“That’s true,” she sighed and then grinned, clearly delighted to be out in the field with me.“We’ll give it a shot, Talshish, but we’ll bu... out if they start closing in. I’m pretty sure Abi can get us out if that happens,” I stated, making the decision.“If we do then I suggest doing it in daylight. My people only tend to scout in the night, trusting our ordinary senses to spot anything untoward in daylight,” he replied.“Agreed,” I replied and signalled Abi to let Arch and Róisín know what we. .. My lack of confidence had been self-fulfilling, creating more failures that dented my confidence again in an endless cycle.Tessa had been the first where it had really gone right. She’d known what she wanted, been attractive, likeable, and had loved me. I’d loved her. The sex had been great. But now, all these years later, I wondered if it had been enough for a lifetime together. It had been a long time since we’d fucked. Fifteen years? It was hard to admit, but we weren’t really great. He was all sexy man.Phil Marshall was Ava’s ex-husband. Ex for a reason – cheating, and not just once. He was a chronic abuser of the underlying tenet of their relationship – exclusivity between husband and wife, and adherence to the precepts of monogamy. He had also abused both Ava and Doug, and was a general slob and on the edge of being an alcoholic. He’d been an ‘ex’ for three years, but at least had continued to provide the needed funds for child support.After a year of being single, Doug. The smaller woman hugged her in return. She thought, I can't help you sweetheart but I don't think Skull will let you go. Don't rely on me. I'm getting to be as predatory as they are. I enjoyed beating you. I liked watching the psychopath rape you. It made me wet. Give me an excuse and I'll flog you and fist you until your ears drop off.Skull staggered to his feet and grabbed April's arm. He pulled her clear of Carmen."Tha's 'nuf lessie stuff, Carmen. If you want a piece of Skull's little.