Niall (Vigilance 2)

That afternoon, we went out on Arlington’s yacht for a scuba-diving expedition. Marco had never been diving before, so he chose to stay on the boat. Walsh did the same, and I hoped Marco would succeed in getting him drunk and loosening his tongue.

Since I couldn’t question anyone or listen in on conversations while in the water, I just let myself enjoy it. The variety of fish and other sea life we saw was astonishing. I decided Marco needed to experience a dive here. Maybe when this mission ended, he could teach me expert level pickpocketing, and I could teach him how to dive.

A few moments later, reality intruded on my pleasant thoughts. There wasn’t going to be anything between us after this mission ended. A few days ago, I would have been pleased about that, but now…

No. There was no point in even thinking about it. Marco didn’t even like me… did he? There were moments, like when he’d washed my hair the night before, that I thought his opinion of me had changed. I’d stopped hating him well before we’d reached the island.

When we returned from the dive, I didn’t have a chance to find out if Marco had learned anything from Walsh since we were surrounded by the others. Once we disembarked at Arlington’s dock, we had to rush to our rooms to shower and dress for a feast in the banquet room, which Arlington promised would be followed by “an excellent show.”

Marco and I looked at each other warily after that announcement. He obviously felt as uncertain about what the show would entail as I did.

“I thought we were the only ones on the island,” Marco said as we walked to the house. “Did you have someone brought over to entertain us tonight?”

Arlington laughed. “No. I think it’s best for this to remain a private party. Our companions will entertain us.”

I stiffened, and Marco squeezed my hand.

“Interesting. You certainly have my attention,” Marco said.

“Trust me. I’ve got some wonderful plans.”

“Well, you’ve been an excellent host so far. I look forward to it.”

As we walked toward the house, I told myself everything would be okay. Whatever Arlington had in mind, Marco and I would think up a way out of it. No way in hell was I entertaining this group. I didn’t think Arlington was referring to something as simple as karaoke, unless I was going to sing naked.

We changed quickly, and Marco let me know Walsh hadn’t spilled any secrets, but they’d actually had an interesting conversation. Walsh genuinely seem to be a likable guy. He didn’t fit with the rest of these men.

From the little I’d interacted with him, I agreed. “I’ll contact X and see what else he can find on Walsh.”

The entertainment was essentially what I’d expected. First, Dalton did a striptease for us complete with pole dancing and music that belonged in old-school porn. I had to admit, he looked damn good. Marco pulled me to him and whispered in my ear. “Are you going to do that for me some time?”

I looked at him, eyes wide.

“In private,” he said. “Not here.”

“No. Not even then.”

“What if I ordered you to?”

I smiled like I was enjoying his attention. “You know that won’t work.”

“Giving you commands has worked so far.”

I wanted to protest, but Marco slid his fingers along the back of my neck and nibbled my ear. “Walsh is watching us now. I bet he wants to see Dalton with you.”

Marco looked over at Walsh and winked. The man lifted his glass.

“No,” I hissed.

“Niall, you know I’m not going to let anyone else touch you.” Tension eased from me as Marco pulled me onto his lap. I sucked in my breath when I felt his hard cock pressed against the seam of my ass.

“You’re mine. All mine.”

“I’m not.”

“Hush and watch the show. Lulu and Travis are up next.”

“Lavender and Tiberius.”

“Whatever.”

I was sure he knew their names. You didn’t get far running a business like his without being able to remember names and faces with ease.

I watched as the two of them walked onto the small stage. They looked disturbingly like siblings. I forced myself to keep a smile on my face as I wondered if they actually were. That wasn’t likely to bother Arlington considering he was willing to sell a fifteen-year-old girl into sexual slavery. Anger boiled in me. Marco must have noticed because he started kissing my neck again.

“We’re going to bring them down.”

I nodded.

“If we learn any of these men or women are here under duress, we’ll make sure they get help.”

I knew he was right, but that still didn’t make it any easier to watch the two people dancing on the small stage. They looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves, but I was fairly sure they were high. Who knew if that was of their own choosing?