Chapter 21

Lucien did a quick check to see that the coast was clear, then turned. “What are you talking about?”

Abel had a wicked grin on his face. “Just give me your hand.”

Lucien put the knife down and presented his hand to Abel, who brought it to his crotch, allowing him to feel the warm, hard flesh of his erection.

“What are you doing?” asked Lucien in a hushed tone.

Abel burst out laughing before stuffing his erection back into his trousers. He did up the buttons, though the bulge was noticeable. “Just reminding you.”

He walked away laughing to himself, leaving Lucien aroused and distracted to the point where, three slices of carrot later, the knife cut his left index finger instead of what remained of the vegetable.

Often, at night, when most of the crew were below either sleeping or drinking, Lucien and Abel strolled the deck.

“We could almost be back on the island,” said Lucien. “With the stars above us like this, and the smell of the ocean in our nostrils.”