The Escape Read Online Free PDF Page A

fingers tighter, struggling to keep her emotions in check. She blinked against her tears, and met Eric’s gaze.
    “Mademoiselle,” he said in a clear tone that shook her more than the simple term should have. “Please, allow me to show you to my shop.”
    Eric silently guided her across the street, not speaking further. He didn’t touch her, nor did he look at her as they walked side-by-side down the walkway. No one watched them, at least not overtly, and Gabrielle appreciated Eric’s restraint in not touching her. In recalling where they were and that, to the outside gaze, they were, indeed, strangers.
    Police spies lurked at every corner, waited in every shop storefront. It was impossible to be too careful.
    The distant roar of the crowds jarred her. Gabrielle stumbled as memory washed over her; she’d almost forgotten about those sounds. The screams of delight as another noble or suspected Royalist died beneath Madame Guillotine. She shuddered as the cries rolled over the streets, but didn’t pause and didn’t look at the other pedestrians walking down the busy avenues.
    Instead, she blocked out the cheering crowds, the memory of that filthy prison. The rats, the constant hunger and despair. Gabrielle shook her head and raised her chin. That part of her life lay firmly buried in the past. Today, with the sun shining brightly down on her, with her lover beside her, Gabrielle thought only on that. Only on her future. On Eric.
    The guillotine must have been busy today, Gabrielle thought with some bitterness. It usually was these days. She hadn’t heard it before now. Unsurprising, she supposed, given how focused she’d been on this meeting. Anticipation had blocked everything save Eric from her thoughts.
    As they continued down the curved Rue de Fleur, her mind raced with possibilities. However, Gabrielle knew they needed the privacy to speak openly. It didn’t stop her from worrying what Eric might tell her.
    Did André wait for them in this shop? She dared not raise her hopes.
    The small millinery lay deserted when they entered. Eric merely nodded at the grey haired proprietress who was diligently weaving a ribbon through an ivory hat and ushered Gabrielle into the back. Curious, worried, and wrestling to maintain what little control she had left, Gabrielle followed him past piles of ribbons and cloth.
    Eric paused before a door, and took her elbow. The first time he touched her. Gabrielle’s blood raced at the familiar feel of him. Before she let herself fully accept his touch, Eric opened the door.
    André stood inside the small storage room.
    Gabrielle wanted to race forward and embrace André. She wanted to touch him, kiss him; wanted to do the same to Eric. Dazed, speechless, her knees weakened as two years of strictly held emotions flooded free.
    Eric’s strong hands gripped her about the waist, holding her steady. Then his mouth touched hers, and Gabrielle had never felt such relief, such passion. That kiss was all she remembered and more, so much more.
    Her fears evaporated, gone as Eric’s familiar taste invaded her senses, one she would never forget. Gabrielle held him close and allowed herself to drown in his kiss. Beside her, she felt André’s presence, and wanted him as well. Wanted to see him again, to drink in his handsome face.
    Eric must have sensed this, for he broke the kiss but still held her close. His hands were warm on her face as he cupped her cheeks and rested his forehead against hers. Gabrielle turned to look at André, started for him.
    Her legs buckled, and Gabrielle let out a sobbing laugh. André closed the distance between them. His mouth covered hers, warm and demanding. Caught between her lovers, as she longed to be, Gabrielle felt the near perfection of this moment.
    André’s warm brown eyes held hers, caressing her face. Beneath her hand, his strong chest felt real and solid. The fingers of one hand brushed down the side of her cheek and sent a tingle of awareness