Page 166 of Stains of Desire
29
Penelope
I singto Millie until she falls asleep. I lie next to her and don't move until Axel comes in.
"Sloane's here," he whispers.
I kiss Millie's head. She's passed out, exhausted from the day in the sun and our emotional reunion. I don't want to leave her, but the others told me Sloane is a doctor and therapist, and she examined her and has been talking to Millie.
Axel gives me a quick peck on the lips.
"Will you come talk to Sloane with me?" I ask.
"Of course."
I release a big breath.
"Come on, green eyes. Let's see what she has to say."
"All right."
We go downstairs to the main room. My heart races, scared of what Millie might have endured.
Naomi and Julieta are cleaning the kitchen from the late dinner we had. Zoe sits on Dirk's lap, curled into his neck while holding her stomach. She told me earlier she's pregnant, and her morning sickness now comes during the evening, too.
"You look tired," I say.
She yawns. "I am. Did Millie get to sleep okay?"
"Yeah. Thanks again for taking such good care of her."
"Of course. She's a sweetie."
"Thank you." I glance at the others. "Where is Sloane?"
"On the deck," Andre says. "It's a nice night, and she thought you might want some privacy."
Axel leads me out to the deck. When we open the door, Blaise is on the deck with her.
Sloane is holding his cheeks.
"I'm fine," he says.
"You aren't," she insists.
"I know what I'm doing."
"No, you don't."
"Sloane—"
Axel clears his throat, and they both turn. "Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt. Do you want us to come back?"
"No. I was just leaving," Blaise says in an irritated voice. He shrugs out of Sloane's grasp and goes inside.
Sloane closes her eyes.
I say, "Sorry, I—"
