Bride for a Night(50)

He refused to consider what would happen if it were discovered that his only ally was already headed back to his ship.

“We shall soon discover. I have my soldiers searching the area.”

“My men are wise enough to avoid capture,” Gabriel drawled.

Jacques chuckled. “A pity their master was not so wise, eh Ashcombe?”

Gabriel fisted his hands, battling back the desire to throttle the conceited fop.

Patience, he sternly reminded himself.

Soon enough he would manage to escape, and then Jacques Gerard would learn the meaning of regret.

For now he had to content himself with banishing that annoying smirk from his overly handsome face.

“I was wise enough to outwit you,” he said, folding his arms over his chest.

The taunting edge in his voice had the desired effect as Jacques slowly narrowed his gaze.

“An odd boast considering you are the one being locked in the cellars.”

“Perhaps, but I have the pleasure of knowing that I have ruined your attempts to lead Wellesley’s men into an ambush.”

A thick, explosive fury trembled through the air.

“How very clever of you,” Jacques snarled. “Do you mind sharing how you managed to discover…” He bit off his words with a sudden hiss. “Ah, Henderson and his brother.”

Gabriel savored the man’s biting disappointment. “Yes, your partners were quite forthcoming with a bit of encouragement.”

It took long moments before the Frenchman heaved out a sigh, his ire replaced with derisive resignation.

“A pity, but I always knew they were immoral wretches who would betray their own mother if they could make a profit,” he admitted. “I trust they will be suitably punished for their treachery?”

“Of course.” Gabriel twisted the knife. “As will their accomplice in the Home Office who has also been captured.”

A muscle knotted in Jacques’s jaw as he considered the various repercussions at the discovery of his conspirators.

“I presume Henderson also gave you the necessary information to find me?”

“Yes.”

“Merde.” Jacques shook his head. “It was a risk to reveal my destination, but they had promised to continue our rather profitable arrangement.”

Gabriel growled low in his throat at the man’s casual words. The profitable arrangement had no doubt cost the lives of dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of British soldiers over the past year.

“I assure you that your arrangement is at an end,” he snapped.

The mocking amusement returned to Jacques’s face. “True, but thankfully they were not my only associates and I do have Talia to offer me comfort.” His smile widened. “And speaking of your beautiful wife, I truly should ensure that she has not been unduly disturbed by your unwelcome arrival. Bonsoir, Ashcombe.”

Gabriel rushed forward just as the door was slammed in his face. With a curse he pounded his fist against the thick wood.

“Touch her and I will kill you, you bastard.”

CHAPTER NINE



IT SEEMED AN ETERNITY had passed before Talia heard the sound of approaching footsteps, although she knew it had been less than an hour since André had returned her to her luxurious chambers and firmly locked the door.

Anxiously pacing from one end of the room to the other, Talia came to an abrupt halt as the key was turned in the lock, and the door was pressed open.

“Jacques,” she breathed, pressing a hand to her quivering stomach as the Frenchman strolled to the center of the carpet with his usual grace. “What have you done to my…” As always she stumbled over the unfamiliar word. “Gabriel?” she instead muttered.