The Secrets of Shadows Page 11

  Cosette gasped, for in the next instant, she found herself cradled in Davien’s lap. They were no longer at the table, but in their bedchamber, sitting in a chaise before the crackling warmth of the fire. “How did you—?”

  He only smiled and said, “I brought us here to show you that you aren’t alone. You seemed to need reminding.”

  She looked into those mesmerizing eyes, felt herself drowning in their endless depths. “If that’s true—” She grasped his lapels. “—then kiss me and make me believe it.”

  Cosette could have sworn that she felt the beast purr before Davien lowered his head. She felt her lids slide closed, but just before their lips touched, he whispered, “Are you sure you want me to mess up your pretty—”

  In answer, she leaned forward and closed the distance between them.

  ~ ~ ~

  Davien wanted to grin in satisfaction. He might have, if it wasn’t the fact Cosette tasted so damned good. He enjoyed their talks, but this is what he wanted—this is what he’d missed. The taste of her, the feel of her—Cosette brought him back to life, reined in the beast that would otherwise demand more. Always more.

  Even though his encounters with Cosette were brief, teasing embraces, it was . . . enough. For now. But Davien was afraid of what might happen the moment it went further than that. He couldn’t command the beast when he had taken over his mind, his body, his very soul, so how could he possibly protect Cosette if the beast completely assumed control?

  Then again, that didn’t mean he couldn’t partake of a little of the pleasure that she had to give. And offer some in return.

  Just the thought of diving underneath all those petticoats, to get lost in her scent . . .

  The beast inside breathed heavily. Davien pulled away, setting her on the bed as he rose to his feet. “Lean back on your elbows.”

  She blinked at him curiously. “Why?”

  He grinned. “Because we wouldn’t want your lovely hair to get ruined.” When she merely stared at him, he laid a gentle hand on her cheek. “Don’t you trust me, Cosette?” When she nodded, he said, “Then do as you’re told.”

  Slowly, she reclined. Davien dropped to his knees and situated himself between her legs, where they dangled over the side. “What—?”

  Her voice hitched at the first touch of his hand on her stocking clad ankle. “Relax,” he whispered, before he moved upward, over the enticing curve of her calf, and higher, past the delicate, smooth skin of her thigh. When he reached the apex of her legs, that blessed part that was only his to explore, he brushed the top of her curls with his fingers, causing a shocked hiss to come from her throat. If she liked that . . .

  He felt his grin widen as he slowly trailed his hand up her other leg, gathering the length of linen and satin as he went.

  When she was exposed to him, he drank in her scent.

  And began to feast.

  ~ ~ ~

  Cosette wasn’t sure what Davien was going to do to her, but the smoldering look in his eyes was enough to cause her curiosity to rise, and her apprehension to abate.

  However, she certainly hadn’t been expecting that.

  She groaned, tilting her head back as he laved her womanhood with his tongue. She didn’t even care when he went so far as to place her knees over his shoulders. The thrill of his mouth upon her was so acute that she didn’t care what he did, just as long as he didn’t stop.

  She clutched the counterpane on either side of her, feeling her muscles tighten as that familiar pulse began in her veins. It was the same sensation she’d felt that day in the hallway at Shadowlawn when he had brought her to release with those wicked fingers—and then went out in the forest and killed a deer.

  That wouldn’t be the case tonight.

  She would make sure of it.

  Just thinking of doing the same sinful things to him caused her blood to flow faster. Her breath quickened, her mind going blank, shooting off to some unknown place where only darkness and bliss remained. She could feel the tide of her emotions rising, her senses heightening—and then the crest inside of her broke free. She shuddered, limbs quaking as wave after wave rolled over her, as she cried out Davien’s name on a benediction.

  It was even more powerful than it had been the first time.

  Unfortunately, her elbows hadn’t held up, but at the moment, she couldn’t have cared less about the state of her hair, as she lay flat on the bed, sated and replete.

  Once the storm had quieted, Davien rose to his full height.

  His eyes glowed with hunger. But she knew it wasn’t for the hunt.

  It was for her.

  She held out a hand to him, an invitation. “Davien.”

  He didn’t move.

  She sat up and tried not to stare directly at the rather large bulge in front of her. She was afraid if she looked too long she might take matters into her own hands. Literally. “Is there . . . something I can do for you?”

  He clenched his hands into fists at his sides, but still, he didn’t reply, just kept staring at her in that unnerving way.

  She took that as a silent invitation. She lifted her right hand and dared to touch him. He didn’t react, so she ran it along the length of his concealed member. Between the silk of his breeches and the hardness beneath, it was a heady combination.

  But she wanted to feel him.

  Cosette leaned forward and placed a trail of bold kisses where her hand had traveled. This time he stiffened, but he didn’t move a single muscle. She wondered who was in charge right now—him, or the beast?

  She decided to take it a step further.

  She slowly began to unbutton the front flap of his trousers. With each one that came free from its confines, the tension in him loosened. She could feel it.

  Finally, his rigid length was on proud display. She ran a fingertip down the side and was surprised to find that he was as soft as velvet. She licked her lips in anticipation, wondering how he would feel in her mouth—as well as other places of her body.

  She leaned forward and licked the side of him. He instantly gave a sound that was part hiss, part rumble.

  She opened her mouth and closed it around him. This time the growl was unmistakable as he grabbed the back of her head. It was a command to continue, and she was more than happy to comply. Her body was still warm and languid after what he’d done to her. The least she could do was reciprocate.

  Cosette grabbed him with one hand, while her other reached around to grasp his firm backside. She began a steady rhythm, sliding back and forth, but it wasn’t long before Davien gently began leading her movements, faster, faster. She felt him flex his muscles and she knew that he was close to finding his release. It wasn’t until she looked up—to find that glowing gaze riveted on her movements—that she got a glimpse of the beast within.

  The fangs returned as he abruptly threw back his head with a guttural sound that resembled that of a howling wolf, as his manhood pulsed within her mouth.

  It was the most glorious thing she’d ever witnessed.

  When his hand fell away from the back of her head, she licked her lips. He saw the action, but didn’t comment on it as he righted himself. Once he was presentable, he held out a hand to her. She rose to her feet. His dark eyes were almost amused, sated.

  The beast was content.

  “It seems we managed to ruin your lip rouge,” he murmured. “Most of the color is gone.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t care.”

  He gave her a light kiss on her bare lips. “Personally, I prefer you naked.” His eyes glimmered. “In every way possible.”

  Chapter 13

  Cosette left the hotel on Davien’s arm, feeling only a slight sense of trepidation. But the moment the carriage pulled up in front of the Palais Royale she clutched his sleeve in sheer
panic. “You didn’t tell me we were going to the king’s own residence!”

  Blackburn turned to her with a cunning grin. “What better place to brave the lion than in his own den, and meet all his court at once?” He stepped down and held a hand out to her, ignoring the footman waiting to assist her instead. She hesitated and the duke twirled his cane, an adornment, he’d told her earlier, which was merely another part of his costume. “Come, my dear. Our evening entertainment awaits. We shouldn’t want Louis to get the wrong impression just because you needed a few more moments to powder your nose.”

  Cosette took a deep breath but stepped down to the ground.

  “I will be by your side the entire time.”

  “I know nothing about court life,” she murmured nervously, as they made their way to the front entrance.

  “It’s simple,” Davien returned. “Keep your nose in the air and only speak about things that please you.” He leaned closer. “But do it in a bored manner.”

  “But what if someone wishes to dance? I don’t know the first thing about—”

  This time Davien stopped and turned to her with a bland expression. “We aren’t attending a ball. It is merely a play, a performance on the stage. The most you will have to do is smile and bat your lovely eyelashes. I will carry the conversation.”

  Cosette nodded this time and kept silent as they entered the palace, and handed over their outerwear to a servant. She didn’t have time to admire her expensive surroundings, before a man caught sight of them and walked over to them. “Ah, there you are, Blackburn. I thought you might have rescinded my invitation from this afternoon.”

  “Odd’s fish! The thought should have never crossed my mind.”

  Cosette had to look away to keep from laughing at the personal performance that Davien was putting on for the Duc de Chartres, a close friend of the king himself.

  She saw the man take a pinch of snuff from a silver box before tucking it out of sight. He gave a grand laugh. “You English and your silly phrases! I believe it was the Earl of Rochester that proclaimed of your King Charles II, ‘Restless he rolls from whore to whore. A merry monarch, scandalous and poor.’ Indeed, it is still one of my favorite poems.”

  Davien merely smiled. “I can only hope I gain as much enjoyment from the performance this evening.”

  “There is no doubt you shall,” the duc countered. “Many will agree that Moliere is much more sophisticated than Shakespeare. While his play Dom Juan angered the king’s father, Louis has revived it with my lovely Etiennette Marie portraying the part of Donna Elvira.”

  Blackburn bowed. “Then I am sure my companion and I will find it even more enthralling.” With that, they followed the duc into a sizeable ballroom. Again, Cosette was struck by the sheer opulence and exquisite décor. There was a sizeable stage on one side of the room, but a large curtain covered whatever scene might lay beyond.

  But it was the man seated at the front of the room on a raised throne, surrounded by a crowd of elaborate dresses and costumes that truly captured Cosette’s attention. In addition to King Louis, two women sat on either side of him in equal places of honor. Cosette knew the eldest was Queen Marie, for she was actually older than her husband by seven years, while his most favored mistress, and one of the ladies-in-waiting to the queen, was Madame de Pompadour.

  “There is so much powder in the air that I think I might actually sneeze.” To add credence to his statement, Davien put a handkerchief up to his nose.

  Cosette only laughed, but her merriment quickly died when she realized that she had attracted the attention of the other occupants in the room. When the king’s eyes met hers, she thought she might actually faint.

  “And who do we have to pay a call at our court?” Louis drawled.

  Blackburn bowed deeply while Cosette dropped into an elegant curtsy. It was one of the few things she’d learned at the orphanage—how to act around your betters.

  “I am Davien Elswood, Duke of Blackburn, at your service, Your Majesty.”

  The king’s brown eyes lit with only slight interest. “An English nobleman. Why, welcome to our intimate gathering, Your Grace.”

  “Thank you, Your Majesty. I was invited by the Duc of Chartres.”

  “Indeed.” The king played with the lace cuffs around his wrists. “I daresay I am quite miffed at your government at the moment. They have annoyed me most considerably regarding this dreadful war in the Colonies. It would be nice to have a . . . friend I may count upon in England.”

  Cosette glanced at Davien. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought that the king was actually asking Blackburn to spy for him.

  Davien inclined his head. “I will pass along any information that I can.”

  “Hmm.” The king regarded him shrewdly for a moment, before he became bored once again. “In that case, do enjoy your stay in our fair city.” Only then did his eyes flicker to Cosette. “Who is your lovely companion?”

  Again, Cosette curtsied. “My name is Cosette du Bouir, Your Majesty.”

  The king’s eyes instantly lit up at the mention of her French ancestry.

  “She is my intended,” Davien added smoothly.

  Louis raked his gaze up and down Cosette’s frame. “You’re a lucky man to have ensnared one of our own, Blackburn.”

  As the king’s attention was diverted by another one of his companions, Davien calmly escorted them away. “That was intense,” Cosette breathed. “For a moment there I was afraid that he might invite me to his chamber.”

  Davien merely snorted. “He could try.”

  She looked up at him and smiled. “How chivalrous of you, Blackburn, to insinuate that you might take on the King of France for me.”

  He glanced down at her, absolute seriousness in his gaze. “I would take on the entire country.”

  And somehow, Cosette knew that he spoke the truth.

  ~ ~ ~

  Some considerable time passed as they paused to clap as Cosette nearly groaned. “It’s only the third act?” she whispered. “How many are there?”

  Blackburn’s lips twitched. “Five.”

  “I can’t wait any longer. I have to use the necessary.” She rose to her feet. She was about to try and locate a footman to show her the way, when the queen herself appeared.

  “I was needing a break from the entertainment as well,” she said kindly. “Shall you join me?”

  Cosette felt her mouth go slack, but recovered quickly enough to say, “Of course, Your Majesty. Thank you.”

  Cosette glanced at Davien before she left, but he gave her an encouraging smile, so she felt confident enough that she wouldn’t make any unforgiveable blunders on the way to the ladies’ room.

  “I’m sure you wondered why I singled you out,” the queen said, loud enough for Cosette to hear, but not such that the few ladies-in-waiting trailing her could.

  “There was a reason?” Cosette returned with more than a hint of trepidation in her voice.

  Marie merely smiled, although it was tight. “I can tell that my husband fancies you. But I suppose he has fancied quite a few pretty faces over the years.” She sighed. “One would think that after ten children he might have remained faithful.”

  Cosette said nothing. She knew the way of the world enough to know that Louis wasn’t the only monarch, or married man, who took a mistress. Wasn’t she one herself?

  “But I didn’t seek out your company to tell you of my misfortunes. I have come with a warning.”

  Again, Cosette didn’t speak. In truth, she wasn’t sure she could. She feared that her earlier concerns weren’t only concerns after all, but the beginnings of a true threat.

  So it was with more than a little surprise when the queen lowered her head and murmured, “You made a mistake coming here tonight. Not only is the king’s inte
rest piqued, but there are others that you may not wish to encounter should you remain, those that hold no love for the English, and who might find your appearance here as a threat.”

  Cosette thought of the voice that spoke to her during her visions. “I appreciate the caution, Your Majesty, but I was hoping to stay long enough to learn more about my parentage.” She wasn’t sure how much to reveal to this woman, but she decided that honesty might gain her more ground at the moment. “I’m an orphan, you see, raised at the Heavenly Heart. I had planned on paying a visit to see if anyone might remember . . .”

  The queen was already shaking her head. “I’m afraid that’s impossible. The orphanage burned down nearly three years ago. Very few survived, and the ones that didn’t perish from the blaze have scattered all over France.” There was a slight sympathy in her gaze. “I fear you have embarked on a fool’s errand.” She nodded at one of her ladies, who scurried off. “I will have someone collect the duke, but I beg you to heed my council. You need to leave Paris. Tonight.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Cosette was already seated in the carriage when she finally caught sight of Blackburn. Instantly, her chest unfurled from the weight that had settled there. Following the queen’s warning, where she had been ushered outside and bundled into the coach, she had been anxious to do as the lady instructed and depart immediately.

  Davien climbed inside and tapped on the roof, before he turned to Cosette with a mocking expression. “You must have made quite an impression if we are to miss the last half of the play and flee the city with all due haste.”