Midnight Flame by Lynette Vinet Read Free Book Online

Delaney was different from the one he had built in his mind. The two images were at such odds that, as he glanced at the waters of Bayou Cortableau, he felt almost as if Lavinia were two different people. He even felt remorse for having to hurt the vulnerable side of her, the one that would capture his heart if he weren’t careful.
    Unwillingly his loins tightened in recall of the way her hand had slid onto his chest that night on the boat. Her lips had tasted like nectar, drugging him with their sweetness, almost causing him to forget his purpose. Her body had molded to his, and he remembered thinking how well their bodies fit together.
    Tony shook himself to drive the memory from his mind. He could almost understand how his uncle had been taken in by this deceiving temptress, who appeared fragile and trusting and inexperienced. He still remembered the crimson stains on her cheeks when she drew away from him. He would have believed Lavinia was innocent if he didn’t know better. The reports from the investigator had been thorough. Lavinia Delaney led a wild existence, and her father had been glad to be rid of her. Tony had discovered that she would be on the Cotton Blossom, and he had followed her. The woman he had met was nothing like what he expected, but beneath her pristine exterior beat the heart of a wanton woman. His uncle was proof of that.
    Squaring his broad shoulders, he walked away from the bayou. He must drive the angel image from his mind and replace it with the one of the whore. When he did so, he wouldn’t feel so guilty, he decided, because soon his plan would be set in motion.
    ~ ~ ~

    Lavinia disappeared in a flurry of dark taffeta skirts and delighted blue eyes as the coach door closed behind her. She barely managed a wave to Laurel before the coach sped away, leaving Laurel standing alongside the street.
    The afternoon sun disappeared behind a large gray cloud, bringing a gentle breeze in its wake. But seconds later the cloud skittered away, and once again the sun shone brightly in the heavens and warmed Laurel with its intensity.
    “We could do with some rain.”
    She turned at the sound of Tony Duvalier’s voice behind her. “It is rather warm for this time of year,” Laurel remarked.
    He fell into step with her and walked in the direction of the hotel. She felt terribly small alongside of his six-foot frame, and when he gallantly took her elbow to escort her across the street, she realized how strong his hand felt. In her mind flashed the picture of his face bent to hers, his mouth devouring hers in a kiss, and caused her to feel much warmer than the weather actually was. A wanton kiss. A kiss that even now made her heart beat faster just to recall.
    She saw he was looking down at her with an amused glint in his eyes, and she flushed. It was almost as if the man could read her mind. “Am I so amusing to you, Mr. Duvalier?” she asked somewhat waspishly. “Or is my bonnet on crooked?”
    Tony stopped walking and peered down at her. His hand snaked out and touched a wayward dark curl that rested near her cheek. “Your bonnet is fine, but I think you’d be more comfortable without one. You do have beautiful hair.”
    Her voice sounded breathy, almost catching in her throat when she said, “Thank you.”
    A warm smile engulfed his face. “I appreciate a woman who can take an honest compliment and not pretend modesty.” He took her elbow again and escorted her back to the hotel. When they were in the lobby, he turned to her. “I have plans for us tonight.”
    She blinked. “What plans?”
    “A surprise, but I expect you to be ready at seven.”
    He started to turn away as if the matter were settled. She tugged at his coat sleeve. “I can’t make plans for this evening. I must pack for my trip, and I have to check on Gincie.”
    “I was just at Doctor Mornay’s. Gincie has a touch of pneumonia, and he thinks it best that she not travel right now.”
    “Oh, my!” Laurel placed a gloved