He’s seen me in bathing suits before, but this moment feels different. I’m extra aware of my bared skin, self-conscious, ridiculously worried he won’t like what he sees. After all, only boys have seen me like this and they don’t exactly have discerning tastes. But Russell is a man. An experienced one twice my age.

His gaze meets mine again but he says nothing. There’s no readable expression on his face either. Oh god. Is that good or bad? Should I care? I shouldn’t because that’s not important! I’m supposed to be proving a point.

He remains perfectly still as I unbutton and unzip my jeans next. Once I’ve peeled them down and kicked them off to join my shirt, I straighten, standing in my pale pink bra and panties before my guardian.