sirenssong_132-Xe3.htm

by Siren's Song (lit)

  "Jamie, be reasonable. She has changed her mind and decided to marry you. Ye told me so yerself. She didna’ write him again. If she had, you would have known about it. She has only been able to ride for a few days because of her ankle, and no one here took a message off the estate. We’ve all been far to busy." Alec sighed, then shook him, "Listen to me! Marie has said that Nicolette did fight the betrothal in the beginning, not because she wanted to marry Philippe, but because she promised her father to stay here and take care of the estate. Ye of all people can understand."

  "Of course I can, but I thought all of that in the past. Laurent has spoken with her, insuring she understands that this is his obligation, not hers. Now I believe there is more to her refusals than simply the promise to her father." Jamie shrugged off Alec’s hand and began to pace again. "She was not simply speaking with him! She was in his embrace!"

  Alec sat on his bed then plumped his pillows and leaned back casually with his hands behind his head, as if he were patiently waiting for the storm to pass. "Jamie, I canna’ believe that Nicolette was having a tryst with Philippe. The very sight of the man made my skin crawl, and she felt the same. I saw her cringe when he came to stand beside John Pierre."

  Jamie stopped dead in his tracks, "Aye, but I saw them together with my own eyes, man!"

  "Did ye? Was she actually returning his kisses, or did ye simply jump to conclusions?"

  "I did not ju..." exasperated Jamie turned away. "God’s teeth!" he roared. "I only know what I saw, and I am furious."

  "Aye, and I’ve seen ye this way before! Yer completely unreasonable when yer angry! I can tell ye this much, ye do nay think clear when yer thinkin’ of her. Remember Jamie, she is nay your mother, you have to learn to trust again," Alec stood and grew serious, "Go to her and straighten this out before the night is over! Jamie, she is very special. Besides man, ye canna’ spend the rest of the night here rantin’ and ravin’. I’m expecting company." Alec sighed, "Do ye not know that ye love her?"

  "I," Jamie stopped pacing. "I will not allow her to go to that jackanapes, no matter how she feels about me. It is obvious he does not truly care."

  "She loves you! Do nay let her get away. Ye must, for yer own sanity. Tell her how ye feel, and don’t accuse her! Ask her what happened, and for God’s sake man, beg for her forgiveness!"

  "When did you become such an authority on women?"

  "Since I fell in love with an angel. Go man! Do not waste another moment."

  Jamie groaned then rushed away.

  Alec smiled, shaking his head, "You poor besotted fool! You have lost your heart and your soul as well."

  ~ * ~

  Jamie glanced up, once more noting the disdainful look of the man in the painting as he quietly turned the knob to Nicolette’s door. What was it about the portrait that made him feel so guilty about visiting her room at night? Or was he simply a fool? He cursed his stupidity, glanced both ways in the dim hallway, then opened the door a crack and slipped silently into the room.

  He saw her immediately, standing before the window. White incandescent light streamed into the room, illuminating it perfectly, tall shadows played across the floor.

  The moonlight passed through her white gown, outlining her perfect shape, and Jamie took a ragged breath. He had come this night to make peace, but now he smiled at his foolishness. The first moment he saw her, his heart instantly quickened, and so had his body.

  Noting her stillness, he wondered if she realized his presence. When he moved near one hand covered her mouth, as the other moved around her waist.

  She gasped.

  Jamie pulled her to him, "Easy lass, it is only me." He felt her tremor. "Aye, it’s Jamie boy. Come to…" he hesitated. Never before had he apologized, "To make peace, lass."

  Her body became rigid, "I do not wish to see you, go away."

  He took a deep breath then let it out slowly wondering what he could do to heal the wound he had so carelessly inflicted, "I was a fool, Goddess. I would do any penance that you request, only forgive me."

  "Never!"

  "Goddess, I beg you to reconsider."

  "It is not that simple. You were so angry! How could you not trust me? How could you believe I would do such a thing. It is impossible to forgive you."

  "Give me your mercy, teach me to love without fear. Tell me how to change, Goddess." Jamie lowered his head, brushing a kiss against her ear and he felt the shiver race through her.

  "Leave me, Jamie! I will not be swayed by your touch."

  "Goddess!" he whispered the sound tortured. "I beg for your forgiveness! Dear God! What can I say?"

  She had felt her heart shatter into a million pieces when he left her in the garden, yet hearing his voice crack made her pain begin anew. A muffled sob escaped, as she tried to pull away but he held her against him.

  "I love you. I know that is hard for you to believe after my anger, but I do. I have never known such fury and pain as I did in the garden. The demon that I was saw only through dark clouds of suspicion. Forgive me!"

  She closed her eyes, and one lone tear etched slowly down her cheek.

  "Siren, I beg of you."

  Another hysterical sob and she put her fist to her mouth. He stroked her hair, and she took a deep breath.

  He felt the dampness and brushed away the tears, "You’re crying, goddess. Please do not cry. I will always remember this night, and my reprehensible behavior. I was wrong, it’s just that I fear you will leave me."

  "I am not crying. I never cry," she whispered.

  Jamie sighed, "Aye. I can feel the teardrops. Were you crying for me lass?"

  "I cry for us both, for what could have been," her voice trembled with raw with emotion.

  "I am sorry for hurting you, Goddess. Earlier, I could not control my fury when I found you in that milksop’s arms."

  She gasped, "But Jamie, surely you could see he forced me. I fought him."

  "I heard what he said, lass."

  Tears began to flow again, "Indeed, you heard what he said. Only what he said! How could you not listen?"

  Jamie pulled her closer, "A green eyed monster had me in its talons, pure and simple. He shook me until my teeth rattled and I did not think clearly, but I will die myself, before I ever hurt you again." His chin rested on top her head, and he was silent a moment, "Allow me to take away the pain, for both of us."

  "Then trust me and believe in my love. If you ever doubt me again remember that I forgave you this time, and no matter what circumstance may give you doubts in the future, promise to forgive me. For if we are to spend our lives together you must learn to believe in me."

  "I love you Goddess," he could hear his voice shake. "I will never be such a fool again." He pulled her roughly against him, "Let me make love to you, allow me this night."

  Nicolette sighed, then leaned back against him. His hand moved downward to slip between her legs. His lips slid down her neck. He untied the laces of her gown slipping it over her shoulders. He suddenly realized they were reflected in the floor mirror standing by her dressing table. The sight was intoxicating. He pulled slowly at her gown again. She moved her arms, still encased in the flowing sleeves, under her breasts to keep the gown from falling to the floor.

  Her naked breasts glistened in the moonlight, the tips dark and inviting. He caught his breath, then his open mouth moved slowly down the smooth column of her velvet neck, savoring the taste of her, "You think to drive me insane."

  "I think to drive you to the very brink at least, my darling."

  His gaze moved to the mirror again. The bright glow of the moonlight perfectly defined her body. Long shapely legs took form beneath the nearly sheer white of her gown. He sighed, then ran his finger down her velvety soft cheek, tracing her slender neck, to the fullness of her breast, teasing the bud. He gently pulled her hands away and tugged at the silky material, then stepped back, watching the silky creation glide gently through the air, almost as if it were the wings of a pure white butterfly, float
ing downward into a fluffy cloud at her feet.

  Mesmerized by their reflection, he stood completely still. The moonlight spilled from the window and bathed her creamy body in a glistening, luminescent light. The deep rose tips of her breasts were taunt and ripe with desire. One long, lithe, perfect leg rested against the other, hiding the curls at the juncture of her thighs. Enthralled, he watched as she moved her leg seductively back and forth giving him a peek of the golden curls beneath.

  "God’s teeth siren, what have you done to me?" Again he pulled her to him and felt the shiver as he caressed her thigh, "I cannot resist you or your perfect body."

  Her voice was husky, "I hope that is true, but I also hope that you love me."

  Jamie laughed softly, "I will until the end of time. Your beauty would cause a saint to go through the fires of hell for only one night with you."

  "Indeed?" she laughed.

  "I love the tinkling sound of your laughter."

  "Is there nothing else about me that you love?"

  Jamie laughed, "Siren! First you call to me with you beautiful voice, then you tempt with your magnificent body, and now you tease me with the hope of your love?"

  She gave a throaty moan, "Stop, please. Just for a moment. Let me savor this."

  She stilled his hand then turned.

  He caught his breath, holding it until he thought his lungs would burst. Her naked body had a luminous quality. Her breasts were swollen with desire, the tips with a peachy glow. The slender waist, the hollows of her hips shadowed, the sun fire curls of copper velvet, moist and glistening. Hair, a deep molten red in the pale glow of the moonlight spilled wildly over her shoulders.

  "Aye, my lady, you are truly a Goddess, because no mortal could compare with such perfection." Desire spiraled and he was driven to take her. He took a ragged breath. "You tempt me siren, beyond all reason."

  Her voice was husky when she replied. "Do you think to stay completely dressed, Jamie? Am I not to have the pleasure of seeing you?"

  Jamie looked down. His white shirt was unlaced but he still wore his kilt and hose. A flame of desire licked around him, through him. Somehow, the sight of her completely naked while he remained completely dressed fueled his desire.

  She stepped forward. Her fingertips moved beneath the laces of his shirt to touch him. She stood on her toes to kiss the pulse beating in his neck.

  Jamie watched the dark, peak of her breasts brush against his shirt. Her hand moved downward, over the wool of his kilt, and his firm abdomen to rest on his swollen manhood. She laughed softly, as her hand began to caress him, the roughness of the material heightening the pleasure.

  "Goddess, I can stand no more."

  "Indeed?" Her tinkling laughter rang out once more, as her hand moved down again.

  Jamie watched them in the mirror, "Damn, lass, you are so passionate. No other woman could cause such raging fire, or give such sweet release." He kissed her then carried her to bed, laying her there gently.

  "Jamie, will you try to remember that things are not always as they seem? Sometimes circumstances are not what you think. Sometimes...sometimes we all must do things that we do not wish, some things are forced on us. Will you remember to trust me always?" she wanted to tell him about her meeting with Philippe but he would never understand. "Remember that I love you, and will forever more, and you must trust me no matter what may come," she sighed, searching his face, then her gaze drifted over his body again.

  "Enough lass, this is no time for words. Tomorrow I must go to St. Nazaire for Laurent. I won’t see you for two long days. I must have you tonight. Now."

  She laughed, then her voice turned husky and low. "Come to me then, my dark, beautiful warrior."

  Jamie made love to her. Slowly, sensually, and the night was filled with enthralling new sensations, until finally exhausted they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

  ~ * ~

  At dawn, Nicolette found herself alone. She walked to the mirror and smiled, embarrassed by her nudity, then wrapped her arms around her waist and laughed. She was not ashamed of their night of love. He made her feel complete, fulfilled and happy, "I want nothing more than to spend every night nestled in his arms."

  She traced her lips and smiled. How different her feelings were now. Only a few short weeks ago she had thrown her brush at the mirror trying to stop her wanton thoughts, and now she wanted nothing more than to linger in her bed and dream again of his kiss, his touch, and the beauty of his body. She put on her wrapper and frowned. Instead, she was forced to do something truly abhorrent. Nicolette sighed, then paced in front of the mirror, regretting that she had ever put her trust in Philippe. Vividly, she remembered his threat and shivered. What else could she do but meet with him one last time? She ran to the dressing room, and returned in her green velvet riding habit, then gazed again into the mirror, "But what if Jamie learns of my meeting?" She began to pace again, and chew on her lower lip as concern overwhelmed her. "There is no choice. I must go, I must know what he intends! Perhaps I can find a way to convince Philippe to leave us alone"

  "Philippe? What are you thinking of?" Marie’s voice was sharp, and Nicolette jumped.

  "Do not worry so! I have agreed to meet him, but only because he threatened us. He said vile things about Laurent." Her voice dropped to a whisper, "And he has promised a duel with Jamie if I do not meet him this morning."

  Marie shook her head, "Please don’t go, Chere."

  Nicolette only shook her head, "I must."

  Marie sat on the bed, "Do you really think he is capable of harming us?"

  She shrugged, "Why would he threaten us if he could do nothing? In any event, I am positive I can convince him that he cannot stop my marriage to Jamie. I must make Philippe understand! Perhaps then he will leave us alone. If he refuses to listen then I will come back and tell Jamie and Laurent."

  Marie smiled, "You finally admit your heart, Chere."

  "Yes, I have fallen in love with Jamie, deeply, completely, in love."

  Nicolette sat down at the dressing table. Marie took the brush, working to straighten the wayward curls.

  "I have known from the beginning, Chere. You simply did not understand your own feelings." Marie sighed, "I tell you there is a thing such as destiny. You were meant to be together."

  "Destiny? I do not know about that. All I know is that I cannot bear the thought of being without him even for one day. What would I do for the rest of my life?" Nicolette smiled. "What else am I to do?"

  "Marry him, love him, but if he knows you meet Philippe he will be very angry."

  "Marie, I have no choice," Nicolette lowered her head, hoping that Marie would not see the tears that threatened to overflow. "I have seen Jamie’s anger, and I would do anything to avoid his wrath, but Philippe is evil. He will destroy us if I do not do as he asks. Jamie told me not to see him again, and if he finds out he may never forgive me, but I must talk to Philippe, it’s the only way to save them both."

  "What did Philippe say to you Chere?"

  "I cannot tell you!"

  "You must! If you do not I will run to Alec and tell him where you are going!"

  "No, don’t tell him! Philippe has threatened to kill Jamie in a duel, and have Laurent sent to the Bastille if I don’t come."

  Marie smiled, "Chere, I think Jamie can take care of himself."

  Nicolette shook her head, "I have heard that Philippe is one of the best swordsmen in France. That is why the King wishes him at court and he does have enough influence to send someone to the Bastille."

  "I can not believe that is true. Philippe seems so weak."

  Nicolette stood and walked into the wardrobe. She returned holding an ancient jeweled dagger and fastened the leather sheath to her inner thigh.

  "Believe me, he is far from weak. I have no choice, Marie."

  "Then I will go with you."

  "He said to tell no one," Nicolette glanced up, panicked.

  "But Chere, in Philippe’s eyes I am no one."

/>   Ashamed, her head dipped. It was true. She loved Marie, she was her best friend, but for most of the nobility Marie could never be considered anything except a peasant. "I am sorry," she whispered.

  "You have nothing to apologize for Chere. It is not your fault! You are not like them. You are kind and generous. Philippe is worse than most. He is demented since the death of his sister. He is evil and not to be trusted."

  "I must meet him, whether I can trust him or not! I must," Nicolette stood, and walked to the door.

  "Then we shall go together, for I cannot allow you to go alone."

  ~ * ~

  Marie grasped Nicolette’s waist so tightly, as they rode toward the de Berges property that Nicolette winced.

  "Please Marie, Gigi is quite gentle, you are safe, and you do not have to hold me so firmly."

  "I am already injured from bouncing around like this, and in a very tender place, Mademoiselle. I do not wish to fall and be hurt even more."

  "Look, we are almost there, the bridge just ahead. Once we arrive, take Gigi into the bushes, but stay hidden."

  The wait seemed like hours, instead of minutes. Nicolette knew a moment of trepidation, then relief flooded though her. Philippe arrived in his traveling coach, rather than his stallion, which meant he was now on his way to Paris.

  He stepped lazily down then slowly perused her length, "It is good that you have come, Nicolette. Perhaps you will yet save your brother’s life."

  She shivered, "Philippe you must believe me, Laurent has nothing to do with my love for Jamie."

  "Chere, your brother has everything to do with this. He is to blame for my Madeleine’s heartbreak. Now I shall be to blame for his."

  "What do you mean?" Fear chilled her to the bone as she wondered if he meant to kill her.

  Philippe smiled, "I mean that revenge will finally be mine. After all these years I shall repay him for the pain and humiliation he has caused my family. Indeed, I shall have retribution for his sadistic, vile treatment of my sister."

  Nicolette stepped back then looked wildly about her, "What do you intend?" She watched his cold gray eyes and found nothing there. No emotion, nor regret, the man did not have a soul. Then she noticed the sardonic twist of his lips.