Page 6 of The Duke of Pain

Could he submit to this beautiful woman and her riding crop?

Not bloody likely.

An almighty thwack filled the air as Mistress Birch laid the riding crop across the judge’s back. The man howled, but the cry ended in joyous laughter. She slid the crop along the man’s back, and he moaned in ecstasy.

“One more, where do you want it? Chest? Back? Your buttocks?” she demanded.

He had seen enough. Gideon stepped into the hall, buttoning his long coat to hide his stiff-as-a-pike cock.

Pan bowed slightly. “Did it meet your expectations?”

“Depends. Just how depraved is this place?”

Pan’s long lashes fluttered coquettishly. “The light birching is as far as we go. No violent acts result in bloodletting or worse. We also do not deal in the abhorrent acquisition of virgins. No children. All here, male or female, are age eighteen or higher and have specific duties. My employees are to be treated with respect, and they will act in kind. They also are clean, inside and out. As I stated previously, I have a physician on retainer.”

“Orgies?”

“They can be arranged for private groups that I approve of.”

Gideon nodded. “I will return at a later date with a few of my select friends. I will ensure that they follow your rules to the letter.”

“Do you wish to know of the price?” Pan asked.

“Price? It is no object. You will find that my friends and I are generous if satisfied.”

“Forgive me, but I did ask about your group, and The Rakes of Regent’s Park come highly recommended. I do hope I have not offended you with the non de plume you are known within these circles.”

“No, I am not offended. I’ll send word when we are ready to make an appointment.”

After heading downstairs, Gideon collected his hat, gloves, and stick. About to depart, he hesitated and turned to face Pan.

“I want—her.”

“Mistress Olivia? With the riding crop, you mean?” Pan asked innocently.

“Yes. Make the mistress available tomorrow night. For me alone.”

Pan bowed. “I will do what I can to arrange it. Where shall I send word of the appointment?”

Gideon reached in his pocket and gave Pan his card. “Send the information there.”

“Good evening.”

Satisfied, Gideon exited the building. There was his carriage, waiting. On-time as usual.

He tried to think of anything else, but he was still hard as oak. His thoughts were filled with Mistress Birch—Olivia.

Gideon never experienced such a swift reaction to a woman, one so vivid it caused his heart to stutter in his chest.

It was beyond her beauty; it was the look in her eyes.

They were as lifeless and cold as his own.

What possessed him to request her?

Guess he would soon find out.

Chapter 2