Chapter 15
Fleur
“Have you actually killed anyone?” My question was out of the blue, but I’d had the thought on my mind the entire time since he’d arrived.
“Is that a question you either want or expect an answer to?” The twinkle in Montgomery’s eyes was even more pronounced than I’d seen before.
“Yes, I prefer the truth and as I told you before, I like knowing who I’m dealing with. For example. If you’d found the driver who almost ran me down, would you have turned him or her over to the police?”
His laugh was stark, almost haunted and definitely ripped with the same anger I’d seen before. “Let’s just say he or even she, although I doubt a woman was driving, would learn what harsh punishment felt like.”
“You’re not the law.”
“You’re right. I’m more effective than any law enforcement agency.”
The shudder coursing through me had little to do with fear. His words excited me.
He sat back, grabbing his napkin. He hadn’t been kidding about being a hungry man. He’d consumed three portions. A sweet surprise, which worked well with our conversations. He’d spoken more than ten words at a time, animated while describing certain events in his life.
Although with sharing every memory, he’d managed to skip over anything that might lead me to believe his family was anything other than normal.
The thought brought a secret giddiness to my system.
As if my family was normal in any aspect.
Well, the truth was it had once been, idealistic in almost every way.
Then the rug had been ripped out from under me and Danny.
My fingers drifted to the necklace again.
I also couldn’t help but give a quick thought to the near hit and run.
Montgomery had remained right with me, holding me while I avoided ridiculous tears.
A dozen people had crowded around us, all suggesting various makes and models of vehicles, none of which were likely accurate.
I hadn’t completely lied about the sun, only it had been in my eyes, not the driver’s. That’s why all I’d seen was a figure behind the wheel. Did I believe it to be a man? Yes, but I wasn’t about to accuse anyone. Even if a horrible thought had kept me on edge the entire day.
Montgomery’s brow furrowed with heavy concentration, the obvious moment of reflection keeping me fascinated. “The short answer to your first question is yes. Men who deserved to die.”
“Judge and jury.”
“As required.”
“Someday maybe you’ll explain more about what requirement you’re talking about.”
He leaned over the table, so close my breath was ripped away. “You seem surprised after you asked for honesty.”
“Not necessarily surprised. I understood what I read about you and your family, the… work you do.”
Another deep, throaty laugh brought a series of tingling sensations.
“If you read about my family’s work then you know we’re highly engaged in the New Orleans community.
Our little stores have been a part of the French Quarter scene for over two decades.
The brainchild of my mother. She demanded an entirely different legacy for the family and her grandchildren. ”
“Grandchildren? Does that mean you want children?”
He lifted a single eyebrow. “Do I look like father of the year material?”
“No, but people change when they have a family.” Why was I bothering?
“Your first instincts about me were spot on.”
Something else that was good to know. I, on the other hand, not that he was asking, wanted a passel of kids. Four. Maybe five. I was beginning to believe that would never happen.
“The pictures of the restaurant and club are beautiful. That I can admit. The choice is not what I would have expected for such an important legacy.” I allowed myself to laugh. I certainly hadn’t told a lie.
“The photographs don’t do the business justice. I’m curious. What do you believe that legacy should entail?”
Shrugging, I wasn’t certain if he wanted my truths. But I gave it to him anyway. “Illegal drugs. Weapons. Extortion.”
“Just like the article.”
“Well, yes. Are you denying your family thrives based on illegal activities?” Now I leaned over. The delicious scent combination of sweet peppers, garlic, onions, and the man’s aftershave was a scintillating feast for my nose.
“No, I’m not. However, Indulgence is truly our bread and butter.
” Without realizing he’d moved, I noticed his fingers were dangerously close to my lips.
As usual, none of his moves were done quickly so when he swiped his finger across my lips, I shuddered instead of pulling away.
Turning his hand, he pointed out the spot of spaghetti sauce before pulling his finger into his mouth.
Everything the man did was sensual.
“So everyone respects and fears you in town.”
He cocked his handsome head, shaking it slightly.
“If you’re asking if we brandish guns as we walk down the street, pointing them at locals and tourists alike, maybe even frisking them or issuing threats on a daily basis, then I’d say you’ve been watching too many movies.
We are regular people doing regular things, trying to make and keep money. ”
“Regular people. Not a chance. What do you do for fun, skin chickens or use black magic spells on your enemies?”
“That would be my grandmother’s territory. You’d need to ask her about the chickens, but I can tell you she continues to use little bags of gris-gris to this day. That being said, I assure you for positive spells invoking health and good fortune. At least for the most part.”
I wasn’t expecting his answer and could easily laugh. As with almost everything around him, the emotion felt natural. “I think I’d love to meet your grandmother. I’m a bit of an empath, you know.”
“Oh, you are.”
“And I’m in contact with spirits.” I swirled the liquid in my glass of wine for a few seconds before slowly lifting my head. He seemed fascinated.
“The many layers of the beautiful woman are even more fascinating than I knew.”
“But you don’t believe me.”
“My grandmother had indulged in acts of black magic all her life. Why wouldn’t I believe you could talk to spirits?”
“Because I can tell when you’re lying. I’ll prove it to you. Go make yourself at home in the living room and I’ll be right back.”
His eyebrows scrunched, the scruff on his cheeks and chin dark enough I longed to run my fingers through the coarse stubble, but I refrained.
I stood before the attraction became too intense. This was a dinner amongst friends and nothing more. “Oh, and sit on the floor. That’s the way I like it.” As soon as I made the suggestion, my eyes fell to the cane. Feeling horrible, I pressed my fingers against my lips.
“Relax, Fleur. I think my leg can handle a little floor time.”
“If you’re sure.”
His look with his eyes completely hooded sent a shiver down my spine.
The fire in his eyes almost kept me in the kitchen, but I willed myself away, heading into my office.
I kept the few board games I owned on the shelf in the closet.
As soon as I pulled the Ouija board into my hand, a strange sense of calm washed over me.
That wasn’t unusual, but almost instantly, I also felt a kindred spirit.
As if whatever black magic his grandmother dabbled in had kept the world of spirits wide open around him.
I found him exactly where I’d told him to be.
His sleeves were rolled up, his shirttail jerked from his jeans and he was sitting cross-legged.
A powerful mafia man in the middle of my living room waiting for my instructions.
The deep core throb made it difficult to keep my thoughts clean.
I also noticed he’d placed his weapon on the table as well.
“Do you always carry your weapon with you no matter where you go?” Even as I sat down, I couldn’t take my eyes off the handgun.
“You know why, Fleur. My weapon is merely an extension of my wardrobe.”
“Entirely different than a hand-crafted watch or diamond cufflinks.”
“Maybe so, but vital to my operations.”
“You mean to your life.” I plunked the board down, no longer certain the game was a good idea. He’d been honest with me, which I appreciated. He wasn’t making excuses for what he was like so many men would do. He was simply choosing not to provide gory details about the number of lives he’d ended.
“And to those I care about. I will do whatever it takes to keep my friends and family safe and free from predators attempting to destroy who we are and what we’ve created.”
A little lump had formed in my throat. I could only imagine what he did with his enemies.
He studied me as I placed the board in between us. “A Ouija board. You’re serious.”
“Absolutely. You can learn everything you need to know about life or about a person from the spirits beyond.”
“I thought that happened with using tarot cards.”
“This is a much more direct and effective method. Trust me.” I winked, holding my breath for a few seconds as the glimmer of the flameless candles highlighted every carved inch of his handsome face.
“I do trust you.”
“Good. Place your fingers on the planchette. Lightly. Don’t press down.” When he held a quizzical look, I laughed. “The plastic piece.” The moment he touched the piece, another cold shiver startled me. “Not that hard. A light touch. Even your muscular fingers can manage that.”
He snorted, shifting and I could tell he wasn’t used to sitting on the floor. “How does this work?”
“We ask questions and the spirits will guide us. I’ll go first. It helps if you close your eyes and concentrate.
” The man was highly difficult, taking his time to close his eyes.
I bit back a laugh and closed mine, taking deep breaths as well as a few seconds before I asked a question out loud. “Spirits. Are you with us?”
Other than the music playing softly in the background, there was no other noise. Until a slight scraping sound. Opening one eye, I managed to see his disbelief in his eyes. When the planchette slid to ‘yes,’ he huffed.
“You moved the piece.” His tone was deep, unbelieving.
“I did not. There are spirits walking the earth amongst us. They provide guidance if we allow. Didn’t your grandmother share with you how it works? Weren’t you born with her same gifts?”
“My sister? Definitely. My older brother? Maybe. I’ve been lucky my entire life.”
“I think you’re denying your gifts. The spirits were telling me you’re very powerful.”
His grin was adorable with the way his nose scrunched up. “Maybe so, but not in the way the spirits are leading you to believe.”
“Then let’s ask them. Fingers on the planchette.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Is Montgomery Prince a powerful man?”
I wasn’t surprised the piece moved to ‘yes’ quickly. He wasn’t impressed, even rolling his eyes.
“Okay, is he a dangerous man?”
Another ‘yes’ without hesitation. I thought about what to ask next.
“Can I trust him even with my life?” I didn’t concentrate on the board but on the man sitting across from me.
With his eyebrows furrowed, I could easily tell he was concentrating.
The piece didn’t move for a few seconds.
When it did, I was certain the spirits were providing a negative answer. Another cold chill shifted through me.
No, I wasn’t in the habit of running my life by way of using the Ouija board, but knowing what the spirits had to say seemed important. Very slowly, it shifted gears, the piece sliding firmly to ‘yes.’ He seemed not only surprised by the answer given, but also relieved.
“The spirits are never wrong,” I offered whimsically.
“Am I allowed to ask a question?” His heated gaze spoke volumes.
My body reacted appropriately, shuddering with a wave of white-hot sizzle. “Of course.”
“Let me think.” He took a deep breath, scrubbing his jaw before placing his fingers in position. “Is the lovely redhead as magically talented as she is beautiful?” When it shot to ‘yes,’ I laughed.
“You pushed it on purpose and don’t deny it. Also don’t do it again or the spirits will become very angry. You don’t want that to happen.”
“Oh, of course not. No cheating this time.” Montgomery took his time before asking a second question. “Will my presence endanger my amazing companion?”
When the planchette drifted to an affirmative again, I quickly pulled my fingers away. “Not good enough. Keep your fingers in position.” I returned mine, furious the spirits were trying to ruin my evening. “How am I in danger?”
Given we’d asked yes and no questions, I wasn’t certain if the spirits were inclined to a more complex answer. Very slowly, words were spelled out.
B-E-C-A-U-S-E M-E-N W-I-L-L C-O-M-E
While taking and holding a deep breath, I lifted my head. He was still perplexed but also something else. Angry. Furious with the world.
“What men?” I asked. “The ones who shot you?”
“Don’t worry about whether that’s true or not, my French flower. You will be safe. That I promise. However, I believe we should leave the spirits alone for tonight. If not, you’ll find out all my dirty little secrets.”
“Oh, we wouldn’t want that. What do you want to do?” Maybe I was goading him. Maybe I was still uncertain how I felt about him.
“Do you take visitors in your studio?”
Why did he feel the need to lean across the board, his lips so close to mine I could almost taste them? Why did he feel the need to look more rugged tonight than usual?
And why did I have a terrible feeling we couldn’t just stay friends?
“Not usually, but for you I’ll make an exception.”