Disclaimer: I do not own the X-men or anything associated with them…
A/N: As I mentioned before, Sekmeht is a character from the comics. I'm going to change her background a little, but I'll explain in the story. For now, she will remain Egyptian in heritage, but will have been raised primarily in England.
Thanks to all those who reviewed!
Chapter 4: Sekmeht Conoway
Morning came quickly. Rogue had hardly slept and the first rays of the morning sun mocked her as they danced through her cabin, slipping through the windows at the stern. Silently cursing the onset of day, Rogue stretched her slender arms above her head, and rested on her elbow facing the window. The Devil's Lust was visible in the distance, alive with early morning preparations. The crew was scurrying about the deck carrying out whatever orders had been issued. The distance between the ships made it impossible for her to identify anyone in particular, but a thought slowly began to creep into her mind. If Remy was to sail first, he could easily reach Port Royal before the others. Even the Anna Marie couldn't keep pace with a ship like the Devil's Lust. If he acquired the necklace first, there was no guarantee that he would share the information with them. They had no allegiances, did they? She had shared her discovery, but she had needed their help. Would he return the favor, or would he try to claim the prize for himself? She couldn't take that risk.
Rogue jumped to her feet and quickly dressed. When she reached the helm, she found that Kitty and Wanda were already preparing the course, and the crew was readying the ship.
"When can we lift anchor?" Rogue asked as she double checked their calculations.
"Soon, Captain." Kitty replied.
"We need to sail before the Devil's Lust can gain an advantage." Rogue's eyes flickered in the direction of the ship. Kitty and Wanda nodded in agreement.
Moments later, the ship was ready to lift anchor and the Anna Marie was put to sea with a strong morning tide. The sails were filled with a gentle northeasterly breeze pushing them along their destined course.
When they were a good distance from San Bartolo, Rogue looked back to the small island and smiled. The other three vessels had just begun to make headway. The Dark Ruby and Neptune's Pearl were no match for her ship, but the same was not true for the other. Rogue could only hope that she had succeeded in giving herself enough leeway.
The weather was beautiful; bright sun and strong winds. Rogue and her crew managed to keep their distance from the other ships, but the Devil's Lust was closing. She wasn't worried. Remy wouldn't have time to pull ahead before they reached the port.
The sun began to sink into the distance, when Port Royal came into view. The harbor was easily accessible and the city was a pirate's paradise. Known for its taverns, brothels, and shipyards, Port Royal was a gem among cities. The British had gained control of the island from the Spanish in 1655, and had since expanded its commerce. The harbor was a sight to be seen. It could comfortably hold as many as 500 ships, and at one time had been a favorite port of the infamous Henry Morgan.
The harbormaster pulled alongside the ships as they entered the harbor assigning each a suitable berth. Officials came aboard and tallied the duties to be paid, and the crews were given their liberty. The Anna Marie was the first to dock. Wanda and Kitty remained on the ship to finish with their inspections and secure the hold, while Rogue went ashore deep into the scandalous districts of the city.
The houses were brick and huddled close together. Rogue made her way along the unpaved streets acknowledging a few familiar faces. Drunkards stumbled out of the various taverns and fell into the streets, while women sold themselves without hesitation. Rogue slipped into one of the popular establishments and took a seat at the nearest table quickly drawing the attention of nearly every man-jack in the room. Their eyes lingered on her leather-clad form, but she met each of them with icy stares. She was not a woman to be trifled with. The serving wench took Rogue's order and scurried off to fetch the drink when she spotted the pistol hanging at her side.
It wasn't long before a familiar form appeared in the doorway of the inn. Remy moved towards the bar and engaged the barkeep in conversation, no doubt enquiring after Conoway. Remy didn't notice Rogue's presence in the crowded tavern, and she took the opportunity to admire every inch of his profile. He was dressed in a rich crimson waistcoat, a white, full-sleeved shirt embroidered with black silk, and snug black breeches. –Good God. The Devil himself couldn't be more handsome. - Rogue wasn't the only person admiring Remy, though. Minutes after his arrival in the tavern, he became surrounded by a crew of vile strumpets and common prostitutes clamoring for his attentions and coin.
Rogue's eyes narrowed and she downed the rest of her rum in one gulp. Just as she was about to stand and intervene in the wanton display, a firm hand took her by the shoulder.
"Fancy seeing you here again, darling." Rogue turned to see a tall man standing beside her with long, white hair and piercing grey-blue eyes.
"Joseph." She hissed.
"You look delectable." A curled smile formed on his face. "You're a fine-lookin' piece, indeed."
Rogue smacked Joseph's hand away from her shoulder and watched as his smile changed into a taunting smirk. He was trying to provoke her, and she knew it. "Ah didn't notice the Waveraider in the harbor."
Rogue eased back into her seat as Joseph pulled another up to her side and leaned back.
"You're an observant one. She went down in a helluva storm…came outta nowhere, and took her down. I sail the Triton's Revenge now." Joseph waved for a passing serving girl and ordered a whiskey. "What brings you back to these parts, sweet? I thought you had your fill of this port town." He paused as his drink arrived at the table and he took a drink. "Come back for me?"
"Hah! Ah see ya didn't lose your sense of humor! Ah'm actually lookin' for someone else." Rogue scanned the bar to reinforce her assertion.
"Mmm…That's too bad. I was hopin' for a little fun tonight. Who is he?" Joseph asked.
"What?"
"Who's this man that you're waitin' for? He can't be much of a man if he leaves a woman like you alone in this place." Joseph countered Rogue's glare with a smile.
"Ah'll have ya know that Ah don't need a man ta protect meh! Ah can take care of mahself!"
Joseph threw his head back and let loose a deep laugh. He grabbed his tankard and lifted it into the air, "To women and their spirit!"
Joseph's loud laugh and toast caught Remy's attention at the bar. When he looked over to the table, his eyes landed on the couple. -How did I miss y', chere? - Rogue was sitting across from a man Remy knew well, and she looked magnificent. Unlike most women of the time, Rogue was clad in tight black breeches, which hugged her sensuous curves. Her green leather vest fit snuggly over a white silken shirt, and she sported a dark leather belt that hung loosely over her hips. From his vantage point, Remy could see the dagger tucked into the top of her knee-high boots and the pistol at her side with a raven decorating the hammer. –Dieu!
Rogue and Joseph were arguing. Remy couldn't make out the words from his position, but he could imagine the tongue lashings that were likely falling from her lips. On several occasions, he himself had been victim to such words. A gentle smile graced his face as he thought back to some of their heated debates. There was little in this world he liked more than to fall into a war of words with that spitfire. No other woman could heat his blood so easily.
The smile quickly faded when Remy saw Joseph's hand reach out to take Rogue's. She pulled away from his touch easily, but he was crossing the line. No man should touch Rogue… no man but himself. A strange feeling swept over Remy. It was jealousy, or at least the closest to jealousy Remy had ever come. Joseph's eyes kept drifting to Rogue's cleavage, and Remy's eyes narrowed. This had gone on long enough!
"'Scuse Remy, ladies, mais he mus' take care o'some business." He stood and made his way towards Rogue's table.
When Remy reached Rogue, he took her by the hand and placed a soft kiss on her fingertips. "Bonsoir, chere!"
Rogue lifted an elegant brow and watched as Remy turned to Joseph and stiffened. The two men exchanged an angry stare before sharing a firm handshake.
"Captain Prescott."(1) Remy curtly addressed Joseph.
"Captain LeBeau," Joseph said, "I didn't expect to see you again… 'til we met in Hell. This calls for another drink."
Remy slid into a chair at the table and turned to Rogue. "Dis cur botherin' y', mon chere? Want Remy get rid o' him?"
"Naw, sugah. As Ah said before, Ah can take care of mahself. It's the Swamp Rats Ah can't seem ta lose." Rogue rolled her eyes.
A serving girl was passing by the table when Remy caught her by the hand and asked her to pour another round of drinks for the three of them. When she finished, she gave a quick wink and trailed her hand over his shoulders as she continued on her way.
"Always were good with the trollops, LeBeau…" Joseph sneered and tilted his head in Rogue's direction as he continued, "…but leave the real women to me."
"Y' be flirtin' with de Devil…stop 'fore y' get burned." Remy bit out.
"Think you're man enough to take me, LeBeau?" Joseph asked as he pushed his jacket back exposing his small pistol, and the tension increased tenfold.
"Oui…more dan enough." Remy began to stand when Rogue shot her hand out and grabbed him by the arm.
"As amusin' as this is ta watch, Ah'll have ta stop ya, Darlin'." Rogue stood and turned towards Remy while maintaining her vigorous hold on his arm. "We need ta finish our business."
"Lettin' a woman fight your battles now are you LeBeau?" Joseph joked. Remy saw red and attempted to break free from Rogue's possessive grip, but she held firm.
"I fight f'r myself," Remy hissed, slipping into the first person. "We'll finish dis later, mon ami! It seems chere wants t' spend some time with Remy, non?" Remy took Rogue by the hand and strode hard towards the door. As they exited into the street, he let out an exasperated cry. "Merde!"
Rogue watched as Remy spun on his heel. They stood face-to-face mere inches apart, neither wanting to back down. His face was glowing with a barely concealed rage, but Rogue stood her ground.
"Remy can take care o' hisself, Rogue! 'Sides, what were y' doin' with dat homme?"
"That's none of your business, Swamp Rat! We need ta find that necklace, and ya need ta stay outta trouble 'til we do!" Rogue's eyes flashed and she was breathing hard. Remy lowered his head and paused.
As they stood in silence, Rogue noted their closeness and her heart quickened. She could feel the heat radiating from his body as he struggled to regain his composure. Shadows cast from the dim streetlamps danced across his face accentuating his handsome features and then their eyes locked. For a brief moment, Rogue's breath hitched as she noticed Remy lower his face towards hers. –He's goin' kiss meh!- Instinctively, Rogue closed her eyes and waited for their lips to meet.
Rogue could feel Remy's breath on her face and his hands on her hips. Just as she was certain he was about to close the distance between them, he stopped. "Y' right, chere. It's best we get back t' business, non?"
Frustrated, Rogue watched as Remy turned and walked away.
The Dark Ruby docked shortly after Neptune's Pearl, and was given berth next to Rogue's Anna Marie. Belladonna barked some last orders to her crew as she disembarked and took off towards the town. Slipping through some darkened alleys and narrow streets, she came to a familiar façade far from the hustle and bustle of Lime Street. The small structure was just on the outskirts of Port Royal in a district called Pirates' Yard.
Bella remembered the house well. She had spent years growing up inside those brick walls and playing on the sand floors. Her mother had raised her for a time, while educating her daughter on the benefits of being a woman in a man's world. Bella learned how to manipulate men to her will by using her given charms. A gift her mother, Rebecca Boudreaux, possessed in abundance.
Rebecca had worked at Port Royal in a bordello for most of her life. She took pleasure in the power she had over her clients, and was a favorite among the men. She worked her charms and collected money, clothes, and jewelry, but her greatest prize was the pirate captain she took as her own; Marius Boudreaux. They married and had two children, but the home was far from happy. Rebecca refused to give up her promiscuous life and the sea was Marius' greatest love. He left and would be gone for months at a time only returning long enough to sell his plunder and regale his children with stories of his latest adventures. When they were old enough, Marius began taking Bella and her brother, Julien, on his ship teaching them the finer points of piracy. They were quick learners. Bella found that she loved the sea as much as her legendary father and surpassed her brother in skill. At first, the crew of her father's ship didn't take kindly to a woman on board, but she won their approval as she fought time and again alongside Marius. When Marius was killed in a bloody battle against the Marauder, Belladonna stood for captain and wasn't opposed. From that time on, Belladonna lived the life her father had cherished and left her brother in Port Royal to make one of his own.
But now she needed him. Julien was the only person Bella could trust in this matter and he would help her. With her determination firmly in place, she approached the wooden door and knocked.
The door opened slowly and a tall, lanky silhouette appeared.
"'Ello, sœur. Lil' late f'r a visit, non?" Julien opened the door allowing Bella entrance into the small room.
"I'll make dis quick, an' don't make me repeat myself! I need y'r help. De prize 's big an' I'll give y' a captain's share." Bella took a seat across the room and tossed her long blonde hair over her shoulder.
"A captain's share…y' mus' be desperate t' ask f'r my help at dat price. What's dis prize y' speak of?" Julien walked to a cabinet, took out a bottle of rum and poured two glasses.
Julien crossed the room and handed the glass to his sister and then waited for her response.
"I'm lookin' f'r an artifact. Some old homme willin' t' pay a fortune t' get his hands on it, but dere's a complication. He pulled in several captains t' find it, and we're all competin' f'r de loot." Bella explained and took a drink from her glass.
"Who are y' up against? Dey any good?" Julien asked.
"Oui… Captains Rasputin, LeBeau, and…Darkholme." Bella spat the last name out as if the mere mention of it left a bad taste in her mouth. Julien's eyes went wide with recognition. He had witnessed firsthand the animosity his sister shared with Captain Darkholme.
"I'm surprised y' two haven't killed each other yet. Dere mus' be a lot o' money involved!"
"An' more…" Bella whispered under her breath.
"So, what brings y' here?" Julien asked.
"We need t' find de next piece o' de puzzle. It mus' be in Port Royal, 'cause dis 's where dey led me." Bella placed her empty glass on a nearby table and stood.
"Led y'? What do y' mean, Bella?"
"I suppose de others found what we were lookin' f'r at San Bartolo, 'cause I woke up t' find de Anna Marie haulin' ass t' dis hell hole."
"Well, y' didn't expect Rogue t' help y', did y'?" Julien laughed.
"Non, but I didn't expect her t' find it so soon! I haven't had a chance t' work my charms on her crew yet, or de other men." Bella turned and paced the length of the room.
"Losin' y'r touch, sœur? Nev'r took y' more dan a few minutes t' work y'r magic b'fore."
"Non! I jus' got… distracted. I won't make dat mistake again. Are y' goin' t' help or non? I don't want t' waste my time here talkin'!"
"Oui, I'll help y'. Let's go ferret out y' 'friends' and see what we can find."
Back on the Anna Marie…
Kitty and Wanda were just finishing the last touches to the ship when they heard a familiar Australian accent yelling to them from the docks.
"Hey sheilas! Are you still up there?" John yelled.
Wanda walked over to the railings and spotted John standing near the bow. "Hey Johnny boy, come on up!" John climbed aboard followed closely by Kurt and Piotr, who were waiting off to the side.
"So what brings you guys over here? Miss us already?" Kitty smiled and placed a hand on Piotr's shoulder.
"We actually wanted to share some news with you, but we have a question first." Piotr said as he took a small note from his jacket's pocket. "Why did ze Anna Marie sail so quickly from ze island? You left us behind, Katja."
"Oh…well, Rogue was worried that Remy might find the necklace first. We don't even know if he told us everything he knows." Kitty explained and looked away.
"No need to worry your lil' head about that, sheila. You got an ace up your sleeve…me! I'll not be hidin' anything from my darlin' Wanda!" John lifted his eyebrows suggestively. "'Sides, I know Captain and he has takin' a likin' to yours. What do you say, mate? Let's share the good news with 'em."
"Da…You see, we went into town and talked with ze locals. It appears zat Professor Conoway owns ze Rose Hall Plantation, and zere's a ball tomorrow night to celebrate his daughter's birthday." Piotr handed the small note to Kitty. "Zat's an invitation. Would you care to join me, Katja?"
"How…?" Kitty asked looking up into the Russian's eyes.
"A pirate never reveals his sources!" Piotr smiled.
"Of course I'll join you, Piotr, but what about the others? How will they get in?" Kitty asked.
"You see, Kätzchen, vhile Piotr vas getting that invitation, he also managed to acquire two more…" Kurt said as he waved the other envelopes in the night air. "…one fűr John, űnd one fűr myself!"
"Yeah! What do you say, luv? Wanna dance?" John asked wrapping his arm around Wanda's waist. She smiled and leaned into his chest. "I didn't think you'd ever ask!" She said putting her hands on his shoulders and then pushed him unceremoniously to the deck.
Wanda stepped over her Australian and laughed. "Come on, Johnny boy! I could use your help fixing the last of this rigging. We're done here, right?" Wanda asked as she turned to Piotr.
"Da."
"Good. Then I'll be getting back to work." Wanda grabbed John by the shirt collar and led him to the foremast.
Kitty turned to Kurt and Piotr with a concerned look on her face. "Wait, what about Rogue?"
"I vill be escorting mein schwester to the ball. Who did you expect?" Kurt smiled and handed his invitation to Kitty.
"Oh, I guess that just leaves Remy. Didn't you think about him?"
"You worry too much, Katja. We could only get those, and I don't believe zat we have to worry about Remy. I'm sure he'll be able to get in whether he's invited or not." Piotr walked up to Kitty and pulled her close. "Kurt and I must be going, but we'll meet you and Rogue here tomorrow night at seven."
Piotr placed a soft kiss on Kitty's head and then they departed, leaving John behind.
Meanwhile, aboard the Dark Ruby…
"What do y' see, Julien?" Bella asked looking towards the neighboring ship.
"Dere's five…three hommes and two filles. I can't see de petit's face, but de tall one 's talkin' about a ball. Mus' be de Conoway's celebration." Julien said as he looked through the spyglass.
"What celebration y' talkin' 'bout?" Bella turned to look at her brother.
"Conoway be havin' a birthday ball f'r his fille 'morrow night. Dey mus' be goin'… Y' know, Conoway 's a collector of sorts. He might have dat piece y' lookin' f'r." Julien turned to his sister and clipped the spyglass back onto his belt. "It's worth a shot, non?"
"If Rogue 's goin' t' dat ball, den so are we! Tell me everything y' know 'bout Conoway, Julien. I like t' know what I'm getting' into."
Remy returned to the Devil's Lust to find John and most of his crew still away. It had been an interesting night to say the very least. After the altercation at the bar, Remy wandered around the streets of Port Royal and gathered as much information as he could on Conoway and his daughter.
The last time Remy had seen Miss Sekmeht Conoway, she had been attempting to run away from home. Being naïve, she had bartered for passage on a ship called the Valkyrie, which was captained by Victor Creed. Victor was only interested in one thing… her money. After he stripped the young girl of all her valuables, he set her adrift in a small rowboat without provisions. Fortunately for Sekmeht, the Devil's Lust was on its way to Port Royal to empty its hold. Remy found the girl and brought her aboard his ship.
Sekmeht remained on the Devil's Lust for just under two days, but became enamored with the captain immediately. Being a gentleman, Remy allowed her to have his cabin while onboard and he stayed with John. Sek spent her time going through Remy's belongings and reading his logbooks creating a romanticized version of the man in her mind. At night, she wrapped herself in his sheets, surrounded by his intoxicating scent, and dreamed of his embrace. When they arrived back at Port Royal, Sekmeht parted company with the greatest hesitation. Remy knew nothing of the girl's infatuation.
Remy walked into his cabin and stripped off his waistcoat. They would have a busy day in the morning, and he would have to apprise John of his plans. During his investigation, Remy learned that Conoway was throwing a ball for his daughter at his manor outside of town. That would be the opportune time to pocket the obsidian pendant. Getting into the manor wouldn't cause a problem given his background and training, especially with a large crowd. He had the advantage.
Remy finished undressing and settled down into bed. In the morning, he would find John and arrange a parley with Piotr to discuss the situation. Now, he needed his sleep.
The next morning, Rogue woke to loud knocking at her cabin door. She had come in late the night before. After Remy's obvious rejection, she had walked to the ruins of Fort Charles to blow off some steam and clear her mind. The night had been a complete loss.
"Captain? Are you awake?" Kitty asked through the heavy door.
"Come in, Kit." Rogue sat up and turned to face the opening door.
"We have some good news, captain. Piotr managed to get us invitations to a ball that Conoway is throwing tonight. We should be able to find the necklace there." Kitty placed a tray of food on a small table and poured a glass of fresh milk for Rogue.
"Piotr…? Why would he help us?" Rogue stood and walked to the table.
"Why not? Kurt's your brother and his first-mate. Besides, Piotr and I have an understanding." Kitty smiled and handed Rogue an invitation.
Rogue lifted a questioning brow and then looked over the invitation in her hand. "An understanding…Hmmm…good job, Kitty!" Rogue sat down and began to eat her breakfast. "Ah guess that means we have a party ta prepare for. How many of these did Piotr manage to come by?"
"Just three… He kept one for himself and invited me along as his companion, and gave one to John." Kitty stood beside Rogue and pointed to her invitation. "That invitation is for you, but Kurt will be going as your escort."
"Ah should've known. He's always tryin' ta play the big brother." Rogue rolled her eyes.
"You can't very well go alone. All respectable women must have an escort." Kitty laughed when Rogue shot her a glare.
Rogue continued to enjoy her meal and thought over the arrangements. She called Wanda in to join them and they discussed the preparations that would be needed. Kitty would go ashore and procure some respectable attire for the evening, while Wanda would collect as much information on Conoway as she could. Rogue wanted to know with whom she was dealing and what their connections were to the Cajun.
Rogue could imagine how Remy would gain entrance into the ball that night, but she didn't care. After their encounter last night, she wasn't sure how she would react to seeing him again. A mixture of strong emotions filled her; frustration, confusion, anger…desire. Rogue shook her head and sighed. She had been certain that he was going to kiss her. She wanted him to kiss her. –Gawd! What is wrong with meh! Ah never let a man get ta meh like this! No, she wouldn't think about Remy. It would be best to forget him. He was a complication she didn't need. She would acquire the necklace and leave Port Royal in the past.
Rose Hall Plantation that night…
Three couples sat in a large carriage pulled by a team of horses. Piotr had secured their transportation for the evening thanks to a favor he cashed in with the local blacksmith. It was a short excursion, and the manor came into view within minutes. It was a magnificent structure, stretching over several acres and overlooking the sea. The carriage stopped at the main entrance and the doorman ushered them into the mansion.
The ballroom was vast and crowed with Port Royal's finest families. A grand staircase stood at the end of the room and a series of decadent, crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling. Large glass doors opened onto a terrace with an enchanting view of the sea and manicured gardens.
The three couples stood just inside the arched doorway taking in their surroundings. Rogue scanned the crowd looking for their target, but saw someone she wasn't expecting. Belladonna stood near the terrace doors and was accompanied by her brother, Julien. It was over four years ago when she had last seen Julien, but she could recognize that man anywhere. He hadn't changed much over the years. He was gaunt with narrow shoulders and long, unkempt hair which matched his sister's in color. Rogue turned her attention back to Bella, who was chatting up gentleman at her side. Beautiful as always, Bella was wearing a stylish golden gown that displayed her womanly curves well. She caught Rogue's gaze and smirked.
Rogue turned back to her companions and motioned towards Bella. "Look who found their way home."
"Just can't seem to lose her, can we!" Wanda said. "What a pity!"
At that moment, the band began to play announcing the entrance of the guest of honor. Everyone turned their attention to the grand staircase where a striking young woman stood. An older gentleman joined her and they proceeded down the stairs to the dance floor. The woman was dressed in a form-fitting amethyst gown. She had long, ebony hair that was swept up in a flattering style leaving only a few soft ringlets framing her face, but it was her necklace that caught Rogue's attention. A perfect obsidian pendant in the shape of a teardrop hung from a thin golden chain around her neck. It was just as Remy had described it. The woman must be Sekmeht Conoway.
"Zat must be ze woman Remy told us about. Look at zat necklace. It's exquisite." Piotr whispered.
"Ja…exquisite." Kurt agreed as he watched the woman mingle into the awaiting crowd.
"Men…Hmph!" Kitty took Piotr by the hand and started leading him onto the dance floor. "Dance with me while we think of a way to get it."
Piotr and Kitty disappeared into the sea of bodies and John looked to Wanda. "Care to dance, luv?"
"Why not?" John took Wanda's hand into his own and left Rogue standing with her brother.
"Kurt, why don't ya go fetch us a few drinks while Ah come up with a plan?" Kurt nodded and made his way to the bar on the opposite side of the room.
When Kurt left, Rogue looked through the crowd trying to spot her target. Candlelight flashed against the jewels and colored gowns of the dancers, and finally Rogue's eyes landed on Sekmeht. She had worked her way through the crowded room and now stood near an arched entryway. Rogue contemplated approaching the woman, when movement caught her eye.
It was Remy.
Slipping undetected into the mansion was painless. Security was nonexistent. Remy made his way into the ballroom as Sekmeht made her formal entrance down the grand staircase with her father. He watched as they parted ways and the young woman worked her way in his direction. Remy took a moment to scan the crowd and familiarize himself with the layout of the room. He saw Bella standing with her brother, Piotr dancing with Kitty, Wanda slapping John, and Kurt ordering a drink at the bar. Then there was Rogue.
She looked amazing. Remy could count on one hand the number of times he had seen Rogue wear a dress, let alone one as feminine as the one she donned tonight. She wore a breathtaking gown of red satin trimmed in lace, and her bodice was cut dangerously low. Her auburn hair was swept up into a beautiful style that made a man yearn to free it and exposed the skin of her neck. She was simply dazzling.
Remy tensed. –Dieu! Focus!- He turned his attention back to Sekmeht, who was standing near one of the beautifully decorated archways that led into the ballroom. Remy slipped into the shadows and approached her from behind.
He leaned down and whispered into her ear. "Dere is every reason as to why I should be alone tonight seeing as I'm a stranger here, but a femme with such a grace as yours should never be left unattended."
Sekmeht felt the warmth of his breath on her neck and turned to face the man that hadn't left her dreams since they parted. "Remy! You came back!"
"Oui…Dance with Remy, chere." He presented his arm to her and led her onto the dance floor.
Sekmeht was in heaven. Her magnificent Captain LeBeau had returned to her and on her birthday no less! Remy stopped when they reached the center of the room, and Sek wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. A solo violin began to play a sensuous melody and there bodies began to move together. "Let's make everyone jealous, love." Sek whispered into Remy's chest.
Remy took one of Sekmeht's hands into his and slowly spun her out from his body only to pull her back, slamming their bodies together. She responded to his touch and smiled as he bent her backwards lowering his mouth and placing a whisper of a kiss on her neck.
They continued their movements as the surrounding dancers faltered in their steps and stared at the erotic couple. The room became alive with a buzz of feminine whispers and the clearing of masculine throats. Everyone was entranced with the pair.
Sek traced her hands over Remy's strong frame and was lost completely in her thoughts. She could feel the heat of his body and his muscular arms around her waist as they danced. She rested her head on his chest and took in a deep, intoxicating breath. Sek lifted her eyes to look into Remy's. His long auburn hair was tousled and a few silky strands fell into his face. For a moment, she wandered what it would feel like to run her hands through his hair and feel his lips on hers. When the music ended, she refused to let him go.
"Follow me." She ordered and pulled Remy towards the terrace doors ignoring the whispering voices and disapproving looks.
Rogue was fuming. –What does he think he's doin'? - She had watched Remy approach Sekmeht and offer her a dance and then proceed to draw the attention of every last person in the manor! With one dance, he had managed to eradicate any hope the others could have at getting the young woman alone, unnoticed. Yes, Rogue was beyond angry. She was livid! And now he was taking her outside onto the terrace without a chaperone! Correction…she was pulling Remy onto the terrace.
Whether it was morbid curiosity or something else, Rogue didn't know, but she needed to see what was happening on that terrace. She told herself that she was only interested because of the pendant. She had not interest in the man or his affairs…none at all. She only wanted to keep the necklace in her sight.
Rogue stood to the side of the large glass doors and looked out into the darkness. She spotted the couple near the edge of the terrace. Remy was sitting on the ledge with the sea behind him, and Sekmeht was standing close in front of him with one of her hands on his knee. Rogue's eyes narrowed.
Rogue couldn't hear the words spoken between the two of them, but Sekmeht was smiling brightly and moving closer to Remy with every passing moment. No doubt he was flirting outrageously with the young women and working his charm. Rogue could just imagine the flattering words he was using to entrance the poor girl. The conversation between the pair continued for awhile, and Rogue noticed that Remy's hands remained at his sides. – That's odd. – The girl's hands, however, were beginning to roam, rubbing up his arms and shoulders. She ran her fingers through his long hair, and then it happened. Rogue's eyes widened with shock as she watched the respectable woman firmly grasp Remy's shirt and force his lips to hers.
It took all of Rogue's willpower not to scream. That trollop was kissing Remy! She was kissing the man, whom Rogue was certain had wanted to kiss her the night before. The man she had wanted to kiss. Rogue wasn't sure why this bothered her, but it did! Yes, she had been angry with Remy for his rejection and games, but that didn't mean she was comfortable watching another woman kiss him…touch him.
Rogue was on the verge of marching onto the terrace, when Professor Conoway appeared and made his presence known. Sek jumped away from Remy as if burned and lowered her head. Her father took her by the arm and pulled her back into the manor leaving Remy alone on the terrace. Rogue's eyes followed Sekmeht as her father reprimanded her for her behavior. She wasn't wearing the necklace anymore…Remy had taken it! When she looked back to the terrace, he was gone.
She let out an exasperated sigh and walked through the doors onto the terrace. The cool night air felt good on her skin and the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks below helped clear her mind. These emotions were becoming too much. They were all too new and powerful. She had always been the one untouched by emotion, the one with a firm hold on her heart. What was happening to her? What was he doing to her?
Rogue was about to return to the ballroom to find the others, when a strong hand took hold of her shoulder and spun her around. She found herself pinned against the brick wall of the manor with ruby red eyes looking into hers. Remy pressed his body against hers and the aroma of jasmine and honeysuckle invaded his senses.
"Bonsoir, chere." Remy whispered. "Y' look très belle dis evenin'."
Rogue met Remy's eyes with a cold stare. "Let meh go, Swamp Rat!"
"Ah, chere, y' still mad at Remy 'bout last night?" Remy lifted his hand to her face and traced his finger along her cheek. Rogue felt a jolt of electricity run through her at his touch. "Let Remy make it up t' y'."
That familiar mixture of emotions clamored within Rogue and she found herself paralyzed, unable to react. Remy lowered his lips to hers claiming them with a firmness that took her breath. When he stepped away, Rogue fought the urge to either slap him or pull him into another embrace. Before she could decide which urge was strongest, Remy took her hand and placed a light kiss on her palm.
"Bonne nuit, mon amour!" He whispered and then disappeared into the gardens.
"Good night, Remy." Rogue smiled and looked down at the necklace she held in her hand. Remy will be furious when he realizes it's gone, but that's what he gets for playing with fire.
(1) Since Joseph doesn't seem to have a last name and I didn't want to use Magneto's, I made this one up.
