Pure Temptation

by Auria Jourdain

  Talia gave him a soft smile. “It sounds enchanting.”

  He pressed his lips together. “Oftentimes, I felt trapped with no way to escape.”

  “Pray tell, how did you escape your prison walls?”

  “I joined the revolution.”

  Wringing her skirts in her hand, she glanced at the endless water, finally asking the question they’d both been avoiding. “Talon... what are we going to do?”

  He closed his eyes. “I have no bloody clue. I’m not a sailor. I don’t even know how close we are to the coast. The compass says we’re moving steadily southwest. I guess that’s a good sign.”

  “Last evening, Vargas said we were just a day from port,” she said. “But we’ve been floating without sails in a rowboat with no oars. The tides haven’t pushed us as far as we need to go.”

  “And where is that?”

  “Basse-Terre. That’s where we were supposed to meet the ship to return us home.”

  Brushing a hand over the back of his neck, he bit out, “You realize there’s no ship waiting for you. We were pawns, both of us. At this point, we can’t do anything but float along and hope that we run aground.”

  Tears fluttered against Talia’s eyelashes as she blinked. “Mon dieu, I never thought I would die like this.”

  Wrapping his arms around her, Talon tucked her head in the crook of his arm and brushed his hand over her hair. “Come now, love. I didn’t mean to scare you. We’ll figure something out. We’re resourceful, you and I.”

  He swept a thumb across her cheek. As her verdant eyes glistened beneath the tears, he couldn’t help but think how beautiful she looked, blistered skin and all.

  He leaned in, capturing her lips with his. Gasping, she deepened the kiss. Sucking in a hiss, he drew back and touched the broken skin around his lips with a wince. “Sorry, love. That’ll have to wait.”

  She giggled.

  “Dieu, I should send you both to the firing squad, Monsieurs,” DuPont seethed. “You lost the girl and our pawn?”

  Seated away from the cacophony, L’Archambeau sipped his cognac, observing his loyal recruits. He glared at the Spaniards. Despite DuPont’s overzealousness, the man had the right of it. The idiots deserved a proper lynching in the wake of how they’d washed up on the beach.

  Between bites of food, Perez glowered at their host. “You have no idea the wiles of the Señorita. She got me drunk and tied me up. And she helped that no-good Barberry escape.”

  “Then how did Vargas end up strapped to you naked?” DuPont growled.

  “Those mutinous bastards.” His shoulders slumping, Alberto slid down in his seat. “Señorita Montrose had stripped Perez and bound him in his quarters. The sailors cried foul. They disrobed me and threw us in the last lifeboat setting us out to sea.” He sipped his ale sullenly. “The second mate is probably at one of the islands selling our slaves right now.”

  Bursting up from the bar, Pierre stormed over to L’Archambeau and slammed his fists on his table. “You hired these filthy cretins. Where is Mademoiselle Montrose? I want my fiancée brought to me now. That was our deal.”

  Anger blazed through L’Archambeau like a raging bonfire. He shouldn’t have trusted DuPont to capture Talia Montrose. Of course, he hadn’t expected the man would hire Talon Barberry. Dieu, the gamin had become a permanent thorn in his side. It would have been easier had the man died at the Bastille with Edouard Blanchefort.

  Unfortunately, I underestimated Blanchefort’s lover.

  Pressing his lips together, L’Archambeau gripped the head of his cane and stood. “The woman isn’t yours, you spoiled brat. She never was.”

  Pierre whipped around with his fists at the ready as DuPont stepped in front of his son. Clearing his throat, DuPont stuttered, “Now see here, Monsieur—”

  With nostrils flaring, L’Archambeau barked, “Enough. The only reason you’re involved, Colonel, is because you have the faith of the French National Assembly. That is no longer necessary to this assignment. We’ll press forward to the territories, but Talia Montrose must be with us when we meet our contact. Only then will we finish this mission.” He pointed at Perez and Vargas, stopping them mid-drink. “And you imbéciles will find her.”

  Alberto harrumphed. “What’s the point? She and Señor Barberry are probably dead by now.”

  Leaning over Alberto with a menacing glare, L’Archambeau grabbed the man’s shirtfront and noosed it tightly. “You will do as I say, Monsieur, because Mademoiselle Montrose is the key to this mission’s success. She’s our bait.” Staring at the Spaniards, he growled, “Do you want you two want your dues? Then find Montrose.”

  Chapter 14

  ROUSED FROM THE GENTLE cawing of seagulls, Talon pushed himself to his elbows and rubbed his eyes. As his temples pounded with the tempo of the unrelenting waves, he released a groan.

  The boat teetered to the side. Shifting his weight, he clenched his muscles to steady himself. The vessel lurched. His hands slipped. As water soaked his breeches, he held his breath and braced for submersion.

  Instead, he grasped a handful of sand.

  Hell and Damnation.

  “Talia!”

  Her eyes shot open. As water splashed at her skirts, she gripped the sides of the dinghy with a gasp. “Zut, we’re going to sink!”

  Talon sat on his knees and a crab scuttled over his hand. He fisted the earth. It slid through his fingers, and Talia’s eyes widened.

  Glee flittered over her face as she sat up. “Land?”

  Crawling out of the grounded vessel, she planted her feet firmly on the ground. She stood, wobbling uneasily before falling to her knees. Flipping onto her back, she wiggled her derriere against the shore. A smile spread across her blistered face.

  Laughing, Talon plopped next to her. Soaking in the warmth of their fortune, he sifted the ashy powder through his fingers. Above them, the palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, providing them with the first shade they’d had in two days. A whirlwind of emotions ran through his mind. “We made it, love. We’re free!”

  “I’ve never been so happy to see dirt in all my life.” Turning on her side, she palmed her crimson red cheeks.

  Wincing, he touched her lips. “You’re quite a sight. Are you in pain?”

  Shaking her head, she stretched her arms over her head. “Let’s stay right here, forever.”

  As she squirmed like an adorable child, Talon chuckled. He could think of worse things than being stranded on an island with this beautiful woman. But for the crazy Frenchmen hellbent on stirring up rebellions, he wouldn’t have given it a second thought.

  He hummed. “I won’t be able to stay here that long, love. I need food—and fresh water.” Marcus’ flask had lasted them but a day on the open sea, even though Talon had rationed it carefully.

  Talia grunted. “Oui, I’m so thirsty.”

  Smacking his lips together, he sat up and scanned the landscape. The pristine beach went on for miles in either direction. A sharp rock face covered in dense, green ground cover towered over them, blocking their view of anything beyond it. Tropical fruit trees grew out from the cliffs in an untidy array.

  He swept the debris from his hands and stood. “You’ve been to the islands. Where do you think we are?”

  Talia sighed. “Je ne sais pas. None of this looks familiar.”

  He grabbed her hands, helping her up. “Let’s walk along the shore. Perhaps we’ll find civilization of some sort.”

  They packed the rucksack with the last bit of bread and the few tools they had. Stripping off his boots, he placed them in the bag with their other things.

  “To the right or left?”

  “Let’s go right,” Talia ventured.

  Talon held the compass out and gazed at the dial. “Southward bound.”

  They hiked along the water, encountering nothing but black sand and cliffs. As the sun traversed the sky, Talia’s already blistered skin began to swell. She ripped her dirty blouse from her person, revealing the del
icate chemise underneath.

  The hardened nubs of her bosom protruded through the satin, and Talon’s cock stiffened. He gaped at her. “What the blazes are you doing, woman?”

  She blinked. “This is no time for propriety, Monsieur. My face hurts. I can use this as a headdress.”

  “What of your torso? Your skin is just as delicate—there too.” He pointed at her breasts. She arched her eyebrow, and he gazed at his own tattered shirt. His darker skin repelled the sun better than her fairer complexion, to be sure. Removing the garment from his body, he draped it over her shoulders.

  As his fingers grazed her naked skin, she rasped, “Merci.” Smiling, he laced her fingers with his as they padded across the sand.

  After an hour of walking, she begged him to stop. “I need to rest for a bit.”

  As they sat upon the fine powder eroding mercilessly beneath their feet, Talon opened their parcel. He tore a small piece of bread from the last of their stores. When he held it out for her, she shook her head. He sighed. “You need to eat, Talia.”

  “What of you? Your injuries need to heal also.”

  “I’m feeling better.” He winked at her. “I had a brilliant nurse.” He scanned their surroundings, but the cliffs still blocked their view. “We may be out of the boat, but all we see now is mountains and sea.”

  She shook her head. “We could be anywhere. There are islands all over the Caribbean.”

  He sighed. “I guess we just keep walking.” Rested, they continued their trek.

  Coral hues painted the sky as the light of the day disappeared beyond the horizon. As they turned a small bend, the terrain leveled out. Talon halted. “Listen! Is that—” Squinting, he cupped a hand to his ear.

  Talia laughed. “Water!”

  Relief washed over him. He grabbed her hand, and they traversed the rocky shore, looking for the break in the mountainous landscape. A few moments later, the trees cleared, and a small inlet cove emerged.

  The deafening sound of the rushing falls thundered all around them as the water dropped nearly fifty feet from the overgrown cliff sides. Lush trees jutted from every rocky surface, sheltering the grotto. Gorgeous tropical flowers bloomed in carpets of vivid pinks, oranges, and reds. Overhead, vibrantly colored birds added to the glorious landscape, their calls welcoming as they swooped down to grab a drink.

  Only in his wildest dreams had Talon ever imagined such beauty. “It’s paradise.”

  Talia clapped her hands gleefully. “C’est magnifique.” She climbed the rocks to a grove of trees bearing a healthy crop of greenish-red fruits. She pointed up, gazing at them longingly. “Mangos.”

  Breaking a long piece of driftwood over his knee, Talon stood behind her and prodded at the bounty. As the orbs released their grasp and fell to the sand with a thud, Talon bowed. “Dinner is served, milady.”

  Lunging for the fruit at the same time, they bumped heads. Laughing, they sat beneath the canopy of the spiny trees with their treasure.

  Talon closed his eyes as he bit into the watery confection. Juice dribbled down his whiskered chin. Removing her headdress, Talia wiped his face with the cloth. Grazing his four-day stubble, she wrinkled her nose.

  He smirked. “You don’t like my scraggly beard?”

  “I think I might like you clean-shaven. The beard makes you look older than you are.”

  Talon stopped mid-bite. “How old do you think I am?”

  Licking her lips, she perused him intently. “Perhaps forty?”

  “What?”

  Alarm registered across her face as her eyes widened. “Thirty-five?”

  “That’s closer,” he said dryly.

  “Does it matter? Once past the age of thirty, one hits middle age.” She winked.

  Grunting, he nudged her with his shoulder. “I handled myself pretty well on that ship, missy.”

  Talia’s tinkling laugh warmed his insides. “Oui, you did. However, you also took quite a beating.” She ran a finger over the bruises at his temples. “Your wounds are putrid yellow.”

  Talon placed a finger to his eye. The dull ache had dissipated. “It’s hardly noticeable. But I could use a proper scrubbing.”

  She hummed in agreement. “Oui, you could.”

  Glancing at the small pool beneath the waterfall, he tossed the pit of his fruit aside and gave Talia a devilish grin. “I’ll show you old, Mademoiselle.” Ignoring the pain in his side, he lifted her slight form from the sand and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of flour.

  Shrieking, she pounded on his back with her fists. “Release me, you brute.”

  “You’re in desperate need of a bath as well.” Stalking to the lagoon, he tossed her into the warm water.

  She burst to the surface, blowing water from her face with a laugh. “You barbarous man.”

  Talon dove beneath the waves, the warmth soothing his aching bones. As he came up for air, Talia splashed him playfully. He scraped a hand down his face and sputtered. “Vixen! You’ll be sorry for that.”

  His energy renewed, he dove back under and found her long, graceful legs. Grabbing her shapely calves in a vice grip, he hauled her toward him, chuckling low in his throat.

  Talia released a laugh mixed with a squeal. “No... please don’t. I’m sore all over.”

  Heeding her pleas, Talon released her with a grin. She arched her neck backward to wet her hair. When she rose out of the water, her chemise clung to her breasts. Gazing at him through lowered lashes, she gave him a sensuous smile.

  Mesmerized by her lithe movements, Talon sucked in a ragged breath. As the waxing moon illuminated the smooth outline of her body, his heart stampeded in his chest like the canter of a stallion. His cock hardened. She was the most beautiful creature he’d ever seen.

  “Come here,” he said huskily. “Tip your head into the water.”

  Slowly, she turned around, backing her soft derriere against his body. As she floated on the water’s surface, he worked his hands through her silky curls, scrubbing her scalp to rid it of sand and salt. Her nipples peaked seductively through her thin peignoir, her breasts heaving past the lace. He grazed her shoulders, and a soft whimper left her lips.

  This isn’t right.

  Wiping the sweat from his brow, he cursed his weakness. He couldn’t defile this woman. If he stayed any longer, he wouldn’t be able to control himself. Groaning, he released her and stepped away.

  Talia tilted her head with a frown. “What’s the matter?”

  “You’re clean. We’d better set up camp for the night. I’ll make a fire.”

  Before he could escape, Talia wrapped her arms around him and pulled him back. Desire glistened in her sea green eyes as she forked her fingers through his long hair. “But you haven’t bathed, Monsieur.”

  Talon couldn’t think. Enthralled by the feel of her soft hands tracing circles over his chest, he forgot about the mundane chore and allowed her to lead him into the deeper part of the pool.

  His body throbbed. Fortunately, she couldn’t see his erection in the darkened water. He tried to pull away from her. “Talia—”

  Bridging the gap between them, she captured his waist from behind with her strong legs. “Let me wash you, Talon.” Grasping his shoulders, she drew him against her chest, her breasts pressed against his back, and ran her hands over his torso.

  She stroked his arms and rubbed his aching shoulders with her hands. As her jagged fingernails flicked over his nipples, his cock pulsed against his breeches. He inhaled sharply. Good lord, this woman was an enchantress. His skin tingled with her every touch. His body had mutinied, defying all sense of morality. All he could think about was the feel of her magnificent fingers stroking his abdomen in soft swirls.

  When her hands wandered to the waistband of his breeches, he nearly came undone. Her hands inched lower, her caresses grazing the bulge threatening to escape his breeches. He whipped around. He was losing control. “You’re a tease, Talia Montrose.”

  He crushed her to his chest, hunger
bursting from his soul. Capturing her mouth with his, he invaded her sweetness, losing himself in her exotic scent.

  Her mouth parted on a gasp, allowing him access to explore. Delving deeper, he tasted her fully, their tongues entwining. Her lips affixed to his as if they were meant to be joined. As her satin-clad nipples pebbled against his chest, he broke their intimate kiss to lift the wet chemise over her head.

  “Dear God in heaven, look at you.”

  The moonlight illuminated her glorious breasts as if she were a goddess being worshipped by the heavens. His fingers skated across their breadth. Cupping her fullness, he bent his head and captured one of the perfect pink tips in his mouth. He sucked each peak softly, savoring the moment.

  Her breath hitched. “Oui, Talon. Don’t stop.” Hooking her arms around his neck, she raked her fingers through his hair. Her legs wound around his waist and her hips rocked against his. “I need to feel you.”

  Skating a path down his torso, she skimmed the waistband of his trousers. Her thumbs grazed his cock. His eyes widened. Palming his length, she caressed his girth.

  He cursed under his breath. Damnit, he was losing control. Inhaling sharply, he pushed against her arms, but her legs clenched tighter as she fondled him to the point of pure combustion. He groaned loudly. “Talia, love, we can’t do this.”

  She panted against his ear. “Put the fire out, Talon. I have to know... please, do something.”

  He closed his eyes, his head spinning as her glorious fingers stroked him. He’d never wanted a woman so much in his life. “You don’t know what you’re asking.”

  Making a half-hearted attempt, he pushed her away one last time, but she pulled him back and untied his belt. “Oui, I do. I want you, Talon Barberry. More than my last breath.” Breaching his smallclothes, she grazed the tip of his bare cock with her fingertips.

  Feral desire conquered restraint as he grabbed her wrists and kissed her fervently. Scooping her out of the water, he carried her to the shore and placed her on the dark sand.

  Damn the consequences, he’d tame this minx if it were the last thing he did.