Page 65 of To Ensnare a Duke

"Asker's choice."

"This sounds dangerous…" I hedge, my mind churning as I think of everything that can go wrong.

She shrugs and gives a quick smile. "That is, if you're not up for a little excitement…"

"I didn't say that."

"Then we are of an accord?"

A heavy sigh slips through my lips as I agree. "Very well. Far be it from me to stand down from a challenge."

"Oh what fun," she cries, clapping her hands. "We shall have a grand time. You'll see."

"Somehow, I doubt it."

Rising from the table, we gather at some chairs and form a loose circle. Off to the side, my aunt sits with her mouth ajar, snores pouring forth.

"As the hostess," Teresa says. "You should go first. Ask anyone here a question. If they do not answer or you think their answer isn't the truth, you may punish them how you see fit."

I look at each of them in turn, not sure where to even start. "Anything?" Everyone, save Emma, smiles widely as they glance at each other. "And nothing is off limits? Even if it's improper?"

This time, Teresa's smile turns a bit dark as she leans in. "Who's here to chastise us? The men are far away enjoying their evening of drink and camaraderie. Please, shock us, if you think you can."

I square my shoulders and look directly at Teresa. "Very well. Does your husband discipline you?"

"Yes, he does. And I enjoy every bit of it. Well, that is, if he's not being too heavy-handed, or I actually deserved it."

Emma holds her hand to her lips as if shocked by the revelation. "You too? That is to say, you get punished too?" Her face turns red as she looks down. "Not necessarily the enjoying part."

"Fie, as if you don't. Your face tells the tale." She turns to me, her lips quirking up into a wide grin. "Have I answered your question to your satisfaction?"

I blink at her, dumbfounded by the leisure with which she proclaimed what I've been holding secret. "Yes, you have. But-"

"Excellent." She turns to poor Emma who looks as if she wishes the floor will swallow her whole. "Emma. Do you or do you not enjoy the harsh hand with which your husband gives you pain and pleasure?"

Her face turns so red, I fear flames will spout from every pore. "Must we talk about this?" She whines. "'Tis so unseemly."

"You don't have to answer, but you will face a punishment."

"What's the punishment," she whispers.

At this, Teresa's lips curl up into a mischievous smile. "Something that I'm sure will get you into far more trouble than answering a simple question."

As dark as her face gets, it pales almost instantly. "I cannot understand why, but yes. I enjoy it," she mumbles, refusing to look at us. "To clarify, it is not the trouble I enjoy. Just…"

"His heavy hand against your backside before shoving his fingers deep inside your quim," Catherine supplies. "Do not worry so. His brother is the same way. In fact, I dare say all these dukes are cut from the same, deviant cloth. Remember, I met my betrothed at The Rose and Thorne."

"You didn't," I blurt out, completely scandalized by the conversation.

Catherine grins. “How do you know about The Rose and Thorne? It’s supposed to be a clandestine place that only men know of.”

“Blast,” I mutter under my breath.

“It’s my turn for a question then, is it not?” Emma asks, finally taking on a glint of mischief in her eyes.

“Yes,” I hedge, and I know exactly where she’s going to go with her line of questioning.

“How do you know about The Rose and Thorne?”