The Revolutionary and the Rogue

by Blake Ferre

  The feathery fellow—Quill—lifted his glass. “To the Scarlet Crest.”

  Henri and Perrin raised their glasses, alongside the others. The flood of jovial cheers and clinking sounds surrounded Henri. Though he’d enjoyed a sense of camaraderie in the early days of the Revolution, he’d never been immersed in such a strong bond of companions. Family. Henri had almost forgotten what it was like to have one.

  “Now, I say it’s time for the food.” The butcher stood and rubbed her hands together. “Brought our best cuts for you tonight.”

  “I’m famished,” Philippe, Perrin’s manservant, said from his seat, which was nestled beside the large hearth.

  “I’m hungry for something else.” Perrin whispered a sultry promise.

  “Behave,” Henri warned under his breath, every bit as eager to have some alone time with Perrin.

  Throughout the meal, Perrin kept his warm palm in constant contact with Henri: a small squeeze on the knee, a tap on the arm, a little massaging sweep of his finger. Henri couldn’t stop thinking about finding a time to lure Perrin away from the others.

  “La, if Henri doesn’t stop looking at our Perrin like a wanton lover, I might have to partake in your establishment’s offerings.” Quill nudged his elbow into Guillaume’s arm.

  Guillaume groaned. “We should all be so lucky to find such passion. But first, let’s calm ourselves and concentrate on the task at hand. I don’t need to remind you that our friends are currently imprisoned in the Conciergerie.”

  “Our leader has requested that Henri and I meet him at the church tomorrow night,” Perrin said.

  “Indeed. He’s trusting you with his identity. Please use discretion. It appears the two of you shall lead this rescue on the front lines. Each of us shall be given a task, but you might not know one another’s roles. That way, if one of you is caught, you won’t be able to confess what the others are up to.” Guillaume set his empty glass on the table.

  Perrin hooked his arm through Henri’s, pulling him close. “To Stand and Shield.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Perrin had never felt so happy to enter a gloomy church in the middle of the night. Though the cobwebs threatened to grab him at any corner, with Henri by his side, the location hardly mattered.

  Henri pressed a knuckle just below his lips, drawing Perrin’s attention to them. “I’m still boggled that the former Comtesse de Lévesque is in league with the Scarlet Crest.”

  “You know her well?” Perrin asked, opening the door to the church.

  “No. I’m afraid not. I thought her to be a bad person. Turns out I was wrong about a great many things.”

  “She’s very brave to converse with a great number of Committee members. She has the resources at her fingertips, but each one could betray her in the end.” Perrin scooted around a group of barrels as he followed Henri to the back of the church. “I’ve a suspicion that the leader of the Scarlet Crest might be an officer of the Committee. Someone who works closely with you. The access to official documents such as citizenship certificates, the knowledge of who the Committee would arrest next. And I think maybe that’s why he’s willing to speak with you. As for myself, I’ve no clue who it might be. Or why I’m here.”

  “If it is someone inside the Committee, I can’t imagine who it would be.” Henri bumped into one of the crates, casting a shower of dust at their feet.

  Perrin caught him, sliding his arm around Henri’s waist. He held still, admiring the curves and shadows the moonlight cast upon Henri’s face. Those wide lips so very close to Perrin’s nose. “Stay like that a moment.”

  “Why?” Henri’s brows furrowed, and he stuck out his lower lip, very nearly grazing Perrin’s nose.

  “Because I want to remember you like this.” Perrin sighed. Blast, when had he become such a damned poet?

  “Don’t look at me like that. Like you want to seduce me.” Henri pulled away from him, heading toward the cluttered remains of the altar.

  A cascading sound of tumbling debris shattered behind them and drew Perrin’s attention toward the door. A dark figure wavered in the entryway. “That wasn’t supposed to happen,” the man grumbled.

  Henri stepped in front of Perrin, angling himself into a protective position. “Who are you? Step into the light.”

  “You’re alone, then?” The man strode toward them, slapping his knees. “Good. Just as I asked. Excellent.”

  “Are you him? The leader of the Scarlet Crest?” Perrin called in a sharp whisper.

  “Lemaire?” Henri choked out a familiar name, though Perrin didn’t know where he’d heard it.

  “Chevalier.” The man stepped closer and nodded.

  Towering in height with widespread shoulders, Lemaire was vaguely familiar. His olive skin glistened under the moonlight, his large grin handsome and kind. Those deep umber eyes sparkled with familiarity. Suddenly, it dawned on Perrin. “You’re from La Force. The guard at the front gate?”

  “I’m but a mere guard when I’m posted at the prison from time to time, which is exactly how I want it. Makes it easier to sneak around unnoticed. I also work for the Committee. But given that I take shifts working the prisons, my colleagues pay me little notice,” Lemaire explained.

  “And I lied on your behalf!” Henri raised his voice, clearly rattled by the revelation. He rubbed his brow, then laughed. “And I told you to lie as well.”

  Lemaire rubbed the cockade that was pinned upon his lapel. “I needed to know that I could trust you. I had my instincts about you.”

  “Arnaud Lemaire, a fellow officer.” Henri’s jaw gaped. “I can’t believe it was you all this time.”

  “Imagine my surprise when the capitaine’s favorite acted against the Committee. At first, I thought you were angling to entrap de Vesey. I warned him off. But then I realized you cared for him. That night at La Force, when you spoke in my favor and hid my missteps from the capitaine, I aimed to recruit you.”

  “And you watched me go after that script.” Henri placed the pieces together.

  “Precisely. When you snuck into the capitaine’s office, I knew we’d won you.”

  “And what is all of this?” Henri’s brows furrowed, those three lines sprouting between them.

  “The Republic’s finest. A house of worship they’ve converted into a supply house. Those tasked to manage it are friends to our cause. Given that we no longer have Duclos and his artwork or Ashford and his scripts to smuggle information, we’ve since begun to utilize military supplies as a primary means for distributing our messages and documents.”

  Henri barked a laugh. “All this time, you’ve been right under our noses.”

  “Like you, I once struggled under the rule of the aristocracy. Oddly enough, it was when an aristo I’d once loved came pleading for my help that I began saving those in need. The wealthy, the poor, anyone unjustly accused. What little I could do for them, I did.” Lemaire shrugged.

  “You were in love with an aristocrat?” Henri’s brows drew low over his eyes.

  “Indeed.” Lemaire’s smile faded. After clearing his throat, he rubbed his hands together. “Now, to our more pressing matter. Your friends’ rescue will be a bit harder than our usual. Sneaking people out of prison is a complicated matter, as we learned during our first attempt at La Force. The Conciergerie will be worse. And given that our friends’ trial is set for two days from now, we must act quickly.”

  “What do you propose?” Perrin’s heart thudded. This man was their best hope in freeing Duclos and Ashford.

  Lemaire bobbed his head from side to side. “I’ve devised the plan for sneaking you out of Paris. With the lengthy winter months ahead, our troops are in dire need of uniforms and wood for fires. A new supply has come into the Committee’s possession.” He gestured to the crates. “My cohorts have been tasked with the transport and can sneak you out of the city.”

&
nbsp; “That’s a decent plan,” Perrin said. “But how do we get our friends out of prison?”

  “We know which guards we could bribe.” Henri nudged Perrin’s arm. “If we weasel our way inside, we could create a diversion and fight our way out.”

  “A diversion could work. But it must be controlled. Too much chaos and we might perish.” Lemaire shook his head. “I’ve a few angles that might work. For now, know that I’m on your side. If you have any questions, bring them to the box in this church. My cohorts frequently check it. And, Chevalier, I can’t risk you mentioning anything about this if you see me in officer garb.” He gestured across his chest.

  “Can I ask why you’ve trusted us with your secret?” Henri shared a glance with Perrin.

  “Chevalier, I know you’ve struggled this past month. It seems a lonely fight from the inside. I think we’re very much alike. But to be honest, I’ve sensed your wavering. Not everyone is capable of living a double life. Some of the acts I’ve committed in order to keep my cover… I fear you won’t withstand the pressure much longer.”

  Henri held silent, rubbing his thumbs over his forefingers.

  “Tell me you’re not considering keeping your post?” Perrin couldn’t stand the thought of Henri getting caught. Not after all they’d confronted.

  “No. I can’t go back to the Committee. Lemaire, I wish I could be as strong as you.”

  Lemaire offered a sympathetic grin and nodded. “Don’t underestimate your value. I’ve something I need to ask of you—alone, if I may?” He locked his gaze with Perrin’s, seeking permission.

  “Of course.” Though Perrin didn’t like the notion of being left out of whatever Lemaire had to say to Henri, Perrin nudged him toward Lemaire and waited for them to finish.

  It seemed quite a while, and though he could hear their hushed voices, Perrin didn’t have an inkling what Lemaire needed to discuss. When the two returned, Henri had a grim expression on his face.

  “De Vesey, it was nice meeting you. And…say hello to your lovely friend, Quill. I wouldn’t mind another encounter. I’ll even bring the rope.”

  After Lemaire slipped off into the night, Perrin nestled his chin on Henri’s shoulder. A barrage of questions came to his mind. “Do you think we can trust him?”

  Henri inhaled a deep breath and held it for a little too long. “I think we have to. I’m still confused and surprised. I’d never suspected it would be Lemaire. When I spoke with him that night at La Force, he knew what I was up to all along.” He tapped his knuckle on his jaw. “Luc would be furious if he ever found out.”

  “Then we’ll not allow Luc to discover the truth, hmm?” Perrin wrapped his arm around Henri’s waist. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me what you and Lemaire discussed?”

  “I’m afraid not.”

  Though Perrin didn’t like the way Henri tensed at the mere question, he didn’t press further. “Shall we return to Crimson Rose? I’m exhausted. And cold. And I believe I’m owed a debt.”

  “I see.” Henri grinned, his smile softening the tension that had twisted his face.

  …

  Though Henri had every intention of rewarding Perrin after returning to the club, exhaustion had won over them both. And Lemaire’s request weighed heavily on his mind. If it didn’t go to plan, Henri would be imprisoned and executed. But if he succeeded, Lemaire’s post in the Committee would be secure. And the Scarlet Crest’s underground mission would continue. Perrin would escape to England with his friends. But in all likelihood, Henri would not be joining them. Not if he failed.

  He opened his eyes again sometime before dawn, entangled in Perrin’s warm embrace. Such dangerous things, those arms. For Henri imagined he’d never be the same again, now that he’d awoken in their hold.

  “Why are you awake?” Perrin blinked his eyes open. “It’s still dark outside.”

  “I was just thinking that I still owe you.” Henri hummed, turning to face his remarkable rogue. The one who’d shattered every notion Henri had once held of aristocrats.

  A lazy grin crept across Perrin’s face. “Mmm. I’ve been waiting for you to say that all night.”

  Henri’s heart grew just a little larger. With Luc on the hunt and Perrin’s friends plotting a prison escape, Henri knew this couldn’t end well. But he cared for Perrin. There was no escaping that truth.

  “You want your reward, then? Greedy aristo.” Henri teased Perrin’s soft earlobe with his lips, forcing a high-pitched squeak that only encouraged him further.

  Crawling on top of him, Henri caged Perrin beneath him. A thrill raced down his spine from Perrin’s willingness… His apparent need to submit played to every part of Henri that hungered to claim him. “I ached to do this all day yesterday. And then I dreamed of it.”

  He attacked Perrin’s mouth, nibbling at every protruding bit of flesh, from his nose to his chin to both of his cheeks. Perrin moaned, wriggling his hips with a wanton need that only stoked Henri’s own desire.

  He teased his tongue along the underside of Perrin’s chin, and Perrin exhaled heavily. He slumped into Henri’s embrace as he continued to suck and lap at the most sensitive spots of flesh, those that drove his lover to squirm and yelp. The occasional laughs were followed by guttural groans and pleas. A stunning vulnerability.

  Working his fingers at the buttons between them, Henri didn’t know if the fastenings were his or Perrin’s. Soon their bared members were freed from the insufferable fabric. Henri wrapped them together with one fist.

  “Henri.” Perrin tipped his chin, striking the crown of his head against the headboard, which was becoming quite the habit.

  “Careful.” Henri wedged a hand behind Perrin’s head, offering him comfort. He gifted the aristo with sweet, wet kisses. To his delight, Perrin matched his every motion, entwining their tongues in a never-ending dance. Henri could die tomorrow and feel like he’d lived to know what it meant to be truly content. Perrin filled every empty nook that had once haunted Henri. Every darkened, lonely thought covered with warmth and kindness.

  “I promised to taste all of you,” Henri spoke between kisses against Perrin’s velvet lips. “You’ve been so good. So very good for me, haven’t you?”

  Perrin responded with a series of grunts and a frantic nod. Henri chuckled and rewarded him with a barrage of kisses, slowly crawling down the length of Perrin’s body. He nipped his teeth at the loosened fabric of Perrin’s fall, traveling lower.

  He writhed and pleaded, just as Henri had yearned for.

  Not wanting the aristo to suffer too much, and because Henri also struggled to restrain himself, he removed his palm from Perrin’s shaft and inhaled his scent before blowing warm air against his exposed flesh. “You like that, hmm?”

  Perrin whimpered in response. A beautiful submission to Henri’s whims. But then he lifted his chin and glared at Henri with a fiery hunger. “You’re punishing me.”

  The accusation made Henri chuckle, and he couldn’t help but grin. “Mmmm. Seems you’re enjoying this.” Henri placed his palm over Perrin’s leaking member, drawing further cries of pleasure and need.

  The sizzling heat within Henri’s body grew into a raging burn as Perrin whimpered and thrust, desperate for release. When Henri removed his hand, Perrin uttered a slew of curses. The aristo was delightful to torment.

  Before Perrin could lash out in frustration, Henri lowered his lips to the tip of Perrin’s shaft, lapping at an opalescent droplet of pre-spend. Perrin’s breaths quickened as Henri drew a thin strand into his mouth. He moaned, delighting in the salty taste before engulfing Perrin’s entire length deep into his throat.

  “Henri. Yes.”

  With a long, vibrating hum, Henri devoured him. Swallowing and sucking, his throat convulsed and squeezed Perrin’s shaft. Too quickly, Perrin tried to thrust and steal the control, but Henri latched his hands onto those unruly hips, holding th
e rogue in place.

  “Please.” The plea spoke to Henri’s soul. Finally, his aristo begging for mercy. But the good kind of mercy—one that offered the ultimate release. It was even better than Henri had imagined. He wanted nothing more than for Perrin to feel so much pleasure that the dismal worries around them faded into nothingness.

  Henri drew back, allowing Perrin’s member to slip from his swollen lips. “Parfait. You look beautiful like this. Magnifique. I’m going to enjoy watching you seek your pleasure. Go ahead.”

  Perrin furrowed his brows. “You mean…?”

  “Take what you need.”

  Before Perrin could respond, Henri latched his lips around that delectable member. Humming and sucking, he encouraged Perrin to find his release. It didn’t take long before Perrin bucked into him, losing himself in Henri. The thought of Perrin spilling into him… Henri’s entire body warmed with a thrill and craving. Sensing the tension in Perrin’s body, Henri hummed, greedy to taste his lover. It wasn’t long before Perrin cried out, convulsing spurts of his pleasure deep inside Henri’s throat.

  Henri’s entire body melted as he swallowed every drop. The world spun, his problems blissfully numbed.

  He collapsed, every bit as sated as Perrin. Though he’d not found his own release, Henri didn’t need it. Crawling beside Perrin, he tucked the sweet rogue into his arms.

  The first shiver of cold struck his sweat-coated forehead, jarring him back to the world. The lavish room came into view, a fantasy he feared he didn’t belong in. The fanciful drapes hung overhead like a warning that this all could be taken from him. The subtle embers in the dying fireplace, the scent of salt and musk, the contentment in Perrin’s breaths. Finally, the heavy beat of Perrin’s heart pounded through his ear.

  Though Perrin was warm in his arms, a shiver rattled his limbs. Henri draped the blanket over them both. “I lost you for a moment,” Henri said.

  “When I first met you, I never expected something like this would happen,” Perrin rasped. “You stabbed me.”

  Not expecting that comment at a moment like this, Henri laughed. Indeed, they’d hated each other. “You smacked my head on the cobblestone.” He sucked in a deep breath that raised his chest, lifting Perrin’s head.