While the slapping and moans came from beyond the screen, the woman in his arms stiffened. Her muscles rigid.
“I fear I c-cannot again, my lady.”
“Again? It has been many months now, my lord,” Lady Louise said.
Zach heard a tsking sound, which indicated her displeasure at the lord’s inability to rise to the occasion.
“My wife, you know. She has ruined me!”
“Then you must come back here often until I have cured your inability to fulfill your duties to me, my lord.”
“Oh indeed. Every week, I promise,” the man said eagerly.
Zach thought he knew that voice. He’d never be able to look at the peer again.
They heard the rustle of clothes as those on the other side of the screen dressed, and then the door opened and closed. Before Madame Lucienne could move, he’d turned her to face him and gripped both her shoulders.
“Release me,” she hissed.
“Raise your veil.”
“Non!”
He knew she was staring at him, as he was her. Her body was tense as he pulled her closer.
“Raise your veil,” he urged her, but this time it came out a rasp.
Her scent and the feel of her lush curves was driving up his desires. Releasing one shoulder, he touched the veil, easing it up.
“Non.”
“Oui.” He raised it, exposing only her mouth. Lowering his head, he brushed his lips over hers. The lance of heat from just that touch, shot through his entire body. Her little moan had him kissing her again. She tasted forbidden, and he wanted more.
The sound of a voice in the hallway outside the door had her pulling from his arms.
“Why are you here going through those papers, Madame Lucienne? Are you working for someone?” Zach demanded. He was reeling from that kiss. A single touch and he was on fire, but his reason for being here was to find information. He had to know if she was in some way involved.
She didn’t speak.
“Does the name Lord Blackhall mean anything to you?”
She gasped, which gave him the answer he’d wanted. Zach reached for her again, intent on interrogating her further, but she backed into the screen, and it fell with a loud crash. She then nimbly jumped onto it and over, then ran for the door. He was on her heels, but she had it open and then slammed it in his face before he could stop her.
Zach swore and wrenched it open. Stepping into the hallway, he looked right and left, but there was no sign of her. Taking the stairs down to the lower floor, Zach searched, but none of the people were Madame Lucienne.
“Damn you.”
“Problem?” Michael appeared at his side.
“Are you finished?” Zach asked.
“I am. You sound testy again.”
“I feel testy.”
“Well then. A pie should fix that.”
Zach grunted and followed his brother out of the brothel. He’d had two kisses in the last few days, and both had disturbed him far more than they should. Mary and Madame Lucienne. He found he liked the idea of kissing the latter far more. As long as she wasn’t a spy stealing secrets, which he had to concede was likely.
