Her companion seemed oblivious to it all. “We can discuss your plans for the future. What do you plan to do after your mother dies raving?”
Not much of an improvement over rats, but she’d take it. “I don’t even know what I’m going to do for the next week,” she said, perhaps unwisely, but she’d used up almost her last ounce of courage.
There was a moment of bright light as a door opened into the hallway, and then they were plunged into darkness again. The smell of perfume and heated skin was overwhelming, and she looked at the two who’d managed to breach the viscount’s private hallway.
“I thought you’d be here, Francis,” the gentleman said, looking at her out of hooded eyes. He was the one she’d first met, with the handsome, scarred face. “Veronique thought you might be interested in a trade and promised her I’d find you. ”
“A trade for what?” Rohan said lazily.
“The little dres
smaker,” the woman said in a husky voice. “You know as well as I do, Francis, that she’s the most delicious thing to appear at one of our parties in a long time, and you can’t just expect us all to ignore her. It’s hardly reasonable. ”
“Veronique, have I ever struck you as a reasonable man?”
“I, too, am not reasonable,” the woman, Veronique, said. “I can be extremely difficult when thwarted. ” Her voice was a soft purr.
For some reason Elinor moved closer to Rohan, her fingers clutching his arm tightly.
“And exactly what are you suggesting?” Rohan inquired.
“I’ve tried to distract Veronique with my humble charms,” the man said with deprecating candor, “but she insists she’s in the mood for a woman tonight, and she’s never had a virgin. Assuming the little waif still is—she’s been in your company for more than an hour, so there’s no guarantee of anything. ”
“Very true,” Rohan said. “So Veronique gets the girl and I get you? That hardly seems fair. ”
The scarred man cast her a wary glance. “She doesn’t understand us, does she? Her French was atrocious. ”
“Oh, I think she understands us well enough, looking at her face. And I think we’ll have to forgo the pleasure of your company. ” He dismissed them.
“When you’re done with her then, Francis?” the woman said, looking at her avidly. “I could have a lovely time schooling a lamb who has strayed. ”
“I think you’ll have to find another stray lamb, madame,” he said, placing one hand over Elinor’s. “You’re already aware of the motto of the Rohans—what I have I keep. Reading can find you another innocent. ”
“Hard to do when you won’t let us invite children,” Veronique said with a pout.
“A foolish inconstancy on my part,” he drawled. “But it’s not up for discussion. I’m certain the two of you will find adequate distraction back in the green room. ”
Author: Anne Stuart
Veronique spat a very nasty word, one that Elinor had only heard a few times and then from the worst gutter whore in Paris, and she started with shock as the door slid open again, and the woman flounced through, her straight back expressing her disapproval.
The man, Reading, paused a moment longer. “Best be careful, Francis,” he said.
“I’m hardly afraid of Veronique. ”
“She’s not the woman I think you should worry about,” Reading murmured. And a moment later the door slid shut, leaving them in cocooning darkness once more.
Rohan looked down at her. “You see, my dove. There are creatures far more terrifying than rats who wander these corridors. ”
“You’re known as the King of Hell, Monsieur le Comte,” she said. “What else would I expect from your guests?”
He laughed softly, but she had the sense she’d annoyed him. “Next time you wish to call me names you might consider what I’ve saved you from. Veronique is not very nice to girls—she is one who takes pleasure from hurting people, where most of the whores simply fake their distress. ”
“I’m ever so grateful,” she said with cloying sweetness.
“Of course you are, love. Unfortunately I desire that you show your gratitude before I release you. Just a small token is all that’s needed. ”
“I beg your pardon?” she said in an icy voice.