The Price of Pleasure (38 page)

“Come with me, Fleur. Come with me now.”

He thrust hard, deep, imbedding himself to the hilt, then stilled, watching her. Her face was flushed, her lips parted. Her eyes were closed, her fingers bit into his back and her inner muscles clenched around him, squeezing his cock. The moment he felt her body go limp, he unleashed the passion clawing at him. Burying his face in the fragrant curve of her neck, he shouted her name and freed his seed.

When their shudders subsided, Reed found the energy to raise his head and look down at her. Fleur’s eyes slid open, and she smiled at him.

“That was . . . ”

“Incredible, magical,” Reed suggested. “I promise it will always be like this for us.”

A knock sounded on the door. “That will be our dinner,” Reed said.

He rose and pulled on his breeches.

Fleur flushed a bright red when Reed opened the door, admitting Updike. Directing his gaze anywhere but at the bed, Updike walked into the room and placed the tray on the table.

“Will that be all, my lord?”

“That will be all,
Mortimer.
”

Updike blushed as he drew himself up to his full height, bowed and made a hasty exit.

“You shouldn’t have teased him,” Fleur scolded.

“I couldn’t help it.” Reed glanced at the tray, then at Fleur. “How hungry are you?”

For a moment Fleur didn’t know what he meant, until he started peeling off his breeches. “I’m ravenous, but not for food,” she replied.

“I hoped you’d say that.”

Reed had the presence of mind to lock the door before joining her in bed.

Chapter Eighteen

Fleur awoke to sunshine and a warm body snuggled against her back. The feeling was so blissful, she wanted to savor it as long as she could. A smile curved her lips as she burrowed deeper into Reed’s warmth. He had made love to her last night in every way a man could love a woman.

Even more satisfying, Reed hadn’t merely
made
love to her with his body, he
loved
her with his heart, and his grandmother had given her blessing to their marriage. Absolutely nothing could mar this day. It was the happiest of her life.

Reed was sleeping so soundly, Fleur didn’t have the heart to awaken him. Carefully, she slid from the mattress without disturbing him.

Her stomach growled. She glanced at the untouched food that sat congealing on the tray and realized they had never gotten around to eating. She checked the clock on the mantel, surprised to see it was past ten. She couldn’t remember the last time she had slept this late.

With as little noise as possible, she made a hasty toilette, dressed in a simple gown and left the bedchamber, closing the door quietly behind her.

She entered the breakfast room and pulled the bell pull; Updike appeared moments later. He seemed surprised to see her alone.

He set a steaming teapot on the table. “Good morning, my lady. What would you like for breakfast?”

“I’m famished, Updike. I know it’s late, but would you ask Cook if she has time to prepare coddled eggs, bacon, tomatoes and toasted bread? Oh, and maybe she would include one of those sticky buns I’m so fond of.”

Updike bowed and left to convey Fleur’s wishes to the kitchen. Fleur sipped her tea, a contented smile playing on her lips. She was going to be Reed’s bride. It seemed like a dream come true.

Fleur dug into her breakfast when it arrived, savoring every bite. She was nibbling on her sweet bun when Up-dike announced visitors. Before she could ask who was calling, Lady Helen and Lady Violet barged into the room, followed by their toady, Gallard Duvall.

“Helen, Violet, what are you doing here? Isn’t it a little early to be out calling?”

“This can’t wait,” Violet insisted.

“Have you eaten? Will you sit down and take tea with me?”

“No, we won’t be long,” Violet snapped. “We came to tell you what a bitch you are. You finally got Reed to toss us out on the street.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lashing out, Violet slapped Fleur across the face. Fleur reared back, more stunned than hurt. “Get out!” she ordered, struggling to control her anger. “How dare you come into my home and assault me? Updike, show the ladies the door.”

“Stay where you are, Updike. The ladies will leave after I am done with them.”

Reed stood in the doorway, casually dressed in an open shirt, breeches and, in an astonishing breach of etiquette, he was barefoot. Smiling at Fleur, he strolled into the room.

Violet gaped at Reed and blanched. Then without warning she rounded on Fleur. “Bitch! Whore! No wonder Reed didn’t come home last night. He was with you, in your bed, doing God only knows what.”

She raised her hand and would have struck Fleur a second time if Reed hadn’t grasped her wrist in a bruising grip. “I won’t allow you or anyone else to abuse my fiancée.”

“Your fiancée?” Helen repeated, clearly stunned.

“You and the countess are to be married?” Duvall echoed, apparently as surprised as the ladies.

Releasing Violet’s wrist, Reed returned to Fleur’s side and kissed her cheek. “Yes, my fiancée. Aren’t you going to congratulate us?”

“Wait until your grandmother hears this,” Violet said indignantly. “She doesn’t approve of Fleur, you know.”

“You’re mistaken, Violet. Grandmamma gave her blessing to our union.”

Ignoring the stunned silence following his words, Reed pulled out a chair beside Fleur and sat down. “I’m hungry. Updike, will you ask Cook to fix me the same thing your mistress ordered this morning?”

“Right away, my lord. Shall I show your guests the door?”

“That’s a splendid idea, Updike, though I’m sure they can manage on their own.” He turned to Helen and Violet. “You have but a few days left to make other living arrangements. I suggest you make haste. I’m sure Duvall will give you whatever help you need.”

“Indeed,” Duvall said, patting Helen’s arm.

“This way,” Updike said in his haughtiest voice as he herded all three uninvited guests out the door.

Fleur turned to Reed and smiled. “That was rather unpleasant.”

Reed returned Fleur’s smile. Seconds later his smile turned into a frown as he gently stroked her reddened cheek. “She struck you! The bitch had the gall to raise her hand to you. I thought I arrived in time to stop her from abusing you.”

“You did arrive in time. She would have struck me a second time if you hadn’t intervened.”

Reed’s breakfast was served. “I’ll make sure she never gets near you again.”

“She didn’t hurt me. Eat your breakfast before it gets cold.” She poured tea into their cups. “Violet is the least of our worries. I’m much more concerned about the investigation.”

“You’re not involved in any of that anymore, remember? I dismissed you from the investigation.”

“I chose to ignore you. What is our next move? Where do we go from here?”

“Your next move is to plan our wedding with Grandmamma. Mine is to find a traitor.”

“Not without my help,” Fleur argued. “You need me.”

Reed laid his knife and fork down on his plate. “I don’t want to lose you, Fleur. We’re dealing with dangerous people. If they know about the Black Widow, they’ve already guessed the rest. The traitor may be out for your blood as well as mine.”

Fleur shook her head. “It doesn’t make sense. Why would we still be important to Napoleon’s government?”

Reed shrugged. “I don’t know, but I intend to find out.”

“I wonder how long it will be before word of our engagement becomes common knowledge?”

Laughing, Reed wiped his lips with his napkin and tossed it down. “The news is probably making the rounds as we speak. Helen and Violet are notorious gossips. And you know how servants talk among themselves.”

Reed rose, looked down at his bare toes and grinned. “My boots should be dry; I built up the fire and placed them and my coat in front of the hearth. It’s time I left. I’ve begun an investigation into Henry Dempsey’s background.”

“Good, I’ve been suspicious of him from the beginning. I’ve been invited to Lady Ogleton’s ball tonight. Shall we attend together? Perhaps we can learn something new. It’s supposed be a well-attended affair.”

“Good idea. We’ll make our first appearance as a couple and keep our eyes and ears open. I’ll call for you at nine.”

He pulled her from the chair and into his arms. Then he kissed her soundly and took his leave.

“Good, you’re alone,” Lisette said from the doorway. “Mortimer said everyone had left.”

“The tea is still hot. Will you join me?” Fleur asked, smiling at her friend.

“
Oui,
thank you,” Lisette said as Fleur poured. “I passed his lordship in the hall. I understand congratulations are in order.”

Fleur beamed. “I’ve accepted Reed’s marriage proposal. He loves me, Lisette, really loves me. Even better, his grandmother gave her blessing to our marriage.”

“Does Lord Hunthurst realize you cannot give him an heir?”

“Reed doesn’t believe I am barren. He thinks Pierre was to blame.”

Lisette glanced at Fleur’s flat stomach. “One can only hope. When is the wedding to be?”

“Not until the traitor is brought to justice. We both need to concentrate on the investigation. Reed’s grandmother wishes to help me plan the wedding.”

Lisette gave Fleur a quick hug. “I’m so happy for you,
chèrie
. I know how much you love his lordship. I felt such sadness when you told him you wouldn’t marry him. He must love you very much.”

“What about you and Updike? You appear to be more than just friends.”

Lisette giggled like a young girl. Fleur couldn’t recall when her companion had appeared so happy.

“Mortimer and I have an understanding. I refused to make any commitment to him until your future is secure, and Mortimer understands.”

Fleur squeezed Lisette’s hands. “Everyone should have a friend such as you. Soon you and your Mortimer can plan your own future. Shall we stroll in the park today? After yesterday’s rain, a walk in the sunshine will be just the thing.”

Fleur and Lisette left the house a short time later. The distance to the park was a short one. As they strolled along the tree-lined walkway, they were hailed by Count Dubois and Monsieur Barbeau.

“Countess, Madame Lisette,” Dubois greeted with a courtly bow. “Do you mind if we stroll along with you?”

“Not at all,” Fleur replied. If luck was with her, she might learn something new to tell Reed tonight.

The sidewalk was wide, permitting them to walk four abreast for a time. But when the walkway narrowed, Lisette was forced to fall behind, allowing both men to flank Fleur.

“We heard the most startling news this morning,” Dubois confided. “Say it’s not true.”

“Whatever are you talking about?” Fleur replied, pretending innocence.

“Monsieur Duvall told us you are engaged to Hunthurst,” Dubois said, looking stricken. “That was rather sudden, wasn’t it? I did not credit it since Hunthurst himself told me he wasn’t interested in you.”

“Monsieur Duvall is correct,” Fleur said. “I am to wed the Earl of Hunthurst.”

“I am devastated,” Dubois cried, clutching his heart. “Why did you tell me you were not interested in marriage?” He paused for effect. “Duvall said he saw Hunthurst at your townhouse early this morning in a rather startling state of undress.”