The Heart of Thieves by Penn Wilder

Author:Penn Wilder [Wilder, Penn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AKA Publishing
Published: 2023-04-26T16:00:00+00:00

The moon is high in the sky as I step out onto the lower deck, the stars twinkle brightly and the gentle waves lap at the sides of the yacht in languid sweeps. Heat billows up from the hot tub, the bubbles rolling beneath the surface with a quiet gurgle.

A sigh finds its way from my chest once I’m waist deep in the hot water. The fatigue over the last several years ebbs away. Temporary relief, but much needed before heading into a metaphorical battle tomorrow.

The water laps at my chest as my mind flits to Cat and how she’s done this for the last six years—be in servitude with a madman. The lengths she’s had to go through put to shame anything I’ve ever had to experience.

Despite the inky blue starlit canvas and heartbeats feet away, loneliness creeps in, settling in my gut. Is this how she felt? Day in and day out, giving her mind and, likely, her body to someone who didn’t give a shit about her soul? I force myself to take deep breaths and let the warm water soothe the battered thoughts. I’m no good to Cat if I can’t keep a level head in this game. Strategy. I need strategy and to temper the raging beast primed to strike those who deserve it most.

The door to the sliding glass snicks open and my head pivots toward it, banishing all negativity as Josie steps through, clad in a tiny black bikini, a towel rolled up under her arm. My gaze travels up the length of her legs and over her curvy hips, the small slope of her belly and her tits, heaving under the tiny scrap of fabric ladies call a swimsuit.

“Here, I’ll sit this way so you don’t have to stare at the ocean,” I choke out, tearing my eyes away from her and moving around the hot tub so I’m the one facing the ebony water.

She’s tentative as she gets closer, her feet making small patting sounds on the sleek teak wood of the deck. “Thank you.” She tosses her towel to the lounge chair before dipping a toe in the water. “Wish I wasn’t such a scaredy cat. Sorry if I’m ruining it.”

The water ripples at my chest as Josie eases herself in, the shadows making the angles of her cheeks sharp and her eyes dark as night.

“Never. The way you talk makes me never want to go swimming in it again.”

She sends a small wave of water in my direction. “Stop. You’re being too nice.”

“Naw, I just know what fear is like and I’d never make you do something you didn’t want to do to prove what? You’re brave? You’re not weak? I already know that about you. And I agree,” flicking water back at her, “the ocean is fucking terrifying.”

“Then tell me what you’re really afraid of. Aside from the obvious where it involves your sister.”

I take a moment and study her further, my eyes constantly finding hers, seeing the trust and knowing I need to let her see the vulnerable parts of me.

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