Page 47 of A Tale of Two Dukes

Heat. Well, that certainly makes a lot more sense. And it explains why Alice is so concerned about me going out. With a sigh, I dip a rag into a basin and soothe my heated flesh with the cool water.

Unfortunately, Mother never explained the process to me in detail, but I know enough to understand the enormity of this day. Now, I can get pregnant. Running my fingers over my waist, I stare at my reflection, my brain churning.

Do I even want a child like this? Of course, when I was to be married, children were a natural part of that. I had no issue with bearing an heir or two. Now that I’m a courtesan, what good would a child do? I can’t bring a child into the world like this.

Alice slides her hand over mine, a smile softening her features. “Do not worry. The duke has ways of ensuring his seed never takes root. I’ll head to the market and fetch some new skins to slide over his member, holding his essence in.”

My lips tilt up for a moment before sliding back into nothing. Everything is too much and not enough at the same time. Shaking my head, I watch as Alice leaves me, my fingers tugging at the dress I so desperately wish to be free from.

A distraction. That’s what I need. With determination, I head down to the library, opting to put my nose in a book until such time as Birchleigh appears and relieves this ache growing deep within me.

I barely make it down the stairs before the butler strides over to me, his features tight. “You have a caller, Miss. Shall I show him into the drawing room?” He pauses and sniffs for a moment, his eye growing wide with alarm.

Everything freezes at his words. I don’t even have to scent the air to know who this caller is. It can be only one person—Mr. Beaumont.

Though I want to send him away, we had a deal. Not that I plan on revealing anything to him. He doesn’t deserve it, especially now that I know my sister is well and healthy.

However, the more pressing concern is my impending heat. From what I do know, Alice is right. I’m not safe around any other Alpha except for Birchleigh. The only saving grace I have is that servants will be milling about, keeping the man from doing something nefarious.

“Yes, please. I will receive him.”

“Miss, if I may. I’m not sure if-”

“Show him to the drawing room,” I interrupt, snapping at him.

I don’t mean to be cross, but now is not the time to have my edicts questioned. Things are dangerous, precarious, but are more so knowing my tormentor could cause harm to those I love and care about. I don’t have the luxury of being safe when others are in the line of fire.

Irritation flares up my spine. Besides, if not now, then it will be some other inopportune time. That’s just how he is, a snake in the grass that strikes when you least expect it. Here, I’m safe, but out and about, he could have free rein. Then where would I be?

My shoes clip over the wood, the sound drilling into my brain. I feel on edge, uneasy, and far too easily stimulated. It’s like that one time I drank port as a child, thinking it was some sort of cider. Even now, my stomach churns, desperate to upend the chocolate that weighs heavily in my gut.

I watch the door, my finger fluttering over the fabric of my dress. Everything is tight, hot, too much. I long to rip it from my body, to sink into a tub of cool water. Even better, I want nothing more than to slide my naked skin along my master’s, feeling his warmth combine with mine until we’re both about to explode into flames.

Nervousness creeps up my spine, making me rigid, uneasy. I’m safe here with the servants. I have to be. Though Birchleigh forbade me to have any interactions with this man, he will understand in time.

Besides, there’s a chance he’ll never know… Except for his scent. Clenching my fingers, I ignore the desire to gnaw on my nail. Notwithstanding the whore that I am, I still have my upbringing.

I need to ensure the safety of my family and of the duke himself by appearing calm, unflappable. Straightening, I watch as the door opens, revealing the monster in question. He sweeps in as if he owns the room.

I nearly gag as his stench swirls about my head. Thankfully, the Alpha part of him, the part that’s supposed to ignite an omega’s heat, seems dulled, covered up with the slimy, revolting, malodorous scent that clings to him like second skin. But it’s still there, hovering just beneath the surface, calling to me as nothing else should.

The burn from this morning comes back in full force, nearly stealing my breath. Not one part of me wants this man, and yet, my body pulls toward him, desperate for an Alpha’s touch. Panic sets in as I watch the knowing grin cross his face.

This is why Alice said it would be dangerous to go out and about. Rubbing my temples, I step away from him, forcing air into my lungs. “State your business and be on your way.”

“My, so commanding for being at my mercy.”

“You’re nothing to me,” I spit out, anger bolstering me for the moment. “Besides, I have nothing to confide in you, so you made this journey for nothing.”

He circles me, his eyes looking me up and down. Helpless, I glance over at the servant standing near the door. She fiddles with her fingers, apprehension etched in her features.

Could she call for help before it’s too late? Perhaps I should have listened to the butler and sent this man on his way. But then, the threat would still be there. Better to cut it off at the knees and be done with it.

“I know you lied about my sister. The handkerchief is certainly hers, but that’s not blood.”

“How long did it take for you to puzzle that one out? Were you up all night, thinking, wondering, despairing?” Pausing, he slides his thumb across his bottom lip. “Did it make you think of me?”

“In truth, I thought nothing of you since our last meeting.” The bravado wears thin as my anxiety spikes.