Read Online Dead Gorgeous by Malorie Blackman - Free Book Online

enough to try and get through without pushing the mesh all the way up and the wire sliced through his leg like a sharp knife through a squishy tomato. You
should’ve seen the blood pour. I tied my belt around his leg to try and stem the bleeding and then we had to practically carry him all the way back to the main road. Stopping at the first
house we came to, we finally managed to call for an ambulance. They rushed him to hospital but fast. He needed twelve stitches and a blood transfusion. My mates weren’t too keen on the place
after that. But something kept drawing me back. It was a great place that deserved a good owner. Someone who would take care of it as it should be taken care of.
    But the tunnels were mine.
    At least for a little while.
    At least for tonight.
     
11. Andrew
    ‘Yeah, that’s right! The wrinklies are next door. Hang on a sec!’ Andrew flopped down on the bed, swinging his legs around so that he lay prone. He moved his
mobile phone to his other ear, away from the wall, announcing, ‘In this dive, the walls are probably as thin as tissue paper.’
    ‘Your mum still flapping over you?’ asked Kieran at the other end of the phone.
    ‘What d’you think? Still, at least I’ve got my own room – not that it’s up to much.’
    ‘What’s the hotel like?’ asked Kieran.
    ‘Have a guess! If we weren’t leaving on Sunday, I’d be tearing my hair out. Goodness knows why Mum thought it would be such a great birthday treat for me. But guess what?
There’s a girl here—’
    ‘That didn’t take you long!’ Kieran laughed.
    ‘You know me! Anyway, her name is Rainbow but she calls herself Raye.’
    ‘Rainbow? Love and peace, man!’ laughed Kieran. ‘So what’s she like?’
    ‘She’s OK, actually.’
    ‘Ooh!’
    ‘I mean, she’s a bit of a whippet but in a land of dogs, she’s the least canine . . .’ Andrew amended hastily.
    ‘A whippet?’
    ‘Yeah, you know – skinny. You could probably use her ribs as a toast rack. But she’ll do.’
    ‘High praise indeed!’
    ‘I’m not joking. From what I’ve seen so far, the girls down here should walk around with paper bags on their heads and do us all a favour . . .’
    Kieran’s burst of laughter over the mobile phone could be heard from across the room. ‘So, are you going to make a move on her?’
    ‘Of course. I’ve got nothing else to do.’
    ‘I bet her parents watch her like a hawk.’
    ‘So? She fancies me something rotten so that’s half my work done for me already!’
    ‘I bet you don’t even get the chance to pucker up!’ Kieran scoffed.
    ‘Wanna bet?’
    ‘You’re on! I bet you don’t get to snog her before you leave on Sunday.’
    ‘Oh, please! Don’t insult me. Can’t you come up with something a bit more challenging than that?’ Andrew said disdainfully.
    ‘Talk is cheap.’
    ‘What kind of cheap are we talking about?’ Andrew challenged.
    ‘What did you have in mind?’ Kieran asked.
    Andrew laughed before mentioning a sum of money.
    ‘The last of the big spenders!’ Kieran was not impressed.
    ‘That’s all any of the girls down here are worth,’ said Andrew.
    ‘Right then. You’re on! But you’ve got to provide proof that she kissed you.’
    ‘How do I do that?’
    ‘That’s your problem,’ said Kieran.
    ‘OK,’ Andrew replied. ‘I almost feel guilty about taking your money off you. Almost . . . but not quite! The girl’s practically eating out of my hand already. You
should’ve seen the way she looked at me. She obviously has first-class taste and knows a good thing when she sees it!’
    ‘You don’t think much of yourself, do you?’ said Kieran.
    ‘If I don’t love myself, who else will!’
    ‘Hmm! So how d’you plan to do this?’
    ‘I’m going to find Rainbow and chat to her. Let her see my sensitive side.’ Andrew grinned.
    ‘Good luck, but don’t forget, it doesn’t count unless you can prove it.’
    ‘Don’t worry. I and my proof will be with you on