The Heart of Andros

by Jade Oliver

  With a grim expression, Toby replies, “I’m fine. Feel much the same as you.” He keeps one hand wrapped around mine and it seems to bring him as much comfort and reassurance as it brings me. Turning around while looking up and down, he shines the light of the flashlight over the inside of the cave. The cave floor looks different too, just like the entrance.

  He shakes his head no. “Safety is our main concern for now. Let’s head out of the cave and see what’s going on.” When I nod, Toby pulls on my hand and starts leading me out of the cave.

  We reach the entrance and notice it’s still daylight outside and doesn't look like much time has passed since we entered. “I think we should explore a little. I don’t think we should go to far from the cave, but I would like to know what we are facing,” I reply.

  Toby glances from me to the cave, and then back to me. If he thinks he’s leaving me here for safety reasons he can think again. There’s no way in hell I am staying behind. Toby chuckles at me. “Lose the mad face, my love. I’m not going to leave you here.”

  “How did you know that’s what I was worried about?” I hate how he always seems to know. It’s only been a month, give or take a few days, but the connection between us is so effortless when I don’t fight it.

  He walks over and captures my hand in his, squeezing it reassuringly. “Adair, as much as I would like to leave you here tucked away in the cave, I am not daft enough to think you will listen or stay put. And I will not leave you in an unfamiliar place alone. Even if you are physically capable of protecting yourself, we don’t know where we are, what type of people or animals might be here, or any other possible dangers. It isn’t practical for us to separate.”

  I let out a groan of frustration then take a deep breath. Bitching and moaning about the situation isn’t going to make it better or fix it. “Where should we start?”

  He looks around then turns back to face me, a look of concentration on his face. “I don’t know. Everything appears the same but it’s also very different. I can’t quite figure out why. Let’s see if there is at least some water nearby for us to drink.”

  “We should separate to cover more ground.” I know he doesn’t want us separated, but if we stay within shouting distance of each other it should be fine. Plus, I do think we are still on the island somehow.

  Toby lets out a weary sigh and lets go of my hand. “Yes. We probably should. I think we are on Andros just not sure what version. Let’s stay close enough to talk without shouting so we don’t alert who or what might be out there and see if the stream we passed on the way here is still in the same place.”

  “Okay. Let’s go a couple hundred yards and keep the cave in sight. The creek was only about 300 yards west of the cave.” Toby nods his head yes, gives me a quick, chaste peck on the lips, and jogs off. How he can jog I have no idea. My legs feel like rubber and I’m just going to leisurely explore. No need to rush when we don’t know what is going on. But Toby is less cautious than me.

  My heart pounds and my stomach churns, but I head off anyway. The first thing I notice is the lack of human activity and trails. My body tenses with the eerie calmness as I continue to study and explore the surrounding area while still staying within shouting distance, but I find nothing. Zilch. What the hell is this place?

  Suddenly a noise comes from the bushes, and I startle not knowing what to expect. When Toby emerges a few seconds later I could kill him for scaring me. “Damn, Toby! You could have warned me. You scared the shit out of me. I already feel like I am in some B rated horror movie.”

  Toby quickly walks to me and pulls me into a hug. “Sorry, love. I didn’t know you were there. I couldn't see through the brush and it’s not where I last saw you. I was going to circle around the cave until I found you again. I didn’t want to shout to be safe.” He pulls back to look me in the eyes. “Are you okay now?” His eyes show concern but not overly so. I think we are both finally starting to relax a little as nothing has happened since we arrived.

  “Yeah. I’m just going to be jumpy for a bit. Only because of the unknown. But I’ll be better once we can come up with a plan.”

  His crooked smile appears. “You do like your planning. Let’s go back into the cave and come up with something. First, we need to investigate the spot we came through to get here. Surely it works both ways. But if we can't find our way back home, then we’ll gather all our supplies to see what we have. I don’t want us exposed when the cave can offer some protection. Luckily our packs stayed on and the flashlight is still working.”

  This time I grasp his hand as we walk back to the cave. I stride inside and find a semi-decent spot, sitting my pack down as Toby does the same before we start studying the “magic” spot — because what the hell else can we call it — to see what it is and if we can get back. I allow myself to become a little excited as the spot and the shallow water appear exactly the same. After a more thorough inspection, I hold Toby’s hand while he throws a rock into the small pool. Nothing abnormal happens. There is no whirlwind or suction.

  Desperate, we take turns dipping our hands into the translucent pool, even trying to submerge them at the same time. After a few minutes of nothing, we resign ourselves to staying here for the time being, and start going through what made it through with us. I make a list of all the supplies in my small notebook. Unfortunately, I realize I must have left my journal at the hut or it’s lost in the black hole somewhere.

  We’re almost done when I look up at Toby to see what’s going on. He’s been too quiet since we sat down. His expression is neutral, something I have not experienced from him. It's unnerving.

  “Toby is something wrong? Well, besides the obvious. Did you find or think of something?” I wonder if he found something he doesn’t want to tell me. “Toby, you know you can tell me anything. I promise I’ll try not to freak out again.”

  Using a soft tone, almost as if not to scare me, Toby replies, “I’m just frustrated. Here we are in the most fucked up situation, and I can’t even think to try and make sense of any of it. And do you know where my mind is? I’m sitting here thinking about last night. We’ve made so much progress. I know that you’ve been hurt a lot in your life. That you still haven’t sorted your feelings for that prat. I just… whatever we face in this new place, we’ll do it together. I’ve never wanted something more in my life than I want you right now. If I only have limited time, I want to spend it showing you how I feel. I probably shouldn’t even be thinking about this right now, I’m just — I’m falling for you. I have been for a while… " Toby trails off, looking at me expectantly.

  Damn, he wants me to own up to my feelings. His timing could be better, or could it? Nothing like an unexpected and shocking, perhaps even life altering, event to make you decide what you want. The intensity of our attraction to each other is surreal, and I have had this strange pull to him since his arms wrapped around me that first time. I can’t blame him for wanting to know, to resolve any lingering doubts, especially before we face whatever it is we must face together. This could very well be our last chance.

  We have bigger things to worry about than me being overly cautious and playing the hot and cold game. If we are going down it is going to be with every card I have on the table. Extreme circumstances and all that. I have not liked myself much anyway, acting fickle with our hearts.

  Decision made, I make my way to Toby, who has started pacing. He stops and looks at me apprehensively instead of the self-assured guy I know. I pause directly in front of him and look him in the eye. I will not let my insecurities ruin anything.

  "Toby, we just met a month ago, and right after allowing myself to be played by someone I thought loved me. He used me then left me with the hope that he might one day return. Part of me wants to wait for him because despite everything he was good to me. But he left, and looking back, there are so many questions he never answered. I want to be able to say I’m over it, but I’m not.

  “Yet, I still feel drawn to you. And damn, I cannot st
ay away. I laugh with you and feel good… happy. You make me feel good about myself. We have no idea what happened or where we are. I don’t want to waste the time we do have debating my feelings for you. We might not have much time, but what time we do have I want it to be me and you." Putting my hands on his waist, I lean up and kiss him. But he pulls back from me. Hurt, I let go and try to step back, but Toby holds me in place.

  His voice is shaky, but he rubs my temple soothingly. "Adair, I want to make sure you want this and have feelings for me, love. Not because we need to stick together. Knowing that, you have to know — I can’t hold back anymore. I've never felt this way about a woman before. It's scary and intense, but I refuse to fight it. I want to experience what my parents have. I want to love and be loved in return not be a consolation prize. I believe I can have that with you. Shite, I know I am not wrong about us. I felt it from the first time I saw you."

  Toby's voice has filled with confidence. I remember him telling me about his parents. How long they have been together and how much they love each other. My spinning head and racing heart calm into a steady rhythm. I feel the thump… thump… thump as warmth spreads through me with the heat of desire erupting throughout my body.

  After a long pause, he begins again. "It's just — Adair, my love. I want…" Toby is adorable when he rambles. He only seems to do it around me. I lean up to kiss him again, and this time he lets me.

  My lips touch his gently, moving slowly at first. I go a step further to push his self-control. I nibble on his lip, pull it between my teeth and suck, remembering how much he liked this the other night. Toby moans and thrusts his tongue into my mouth, exploring, seeking out my own, teasing between soft and hard. Oh God. He wraps his arms around me and grabs my ass to pull me into his hardening cock. My hips press into him further, as if they have a mind of their own, begging for more.

  “Mmmmm,” I moan.

  He feels so good rubbing against me. I begin to rub myself up and down his hardness, trying to move my engorged clit against his now hard length through the fabric of my khaki hiking shorts. Needier, I press harder. I feel myself building to an orgasm just from rubbing against him like this. His tongue matches our desperation while his cock plays a delicious, pounding rhythm against my pussy. Suddenly, Toby pulls back from me.

  I open my eyes, groaning accusingly. "Damn, Tobias. I was so fucking close."

  He gives me a playful swat on my ass that pushes my swollen pussy into his steel hard shaft again. A twinkle in his irresistible eyes, he arrogantly murmurs, "I know. But when you come, it will be because I make you. And it will be on my fingers, my mouth, and soon, my cock.” He presses into me again for emphasis. “Fuck, love, I can't wait to taste you."

  Sweet lord.

  He gives me a look like I am his favorite meal. Toby glances around the cave, finds a spot that seems to be clearer than others, and pulls the sleeping bag from his gear pack. He spreads it out, kneels, and motions for me to come to him.

  I look down upon his upturned face as I walk over. His voice rich with desire, he instructs, "Take your shirt and bra off. I want to see your lovely breasts. I want to taste them, run my tongue over your nipples. Let me feast, nibble, and suck you."

  Damn, I want that too. Who knew Toby had some dirty talk game? Stripping both off, I watch his eyes darken with passion.

  He reaches up and caresses my breasts, cupping them as he lightly pinches my nipples. Groaning, I murmur, “It feels so good, Toby.” My clit tingles and my hips strain toward him seeking relief, but he ignores it. Toby seems content to tease me.

  After a few moments of pinching my nipples, he rises from his knees to draw one nipple into his mouth and begins to lightly suck it. He closes his eyes as he does and keeps one hand on the other nipple, this time stroking it back and forth while dropping his other hand to where I want it. He begins to stroke me through my shorts, right on the crease of my lips. I rock into his hand wishing that my clothes weren't in the way. I want, no need, to feel his bare hands on me.

  "Toby, I need to take my shorts off. I want you to touch me everywhere." He slowly opens his eyes, looking at me like he's contemplating my request. Instead of giving in, he sucks my nipple into his mouth harder and puts more pressure on my clit, rubbing it in circles, causing more friction. "Toby, please!” I beg.

  With a slow release of my nipple, he licks it one last time before answering me. "I can feel how wet you are. How hot you are for me. How ready your pussy is to have my fingers thrusting inside. You can take off your shorts now, my love. Let me see that lovely pussy of yours."

  His accent and voice deepen when he's aroused, making me squirm even more. I unbutton and hastily pull down my shorts. I start to take my panties off, but he stops me. "No, Adair. If you take those off I’ll be tempted to fuck you, and I want to taste you."

  Toby grips my hips and pulls me even closer, sliding his right hand down and across my heat and wetness as he does. His palm lowers and rubs in firm, steady circles over my clit and down the length of my pussy. He leans in and runs his nose across the top of my panties. My breath hitches when he begins to lick my stomach in open mouth kisses as he hooks one finger under the edge of my panties and pulls them to the side before he slides his finger over my clit. He strokes me deliciously while still licking and sucking my stomach. Groaning, I drop my hands down to weave my fingers through his hair, wishing it was his mouth on my clit instead.

  "Toby, please. I need to feel you in me. Slide your fingers inside. I want you to feel how much I want you. For you to feel my pussy grip them as I come for you, all over you. Please, Toby. I need more."

  I know I’m begging, but we need each other. I don't know how I thought we would ever be able to stay away. This feels so good, so fucking right. Sharing the same bed with him and never finding alone time, he knows I have only been able to relieve myself with my fingers in the shower instead of my trusty vibrator. My only true satisfaction was from him last night and that left me wanting more.

  This time Toby listens, and with an aching slowness, pushes one finger into me, and I quickly clench against him. Toby and I moan in unison. The vibration of his moan against my stomach makes me buck my hips against his finger. He kisses his way down before he places his mouth over my clit and starts to lick me as he slides another finger into me and thrusts in and out. He plays my body expertly until I can feel my orgasm peaking as he speeds up his mouth and fingers.

  "Yes, Toby, faster. I’m close. Don’t stop. Right there!" I scream. I thrust my hips into his mouth and fingers and push his head into my pussy. Toby quickens his pace even more. My pussy wraps tightly around his two fingers, and I begin to imagine what he will feel like inside me. The thought of his cock sliding into me and stretching me to my limit pushes me over the edge. I scream out Toby’s name as I come, astounded by the strength of my orgasm. Never once does Toby stop moving. He continues to finger and lick me as I ride his face.

  Finally, I stop quaking and he removes his mouth from me. He looks up into my eyes, slowly slides his fingers out of me, and places them in his mouth, sucking my juices off each one.

  "Does she taste as good as she looks?"

  I freeze and Toby's eyes widen in alarm. He quickly stands, pulls me up, and puts me behind him, blocking me from the view of the two men standing there. Two attractive and oddly dressed men smirking at us. From the look on their faces, I don’t think I want to know how long they have been watching us. But the thought does make me more excited than I ever thought it would. I catch the gaze of the bigger man, who eyes me like he wants to eat me too. I assume that is what’s making Toby so tense.

  Holy damn. This just became an even bigger cluster fuck.

  Eleven

  June 4th, 1785

  Adair

  Toby quickly gathers our clothes while I grip the sleeping bag against my naked body. My insides quake, but I refuse to show any signs of distress. Toby looks at me and our eyes lock for a moment. We both know we must tread lightly as we need
answers, but our safety comes above all else. Toby’s contracted muscles show the tension he houses, and I wish I could soothe him.

  I decide the best way to help settle him is by getting answers so I ask, “Who are you? Do you plan to hurt us? If so, there is no point in stringing this along, just do it.” My voice is surprisingly strong, and I stand taller in defiance.

  We’re definitely not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

  I size up our situation. There are two men, one larger than the other. They are wearing what looks to be simple, late 18th century clothing. Both are wearing billowing white shirts and loose brown pants tucked into soft, well worn leather boots that rise to mid calf. In lieu of buttons or a zipper, the pants are laced. Each man also wears a thick leather hip belt that holds a knife on one side and has a pocket on the other. The larger man grasps what I think is a pistol while the other clutches a musket. I swallow, regretting my earlier comment when I realize it might have been a bit impulsive.

  The big broody guy looks at me incredulously. His crystal blue eyes pierce into mine, but I refuse to look away. We stand there in a stare off for what feels like an eternity, but is most likely only thirty seconds or so, before I turn away from the intimidation of his squinted eyes and clenched jaw.

  Despite the fact that he looks scary as hell, he is quite handsome with dark hair, sharp cheekbones, Grecian nose, and bulky frame. It’s hard to tell with the loose fitting clothing, but he seems heavily muscled. His build, especially with the light but tanned skin, suggests he has earned it by hard, manual labor outside because I have extreme doubts about there being a gym or tanning bed nearby.

  Toby continues to gather our belongings that must have scattered in our passion. As I dress, my focus moves to the other man. He is shorter than the big man, but still much taller than me, and leaner in the middle. From what I can tell he is just as strongly built but with arms even more defined. He is beautiful, not handsome or hot, but truly beautiful, especially with his mocha skin that contrasts to the bright white of his shirt.