Page 63 of Tides of Resistance
Jack’s deep, tender voice spoke in her mind, guiding her through this terrible moment. ‘You must never doubt that we will win the war, Seagrove. There can be no other option. Entertaining one, can get you killed.’
Heinrich slowed the yacht and pointed with one gloved finger. ‘That is Fort National.’
The German war flag had replaced the French tricolour, and Lizzie studied the position of the gun emplacements and sentries visible on the walls, committing every detail to memory.
‘This is nothing compared to the defences we will build,’ Heinrich said, pride ringing in his voice as a light sea spray stroked Lizzie’s cheeks and they circled the forbidding fortress.
Heinrich was absorbed in the navigation of the rocky coastline, which required all his attention, and she realised it might be a blessing in disguise that they were alone.
‘That’s Dinard,’ he said some time later, and as they neared the coast, she saw a row of elegant waterfront villas and hotels. Heinrich cut the engine, and the yacht bobbed on the water, as Lizzie accepted a glass of chilled champagne.
Heinrich steered Lizzie firmly to face the other way and swept his hand towards the breathtaking view of St. Malo.
‘This is what I wanted you to see. Isn’t it stunning?’
Lizzie said it was mesmerising and released a taut breath when he dropped his hands from her shoulders.
The sun was sinking slowly over the ancient ramparts like a magical golden ball, illuminating the pale granite walls, and the St. Vincent Cathedral spire rose above the old city, reassuring in its timelessness. The scene was worthy of a picture postcard, and ruined only by the German flags and swastika banners every way she looked, proclaiming ownership of la belle France.
‘Sante, Rose. To many more moments together like this.’
They clinked glasses, and Heinrich moved closer.
He sipped his champagne and looked into her eyes. ‘Thank you for coming today. It means a lot. My posting can get lonely, so far away from my family and friends.’
Lizzie felt his subtle switch to intimacy, and her heart pounded as she imagined potential scenarios and how to extract herself without angering him.
A German patrol boat caught their attention, and Heinrich waved back to a member of the crew and acknowledged the horn blast.
‘Good men,’ he said, standing tall and looking pleased at the obvious show of respect in front of Lizzie. He drained his champagne. ‘Shall we proceed to the next stop—St. Lunaire?’
The mention of St. Lunaire troubled Lizzie, and she had no desire to go anywhere near it. It was too meaningful for comfort, and she thought of Fabian and Judith carrying out their sabotage operations.
Just as she was wondering how to get him to turn back to St. Malo, the yacht lurched in a series of swells caused by the passing military vessel. Lizzie stumbled as the yacht rolled sideways, and she dropped her glass and lost her footing, slamming against Heinrich’s chest.
He caught her in his muscular arms as she fell and pulled her close.‘Ach, mein Liebling!’
Lizzie fought to regain her balance and to distance herself, but the yacht continued to jerk to the fierce rhythm of the waves.
Heinrich gazed at her with a blazing hunger in his eyes. Then he bowed his head, and before she could stop him, his mouth devoured hers.
Lizzie stiffened within his firm grasp as his lips crushed hers.
Heinrich kissed her hungrily, and his large hand groped her breast as he lost control and pushed against her. Then he muttered, ‘Ah, it feels like I have wanted you forever. Such sweet torture.’
Lizzie wriggled beneath his hands but was too locked in his arms to wrench herself away.
Too much resistance could alert him to her real motives, not enough would seem like she was too easy a prize. It was a deadly game, and she shuddered as his hands roamed over her intimate parts. If things went much further, he would force himself on her right here on the deck, and she would have to kill him, which would be the end of her mission.
She couldn’t let that happen.
‘Please, Heinrich, not here,’ she gasped, appealing to his softer side.
Heinrich opened his eyes, but didn’t release her. ‘Come now. It is just us, Rose. There is nothing to fear. Let’s make the most of our time together when no one is watching. You know you want me as much as I want you.’
‘Of course I want you, Heinrich, but not here,’ she said, her voice shaky. ‘We might be seen by a passing fisherman, and then ...’
Heinrich sighed and reluctantly released his hold on her.
