FAMILY TIES

BY: ROSE CARR

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The moonlight illuminated the narrow stretch of shoreline along the small lake. Richelleen loved the feel of the wet sand between her toes as they walked along the edges of the choppy waters, smiling as the frothy waves splashed closer to her feet. Supper had been superb; Javert had taken her to one of their favorite places and they’d eaten far more than they should have urged on perhaps by the glasses of the fine wine he had selected. She noticed the curious glances from the other diners as they ate. They were a striking couple to be sure, he with his broad shoulders and shining silver hair and her with her wasp waist, curling black hair and red lips. But Javert was well known and respected by many, and so was she in certain circles, so the looks could have been ones of admiration, or just simple curiosity. Thankfully the curious ones respected their privacy and left them in peace. No one followed them when they slipped down to the lake for a quiet walk. Richelleen watched her husband quietly as he gazed out at the restless water, his expression calm and content. So intent was she on watching Javert that an errant wave caught her by surprise causing her to jump and gasp as the cold water ran over her feet. She bumped hard against Javert who caught her around the waist to prevent her from falling. She felt her heart skip a beat at his touch, his muscular body warm and hard against hers. She marveled that his touch could still excite her in the same way it had the first time he took her into his arms. Desire bloomed in her cheeks making her feel like a young schoolgirl with a crush on the headmaster.

Javert smiled down at her and started to speak when he saw movement in the shadows in the dark grove of trees that skirted the shoreline. He resisted the urge to look directly at the stand of trees and smoothly continued their conversation. Richelleen noticed the slight stiffing in his stance and frowned. “Is there anything wrong?”

He smiled, setting her mind at ease with his explanation. “I think that a storm is brewing, you see…out there to the west?” Richelleen turned to look. “Could be, but it’s still far away. She slipped her arms under his jacket and rubbed his back. “Was that all that you were thinking about?”

He raised one eyebrow and looked into her brown eyes dancing with mischief. “If you must know I was really thinking about what I’m going to do to you when we get home.”

“Really,” she said leering at him comically. “And just what would those things be my dear Inspector?” He whispered in her ear; a thrill shot through her. “Why monsieur, are you trying to seduce me?”

“Um well,” he cleared his throat. “Yes I am. Am I succeeding,” he asked, his voice deep and husky as he trailed soft kisses down the glossy skin of her sinewy neck that made her shiver. She smiled up at him feeling a rush of happiness so strong that it was like a drug. Their lips met and she felt the tip of his tongue graze the underside of lip that sent goose bumps from her head to the tips of her toes. Lost in the kiss the nest wave caught both of them in its wash. This time they both jumped, Richelleen, glancing down, saw his boots were soaked. “Oh, my, look at your boots.”

“They will dry,’ Javert said his voice husky.” He pulled Richelleen closer to him, feeling anger that someone out there was watching them in their private moments. His eyes searched the dark area beyond the shore. He hoped that whoever it was out there was just a harmless soul, perhaps a couple just like them looking for privacy but he dared not take the chance that any incident was innocent. It was time for them to go. “Ready to go home,” he asked her hoping the worry did not show in his voice.

She gave him one more squeeze and smiled. “Yes, let’s go home.”

He took her by the arm and risked another quick glance at the stand of trees as they started back towards the restaurant but kept their lighthearted banter going. There was no need to let the people or person know that they had been seen. He made a mental note to give the information to Sevie so he could inspect the area in the morning.

The men squatted down in the damp woods excited at what they had observed. The shorter one hissed to his partner. “So he does have a weakness! His guard is down when he’s with his woman. Hurry! We must tell Renaud of this.”

to be continued....

Contact the author: Rosematuse@aol.com

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