The Courtesan's Bed Read Online Free PDF Page A

beautiful, accomplished mistress like Régine would be surprised and shocked to learn that he had never wanted to have sex with her and had never even seen her naked. He also required her to wear the plain gray dress and a severe coif favored by his boyhood nurse, a cruel, savage woman who took the switch to her young charge for any minor misbehavior, real or imagined. At the start of their liaison, Luc had told Régine that he didn’t mind if she took other lovers, as long as she was available whenever he wished. Since he paid her so handsomely, she found no need.
    â€œYou are too generous,” she said. “If you would be so kind as to deposit half in my account, and invest the rest…”
    â€œOf course.” He smiled. “I love your pragmatism, my dear.”
    â€œI’ve learned to be very pragmatic over the years.”
    She removed the compress and began to gingerly rub the fragrant salve into his tender flesh. As he knew from their many sessions, the ointment would sting at first, but then the pain would disappear.
    He squeezed his eyes shut and gasped, a sharp intake of breath. “You take such good care of me.”
    When Régine finished, she wiped her fingers on the towel, but still felt soiled inside. She stroked his damp graying hair. “My dear Luc…”
    He turned his head and regarded her curiously. “What is it, my dear? You seem troubled.”
    She stared off into the distance. “You are a kind, thoughtful man, and I dislike hurting you.”
    He rolled over onto his side and propped his head up on one hand. “I know. But I find it so exciting when you do.”
    â€œYou are my protector, and I shall always do as you request.”
    â€œAnd I expect you to honor the terms of our arrangement.” He smiled indulgently and brought her hand to his lips. “My sweet Régine, you have such a soft heart.”
    â€œI’m afraid I do, in some respects.” And in others, she was as hardhearted as any courtesan who sold her body, never her heart.
    â€œYour contradictory nature is part of your charm.” He frowned suspiciously. “You wouldn’t be falling in love with me, would you?”
    â€œI’m shocked that you could think such a thing, monsieur. I never fall in love.” She’d made that mistake with the marquess and had paid dearly.
    â€œGood. Such folly would mean an end to our relationship. And I would certainly regret that.”
    The threat of being so callously discarded didn’t frighten Régine. She was wealthy enough to support herself, if need be, until another protector caught her fancy. She watched him crawl off the bed, grimacing in pain, and then rise. She helped him dress, another slow, painful process. Then she assisted him down the stairs and showed him to her front door.
    Before he departed, he surprised her by leaving a small velvet pouch on the hall table. “A little extra for your excellent services tonight.”
    She inclined her head in mute appreciation. As always, she had earned it.
    They bade each other good night, and Régine closed the door. She picked up the pouch and contemplated its heft in her palm. Luc’s generosity assuaged any regrets.
    She returned to her boudoir and undressed for bed. She turned off the gaslights and stood in the darkness before going to the window. A soft rain was beginning to fall in the silent early morning hours, making the empty street slick and shiny.
    Not as empty as she’d thought. A man stood in a doorway across the street, but weariness claimed Régine and she paid him no mind.
    She turned and went to her well-earned rest.

    Regina’s house set back from the street was all dark except for one lighted upstairs window.
    Her bedroom.
    Darius, who’d been standing across the street for the last hour, lifted his coat collar against the drizzle that had begun to fall. He’d followed the old gent’s carriage after he