Carrie Goes Off the Map by Phillipa Ashley Page B

seemed puzzled. ‘Oh.’
    â€˜I thought we’d take a stroll in the moonlight,’ said Matt.
    â€˜A stroll?’
    â€˜Yes. What did you think we were going to do?’
    He almost laughed at her disappointment but took her hand and led her between the stone pillars and into the grounds. The river glittered in the distance. It had been years since he’d been there, but like so many things in Oxford, virtually nothing had changed. The boathouse was shuttered and dark. The water was dappled silver in the moonlight, fringed with tiny eddies where black willow trees dipped their branches into the water. Dozens of shallow wooden punts were moored side by side against the duckboard jetty. A few were half drawn up a stone slipway next to a wall.
    Stepping into one, Matt rearranged the seat cushions into a makeshift bed.
    â€˜Oh my word. Now I see what you have in mind,’ said Natasha.
    Matt took off his jacket and laid it on the cushions. ‘I’m afraid it’s a bit damp in here, but there’s not a lot I can do about that.’
    â€˜I think I can cope,’ said Natasha. She was purring again, which he took to be a promising sign.
    The punt wobbled a little as he helped her climb inside, barefoot. Natasha let out a giggle.
    â€˜What’s up?’
    â€˜Have you seen the number of this punt?’
    â€˜What?’ Matt glanced at the figures painted on the back of the seat. ‘Sixty-nine. How appropriate. I hope we can live up to it.’
    He kissed her, softly and deeply, and started to unbutton the front of her dress, knowing she had no bra on underneath and that her golden breasts would spill out. But Natasha clamped her fingers firmly over his hand. ‘Now, Minty, slow down. I want to make the most of this.’
    He propped himself up on one elbow, watching her open her tiny evening bag. He guessed what was coming next, and sure enough, she drew out a wrap of white powder and held it out to him, licking her lips seductively. Matt had been offered almost everything in his time, including some substances he didn’t think Natasha could possibly imagine existed, but he managed to look surprised nonetheless.
    â€˜Tasha. You disappoint me. There’s no need for that,’ he said sternly.
    â€˜Now don’t be a bore, Minty. I didn’t have you down as one of the thought police. You know how amazing this could be.’
    He kissed her lips softly. ‘It will be amazing. But there’s no need for you to waste that when I’ve got a much more exciting alternative.’
    Her green eyes shone like a cat’s in the moonlight as he slid his fingers into the inside pocket of his jacket. He could hear her breathing quicken as he pulled out a twist of brown paper. Inside were two pieces of twig.
    She seemed confused.
    â€˜I promised you amazing. You’re going to get amazing,’ said Matt.
    â€˜Is this from… from the jungle?’
    He winked. ‘Well, it’s not from the local pharmacy, I can tell you that.’
    â€˜What’s in it? Nothing made from the blood of cockroaches or anything like that, I hope!’
    Matt smiled and ran his finger along her leg, and she shivered. He slid his hand under the hem of her dress until he reached the top of her thigh, which confirmed his diagnosis that she wasn’t wearing any knickers.
    â€˜Tasha, if you want an extraordinary experience, you have to be prepared to go to extraordinary lengths. Now, just close your eyes and open your mouth.’
    As he broke off a tiny piece of bark and placed it on her tongue, the warmth of her mouth around his finger made him realize he had no need of stimulants. He couldn’t wait much longer.
    â€˜Do I shwallow or sthuck?’ mumbled Natasha.
    â€˜Chew. I’ll take some too. Now lie back and try and relax.’
    â€˜What will it do?’
    He smiled. ‘Wait and see.’
    Some time later, Matt lay gazing up at the stars as