Page 162 of Stains of Desire

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28

Penelope

Eight days pass.We're on the coast of Panama, waiting in a house Axel drove us to. Gustave is arranging a private plane, but there are logistics to work out.

The more time that passes, the antsier I get.

Axel does everything he can to take my mind off it. We spend hours a day, wrapped up in each other's arms. When we aren't having sex, we talk about the future.

He tells me how he rescued Millie and that Santiago's sister, Karina, had her the entire time.

My insides quiver and mouth goes dry, but I have to ask the question I've been avoiding. "Do you think Millie was abused in any way?"

Axel shakes his head. "I don't think so, but I'm not positive. When we get to Bermuda, we'll find a doctor and therapist, okay?"

I close my eyes and breathe through my fears.

"Green eyes."

"Hmm?"

Axel holds my face. "Whatever she went through, we'll find the right people to help us put her together again, okay?"

I swallow the lump in my throat.

"We need to stay strong for her. Let's not assume anything until we find out the facts."

"You're right."

He smiles. "But your little girl was a perfect passenger on our road trip."

Pride fills me. "She was?"

"Yep. And she's got a hell of a slap."

"Slap?"

"She liked to give me five. And she pounds it out pretty well."

"Pounds it out?"

He holds his fist in the air.

I softly laugh and hit it with mine, and he blows it up.

"Millie likes it when I add that."

"She wasn't scared of you?"

"Not once I took the night vision goggles off."

"So—"

The burner phone rings. He snatches it off the table. "Yeah?"

I hold my breath, hoping it's the call for us to leave.

Axel smiles, traces my jaw, and winks. "Got it. Thanks." He hangs up. "What do you think about seeing Millie for dinner tonight?"

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