Page 101 of Take No Prisoners
"For someone still claiming to be our newest crew member, that shit got old real fast."
Hannah grinned. "Niall and Milton are our newest crew members. And you had ten years to ask me to stop, but you never did." They bowed their head. "I am sorry, though. You're already dealing with a lot. How is Niall?"
"Sleeping."
"Good. I'm supposed to check back with Tim in a half-hour. Are you all right here?"
He nodded.
"I'll come get you first, so you can wake Niall."
"Thanks."
They gave another slight bow of their head. "Don't mention it."
Efren returned to controlling the waves as they rolled past the ship, increasing their speed. He couldn't believe a full half-hour had passed when he heard a gentle cough behind him.
"It's time, Captain."
He followed Hannah to the main deck and slipped into his cabin. Niall was still sprawled across the bunk, sound asleep. He'd wrapped his arms around Efren's pillow and had his nose buried in it. Efren sank to his knees in the small walkway beside the table. He cupped Niall's cheek and turned his head for better access to his lips. He'd heard the bedtime story of a prince awakened by a kiss, but he was surprised when Niall responded, tangling his fingers in Efren's hair and knocking his hat to the floor.
Efren broke the kiss and met Niall's sleepy gaze. "Hannah will be here any moment with your food."
"You're all I need," Niall said, chasing him when he tried to back away. He ended up with Niall in his lap on the floor, unsure why he was fighting his desire.
"You need food and rest, not this," he said when he remembered.
"Right. Food, and discussion." Niall eased himself back onto the bunk. He still looked wonderful with his mussed hair, spit-slicked lips, and cheeks red from the scrape of Efren's beard. Efren liked seeing his marks on Niall, but he liked the one he couldn't see even more. Now that he'd opened himself up to the piece of Niall's core inside him, he knew Niall's every emotion. Right now, Niall's lust matched his own, but there was a hint of concern, along with an overwhelming hope. Efren wanted to lay Niall's worries to rest, but that would have to wait a while longer.
"Captain!" Hannah knocked at the door.
Efren motioned for Niall to stay seated on the cot. He rose to his feet and made himself presentable, adjusting his shirt collar beneath his jacket. Both had skewed sideways.
He opened the door, and Hannah unloaded a tray with half a loaf of bread, a large hunk of cured honey ham, and a heaping plate of steamed vegetables. "Eat up. We won't need you until sunset."
It was only midday. Efren had planned to return to the prow for the afternoon, but Hannah was right. They weren't traveling as quickly now, with no one to follow and no one following them.
Hannah hovered over the table, looking between him and Niall expectantly.
"That will be all, Hannah."
"Enjoy, Captain."
When they were gone, and the door locked behind them, Efren unfolded his captain's chair and sat across from Niall. "How are you feeling?"
Niall had already made himself a sandwich with the bread and meat and was now pouring the vegetables onto his tin plate to cool. "Curious," he said.
"About what?"
Niall shrugged. "I've figured something out, but I'm waiting for you to say it."
"You can feel my emotions," Efren said.
Niall nodded. "Through the piece of your core I stole from you."
"You didn't steal it," Efren said. "I gave it freely when you asked."
"I ... asked?"
