Chapter 114 - So enlighten me!

He smiled and placed the glass with cognac on the coffee table, leaning forward. Wordlessly he stretched out his hand, brushing a brown streak from her face before shaking his own head in disbelieve. "You really don't know what nightlife is like in Paris?!" It was more a statement than a question.

"So enlighten me!"

His smile turned into a grin. "I never thought I'd have to talk to my wife about Parisian nightlife. It is not a subject for those innocent ears of yours." He smiled that damned enigmatic smile that made her brain cells go on strike for an instant.

"What do you want to know?" His voice dropped an octave lower.

"I really don't get it. What is L'Éléphant and the pleasure garden? And how did Aurelie even get in? I thought women were forbidden to enter Pigalle unless they work there?" Lily knew the Pigalle as an amusement district from her first life and the Moulin Rouge as a variety theater with dramatic dance shows. But in this universe it was more of a wicked place of sexual pleasure and lust for men with the necessary money in their pockets. Spectacular stage shows and erotic dances invited gentlemen into a glittering dream world.

"The Moulin Rouge has a private garden, there in the pleasure garden, L'Éléphant graces the magnificent atmosphere. Actually, L'Éléphant is just a giant stucco elephant. One of the then directors of the Moulin Rouge discovered it at the Paris World Exhibition of 1889 and created an exclusive area inside it. A stage was built in its belly, which can be reached by a staircase in the elephant' s legs. Usually belly dances are performed there. But it also serves as a luxurious opium den."

"Have you ever been there?" She asked curiously.

Alexandre took a deep breath. His eyes flashed as he looked at her mouth. Breathless, he ran his free hand through his hair. This was really not a conversation he wanted to have with his wife. She was a tad too curious for his taste.

"The Moulin Rouge, yes." He admitted in a husky voice.

"And at L'Eléphant?"

He gritted his teeth. "No!"

"Oh! But you know so well. Do you ever plan on visiting it?"

"Lily really every man knows about L'Éléphant. And no, I have no desire to visit it."

"Huh! Well, I'd be curious if I were you. So if I were a man, I'd have a look inside."

"This can't be happening." His dark eyes were challenging. "My own wife encourages me to frequent such wicked establishments. Are you aware of what you are asking me to do?"

Lily's mouth opened. Her mind was a blank. She swallowed hard. Her mouth suddenly felt dry as dust. "Um...um..." She stuttered. "I... I didn't mean it... that way...!"

He leaned forward. "No?!" Under his glowing gaze she shrank. His gaze slipped to her mouth. Alexandres eyes were half closed. Yet she felt too small under those eyes. Lily maintained eye contact even though every cell in her brain advised her to flee. Danger was in the air.

But she did not understand the faux pas she had put her foot in.

He stared at her mouth. Remembering her kisses. Again his body was on fire! ! He wanted to loosen her updo, so he could run his fingers through the long strands of hair. Then he would explore her face with his lips before starting to take her out of the countless layers of fabric. He would push his body against hers. Her soft curves would nestle perfectly against his steel body. Knowing exactly where he wanted to touch her...

But that would only happen in his mind. At least for a while. He saw how she trembled under his hungry gaze, like a little bunny in front of the big bad wolf's mouth.

Hastily he reached for the glass on the table to take a strong sip of alcohol from it. Good Lord, he felt like a virgin just before the first time. This was bad! "If you were as eager at night, I wouldn't have to go to places like this all my life." Tired, he let himself sink back into the cushion.