Talon rolled his glass in his hand and stood. “If Miss Montrose contacts you, would you please notify me as soon as possible? I need to know she’s safe.”
“D’accord, Monsieur.”
As they returned to their rooms, Talon couldn’t help but feel anxious. “Madame Maude seems a tad too familiar with Aringosa. She’s hiding things, to be sure.”
Pursing his lips, Rousseau nodded. “She and Ricardo have been lovers for a long time. But I have faith she’ll help us. She and Talia are close as well.”
Talon rubbed his temples with a heavy sigh. Once again, the situation was out of his control. “What do we do now? Sit on our hands and wait it out?”
“Non. We need information about this Societé des Amis.”
Chapter 27
AS DAYLIGHT STREAMED through the windows, Talia roused from sleep, feeling refreshed. After her sickness had abated the following evening, she was able to sip some broth and eat a light meal of bread and cheese. It was the first good night she’d had in months.
Pushing to her elbows, she sat on the edge of the bed. As she rose, wetness dripped down her legs. Crying out, she kicked the blood-tinged sheets from the bed. “Minnie!”
Within thirty seconds, the servant burst through Talia’s door. “What in heaven’s name? Mam’zelle, you hurt?”
“Look!” Talia pointed to the mess. “What does it mean?”
Wringing her hands, Minnie took up the soiled sheets and clucked consolingly. “Oh, dear Lawd. Sometimes women can bleed, or sometimes... We won’t know for a spell. Come.” At Minnie’s insistence, Talia stood. She sobbed as the woman stripped the mattress. “Cryin’ won’ help. If the babe is gone, ain’t nothin’ to do.”
Tears streamed down Talia’s face. Sitting at the vanity, she buried her face in her hands. “I didn’t get to tell him.”
“Who?”
“The father of my child.”
“Better so,” Minnie said. “What’s your Papa gonna say anyways, you’s not married an’ in the family way?”
“I don’t care what my father thinks. I’m not a child anymore. I want Talon, and I want this baby.” Spanning her fingers over her belly, she cried harder. “I didn’t realize how much I wanted this.”
The woman gathered Talia in her thick arms and kissed her forehead. “T’will be fine, Mam’zelle. Ol’ Minnie here gonna take care of you.”
A knock echoed upon the door. From beyond, Alex called to her. “Talia, what’s the matter? Are you ill?”
Quieting her sobs, she wiped her eyes. “Please, Minnie. I don’t want to see Alex. Can you tell him we’ll talk at dinner?”
Minnie patted her hand. “No worries. I’s take care o’ him.” She tucked Talia under the clean linens and exited quietly.
“WHAT’S WRONG WITH HER?”
As the servant exited Talia’s bedroom, Alex accosted the woman with a verbal tirade. His patience was at an end. Talia’s constant crying was starting to wear on him, but this was different. Something was wrong. “I need to see her.”
Her arms laden with bedclothes, the woman skirted around him. “Mam’zelle Montrose said she’d speak to you at dinna’, sah. She ain’t feelin’ well. The trip ’cross the sea was too much.”
The woman stomped away before he could take his wrath out on her. Clenching his jaw, he stormed down the stairs. What in the world was he going to do? “I’m not going to waste my time sulking around here.” Donning his boots and hat, Alex left the townhouse in a huff.
He explored the city for hours, traversing every inch of the Vieux Carré. Turning down Rue de Conde, he proceeded toward the edge of town, past a convent and the small market located near the banks of the Mississippi. People crowded the stalls, choosing fresh produce and goods brought in from the river traffic.
After indulging in a coffee and croissant at a local café, he walked to La Place D’Armes and took in the city’s daily commerce. Flat-bottomed boats littered the waters, several of them carrying furs and crops up and downstream.
This port wasn’t as sophisticated as St. Pierre or Basse-Terre, but there was great potential for trade and travel upon the river. And the hidden swamps just might be of benefit to them. Better yet, the Cabildo government had little power over the people in this region. According to Ricardo, the wealthy plantation owners controlled the local politics. Truthfully, Alex hadn’t seen a single customs official on the docks since morning. He could think of no better place for Lafitte Enterprises to import and export without a lot of headache from local authorities.
Tired of walking, he ducked into a local dive on Rue Bourbon. He’d have to return to the townhouse some time, but right now, he needed to drown himself in drink. “Rum, keep.”
“Bon matin, Monsieur. Fancy meeting you here.”
Alex whipped around, sighing in relief as Rousseau approached him. “Merci à dieu, I’m so glad to see you, mon capitain.”
Fire and ice blazed from Rousseau’s gaze. “Is that so? You kidnap Talia, and now you’re glad to see me?” He pounded Alex firmly on the back.
Alex choked on a cough. “It wasn’t my doing. Talia wanted to leave. She saw Talon with his old betrothed, and she asked me to escort her to New Orleans. What was I to do?”
“You’re a sniveling coward, Lafitte. Do you follow her everywhere?”
Alex hung his head in defeat. “I’ve always had a soft spot for Talia. She was upset. Now, she’s even more of an emotional mess because she’s—” Alex swallowed hard, cursing his loose tongue. Talia would never forgive him if he spilled her secret.
“What, man? Is she ill?”
“N-non. She’s just beside herself about Barberry.”
Ripping the skull cap from his head, Rousseau plunked on the stool next to him. “I have a hard time believing what you say, Monsieur. Where is she?”
“At her father’s townhouse a few streets from here. She wanted to rest for a few days before going to Temptation Hall. Apparently, Monsieur Montrose will be finishing his harvest soon.”
Rousseau pressed his lips together. “Talon is here.”
Taking a deep breath, Alex wrinkled his nose, a sour taste sitting at the back of his throat. That wasn’t good. “Is he angry?”
Rousseau barked a laugh. “What do you think?”
“I can only imagine. He blames me, doesn’t he?”
“No more than he blames himself. Barberry is a bit naïve about affairs of the heart. But he thinks you stole his woman.”
Alex choked on his drink. “Non! She forced me to accompany her.”
“You went with her willingly, you fils de pute.” the captain muttered.
“And I’d do it again. She was alone and afraid. She needed me.”
Rousseau scraped a hand across his beard and sighed. “We’re all in the city, so perhaps we should figure this out. Escort Talia here. Talon is next door.”
Lifting an eyebrow, Alex raked his fingers through his hair. “I’m not sure she wants to see him.” Rousseau clenched his fists, and Alex flinched. “But perhaps I can convince her. Let’s meet later this evening in La Place D’Armes. I’ll escort her on a walk.”
Tapping a finger against the bar, Rousseau threw back his whiskey. “Zut, I’m tired of this matchmaking nonsense. I’m a sailor for God’s sake.” He rose from the bar stool. “Bon. Seven o’clock in the square.” Pinching Alex’s shoulder, he growled, “And Lafitte? If you and Talia don’t show, I will find you and gut you like a fish. Comprends-tu?”
Rubbing the back of his neck, Alex nodded. “We will be there.”
“S’il vous plait, take a stroll with me, Talia. It’s such a beautiful evening. The cathedral is gorgeous. I can only imagine what it looks like lit up at night.”
Talia sat in her father’s salon with her feet on the dais, sighing as Alex paced around her. Fortunately, her bleeding had stopped. After resting most of the day, she was hoping to enjoy a good book after supping.
Alas, her relaxation was for naught. Alex had spent the last h
our pestering her. Her hand went protectively to her muslin-clad waist. “Merci, but I’ve already seen it. I’ve had a trying few days, and I need to rest.”
He plopped onto the settee next to her and blew out a breath. “But I was hoping to explore this amazing city. I know of no one else so familiar with it than you.” Tapping his foot on the ground, he muttered, “Perhaps I’ll read with you.” He went to the shelf and squinted at the selections.
Stifling a laugh, Talia set her tome aside and stood. Alex couldn’t read. Apparently, he wouldn’t stop until she agreed to his demands. “Bon. A quick stroll around the square. C’est tout?”
Alex jumped up. “Oui! Merci, Talia.”
“I’ll don my shawl and meet you downstairs.”
AS TALIA AND ALEX STROLLED arm in arm down Rue St. Philip, the nightlife intensified. Her heart light, she smiled. Soirées in New Orleans were exciting, especially in the evenings. Many jovial folks stopped to bid her a good evening.
As Talia waved at a passing matron, Alex chuckled. “Do you know everyone in New Orleans?”
“Many of these people do business with my father. Others I know from my own dealings. What do you think of our city?”
Alex patted her hand. “I’m intrigued for certain. It seems easy-going and relaxed, like Martinique in many ways.”
“Without the luscious tropical vegetation and warm breezes,” she added. “Although, the springs and summers are quite sultry.”
Strolling at a leisurely pace, they turned into the square. The cathedral was indeed lit up in all its glory. Alex’s face glowed with the excitement of a young boy. “C’est magnifique.”
As they sat on a nearby bench to fully admire its façade, Talia smiled. “I didn’t realize you were a religious man, Alex Lafitte.”
“One doesn’t have to be God-fearing to regard something so resplendent, oui?”
Talia patted his hand. “Eloquently put, mon ami. Shall we find a café? Coffee sounds lovely.”
“Indeed, it does.”
As Talon’s deep voice reverberated from behind them, Talia’s breath hitched. She turned around, her heart aching as hurt emanated from his eyes. He cleared his throat. “You look radiant this evening, Miss Montrose.”
Her stomach fluttered, just as it always had upon seeing his handsome face. Sitting up, she pulled her shawl tightly about her shoulders. “Mon dieu, Talon! How did you find me?”
“It wasn’t difficult, love.” Grabbing Alex by his collar, Talon uprooted him from the bench, his dark eyes boring into the man. “Don’t you have something else to do, Lafitte?”
Talia glowered at Alex, and he issued her a sheepish grin. “Oui. I’ll find Captain Rousseau, shall I?” Stuffing his hat on his head, he fled, leaving her alone with Talon.
Taking her hand, Talon pressed a soft kiss to the top. “I’ve missed you, love. I was looking forward to our romantic dinner.”
Holding her head high, Talia straightened her shoulders. His sultry voice wasn’t going to work this time. As much as she’d prayed to see him again, she was still angry with his deception. “I didn’t want to come between you and your childhood love.” His eyebrow arched. A single tear escaped, and she swiped at it angrily. “Don’t deny it. I saw you with her. You embraced her. It was obvious she still cares for you. I didn’t know what to do. Running seemed the only answer.”
“Given our circumstances, it was quite stupid.”
“I didn’t say it was smart,” she retorted. “I was hurt. And jealous. I’d hoped you loved me as much as I—” Talia swallowed, choking back a sob. The heartache that spiraled through her body was nearly unbearable.
Chuckling low in his throat, Talon brushed his thumb across her cheek. “Talia Montrose, you are an enchanting minx. What shall I do with you?”
His voice was soft and tender. She began to lose herself in his sweet melody. Unfortunately, the image of him hugging his former betrothed still lingered.
Hardening her resolve, she shoved away from him. “You have a woman. Go to her.”
Pressing his lips into a firm line, he sighed. “I need you to listen to me, love. Lina and I were childhood friends, nothing more. I haven’t even thought of her. My emotions have been turned upside down the last several months—ever since a vixen spy landed herself in my arms.”
“But you were betrothed.”
“Aye, when we were children, our parents arranged for us to wed. She left, and I cursed her name for years. But when I saw her in Guadeloupe, I realized that I don’t love her like I did when I was young.” Placing a finger on her chin, he turned her head and gazed into her eyes. Her heart thrummed as his coal black depths seared her soul. “My feelings for her have never been as deep and powerful as the feelings I have for you. I love you, Talia Montrose. I’ve never said those words to anyone.” Brushing a thumb over her lips, he kissed her.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she choked back a sob. “I love you, too, mon cher.” His mouth closed over hers, and she melted against him.
Two elderly matrons out for an evening promenade clucked, admonishing their public display of affection. Talon released her with a hum. “Some things are never proper, it seems, no matter the city. Where are you staying?”
“My father’s home is a few blocks from here. Come, my love,” she whispered with a lingering look. “I’ve missed you.”
They arrived at the townhouse in a flurry. Taking him to the back gates, she put her finger to her lips. “Remain here for a moment and stay out of sight.” Nodding, he leaned against the brick façade.
Running around front, Talia burst through the door. “Minnie, Jacob, Papa is coming!”
The servants appeared out of nowhere. As Jacob stumbled across the floor, Minnie wrung her hands in her apron. “Lawd, I’s don’t have a thing in this house to serve him. You sho’?”
Darting a glance out the window, Talia gestured anxiously. “I saw Bernard at the square, hailing a carriage. I guess the harvest is finished.”
Puckering her brow, Minnie skirted around Talia. “Jacob, get on down to the banks. I’s got to find Massa some food. Will you be fine own your own, Mam’zelle? I’s be back in a few hours.”
Talia waved her off. “Not to worry, Minnie. Alex will be home soon. My walk refreshed me.”
A few minutes later, the townhouse was empty. She crept around the side of the gardens. Talon stood at the gate where she’d left him, and she beckoned him forward.
His eyebrow shot up. “What was that about?”
“Our servants wouldn’t understand. Minnie is rather overprotective of me.” With a coy smile, Talia took his hands and led him inside.
TALON DIDN’T HAVE TIME to take in the opulence of Montrose’s home. He could think of nothing but taking Talia in his arms. He scooped her up with a husky groan. “Where?”
“Upstairs, first door on the left.”
Embracing her, he planted kisses along her jaw line. Her knees buckled, and she sank into him with a whimper. “Hurry, Talon. I’ve missed you.”
He ascended two stairs at a time and opened the door with his left hand, refusing to let her go. With one more kiss, he set her on the four-poster bed and quickly removed his clothing. A smile curved at her lips, and his cock grew hot and hard. He couldn’t remember needing a woman so badly.
Jumping from the bed, Talia grasped his length in her hands. She squeezed him, and he groaned in pleasure. Running a finger around the red tip, she sat on her knees and laved him with a long stroke of her tongue.
“Talia,” Talon hissed as she took him in her mouth for a suck. “Good God.”
Releasing him, she prolonged her sensuous massage. Her slow rhythm intensified as he moaned and moved with her. She hummed, “Oui, Talon, spend for me, mon cher.”
Heat twined around his neck. As her left hand circled his hot shaft, she grabbed his stones with the other. He couldn’t hold it in any longer. Throwing his head back, he closed his eyes and exploded in her hands.
Relief flooded his ent
ire body. She milked his throbbing shaft, and when he was thoroughly spent, she gazed up at him with a look of pure adoration. He grazed his knuckles against her cheek. “I love you so much, Talia. Hand to God, I’ll never leave you again.”
AS TALON LAID ACROSS her bed, Talia adjusted her knees to shield her condition. Except for the slippers she’d kicked off during their escapade, she was still dressed. With gentle touches, she explored his body wishing they hadn’t lost time together.
Talon sat up on his elbows. “That was amazing, love. I’ve needed you so.”
“And I you.”
“My God, you’re so beautiful.” Gathering her in his arms, he placed a soft kiss on her neck and pulled at the sleeve of her gown.
With a gasp, Talia put his hand on his arm. “Wait...”
“What’s the matter?”
Talia bit her lip nervously. “I’m just more tired than I thought.”
His eyes darkened. “I haven’t seen you in weeks. I’ve wanted to touch you for so long... to lose myself in your warmth. To taste these.” He blazed a trail of kisses over the tops of her quivering breasts. As he untied the bodice of her gown, his sultry voice pleaded with her, hypnotizing her until she couldn’t think.
Sliding her gown from her shoulders, he freed her breasts to the air. A whimper left her lips. What was it about this man? Why did he pull at her heart so desperately?
As he balanced her heavy orbs in his hands, he stroked the tender peaks. “Aye, you’re swollen with desire, love.” He took each dusky nipple in his mouth for a suck.
She let out a soft cry. She hadn’t thought this through. She wanted to push him away, but her head was spinning from his heavenly attentions. “Talon, please...” She had to control herself. She wasn’t sure how he’d respond to her impending motherhood.
“I’ve spent the last month dreaming about you, about this.” He shimmied her dress past her bosom. “Let me give you pleasure, Talia.”
Pure Temptation Page 30
