Page 51 of Explorer's Revenge
“Just pass out,” Rick tells me, gripping my hand. “It’s okay.”
I can’t, I don’t, and the pain only worsens as he slides the lace through my flesh. My leg jerks, and he looks at Logan. “Hold her down.” Climbing over me, he pins my legs as I cry and whimper.
“Fuck you, Wilder! You piece of shit. You’re enjoying this!” I rant, even if it doesn’t help. “You’ve always hated me, and now you’re enjoying this way too fucking much, you beautiful fucking bastard—ah!” I cry out as he continues unthreading the stitches.
“Maeve,” Rick says, and I turn my head, panting. “I’ll distract you, okay? Just don’t punch me.”
“What—” Before I can question him, his lips press against mine and his hand slides into my hair to hold me to him, even as I struggle.
My eyes are wide open, but when his brother hits something in my leg, I jerk and gasp, and his tongue slides into my mouth, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Without meaning to, I shut my eyes and give myself over to him, needing an escape from the agony.
“Keep her distracted,” Wilder tells his brother. “I’m going to clean the wound.”
His head moves higher as his kiss becomes hard, and he swallows my whimper of pain, tilting my head back for better access. Our heaving breaths fog the windows as he groans and breaks us apart.
His lips brush over my ear, his voice a shocked whisper as he says, “Do you know how many times I’ve imagined kissing you, Maeve Carter?” I shiver, and he holds my head firmly as I feel burning liquid pour over my wound. “How many times I’ve jerked off while thinking of you? You’ll kill me later for saying that, but it’s true. I’m your fucking stalker.” He guides my lips back to his, swallowing my screams as Wilder begins to staple my leg.
Wilder is quick and efficient as his brother eats at my mouth so hard our teeth clash together, but it does the trick, divertingmy attention. It’s the most feral kiss I’ve ever had in my entire life, as if he needs me more than air.
The pain suddenly stops, and I feel my leg being covered, but Rick keeps going. He groans, kissing me deeper, and then someone coughs.
“I’m done,” Wilder says, and I jerk back, breaking apart from his brother.
My cheeks are hot with embarrassment and pain, but I don’t avoid their gazes. What’s the point? They all saw it. Aiy’s eyebrows are raised, and he’s gripping Way’s hand, which is trying to cover his eyes. Logan strokes my other leg as Wilder cleans up, blood on his hands and arms.
Rick pants as he grins at me, and I look at Wilder.
“All done.” He nods as he leans back.
“Good.” I slam my fist into Rick’s stomach. He doubles over, coughing. “That’s for taking advantage of me.” Gripping his head, I jerk him up and kiss him. “And that’s for helping.” I slump back, feeling exhausted.
He stares at me in bewilderment, but he’s smiling. “Worth it,” he mutters.
Settling in my seat, I let them pass me some water and rations. We can’t cook tonight, so we make do as they stretch out. Wilder slips onto the floor with his brother, and Logan squeezes in on the seat, lifting my legs onto his lap. I should move, but I don’t as I press my face against the cool window.
“We’ll get up early tomorrow. I want to cover as much ground as possible. We’ll reach the beach and retry the emergency signal. If not, it should only be a few days before our boat arrives. We can make do until then,” Wilder says, “so sleep and conserve your energy. It’s going to be a grueling few days.”
He doesn’t turn out the lights, though, and no one seems eager to sleep.
“Despite it all”—I indicate my leg—“I’m glad I came, and I’m glad I met you guys here.”
“Don’t go acting nice, Carter.” Wilder smirks. “We are still enemies.”
I grin, and Aiy pops his head through again, smiling softly at me. “Where’s your favorite place to travel?”
“Hm, I really liked Peru and Norway,” I reply. “I love exploring and traveling. Doing crazy stuff is a bonus, but seeing the land and things others might never get to is my favorite part. That’s why I do it.”
“Your dad took you to those places?” he asks.
“Hmm.” I nod. “Peru was the last place we visited together before he got his diagnosis. I didn’t explore for a while after that, staying close, but he demanded I stop fussing and get my ass back out there. Ajax took me in and gave me a chance.”
“He saw what we do—you’re made to be an adventurer,” Way says as he leans against Aiy. “You’re one hell of an explorer, Carter.”
Not a woman.
Not anything else.
Explorer.
