Free His Mistress by Monica Burns Page A

Tobias did his utmost best to ignore the woman and her admirers. Finally, lust won out, and he turned his head slightly to observe her in as casual a manner as possible. Like the first night they’d met, Mystère was dressed more for an evening out in polite society than an evening of pleasure at La Maison des Plaisirs Sombres . Her sedate gown was the color of red wine, and it clung to her curves as though she’d been sewn into the dress. The dark burgundy mask she wore was simplistic with a thin border of black ribbon trimming its edge. A small pearl earring dangled from a beautifully sculpted ear. An ear he wanted to nibble on.
    In the candlelight, the diamond comb in her hair reflected the faintest color of chestnut in the tresses tumbling down over shoulders that were the color of a ripening peach. His stomach twisted at the thought of his hands sliding through her hair before he explored the curve of her shoulders. The image disappeared the instant a man he recognized as one of the wealthier, more influential members of La Maison des Plaisirs Sombres approached Mystère and her small group of admirers.
    Edward Dewhurst, Viscount of Ashcroft was a social climber who didn’t move in Tobias’ social circle. Tobias snorted softly at his observation. He didn’t move in any social circle. The only friends Tobias had outside of his work were the men he’d grown up with in John Fordyce’s house. Ashcroft on the other hand hovered on the fringes of the Marlborough Set’s intimate circle.
    Tobias had little use for the man. More than a year ago, he and Ashcroft had almost come to blows when the man had been on the verge of assaulting one of Angélique’s Ladies. Tobias also didn’t trust a man who sought out and savored the darkest of sins within the club. He didn’t give a damn that Ashcroft enjoyed a certain level of pain whenever he submitted to a Lady.
    But sometimes the man preferred to play the role of master, and he’d seen more than one woman in the club shy away from him when he entered a room. The man necessitated watching. Especially now, when it appeared the viscount seemed to be forcing himself on Mystère .
    “Please, my Lady. I wish only to serve you.” Ashcroft’s voice was almost a whine, and Mystère shook her head without looking at him.
    “You may be of service by leaving,” she said quietly as she leaned forward to watch the scene below. At her rejection, the submissive jerked his head up to look directly at her. A long moment passed before Ashcroft reluctantly lowered his gaze in deference to her even though Mystère had yet to bother looking in the man’s direction.
    “I will do whatever you wish, my Lady,” the man said vehemently. “But don’t send me away.”
    “You try my patience, Edward,” she said in withering tone as she kept her gaze on the chamber the balcony overlooked. “Leave. Now .”
    Although she appeared completely in control of the situation, Tobias noted how her hands gripped the balcony railing. Her outward appearance was one of calm serenity, but for the first time he realized Mystère might not be as experienced as he’d thought. A novice? Surely not. Angélique trained all the Ladies in La Maison des Plaisirs Sombres , and his old friend was very protective of her protégées.
    Tobias was certain the Frenchwoman would never allow one of her pupils to venture out on their own before they were ready. Even the most experienced Lady would find Ashcroft difficult to handle. Tobias’ mouth tightened with displeasure as the submissive continued to press his suit.
    “But you don’t understand, my Lady.” There was the distinct sound of angry frustration in Ashcroft’s voice as he grabbed her by the arm. “I am ready to accept any punishment or pleasure you inflict on me.”
    Before any of the other men surrounding her could even rise from their seats, Mystère tugged her arm free of Ashcroft’s grip and turned toward her assailant with a jerk. With a vicious