Page 71 of Daughters of Paris

‘Did I really say that? I am so sorry, Colette. I don’t remember.’

‘Yes. You were furious and told me I was stupid and reckless.’

Sébastien removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Without the thick lenses he had to peer at her. In the bright sunlight myriad colours danced over his irises. Chestnut and coffee and chocolate. Colette felt a pang of hunger.

‘I did think you were reckless,’ he admitted. ‘But now I appreciate your bravery too. You did it out of love for Fleur. You sheltered your other friend. You have one of the kindest natures I think I have met.’

‘You got angry with me for suggesting I go to the club,’ Colette said. She narrowed her eyes, wondering if Fleur’s conclusion about the reason behind his anger was right.

‘I am afraid that was purely selfish. I have many faults and jealousy is one. Even though I have no right to dictate what you do, I didn’t like the thought.’

‘Fleur was right,’ Colette said smugly.

‘Fleur is often right,’ Sébastien said, grinning.

She manoeuvred his hands down so that they were on her hips, then slipped hers round his waist beneath his open jacket. His lips twitched.

‘What are you doing?’

‘What do you think?’ She had to stand on tiptoes to reach his mouth, and in doing so her balance faulted. She felt his hands tighten, steadying her and at the same time he stepped closer so they were brushing against each other. When she had kissed him outside the hotel it had been a show of defiance and the passion had been brought on by the heat of their performance and the emotions of that evening. Now she was kissing him because she wanted to kiss him. Wanted to kisshim.

It was unlike any kiss she could remember. Tender and sweet. She drew back and opened her eyes. She looked at him, wondering if he had closed his. She always did and it struck her for the first time she had no idea whether men did that too or if they watched their woman’s face.

‘I want to go to bed with you,’ Sébastien said.

His voice was deep and slightly strangled. A tingle spread through Colette, working its way down her limbs.

‘I want to go to bed with you too,’ she murmured. She glanced around but no convenient bed appeared.

‘I’m not making love to you hidden in a bush up against the Orangerie wall,’ Sébastien said, grinning as he followed her eyes.

‘There is something to be said for that.’ Colette giggled. Her humour evaporated as she remembered the frantic sex in the Secret Garden with Gunther. It had been exciting and certainly informative, but what had it led to? An unwanted child and rejection. It had meant nothing to her in the end. She very much did not want it to be like that with Sébastien. She was glad now that Delphine had forced her into secrecy as it meant there was no way of Sébastien discovering her shameful past.

‘We should get back to Fleur. I need to apologise for storming off.’ She brushed her lips against his jaw and whispered. ‘I would like to go dancing one night, but I’d like to go with you, not Sophie and Josette. Do you know anywhere interesting?’

She had no doubt that if she started the evening dancing with Sébastien, she would finish the night in his bed.

He looked thoughtful. ‘I know lots of places, but I’m not sure they would be the quality you are used to. Give me time, though, and I’m sure I could think of somewhere. I’ll let you know.’

They walked back to Fleur and the blanket. Colette untwined her arm from Sébastien’s as they approached, doing her best to conceal her anticipation.

Fleur had packed away the picnic while they had been gone. She was absorbed in a book – she carried one everywhere, Colette suspected – and she looked up as they approached. Her eyes were wary and she looked vulnerable. Colette couldn’t imagine her involved in dangerous operations, but maybe that would work in her favour and the Nazis would assume the same thing. She knelt beside Fleur and kissed her cheek.

‘I’m sorry for all that. I don’t like it, but I can see why you want to do it.’

‘Thank you.’ Fleur leaned briefly against Colette. ‘We should go.’

Sébastien helped her to her feet then reach his hands out for Colette. She took them. Even that simple touch, completely innocent, sent flames dancing along her arms. Goodness, she was quite infatuated it seemed. It was unusual for her, and she wasn’t sure she liked it. It was one thing deciding to go to bed with him but quite another to risk actually falling for him. They parted at the Luxor Obelisk.

‘Will you be there at the cinema?’ Fleur asked Sébastien.

‘No. I’ve passed on the message; that’s all I am meant to do. Neither of you should go either. Say goodbye to your friend as he leaves your house.’

Colette stiffened. ‘Why do you think he’s at the house? We haven’t said where he was.’

‘No, you didn’t,’ Sébastien said. ‘It was just a guess, but it looks like I am right. Be careful with what you say and who you say it to.’

He tipped his hat and walked off, swinging the picnic basket. Fleur and Colette walked home in silence. There was not much to say that had not already been said.

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