By this time, Triana’s head was spinning. “But the Regent asked my brother to stop the smuggling. Why would he do that if he already knew—?”
Constance quickly cut in to clarify. “I didn’t say he knew everything, only that he has likely been apprised of the situation for some time. He’s only involved now because he’s realized he isn’t getting the largest share of the profits. That honor goes to the one in charge of this operation and even the EIC hasn’t been able to stop them.”
Triana sat back in her chair, utterly deflated. “How did all this even begin to take place?”
“Who knows?” Madame Corressa answered. “Money? A struggle for power or position in Parliament, perhaps? That’s what it’s usually about. Any government can be as corrupt as an individual with a personal vendetta.”
“This is unbelievable,” Triana murmured. Still trying to let it all sink in, she felt her hope slowly fading. Surely there was no way to wrap up this conspiracy in the span of a week in order to keep her brother and Gabriel out of the Tower.
“Someone’s coming,” Bull stated in his deep, stoic voice.
Triana’s heart suddenly jumped into her throat as she and Constance rose to their feet. “I fear our meeting is at an end, although that is all I can tell you. Hopefully, it will be enough.”
Triana reached out and enveloped Madame Corressa in a quick, impulsive hug. “Thank you. For everything.”
Constance nodded as she led Triana toward a door on the far side of the wall. “This leads to the adjoining room, and from there, you ought to be able to slip out undetected in a few moments.” She gave a sly grin. “You’ll find I don’t leave anything to chance.”
“They’re getting closer,” Bull noted as he came to stand by Constance, impatience radiating off of him in waves.
Triana grabbed hold of the other woman’s hand and squeezed gently, and then she shut the door behind her.
***
Triana hastily made her way back through the hotel, her breath coming in sharp pants, as if she’d just run the length of London, rather than navigating a few, short hallways. She saw an older gentleman walking toward her as she reached the bottom of the staircase that led to the lobby, but only when he reached out and grabbed hold of her arm did she give a startled gasp. But it didn’t take her long to realize it was Gabriel. He might be wearing a false moustache and wig, his shoulders stooped just slightly, but she would know those mesmerizing silver eyes anywhere.
“Follow me,” he murmured. He glanced about to make sure they weren’t being observed, and guided her toward a side exit, but pulled her into a deserted closet at the last minute.
The door had barely shut when he pulled her into his arms. “Thank God you’re safe,” he breathed, his warm breath on her skin causing her toes to curl in her slippers. He dipped his head and devoured her mouth, barely giving her time to catch her breath — or her senses. “God, how I’ve missed you, Triana. Please tell me you forgive me for leaving. Surely you realize I had no choice.”
His hand moved up to cup her breast through her gown, and she moaned. In that moment she would have forgiven him any transgression. But the simple fact was, she couldn’t stay angry with him because she’d missed him desperately. “I… forgive you.” She began to tremble as he lifted up her skirts.
“I want you, Triana,” he whispered, his voice seductive and husky. He began to stroke her. “You’re so wet for me, so beautiful...” She arched her back against the wall as his fingers continued their pleasing assault.
On fire with her need for him, Triana began fumbling with the falls of his trousers. “Gabriel…please…” She knew she was begging, but she didn’t care. She just wanted him to fill this ache inside of her — to be one again.
He granted her plea, guiding himself into her womanly passage, and taking what she offered with one full thrust. He lifted her and wrapped her legs around his waist until she was straddling him. She was braced against the wall, as they kissed and caressed and spoke nonsensical words as the driving need burned out of control and consumed them both. Triana moaned, convulsing rapidly as he groaned and let his seed fill her.
Once their breathing had slowed, he released her legs and she slid down his length, but when her feet touched the floor, she swayed unsteadily. “Whoa. Easy there.” Gabriel said with a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Triana, having completely forgotten about his disguise, took one look at him and started to giggle. She couldn’t help it. It just looked so… ridiculous now that their passion had been spent.
At his quizzical expression, she gestured to his wig. “Your hair.”
He readjusted his trousers with a chuckle. “What can I say except you make me lose all reason.”
Triana reached out and straightened the moustache that was slightly crooked. “As you do to me,” she said quietly.
Gabriel took her hand and kissed her bent knuckles, his eyes sparkling with an unspoken emotion. “I’m sure Travell is wondering what happened to us.”
A combination of embarrassment and guilt lit a conflagration in her cheeks.
He offered a wink. “I’m sure he would understand — even if he might highly disapprove.”
Chapter Nineteen
Triana could feel her brother’s questioning, blue stare upon her as she and Gabriel returned to the carriage, although she purposely avoided his gaze. “I was beginning to think something had gone awry,” he noted.
“The meeting just took a little longer than expected,” Gabriel supplied as he lightly cleared his throat and began to remove his disguise.
There was a snort from the other side of the carriage. “Naturally.” Logan’s lips tilted upward. “The meeting.”
