Chapter 1097
"I’ve got to check the east traps with Susan," Jude replied. "Maybe later."
Rose pouted slightly but didn’t press. "You’ll change your mind."
Sophie stepped in before the conversation could deepen. "We’ll go with them. Someone should."
Emma’s jaw twitched. "Good idea. We’ll keep an eye."
The group split. Jude left with Susan and Natalie to check the traps. Behind them, Rose, Layla, and Zoey disappeared into the trees, with Emma and Sophie trailing at a careful distance.
The river was wide and glassy, sparkling in the sunlight. Rose stripped first, slipping from her dress like a silk curtain dropping to the earth. She walked into the water naked, the sun gilding her skin, and Layla followed, giggling, not even pretending to be modest. Zoey was slower, but her eyes never left Rose’s.
Emma and Sophie stayed at the edge, crouched in the brush.
"They’re doing it again," Emma muttered.
Sophie nodded slowly. "But Zoey’s resisting. Look at her, she’s holding back."
"I hope it stays that way."
They watched in silence as Rose and Layla moved through the water like twin serpents, winding around each other, touching, kissing, laughing. Rose pulled Layla close and whispered something in her ear. Whatever it was, Layla blushed, then pulled Rose in and kissed her with fervent heat.