sirenssong_132-Xe3.htm

by Siren's Song (lit)

  His nearness had the same puzzling effect that it had at the lake, and Nicolette looked up to find his deep blue eyes gazing intently at her. Fascinated she watched as they suddenly darkened.

  "I will not agree to this betrothal."

  Jamie stood perfectly still, "You will, lass."

  "Do you not see Jamie? I cannot marry you. Nothing will change my mind."

  He moved his hands slowly to her shoulders, pulling her around to face him.

  "Whether you change your mind or not, you will be mine. Your future has already been decided."

  Anger ignited, and she shook her head violently, "I refuse to accept your offer." She jerked backward, and he quickly grabbed her hand halting her retreat.

  His voice turned harsh, "Is the prospect so distasteful?"

  Nicolette watched as his gaze moved from hers, down to her lips, then back to her eyes. She could almost feel the intended caress.

  "It is exceedingly disagreeable!" She pushed against him, "Can you not see your very touch is disturbing."

  He smiled lazily. His gaze traveled her length then he released her hand. He stood straight and tall, his body rigid, and his deep blue eyes flashed with anger, "Tell me why this is so distasteful for you. Is there another?"

  She took a deep breath then looked back up into his eyes, "There is, but Laurent must not know. I have promised to keep the engagement secret."

  A muscle began to twitch in Jamie’s jaw, "Nicolette, how long have you known this man?"

  "All of my life. He lives on the next estate. He is someone I admire."

  "Admire, but do not love?" Jamie’s gaze searched hers, "Has he offered for you, formally?"

  "No, but he has asked me to marry him and I have accepted," she sighed. Now that he knew the truth he would release her from this ridiculous farce.

  "Why did he not speak to Laurent?"

  "Philippe wishes to keep the betrothal a secret." Confusion swept over her, and once more, she asked herself why she felt ashamed of the deception. "I’ve done nothing wrong! I only wanted to keep my promise."

  "Nicolette, look at me."

  Rapidly she found herself lost in a sea of emotion, as she looked into his incredible deep blue eyes. Those were the eyes of her dream warrior, the deep blue color unmistakable, and somehow it did not seem fair.

  When he spoke his voice was quiet and soothing, "Why did this man not seek your brother’s approval? If he truly loved you he should have shouted it from the rooftops." Jamie put his hands on her upper arms and looked down into her eyes, "Nicolette, I want the truth. Why did he not ask for your hand formally?"

  She began to chew on her lower lip. Curiously, she had asked herself the same question many times. Answers wildly careened against one another, but in the end, she could not find a way to excuse Phillipe’s behavior.

  "That is no concern of yours."

  Jamie’s harsh voice echoed through the trees, "Nicolette, is he afraid to ask for your hand?"

  Tears stung her eyes, "No! Of course...I don’t know!"

  Jamie shook her slightly, "Then tell me, why did he not speak with Laurent."

  "He is simply waiting for my nineteenth birthday."

  "There is something more to this, something Philippe has not told you. He asked you to keep the betrothal secret because his petition is unacceptable in some way."

  Nicolette shook her head, "No, that is not true!"

  "Sweet siren, you know I speak the truth. Accept that you are now betrothed to me, and forget this nonsense."

  "No!" Nicolette shouted.

  Jamie pulled her near, "I am your betrothed, not Philippe. You must trust me."

  "Trust you? You are nothing more than a voyeur," suddenly angry, her voice shook with emotion. Then she saw the blue fire ignite in his eyes.

  "I happened on you by chance, but I am not sorry. I could never apologize for those moments, for watching you, or for even far more."

  She felt her cheeks flush.

  "Once long ago you trusted me," his deep voice caused her to shiver. His hand moved to cup her chin, as he tipped her head upward, "Remember?"

  She tried to break the intimacy, but he simply moved with her as she stepped away. Confusion reigned, as his touch caused her traitorous body to go to war with her better judgment.

  "How can you say that? I have never known you! I was only a child. I remember nothing, except your fall from the horse," a smile crossed her features at the thought and she giggled.

  "So you do recall, Lass? I was not sure, but even that little is something."

  She watched the play of emotions cross his face. In truth, she did not wish to admit her feelings. She thought of the lake. A firestorm of desire had begun there, and still burned brightly, threatening to crush her resistance.

  "I will not release you from this betrothal, Nicolette."

  Embarrassed, she turned her back to him then whispered, "We cannot build our whole lives on one incident, not the one at the lake, nor the one as a child! I do not understand why my brother thought this best, but I cannot marry you. I love my home and I will never leave. I promised Father."

  "Your father would never expect you to honor a pledge that would keep you from having a home and family of your own."

  Nicolette shook her head, "Oui, I was a child then, but I hold to that pledge and I will not marry you!"

  Jamie grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her around to face him, "We cannot build a relationship on one meeting, but we can build a union on the future. The moments at the lake proved provident, can you not understand? There is a side of marriage that can be quite delightful. At least, we have been blessed with the element of attraction. It is true of you, as well as myself." He paused a moment, then his voice became a low velvety caress. "I can promise you in one way I can make you happy if not in any other." His hand reached up to cup her chin, as his thumb moved slowly across her lips.

  Nicolette glanced up, "How can you make reference to that?"

  "Come, sweet Goddess, you feel it too. There is magic between us. For that first kiss, I apologize, but only for the first one. When I came upon a beautiful goddess, singing a siren song, I simply could not resist you. Though I admit, when you tried to command me my temper took control. I decided then I would have my token, and for my anger I apologize," he smiled. "But I could never be sorry for that kiss."

  His gaze languidly traveled her length, and flames shot threw her. There was something between them now, something alive, stirring and exciting. She could feel the raging desire for the unknown igniting within her. She took a deep breath and nervously replied, "We must leave, immediately!"

  Jamie did not respond.

  "I refuse to think of the lake," she tried to tear herself from his hold, but he would not release her.

  Jamie’s voice was deep, "The second kiss. Yes, now there was a kiss! Your nearly naked body pressed to mine, your full lips caressing, teasing me, your body begging for my touch. I felt you tremble..."

  A loud slap echoed through the trees. "You will not speak of that again!" Nicolette gasped, surprised at her own reaction.

  Jamie rubbed his jaw. His eyes flashed with blue fire, and she realized her mistake.

  "Yes, Goddess, I felt the tremble in your body, and your surrender! There was passion between us."

  "No!" Nicolette stepped closer then put her hand across his mouth, "Please, you must forget those stolen moments!"

  His arm moved around her waist, and he pulled her slowly toward him. She began to struggle, panic filled her voice and she tried to slap his hand away, "Don’t touch me!"

  His blue gaze ignited, "Now who’s the barbarian?" He rubbed his cheek, "I wonder which of us is the more passionate."

  Nicolette shook her head, attempting to deny his words.

  "My lady, leaving your home does not frighten you. This is what you fear, is it not?"

  Nicolette felt the warmth of his other hand as it moved slowly around her. His powerful arms pulled her gradually toward him u
ntil their bodies touched intimately. She was caught in his hypnotic gaze as his head moved languidly downward. His fingers tickled the back of her neck in a gentle caress, moving through her hair, tugging until her head tipped backward. She trembled slightly, fear mingling with anticipation, as she waited for the touch of his lips. She thought of the tender kiss at the lake so many times that now she wondered if those feelings were just some sort of childish dream. His lips were ever so gentle as they touched hers, caressing her softly, stirring her to the very core.

  Nicolette’s eyes widened with wonder, and she looked up into the sparkling blue depths. Her fingertips gently touched her lips acknowledging that the memory of his kiss had been reality, not a dream, and this one had been just as stirring.

  Jamie smiled, almost as if he could read her mind. Deliberately, his head moved downward once more. This touch seemed deliciously different, as his lips firmly caressed hers. Nicolette felt tantalizing warmth spread through her, and she trembled with pleasure. Her hands moved slowly upward, to pause at his chest, her fingers gently caressing for a moment, before moving to curl around his neck.

  Her mouth opened and his tongue thrust inside, demanding fulfillment. Dawning emotions tempted her, thrilling sensations roused, until a new consciousness burst forth. Her body responded of its own accord, and Nicolette admitted to feelings her mind refused to accept. Lost to him and the sensations he provoked, desire began to overwhelm her and she trembled.

  Abruptly he pulled away. The kiss ended suddenly, and Nicolette felt an intense sense of regret and longing. She leaned her forehead against his chest.

  He took a deep breath, "I forgot how truly innocent you are lass, and I cannot take advantage." Jamie held her, finally pulling her away, then took her hand, "Come Goddess, there is so much more to see. I did not realize the size of this estate the last time I was here. Now it looks as though it might take days to explore it all, but for now shall we return home?"

  Confusion surrounded her like a fog. His touch overpowered her, and she had an overwhelming desire to kiss him again, as her body warred against her soul.

  ~ * ~

  On his return Jamie found Laurent in the exercise room. "Do you wish to be alone?" he nonchalantly leaned against the doorframe, with his arms crossed.

  "Not at all. I’m glad for your company. Shall we?" Laurent saluted him with his rapier.

  "Of course, but be prepared to lose."

  Laurent laughed, "You are dreaming!"

  "I have just returned from a ride with Nicolette, and I’ve heard something very interesting. Tell me of a man named Philippe."

  Laurent walked to the center of the room, "That dolt? Why, may I ask?"

  "Because of something Nicolette said.

  "Come join me. First we will finish our discussion from yesterday, then I will tell you of Philippe."

  Jamie became intrigued, "Yesterday, you spoke of finding something suspicious at the bank. Tell me, I have been curious."

  Laurent’s rapier sliced through the air, the swishing sound echoed in the air ominously, "Letters."

  Jamie was confused, "Letters?"

  "Remember the day we met in America?"

  Jamie smiled, "Clearly, but what has that to do with this?"

  "Nothing really, simply a moment I shall never forget," his sword once more slicing into the air.

  "Nor will I. After I recovered, I came to thank you. You saved my life and convinced the Englishman I was dead. To this day I wonder how you persuaded him so completely."

  Laurent smiled lazily, "On guard my friend."

  Jamie saluted him, and noted Laurent looked ill at ease. Again, his curiosity was peaked.

  "Jamie, you have had years of peace, not only because I convinced Forester you were dead, but due to Lafayette’s influence. After we returned I asked Lafayette for a personal favor, and he was glad to oblige once he realized that it was to help you. He spoke with the British ambassador and Major Forester has been assigned as his attaché since then."

  Jamie’s eyes widened and his jaw twitched, "Forester is in Paris?" Hatred rippled through him. He raised his hand and thrust the sword downward into the floor with enormous force. Deeply imbedded, it swung back and forth like a pendulum. "I must go to Paris at once." he turned to leave but was stopped at Laurent’s next words.

  "You have given me your oath. Protecting Nicolette is all that matters now, revenge will have to wait."

  With Laurent’s calm voice, reason slowly returned.

  "It has been eight long years. I must finish it now that I know where Forester is," Jamie’s face turned deep red with fury. "And for what else do I have to thank you?"

  "Nothing," Laurent’s sword was quickly at Jamie’s chest, and he laughed. "Except for your inattention, besides you could use some lessons from a master before you approach Forester."

  Jamie’s hand crossed his chest, pushed aside the sword, and moved to rest on his shoulder, absentmindedly rubbing the thick scar there, "One day I will finish it!"

  Laurent became deadly serious, "Of that I have no doubt and perhaps I may assist, but it must wait. For now we shall care for Nicolette."

  "Again, what does America have to do with this?" Jamie was puzzled.

  "Nothing, except the day we met I received some terrible news."

  Jamie remembered, the sight still vivid in his mind’s eye, "I found you near General Lafayette’s headquarters."

  Laurent laughed, "You remember?"

  "Aye. You were sitting on a log and starring into the fire. Your uniform caked with dried blood, and you were so deep in thought you didn’t notice me. You looked as though you’d lost your best friend."

  "Oui, and so I had," he shook his head. "You insisted that I accept your vow of honor." Laurent laughed, "And now I’ve asked you to honor that commitment and marry my sister! This muddle is completely your fault! Without that promise you would have remained safely in the Highlands."

  "You find me responsible?" Jamie retrieved his sword, saluted him, and advanced.

  Laurent easily fended him off and smiled, "The Englishman wanted your life, but I have always been curious. Did you have secret information he needed or did you steal his woman?"

  "After all this time, you ask that question?" Jamie sounded surprised, then laughed. "Of course, I understand, since hundreds of women seem to want me so very badly!" Jamie laughed again. "No Man, nothing quite so splendid or romantic! I simply bested the coward, and he could not forget the shame. My only mistake was I allowed him to live!" Abruptly he became much more serious, "Nevertheless, I owe you my life, and will ever be grateful."

  "Jamie, you were never in my debt! Yet I thank God for that promise, because I know you will protect my Nicolette."

  "I am relieved to finally repay my obligation to you. Now will you get on with it, curiosity is killing me."

  Laurent spoke in a whisper, "The day you came to talk to me was one of the lowest points of my life. I had just received news of Madeleine, my...betrothed. She committed suici..." Laurent turned away, "She took her life after I left for America, on her nineteenth birthday."

  "Her nineteenth birthday?" Jamie quickly recovered from his surprise. "So young? You never told me about her."

  "No, I never spoke of her, yet her death nearly destroyed me. I felt incredibly guilty. We were childhood playmates, she, her brother Philippe, and I. Later, as we grew up, he was my closest friend. Now we are bitterest of enemies. He blames me for her death. I have attempted to speak with him, but he refused to see me and never accepted the truth. He has become a bitter, twisted man, and to this day lusts for revenge."

  Jamie walked to the window and looked out at the garden. This was not the time to tell him Nicolette’s secret. A frown crossed his face when he realized Philippe’s ulterior motive. Anger, like a molten river of fire, moved over him as he thought of the man’s duplicity. He wanted to know more, "Why does he fault you?"

  "Madeleine told him she was pregnant and the father refused to marry her. Phil
ippe assumed I was the father," Laurent sliced viciously through the air, as if he were trying to strike an invisible target.

  Jamie turned and shook his head, "You are far to honorable, if Philippe were a true friend he would have accepted your word."

  "Thank you for your trust. Philippe never believed the truth. I was not the father of her child! I loved Madeleine far too much to dishonor her. She broke my heart long before I left for America!"

  "Yet, I see no connection between this and your uncle."

  Laurent gave Jamie a tortured look, "I have spent the last several years looking for the man responsible for Madeleine’s disgrace, and I have finally discovered his name. Unbelievably the proof was in my possession the entire time, in that box." A frown crossed his face, "I found several letters written to Madeleine from her lover."

  "Your uncle was responsible?" Jamie roared.

  "Indeed! Evidently he has an allure that escapes me."

  "How did your father get possession of those letters?"

  Laurent shrugged, "I have no idea. Obviously, my father knew the truth, and that knowledge has tortured me. I believe the carriage mishap must have been murder. After all, Father could have destroyed John Pierre if those letters ever became public knowledge." He joined Jamie at the window, "Somehow John Pierre convinced Philippe I was responsible. He used that affair in an attempt to discredit me, thereby gaining control of the estate after my parent’s death. Father must have learned of the plan, then used the letters to hinder his scheme."

  "Was it then you decided on the betrothal?"

  "No, I made the decision when I realized I could not longer protect Nicolette. John Pierre has petitioned the King to become her guardian, and has plans for me that include the Bastille."

  "Ah, the dastardly devil," Jamie grinned.

  "Dastardly? I like that," Laurent laughed. "Nicolette will be safe with you. If I cannot avoid what John Pierre has planned, then my entire estate and all our money will be entitled to you through the betrothal. I have thwarted him completely."

  "I understand your fear, but are you sure this is the right decision for Nicolette?"