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would have killed the Duke. Now he wasn’t even breathing hard. When Nugent had moved in close, he’d felt something hard under Drex’s shirt; something like a metal undershirt.
    Nugent’s temper was flaming. His teeth were clenched so hard, he had trouble spitting out his words. “I don’t know what’s been done to you, who fixed you up, or why you are suddenly cured, but I’ll find out and I’ll take care of it or who forever.”
    The Duke grabbed Nugent by the front of his coat and drew him close. “If you mess with me or mine, Nugent Templecombe, you will lose your generous allowance, the one I give you every month, and I will dispose of you myself.”
    â€œTough speech for one who could barely lift a fork to feed himself a month ago.” But the dread of losing that allowance filled Nugent with terror. His creditors would find out and cut him off. He’d be an outcast.
    â€œGrimwhich!” Drex called as he rang the bell.
    Grimwhich must have been listening at the door because he appeared immediately. “Yes, my lord?”
    â€œPlease escort Mr. Templecombe from the premises and do not allow him back in again.”
    Before Nugent could leave, a woman Nugent had never seen before entered the room. Nugent knew her for a woman, even though she was dressed like a boy; he did after all run an unusual club.
    The Duke was forced to perform an introduction and he could see by Nugent’s glee-filled expression that the dibs were up. “Darling, this is my nephew, Nugent Templecombe. Nugent, this is my fiancé, Camille Torrington. We plan to be married within the week.”
    Nugent’s brain was spinning. The smell of some kind of chemical surrounded this woman like a cloud. She was dressed like an inventor, a scientist, rubber goggles pulled up over a leather cap that covered her hair. She wore men’s pants and a fine linen shirt all covered by a rubber apron.
    Somehow, this woman was responsible for Drex’s miraculous recovery. Remove the woman, remove the Duke’s good health and remove the Duke’s opportunity to breed another heir. Why if his creditors heard of this, and of course they would, his style of life would have to undergo a drastic change.
    Nugent held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my dear. Do you work in some kind of laboratory?”
    Camille glanced at the Duke who lifted one finely-sculpted eyebrow. “Yes, I like to tinker with machines and such from time to time. A gown would only get filthy and be in my way.”
    â€œI must offer you my sincerest felicitations. Drex has informed me you two are to be married.”
    She blushed and Nugent saw how beautiful she was. The thought of her in one of his punishment rooms, dressed like this, like a young man, aroused him so much, he had to drop his hat over his crotch to cover his rising manhood. He bowed. “I’ll take myself off. Just wanted to offer you my best regards,” he said to Drex, bowed to Camille one more time and left, his mind whirling with plans and possibilities.
    Never let it be said that Nugent Templecombe let fate run roughshod over him. No sir, he would take this problem by its proverbial horns and deal with it now. If he didn’t, the Duke would be married and all hope of an inheritance would go up in smoke.

Chapter 4
    Nugent went straight to the Hellfire Club. It was morning, but intrepid sex addicts were busy in the back rooms. He could hear screaming.
    He was greeted by Rensley, his major domo. “My lord, I read the news in the Guardian. What has happened? I’ve seen the Duke myself. He was done for sure as I’m alive.”
    â€œSomeone, a female, Rensley, has found a cure for him. This same female is his affianced wife.”
    â€œWe must do something, my lord, or all will be lost.”
    â€œDo you think I am unaware of this? Remember the assassin we hired to take care of Lord Ombersley? See