Free Napoleon's Gift by Alie Infante

pout, then a shrug of her shoulders.
    “Bleeding old bastard.” Benjamin muttered, and Bartholomew howled with laughter.
    “If I may gentlemen?” Madame Soleil said, as she waved them her way.
    Both men stepped down into the foyer, and she led them towards the specialized counter.
    “And what shall you gentlemen require in drink this evening?”
    “I shall have a scotch.” Bartholomew replied, then looked at Benjamin.
    “Tis fine as well.” Benjamin muttered, and the keep poured two glasses.
    “And other pleasures?” Madame Soleil purred, and Bartholomew grinned.
    “Whatever Madame pleases.” He returned, and she laughed.
    “Then perhaps, you would like to retire as you sip your drinks.” She grinned, and motioned for them to follow her.
    “I should like that just fine, but do keep it simple.” Benjamin commented as he sa w the woman in the feather getup.
    “That it shall be.” Madame grinned as she led them up the stairs.
    She paused before a green door, then motioned Bartholomew forward. He grinned, winked at Benjamin, then went through the door.
    Madame walked further down the hall, then paused in front of a brown door.
    “Here you are sir.” She said, Benjamin frowned, but moved forward anyway.
    “She will be with you momentarily. The bar is there.” She stated, pointing to the small counter in the corner, filled with bottles of liquor, liqueur, and such.
    He nodded, and she closed the door.
    Madame Soleil hurried down the hall, then frowned as she saw Monique.
    “Where is she?”
    “In the red room Madame.” Monique replied, Madame nodded and brushed past her towards the red door.
    I looked up as the door opened, and surged off the bed.
    “You! Come, now.” She snapped clapping her hands; I nodded, then hurried from the room.
    I ran to catch her, but she paused, my chest slamm ing into her outstretched arm.
    “Has no one taught you sexy chér , we don’t not run like a team of horses. We must be séduisant, agréable et plein de promesses .” Sexy, pleasureable, and full of promisses, she said frowning down on me, and I nodded.
    She placed me in front of a brown door, then nodded.
    “Remember, séduisant, agréable et plein de promesses .” She commanded, and I nodded.
    As I pushed the door open, he looked up from the bar, and my quick intake of breath lodged itself in my throat.
    My word, but he was a handsome devil!
    The eyes were what caught my attention, and seemed so familiar.
    He gave me a peculiar look , frowned studying me for several moments, and as the dressing gown slipped from my grasp, there was a slight grin as he looked at me now.
    “And ye are?” He asked, and I just started at him. “Can y e speak any English?” He inquired when I continued to just gawk at him.
    It was as if my voice refused to obey my commands to work.
    Then I remember Madame said to speak French only.
    “ Parlez-vous français? ” Do ye speak French? He tried again, and my cords spurred forward.
    “ Oui. ” I cried, he chuckled, then offered me the drink. “Mon seigneur, je ne participent pas à boisson .” My lord, I do not partake in spirits. I said, and he smiled.
    “It is fine, take it. I daresay it shall loosen ye up a bit.” He countered, and I just looked at him.
    “ Excusez-moi ?” I questioned.
    “Oooh bloody hell, il est très bien, prenez-la. J’ose dire qu'il vous détendre un peu .” He repeated, and I bit my lip to keep from smiling.
    “ Je n’ai jamais pris part à l’alcool, je n’ai bu du vin .” I stated I only drink wine, never spirits. He smiled, and good lord above what a smile.
    I honestly thought the man beautiful.
    “ Ensuite, il ya une première fois pour tout. ” Then there is a first time for everything, he said handing the glass my way.
    I accepted it, took a timid taste, then commenced to choke.
    He grinned, and I frowned.
    “ S’asseoir .” Sit, he said and I nodded, perching myself on the edge of the armchair. He removed his top coat, then his