Disclaimer: I do not own the X-men or anything associated with them…

A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed! Sorry this is a bit late, but I've had a busy weekend. Well, he we go...the great rescue scene!

Chapter 18: The Gallows

The hours ticked by as the three sat in the dark galley finalizing their plans for Remy's rescue. The wooden bench of the small table was becoming more uncomfortable by the minute and the wax of the candle was near exhausted. Their plan was good but relied completely on the assistance of a man that none had spoken to in several years, and whose actions were dictated by the law. Rogue was uncertain whether they could convince such a man to aid in the rescue of a criminal.

"If we can organize some type of diversion at the execution, it might facilitate his escape, but we can't manage that alone. We'll need Summers' cooperation." John said, stroking his chin. "What makes you believe we can convince him to do this?"

"Just ask Rogue. They have a history together," Joseph answered.

"We can and will save Remy," Rogue said with more conviction than she felt. "If Scott refuses ta help, we'll find another way. We'll have ta. See, John, the reason Joseph thinks Scott will help is because he once swore ta repay meh for returnin' somethin' very valuable ta him, somethin' he treasured more than his own life…his wife."

John quirked a brow and asked, "When did that happen, sheila?"

Rogue swirled the last bit of her ale in the tankard before answering. "About four years ago, Ah believe. We were nearly two days out from Port-au-Prince when the Black Revenge attacked, captained by Victor Creed at the time. He was havin' some fun plunderin' all the ships that crossed his path." Rogue chuckled. "Not one ta turn down a good fight, Ah engaged him, cripplin' his ship. When we boarded her, we found about ten prisoners below deck…one was Jean Summers. She had been on her way ta England ta visit her family when they were attacked by Creed. He had taken her prisoner thinkin' he could get a good ransom from Lieutenant Summers. Ah took Jean and the others back to Port-au-Prince and returned them to their families. Scott swore that he would help in any way possible if Ah ever found myself in need or had lost somethin' Ah treasured. Ah guess we'll see how good his word actually is."

John smiled. "Does that mean you treasure my captain, love?"

Rogue cast a warning glare at John.

"I think it does." Joseph teased.

Rogue turned her glare to Joseph.

John cleared his throat drawing her attention back to him. "You know, love, he's been different lately." Rogue looked confused so he continued. "He doesn't keep to himself as much. He hardly ever spent much time with the rest of the crew, except Christian and myself."

"Ah think he values his privacy," Rogue said.

John drank a bit more of his ale. "I think he's lonely and doesn't know how to relate to people."

Rogue laughed at the thought. "Ah honestly don't believe that's the problem. Remy seems ta adapt ta people with remarkable skill."

"No," John corrected. "He adapts to situations with remarkable skill. As for people…He hides. Oh, he'll drink with the men and is friendly enough, but when it comes to talkin' about himself or what he likes to do, he's as silent as a tomb."

Rogue nodded in agreement. That was certainly true enough. All that she had learned about Remy's past had come from either Christian or other members of the crews.

"But you," John said. "You, sheila, he treats differently. He actually seeks you out to speak with you."

Rogue smiled.

Joseph sighed. "Are we finished here then? I think I need to go retch."

John stood and leaned over the table bringing his face a few mere inches from Joseph's. "Don't go thinkin' I trust you, mate. I don't and I'll be watchin' you."


Port-au-Prince, a few hours later…

The Anna Marie sailed into the harbor before the sun set the day before Remy's planned execution. Standing out from the dock a few hundred yards awaiting her turn and the harbormaster, a whaleboat skimmed away from the ship carrying four individuals with a determined purpose.

The dock was alive in a chaos of sound, sight, and smell. Idle sailors loafed about with the stench of the night's revelries still upon them, and drab, unwashed strumpets quite boldly hawked their wares, hoping to make a shilling or two or an evening's bed and board. A group of rats squealed over garbage in the open gutter, then fled as a rock flung by an urchin thumped among them. Shrill laughter erupted as several ragamuffins skittered across the dock, leaped over the gutter and disappeared in an alleyway.

As the sun set and under the cover of night, none noticed the small vessel as the four disembarked and ducked down the same alleyway that had sheltered the street children. The moon on this evening had an ominous glow like blood, foretelling a difficult struggle on the coming morning.

Rogue had ordered Christian to watch over the Anna Marie, until they brought Remy back to him and she prayed that the child would listen for once. But in the alley, they were halted by a proclamation posted on the dingy walls. It read, 'Attention all citizens of Port-au-Prince: At noon on the day of October 2nd, 1805 the infamous Captain Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Le Diable Blanc will be executed for crimes against the city and his lordship.'

John tore the notice from the wall and with a growl shredded it before their eyes. In a hushed tone he said, "We need to hurry, mates. Rogue, go find Summers and make him understand. We have only fourteen hours to get ready."

"Aye, John." Rogue placed her hand on his shoulder. "Ah won't let him down. Ah swear it." With that being said, Rogue and Wanda hurried down the alley and out of sight.

"Come on, John," Joseph whispered. "We have preparations of our own to orchestrate."


The Summers' residence…

As Rogue and Wanda made their way down the dirty, dark alleyways and cobbled streets, Rogue prayed that Scott still resided in the same brownstone from years before. What would they do if he couldn't be found…if he was in England? What if he refused to help? There just wasn't enough time!

Rogue led Wanda to a large building at the end of a cobbled street marked as 50 Berkeley Square. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the heavy door and waited. After what seemed an eternity, the door opened a crack and a small servant girl looked out. "What brings you here at this time of night, mum?"

"Tell meh, is Lieutenant Summers at home?"

The young girl peered back over her shoulder and then answered, "Yes, mum, but he and the lady of the house have retired for the night."

Rogue breathed an audible sigh of relief. "Then please wake them and tell them that Captain Darkholme is here ta discuss a matter of the utmost importance."

The girl seemed to hesitate but eventually nodded and allowed the two women inside. Wanda and Rogue waited at the foot of the grand staircase leading to the upper floors and inspected their surroundings. Nothing had changed over the years. Expensive gold embossed wallpaper still decorated the narrow hallway of the foyer and before them stood the large, winding staircase made of mahogany wood. A huge dining room was to their right and a salon to their left.

A few moments passed until the servant returned and led them into the salon, which was decorated in the latest style. The chairs and sofas were Chippendale pieces covered in brown and maroon tapestry. Ornately carved tables were set around the room, which were used when entertaining guests. "Please take a seat. Lieutenant Summers will be down shortly."

The minutes passed slowly as they waited, until a deep voice called from the doorway of the salon. "Good evening, Rogue. It's been a long time."

"Aye, it has. Good ta see ya again, Scott." Rogue said, rising from her seat.

"Wanda," Scott said, tipping his head in her direction.

"Lieutenant."

"So, what brings you knocking on my door at this time of night after all these years?" Scott said, pouring a glass of brandy for himself and the women before taking his seat and waiting for an answer.

"Ah come here because Ah need your help. Essex is plannin' on executin' a man tomorrow and Ah want ta stop it," Rogue said.

"You refer to Captain LeBeau, am I correct? I know the charges against him, Rogue, and they are severe." Scott shook his head. "I don't believe I can help you in this. I'm sorry."

"But ya don't understand the circumstances involved here, Scott. Remy did escape from the prison before, but he had been charged with a murder he didn't commit. He was set up by a jealous and vindictive woman. Ah swear he is innocent of that crime!"

"But not of others, Rogue. He's a pirate and a thief."

"So am Ah, or have ya forgotten! Once you told meh that you would help meh if ever Ah needed somethin', right? Well, Scott, Ah love Remy and Ah won't see him killed like this but Ah can't do this alone!"

Scott sighed and put down his glass. "Tell me how you plan to save this man, Rogue."

"The execution is ta be held at noon, so Ah expect that's when Remy will be brought from the prison to the city square. Joseph and Ah plan on bringin' our men from the ships ta mingle with the crowd in the square. Even as we speak, John and Joseph are inciting the mob, using them to protest the execution."

"Do you think the people will do it?" Scott asked.

"If mah men and Ah start a riot, the rabble will follow. The soldiers will not be able to guard Remy and deal with the mob. While they quell the disturbance, Ah'll get Remy, but we need outside help."

Scott shook his head again. "I cannot commit my soldiers to your daring rescue, Rogue. You are asking me not only to break the laws of the city but to engage loyal soldiers to the same task. Besides, how do you intend to get LeBeau back to the ship? Won't the guards chase you?"

"They will, and here is where Ah need your help. All Ah ask is that you send some soldiers ta the square to prevent Essex's soldiers from followin' us. Once Remy and mah men are back aboard the Anna Marie, your soldiers can disperse."

"That is little enough to ask, darling." Jean said as she entered the salon. "Good evening, Rogue…Wanda. Perhaps the soldiers could go to watch the execution and inadvertently add to the confusion while the captain makes his escape. Essex's soldiers won't attack your men."

"You're not helping, my love." Scott frowned.

"Scott, dear, Rogue needs our help. If our positions were reversed, I would do the same thing to ensure your safety. Besides, you don't trust Essex any more than I do. You know very well that man would execute a man just for the sheer joy of watching someone suffer. Can't you do something to help?" Jean wrapped her arms around her husband's waist. "If it weren't for Rogue, I might not even be here today with you."

"Hmmm, I did tell Essex I needed to take on water and provisions before we sailed for England again. I could send men tomorrow morning to purchase some supplies. It would not be our fault if our soldiers got in the way of the guards."

"Oh, Scott, I knew you'd do the right thing." Jean kissed her husband and winked at Rogue.

Rogue and Wanda remained silent while they waited for Scott's decision. Hands clasped behind his back, Scott paced the salon. After a lengthy pause, he spun around and addressed the women.

"Before I make my decision, I need to ask you a question. Do you truly love this man…this criminal?

For once, Rogue did not hesitate to answer. "With all mah heart, Scott," she replied. "Ah would do anythin' ta save his life."

"Then I have made my decision. The soldiers on the English warships will not be involved in the rescue, for I have no authority to direct the queen's army in an illegal operation."

"Scott!"

"Let me finish, dear. What I do with my own soldiers and sailors is my decision. Tomorrow morning I will send the Fairwind's sailors to the city to purchase supplies and have my soldiers accompany them. They cannot be faulted if they get caught up in the drama taking place in the city. I am sure they can create the diversion you require."


Morning of the execution…

Remy woke early on the last day of his life. He tried to dwell not on death but on life…Christian's life. Rogue would have him safely in the hands of his Tante Mattie where the child could learn a better life than that of the sea. He would always remain with him in spirit if not in body. His wish for the boy was that he would grow to know love and a happier life than the one cast upon himself.

Remy had fallen to his knees the moment Creed released him from the wall, clasping his hand over his rib to stanch the throbbing. He had dropped to the foul straw, too spent to feel, too bitter to think past the last beating, and that is where he was when he woke. He was brought a meal that morning by a sullen guard…his last meal on this earth. His stomach rebelled, and he pushed the food aside. At mid-morning Essex showed up with Belladonna.

"LeBeau, I must admit you do amaze me. Somehow you have managed to convince this lovely creature that you are worth something, and she has convinced me to allow her one last moment with you. Don't be long, my dear. He has an appointment with the hangman. I will return in a few minutes, so say your good-byes quickly." Essex patted Belladonna on her backside as he left and missed the deadly glare she cast as he shut the cell door.

"Dat man doesn't realize whom he's dealin' wit', mon amour," Bella said as she turned back to Remy.

"Leave, Bella. Remy doesn't have de patience t' deal with y' right now." Remy groaned as he tried to lift himself off the straw bedding, but fell back as the pain coursed through his body.

"Ahh, amour," Bella whispered as she dropped down on her knees beside him. "Dis never would've happened t' y' if y' would've accepted me as y'r own. I came here t' give y' a final chance t' escape y'r fate. Come wit' me, mon cœur, and be mine."

Remy closed his eyes as he laid back. "No, Bella."

Bella smirked, and reached out to stroke his chest. "I thought y' would say dat."

Remy hissed as he tried to turn away from her touch but his body was too weak to cooperate. "What do y' want, Bella?"

"Mmm, jus' a kiss good-bye, amour." She captured his face in her hands and lowered her lips to his.

The cell door swung open and Creed stepped in followed closely by Essex. "Hope we're not interrupting, my dear, but the time has come. Leave us."

"Fine," Bella snarled and then stroked Remy's cheek. "I'll see y' again, love…at the execution."

After she left the cell, Creed pulled Remy up onto his feet to face Essex. Essex smirked as he saw the flash of pain cross Remy's face and said, "Rest in hell, LeBeau, where you belong. I look forward to seeing you dangle at the end of the hangman's noose. Bring him, Creed!"

Creed laughed evilly, as he twisted Remy's arm behind his back and pulled him through the prison. When they exited the gate, he shoved Remy into the back of a large wagon filled with guards. Remy forced himself to his feet even though his arm was broken from Creed's 'gentle' touch. Every part of his body ached and he almost welcomed the end to the pain, but he refused to die, carried to the gallows like a coward. Essex and Creed might have returned him to a life like that of a slave, but he wasn't going to die with out his honor.

Remy held his broken arm at his side as he faced the soldiers in the wagon and awaited the arrival at the gallows. As the wagon stopped, he was vaguely aware of the unruly crowd surrounding it and wondered why the masses had turned out for his execution. Then he saw it…the gallows and the executioner waiting him in the square.

Remy's pride would not allow him to show fear. His head held high, he maintained his dignity as he managed to make himself walk toward the executioner with painful steps. He gazed directly into the crowd, and what he saw lifted his spirits. Many familiar faces looked back at him. He saw John and members of his crew, and then he spotted Rogue. For a brief moment he knew hope, but just as quickly it died. Joseph stood next to her and wrapped his arm around her waist as he leaned in to whisper something into her ear.

The pain in his heart at that moment out shone the pain of his physical body nearly bringing him to his knees. Why had she come to his execution with that man at her side? Was his death not enough? Must she, too, inflict one last blow to his heart? For once in his life, he had thought he had found someone who might have been able to love him, someone whom he could trust. After all the betrayal in his life, why did this one hurt the most? Because y' love her.

As Remy was prodded toward the executioner, he felt a sudden urge to thank whatever God would listen for bringing this torture known as life to an end. A heart wasn't meant to hurt this much. Remy slowly stepped up the last few steps to the noose and closed his eyes as the rope was tightened around his neck.

Rogue and the others were positioned and waiting for the right moment to move into action. Rogue's heart leapt into her throat as she watched Remy arrive in the square. She barely recognized the man she had seen on the beach two weeks before. Wearing only a pair of ragged and torn black breeches, he had been beaten and whipped until he barely appeared human. Swollen welts and bruises distorted every part of him. Even Joseph cursed under his breath. Unable to take it, she made to force her way through the crowd to him, but Joseph wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered for her to wait if she wanted to save him.

Unable to watch as the noose was placed around Remy's neck, Rogue scanned the crowd for the others. John was standing near the gallows, while Wanda was guarding their escape route. Intermixed amongst the rabble, Rogue's and Joseph's men were beginning to excite the crowd, and then she saw Belladonna. Rogue's anger flared at seeing the woman responsible for this sickening display and Remy's present sufferings. When this was all over and Remy was safely aboard the Anna Marie, she would make Bella pay.

Scott had done his part as promised. His soldiers seemed to be everywhere, mingling with the crowd that had come to watch the execution. Remy opened his eyes and watched in stunned silence as pandemonium erupted within the crowd. Angry voices became raised fists and quickly a small riot had begun. Remy stared in utter astonishment as people began pushing through the ring of guards trying to hold them back.

Before he realized what was happening, the square became a solid mass of human bodies. Remembering the last attempted execution of the pirate and afraid to face the wrath of Essex again, the guards motioned for the execution to pull the lever.

Rogue's face paled as she saw the man reach for the lever. There wasn't enough time to reach him! Then she saw Joseph reach into his coat and pull a pistol from its holster. Aiming it at Remy, he pulled the trigger just as the executioner released the lever. Rogue let out a scream as she watched Remy drop through the trap door. Joseph's bullet struck home at the same time, tearing through the noose's rope. Remy crashed down to the ground below the gallows.

John rushed beside Remy and helped him to his feet and began leading him away from the square. "This way, mate. I got you," he urged, edging him through a breach that had miraculously parted for them.

Scott's soldiers provided a buffer as Remy and the others slipped through the crowd. When a hue and a cry arose, they realized that the guards had noticed Remy's disappearance, and Remy feared that they were all doomed.

Then another miracle occurred. The soldiers regrouped and formed a formidable blockade, allowing Remy and the others to flee unhampered. Remy had no idea who had organized this incredible uprising, but he was exceedingly impressed.

Leaning all his weight onto John, Remy was able to move through the streets to the docks. John helped him into one of the longboats tied to the pier, while the others scrambled into another. "The soldiers are shielding us from the guards," John said.

"Where are Wanda and Rogue?" Remy asked.

"There they are," John said, pointing to the two women racing along the pier.

As soon as the women reached them and found a place in the boat, they shoved off. The second boat carried Joseph and his crew back to his ship. The pain from all his injuries and the added ones from his fall from the gallows finally caught up to him and Remy collapsed in the boat. Rogue was about to go to him when John shouted out.

"Look what's happening! The crowd is forming a bloody blockade between the soldiers and the guards. The guards can't reach them!"

Rogue sank down onto the bench of the small boat as they continued to row out to her galleon. Remy was safe now. "Looks like Ah owe Scott a favor now. He really pulled through for us."

John finally let out a sigh of relief and smiled at her. They reached the Anna Marie in good time. The mood aboard the ship was jubilant as the men congratulated each other. By the grace of God, Remy was alive and none of her men had been injured.

Soon the men were all aboard and Remy was carried into her cabin. "Unfurl the sails!" Rogue shouted. "The tide is turnin' and the wind is with us. Set a course for Orcadia."

Christian came bounding down the steps of the quarterdeck, throwing his arms around Rogue and almost knocking her off her feet as the full weight of him hit her square in the chest. Rogue hugged him close for only a minute before she pulled away.

"You save him, didn't you!" Christian shouted.

"Aye, sugah, we got him back." Rogue smiled and ruffled the boy's hair.

Christian tried to straighten his hair and asked, "Can I see him, Captain Darkholme?"

"Ah don't think he would want ya ta see him right now, darlin'. He's been hurt and needs ta be with the doctor for awhile, but Ah can let ya know when he's ready."

The small boy frowned but nodded his head. "He'll be alright, won't he?"

"Yeah, sugah, Ah'll take care of him."

Christian smiled and hugged Rogue once again. "Thanks, captain."

"Why don't you go below and help John get some food ready for the crew. Besides, Ah'm sure Remy will be hungry when he wakes up." Rogue said, stroking his cheek.

"Aye-aye, captain!" Christian gave a small salute and turned on his heels, running down to the galley.

Rogue let out a small laugh as the boy bounded down the stairs. Looking over the crew, she watched as the men continued their revelry while Wanda sailed the Anna Marie out of the harbor. The doctor came up from below decks and slipped into her cabin to tend to Remy's more severe injuries. She desperately wanted to go to him, but knew the doctor needed time and space to help him and she would only be in the way. Like Christian, she could wait until the doctor was finished.


Later that evening…

Rogue was standing near the port railings, staring out into the black expanses of the sea. The doctor had been with Remy for eight hours now, and still had not emerged from the cabin. When she had seen him being led to the gallows she knew he was hurt, but what had that monster done to him! Rogue wanted answers and was quickly losing her resolve to wait for the doctor.

A quarter-moon hung in the star-studded sky, beaming down on the deck. Rogue spread her legs against the motion of the ship and stared at the heavens, thinking she had never seen a sky equal to tonight's glittering display. Trying to calm her rising emotions, Rogue became engrossed in gazing at the stars and failed to hear approaching footsteps. She did, however, sense a presence seconds before a hand gripped her shoulder. Whirling about, she faced the doctor, who wore a troubled look on his face.

"How is he?" she asked.

Sweat covered his face, and he looked as if he would be sick. "He's still unconscious, captain."

"What happened?" she whispered.

"He has a broken rib and several others seem to be fractured. His arm is broken. It appears that he was beaten and whipped over the course of a few days and some of the cuts have become infected. He must have been staying in deplorable conditions. I'm sorry that I can't do more to ease his pain."

"Can Ah see him?" Rogue asked.

"Go ahead, captain. I need a drink," he whispered, walking past her with sigh.

Rogue rushed inside her cabin to find Remy still unconscious. The doctor had stripped what little clothes he had had from him and covered him with a down blanket before he left. She paused by the bed and looked down upon his resting form.

Like the doctor, he was covered in sweat. The skin on his body was pink and blistered from the whipping he had sustained in the prison. And the stench of burning flesh still clung to the air from where the doctor had cauterized some of the wounds.

Rogue reached out, then stopped before she touched him. So much pain, and yet he still held himself high when walking to the gallows. How had he borne it in silence?

She fetched a ewer of water and some towels, then poured water into the basin and dampened a cloth. As carefully as she could, Rogue bathed his fevered brow. His roughened whiskers scraped the palm of her hand as she tested the temperature of his skin.

His long eyelashes rested against his tan cheeks. Never before had she seen him look so peaceful…so at ease. And he was so handsome it took her breath.

She traced the cloth down his hard, muscular chest, cleaning the blood away from his wounds and arms. She paused over the charm he wore around his neck. It was the LeBeau family crest. Made of gold, it shone in the faint light. The design had been meticulously made, and on the back it read simply "The Prince of Thieves."

Rogue smiled as she traced the words. They fit him perfectly. He had stolen her heart. Brushing her lips across his forehead, she inhaled. How she had missed him! Ya're mine now and Ah won't let ya go.

Consumed by her thoughts, she absently pushed the blanket down his chest to his waist. Rogue froze when she realized what she was doing. Almost the whole of his body was bare before her. Swallowing, she trailed the wet cloth slowly over the mountainous terrain of his torso. His chest rose and fell with his deep, even breathing.

Biting her lip, she laid the cloth aside. Grateful for her solitude, she traced her hand over his fevered skin, marveling at the texture, and paused her hand over the planes of his rippled stomach. Even unconscious there was a raw, masculine power that emanated from him. Impulsively, she leaned over and touched her lips to his. He groaned as she kissed him while trailing her hand gently down his chest.

"Rogue," he breathed, her name a caress on his lips.

"Ah am here, sugah," she answered, only to realize he was still unconscious.

Pulling away from him, she reached for the covers and pulled them over him. "Ah will always be here," she said to him. "And not even ya'll be able ta drive meh away."


During the following day, Remy drifted in and out of consciousness. The doctor stayed with him and continued to check his wounds, while Rogue remained on deck supervising her crew. And when he finally came to his full senses, the doctor went to inform her.

"He's awake, captain. Do you wish to see him?" the doctor asked as he approached her on the quarterdeck.

Rogue smiled and looked over the railings. The sun had just set over the horizon streaking the sky in deep oranges and purples, and ocean waters reflected the colors over the gentle waves. "Yeah, Ah do. Wanda, take the wheel!" she called down to her friend as she made her way to her cabin.

When she entered her cabin, she found him sitting on her bed. His boots were planted on the floor and he slumped forward, his good elbow resting loosely on his knee. An unlit cheroot dangled from his lips.

His stare tracked her with a glint of insolence as she ventured warily into the room. He was dressed again and his hair was tied back in a loose leather tie.

"It's stuffy in here. Do ya want meh ta open a window, darlin'?"

He grunted, shrugging.

Rogue went over and unlocked the port windows, and then opened them a few inches.

"Bella told Remy 'bout your bet, chere. She tried t' seduce him."

"What?" she spun around, wide-eyed.

"Oui, it's shockin', non?" he drawled. "Some femmes actually do find Remy attractive."

She took a few steps toward him, appalled. "What happened?"

"When Remy first arrived at de prison, Bella came and offered t' get him out if he'd agree t' go with her…sleep with her," he added, leaning back slowly on his good elbow on the bed, testing her with his insolence as he always did when he most needed her to reach him. It was a nasty trick of his she had learned to spot. When he needed her most, he tended to push her away.

"Did ya…sleep with her?" She asked stiffly.

"Non," he said, then added in a cool tone: "De only one Remy want t' sleep with is y', chere."

Rogue stared at him for a long moment, knowing he was baiting her. He was trying to shock her into reaction, but all she could think was, how dare that woman try to take her man?

"So," she sauntered closer to him. "Ya want meh?"

"Oui, even dough y' treat Remy like yesterday's slops."

"No, Ah don't."

"Remy saw y' with Joseph at de execution, chere. Oh, mon chere," he turned weary. "Do y' love me or not?"

Rogue felt a pang in her heart at the question and gazed tenderly at him. If only she had realized he'd been feeling so unloved. He shouldn't even have to ask. Her unequivocal answer wasted no words. She walked over to him and stood between his sprawled thighs, clasped the front of his shirt, and pulled him up from his leaning position to gather him into her arms.

She captured his scruffy jaw between both of her hands and pressed a silken kiss to his lips. "Ah'm sorry, sugah."

Remy trembled with emotion at her soft whisper. She climbed onto his lap and draped her arms around his shoulders, kissing him again. "Ah'm so sorry."

Her kiss deepened. Remy groaned partly from pain, but also from need. It sounded almost hopeless, as though he was sure she would set him on fire and then merely reject him again.

He was wrong.

She began unbuttoning his shirt. "Ah love ya," she breathed against his bare throat as he dropped his head back. "Ah love ya so much."

He seemed to be beyond words. She gently slid his shirt from him smoothly, gently caressing his broken arm and bandaged ribs. "Ah realize Ah made ya doubt mah love," she whispered as she kissed his collarbone, "but now Ah want ta take your doubt away."

"Dieu, I want t' devour y'," he moaned as he reclined back on the bed.

"No, Remy," she taunted him hotly. "This time it's mah turn ta devour ya."

She ended another kiss and swept her gaze up to his, meeting his fevered stare in subtle question. His splendid chest heaved as he watched her, his hair tousled. She smiled at his bee-stung lips and kissed him again, lightly. As she rested her weight on him, he groaned in pain as his ribs began to throb under the pressure.

"Ahh…desole, chere…"

She moved beside him. "Don't worry, darlin'. Ya've got meh for the rest of your life. Ah'm not goin' anywhere."

Remy smiled although he didn't dare completely trust in her words, but he would hold onto this dream for at least this moment…this one night, knowing like most dreams it would fade in the morning.


A/N: The next chapter may be a bit late in getting posted. I'm going to be spending about two months in Indiana and Italy. Unfortunately, the places I stay in both of those locations do not have internet access and I have to drive about an hour to get somewhere that has public access. Needless to say, it may take me a little longer. I am almost finished with this story and will try to continue to post a chapter a week or even two at a time if possible. But please be patient! Thanks!