Mastering The Marquess (Bound and Determined #1)(4)

Chapter Two





The Marquess of Swanston reclined in the wing chair, one leg tossed carelessly over the side. Slipping a hand into his pocket, he pulled out a small set of green enamel ben wa balls and began to spin them in his hand, making sure they did not click together. The antique set had been the gift of his good friend the Earl of Duldon after a visit to the Far East, and he’d fallen into the habit of playing with it whenever he was bored—or wished to appear so.

He was not pleased to be here. Not pleased at all. He had been surprised when the message was delivered and now was even more surprised that he’d chosen to come. His last experience in this establishment had left a sour taste in his mouth.

He wasn’t sure why he was here, and considered leaving, but then the door behind him creaked open and he heard the soft tread of feminine feet. Ruby never wore heels that clacked—and it was not her fault that he had delayed returning.

Her soft voice filled the room. “Ah, you’ve arrived.”

“I was summoned.” His attitude made it very clear he did not respond well to orders.

“Oh relax, Geoffrey. Don’t get your dander up with me. It was a very carefully worded request for your presence. A very gentle request.”

“Hmmm.”

“Would you respond better if I called it an invitation—a personal one?”

He turned his head. Ruby, Madame Rouge, might run the best house in London, but she never took clients herself. There’d been speculation aplenty over the years, but never had he heard of any man entering her bed. “Now that could be interesting.” He raised a brow.

“Down, boy.” He felt caressed by her low chuckle, a laugh that had driven many a man to distraction, himself included.

“If not that, then what? Have you found me a new friend? One who shares my tastes?” As well as running her own set of girls, Ruby managed meetings between those of particular interests. Swanston had never liked paying for his pleasure, but it was often difficult to discern a woman’s desires when meeting her in a crowded ballroom. Ruby made it very simple, and she charged only for the use of a room and any delicacies that he chose to order. “It’s not the Countess, is it?” He deliberately made the title a name. He wanted to keep all thoughts of the woman as impersonal as possible. “After my last visit, I believe I made myself very clear on that score. I do not care for the same games that she chooses to indulge in.”

“And yet you enjoyed her for a while.”

“As a young boy enjoys downing a whole bag of sweets before vomiting in the street.”

Ruby smiled. “I am not sure the Countess would care for the comparison. She seems to have developed quite a tendresse for you. She is always asking after you.”

“And you, I trust, have made it quite clear that I am not available.” The balls clicked loudly in his hand, his irritation clear.

“I have told her, but I am not sure she believes me. I think she hopes it is all one more game. I have never seen her become so attached.”

He clenched his jaw. “It is not.”

“I know that. I saw your face after her last adventure. I could have told her you would not enjoy using force. You have always looked for willing playmates.”

“Rape has never been my fantasy.”

“And if I had known of her plans, I can assure you that I would not have allowed them within my establishment. I do have rules. Although, when I spoke to the girl afterwards she did insist she was willing—and older than she appeared. My girls are here by choice, and my clients understand that.”

“And have you found me a new one? Do you have a new guest?” He swung his leg down and turned to Ruby. She was looking quite fine tonight. The dark red of her gown highlighted her pale skin and bright blue eyes. She had a woman’s body, all lush curves, soft flesh, her full breasts rising high above the gown’s low bodice, the creamy skin inviting a man’s touch. It was a wonder he’d never felt more drawn to her. Except for her signature red wig, she was exactly what his body wanted in a woman. Only, for no reason he had ever understood, she left him cold and always had—except for that laugh. That laugh could make a man rise up from the grave.

“I am afraid not. At least not in the way you mean. It is about a woman, only not one of your normal milieu. I have a favor I need to ask.” Ruby walked across the room and positioned herself on the chaise longue, striking a pose indicative of the French empress. He had no doubt that she’d practiced the position.

“A favor? I am intrigued. I’ve never known you to ask for favors.” He clicked the balls in his hand once and then let the warm enamel slide into his pocket. He would grant Ruby his attention.

Ruby pursed her lips. “It is true I have no liking of favors—there is the problem of paying them back. And I’ve never been fond of debt—of any kind. In this case I am hoping that it will be considered a mutual favor by the end. And if not, then I suppose I will pay the piper.”

He leaned forward, his gaze focused on her face. “I am even more intrigued.”

“I want you to give a woman a wedding night.”

He sputtered. There was no other word for it. He was lucky not to have frothed at the lips. A wedding night? He closed his lips tight, letting his ire show in his eyes. “I have avoided a wedding for thirty-two years—why do you imagine I would seek one now? And why would you ever imagine that I would turn to you for help?” He rose from his chair, towering above her.