Page 56 of Stains of Desire
"Why don't you leave worry land and stop questioning whether it's okay to be with me? We both want the same thing. Denying what's between us isn't going to help find Millie any faster. And you shouldn't have to shoulder all this alone."
Her eyes glisten.
I kiss each of her cheeks where her freckles are. "You've not been treated right. I think you should let me take care of you."
Her lips quiver, and she closes her eyes. Her heart beats faster against my chest.
"You've been brave and courageous all on your own."
She hides her face against my chest.
I wrap her in my arms. My lips brush the top of her head. "I know what it's like to shoulder everything on your own. But you don't have to anymore. Let's make a decision right now."
She tilts her head up. "What decision?"
I quickly kiss her then reply, "You and I are in this together. Millie always comes first. But I'm going to take care of you. And make you feel. And take your mind off this at times."
She stays silent, and the battle continues in her eyes.
"Do you still trust me?"
"Yes."
"Then no more guilt about us."
She inhales deeply.
"You do know sex relieves stress, right?"
Her lips twitch and she tilts her head. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"Mentally, sure. But physically, that's my job." I kiss her again. This time, I don't keep it slow. I'm hungry—for her. Every cell in my body is humming to make her mine and remove all her stress and grief. Even if it is only for a few moments. When she matches the intensity of my kiss, and my body aches for more of her, I pull back. "I need to get kindling to start a fire."
She straightens her back. "I'll help."
Oh, you classy girl.
I'm going to make you unravel so hard, you'll drop your cortisol level to nothing.
At least for a few minutes.
Nighttime in the jungle is dark. The trees are so thick around us, the light from the stars and moon barely shine through. If it wasn't for the width of the river, there wouldn't be any light. It's the only opening amongst the thick trees. I turn on my flashlight, and we collect sticks. I pull out my piece of flint to get the fire going.
As soon as it takes off, there's movement in the trees above us. I take out my gun.
"What are you doing with your gun?" she asks.
"Just stay still a moment." I reach in my bag and remove my night vision goggles then put them on.
Mammals in most jungles tend to be nocturnal. They sleep during the day and roam at night, hunting their prey. Every movement above my head competes with the crackling of the fire.
I stare up in the trees.
There you are.
I aim my gun and shoot. A squirrel falls several feet from us. Penelope jumps when it hits the ground.
"Hope you like squirrel for dinner." I pull my knife and a packet of seasonings out of my bag. Years of being friends with Dirk taught me to always be prepared to hunt, skin, and season your kill. I put the safety on the Glock and set it on the backpack.
