Page 104 of Stains of Desire

18

Axel

Tinker's housebecomes an echo chamber of sex. Our room is between Dirk and Andre's. The thin walls do nothing to hide Zoe and Naomi's cries. At times Dirk and Andre's grunts or groans seep into the air. It's like living in a porno cave, but there's no visual, just a record that never turns off.

Unlike the others, I make Penelope stay quiet, ordering her around and watching her submit to my every command. Every move I make with her is intentional, demonstrating restraint, so I don't hurt her bruises.

But I trace my fingers over them lightly, from time to time licking them, getting off on her quiet moans as she writhes under my every touch.

I'm happy she doesn't care if the others know about us. I expected her to. She's my classy, prim, and proper lady in front of them. She had guilt about us, and while I think she's past it, I can't be sure. Her recent dirty talk sparks every ounce of blood I have running through my veins. But it's between us. No one would ever guess she'd say to me what she does, and I love it. It's our dirty little secret. And I would never say anything inappropriate to her in front of anyone else, but I'm glad I don't have to pretend she isn't mine. Her desire to have me claim her only makes my feelings for her deepen.

When we're both worn out, we fall asleep. Penelope's body is wrapped around mine. I sleep for several hours, which is the most rest I've had since I arrived in Belize.

It's enough to regenerate me, and I wake up early, as usual. She's still curled up to me. A peaceful expression graces her gorgeous face, which makes me happy. It's the first night she hasn't had a night terror about Millie.

I'm sure the other guys are awake, and I want to speak with them before we leave. It's been decided we will go to Andre's brother, Blaise's, house in Bermuda.

Penelope and I discussed it for a long time last night. It's a British Overseas Territory, but it's self-governing. She said she's never seen any politician from Bermuda at a Global Leaders' event, so even though she's nervous about going there, she decided it wasn't any more dangerous than anywhere else.

As soon as we get passports, we'll go. She can stay there under the protection of the other guys while I track down Millie. The guys can help me when needed.

I already know it's going to be hell leaving her. But the ticking in my head only gets louder. I slide out from under Penelope, throw on clothes, and shut the door just as Dirk is coming out of his room.

"Good night?" I cockily ask.

He grunts, but a perma-grin is apparent on his face. We go down the stairs and into the kitchen.

Naomi, Andre, and Tinker sit at the table with plates almost empty.

"Wondering when you would be down. Help yourself." Tinker points to the stove.

Dirk and I each fix a plate and sit.

"Are the ladies still sleeping?" Andre asks.

"Yeah," I say.

Naomi puts her fork down. "How's Zoe's arm?"

Dirk's face falls. "She was in a lot of pain last night."

"She still wouldn't take the pain medication?"

Dirk's face hardens. "No. She'll manage."

"Well, I hope she doesn't have any scarring. It looked nasty."

"I'll keep applying the ointment. It will help to repair her skin."

"Axel, you still haven't finished telling me what Penelope knows," Andre says.

My pulse increases. "Things are going on behind closed doors."

"What things?" Andre booms.

I shift in my seat. "What do you know about Panama and the cartels?"

"It's the gateway country between Central and South America. For years, the cartels have fought to rule it," Andre says.