Fallen Angel (A Dangerous Hearts Romance) by Deborah Camp

Author:Deborah Camp [Camp, Deborah]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

When York strode into the Establishment later that evening, heroic in his white suit, he looked to Justine like Gabriel coming forth to confront Lucifer. And not a moment to spare, she thought, having already donned the mint green dress Madame Chloe preferred—the one she’d sworn never to wear again, especially in York’s presence, because she’d worn it on that night. Anxious and worried that she’d have to cause a scene by telling Madame Chloe she had absolutely no intention of servicing any of the customers, Justine melted in the nearest chair when she caught sight of York.

Sweet Jesus, Joseph, and Mary, he’d arrived, as good as his word. She bobbed her head in relief, thinking his word was the only dependable thing about him.

Spotting Justine’s limp figure on the corner settee, he returned her silent greeting before kissing the back of Madame Chloe’s hand and murmuring something for Madame’s ears only. Then he escorted Madame Chloe into her office and closed the door firmly behind them.

“What’s that all about?” Cherry Vanilla asked, and all eyes locked on Justine.

“I haven’t the slightest idea,” Justine lied, forcing herself to stand and praying that her knees wouldn’t buckle. “I didn’t even know he was coming around this evening.”

“Bet I can guess,” Cherry said, bestowing a wise look on the others. Fussing with the lace edging her low-cut bodice, Cherry became coy, waiting for someone to beg the information out of her.

“What?” Justine asked, wondering what Cherry might have concocted in her simple brain. “What do you think you know?”

Cherry smiled, glad to be asked. “I’d bet a week’s wages that he’s in there playing right into Madame Chloe’s hands,” Cherry said with a mysterious smile as she sashayed aimlessly about the parlor, pausing briefly to exchange a conspiratorial grin with Ivory Sparks.

“How’s that?” Blond Babette asked, and the other girls echoed the question. Everyone but Justine, who didn’t think she wanted the answer.

“Why, it’s simple. We all know Madame doesn’t need an extra flounce around the place tonight.” She directed a glance in Justine’s vicinity. “It’ll be as slow as molasses, always is on Thursdays. Blanche is out sick, but so what? Us girls could manage fine.”

The working girls nodded, agreeing with Cherry’s summation so far.

“But Madame Chloe wants Justine to work. Why?” Cherry gazed at each of her sisters-in-sin, one by one. She arched her brows in a way that implied she had all the answers and was just being stingy. When their expectation began to border on impatience, she propped her hands on her hips and drew in a deep breath as if she were preparing to blow the house down. “Because she knew York Masters wouldn’t be able to stand the thought of some hairy-legged, gray-handed miner loving up to his woman!” She laughed, delighted with her cleverness. “Don’t y’all see? Hell’s bells, she’s done this sort of thing before, ain’t she? Poor York will pay dearly to keep Jussie his and his alone. I betcha that’s what he’s a doin’ right this here minute.

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