Annalisa wondered how improper it would be to do as he suggested. After all, she would be modestly covered. And she wasn’t apt to meet anyone on her walk back to the house. And the most compelling argument of all was, Chase could swim. Maybe he could teach her how.
"Turn around," she commanded.
Reluctantly, Chase obeyed. A few minutes later, he heard her splash through the shallows. Turning, he watched in silence as she came toward him.
She wore a sleeveless chemisette of soft lawn, banded at each shoulder with narrow strips of lace. Below that she wore knee-length pantalettes trimmed in lace, tied at the waist. From the smug look on her face, Chase was certain that Annalisa felt she was modestly attired. Of course, she was unaware of the fact that once these coverings were wet, they would cling to her body like a second skin.
With each step she took, he felt his pulse rate quicken. When she was standing directly in front of him, the water was already above her waist.
"Do you think I could learn to swim?" she asked hesitantly.
"I don’t see why not. Are you afraid of the water?"
"Afraid? No. I like the feeling of freedom it gives me."
"Then you should have no trouble learning to swim." Taking her hand, he led her into deeper water. "The first thing you have to do is trust me," he said.
Nodding, she watched as he gripped her around the waist and lifted her off her feet. Holding her aloft a minute, he thought of how she would blush if she were aware of just how she looked. The translucent fabric revealed the rosy tips of her breasts, clearly outlined as the pale covering clung to her skin. Lifting her higher, he could see clearly the little indentation of her navel.
"You must be willing to put your face in the water."
"But how will I breathe?"
"By turning your face to either side. Your body will be buoyant. As long as you don’t panic, you’ll stay afloat. And as long as you continue to turn your face from side to side, you can breathe easily."
"But how will I move around?"
"By moving your hands and feet."
While he positioned her in the water, he continued holding her gently in his arms. "Now I want you to begin kicking your feet and pulling with your arms through the water, all the while turning your face to breathe. I’ll be right here beside you."
Annalisa did as she was told and felt herself moving forward. Chase’s hands steadied her in the water, and his voice lent encouragement. Pleased with herself, she began kicking her feet harder, until she realized that Chase was no longer holding her.
"Chase?" Abruptly her head went under and she began fighting the water. Coming up, she sputtered, then sank once more beneath the waves.
Strong arms caught her, lifting her above the water. Frantically she fought him, lashing out with her fists. Grabbing both of her hands in one of his, Chase dragged her firmly against him.
"You panicked," he said against her temple.
"You let go of me." Her breath was still coming in short gasps.
"You were swimming. And you were doing just fine until you realized I wasn’t holding you."
She coughed. "I think I swallowed half the river."
"You’ll live. Want to try it again?"
He saw the flash of fear in her eyes a second before she nodded her head and couldn’t help admiring her determination. Positioning her in the water, he gave her the same instructions as before, then murmured words of encouragement until she was paddling on her own. When she realized that he’d once again let go of her, she dipped below the waves in a moment of panic, then swallowed her fear and kicked harder. Soon she was rolling on her back, dipping below the waves, paddling like a puppy.
"You’ve done this before," he said accusingly. "No one can swim that well on a first attempt."
Laughing, she began swimming toward him. "It’s all coming back to me." Like a carefree child, she giggled. "All those years when I was away at school, I dreamed of swimming in the river. But I was never certain if I could. Now I remember how I used to slip away from the house and swim for hours. I’m afraid I gave my mother many a fright. She was absolutely terrified of the water, and she was so afraid I’d drown." Tossing her head, she brushed the water from her eyes and frowned. "I must have been a handful for my frail mother. No wonder she sent me away to a convent to become a proper lady."
Chase wondered if she knew how much of the tomboy was still evident in the lady. Seeing her sudden sadness at the mention of her mother, he changed the subject. "At least now if you ever find yourself in the river, you’ll be able to make it to shore."
"Why would I find myself in the river?"
He saw the mischief dancing in her eyes. "Maybe some other man will want the chance to see what I’m looking at."
"And what would that be? A water beetle?"
Drawing her close against his body, he murmured, "A woman. A beautiful woman who has me so bewitched I can’t think clearly."
She pushed ineffectively against his chest. As their feet entangled, drawing their bodies together, she let out a little gasp. "You’re not wearing anything."
She heard the warmth of laughter in his tone. "Of course not. I thought you knew that."
"Chase." Her cheeks flamed, as she felt her lower torso pressed firmly against him. "Let me go. This was a mistake."
"Oh, Miss Montgomery, this was definitely no mistake."
His eyes were the color of slate and she could see herself reflected there. As he bent his head, she felt the first tiny threads of excitement and fear. How could she have allowed this to go so far? It had never occurred to her that he would swim naked. Or had it? Glancing down, she realized just how she looked. The sheer fabric of her underthings made her body as visible as if she wore nothing. The wet fabric clung provocatively to the soft curves of her breasts and hips. Had she innocently wanted to learn to swim, or had she hoped she could play the role of temptress? As his hands moved along her back, bringing tiny ripples of pleasure, she found she could no longer sort her thoughts.
"I’m going to have to kiss you, Annalisa."
Before she could protest, his lips covered hers in the softest, gentlest kiss she’d ever known. Despite the cool water, his lips were warm on hers. He held her weightless in the water and kept his hands still. All around them were familiar summer sounds; the hum of a bee, the warning sound of a far-off boat, the ripple of children’s laughter in the distance. But neither of them heard a thing. Here there was only the gentle lapping of water, and the soft, barely audible sound of a sigh.
Annalisa had never believed a kiss could be this tender. Chase touched his lips to the comer of her mouth, to her nose, then pressed a kiss to her cheek. With his tongue he traced the outline of her lips, until he heard her sigh of impatience. Still he didn’t take the kiss deeper but moved his lips instead to her ear, where he tugged on her lobe before circling her ear with his tongue. His breath sent little tremors along her spine, and she clutched blindly at his waist when he darted his tongue inside her ear. When she would have pulled his mouth to hers, he pressed moist little kisses along her throat until she moaned and arched her neck, giving him easier access. With his tongue, he licked at the little drops of water that dripped from her hair to her shoulder.
Steeped in the pleasurable feelings, she clung to him and moved in his arms. Never had she known such feelings. Still she didn’t know what to do about them. She longed to touch the mat of hair on his chest, but she was afraid. She was aching to kiss his cheeks, his throat, to explore his ear as he had explored hers. But fear held her back.
When his lips bent to the swell of her breast, she let out a little gasp. Through the wet cloth his lips found her already hard nipple. She felt as if a fist had tightened deep inside. Pleasure pulsed through her body, as her blood roared in her ears.
All her years in the convent, all her training, caused her to push desperately against him, even as she struggled with a need she had never before experienced. She wanted him to go on touching her forever. But
she knew she had to stop him. How long, she wondered, could they continue this love play before she lost all sense of reason? There were so many things she didn’t understand. Oh, if only there was someone to show her the way.
"Look at me."
She turned her face away, ashamed to meet his gaze.
"Annalisa." Tipping her face upward, he stared down into her eyes and saw the glimmer of unshed tears. "You’re a beautiful, desirable woman. It’s only natural for a man to want you. Don’t ever be ashamed of what you are."
"I’m not ashamed." Her tone was low and angry, to hide her embarrassment. "I just want you to let me go."
As he bent to kiss her, her hand hit the water, sending a spray of water across his face. "Let me go, Chase."
His hands fell away, leaving her to drop below the waves. She came up sputtering and swearing.
"You did that on purpose." Again she dropped below the water, and had to clutch blindly at his arm.
"Such naughty language, Miss Montgomery, from a proper, convent-bred lady. You told me to let you go."
"You knew what I meant. You didn’t have to drown me."
Whatever had passed between them just moments ago was now forgotten. Pushing herself away from him, Annalisa walked through the water, feeling it tug on her sodden clothes. Striving for dignity, she climbed up the banks of the river. Behind her, Chase watched as the soggy pantalettes clung to her bottom. As she bent to scoop up her clothes, he felt a sudden rush of heat and quickly dismissed it. Was she a tease, playing with his emotions? If so, one of these times she would push him too far.
Without waiting for her to dress, Chase strode from the water and picked up his clothes. In silence, they dressed.
When they were finished, Chase said, "All right. Down to business. You sent for me. I presume there’s some information."
She managed to keep her tone as impersonal as his. "Gabrielle told me that Price House is going to be sold secretly tomorrow morning. Willis bragged about finding a buyer who was offering almost half the market value. He seemed to think it was a windfall for the bank."
She studied Chase, who stood frowning. "I didn’t think the Price family was in debt. James Price has sat in on dozens of poker games."
"Maybe he was hoping to win back enough money to clear his debts."
Chase thought about it in silence. Then he shrugged. "You may be right."
"You’ll see that this information gets to—the right party?" She knew instinctively that in Chase’s present state of mind, the very mention of Nate Blackwell’s name would cause an explosion.
He nodded. "Of course."
Annalisa held her bundle of wet underthings tightly against her chest, wishing they hadn’t ended the day on such an uncomfortable note. There was a heaviness in her limbs, a tightness in her throat. "Good-bye, then."
Without a word, he watched her walk away.
Chapter Nineteen
As Annalisa descended the stairs, she saw several heads turn in her direction. Her gown, of emerald green mousseline de soie was worn off the shoulders to show off her sun-kissed skin. At her throat was a fashionable dog collar of wide green velvet decorated with a jewel-encrusted pin. Her long hair had been coiled into fat sausage curls that fell over one bare shoulder, adding to her cool, elegant look.
As her gaze swept the room, she saw Chase studying her. How was it that he could touch her with a single look? Her heart tumbled and she forced herself to look away.
Earlier today she had driven the carriage into town to do the banking. Jasper Willis had been absent, but the other employees were only too willing to talk about the latest incident involving the Archangel. The Price family had awakened to find a package of money in the door, and instructions how to use it. Young Frank Toomy, who clerked at the bank, said that the Price family had been given the exact amount they owed. Mr. Willis, he whispered behind his hand, was in big trouble with the bank president. A lot of eastern money people were unwilling to get involved with Willis after so many deals had fallen through. When Willis had heard about this latest intervention by l’Archange de Miséricorde, he’d flown into a rage.
Annalisa chanced another look at Chase, who was deep in conversation with Boulanger, the chief of police. He’d been as good as his word. Despite his anger with her over that scene in the river, he had gotten the message to the Archangel of Mercy in time. Maybe there were some redeeming qualities in him after all, she thought with a little smile. Just then Chase glanced up, as if he could sense that she was watching him. Embarrassed, she turned away and began mingling with her guests.
As Annalisa walked away, Chase watched her through narrowed eyes. Despite his misgivings, she was proving to be a valuable ally. The secrets her women heard in the privacy of their bedrooms were crucial to the work being done. But these were perilous times. The men who schemed and cheated the landowners were not above murder as well. The more she involved herself, the more dangerous her situation became. If anyone found out what she was doing, her life could be threatened. Montagnet’s anger would be nothing compared to their revenge. And yet, Chase was powerless to stop her, even if he wanted to. No matter how much he worked to protect her, she was so damned filled with the idea of doing good work she’d probably just keep putting herself in the line of fire. Like a little missionary. Probably the result of being raised by nuns. He found himself frowning.
"Ah. Miss Montgomery."
Annalisa stopped in her tracks at the sound of Chades Montagnet’s smooth voice. Turning, she watched as he handed his hat to a maid, then bowed over Annalisa’s hand. With revulsion she felt his lips brush the backs of her fingers.
"You look especially lovely tonight."
She stiffened her spine and kept her cool smile intact. "Thank you."
As he leaned closer, he murmured, "I do hope you’ve given my offer more thought."
She stared at him as if she couldn’t believe her ears. "You can’t be serious."
Leaning close to her ear he whispered, "I do not jest, my dear. My offer was made in all seriousness."
"And my reply is the same now as it was when you first made your offer."
His lips curled in a thin smile. "Did you know that your supplies lie rotting on the docks of New Orleans? Without my approval, nothing will be delivered to you."
"Then I shall have to operate with what few supplies I still have on hand." In sugary tones, she added, "Would you care for a fine Havana cigar, Charles? Or perhaps some excellent brandy?"
"You won’t gloat much longer," he said, nodding and smiling to an acquaintance who passed. His tone lowered. "I am not an ugly man. And, I am told, I am quite skilled in a lady’s bed. You would not be unhappy with my part of the bargain."
"We have no bargain," she said sharply. "And I will not be frightened by your threats."
"We’ll see." She saw the cruelty in his eyes as their glances met and held. "There are many—unpleasant things that can happen to a houseful of women." Turning away, he melted into the crowd.
Annalisa felt a shiver of apprehension at his words, then forced herself to smile as a cluster of gentlemen approached her.
Across the room, Chase watched the encounter while the conversation drifted around him. No one watching Annalisa would guess that she had been attacked and threatened by the same man who was now hovering over her. If she was afraid, she hid it well. Her spine stiff, her head held high, she met Montagnet’s looks and words without flinching. God, she had spirit.
While he continued to watch her, the sound of her laughter, low and husky, was carried to him, and he thought again about all the ways she aroused him.
* * *
Annalisa lay between the cool satin sheets and felt herself floating. Her lover held her in the gentle waves of the river, his hands strong and firm, his lips hovering just above hers. He was a magnificent, sun-bronzed creature, with muscled arms, and shoulders wide enough to lean on. His eyes were silver in the bright sunlight, and laughter lurked there just below the surface. Her
dream lover was so noble, he spent all his time going about changing the world’s sorrow to joy. He gave away his fortune and played poker only to give away his winnings as well. In her dreams, he drank only an occasional glass of sherry, and he was the finest gentleman she’d ever known. They talked of only important things like the effects of the war on the South, and he never lost his temper or swore. When he kissed her it was pure and chaste, and at the very touch of his lips she threw herself into his arms and nearly fainted from the passionate feelings he aroused in her.
She awoke trembling. Had she been dreaming of Chase or Nate? Neither, she thought. Both. Why couldn’t they be one man? Why couldn’t Chase absorb Nate’s gentle manners? Why couldn’t Nate absorb some of Chase’s strength? Sitting up, she locked her arms around her drawn-up knees and stared at the darkened window. At the convent, whenever she’d been unable to sleep, she had thought about her mother, and imagined what her life would be like when she was finally allowed to return to her home. Home. Annalisa’s lips curved into a rueful smile. She had never, in her wildest dreams, imagined it would be like this. Despite her shock at learning about the occupation of the women of this house, she’d learned to admire them. They were frightened, brave, fragile, tough. They were survivors. And she loved them.
From far away she heard the tinkle of breaking glass. It was too faint to have been in the house. She strained to hear anything more, but heard only silence. And suddenly she realized that none of the usual soothing night sounds were present. The owl who perched over the barn door wasn’t hooting. There were no insects chirping, no night birds crying. Scurrying across the room, she peered through her window. From the direction of the barn, she saw an orange glow. Fire.
"Fire! Everybody, fire in the barn!" As she ran down the stairs, Annalisa shouted and paused only to knock on doors. From within the rooms she could hear the muffled protests as the women forced themselves awake.
"Fire! Hurry! Fire in the barn!"
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