A Dangerous Masquerade (11 page)

             
‘And yet you survive?’

             
‘Have you not heard?  The Devil looks after his own.’

             
‘Do you want the hounds?’

             
‘I think they are needed for other purposes.  I have my own men.  When I need help I shall ask for it.’

             
‘Very well.’  His contact inclined his head.  ‘You are a law unto yourself, Moraven.  They warned me not to try and control you.  Go your own way – but we want him alive.  We need to question him but he knows too much to come to trial.  I’ve been instructed that he must never stand trial in open court.  There are those in high places that would be brought crashing down, important people we need even though we may not like them or their morals.’

             
‘Yet they take Renard’s money and protect him.  Why do you not let them take their punishment and clean out the nest of vipers for good?’

             
‘Politics is a dirty business, Moraven.  You should know that we have to trade off good for bad to get the real serpents.’

             
‘Yes, I’m aware of how murky your world is,’ Moraven said.  ‘I’m sick to my stomach of the whole business.  When Renard is caught I’m finished with you and your masters.’

             
‘They know your terms.  Just deliver what we need and we’ll see that certain people know the truth about that business in Spain.’

             
‘It hardly matters anymore.  I intend to make a change in my life soon – and I may need a favour.  I shall ask if I want something.’

             
‘We are in your debt after this last affair.  What did you need?’

             
‘I may need someone traced, but I’ll let you know when the time comes.’

             
‘Very well.  I shall wait to hear from you that the fox is in the trap.’

             
‘Once I flush him out the hounds can finish him – agreed?’

             
‘Squeamish?’  the other man smiled.  ‘It will be their pleasure I assure you.  We all had comrades in Spain and yours weren’t the only ones to die because of that devil’s dirty dealings.’

             
Moraven inclined his head and walked away.  Ferdi had sent word about the stolen children but he’d also sent some very interesting information.  That evening he and his men would try to snatch the missing children back from the rogues who had them captive, but first he had to speak to Constance.  He wanted to apologise for letting her and her friends down…

He had been away three days – three of the worst days of her life.  Constance hadn’t realised how much she would miss him if she never saw him again.  It was stupid, she knew that, because even if she agreed to his terms, the arrangement would not last forever.  One day he would walk out of her life and she would be left with nothing but memories.  However, she had made her decision.  She was going to offer…

             
Her thoughts were suspended as she heard the sharp rap at the door and knew instinctively that Moraven was back.  Leaving her baking, she flew into the hall, but Heloise was before her.  The old woman must have been behind the lace curtains looking out, as she did when she expected Constance home.

             
Her mouth suddenly dry, Constance’s heart throbbed madly.  He was so large and vibrant; he seemed to fill the hall with his presence.  Turning his head he saw her and smiled.  Her pulses went mad as she moved to greet him.

             
‘You are back then?’

             
‘I told you not to worry.  Did you miss me?’

             
‘No, but I had need of you,’ Constance said, her tone more accusatory than she intended.  ‘The nuns’ house was raided and three children were stolen.  Lucille woke screaming or it might have been more.’

             
‘I know.  Ferdi sent me word.  I am sorry.  I should have had more men watching the house at night.  I didn’t expect him to snatch the children back.’

             
‘Why should you?  I dare say you have more important things to do.’  Constance returned to the kitchen, leaving him to follow if he would.  Her heart was so glad to see him and yet she was angry too.  He had no right to come into their lives unless he intended to keep his promises.  ‘Sister Helene is grateful for all you have done, but she trusted you when you told her the house was safe.’

             
‘I am much at fault.  I should have done more.  My reasons were business I may not disclose even to you – but that does not excuse me.  I should have done more.’

             
‘I know we are asking much of you,’ Constance said and her heart raced.  She turned, her eyes seeking his.  He looked stern and angry and she thought she had pushed him too far.  ‘You told me you wanted me as your mistress…’

             
‘That has not changed.’ His gaze dwelled on her face, suddenly alert and tense.  ‘Have you changed your mind?’

             
‘I do not like the word mistress, but I might become your lover – if you promise to make certain the nuns are protected even when you leave.  We were thinking of another house outside Paris and a different safe house in the city so that Renard cannot find them again – then I would be happy to be your…’  she blushed under his scrutiny and could not continue.

             
‘My lover?’ Moraven’s mouth curved mockingly.  ‘You would have me provide the new house I presume?  You place a high price on your favours, Constance.’

             
‘Is it too much?’ she asked, feeling the colour wash into her face and then fade as his gaze deepened, seeming to see into her very soul.

             
‘I had it in mind to do as much and perhaps more,’ he said in a voice husky with desire.  He moved closer, his hand reaching to her, cupping her chin and lifting her face so that she looked at him.  ‘So you would be my love but not my mistress?’

             
Her heart pounded wildly.  ‘For my pride’s sake.  Foolish I know but I would give rather think of being your lover than a kept woman.’

             
His chuckle was deep and throaty and it sent tingles down her spine.  She could not help but notice how sensual his mouth was as he tipped her head towards him and took her lips.  A sudden heat pooled low in her abdomen and her heart seemed to slam against her chest.  Had she been less modest she would have clung to him, letting her body meld with his in every way.

             
‘You may rest easy in your concerns for the nuns and their charges,’ he said, a smile playing about his lips.  ‘I have it in mind to sort out their problems and you need not have offered your honour for their sakes, Constance – however, I am pleased with the bargain you would make.  You shall be my lover and I your love, if it pleases you.’

             
Constance could not speak let alone think of a way to answer.  She had resisted him at the start, but his absence these past days had made her realise that she needed him in her life – and not just for the children’s sake.

             
She swallowed hard, trying to hide her uncertainty and her need.  ‘Have you broken your fast, my lord?  Would you have me make some food for you?’

             
‘I have business this night,’ he said.  ‘We shall eat at four, as we did once before.  Some more of your good soup I think – and perhaps a light supper when I return.’

             
‘Yes, of course, if that is your wish.’

             
‘So submissive?’  Mischief danced in his eyes.  ‘I liked the old Constance well, do not suppress her entirely, my lady.’

             
‘I was merely trying to please since you have been so good…’

             
‘No!’ he said seeming angry as he pressed her hard against him.  This time his lips were ruthless as they plundered and demanded.  ‘I want no gratitude, Constance.  Rail at me if I am late, tell me if I displease you – but never be meek and mild, as if you owe me a debt.’

             
She struggled until he released her.  ‘You are a barbarian, sir.  I was merely attempting to be what I imagined you wanted but I shall not make that mistake again.  Pray be on time for you dinner or I may have to feed Heloise and myself first.’

             
He laughed.  ‘That is better.  For a moment I thought I had misjudged you.  I like the bold wench that stole my purse – any pretence to be other than that lady would not meet with favour, Constance.’

             
‘Damn you, Moraven.  I am minded to tell you to take yourself off when you have finished your work here.’

             
‘But you made a bargain, did you not?’ he teased.  ‘I know well that you are loyal to your friends.  You gave your promise to me, my lady – and I shall keep you to it.  For the moment I have work but when ‘tis done I shall take my dues in full…’

             
Constance trembled inwardly but would not show him her apprehension.  He laughed at her, took a freshly baked roll from the rack where it lay cooling and left her.  She heard him singing to himself as he walked up the stairs.  Feeling flustered and half wishing that she had not offered herself in return for security for the nuns, Constance busied herself preparing the ingredients for a chicken and vegetable soup.  It would be thick and creamy with spicy dumplings, more of a stew than a soup really and filling if eaten with fresh crusty bread.

             
It was plain fare for a man of his class she supposed.  Had he stayed at the hotel he would have been offered chops and roast beef, capons in delicious sauces and an array of special dishes beyond her capabilities.  Constance was a good rustic cook but she had never tried to be more, because she could not afford to buy all the ingredients needed for such a banquet.  Moraven had seemed satisfied with the meals she provided, but for how long would her food and she herself appeal to a man with his appetites.  She feared that in time he would need more exotic fare than she could offer – and yet there was a part of her that wanted to belong to him, even if for only a short time.

             
What was it the poets said – better to have lived and loved than never lived at all?

             
She would be brave and take what was offered in both hands for as long as it was freely given, but when he wished to be free she would let him go.

             
Constance knew that the future would be precarious whichever route she had taken.  As a servant she would find it difficult to secure a position that satisfied her.  Madeline had taken her on because they were friends, but most women would see her as a rival for the affections of their husbands or sons.  The alternatives were less appealing and might end with her having to accept some such arrangement as Moraven was offering.

             
She would prefer to be his lover than another’s mistress.

             
Constance knew that she was playing a dangerous game.  Moraven was too attractive, too compelling to be taken lightly.  One day he would hurt her and hurt her badly.  He might even destroy her if she let him – but she had few alternatives.  The time was approaching when she would have to leave this house.  She had nowhere to go unless he took her to England with him…

‘That’s the house,’ Ferdi pointed across the road to a three storey building with windows that had metal bars fixed across them on the third floor.  ‘They keep the girls that work in the top rooms – but the new ones are held downstairs in the cellars.  It is their punishment until they are ready to do as they’re told.’

             
‘The devil they are!’  Moraven’s mouth pulled into a thin slit.  ‘How many of these rogues are there?’

             
‘I saw four when I kept watch.  They open for business at nine and close at four in the morning.  It may be best to wait until they are in their beds.’

             
‘And subject those children to another night of torture?  There are seven of us.  We’ll go in now and be damned to the consequences.’  He looked round at his men.  ‘You all know what to do.  Scum like these deserve little mercy.  If they surrender without a fight they will be behind bars before the night is done, but if they resist…’

             
‘You’ve no need to tell us,’ one of the men growled.  ‘After what I’ve seen I’ve no sympathy for these scum.’

             
‘I want at least two alive,’ Moraven warned.  ‘We need more information about Renard.  If these gentlemen can be persuaded we might pay him a little visit later – if not, we must hope that this is sufficient annoyance to bring him out of his lair.’

             
‘Aye, he’s the one that should die,’ Dodds muttered.  ‘This is but one of his dens.  There are many more just like it in Paris and elsewhere.’