Page 151 of Stains of Desire

---

"I know why. I've seen the video. I knew why before I saw it. Millie misses you. She needs you. And she's a child. But I hate this. I feel..."

"Lost," she whispers.

"So much."

She pulls me down and kisses me. Every second I've spent longing for her, imagining how she felt, or the way her lips pressed against mine, combusts. I tighten my hold around her, deepening our kiss, becoming whole again just by having her near me.

I pull back and press my forehead to hers, closing my eyes. "What's he done to you?"

"Nothing I can't handle."

"Penelope—"

There's a knock on the door. Penelope's eyes widen. "Just a minute."

"We're going to need to leave soon," Bernadette says, and we both sigh.

"Okay. Let me finish up," Penelope replies.

"Where are you staying?" I ask.

"The hotel down the street. It's on the corner."

"Are you and Bernadette in the same room?"

"No. Our suites adjoin."

"What are the numbers?"

"Hers is 823, and mine is 825."

"Don't go anywhere tonight. I'll figure out how to come to you."

"No. Please. Get Millie. You have to keep your promise to me."

"I'm here for the night. The car's broken down. Gustave is finding a replacement. I'm not staying here without you."

"But how? William isn't coming back for at least three more days, but there are cameras in the hotel and guards outside our rooms."

"Do you have a balcony?"

"Yes."

"Go to your room and stand outside until you see me scratch my head."

"What are you going to do?"

"Just trust me. Leave it unlocked tonight."

Her eyebrows furrow. "Okay. But that sounds dangerous."

I grunt. "I think you forgot about my adrenaline habit."

She smiles. "Good point."

I kiss her. "You're my life, green eyes. I need you. If I only get tonight, I'm not letting anything stop me from being with you."

She strokes my cheek. "I need you, too."

---