Chapter 31

“All the way through,” Marcelo explained. “I recognized that my one advantage was that they expected nothing from me, and I knew that if they saw my attack coming, they’d easily stop me. Hard to believe I got away with it a second time.”

“I don’t have any trouble believing it.” Stevyn’s tone was droll, and he supplemented his comment with a wink.

Marcelo’s blush deepened. “I’m so sorry for that. Please forgive me.”

Efren chuckled and patted Marcelo’s thigh. “You were half delirious, my darling, and still managed to have enough clarity of thought to stop yourself in time.”

“If it helps,” Marcelo said. “I don’t think I had enough strength remaining to do more than bruise you with it.”

Stevyn laughed. “I’ve never held it against you, sir. I should have been ready for such a development, and I’m glad we didn’t test that theory. But seriously, I, for one, will never underestimate you.”