr Milson," I said.

"You are calling me Mr Milson again. Kinky much? What's your favourite sex position?" He asked from behind me, beyond amused and I smiled cheekily before laughing. The memory of him asking me the same question struck me and I smiled at how time had passed already.

"It's called 'The Sun.' You stay 93, 000, 000 miles away from me." I replied and he laughed at my response from behind me as he followed my footsteps.

"Are you sure you like that position?"

No. Doggystyle would do.

Shut up, Katherine.

"Yes." I lied and turned around to take a glance at him checking out my ass from behind. My eyes widened as he gave me a wink and I turned back around, walking forward with a permanent blush on my face. "Stop chasing me, Mr Auden Milson." I smiled and jumped over a log.

"I can never stop doing that, Ms Katherine De Beaut." His voice sounded sincere and love was dripping from every corner of it as it warmed my heart.

"Those cheesy lines won't work on me," I said cheekily and I heard him laugh from behind. Suddenly, his footsteps fastened, and before I knew it, his hands were circling my waist and he held me there as his nose fell on the crook of my neck as he feathered kisses down my shoulder. I bit my lip from moaning at the tingling sensation he left.

"Will these kisses work, love?" He asked huskily and I smiled, showing more of my neck to him.

"Maybe."

"You are a tease." Auden groaned and I laughed before he joined by my side and held my hand as we walked together, heading back to the camp. Back at the camp, the group had disappeared and everyone was having a barbecue party. I remember Mila telling us earlier that there was going to be a barbecue party tonight. Both of us slid into the party with ease and I grabbed a stick of warm toast marshmallows. I savoured the taste and Auden tried taking a bite of it. I pushed him away from me. "Get your own," I said teasingly and he pouted. I chuckled before giving him the stick to which he smiled before kissing my cheek.

Suddenly, Auden has ripped away from me and I stood there, wide-eyed as I looked at the person hugging the life out of Auden. I realised there was a man beside me, standing calmly, with a small smile as he looked at the embrace the two people were sharing. I narrowed my eyes at them and the hugger backed away from the embrace. It was a man, which I was grateful for. He had blond hair, blue eyes and he looked like the perfect quarterback in a Soccer team. He had a panty-dropping smile. "Bro! It's been a long time." The man smiled and Auden seemed very cheerful all of sudden. They bumped their shoulders, doing the universal manly hug and I stood there with a stick of marshmallow, feeling out of place.

"Carter, Lawrence." Auden acknowledged the two guys. The other guy was shorter and a little scrawny. He had curly wavy hair and a strand of his hair fell on his forehead making him look exquisite. He seemed like the calm and quiet type. Auden turned to look at me. He pulled me towards him in an instant and I felt my heart flutter. "This is Katherine. My fiancée."

"No, I am not his fiancée." I immediately said and I felt Auden squeeze my hips a little harder.

"Whatever," Auden muttered. "Soon to be fiancée." He corrected and I rolled my eyes. "Katherine, this is Carter, my buddy, the guy who originally owned the beach house that you own now." My eyes widened in alert. "And this is Lawrence, also my buddy and Carter's boyfriend."

"I can't believe you settled down," Lawrence said, his eyes widening in disbelief. He looked over at me, "Let me know if he is blackmailing you to be his Girlfriend. I understand if that's true. You don't know what he did back in high school and college. He was a fucking prankster—"

"Ok, shut up." Auden glared at the two men and I laughed.

"We will talk about this later," I said to Lawrence who smiled in great amusement. I wanted to know more about the bad boy Auden that everyone seems to be talking about.

"About the beach house." Carter folded his arms, looking quite unhappy. Auden seemed smug while Lawrence just seemed like he was trying to control his laughter. "I shouldn't have given you an extra set of keys. Why did I listen to you?" Carter asked Lawrence who just winked. "Because you love me." Carter's eyes seemed to soften a little before he rolled his eyes and looked at Auden.

"I can't believe I gave you the beach house." Carter pursed his lips in displeasure. "Most of all, I can't believe I gave you the beach house for hundred bucks. Just kill me. Someone just shoot me."

I started laughing hard as I clutched onto Auden's arms, disbelief running through my veins at the whole situation.

For hundred bucks? Who would have thought?

Auden laughed together with me. "Well, I didn't know you were drunk when I called you. You made the offer by the way. You were like, 'Bro, two million dollars? Nah, a hundred bucks would be fine.' What did you expect me to do? It was a great offer." Auden continued laughing. Carter just rolled his eyes as Lawrence laughed at him. Lawrence pinched Carter's cheek. "Babe, we can get another beach house. And, you know that he bought the beach house for Katherine right?" Carter asked.

I perked up immediately. Carter seemed to calm down a lot at the new information. He looked over at me with a smile. "Someone's got Auden wrapped around their finger." Carter teased and I blushed furiously. Auden shrugged before kissing the side of my forehead. "I don't mind."

"Aww." Lawrence cooed.

"Come on, let's go. We still need to tease Theodore and Shira-O-Saurus." Carter dragged Lawrence away and I laughed, smiling when I heard Shira's nickname. I should remember that. She's not going to take the teasing well for sure.

"They are cute," I said. Auden smiled at the two men who disappeared among the people.

"Mr Milson." A familiar voice called and I looked around to see Ms Rosetta standing a few distances away from us. "We need to speak with you for a few minutes." Ms Rosetta said kindly and I got the memo.

"Ok, go," I said to Auden who looked at me with a sad smile. "It's ok. I will be here. Just go." I encouraged him and he kissed my forehead.

"I will be back. Very soon." He promised before walking away with Rosetta who gave me a wink, making me smile. They disappeared among the chatting people and I ate the last marshmallow from the stick before throwing it away in the dustbin. I looked around to see everyone having a fun time when my eyes landed on a stick of barbecued chicken.

My stomach growled at that thought and I quickly walked towards the table with food. The table was far away, at the edge of the area. Once nearing the table, I grabbed myself a stick of barbecued chicken. I felt satisfied with the taste and walked around, looking for other items to eat. There was a crowd blocking me and I walked around them, reaching the quiet area and feeling peaceful.

I decided to take a walk along the edge of the area, near the trees, to have some peace from the crowd. It was a lot quieter and I couldn't help but feel myself relax.

"How could you do this to me?"

I heard a shrill voice, a voice full of pain, ask. I turned around, thinking that the question was directed at me. I turned around to see two girls, two very familiar girls. I hid behind a tree, wanting to walk away there and give them privacy but one of the girls was Vanessa and curiosity got the best of me. Something has been up with