Rose's Rapture: Lords of the Night, Book Two Read Online Free PDF

to have those full lips wrapped around his shaft? She looked more than ready to meet his every demand. For a second, his resolve to kill Rose faltered. No, he would not leave now. He was here for a purpose and no whore, not even one as beautiful as this one, would dissuade him.
    Her gaze flicked to the empty glass in his hand. “I have everything a man desires and you look famished.” She glanced at his topaz ring, then regarded him with newfound appreciation.
    William wasn’t flattered. He noted her undisguised interest in the only thing he owned of any value.  He kept his expression placid despite the rage beating at his brow. His gaze swept the length of her once more. She was ripe for the picking and seemed more than willing to allow herself to be plucked. Whores were so predictable. “What’s your name?” He did not give her the courtesy of addressing her properly, since it was more than obvious she was no lady.
    “Josephine,” she answered her French accent tickling the air.
    “Josephine,” he repeated, letting her name curl around his tongue. He placed his glass on a passing tray. “Beautiful.”
    “Thank you.”
    He smiled. “I have a specific need tonight, Josephine—one that must be met before we continue this conversation somewhere more private.” He ran a knuckle along her collarbone.
    She shuddered and her nipples came dangerously close to popping out of the top of her dress. “Pity, but I think you misunderstand me.” Her smile became a pout, but the move did not match the intent in her rich brown eyes.
    “I don’t think so,” William said. “I believe I understand you perfectly and I accept your offer.”
    Her spine stiffened. “This is my establishment. I do not ‘service’ clients anymore.”
    “But you’d make an exception for me.” William closed the distance between them, allowing his coat to brush against her breasts. Despite his semi-downtrodden appearance, William knew he wasn’t unappealing to the eye. His looks alone had convinced innocents and not-so innocents alike to grace his sheets. From the expression on Josephine’s face, she was tempted, making her no different from the others.
    She sucked in a breath and took a step back, her erect pink nipples clearly visible through the thin material of her gown. He shut his mouth to keep from crowing in victory. Josephine’s demeanor changed, whether from excitement or irritation, he did not know. Possibly a bit of both. Either way, it suited her. He enjoyed a woman’s anger and excitement in equal parts.
    “What are your needs? We can meet anything you desire,” she said. Gone was the seductive minx. In its place stood a shrewd proprietress.
    “Take care, ma petit, for I desire much,” he purred.
    Her lips quirked and she arched a brow. “I have no doubt.”
    William knew he’d intrigued her, but he couldn’t act upon it—yet. “Tonight, I’m in the mood for a red-head.” He straightened his rumpled waistcoat.
    “I’m sure Marie will please you well,” she said.
    William shook his head. “No, I have a specific girl in mind.” He allowed his gaze to linger on her upturned face.
    “Is that so? Who may I ask?” Genuine curiosity flashed in her dark expressive cat-like eyes.
    “Her name is Rose Carlson,” he said.
    Josephine’s expression remained carefully blank. “There is no one by that name in my employ,” she said.
    “I believe she’s known as ‘Red Rose’,” William said.
    “Ah, yes.” Josephine laughed, but the sound held no humor. “She was one of my best. Losing her has cost me dearly.”
    “What do you mean you lost her?” William grabbed her by the arms more forcefully than he’d intended. “To whom?” If she’d moved on to another house, he needed a name.
    Josephine tossed her ebony hair back, then tilted her chin to meet his eyes. “She finished our contract over a month ago. She is free to do as she pleases.”
    “Damn it!” William released her and slammed his fist on the