Unveiled Secret

CHAPTER 10

Vivienne pulled her cloak tighter as she hurried through the rainy Paris streets. Mud sucked at her boots with each step toward Le Coeur Brisé, Philipe Beaumont's seedy bar. She cursed under her breath, hating that she had to beg him for more time, but she was desperate.

Ducking inside, Vivienne blinked against the haze of pipe smoke. Rough voices and raucous laughter filled the room as she scanned the crowd. Her heart sank when she spotted Philipe holding court with a group of rough-looking men at a corner table.

Squaring her shoulders, she marched over. "Monsieur Beaumont, might I have a word?"

Philipe looked up lazily, a slow smile spreading as he eyed her up and down. "Mademoiselle...de La Rouge, isn't it? What an unexpected pleasure. Please, join us." His companions hooted suggestions that made Vivienne's cheeks burn.

She remained standing. "I've come to discuss our...business matter."

"Business can wait." Philipe snaked out an arm to grab her wrist. "Have a drink first."

"Stop it!" Vivienne said through gritted teeth. "You know my situation. I'm asking for a little more time."

"Oui? And why should I oblige?" Eyes glinting, Philipe pulled her nearer.

Vivienne struggled against his grip. "Let go of me!"

"Not until we finish our conversation."

"I have nothing more to say." She tried prying his fingers off.

"Tsk. Such rudeness to your host."

Vivienne forced calm into her voice. "Monsieur Beaumont. As I said, Doctor Becket will soon return from London. When he does, our business can be concluded to your satisfaction."

"Peh! Your precious doctor." Philipe drained his glass and slammed it down. "I don't give a damn about Becket or your excuses."

Panting, Vivienne leaned down to stare him in the eyes. "You've left me no choice. This is my last offer. Wait, or you get nothing at all."

Philipe threw back his head and laughed. "You dare threaten me, little girl?" His arm snaked out and grabbed the front of her dress, buttons popping free down her chest. "It is you with no choice at all!" Vivienne gasped and pulled away, clutching her dress closed. The laughter around them faded, replaced by a tense hush that zeroed in on her.

"Let go of me, Philipe!" Vivienne's voice trembled, but her determination anchored her stance.

An even deeper shame settled over her. "Look at how you've fallen," Philipe sneered, his gaze trailing down the exposed fabric. "Once a fierce avenger, now you cower in a dress that barely holds you together."

Vivienne straightened, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I may be in this dress, but don't mistake my fear for weakness. I'm begging you for time, not for mercy." 

"The clock is ticking, Vivienne," Philipe said, tilting his head as if assessing her worth. "Each day you waste gives me more power over you."

"You think you hold power over me?" Vivienne shot back, fire igniting in her eyes. "You're woefully mistaken."

"Am I?" Philipe leaned back, the smile widening across his lips, revealing a grin that held no warmth. "You're standing here, having nothing but borrowed time, clinging to faded dreams of freedom. Tell me, what will you do when I come for payment? Will your precious doctor waste his time rescuing you again?"

Vivienne clenched her fists at her sides. "Doctor Becket will be back soon, and I won't let you intimidate me any longer."

Philipe leaned in closer, his breath hot against her ear. "Intimidation? My dear Vivienne, this is merely business. You brought me into your life, and now you must prepare for the consequences." He pulled back, his gaze icy, leaving her shaken.