Page 98 of Stains of Desire

The guys wash their hands.

Dirk says, "We have to go take care of something else. Andre will stay here with you ladies."

"You're leaving?" Zoe looks panicky.

"I shouldn't be gone long. Do me a favor and listen to Andre though?"

She tilts her head.

He raises his eyebrows.

She smirks. "Fine."

They are totally getting it on.

He winks and steps in front of her but then freezes. He awkwardly says, "See you soon."

"O-okay." She nervously shifts on her feet, and a line forms between her eyes.

"Axel, clean your hands. We need to go," Tinker calls out.

Andre and Axel come into the kitchen. Andre's face is smeared with blood, as is the rest of his body and clothes, too. Axel's hands and arms are stained. My stomach churns.

"Lock the house up while we are gone," Tinker instructs.

"Will do. What room am I in? I need to shower," Andre asks.

"Pick one. Vanessa and Julieta changed all the bedding this morning," Tinker replies.

Dirk and Tinker leave through the back door.

Axel avoids looking at me, goes to the sink, and washes his hands. "Wish us luck."

"Where are you going?" I ask.

Zoe bolts to the door and steps outside.

Naomi and I exchange a glance, and she raises her eyebrows.

Axel pats Andre on the back. "More cleanup. I'll be back."

I want to know where they are going and the details, but the look on the guys' faces tells me I shouldn't ask. "Be careful."

"Don't worry. It's a typical day in the life of cleaning up after our fearless leader." Axel winks at me, and my flutters take off.

"Ha, ha. Funny," Andre grumbles.

Axel crosses his arms. "Give Penelope your gun while you shower."

Andre stares at Axel.

A cocky yet proud smile crosses Axel's face. "She knows how to use it. Better safe than sorry while you're upstairs."

Andre raises his eyebrows in surprise. "You know how to shoot?"

"I was stationed at the Panama Canal. The first day I got there, I got mugged. It's not anything like England. I learned quickly and carried."

Well, until William found out and took my weapon away.