Page 69 of To Ensnare a Duke

Foxford whistles under his breath. I can't tell if he's shocked, impressed, or some odd combination of both.

"She certainly is a bit more carefree than she should be. The other wives should have a calming effect on her. That and your fierce hand will, no doubt, steer her in the way of a duchess. How did she take to your discipline? Is she a good match for you?"

"Though I have not bedded her, if that is what you're inquiring, she seems to practically thrive under my harsh touch. In truth, I'm rather concerned about her reactions to me. She is a conundrum. On the one hand, she craves it, but on the other, she cannot handle it. I do not wish to harm her to a point where we cannot return, but if she continues to vex me… I'm running out of options."

Whiteport narrows his eyes and leans forward. "Explain. Is this something a doctor could probably assist with?"

Helpless for the first time since I can remember, I shrug. "I haven't a clue. It's the most bizarre thing. When I strapped her in her brother's study, she creamed all over her thighs and practically came on the spot. When I took a strap to her here, it's as if her soul left her body. She became lethargic and unresponsive. I can't be harsh with her if it harms her so."

The men stare at me for several moments before one-by-one, they begin to chuckle. Eventually, it turns into a mighty uproar until their laughter is so loud and fierce, others look over and shoot us dirty looks.

"Glad to see my burden is so amusing."

Whiteport wipes his eyes as he forces the laughter to stop. "Are you that daft man? I knew you to be an odd bird, but never expected you to be such a cockwomble."

I grit my teeth at the friendly insult. "Explain. What, in my entire speech, would lead you to say as such."

"Have you never had a woman?"

"Plenty," I grind out. "Your point. Make it."

Again, he wipes his eyes. "You're doing your job and doing it well. I've had a few women separate or disassociate while I have my way with them. It's a common thing with playtime of our proclivities."

This time, my eyes widen. "Truly? You're not playing the farce?"

"Truly." He sobers as he looks at me. "Have you honestly never had such a reaction? Given how hard you play, I would have been certain you had."

"No," I cry out. "And if I had, her reaction wouldn't have startled me so. But then, most of the women I play with, it's more of a visceral session. I'm not prone to impact and beatings like you lot."

Foxford snorts. "Given her reaction, I say you should most certainly keep your implements handy. If she's as willful as you say."

"God strike me down if I speak falsely. I fear she's even more errant than your lady duchess."

"I don't envy you, my friend. I certainly do not envy your navigation into the marriage mart. Seems all of us have been froth with such theatrics and missteps. Surely one of us will not be dragged kicking and screaming down the aisle."

"Speaking of," Norhaven grins. "How do you think the ladies fair? Given that we were unaware she was such a card sharp as you just revealed."

For a moment, the mated men pause as their gazes going hazy a bit. They must be checking in on them through the bound. Once Augusta goes into heat and I can claim her, it will make things far easier.

She won’t be able to hide from me like she has. I’ll know her thoughts, her desires, and be able to follow her every shifting mood. In truth, it will help me keep a better eye on when she needs my firm hand.

Blackport frowns. “Emma seems a bit uneasy, but then, if you betrothed is taking a lot of coin from her, that will make sense. The poor dear seems so eager to please and so reluctant to get into any real trouble. It means I have to fabricate misdeeds to keep her bottom well warmed.”

Foxford rolls his eyes. “Teresa, of course, is brimming with elation and mischief, but that’s nothing new.”

With a grin, Birchleigh tips back his glass. “Catherine is just happy to be winning more coin than losing.”

The others groan as I laugh. “Then I shall be victorious after all.”

"I fear that it's no use," Birchleigh laughs. "Whether or not his minx in sheep's clothing does indeed deprive our ladies of their coin, you will still need to put at least a thousand into the coffers."

"Ahh, but if she happens to win three thousand off you lot, then that's still two thousand lining my pockets where there was once none."

The somber air shifts a bit as we joke and tease each other like old times. In truth, until this moment, I didn't realize just how much I missed it. The camaraderie is a balm to my soul. More so, now that I know I can face my bride and wedding night without fear of actually damaging the poor girl, I feel almost in a cheerful disposition.

Across the room, Madame Douleur glides over, her eyes scanning the scene before us. It's not unusual for her to make her rounds, ensuring all is done in good fun. However, when her gaze shifts over to me, my stomach sinks. Her lips are tight and thin, as if she's upset.

Seeing as I have not played with anyone since taking an interest in Augusta, her ire cannot be at me. Unless she's sad I'll be depriving her of my coin. But as she slinks over, turning a kind eye at everyone else until she looks again at our group, my insides twist.