Page 44 of Rogue Lyon

He wanted her.

As she wanted him.

Chapter Eleven

They’d finished their delicious meal and then Jules suggested a port in the hotel’s beautiful amber-lit lounge.

A barman with a curled, black moustache had served them from behind a long, polished mahogany bar and they’d taken seats beside a window that gave them a view of the busy Parisian street by night.

With each sip of his drink, Jules had become more desperate for the night to move on in the way he hoped it would. Every smile Meredith gave him, each funny anecdote she came out with had him falling a little bit more for her.

What was going on with him?

“Ah, Jules Habsburg, as I live and breathe.”

Jules looked up at the sound of his name. “Mr. Delaware, what a pleasant surprise.” He stood and shook hands with the tall gentleman before him. His nose was overly large, but he had a small, pointed beard that almost balanced it out.

“I presume you are here for the art exhibition tomorrow?” Mr. Delaware asked.

“Naturally.” Jules inclined his head at his fellow art collector. “And hoping for some exciting pieces.”

“Aren’t we all.” He turned to Meredith. “And you are visiting Paris with lovely company, I see.” He smiled and held out his hand to Meredith.

She set hers in his and he drew her knuckles to his lips.

Jules frowned, a sudden feeling of possession coming over him. The twinkle in Mr. Delaware’s eyes was a little too appreciative.

“Lady Eloise Habsburg, I presume?”

Jules felt as though a lead weight had dropped into his guts.

“Er… I…” Meredith frowned and looked at him.

“I see you have made an honest woman of the duke’s daughter after all his huffing and blowing.” Mr. Delaware nodded at the fake wedding ring. “Congratulations to you both.”

“This is—” Jules started.

“Meredith.” She stood, chin tilted and a flash of defiance in her eyes. “Very pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Delaware, and in such sumptuous surroundings.”

“Oh…Meredith.” Mr. Delaware frowned and turned to Jules. “Your bride?”

“And isn’t she delightful?” Jules stepped close to Meredith and slipped his hand to her waist. “I simply couldn’t resist. Couldn’t help myself.” He shrugged, going for nonchalant. “Practically ran up the altar.”

“Finally caught, old boy.” Mr. Delaware’s face broke into a grin. “Good for you, young lady, but watch him. He can weave a yarn.”

“Oh, I know that for certain.” She gave Jules a narrow-eyed look. “But I can see through them. I have a knack for seeing the real story.”

“Excellent, excellent.” Mr. Delaware rubbed his hands together and then gestured to the bar. “I would love to stay and buy you each a drink, but I’m afraid I am meeting someone.”

“Oh?” Jules was curious. “And who might that be?”

“Monsieur François Gérard.”

Jules was impressed.

“You have heard of him?” Meredith asked.

“Yes.” Jules nodded. “He has several pieces of note. Hopefully, we will see them tomorrow.”