“Is our girl in danger? Sounds exciting to me. What have you gotten yourself into now, darlin’?” The handsome blond with his signature sexy smile twirled an empty chair around and straddled it to sit between them before magically procuring two plates of cheesecake drizzled in praline sauce. He set both on the table with a flourish. “I stole these from that sweet little waitress with the big... personality. Your favorite, isn’t it, Mimi?”
“Oh yes. I love big personalities.” Michelle didn’t look like she appreciated the interruption. “I don’t know why I ever thought you’d listen to me, Allegra Jarod. You didn’t take my advice when I told you to stay away from this one.”
He mouthed, “This one,” and Allegra covered her mouth to hide her grin.
“Hi, Ben.”
“Afternoon, Legs. I’m glad that someone looks happy to see me.”
Benjamin Adair dipped his finger in the whipped topping on Michelle’s plate, popping it into his mouth with a moan. “It’s not as good as the chocolate caramel rolls at Café Bwe, but still decadent enough to tempt anyone with a working taste bud and a pulse.”
Michelle got to her feet and slid her purse over her shoulder in one swift, graceful motion. “I’ve got to get back to work, Allegra. Don’t do anything crazy until I get home. In other words, don’t listen to a word he says.”
Ben leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowed on Michelle’s ass as he watched her walk away. When she disappeared, he let out a low whistle and turned back to Allegra. “She’s feistier than usual. You spill that tea, darlin’?”
“I gave her a hypothetical to test the waters. And I didn’t mention you or your offer to help at all. You know she’d lock me in the apartment for the foreseeable future if she knew.”
Ben laughed, but she could see the regret that lingered in his eyes. “Good call.”
Allegra was well aware that she was missing something when it came to her two friends. All Ben had told her was that he and Michelle had been close when they were children, brought together by their parents, but they’d grown up and grown apart. And all Michelle would say was that Ben was to be avoided at all costs.
But she knew Michelle too. If there were something truly wrong with the man, Michelle would never leave Allegra alone with him. She was too protective.
There was definitely a story there, but so far, no one was filling her in.
“I’m glad you kept our secret.” He pulled Michelle’s dessert closer, dipping his finger in the creamy concoction once more before holding it up to Allegra’s lips. “Can’t let the mean old art teacher ruin all our fun.”
She automatically opened her mouth, her tongue flicking the pad of his finger for a taste. His thick lashes fluttered in surprise and he smiled in approval. “Look at you, owning your inner temptress. Someone is practicing for tonight.”
“That someone is not me.” She rolled her eyes. “And condescending is not the new sexy, Benjamin. Since I’m hiding the fact that this plan was your idea, you need to start telling me some truths.”
“I’m an open book, Legs. A few of the pages might be written in invisible ink to protect the innocent, but still. Open.” He held his palms out, sending her an inviting wink.
Despite her loyalty and Michelle’s apparent disdain, she couldn’t help but like this man. She doubted there were that many people immune to his Southern charm and easy smile. There was something about him beyond all his outward appeal that made her trust him, and it had been there from the start. He’d shown up at her special table, sitting down to join her and she’d let him, feeling as if she’d known him for years.
He called her Legs. From anyone else she’d think it was intended as an insult. A way to point out the fact that she walked now with a distinctive limp. That beneath her sweat pants her left knee and thigh was riddled with scar tissue from multiple surgeries. But his green eyes had been full of mischief and free from judgment, and somehow, she’d known that Legs was short for Allegra, and her injuries hadn’t even occurred to him.
It was refreshing.
He also just so happened to be a treasure trove of information on her favorite subject.
Ben had known Rousseau for years, and was unusually willing to assuage her curiosity. Almost eager. She’d learned about Rousseau’s favorite color, his favorite music, the fact that his unique looks came from his Haitian father and a mother who was half Portuguese and half Irish. She’d learned that his father was a deadbeat dad, and Rousseau had grown up early because of it, skipping college to start his own business, sending his sister to school and looking out for his mother.
To hear Ben tell it, Celestin Rousseau was as angelic as his name. If it weren’t for his tomcatting reputation, she’d think he was too good to be true.
Don’t go forgetting about that reputation.
Ben tilted his head to get her attention. “I’m sensing a disturbance in the force from my lovely almost partner in crime. What’s wrong?”
“Maybe I’m having doubts.”
“For example?”
“Maybe I was wondering if you’re doing this for me just to tick off my best friend. For example.”
He winced. “Do I really come off like that much of an asshole?”
“No!” She covered his hand and squeezed apologetically. “I’m sorry, Ben. You’ve been wonderful about all of this and I’ve been a mess.”
He lowered his voice. “You’re wondering if it’s all one sided. What you’re feeling. He’s never made a move on you, and you’ve seen him with other women. Lots of other women.”
She gave him a sideways glare. “You’re kind of creepy when you do that.”
He shrugged. “I can’t help being observant, Legs. It’s a family gift. And I won’t deny that Rousseau is a complicated man, but all is not what it seems. I know for a fact that he wants you.”
“For an actual fact? Or a slightly exaggerated to make me feel better Ben-fact?”
“Ouch.” He clutched his chest. “An actual fact, Allegra. I’ve never seen him so out of sorts over a woman.”
“You say that, but you can’t explain why he won’t talk to me for longer than five minutes without looking for an escape route. If you tell me he’s shy after what I’ve seen, I’ll walk right now.”
He grimaced. “I’m not sure how to explain it without breaking a confidence. Let’s just say he’s convinced himself of something that isn’t true, and it’s our job to show him he’s wrong. He just needs the proper incentive.”
Ben had been dangling this particular carrot in front of her for weeks. That Rousseau actually wanted her. That she could have him if she took a risk. If she believed what he was telling her.
“Believe it,” he said, making her hand twitch in surprise.
She started to pull away but he twisted his fingers around to hold hers still, his thumb lightly caressing her knuckles in a soothing motion that was oddly effective. “I can get him there tonight and keep the wolves at bay, but after that you have to take the reins. Let him know, without a single doubt, that it’s him you want.”
As far as seductions went, it sounded underwhelmingly simple. Too simple.
“That’s all? I shamelessly embarrass myself and he falls into my arms?” Allegra leaned back in her chair with a sigh. “While the role reversal gets points from my inner feminist, I’m still not convinced it’s going to work. What if he says no?”
“He won’t. But if he does, then he’s a bigger fool than I ever imagined and I’ll be more than happy to be the vessel upon which you relieve all of your pent-up frustrations.”
“Big of you.”
She tried for an authentic smile, but she couldn’t manage it. Where was the nerve she’d always been famous for? The stuff of legends, Michelle had once called her. No challenge was too dangerous, no mountain too steep.
That’s who she used to be before she’d taken one risk too many.
Her feelings for Rousseau made her ache for the old Allegra. The one who’d never compare herself
to the flawless women she’d seen clinging to him each night when he closed the coffee shop and find herself lacking.
Now there was a new voice inside her head that—instead of telling her to leap—begged her to walk away before it was too late. That a skinny girl with scars and a limp would never hold his interest. Hell, even if she was whole, he would still be Rousseau. The man who did not stick around for seconds.
Ben tsked as if reading her thoughts again. “You are beautiful, body and soul, Allegra. Never doubt it. All strawberry blonde curls, delicate freckles and determination. He has a penchant for freckles, you know. He’ll want to lick every single one.” He leaned in closer. “Your eyes alone would make him fall in love with you. So big and blue and a little lost. They’ll turn him inside out with the need to protect you and make you smile.”
Allegra glared. “I’ll admit to having a temporary case of insecurity, Adair, but I’m not broken. Not lost or fragile. If that’s what he wants...”
Ben laid his hand over hers. “He wants you, Legs. Everything that you are is exactly what he needs. And I’m going to give you to him.”
“But not for free.” When he’d first mentioned his price for helping her, she’d thought he was joking. Teasing her about wanting to be included in the seduction. But on the contrary, he’d been kind of insistent about it.
“Not for free,” he agreed in a low voice that made her shiver in spite of herself.
Allegra couldn’t deny that she found him attractive, but three wasn’t the number she usually thought of when she imagined being with Rousseau.
Please. Like you’ve never fantasized about two gorgeous men focused entirely on your pleasure. And sometimes each other’s. Don’t lie.
She wasn’t going to lie. But as far as actually experiencing it? A threesome was just one of those adventures she’d never sought out until now.
He has.
Ben hadn’t admitted anything directly, but from a few of their conversations, Allegra had a feeling it wouldn’t be the first time the two friends had shared a woman. What if Rousseau actually took him up on it? What if that was exactly why he’d been holding back? Could she really go through with it?
What would Michelle think?
She bit down hard on her lip. “Are we sure this is a good idea?”
“Bah.” His smile was devilish. “Good ideas are boring.”
Allegra shook her head and pushed her chair away from the table. Incorrigible was the perfect word for Ben. “On that note, I should head back to the apartment. If I’m actually going to do this, I need a long soak in the tub. No man wants a woman who creaks when she walks.”
Ben dug into the cheesecake in front of him. “He will if you do it, Legs. I’m telling you, darlin’, you have to trust me on this. And don’t be late.”
She dropped a tip on the table, grabbed her cane and walked away, mumbling under her breath. “Definitely shouldn’t be late. Wouldn’t want to miss my biggest crash and burn of all time.”
Chapter 2
The club was bursting with noise and heat, crowded with willing bodies and a palpable anticipation that was as familiar as it was unwelcome.
Rousseau lifted the warm, watered-down soda to his lips and grimaced. What had he expected when he’d let Ben talk him into leaving the loft? He didn’t live in a city with seasonal tourism. Even in September, the weekends brought revelers to the Big Easy. He hated all of it. The noise. The expectations and desires that buzzed around him like flies. At least at home he’d be able to do the paperwork for the café. Finally get through that book he’d been reading.
Your ennui is unbearable. It’s also a lie. You want to be home so you can watch that sweet piece through your window with your hand down your pants. Maybe the Toussaint girl will be massaging her leg again. I did enjoy that. Or maybe she’ll be alone, walking around in nothing but those tiny pink panties with all that lace in the front. I’d love to tear those off with my teeth and stick my tongue—
“Shut. Up.”
“Talking to yourself again?” Ben’s knowing grin set Rousseau’s teeth on edge. Bastard. He knew better than anyone how much he disliked these high traffic bars in the Quarter.
Places like this brought out something inside him he literally couldn’t control. Places like this made him realize he’d never be able to have a normal relationship. A normal life. How could he when he wasn’t sure if he’d wake up surrounded by strangers and memories that would make a scoundrel blush?
Memories that belonged to someone else.
“You said you needed to talk, Ben. We could have done that at my apartment, so why are we here?”
Ben took a long pull off his beer bottle, the condensation dripping down his arm as he tipped it back in obvious enjoyment. “Man, I needed that.”
Rousseau’s mouth watered, but he didn’t trust himself with alcohol anymore. He had to stay alert.
Yes, be vigilant or you might actually enjoy yourself.
“Relax, man.” His friend set the bottle down and leaned back against the booth. “It’s dark and crowded and exactly the kind of place a guy can disappear in. Plus, we’re hidden away at this corner table. We can see the whole room from here, but no one is looking at us.”
“Again, why are we here?”
Ben took a breath. “I need to talk to you about Allegra.”
He’d known this was coming eventually. How many days had he looked up from the line of women ordering coffee to find her sitting at the table he’d put outside for her, laughing at something Ben was saying? Too damn many.
You wanted her where you could see her. Did you think no one else would be looking?
“You thinking of staking a claim on Michelle Toussaint’s new roommate?”
After what happened with the last one, she still glared at Rousseau every time she walked by the café.
“Are you looking for trouble, Ben?”
“Always.” Ben laughed. “And a man would be a fool not to claim Allegra Jarod. Don’t you agree?”
Rousseau forced out a noncommittal grunt instead of a warning growl and Ben shook his head. “Why are you being so stubborn? You and I both know it’s not me she wants. I’m not the reason she sits at that table, day after day, waiting for you to come to your senses.” He paused thoughtfully. “Though I do think I’ve managed to pique her interest recently.”
What the hell did that mean? Rousseau tensed and Ben sighed. “Oh, my friend, I hate that you’ve lost your sense of humor most of all. I can’t even tease you anymore.”
“I have a sense of humor.”
No. I have a sense of humor. You have a sense of apocalyptic dread and doom. Not the same thing at all.
“Allegra Jarod wants you, Rousseau. Not him. Not the experience. You. She’s not from here. She’s heard a few rumors but she laughs them off. She doesn’t even know he really exists, but I know she could handle it if she did.”
“You think or you know?” He wished the question back immediately. It was too revealing.
“I know. What exactly do you think we talk about every morning? And before you accuse me of giving away your big secret, you know better. But I will admit that you’re usually on her mind. If you aren’t sure, go on and ask the voice in your head.”
He’d rather chew glass.
Disturbing visual.
No matter what the answer was, it wouldn’t change anything. Once she found out the truth, she would come to him. Based on every previous experience, it was inevitable. She would ask for him, and the next day she would be gone, convincing herself that what she’d thought she’d experienced wasn’t real.
Denying himself wasn’t easy, but in a way, it was far more satisfying. She wanted him. The simple cafe owner who wasn’t a vessel created by his father’s lust and arrogance.
“I know I’m right about this,” Ben insisted impatiently. “What she’s feeling is real.”
Rousseau shook his head. “Your gift must be on the fritz, Adair. But even if it weren’t, the man she th
inks she wants doesn’t exist. I’m a shadow. An illusion. I think it’s better for everyone if we leave well enough alone. Safer. You can have her if you want. I’m going home.”
Did you just give him permission to fuck Allegra? Without us?
“That’s too bad, friend. Especially since she and Michelle just sat down at the table closest to the dance floor.” Ben made a production of straightening his shirt. “Since you’ve given me permission, I better get my sexy ass on over there before one of the other men circling decides to make his move. Someone she cares about should dance with her before they take her home.”
“Shit.” His head whipped around fast enough to disprove his outward apathy.
Allegra was here.
And God, but she looked good. Too good for a place like this. She was wearing one of those long broom skirts and a sheer cock tease of a blouse over a tank top that managed to conceal and reveal at the same time.
She did that, his Allegra. Found clever ways to cover most of her body in public, regardless of the weather. Tonight he didn’t mind, possessive asshole that he was. But he’d always noticed. He noticed everything about her.
And you’ve already seen everything as well. Strawberries and cream sprinkled with cinnamon.
Nobody else needed to know that.
Rousseau watched her tug on the thin, rose petal pink material and he frowned. She seemed more worried about her scars than usual. Did she think they did anything to diminish her appeal? She was a fighter. A beautiful survivor.
Ben had taken it upon himself to tell Rousseau that she’d been a writer for a travel magazine before an accident left her on an open-ended vacation.
Rousseau had pretended not to care, and then gone online and read every article he could find with her name on the byline. It took days to read through them all. Allegra Jarod had been all over the world, and she’d seen things he couldn’t begin to imagine. Risking her life spelunking through unknown cave systems and scuba diving in shark infested waters. The locations were all aimed at adrenaline junkies, and she’d definitely caught the bug.
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