“Have you come to escort me down?” She put on a pair of white gloves before standing.
“Yes, but first I have something I must tell you.” Louis’s expression turned serious. He lowered his voice. “I was walking down the portrait gallery this afternoon when I happened upon Monsieur Lafayette.”
“The factory owner?”
He nodded. “Yes. I have had some friendly chats with him this week. It seems he has associates in high places, unfortunately not on our side. Apparently, he has already been sending supplies to our Russian enemies. I don’t know if he’s in league with the Fox or doing this separately.”
“Well, if the Fox is interested in him, Lafayette must work with someone else.”
“True. Lafayette stopped me since we were the only two people in the gallery. He told me he’d heard a rumor that a French general would be meeting with a Russian agent outside of Nice. He thought it might be useful for me to know.”
“Why?”
“During our conversations, I mentioned a time or two that I have connections in the Ministry of Defense. He has contracts with the military to supply munitions, so we have mutual acquaintances.”
“Do you think he was telling the truth? Could it be a trap?”
“My thoughts exactly.” Louis placed a peck on her nose. “That is why I sent a letter to my comrades at the Ministry. They will send someone to Nice. The important thing is we do nothing. If it is a trap, Lafayette will wait to see if we do anything suspicious, which is why, my dear,” he offered his arm, “we will go down to the ball.”
The evening went smoothly. Colette danced with Louis and the other male guests. Invitations were promised for future teas and nights at the opera. The house party had been a success.
One thing she had discovered over the last week was that wealthy women could be just as conniving as their male counterparts. Not all ladies of quality spent their days shopping and dancing. Some of the wives were more ambitious than their husbands and used their spouse’s money and connections to their benefit. She had learned who had lovers, and to her surprise, some had both male and female paramours.
The partygoers danced into the early hours of the morning. Louis and Colette fell into bed exhausted and did not wake until after noontime the following day.
After they said their farewells to the last of the guests, Colette collapsed onto a couch in the parlor. “Whew, I thought they would never leave.”
“You did wonderfully, darling.” Louis plopped next to her. He snaked an arm around her, pulling her against him. “I think we should have enough to wet the Fox’s whistle. I will have my investigators look into our friends sooner rather than later.”
She looked up at Louis. “What if that spoils the plan?”
He chuckled. “It won’t, I promise. I will have certain people followed, but I will not have my men move in unless it is of the utmost importance. The principal objective is to catch the Fox . I just hope he goes for the bait.”
“Well, I’m not looking forward to going back to Paris, if I may be honest.” The thought of returning to that dark, dank, smelly place made her shiver. The city seemed to suck the life out of people. Here, she felt alive, free, and happy.
“You don’t want to go back home?” Louis inquired.
“I thought I was to stay with you until we completed our task.”
“I meant home with me.”
Colette swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry. He meant his home, for them to go together. Was it so easy for him to say those words as part of their charade, or did he mean something else? She did not have time to ponder. Louis’s gaze narrowed on her as he inched closer until she was pinned between him and the arm of the couch.
Each time he caressed her, Colette’s heart leapt in anticipation of what was to come. His predatory stare could only mean one thing. Before she could blink, he was on top of her. His lips claimed hers, making her toes curl.
Now that the house was empty, they could do as they pleased. She needed him, fast and hard. Colette grabbed Louis’s hair and drew him closer, nipping at his lips as she swept her tongue inside his mouth. Their tongues danced, each knowing the rhythm of the other.
“Please Louis, I need you now. I’m begging you to take me.”
In response, he cupped her mound through her dress. Both let out a sigh as he pressed against her. She thrust her hips up to his hand in welcome. He hiked her skirts until she was bare from the waist down except for her drawers. Two sly fingers crept between the slit in the fabric and found her waiting, hot and ready. Without pause, he sunk both fingers up to his knuckles. The pressure made her gasp and her head fell back in sweet submission to his caress. His fingers worked her to a frenzy.
Her pelvis met him as he plunged forward. While his fingers worked their magic, he spread light pecks down her neck. As the kisses turned into little nibbles on her earlobe, his warm breath made her giggle.
Colette’s attention was directed back between her legs when she felt the familiar coil of tension. It was only a matter of moments before she would climax. The sensation traveled down to her wet folds and down her legs until her toes felt like lightening had hit her. Her legs opened, yielding to Louis' sensual caress. With another stroke and curl of his fingers, he found the spot that made her come undone.
“Let me hear you, my love,” Louis said breathlessly.
Louis’s fondling had rendered her speechless. Instead, she threw her head back and opened her mouth in wordless ecstasy. The waves came crashing down around her, and she blissfully drowned in the tide of passion. Colette marveled how each time with Louis left her wanting more.
Without missing a stroke, Louis undid his trousers and had his hard rod replacing his fingers. He did not hesitate and rocked into her until he was balls-deep inside her. They were lost to their carnal desires. Colette had never seen Louis so wild and glorious. The power of his thrusts caused her breasts to rock up and down, even within the confines of her corset.
He held himself above her, letting her see the sheen of sweat that formed from the exertion. His expression was cloudy with lust.
*********
When Colette had begged him to take her, his raging hunger had become a beast unchained. Hearing those words on her lips was an aphrodisiac to his shaft. The moment he slipped inside her, Louis felt complete.
She was magnificent in the throes of passion. Her carefully coiffed hair had come undone, and strands of amber locks fell in disarray. Each breath pushed her breasts against her corset, and he could see the outlines of her erect nipples. Damned women—why did they have to dress with so many layers? It was bloody inconvenient in times like these. Desire met fulfillment when he drove into Colette, his balls smacking against her soft skin. She twined her free leg around his waist. Her hot pussy dripped, her muscles contracting around him, making him edge closer to completion. Delicious friction penetrated every cell in his body. He knew then that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Colette. Differences be damned. She was his, and he would prove it.
He increased his rhythm, using every ounce of strength to bring them to climax together. Hips bucking, shaft throbbing, he thundered into her like a storm. He panted and moaned as he spilled inside Colette.
At the same time, Colette found her voice and screamed his name as she shattered. Her channel convulsed around his cock until he had no more to give. He laid on top of her, breathless. Although he supported his weight on his arms, they felt as if they would give out. Colette wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled him on top of her.
They laid in a cocoon of bliss as they came down from the high of their sexual exploit. Eventually, Louis realized Colette needed air, and he released himself from her hold. He took his handkerchief and cleaned them up before pulling down Colette’s skirts. She laid there while he tended to her. Her cheeks were flushed, and her lips swollen from his attention.
“I think I shall get a bath,” Colette said as she sat up. “I want to wash the week away.”
/> “Sounds like a pleasant idea. May I join you?” His dick jumped in agreement. He had never been this insatiable for one woman.
“If you like, monsieur.” She winked and rose to leave.
Without hesitation, Louis was by her side. For the first time in his life, Louis felt as if things could not get better. The rational part of his mind knew this was but a fleeting moment. All the more reason to enjoy themselves.
By the following evening, they were back in Paris. The house felt dark and stale compared to the crisp airiness of his country house. Colette also seemed to notice the difference. The weight of reality settled back on their shoulders. On the way home, Louis had discussed the letter she would write to the Fox, outlining the information they had obtained.
Louis planned to go to the Ministry of Defense first thing in the morning. Agents needed to be dispatched to observe some of his recent guests. He would leave nothing to chance. The men he commanded were exceptional at blending in. Louis should know since he had hand selected each one.
He rose early the next morning, before Colette awoke. They had slept in their own rooms since he had not wanted to disturb her upon his early departure. His first stop was to headquarters. He spent the morning arranging orders and relaying messages. By noon, his eyes blurred from staring at papers for so long. It was time for a break.
It gave him an excuse to check his personal businesses. On the way to the shipyard, he stopped to see if André was at his office, but his clerk said he was out. Louis proceeded to the harbor and the offices his shipping company owned. He spent the next two hours going over the books and schedules. Henri was there and gave him an update on all that had occurred during his absence.
They had had no reports of stolen cargo from any of his ships, or anyone else’s during the week he had been in Alsace. Everything had been quiet. The coincidence did not sit well with Louis.
On his way home, he stopped at one of the gambling halls he owned to check on things. Louis was a silent owner and left the daily running to the proprietress. He saw André sitting at a table in the corner. Louis was surprised since it was not one of the establishments they owned together. The older gentleman waved him over. They shook hands.
“Well, my boy, I hope your holiday to the country was relaxing and enjoyable,” André said with a wink and chuckle.
Louis gave a light-hearted laugh. “Of course, Uncle. Perfect weather, good food, excellent wine, and the company most pleasing. What else could a man want? The party was a great success.”
“Good.” André settled back in his chair. “I’m sure they will be clamoring for you to give another soon, then. You have done well for yourself, Louis. I know I have not said it enough over the years, but I am proud of you. You’re a fine young man.”
“I have you to thank. You were there for me when my parents died. Everything I learned, you taught me.” He owed André a debt. The man had a keen business sense which he passed on to Louis, as well as his love of art. “All has been well in my absence? Anything new at the docks?”
“Thankfully, it has been quiet. I have not heard of any more thefts or missing cargo. I tell you, the sooner this blasted war is over, the better.”
“I agree. That is what we are working toward. Hopefully, we can squelch those damned Russians for good.”
“Here, here.” André raised his glass in salute. “Well, I should be off. I have a few stops to make before a dinner party I am hosting tonight.”
“Have a good night, Uncle.”
André paused just before leaving. “I almost forgot; Pierre dropped some papers off with Henri yesterday. Just some ledgers for you to review. Did he give them to you?”
“I don’t recall seeing them. Perhaps Henri forgot.”
“Mmm,” André shook his head.
“What is it?”
His godfather hesitated a second before responding. “I am not sure if it is my place to say this, but Pierre mentioned to me that Henri seemed preoccupied when he delivered the papers.”
“How so?”
“Pierre said he was short tempered and acted like he wanted to get Pierre out of the office as soon as possible. Perhaps it is nothing. Please do not say anything to Henri. I do not want him to think I am spreading gossip. I have known the boy since you were both children, and I simply worry. I feel I owe it to his father to look out for him.”
Louis knew André held a place in his heart for his old butler. They’d had a special friendship over the years, and it had devastated André when his friend had died two years ago. “I will not say anything but thank you for the concern. I will keep an eye on Henri.”
“Thank you.”
After André left, Louis spoke with the proprietress and a handful of his female informants before heading home. When he returned to the house, he went directly to his study. The butler delivered a tray of coffee, which made Louis realize most of the day had slipped by.
“Where is Colette?” he asked his butler.
“Mademoiselle is out. A letter was delivered just after lunch. She said she would be back before dinner. Mademoiselle also told me to tell you not to worry.” The butler smirked, knowing full well Louis would do just that.
It must be another summons from that Jacques character. Well, he would have to wait for Colette’s return. They had known at some point she would have to report back, but Louis had not thought it would happen so soon.
CHAPTER 23
Colette had risen later than usual that morning. Between the carriage ride home and Louis’s amorous attentions the previous night, she was exhausted. She lounged and read a book for the morning. There were no social calls to make, so she enjoyed the peaceful solitude. While she ate lunch, a footman delivered a letter. The moment she saw the handwriting, she knew it was from Jacques. She was to meet him at his office at her earliest convenience. Before she left, she asked the butler to tell Louis she had gone out.
Like last time, she walked, not wanting anyone to know where she was going. Although she trusted Louis’s servants, she knew their first loyalty was to him. The walk allowed her to reacquaint herself with the sounds and smells of the city.
Amazing how, after only one week gone, everything felt foreign. The odor from the streets swirled in her nose, making her nostrils crinkle in distaste. The harsh shouts and calls of the people made her ears ring. This is where she had grown up. Why did it suddenly seem like another place and time? It felt like a lifetime ago.
Louis had changed everything. He had blown into her life and turned it upside down. All for the better, she reminded herself. Still, she felt like an outsider when she should have felt at ease on the streets. It did not help that she got the occasional odd stare. No doubt the fine cut of her silk day dress did not help the situation. At least no one tried to accost her. They would have been in for a rude surprise since she carried a small pistol in her reticule. If nothing else, she had learned to defend herself at an early age.
She turned the last corner, coming to Jacques’s office at the warehouse. One of his cronies led her up to the second floor. The oily man sat hunched behind his desk. As usual, there were papers in disarray all over.
“Well?” he asked impatiently.
She crossed her arms and sighed heavily. “Well, what? Are you asking me a question? Really, Jacques this is most unbecoming. Speak up if you have something to say.”
“Watch yourself, missy. Don’t start putting on airs just because you have on a fancy dress. I want details. Any information from your time while you were spreading your legs for your gentleman.”
Rage boiled inside her. How dare the impudent bastard speak of Louis that way? If she did not want to call attention to her feelings for Louis, she would have given Jacques a black eye. He thought himself superior. Well, he would learn the tables could easily turn.
Instead of throwing a fist into her boss’ face, she sat down demurely in the chair across from him. After a pause, she gave a report, sharing only the intelligence she and Louis had agreed
upon.
“The rest of the details will be in a letter I intend to see personally delivered to the Fox. Please let me know when he will be available.”
Jacques frowned, his tone sharp. “You mean you haven’t told me everything?”
“My dear Jacques, you taught me never to show my full hand, so I have not.” A smug smile crossed her face. For years, she had groveled and toiled for this man, but now she had the upper hand. “I have worked too long and too hard all these years not to get what I deserve. I plan for the Fox to know that I did all this. That his success is because of me, not because of you.”
His mouth hung open, speechless. Then he started to laugh. It grew louder, more boisterous until he pounded his fist on the table. “Well, poppet, I must hand it to you. You were always my best pupil. In a way, I feel like a proud papa. You have done well. Now, I have a letter for you, from the Fox. He said only to give it to you if what you reported was promising.”
Jacques glanced down at his desk and sifted through the papers. A curse crossed his lips. “Damnation, I must have forgotten it in my rooms. Wait here, I will be but a moment.”
He slammed the door behind him. The room felt larger without him there. His ego certainly took up a lot of space. Able to breathe, Colette went to the window and peered out at the bustling street below. She turned and swept her gaze across the room, ending on Jacques’s desk. On the corner of the tabletop she spied what looked like a map.
She pushed aside the papers hiding the parchment. It was a map of England with scattered red dots along the coast. Rendezvous points or shipment locations, she guessed. She tried to memorize each site. Under the first map was another, a detailed layout of London. Red dots punctuated areas along the river. Lying next to it was a letter. Colette skimmed the contents. Her stomach lurched. Dear Lord, she had to tell Louis right away. Footsteps echoed down the hall. Colette put everything back in its place and rushed over to the window. She only had a moment to compose herself before Jacques entered.
The Secret to a Spy’s Heart: A Steamy Victorian Historical Spy Series (Romancing Intrigue Book 4) Page 19