Free His Mistress by Monica Burns Page B

swing of her hand, her closed fan connected with the man’s cheek. In the quiet of the balcony, the fan’s wood slats created a distinct, audible pop. Almost instantly, blood from a long cut pooled on the surface of the submissive’s skin.
    “ Leave , and do not come near me again, Edward.”
    Even from the short distance that separated Tobias from the group, the remarkable display of composure Mystère demonstrated was impressive. Tobias could only imagine the look of contempt she directed at Ashcroft before she turned away and focused her attention on the Obedience Chamber.
    Clearly startled, Ashcroft touched his cheek. Staring down at the blood on his fingertips, a lascivious look of lust and excitement crossed the man’s features as he stretched out his hand to Mystère once more. Despite the serene expression on her lovely features, Tobias saw her hands tremble as she reached out and wrapped her fingers around the balcony railing once more.
    Instantly, his body transformed itself into a coiled spring as he prepared to lunge out of his chair and physically remove Ashcroft from her presence. Before he could move, one of the men in Mystère’s entourage quickly placed himself between the Lady and her antagonist.
    “Lady Mystère has ordered you to leave. Go now, or you’ll have me to deal with.”
    The woman’s champion was unknown to Tobias, but he immediately liked the young man for stepping forward to protect Mystère . Nonetheless, Tobias remained ready to intervene if necessary. Ashcroft hesitated for a long moment before turning away with a dark scowl of displeasure on his face. As the Viscount departed, Tobias watched the tension ebb slowly out of Mystère as she leaned back into her seat.
    The moment she relaxed, Tobias allowed his own pent up energy to ease out of his stiff muscles, while holding a small measure in reserve should Ashcroft return. Mystère lightly brushed the back of her hand across her champion’s cheek as he bent his head toward her. A sharp twist of possessiveness tightened Tobias’ gut.
    He didn’t want her touching any other man with such tenderness. The thought made him wince. What the hell was wrong with him? As he struggled with his visceral reaction, he heard Mystère quietly issue a command for her small group of suitors to leave her. Their disappointment was obvious, but the men obeyed her command without protest. In less than a minute, Mystère companions moved away leaving her to her solitude.
    Just as he had a week ago, Tobias studied her from a distance as she focused her attention on the Obedience Chamber. Almost as if she felt his gaze on her, she turned her head in his direction. A small smile curved her lips as she looked at him. It was like having a sledge hammer slam into his chest with the blow shuddering its way into every inch of his body. Bloody hell.
    Throughout the past few days, he’d convinced himself that he’d over exaggerated his response to her. He’d been wrong. Tonight her allure was even more powerful, and the air left his lungs then returned in a sudden rush that left his breathing ragged. Inside his trousers, his cock stirred. It was a reminder of the command she’d given him a week ago.
    The moment he rose to his feet, she immediately looked away from him to stare down at the scene below. Her posture was stiff for a moment before she relaxed in her chair. Satisfaction drilled its way through him at having shaken her composure, if only for a brief moment. Tobias maneuvered his way past several chairs and took a seat next to her.
    Although he was certain she was aware of him, she continued to study the stage below and didn’t acknowledge him. The exotic scent of jasmine mixed with vanilla filled his nostrils. It was the perfect scent for her. Soft, sultry, and mysterious. He breathed in more of her seductive smell and suppressed a groan. He wanted to feel her skin beneath his mouth and fingertips as he pleasured her in whatever manner she