The Secret to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 4)

by Laura Shipley

  The caress of his warm breath against her ear sent a wave of longing down her body, centering on her hot core. Louis enfolded her in his arms. In the security of his embrace, Colette knew she could tell him anything. “I have never given my body to another in exchange for information. I swore to myself I would never have a man touch me without my permission.”

  “Have you ever been with a man?”

  “Once, a long time ago. It was a boy who had grown up on the streets, like me. We had known each other for a while. One night he asked to lie with me. I was old enough to understand what he wanted, but I did not expect it to be so cold and unfeeling. After he finished, he just left. I felt empty inside. I had read books at the orphanage about love, and those damn poets made it sound so magical. When it proved otherwise, I did not want to repeat the experience.”

  “It’s understandable after such an encounter to not want to repeat it. It shows strength of character to stand firm in your resolution.”

  Colette brought her hand up and laid it on Louis’s arm, which still held her captive. “But lately my resolve has not been as steady. I have found myself faltering.”

  “In what way?” His voice grew thick.

  She stared at him through the window’s reflection. “I want you to make love to me, Louis. Since that night in the kitchen, I have dreamed of it. Your kisses and caresses have driven me mad with distraction. If something should happen before we complete our task, I want to at least have one night with you.”

  CHAPTER 17

  In his wildest dreams, Louis could not have imagined the phrase Colette had just uttered. His lust could no longer be denied. To think this beauty had had such a poor, heartless introduction into lovemaking was beyond him. She was meant to be worshipped and cherished, and Louis would make sure that happened tonight. He would give her a night to remember and show her what it was like to have a partner who desired her.

  He brought one hand up and cupped her breast while the other traveled between her legs. The supple mound was pliant in his hand. He squeezed her breast, and at the same time rubbed his other hand against her junction. A throaty moan from Colette rewarded his efforts.

  “Now, my dear Colette. I must ask you the same question. Do you trust me? Do you trust me to show you what passion can be like between two people? To show you there is just as much satisfaction for a man when he hears a woman climax as there is in the act of lovemaking itself?” He applied more pressure between her legs. “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.” The word came out on a sigh.

  Through the reflection in the glass, Louis saw Colette writhing, the ecstasy building. Her eyes were closed, and her head laid against his chest, a slave to his sinful touch.

  “I want to give you pleasure tonight, Colette. I want you to know how good it can be. I want to make your body burn just as much as mine has for you these last few days.”

  Through the thin material of her nightgown, he felt her nipple harden under his fingers. He took the peaked tip and pinched it ever so slightly. While his hands were busy, Louis trailed kisses up and down the side of her neck, ending at her ear. He sucked on her earlobe, the whisper of his breath sending a shudder through her body.

  Louis was rock hard. His fantasy was coming to life. With only a nightshirt and robe, his erect member was free to nudge against Colette’s backside, begging for entrance into her warm depths. He would take it slow, and later, when they were ready to join, he would let Colette take the lead. The important thing was to ensure she enjoyed herself and for her to know that her pleasure was just as important as his—even more so, in Louis’s mind.

  His lower hand pulled up the material of Colette’s nightgown until his hand touched her flesh. At the moment of contact, they both gasped. Louis was not certain how long he would last. At this rate, he would come before he even got inside her. When his fingers finally found her silky mound of hair, already slick from her arousal, his cock grew larger.

  He delved into her waiting feminine folds. The caress of his fingers caused Colette to cry out his name.

  “Do you like that, my sweet?”

  “Dear God, yes. I have never felt so wanton. Please don’t stop.”

  The plea made him chuckle. “My dear, I won’t stop unless you ask me to. I am here for you tonight.”

  With those words, two fingers sunk into her channel. Colette’s back arched at the sensation of penetration. Louis slowly pumped his fingers in and out, making her drip with want. With his thumb, he teased her tight nub, making Colette writhe.

  “Open your eyes, Colette. Look at us.”

  At his command, she opened her eyes. Through the window’s reflection she watched him fondle her. The material of her nightgown covered his hand, but he could see the motion of his digits as he pleasured Colette. The image caused a raw, untamed, burning need for him to make this woman his, body and soul.

  Colette’s body was flushed, her skin pliant under his touch. As he worked her clitoris and pussy, his other hand snuck under the neckline of her gown to expose one of her breasts. Now he witnessed the most erotic scene in his life. The reflection of him fucking Colette with his fingers while he massaged her breast. If he were a younger man, he would have orgasmed in that instant. Instead, he used all his willpower to hold back.

  He wanted Colette to climax. “Ride my fingers,” he whispered in her ear.

  They got into a rhythm. Louis’s fingers thrusted forward, and her hips came down to meet him. After a few pumps, he increased the pressure on her sweet bud. His ministrations did not go unnoticed. Colette’s breathing became shallow and small purring sounds emitted from her throat. She was close. At last, he felt her body tense. Colette cried out his name as she squeezed on his fingers and her warm juices poured out of her. Louis rubbed her again to another climax before pulling out. He turned Colette around and leaned her against the window.

  As she caught her breath, he brought his fingers to his lips and sucked on her sweet cream. The gesture transfixed Colette. Her tongue peeked out to wet her lips. That was all it took for Louis to capture her mouth in a hot, demanding kiss. He wanted her to taste herself on his lips. After a few kisses, he demanded entrance, and his tongue invaded her fiery mouth. Colette took him in on a sigh. Their tongues dueled and fought, each desperate for the other.

  Louis undid the ties to Colette’s nightgown and slid it down her shoulders to leave her bare. Like a sculptor molding clay, his hands were everywhere, caressing and rubbing. He wanted to find every spot that gave her pleasure. He was like a man possessed with the need to know everything about her.

  **********

  Never in a hundred years would Colette have thought that being with a man, just his caress, could drive her wild. Her body was an inferno. When he had made her climax while they watched, it had aroused her more than anything else ever had. Louis wanted her, desired her, of that she was certain from the feel of his growing bulge. She ached to have him inside her.

  When he had kissed her, and she had tasted her release on his tongue, it had made her mind haze over with sensual cravings. No matter what happened after tonight, she would remember this evening for the rest of her life. The night she was not a thief or a poor orphan, just a woman adored for herself.

  Louis had removed her nightgown in short order, so Colette thought he should join her. She hungered to glide her hands down his hard, chiseled muscles. The image of Louis sinking his cock inside her made her legs tremble and her womanhood throb to be possessed.

  Her nimble fingers untied his robe. Then her hands slipped down to remove his drawers. At last, they were skin to skin. Her breasts pressed against the broad expanse of his chest when she wrapped her arms around him. She ran her hands up and down his spine. When Louis’s hand went once again between her legs, she skimmed her hand down his abdomen until she came to his engorged member.

  Louis’s fingers again entered her creamy depths, and at the same time, she grasped his manhood. Their moans mingled in the air. The blunt head of h
is erection pressed against her belly as she worked his steely rod. His cock jumped in her hand, wanting what only she could give him.

  His fingers teased her, kindling a flame of desire. Masterfully, he worked her pulsating clitoris until she undulated on his fingers, riding herself to completion. As her pleasure built, she tightened her grip on his cock and increased the speed. Colette swore she heard Louis curse, then he took her mouth. His kisses ravaged her, both inside and out. After tonight, everything would be different.

  They kissed open-mouthed, needing to get air as they worked each other toward the precipice of ecstasy. Colette was so close, but before she could finish, Louis swooped her up and carried her over to the couch. He sat down and made her straddle him.

  “Ride me, my darling.” His voiced strained.

  Not ashamed, even with being near to him, she spoke, “Show me.”

  Louis took his cock in his hand and worked himself while he explained what she was to do. After he finished speaking, Colette lowered her lips to his. She plunged her tongue into his mouth as she positioned herself over his hard dick. Ever so slowly, she lowered herself. He had a large girth, and it took a few moments for her to accommodate his size. Once Louis was fully seated inside her, everything was stripped away except her longing for him.

  “Now you will set the pace. I am a slave to your whim,” Louis whispered in her ear.

  Colette was touched by his attentiveness and care in giving her control. Her legs were on either side of Louis on the settee. She raised up on her knees then came down, taking him deep inside. It amazed her how her body accepted his shaft. Once Colette felt more confident, she increased the pace. Louis joined her and thrust his pelvis up to meet her each time, sending the tip of his erection straight to her center. A wave of molten lust built with the grinding of their bodies, threatening to crest in an explosion of euphoria.

  It was as if they were meant for each other. When she locked gazes with Louis, she saw something smoldering beneath the surface. Was it just desire, or was it something more? There was no time to think as Louis took hold of her hips and angled her for better penetration. The friction of his cock ramming up into her wet heat made her body coil in anticipation.

  Each thrust sent her spiraling closer to the edge. Pleasure shook her with each pounding of his steel forge, branding her as his. Neither of them could quiet the groans and grunts of fulfillment that passed their lips. The tension built. They were close. His cock was ruthless, driving deep and claiming her in a whirlwind of sensual dominance.

  Just when Colette thought she could not take any more, Louis’s skilled fingers found her pearl. A few brushes were all it took to send her to oblivion. Her canal enfolded his erection, and mindless bliss rippled through her body. Louis did not let up and rubbed her already sensitive nub again, asking her again to release. Her head fell back, and her mouth opened with a silent cry as she thrashed against him, greedily milking his cock.

  They bucked and drove each other to completion. Louis gave into his own primal instincts and ground his hips into her one last time before spilling inside her. Unable to keep herself upright, all the energy gone from her body, Colette leaned into Louis, who enfolded her in his arms. He laid tender kisses on her head. They sat there, joined together, neither of them speaking.

  What could she say? Words could not express what she felt, or perhaps she feared what she might admit out loud. This was not a time for love, not now, not in her life. Besides, the last person she needed to fall in love with was a nobleman turned spy. Her life was complicated enough already. No, for now she would bask in the glow of what they had just shared.

  Colette lifted her head and looked at Louis. The devilish rogue smiled at her. A piece of her hair fell in front of her eyes, and he placed it behind her ear. “How are you feeling?”

  There were many answers to that question, but Colette decided on the simple choice. “I am well. That was amazing.”

  “I’m glad. I wanted you to know how it can be between a couple.”

  “Is that what we are, a couple?”

  He kissed her swollen lips. “Yes, because I do not know about you, but I definitely would like a repeat of tonight.”

  Colette could not hide her grin. “I would like that as well.” To have another night with Louis was more than she could hope for.

  “Now, I should escort you to your room.”

  Always the gentleman, she thought. After she removed herself from Louis’s lap, she donned her nightgown, and Louis put on his robe. He guided her upstairs to her bedroom door. Just before he left, he kissed her again, this time more tenderly, but a mischievous glint still twinkled in his eyes. “Until tomorrow. Good night, Colette.

  “Good night, Louis.” She closed the door. Sleep evaded her for some time. How could anyone sleep after what they had just shared? Eventually, her eyes drifted shut to the memory of Louis’s dark, lust-filled stare looking at her through the window’s reflection.

  CHAPTER 18

  The following day was busy with preparations for the journey to Alsace. Some staff departed that afternoon to ride ahead to Louis’s estate. With the number of guests expected, they needed the extra servants since Louis kept a limited staff in Alsace. Louis saw Colette throughout the day. Every time he spied a glimpse of her, his body shook at the memory of their lovemaking the previous night.

  It had been more than just sex to Louis. It had been an intimate bonding. He could no longer ignore the fact that he had an affection for Colette. But was it reciprocated? Each time he peered at Colette, she would cast him a smile but quickly turn away. Yes, she had to feel something for him after what they had shared.

  Strange to think that his life had been thrown upside down in the matter of a few weeks. Louis’s hope was that after they caught the Fox, he might continue to see Colette. Perhaps it was foolish to think she would want anything to do with him after their time together ended. She had been independent her entire life. Would she want to share her life with someone?

  The direction of his thoughts took Louis by surprise. Was he considering a life with Colette? The idea made him happy. She was an ideal match for him. Where Michelle had been timid and needed protection like a delicate flower, Colette was resourceful and strong, a perfect fit in his life. He knew even after catching the Fox, he probably would not leave his life of intrigue. Colette would be a perfect partner, in more ways than one.

  For now, they had to focus on the party. Their main objective was to see who would support the Fox and his criminal acts. Unfortunately, it would only lengthen the list of treacherous countrymen Louis had already compiled. Better to know who the enemies were, he surmised.

  The rest of the day passed uninterrupted. Dinner was served early. Colette chatted about ideas she had for entertainment. “I wrote to your housekeeper at Alsace to see about musicians for the ball. I also asked to see if we could get a pianist or another musician for one evening.”

  “Sounds excellent.” He took a bite of his food. “I thought you were worried about planning this week. It seems you have everything under control.”

  Colette sat back in her chair and put her fork down. “Well, I took it as a challenge. Not from you, but from myself, to do something I have never done before. I decided I would approach the challenge head-on. Mrs. White and the rest of the staff have been helpful with ideas, as have you.”

  It relieved Louis that his housekeeper here in Paris, Mrs. White, had been so responsive to having Colette at the house. He had been waiting to be chastised for bringing a single woman into the house, but, if he didn’t know better, he would swear at times the old woman appeared pleased to have Colette here. Whatever the housekeeper’s reasons, he was glad the domestic side of his life was going well.

  “There is equipment at the estate for lawn ball and cricket. If it’s a nice day, we may also do a shoot.” Louis wanted the guests to feel comfortable, and hopefully their tongues would wag. If this week proved successful, he would be one step closer to his objec
tive.

  Colette excused herself shortly after dinner. “I know you said we have to leave early tomorrow, so I should try to get some sleep. I did not get much rest last night.” She smirked at Louis knowingly.

  Louis rose. “And I was very happy to be the reason why. I have some work to finish before I’m done for the night.” The unspoken question hung between them. Would they make love tonight? As much as Louis wanted to, he knew it was best for Colette to sleep in her own chambers.

  Before she left, Louis went over to Colette and gathered her in his arms. Her mouth made a perfect little “O” as he drew her closer. Before she could say a word, he lowered his lips to hers. It was a tender kiss. He dared not do more for fear his body would demand satisfaction. Louis broke the kiss and noted the sultry expression on her face. God, he wanted her again.

  “Get a good night’s sleep. We will have plenty of time to be together once we reach my estate.”

  Colette’s hand came up and caressed his face. “You are right, and it’s been an exhausting day. Good night.” She went on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek before she left.

  He could get used to this, he thought. An hour later he was reviewing the last of his papers when the butler announced André. The older gentleman was shown in.

  “To what do I owe this pleasure?” Louis sauntered over and hugged his godfather.

  “I was in the area and thought I would stop by to see how things are coming along since I returned from my trip. I saw luggage in the hall. Are you going somewhere?”

  “I am having a house party at the Alsace estate. I will only be gone for a week. I was going to send you a message to inform you. Everything has been running smoothly.” The men took opposite seats. “Any more troubles with your ships?”

  “No. My men have been watching, and nothing suspicious has turned up. But I have heard other ships have had problems. I will keep an ear out. I have noticed an increase in the amount of Navy ships using our ports. I thought they were loading farther upriver?”