Page 24 of Stains of Desire

The back of his body doesn't disappoint, even in his rescue gear, and I can't decide if his ass or shoulders have more muscle.

Emilia is on the bed, but I didn't even notice her. "Penelope."

I turn, and she slides closer.

"Hey. Are you okay?" Santiago's men tore her shirt and fondled her breasts. Naomi tried to soothe her, but all of us in the pit could tell she was traumatized.

She smiles. "Yeah. I can't believe we got rescued this quickly."

Why did Interpol show up the minute Naomi and Emilia were thrown in the pit?

I'm not jealous and don't have any ill feelings about it, but Emilia's comment creates an uneasiness.

Each guy was assigned to one of us women. They knew there were six of us. And Axel didn't ask my name, so I assume he knows it.

I return Emilia's smile. "I'm happy you didn't have to be subjected to those men any longer."

Her face falls, and she lowers her voice. "How long were you there?"

"I'm not sure. I was at Santiago's compound for over a year before we got to the pit."

"You've been missing eighteen months."

"Eighteen..." Grief chokes me.

I've missed eighteen months of Millie's life. She's five and a half. She should be in school and playing with other kids. Who knows what they are doing to her?

I hide my face in my hand, and Emilia puts her arm around me.

"I'm sorry. I should be more sensitive about what I say."

"No, it's not that."

She strokes my hair, and I sniffle. "Santiago took my daughter. She turned four a few days after he kidnapped us, and they took her, and now she's five and a half. I... I didn't know how long he had me and..." My body shakes with anxiety, sorrow, and the longing to hold my daughter.

Emilia pulls me tighter to her. "I'm so sorry. I didn't know."

I pull back. "Don't say anything to the guys. Please."

She tilts her head. "Okay. But why not? Maybe they can help?"

They could be Global Leaders. Until I know they aren't, I can't divulge anything I know.

"Just...please don't."

She nods. "All right. I won't. Promise."

Malin comes over. "Is everything okay?"

I wipe my face.

"Yes, we're just grateful to be out of the dirt hole," Emilia replies.

He kneels and picks up her arm. "I'm sorry. I think I didn't protect you enough from the trees."

"You did," she blurts out, and her face reddens.

Their eyes lock for a moment, and he turns to me. "Axel said you stepped on something. Can I look at your foot?"