Page 18 of Guarding The Phoenix: Vol. 2

Life At Sea

Kylie

Mystomachclawedagainstmy ribs and woke me. Blinking sleep out of my eyes, I glanced at the nightstand clock and blew out a breath. No wonder I was famished. Most of the day passed while I slept. The last time I ate anything was dinner last night. My body ached from the attack. I winced as I sat, thankful none of the guys were here to witness me struggle or they would keep me confined to the bed.

This morning had been amazing. With Chase and Mateo double teaming me, and then later, with Gideon screwing me until my body achieved lift off. And I wanted to do it all again. Mateo and Chase could fuck me together anytime they wanted. Just like my night sandwiched between Axel and Gideon, it had been the hottest sex of my life.

Rising, I waddled into the bathroom, wincing the entire way. Those guys really worked my body over. My movements were slow between the slight rocking sway of the yacht and my tender muscles. In the bathroom, I switched on the shower and cranked the temperature as hot as I dared. Once it was warm enough, I stepped beneath the water and let the heat soothe my aching body.

I stayed in the shower until the water ran cool. When I stepped out, I faced the mirror. Wiping a towel over the condensation, I studied the bruises coloring my throat. It was the first time I had examined them. Dark, purplish fingerprints marred my ivory skin. The spots were tender to the touch but would fade.

Although the imprint they left on my soul would remain. Pressing my fingers lightly against my bruised skin, it could have been so much worse had they not reached me in time. But they had reached me just in time.

In a weird and twisted way, the attack gave me the courage to voice my deepest, darkest fantasy. My face flamed with embarrassment while I dried off. I couldn’t believe I admitted it though.

Gideon promised they would make it a reality. He was a man of his word. If he said they would give me my fantasy, then they would.

Flames ignited in my belly. Not knowing where or when it would happen, added extra fuel to the fire. The thought of experiencing my fantasy left me in a state of aching need. I imagined what it would feel like, having them take me together and shivered at the tendrils of heat inundating me.

My stomach growled with ahey, remember me. Sighing, I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Mainly because I wasn’t sure what food we had on hand. With my belly rumbling, I figured even if all we had were protein bars and water, it was better than nothing.

With a towel wrapped around my body, I went into the bedroom and grabbed clean clothes from the duffel bag. Donning leggings and a baggy sweatshirt, I did little more than toss my hair up in a messy topknot to dry. Dressed, my stomach growling, I left the sanctuary of the bedroom and went into the kitchen.

The guys had stocked the yacht with supplies. But I didn’t know how that translated into food. During the attack, we didn’t have time to grab the fruits and veggies in the kitchen, nor the milk or coffee creamer.

I grimaced at the thought of black coffee. It could be worse though, I could be dead.

Over the next thirty minutes, I catalogued the foodstuffs on hand. Luckily, they stocked up on meat and frozen veggies. In the fridge, there was butter and cheese, but no milk or creamer. I also found a decent supply of dry goods. We had boxes of potatoes, rice, and pasta for days.

The galley kitchen was stocked with spices I could use to liven up meals. Carlos used to employ and travel with a Michelin star chef. Victor had been an excellent cook. I removed two pounds of bacon from the freezer. In the morning I’d fry up some bacon and make pancakes. There was coffee. Although the creamer was the powdered variety.

For a few days, I could survive on it.

But eventually, we needed to stop on land and get more supplies. Especially if we’re going to stay on the ship for much longer.

And for dinner tonight?

I located all the fixings to make sloppy joes with cheesy rotini, steamed broccoli, and potatoes au gratin. Granted, the potatoes and cheesy rotini came out of a box, but it would do until I could acquire fresh supplies. At least I could be useful on our voyage. I couldn’t sail a ship or handle a firearm, but I could cook. So, I made myself the unappointed chef for our journey.

Chase, Axel, and Mateo waltzed into the kitchen as I removed the potatoes from the oven, infusing the kitchen with an overabundance of testosterone, looking rugged and sexy as hell, even with the sleepless night.

“See, I told you I smelled food.” Mateo nudged Chase’s side.

“We really need to start trusting his nose more.” Axel sighed and studied me.

“Speak for yourself. I’d have bet this was where we could find our girl. How are you feeling?” Chase wiggled his brows. Then his gaze slid to my neck and his face hardened for a moment before he covered it up with a congenial smirk.

“Good after my nap. Are you guys hungry? It might not be what you’re used to, but I figured we needed a hearty meal. And this is what I could come up with on short notice without things like real milk or fruits and veggies that aren’t frozen or from a can.”

Chase approached and slung his arm around my shoulders, sniffing the food on the stove like a bloodhound. “Gorgeous, it looks better than all the meals we had in the Marines.”

“Well, help yourself. What about Gideon?”

“He’s manning the boat.” Chase pressed a kiss against my forehead before releasing me.

“I should make a plate and take it up to him.” I stepped away from the stove to give them room to fill a plate.

“I can take it up once I’m done. Don’t worry. We’ll make sure he eats,” Mateo said, grabbing one of the plates I’d set on the table.

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