Joss and The Countess (The Seducers Book 2)

by S. M. LaViolette

  It was that hard core that allowed her to do the work she did. Joss had found being a whore difficult. Beyond difficult: soul destroying.

  Yet Melissa had always seemed to be at ease. In fact, there had been times when he believed she took pleasure from the power she wielded over the men who fought to have her.

  “There is no easier way for you to make so much money so fast, Joss. And, if what your sister says about your father is true, you will need money sooner rather than later.”

  “Easy for you, Mel.” She flinched, but Joss was not finished. “I’m not sure why you make the assumption that being a whore is quite so easy for everyone else.”

  Her face hardened and the expression made her look older, like the woman she was and no longer a girl. “You think this is easy for me? I didn’t say that—I said it was easier, and that is the truth.” Her mouth twisted. “How easy do you think it was for me to be sold by my own mother? How easy do you think it was to become the play thing of a toff three times my age when I was fourteen and passed around among his nob friends, and then discarded when he considered me too old—too used up—at the age of seventeen?”

  She snatched up her reticule and gloves and stood. “So when I say I’d rather be in control of who I fuck and when and for how much and that I’d rather have a place to call my own, to have a measure of control over my own body, to make decisions for my future then, yes, it is easier. I don’t know why you were really sacked, Joss, and I don’t care. But if you think it is easier to earn your crust by living under another person’s roof and belonging to them body and soul, far be it from me to argue with you.”

  She was fast, but Joss was faster. He was right behind her when she reached the door and tried to open it. But his hand was against the smooth wood and it would not budge.

  She glared up at him through the feathers on her hat. “Remove your hand.”

  He cupped her jaw in his free hand. “Shhh, love,” he stroked the sharp angle with his thumb, looking past her anger, and seeing a flicker of something else—shame? Pain? Fear?

  Her eyes narrowed, and he thought she might hug her anger to her chest; she had a fierce temper and could cut a person out of her life as easily and quickly as a butcher cut the fat from a roast.

  “I’m sorry, Mel.”

  “You great, stupid oaf.”

  His lips twitched. “Yes, but I am your great, stupid oaf.”

  “Oh, Joss,” she sighed and then laid her head against his chest.

  “Oh, Mel,” he mocked gently. His arms slid around her, his body remembering the shape of hers. He pulled her close, dodged the feathers that threatened to poke up his nostrils, and angled his head to kiss her cheek.

  “I need you, Joss. I—I need you to manage for me while I get away.” She gulped in a breath. “I sent the message to you hoping you could at least spend some time overseeing Hugo and Laura, but now that you are out of work, I would really love to have you back at the house. To live there. You see, I’ve been very sick—I almost died.”

  He closed his eyes. Ah, God. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I—I—” she broke off, but Joss knew what she’d been going to say.

  “You would have welcomed it—death.” It wasn’t a question, but the feathers on her fine hat trembled like a male pheasant on the strut.

  “Good God, Melissa! Why?”

  “It just seems so pointless—struggling and working and scheming so that I might one day go and live a life of comfort in the country.” She gave a watery laugh. “I’ve never even been to the country—what if I worked for it all this time and I hate it?”

  Joss smiled, stroking her fragile shoulders. “You ninny, why don’t you go and see for yourself if you like it? Take some time and go to the ocean, or to the moors, anywhere but here. It’s so grim and dreary, especially in winter.”

  “I want to, Joss. And my doctor has said I must do so for at least a few months if I am to ever recover. But I don’t see how I can leave. Venetia has sold her remaining interest, which just leaves me with Laura and Hugo. And you know how they are.”

  Yes, Joss knew about Laura and Hugo, the two most experienced whores at The White House, who hated each other with a passion.

  “I need your help, Joss. I just need some help,” she murmured into his chest. “You don’t even need to take clients, Joss. I—” Her arms tightened until it was hard to breath. “The doctor said I am physically exhausted and the problem in my stomach will only become worse if I don’t take time to rest. He said the country air is what I need.” She gave a slightly hysterical laugh. “Lord, the country! I couldn’t tell him I was more afraid of going to the country than I would be traipsing through St. Giles naked.”

  He pulled her tighter. “Shhh, don’t talk nonsense. Of course, you should go to the country and rest. You will love it—clean fresh air, quiet—”

  “Oh, don’t! You’re just scaring me.”

  He chuckled, just as she’d meant him to do. “I will help you, Mel.” He rubbed her back, the feel of her delicate shoulders making his heart clench. Next to his sister, she was his closest and best friend in the world.

  “I will come back to The White House and help.”

  As soon as he said the words, Joss realized that was exactly where he’d expected to end up all along.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Alicia had believed the days after Joss left were the worst in her life—even worse than the hell of living with Edward and David.

  But unlike the hellish five years as David’s plaything, it wasn’t the physical part that was soul-destroying. This time it was the mental anguish that tore at her. All the years she’d been married to Edward and subject to his sick demands she’d at least had the hope that she would one day be free and take Lizzy with her.

  Now there was no such hope.

  David had planned his next move well, almost as if he knew Alicia’s schedule.

  It was the first time she’d left the house in days—not since that dreadful night with Joss. But she’d needed to go to Connie’s.

  Her friend had been feeling ill since before New Year’s and Alicia had not visited her because it was an influenza, and she did not wish to risk bringing Lizzy.

  She’d stayed only an hour, finding Connie weak, tired, and peevish from prolonged bedrest.

  “I’m dreadful company, Alicia, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate you coming. Tell Lizzy I’ve greatly missed our literary discussions and look forward to resuming them when I’m well enough.”

  After that, Connie had all but pushed her out the door.

  Even before stepping out of her carriage, she’d known something was wrong.

  Feehan met her at the front door, his face like a death mask.

  “What is it?”

  “It’s is Lord Selwood, my lady. He, er—”

  “My God, man—out with it!”

  The old man had jumped and so had the two footmen hovering behind him.

  “Lord Selwood came to take Lady Elizabeth home not long after you left, my lady.”

  Alicia was half-way down the steps before he’d finished speaking. “Fetch the carriage back around!” she’d yelled to whoever was close enough to listen.

  Within moments, they were rolling toward Selwood House, Alicia barely able to keep from leaping up on the box and driving the carriage herself.

  She could see by Beamish’s tighter than usual expression that he’d been warned to expect her.

  “I want to see my daughter.”

  “Lord Selwood will see you in the library, first, my lady.”

  “I don’t wish to see Lord Selwood, I want—”

  “Alicia, my dear.”

  She looked up to find David at the top of the stairs.

  “David! I’m here to see Lizzy.”

  He gave her one of his gentle, infuriating smiles. “Please, can we not discuss this like civilized people?”

  Alicia knew by his patronizing tone that he would not capitulate. She
followed him to the library.

  “Please, have a seat.”

  Alicia remained standing. “What is wrong?”

  David turned to Beamish. “Please send—”

  “I don’t want tea, David. I want to see Lizzy.”

  His smile never faltered, but his brown eyes chilled. “You may go, Beamish.” The door shut quietly, the soft click bringing Alicia to her senses.

  “I’m sorry, David. That was uncalled for. It’s just—”

  “You are worried, of course.”

  Alicia looked up to find him back at his desk, his eyes hooded, his posture alert . . . watchful.

  “Yes, thank you. I can see you understand.” She folded her hands to keep them from shaking. “B-but why did you come and take her, David?” Her pleading made her sick, but she could not stop. “You promised me if—”

  He chuckled and shook his head. “No, no, no. I told you that you might convince me otherwise, Alicia. But I made no promises.”

  She gaped. He had ruined her life—ruined the little bit of joy she’d just begun to find with Joss and all for—

  He gestured to the chair beside her, his jaw hardening. “Now, I said to sit.”

  She bit her tongue until it bled to keep back the words she wanted to hurl.

  He smiled. “There’s a good girl. You do tend to get overwrought, my dear.” He paused long enough to enjoy watching her struggle to control her fury. “You see, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I have seriously underestimated your judgement. If not this … servant, there would no doubt be somebody else. If—”

  “But I discharged him! I did as you said. I did—”

  “Alicia.” The word was laced with dark promises.

  She tried to get her breathing under control and failed. “You bastard,” she whispered, unable to stop herself.

  His eyes had become so dark he looked like a man on the brink of climax. But his words were like cubes of ice. “I will not tolerate such emotionalism. Nor will I tolerate your disrespectful tone. I am head of this family and in charge of my sister’s wellbeing, both bodily and morally. Now, Lady Selwood has returned from the country earlier than expected and that is why I have brought Lizzy home. The best place for her is here, with her brother—with her real family. I am sure we can agree on a schedule of when you may visit. If you are willing to be reasonable, that is. But I’m afraid we must postpone such things for a while. The doctor says—”

  “Lizzy has seen a doctor?” Her voice was shrill. “She was fine when I left a few hours ago.”

  His lips tightened slightly, the only sign that her interruption displeased him. Even so, he remained smiling. “Yes, I would hardly let my sister sicken and not call a doctor.” His voice was a mixture of amusement and reproof. “The doctor said she is suffering from a sudden and virulent influenza which he has seen more than a few times lately.”

  “That’s impossible! She wasn’t ill when I left this morning—I don’t understand what has—”

  He cocked his head. “Are you questioning my good judgement, Alicia?”

  “No, of course not,” she said quickly. “But if she requires nursing, I could come and—”

  He shook his head, his eyes glinting with private glee. “Oh no, I’m afraid not. You see whatever she has caught is quite contagious. I’ve engaged a nurse for her, a competent woman who is accustomed to dealing with sickness. And Doctor Edmunds will come daily. It has been only a few hours and already the cupping is showing signs of—”

  “You’re having her bled?” she demanded in a voice at least two octaves higher. “But surely that is not necessary? Have you—”

  “My dear Alicia. I have employed one of the best physicians available—a man who has attended the royal family. I daresay he is better qualified than you to determine what is best for my sister.”

  She tried desperately to fix an accommodating and calm expression on her face. “Of course. Of course you are correct, David.” Her lips trembled. “May I see her?”

  “Oh, not today, I’m afraid. She is sleeping. Rest, that is what the doctor and her nurse say she needs most. And they know best.”

  “May I come—”

  “I think it best if you wait. I will send word when she is feeling up to visitors.” He smiled; he was loving this: making her beg, grovel. The last thing he would do is give her what she begged for—not when her suffering was affording him such pleasure.

  What could she do? What?

  Nothing. That was the answer. It was as if her mind had locked up, like a ship frozen in an arctic sea, so deeply imprisoned in ice it would never break free.

  She played her only card. “I am expecting money from the canal scheme within weeks. I could give you a draft against—”

  His eyes widened. “Are you trying to bribe me to shirk my brotherly duty?”

  She stared at his smirking, hateful face and the appalling truth almost choked her.

  “I’ve been such a fool. This was your plan all along.”

  “You look so surprised,” he said gently. “Surely you recall what I said after our last time together?”

  Like the fragment of a nightmare, his words from that horrid night came back to her:

  “I’ve enjoyed our time together,” he’d said, leisurely buttoning his pantaloons while Alicia studied her rising bruise in the mirror. “You needn’t go to servants for a bit of rough, darling—not when I’m always more than willing to accommodate you. In fact, I believe I must insist—for the good of our family reputation—that you conduct any future affairs with more discretion.”

  She’d not thought then what his words might mean—No, she’d been too consumed with dread at what she had to do.

  She looked up from the horror of her memory to find him standing beside her chair, smiling down at her. “That was supposed to be the last time,” she said stupidly.

  “Oh no, sweetheart, I said nothing of the sort. The truth is, I find nobody else pleases me quite the way you do.” He ran the back of his knuckles over her cheekbone—the one he’d struck the last time, his eyelids becoming heavier with the memory of what he’d done to her that evening. “You’ve spoiled me.”

  No, getting rid of Joss hadn’t been the end of her torment.

  It had only been the beginning.

  ∞∞∞

  Mel made Joss’s return to The White House feel like the return of the prodigal son.

  The last time he’d worked at the establishment she’d been only second in charge, now she was the controlling partner.

  When Joss had visited in the past he’d always gone to her suite of rooms. He’d noticed the changes in quarters over time. Mel’s suites became larger and larger, until her current arrangement was not dissimilar to that of Lady Selwood’s.

  Indeed, Mel’s taste was not dissimilar. While she lacked Alicia’s flair, she had the same impulse toward clean lines, neutral colors, and a lack of clutter.

  His first evening back they met in her study, which was adjacent to her private dining room.

  “Are you all settled in?” she asked as she poured him a glass of rich amber liquid.

  “Yes. And thank you for the generous accommodations.” He took the glass and inhaled, his eyebrows rising. “This smells . . . expensive.”

  She grinned. “It is.”

  He raised the glass to his mouth and then hesitated. “You will not join me?”

  She made a moue of distaste. “I’m afraid my body does not seem to like spirits any longer.” She raised her goblet. “Milk is what the doctor ordered and all I can tolerate these days.” She raised her glass. “To friends.”

  “To the best of friends.” The liquid somehow managed to both burn and slide down his throat like silk. His smile turned to a grin. “A man could become accustomed to this.”

  “A man like you should become accustomed to such things.”

  Joss had heard her opinions before on the subject of what he needed, craved, deserved and he didn’t bother arguing with he
r.

  Instead, he brought up the matter of business. “I’ve closed out my bank account and had this draught made out in your name.” He handed her the bank cheque that represented everything he had in the entire world.

  If she was disappointed by his businesslike tone, she did not show it. Instead she went to her desk and unlocked the top drawer with a key she kept on her chatelaine. “Excellent. And here is the agreement, just as we’ve discussed.” She handed him the slim sheaf of paper and smiled. “You are now one-quarter owner of the finest pleasure house in London.”

  Joss’s face heated at her words. One quarter ownership of a business this lucrative was far more than his money should have purchased. But all his arguments had been in vain. Melissa had employed her not insubstantial will and he had, after too many arguments, capitulated to her generous offer.

  Joss took the contract in one hand and raised his glass. “To business and friendship.”

  “To business and friendship.” She took a sip. “Thank you, Joss. You know there is nobody else who—”

  “Hush, partner—I know. Tell me about my newest investment.”

  She chuckled and lowered her elegant form into a wingback chair. “You had an opportunity to go over the most recent ledgers?”

  “Yes, and a very impressive year it was last year.”

  “Our best,” she said with obvious pride. “Particularly on the women’s side of the business, where even with close to a dozen companions I cannot accept all callers.”

  Mel referred to her female customers as callers, and the men who serviced them, their companions. She said it was important to their female clientele, who didn’t care for words like whore or prostitute. Just hearing the word whore made him remember, with some discomfort, that last night with Lady Selwood, and the horrible things he’d said—

  He pulled his thoughts back to Melissa. “I’d like to take some time during the coming days to show you the practical side of things. As you know, I employ a man to keep the ledgers and manage much of the financial matters. But I have learned the hard way to keep close watch on him.”