Pure Temptation

by Auria Jourdain

  Heat pooled at her folds. She couldn’t deny her feelings for this man. Her body ached for his touch, just as it had since she met him. He owned her heart.

  His mouth fused to hers as his hands slid to her midsection. Suddenly, he halted, the shock evident in his eyes. He bolted up. “Bloody Hell!”

  A gasp escaped her lips. Attempting to right herself, she reached for him, dizziness swaying her. “Talon... wait!”

  His face contorted in anger. “What the hell is this? You seduce me back into your bed even though—. It’s Lafitte’s isn’t it? Damnit, I’m going to kill that bastard.”

  Talia took a deep breath. Standing, she threw her gown to the floor. She was tired of the emotional games they played back and forth. The jealousy was ridiculous. She refused to let others get in the way of their happiness any longer.

  Holding her head high, she splayed her hands over her swelling bump. “Yours, Talon. This is your child. I’ve never let any other man touch me, and I never will.”

  His face went ashen. Gripping the edge of the bureau with white knuckles, he blinked. “Nay.”

  Fear roared through her like the river on a stormy day. Would he reject them? What would her papa say if she was alone and pregnant? “Oui. Your child.”

  Talon choked. “I’m going to be a father?” Slowly, he covered her belly with trembling hands, his fingers feathering across her swelling breasts.

  Tears streamed down her face as love soared through her. She placed her hands over his, and they stroked their child together. “Non, mon cher. Ours.” She guided his fingers to her wet folds. “Now, will you make love to me? I need you, Talon Barberry.”

  He placed her carefully on the bed. Cupping her cheek, he swallowed. “Is it safe?”

  “Let me show you.” She pushed him back and straddled his waist, lifting her hips to fit his manhood at the entrance of her throbbing core. Sliding onto his thick length, she took every inch of him. Her body trembled in response. “Mon dieu, I have missed you so.”

  She wrapped her arms around him. Groaning, he grazed her nipples with a touch of his firm lips. As he cupped his palms around her backside, they slowly began to dance.

  Tingles illuminated her body as they moved in time with one another. She hastened her movements, attempting to extinguish the fire that he’d stoked within her months ago. “Talon, please...”

  Lifting her up, he flipped her over and arranged her hips at the edge of the bed. He placed her feet on his chest. With better leverage, he thrust himself deeper, resuming their rhythm once more.

  His steely length pulsed inside her. She whimpered. He pumped faster. “Spend for me, Talia. Let me help you.” The more she begged for release, the harder he thrust. As she finally sailed over the edge of heaven, exhilaration rumbling through her like thunder, his seed marked her for good.

  AS THEY LAY IN PEACEFUL silence, Talon held Talia in his arms. Her sweet breath warmed his skin, and he stroked her belly in awe. My child. He’d place life inside her.

  At that moment, he realized she was all he needed. To hell with his family’s demands. He didn’t care about the consequences of being ostracized from his clan. This woman was his. He wanted his child to know him. They were his family. Now and forever.

  Holding Talia close, he stroked a knuckle across her cheek and kissed her neck. “Marry me, love. I can’t live without you.”

  Talia’s eyes shot open, tears sparkling in her verdant gaze. Throwing her arms around his neck, she sobbed against his chest. “Oui! I will marry you, mon cher.”

  Swallowing the lump at his throat, he embraced her. He wasn’t sure what their future held, but it didn’t matter. He could be happy anywhere, as long as he had his family.

  Chapter 28

  CAPTAIN ROUSSEAU PUFFED on his pipe, his nerves on edge as he kept a close eye on Lafitte from the shadows. The man had been at Maude’s for hours, playing cards with some of the locals and imbibing in too much rum. They’d spent the evening discussing Alex’s next assignment—to uncover more about the supposed rebellion at Temptation Hall.

  Unfortunately, the whelp was stinking drunk. Rousseau didn’t put it past him to say or do something stupid.

  As the clock chimed, Alex tried to rise from the table. He stumbled over the chair and fell on his backside. “Sacre bleu, get outta my way!”

  Pursing his lips, Rousseau cursed under his breath. If he didn’t know better, he might have thought Alex was suffering from lovesickness. He helped the intoxicated man to his feet. “Come, mon ami.”

  Alex gazed around the pub with red-rimmed eyes. “Jus’ one more?”

  Rousseau gripped his jacket and pulled him up from the ground. “We need to go, Lafitte. Now.” He motioned to the keep. “You know of any carriage drivers?”

  “Yes, sir. Where to?”

  “Monsieur Montrose’s townhouse, s’il vous plait.”

  Their carriage stopped outside Montrose’s abode around midnight. As the driver opened their door, Rousseau smacked Alex on the cheek. “Wake up, you gamin.”

  Grunting, Alex stirred. “Monique, you’re going to wear me out.”

  Rousseau glanced at the driver and sighed. “Merde. Can you help me, Monsieur?”

  Heaving Alex by the armpits, he shoved him toward the waiting driver before climbing out himself. The door to the townhouse opened, and a woman’s voice reverberated from inside. “What you mean he wasn’t there? Land sakes, he jus’ pulled up. Go help Massa Montrose, Jacob. I’s gotta see to Mam’zelle.”

  Staring at Rousseau with wide eyes, the black man halted. “You ain’ the Massa.”

  Rousseau tipped his hat. “Bonsoir. Monsieur Lafitte has overstayed his welcome at Maude’s.”

  Swinging the door wide, Jacob pointed to a nearby settee. “Thanky sah. Jus’ put him there. Minnie will see to him.” They maneuvered Lafitte inside.

  Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream echoed throughout the house along with a loud slam. Jacob’s eyes went wide. “Miss Minnie!”

  In a trice, the men bounded up the stairs. The woman was lying unconscious in front of a chamber doorway.

  Rousseau banged on the door. “Talia, are you in there?”

  As the door creaked open, they peeked in only to see Talia next to a thick lump, fully covered with down blankets. Talia bit out, “Mon dieu, will you leave us be?”

  Jacob shook his head and placed his hands on his hips with a stern glare. “Lawd, this ain’ good. Mam’zelle Talia, who in dat bed? That ain’ Massa Alex next to you.”

  Talon popped his head out from beneath the covers and scowled. “Why the hell would they expect Lafitte to be here?”

  Talia rolled her eyes heavenward and pulled on his arm. Clearing her throat, she said, “Everything is fine, Jacob. I think we scared Minnie. May we have a moment, s’il vous plait?”

  As Jacob muttered a curse under his breath, Captain Rousseau laughed long and hard. “You have a lot of explaining to do, mes amis.” He pulled the woman out of the way. “I will take care of her.” Shutting the door, he and Jacob maneuvered Minnie’s large form to the kitchen.

  SCRUBBING A HAND ACROSS the back of his neck, Talon rose from Talia’s bed. “I wasn’t expecting such a rambunctious welcome.” Indeed, it was an experience he’d never forget.

  Pulling her chemise over her breasts, Talia giggled. “Poor Minnie. I think you scared her. I hope she’s recovered.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “And Lafitte?”

  “Dieu, how many times do I have to tell you, he means nothing to me? Minnie and Jacob thought Alex was my husband when we first arrived, but he’s just a friend.”

  A tinge of jealousy slithered through Talon as he thought of that upstart sailing away with her. “Aye, but said friend is in love with you.”

  She shimmied her gown over her shoulders and fastened the stays. Sauntering toward him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “It doesn’t matter. I love you, not him. I’m marrying you, mon cher. And I’m having your baby.”

  A smile
curved at his lips as he realized they were indeed betrothed. Smoothing her hair, he kissed her cheek. “Then shall we announce it properly?”

  Talon took her hand and they descended the stairs to the library. Rousseau was serving drinks from the bar. “Glad to see you could join us.” Handing Talon a glass of whiskey, he toasted him.

  Minnie was slumped over a chair, sniffling into a handkerchief as tears streamed down her thick cheeks. Talia released Talon’s hand and ran to her. “Minnie!”

  The woman clasped Talia’s cheeks in her hands. “My poor lamb!” Glaring at Talon, she burst up and launched herself at him. “What’d you do to my baby?”

  Talia wrapped her arms around the servant. “Minnie, this is Talon Barberry. He’s my—” Grabbing his hand, she looked to him for approval.

  Puffing his chest out, he smiled. “Aye, love.”

  She kissed his cheek and said, “Talon is my fiancé.”

  With a loud harrumph, Alex staggered forward. “You can’t be serious. You’d marry him? The infiltrator that Ricardo warned you about?”

  Talon slapped Alex on the back. “Aye, my good man. I proposed this evening.”

  As Rousseau offered his hand in congratulations, Alex glowered at Talia. “Is it because you’re enceinte?”

  Rousseau choked on his drink. “Merde! You’re—” He scowled at Talon. “You were supposed to guard her, not fill her with child. What were you thinking?”

  Talon rubbed his neck and sighed. “I’m not sure I can answer that without seeming a fool.”

  Talia cleared her throat. “It’s none of your business, gentlemen. Minnie, make accommodations for Jean-Jacques and Talon in the guest rooms, please.”

  Rousseau squeezed Alex’s shoulder. “Non. Lafitte and I will stay at Maudy’s. You have too many underfoot. If Fernando returns, what will he think? Besides, we have our eyes and ears to the ground at the Lucky Lady.”

  Talon kissed Talia’s hand. “I’ll return tomorrow, love. Marcus is still at Maude’s. We’ll bring our things here in the late morning. Will you have space for us?”

  “I will always make room for you, Monsieur. Forever.”

  A crimson blush stole across her face, and he sucked in a breath. The thought of sharing his bed with her the rest of his life sent a thrill to his toes. “I love you, Talia Montrose.”

  Before Talon could embrace her, Minnie wiggled between them with a grunt. “No, sah. You’s gonna marry my girl before you touch her again, you hear?”

  “Minnie—” Talia began.

  “No disrespect, Mam’zelle, but Madame Montrose done trusted me to take care of you since you were wee big. This ain’t propa’.” She poked Talon in the chest and gave him a stern glare. “If you gonna sleep in the same bed as her, you’s gotta marry her first.”

  Talon grinned, thankful for the love and protectiveness the woman heaped on Talia. Minnie was right. His family would be appalled at their situation as well.

  He hugged her. “I agree completely. If you find us a preacher, I would be happy to marry Talia on the morrow—right here.”

  Talia gasped. “Dieu, are you sure?”

  Releasing the woman, Talon took Talia’s hand. “Indeed. I want to spend the rest of my life with you and our child, and I can’t stand to think of another day without you by my side—or in my bed.” He winked at Minnie. “So? Will you do me the honors of becoming Mrs. Barberry on the morrow?”

  Tears fluttered at Talia’s lashes as she pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Oui, Monsieur Barberry. I would be honored.”

  Smoothing her hair, Minnie held her head high and huffed, “Tha’s right. You betta’ listen to Ol’ Minnie.”

  Chapter 29

  “YOU’S REALLY GONNA marry the Miss today, Massa Talon?”

  As Talon walked with Marcus the mile to the Montrose townhouse from Maude’s, his thoughts were occupied with his upcoming nuptials. The sun was shining, and the flowers were in bloom. He couldn’t think of a better day to marry the love of his life.

  His new ward seemed excited as well. Talon smirked. “You’re surprised?”

  Marcus puffed his chest out. “Not me. I’s done seen how you looked at Miss Talia. You’s been in love wit’ her since you met her aboard the Nueva Linda, sah.”

  Talon tousled the boy’s head and chuckled. Indeed, he’d been smitten the first time he’d laid eyes on her. “You’re too smart for your own good, lad. I’m not sure what we’ll do, but we’ll do it together. And soon, we’ll have a new baby to keep us busy.”

  “Will it be a boy like Arden?” Marcus’ eyes glowed with excitement.

  “I’d welcome either one, my friend.”

  They turned down Rue Ursuline. As they arrived at the townhouse, Jacob quickly ushered them through the door. Lines snaked across his wrinkled brow as he glanced over his shoulder. “Come, now. Betta’ get in here.”

  Talon frowned. “What’s the matter?”

  Jacob twisted his battered hat in his gnarled hands. “Massa Montrose, he on his way, an’ he ain’ happy. Minnie went an’ told ’dat nosy gal next door ’bout you an’ Mam’zelle. Now, he comin’, sah. What we gonna do?”

  Talon patted the servant on the shoulder. “Not to worry, Jacob. I should meet the man before I marry his daughter, aye?”

  Jacob mumbled something unintelligible beneath his breath. As Marcus stepped out from behind Talon’s back, he gestured at the boy. “This here yo’ slave boy, M’sieu?”

  “Er...”

  Marcus stepped forward and bowed. “Yes, sah. Marcus, sah.”

  Gripping Marcus’ shoulder, Talon sighed. He hated this pretense, but mayhap the lad was right. Nobody would understand their circumstances, especially here. “Think you can take him under your wing?”

  Jacob gave him a toothy grin. “’Course, sah. Come, boy, bring those bags. I’s show you where we puttin’ M’sieu Talon.” He pointed to a room on the right. “Find Minnie, sah. She’ll feed you.”

  Talon entered an office off the foyer. As Minnie rushed around the room, straightening the space in record time, she muttered to herself. He cleared his throat. “Morning, Miss Minnie. It’s a glorious day, aye?”

  The woman turned to him, furrowing her brow. “Nothin’ good ’bout it, M’sieu.”

  He arched an eyebrow. “I beg to disagree. Today, Talia and I will marry.”

  Minnie slumped. “I’s gonna kill ’dat loose-lipped gal Penny. Why’d she have to tell her Massa ’bout you an’ Mam’zelle Talia?” She wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’s jus’ tryin’ to do the right thing by my girl.”

  Striding across the room, Talon placed a hand on her arm. “T’will be fine. Talia carries my child, and I love her very much. Surely, Monsieur Montrose would want to witness his own daughter’s nuptials.”

  Minnie shook her head and sniffled. “Massa Montrose ain’ like you or Mam’zelle. He be—” She closed her lips tightly.

  “He’s just a man, isn’t he?”

  She waved her hands dramatically. “You’ll see soon ’nough. Now, scoot. I got’s work to do.”

  “Is Talia awake?”

  She shook a finger at him. “You stay away from her, hear? She be gettin’ ready, an’ it be bad luck for you to see her.”

  Talon scoffed. “That’s ridiculous.” The old woman placed her hands on her hips with a glare, and he held up his hands. “Fine. I’ll leave her be.”

  “Croissants and coffee are in da’ dining room.”

  Talon strode to the kitchens at the back of the house and sighed. What in the world was wrong with everyone? Surely, Montrose wasn’t the monster the servants made him out to be. Talia hadn’t spoken much of her father, but apparently, he and Talia were close. Rousseau and Taylor seemed to have positive opinions of the man.

  Apparently, Montrose didn’t like Lafitte, but that wasn’t surprising. If Talon’s sister would have introduced a common pirate to Luca, the scoundrel would have been drawn and quartered using their strongest steeds.

  Talon’s stomach
clenched. He’d have to write his father and brothers and share the good news of his new wife and child. What would his family say?

  Taking a croissant from the plate, he licked the crumbs from his fingers. He wasn’t going to worry about it today. In less than six hours, he was marrying the love of his life, and she was the only one that mattered.

  “Zut, what am I going to do?”

  Talia paced her room, rubbing a hand over her churning belly as she awaited her father’s arrival. Apparently, he’d left Temptation Hall just past sun-up. He’d be in New Orleans soon. She palmed her small bump and sighed. “Papa won’t like this at all.”

  When Talon had proposed to her yesterday, she’d given no thought to her parents or how they might react. Fernando Montrose had always been protective of her. Would he accept her impulsive decision? And what of Maman?

  Stifling a yawn, she sank onto the bed. Perhaps it was the lesser of two evils that she wed without her father’s blessing. His wrath in response to her impending childbirth without matrimony would be worse.

  “Mam’zelle, you awake?” Sweeping through the door with a huge smile, Minnie held up an ivory satin gown laced with seed pearls and a beautiful tulle train. “Look what Madame Maude sent for you.”

  Talia bolted off the bed. Tears pooled in her eyes as she fingered the garment’s intricate lace work. “Dieu, it’s absolutely gorgeous.”

  “Yes’m. She say she done married M’sieu Pierre in this dress nearly thirty years ago.” Hanging it on the wardrobe door, Minnie smoothed the wrinkles. “Get on outta that shift. We’s gonna have to take it out a bit at the bodice.”

  Talia glanced at the clock. “When is the preacher coming?”

  “He’s supposed to be here by seven. Massa Talon arrived ’bout an hour ago wit’ his servant boy. Everything is clean, an’ I got mos’ the baking done. We’s got plenty o’ time. Come now. Try this on.”

  Biting her lip, Talia gazed out the window. She stepped out of her night shift and raised her arms. “How do you think Papa will take my news?”