"Do not worry, they will come," Etienne stated, as he adjusted the ruffles on the sleeve of his Louis XIV costume. Then he lowered his voice. "By the way, I have spoken to General Andrew Jackson about your situation. He would like to see you at your earliest convenience. He was more than pleased that you helped us against the British. He found the dispatch very useful. You might like to know that Admiral Sills and his crew are being detained here in New Orleans. I suspect they will be exchanged for some of the our captured officers."
Judah smiled down at his friend. "I'm pleased about the prisoner exchange, but I would be a fool to expose myself to discovery. I am afraid I will have to forgo the pleasure of meeting your Andrew Jackson."
Etienne lowered his voice even more. "I was told to tell you that if you go you will be under Jackson's protection. He has a proposition to offer you."
"If I should decided to see him, where can he be found?"
"I will take you to him. But for now, my friend, let us enjoy the evening. I believe I will do the ladies a favor and circulate among them. I saw a rather interesting prospect dressed as Cleopatra."
Judah moved around the edge of the room, his eyes searching the crowd. Bandera had not yet come. There was no disguise she could wear that could fool him. Halfway around the room, he happened to glance toward the door, and his breath caught in his throat as he watched a woman enter. She was dressed as Queen Elizabeth of England. She had come!
Judah walked toward her like a man possessed. His eyes burned with distrust. The years had eased neither his anger, nor the desire that burned in his body day and night. His sleeping hours had been spent in restless pursuit of an elusive dream. Like a ghost, she had haunted him, making him doubt his sanity.
Judah pulled his hat lower over his forehead, so he wouldn't be recognized, and he broke through the circle of men that already surrounded Bandera. Elbowing an admirer aside, he bowed before her. "I have come to serve the queen," he said, softly in French. "Dare I hope that you will honor me with a dance?"
Liberty felt her heart take wing! She had waited so long for Judah's return; now she could not believe he was actually standing before her. For the moment she was speechless. He held out his hand to her, and like a woman floating on air, she allowed him to lead her to the dance floor, then whirl her around and around in the lively steps of the quadrille.
"Have you missed me?" he breathed next to her ear, as the sweet scent of her dulled his mind.
"Oui," she replied. She could feel the heat of his hand through her red leather gloves. Her body was a trembling mass, and she thought she would faint had he not been holding her up.
"You lie, but then that is expected. Do you know who I am then?"
"Oui, I know who you are."
"You knew I would come back?"
"I never doubted it."
Judah stared at her soft lips. The rest of her face was concealed by a red silken mask, and her red wig was in place; but he remembered so well her midnight-black hair. He felt strangely alive, and his blood flowed hotly in his veins. The meeting had happened just the way we had planned. Now all he had to do was lure Bandera back to his room at the inn and make love to her. Revenge would be so sweet. Judah would see that Sebastian learned he had bedded his wife.
When the last chord of music died away, Judah led her across the floor and into a deserted study. Wordlessly he stared at her. He wanted to savor the moment to make her squirm. If she was frightened, however, she was not showing it.
"How did you know me? Have I not changed?" Liberty asked in a husky voice. She was so happy that Judah had recognized her.
He peeled back her red glove and planted a burning kiss on the inside of the wrist. "The dress, Bandera. You were wearing it the first night I saw you. Have you forgotten?"
Liberty felt her heart plummet. He had once again mistaken her for her sister. She resisted the urge to remove her mask. "Of course," she replied, deciding to play along with him for a time. "How foolish of me to have overlooked that."
He reached out and softly touched her lips. "What else have you forgotten, Bandera?"
"I have not forgotten you."
His voice came out in a hiss as he pulled her into his arms. "You still think to dangle me on a string? It could be dangerous to flirt with me. I am not like your husband or those milksops you call 'gentlemen.' "
Liberty knew she was playing with fire by pretending to be Bandera, but she couldn't seem to help herself. "I am not trying to dangle you, Judah."
"Prove it."
She could feel the heat of his body as he pressed her more tightly to him. "How can I prove it?"
"Come away with me for this one night."
"I . . . that would not ... be possible."
He shoved her away. "Are you afraid of me after all?"
"No, I have never been afraid of you."
He held out his hand to her. "Then come with me."
She hesitated for only a moment before reaching out and placing her hand in his. "Where shall we go?"
Judah was unsure. Her quick decision had thrown him off balance. He had expected an argument. "We will go to my room at the inn."
"All right."
His laughter was almost sinister. "Somehow I thought you might, Bandera. I did think, however, that it would take longer for you to make up your mind. Have you no doubts as to whether I will bring you back?"
"It does not matter?"
He drew in a deep breath. No, he couldn't allow her to pull him back into her web. He would be the one in control tonight. He had an old score to settle, and she would be the instrument of his revenge. His heart was pounding as he led her toward a side door.
"Wait. My cape," she reminded him.
He unhooded his own cape and fastened it about her neck. "It may be a little long, but you can hold it up." He smiled, as if waiting for her to find another excuse not to leave with him. "This is your last chance to change your mind," he warned.
"I will not change my mind," she assured him.
"I did not see Sebastian. Will he not think it strange that you have disappeared?"
"Sebastian did not attend the ball tonight. I was supposed to stay with a friend, but she and her mother feared the war was coming to New Orleans so they left for the country."
"How convenient for us," he said in a sarcastic voice.
The moon was shining brightly as they stepped out into the garden. Judah led her to a waiting coach and gave the driver directions to the inn where he was residing.
Sitting back in the carriage, he pulled Liberty into his arms. She gasped when his lips came down hungrily on hers, stealing her breath and sapping her strength. His hand burned through her gown as it slipped up to softly caress her throbbing breasts. Suddenly breaking off the kiss, he stared at her. "Damn you, Bandera." His voice was thick with passion. "I thought I had forgotten what your lips felt like; it seems I was wrong. But be warned —I will not allow you to make me a slave to your body this time."
Liberty felt tears form in her eyes. Again she was playing a role that had been meant for her sister. She doubted Judah had given her a thought in the days, months, and years he had been away. There was pain in her heart as she tried to pull away. "I do not know what you mean, Judah." She was ready to end this farce, strip off her mask, and admit who she was. "You have never been my slave."
"Like hell," he said, even then needing to touch her. His hand, like a vise, clamped around her arm, and he brought her close to him. "You do not even know the hell you put me through, do you? I would have done anything to please you. After you helped Sebastian betray me, I thought I hated you. I dreamed that you gave yourself to me at Zippora's cabin. I have to know if it was a dream or madness?"
Liberty bit back a sob. "We are both mad, Judah. I am not what you think. I am — "
"Let me finish. "I thought about you, or I think it was you," he said doubtfully. 'Tor many lonely nights I was a prisoner of my dreams. That night in Zippora's cabin, you pulled me so tightly into y
our web that I can never escape. I cannot stop dreaming about that night. You are a fever in my brain, and I have lived for the day I could face you again. But I never thought you would be in command of the situation."
"Judah, I do not-"
"I was going to use you tonight, do you know that?"
"I began to suspect that was your intention."
"And still you came?"
"Out"
This was not Bandera the betrayer . . . this was the sweet lover that had haunted his dreams. How could he hurt her? "Perhaps this was not such a good idea. Say the word, and I will immediately take you back to the ball."
"I want to be with you, Judah. But I think you should know—"
"I know you are married to Sebastian. Do you think that matters to me?"
"Judah, will you listen to me. Sebastian is not—"
He pulled her forward, his lips depriving her of speech. Liberty knew she was letting herself in for more heartbreak, but she wanted to be with Judah—just for tonight. If she told him the truth, he would surely take her back to the ball. When they reached the privacy of his room, she would tell him that she was not Bandera.
"There was a time when you had me where you wanted me," he said against her lips. "You know I have to destroy Sebastian, don't you?"
"Oui, I know."
He laughed softly. "You haven't changed. What a cold-hearted wench you are. I'd bet you would even help me place the noose about his neck, wouldn't you?"
"I have no liking for Sebastian."
By now the coach had pulled up to the inn, and Judah helped her alight. Liberty was glad she wore a mask, because of the knowing glances cast their way by the men and women in the public room. Nonetheless, she allowed Judah to lead her up the rickety stairs.
"Does it not bother you, what they are thinking?" Judah asked.
"It bothers me," she answered, staring straight ahead.
"One would think you were new at this sort of entertainment. I happen to know better." Again his voice was cold and accusing.
Liberty bore the insult in silence, and when they reached the top of the stairs, he whisked her into one of the rooms.
Liberty glanced around her, realizing they were quite alone. One candle burned low in a pewter sconce, casting shadows about the small room. Wine and two crystal glasses sat on the low mahogany table. Upon seeing them, Liberty knew that Judah had expected Bandera to come with him. She watched him remove the eye patch and his plumed hat and toss them aside.
"How easily you walked into my little trap, Bandera. Did you believe the lies I told you so I could lure you here?"
"Oui, I believed you. You don't think I'm in the habit of going to a gentleman's rooms, do you?"
He stepped closer, glaring at her, trying to see her face behind the red silk mask. "Your habits are reprehensible, even to me, Bandera. I know you find married life with my cousin less than fulfilling, and it is reported to me that you are not discriminating when you are looking for a lover. Rumor has it that you would as soon bed a common fisherman as one of your French blue bloods."
Liberty was glad that she was wearing her mask for it hid the blush that stained her cheeks. She knew about her sister's indiscretions, but she didn't like to hear about them from Judah. She decided it was time she ended this farce. Reaching up to remove her mask, she was startled when Judah stepped forward and trapped her hand in a viselike grip.
"No, leave it on. I don't want to look into your lying eyes while I make love to you. It is better if you wear the mask of deceit —it fits you very well. Later, I will remove the mask so I can look upon the face of betrayal."
"Judah, I-"
"Do not speak my name," he said, reaching up to unlace the bodice of her gown. He had already had numerous glasses of wine and his mind was muddled. Still, he sensed that something wasn't right. He kept seeing soft blue eyes filled with trust and compassion. Little Liberty was again weaving herself into his consciousness. He tried to push her aside. He wanted to hate the whole Boudreaux family. After all, Liberty had the same blood in her veins as her beautiful sister who played with men's hearts as if they were toys.
Liberty had dreamed of Judah's return. She had imagined that he would know her immediately and would realize he loved her. That fantasy had been shattered by cruel reality. Even if Judah knew her true identity, he was so obsessed with her sister that he would turn from her in disgust. But she had never, in her wildest imaginings, dreamed that he would look at her with such loathing.
"Now you will pay for your faithlessness and betrayal, Bandera," Judah hissed between clenched teeth. "How long I have dreamed of having you in my power, you scheming bitch!"
Liberty backed away from him, while fear pounded in her brain. "Judah, I am not Bandera. You know me . . . I am-"
His laughter was deep and sinister, causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end. "I told you that you took me for a fool once, Bandera; do not expect me to play the fool twice."
Liberty stepped back, coming up against the bed. "Judah, listen to me—please do not do this. You will only regret it later."
He drew closer. "I do not think so, Bandera. I will be taking my pleasure and striking out at Sebastian at the same time." He pushed her gown off her shoulders. "Do you think Sebastian will be in anguish when he finds out I have had his wife?"
Liberty knew she could stop Judah by just removing her mask. Why did she hesitate? His eyes were filled with burning passion. He might deny it, but he wanted her. She had seen his hand tremble when he touched her. Liberty stood like a statue while he pushed her gown past her waist. She saw the raw need in his eyes as he hastily untied ribbons, and did away with stays and undergarments.
Tears rolled down Liberty's cheeks. She now stood before him, naked and utterly defenseless. The only things between her and complete humiliation were a red silk mask and an equally red wig. Glancing into his eyes, her eyes begged for pity, but of course he could not see them. He reached for a wineglass and filled it with sparkling liquid.
"Here," he said, advancing toward her and holding out the glass. "Fortify yourself for what lies ahead, because I intend to use all the strength you have."
For the first time Judah allowed himself to look at her and his breath caught in his throat. She was even lovelier than he had thought. Her firm young breasts, with their dusky tips, were just made for a man's hand to caress. Her skin was like white velvet, her waist tiny, her hips rounded. A deep ache started in his groin as his eyes traveled across her flat stomach to the mat of golden hair nestled between her legs.
In the back of his mind a warning bell sounded. Something was not right here. Was it that she was not acting the part of a wanton? She was almost shy with him. Pouring himself a glass of wine, he raised it to her. 'To a night of . . .desire, if not . . . love."
Judah was jolted when he saw a tear escape from beneath her mask. But he set his glass aside, determined not to weaken. He had Bandera just where he wanted her. "I know what your problem is," he stated in a shaky voice. "I have too many clothes on. He quickly removed his shirt and tossed it aside. Unfastening his britches, he smiled when she turned her head away. "You play your part to the hilt, Bandera. Go ahead, play the coy maiden if it pleases you."
"Judah, do not do this, I implore you." Her hand went out to him, but he ignored it and bent to remove his boots.
"I will not force myself on you, if that is what you fear, Bandera. No, I will not have to resort to that."
"Judah—" Liberty's eyes moved to his body, and she was stunned by his masculine beauty. Blond hair curled around the nape of his neck, and it sprung forth from his sun-bronzed chest. His waist was narrow, his hips and legs were well muscled. Hungrily, her eyes devoured his body. She was grateful that he could not see her eyes.
"No more talk," he said, bending to blow out the candle.
For a moment, until Liberty's eyes became accustomed to the darkness, she could see nothing. Then a hand came out of the darkness, and she was pulled agai
nst a hard, muscular body.
"Now, isn't this better," he breathed against her cheek. "Let me rid you of your wig and mask, Bandera. I want you to be completely undressed."
Liberty felt that a knife was plunged into her heart every time he called her Bandera. Would he use her body again, pretending she was her sister? His hot lips brushed against her mouth, and she stiffened. With gentle pressure, he probed her lips apart, and his tongue darted inside. Wild sensations beat like drums in her ears. Then his hands circled her waist, and he brought her body to mesh with his.
His breathing was heavy, and he muttered in her ear. "You were made for a man's pleasure. I have never seen a body as desirable as yours. Please give yourself to me. Let me enter paradise just once more."
Liberty sensed that his whole attitude had changed again. He was so filled with love and hate for her sister that he didn't know which part to play. He was no longer the arrogant suitor. He was pleading with her. Was this another of his tricks? If it was, it was working. She pressed her hips more tightly against him, and a gasp escaped her as his swollen spear throbbed against her.
Judah kissed her slowly, pleasurably igniting a fire within the two of them that could only be extinguished by the joining of their bodies.
"I like the way your body answers mine," he whispered, picking her up in his arms and placing her on the bed. Even though it was dark in the room, he could imagine her golden hair spread across the pillow ... No! he thought, his mind in a turmoil. Not golden hair—Bandera's hair is black. Why did his mind always play tricks on him?
The bed sagged as he joined her. He was hesitant, until she touched his face. Judah closed his eyes, reveling in the softness of her hand. Like a man who had found an island after being lost at sea, he gravitated toward her warmth. Rolling her beneath him, he knew he had completely lost control of the situation. He hungered for her like he had never hungered after a woman before. He cursed himself for drinking the wine, thinking he should have known he would need a clear head.
Moontide Embrace (Historical Romance) Page 22