“I don’t think it was Helen’s ass that launched all those ships,” another said. “I think it was her vulva.”
“Nah, her breasts,” someone chimed in. “Never underestimate a pair of perfect breasts.”
“Perfect breasts?” Bernard snorted. “Give me breasts with character. I like it when one nipple looks off to the side and follows me around the bedroom.”
“That’s enough, Bernard,” his mentor called out from the back. The harried man scratched his beard.
“Everyone else said—”
“Everyone else already has a title or a nickname. Do you want Ass Cheeks to be yours?”
Bernard spun and walked backward. “Is that an option?”
His mentor sighed. “Why couldn’t I get a normal rookie like everyone else?”
“Come on, sergeant, you know you love me.”
“Can I tranq him, chief?”
“No, you cannot tranq your rookie. Use your words,” Lila grunted. “I can’t believe he fits into my trousers.”
“I can’t believe I fit into your bra.” Bernard grabbed at his breasts and squeezed. “It sounded better before I put it on. The wire bit hurts, and rolled-up socks don’t feel the same.”
“You’re saying you touched the chief’s tits?” someone called out.
“Not yet.” He winked.
“Damn it, Bernard!” his mentor cried out. “If you don’t shut up, I’ll make you wear one of those for the rest of shift!”
“Take him to the weight room instead,” Sutton advised. “The cafeteria, too. He needs to spend the next year in both.”
“I work out and eat loads!”
“Whatever you’re doing, double it.”
“I’ll see to it personally,” his mentor vowed, a vengeful glint in his eyes.
Bernard gulped and finally turned around. He said nothing for the rest of the march.
The group finally reached the end of the lane. Instead of leaving, they spread themselves around the great house’s perimeter, adding to the patrols stationed outside the gate. Bernard joined them as soon as he and Lila swapped clothes.
“Ass Cheeks has returned,” he shouted from the door, adjusting his chin strap as he jogged down the front steps.
Ms. O’Malley slammed the door shut behind him.
Lila returned to her bedroom and checked for snoops. Her palm vibrated as soon as she finished. Dixon’s name appeared on the screen.
Let’s meet somewhere and talk.
It was likely Tristan who’d sent it, thinking she wouldn’t read or listen to any message he sent from his palm.
I can’t leave the great house right now, she wrote back.
Why?
Lila drummed her fingers upon her desk, wondering if she should tell him the truth. A small part of her wondered if Tristan would even care.
That part won.