Chapter One

Glasgow 1823

Duncan Murray, fifth Earl of Downberry, bored to tears, waited with little anticipation for his birthday gift to arrive. The lady, Caroline, he’d been told was an exceptional beauty as well as a practiced lover. Letty personally recommended her, that according to Torra who supervised the girls now that Letty was wed. He meant to enjoy all this woman’s unique charms then send her on her way. When the girl was offered, he’d been more than a bit jaded. Prostitutes weren’t usually in his repertoire of dalliances. He was assured since she came from Miss Scarlett’s escort service, she was different, safe. He wouldn’t have to worry about the pox.

He also understood why his friends along with his brothers visited the escort service on the outskirts of Glasgow. The women there catered to the mental as well as the physical needs of a man. It wasn’t just sex they offered. Companionship was the distinguishing mark that separated them. The women would attend balls or the opera if that were the request. Men paid extra to bed them. However, bedding was only allowed if the woman wanted sex. If the woman refused, there could be no argument.

For the longest time, he’d been in a deplorable mood. After his fiancée left him for another more interesting as well as wealthy man, a man with a loftier pedigree than his, he vowed off all women except widows or those he could purchase for the night. No attachments became his new motto. No falling in love came in a close second. He only needed a wife to sire an heir. He had more than enough time for such as that. This lady would do just fine to ease his needs for the evening.

Since that horrible day when the message his fiancée left him was delivered to his door, he spent his time with his head in his financial books. In the last year, he doubled his fortune. The moment he heard the door open, he cringed. In another heartbeat, his butler announced the lady.

He wasn’t sure why he cringed. Perhaps it was because there would be nothing between them save sex. Deep inside, despite his promises to himself, he understood on another level he needed more from a woman as he still wished for a wife along with children. Well, this woman wasn’t in the running to become his wife.

Now, this was the time of reckoning. This was about sex coupled with carnal delights the two could share, nothing more. He would enjoy her charms then send her on her way.

“Miss Caroline here to see you, Sir.”

His longtime butler’s voice held a note of scorn. Johnston always showed disdain when he gave in to his baser needs. This occasion was vastly different. After all, today was his birthday. Lately, that had been quite often there was scorn in the butler’s words. However, it was rare he brought his women to his home.

This lady was his birthday gift from his brothers as well as his friends.

He was known as a womanizer, also a gambler and reprobate throughout the town even though he wasn’t. Having carefully nurtured those sentiments to keep doting mothers with simpering daughters from tagging along behind them, from thinking he was a worthwhile catch. He wasn’t. At least he didn’t want to be. When it came time to picking his mate, he would find a woman he could control, one who would make no demands on him, a woman who would give him his needed heir.

“Come in,” Duncan said as he took the measure of the woman standing in front of him. The female was exceptionally tall for a woman. With her face covered in powder, he could not decipher any semblance of cheekbones. Eyes heavily traced with kohl coupled with rouged cheeks and lips, he almost sent her away. For him, there was no physical attraction. If she possessed an iota of beauty, it was hidden behind layers of face paint she wore. The cape settled on her shoulders, secured by a large pink bow not only concealed her feminine charms but the decoration also signaled his gift was to be unwrapped. He wondered if he would enjoy the unwrapping. At the moment, he didn’t believe so.

Why the devil did Torra think this woman would appeal to him? She was nothing like the others Miss Scarlett sent his way. She looked like a painted harlot.

The thought to send her home momentarily crossed his mind again. She didn’t say anything. At least she wasn’t a chatterbox. He couldn’t abide that in a woman. Her eyes were huge ice blue pools of fear. If she meant to make her living as an escort, she was going to have to learn a hell of a lot. Showing terror was not acceptable in her profession. Well hell, she shouldn’t be afraid, at least not of him. He never in his entire life hurt a woman. At least he didn’t think so.

When his second thought flashed through the mud in his brain, he decided before he sent her away, he would find out what was under all the paint. Maybe, just maybe there was a beautiful woman hidden beneath all that powder, kohl and rouge. Perhaps she possessed a slight smattering of freckles. He adored freckles. He liked to sip on each one before he let his mouth settle over the woman’s lips.

“Johnston, bring me a basin along with two pitchers of water.”

His command was curt, to the point. There was no reason to question yet he was certain Johnston would do so.

“Sir?” true to form his butler queried with arched eyebrows. “That’s a bit unusual even for you.”

Duncan shot him an amused grin as his attention drifted back to the woman who stood uneasily near the door shifting from one foot to the other. It appeared she might bolt at the first opportunity. “You heard right. A soft rag also.”

With each of her puffy little breaths of air coupled with the shifting of her feet, he was becoming more and more intrigued. Perhaps tonight would ease his boredom. After all she was paid for until dawn.

Duncan’s gaze drifted back to the girl. Something about her fascinated him. Enticed some part of him he believed long dead. She just wasn’t what he anticipated. Older than he expected when Torra told him about her, she appeared hesitant to speak, even to ply her trade. She hung back by the door as if she thought he might bite. Hell, perhaps he would later on when she was beneath him. Her tiny pink tongue drifted across her bottom lip. He watched mesmerized, sure the motion was not a seductive technique she learned in her profession. Instead, the movement seemed created by nervousness.

After Johnston left the room, Duncan chuckled softly, surprisingly charmed by the situation as well as determined to get to know this woman parading as a prostitute. If she was as Torra hinted, new to the business, the evening might not be over as soon as she presented him with the entire gift, the whole package. His friends paid for the complete night. Perhaps that’s how long he would keep her here. That thought brought on more interesting possibilities, rare that he ever spent more than an hour or two in the company of a woman.

“Would you like a drink? Something to sooth those nerves I’m seeing. Don’t want you to be jittery.”

“What? Oh! Would like the candles doused,” she gasped, startled by his question, her eyes wider now than they had been earlier.

Her bottom lip caught beneath even white teeth entranced every male nerve he possessed. Instantly, he wanted his teeth in the same spot, could imagine the soft warmth he would encounter.

“A drink? A glass of wine? Something stronger?”

Amusement lit up his features. Holding back the chuckle took mustering every ounce of control he possessed. He didn’t believe she would see the humor. Least of all, he didn’t want to douse the candles. He wanted to see all of her.

“Yes, wine would be nice. Don’t remember having anything stronger,” she said her voice a low sultry purr.

Just as she was taller than most women, her voice was deeper, throatier, sexier. The sound wasn’t like smooth whiskey but the vibrations were close.

Once more, he wondered if this was part of the act or her innocence. Could a woman lower her voice to such a degree on purpose? Did some women have voices naturally low and evocative? Some could change the tone for the situation. He detested high trilling feminine voices as well as giggles. Women who giggled incessantly he couldn’t abide. “Try brandy then. The burn could be a challenge.”

She choked while he watched her swallow. “This is all…” she opened her arms to encompass the room. He caught a glimpse of her scantily clad body. “…a challenge for me,” she finished, her voice a breathy sigh.

While she opened her arms the gift she meant to give him, her body, had been slightly revealed. Her generous endowments pleased him. Torra had been right about her body if nothing else. It was possible she could be a dream come true. Once all that horrid paint was washed from her face.

He poured her brandy. After handing the glass to her, he lifted his in a salute. “To challenges then.”

Dimples formed on either side of her provocative mouth when she smiled. Making it a mission to kiss those tiny hollows, he grinned back. She sipped, her gaze hovering over the rim of her glass. Her grimace sent a small chuckle to his lips.

“It burns.” She set it down on a table before smoothing her hands down the cloak covering her. “What do we do now?”

“Wait until Johnston finishes interrupting us with delicacies to tempt our pallets. He will do so, until he understands it is well past time for him to make himself scarce,” he spoke softly as he strode toward her. “After that we will find numerous ways to enjoy ourselves. What do you think? Would you like to enjoy me?”

“Delicacies?” she queried breathlessly as he wished to see more of her. “Enjoy ourselves? You? Y-you have to get r-rid of the c-candles.”

“Sit, relax for a few minutes. As I said before, I’m sure my butler will spend as much time interrupting our dalliance as he can. When we get to know each other intimately, I want you all to myself.” He bent close to her; his lips very close to her cheek. “He doesn’t approve, you know.”

“Oh, not many would.” She sat, as if she could distance herself from him, her legs crossed over each other. “Approve.”

The cape’s opening revealed long legs; naked, shapely legs. For a woman, well-muscled legs that left him even more intrigued about the lady along with what exactly he would find beneath the gown. This woman, Caro, was not your average courtesan. As with most women, there were hidden depths to be uncovered. He meant to be the man to uncover Caro’s secrets. Well, he wanted to uncover her breasts first then her woman’s charms; after that all her secrets.

“More than you would think.”

Two trays of food along with the basin as well as pitchers of water he requested were set on one of the tables. Johnston stopped on his way out to add logs to the fire. Duncan stifled his laughter. The man had been with him for the last ten years. Johnston undoubtedly knew him better than he did himself. At times the stoic butler acted as if he was his father.

Ah, but that had been a lifetime ago. It seemed he’d always been on his own, always in charge. Well, he did have a mother, one who adored him as well as his three brothers and his father. When he shook himself from his thoughts, he saw she was sipping the brandy.

“Tell me something about yourself.”

He relaxed on the chair spreading his arms across the back. His fingers trailing lightly along the pink cloak, they stopped at the bow. He would untie that damn bow soon.

A few drops of brandy spewed from her too painted lips. She covered her mouth with a hand. To his delight some of the obtrusive color disappeared. “Sorry,” she murmured as she wiped brandy from her chin. “Didn’t’ expect a question such as that one. Didn’t think you would want to know anything about me. Assumed we would, well we would then that would be that. What would you like to know?”

Sporting a wide grin, he handed her a napkin.

“First of all, what brings you to this position where you are selling your body? While I don’t mind purchasing the use of your womanly charms, there is something about you that is…” Leaning forward, his fingers in a steeple beneath his chin “Something is telling me this is not anything you’ve done often or at all. Why is that? You’re different.”

The quick tilt of her chin spoke volumes to him. The regal bearing set off another round of questions he had no answers for. He was sure she wanted to tell him to mind his business then she’d mind hers. For some reason he couldn’t fathom, he wanted to learn everything there was to know about this woman.

This evening would not prove boring. No, not if it continued as it began. There would be nothing to put him to sleep. He found he looked forward to what the night would give even if he had to douse the candles.

No, intriguing and enticing might be adequate terms. In her feigned innocence, even to the fact she wanted no light she was charming.

“I’d like an answer,” he persisted determined to hear a few intricate words even if he was sure they would all be lies.

The cape covering her rose and fell several times with the deep breaths she inhaled. Her eyes seemed to cross as she thought about the question or perhaps the answer. At least it appeared she was thinking. It also appeared she didn’t want to enlighten him.

She lifted her shoulders now. “It’s quite simple. Why do most women sell themselves? I’m sure it’s not for the enjoyment of a man’s body. That’s not possible.”

Amused, he decided at least this one time she would discover how wrong she was. “Don’t believe you’ve answered my question. At least I’m not sure what is simple along with what is not. You’re not here because you want to enjoy my body. Why are you here? I certainly would like to enjoy yours.”

Caro sucked in a deep breath of air as her face took on a delightful shade of pink. Her eyes blazed with emotions he wanted to tap into. “A change of subject would be nice.”

“You mean to prevaricate.”

“I wouldn’t think a man of your standing, your reputation would understand that word. Or is it just something you toss out because you’ve heard it before?” Her composure seemingly regained, she smiled sweetly, the dimples showing delightfully on either side of her lips.

Air hissed into his lungs. She was right. It was past time for a change of subject. Eventually, he would discover what brought her to his home, willing to gift him with the luscious curves she possessed as well as the silken heat of her core. She was his for the entire evening. He meant to make use of all the hours his friends paid for. Overjoyed, he didn’t react on his first impulse to send her home.

“Before we begin, I’m going to see what is below the paint on your face. Sex for me is not enjoyable when I can’t see the woman beneath me as she actually is. I don’t want to taste the powder and rough when I kiss you. I need to taste the woman. What do you taste like?”

The jerk of her body surprised him while she squinted at him. The basin of water he held caught her attention. That small chin he wanted to get closer to tilted upward in defiance. Her dimples winked at him asking for his ardent attention.

“You, you,” she swallowed. “What are you going to do with that?” she asked, a shaking finger pointed at the water then at him.

He slanted her a laughing grin. “Are you afraid of water? No, I’m certain you are not. So, I will answer your question. I intend to wash your face as well as the large crests of your breasts, your nipples to be precise. I’m sure Torra painted them as well. Did she? We’ll see what else the women colored after I’ve swept all the goop from your face. Do sit still now. This will be over before you know it.” He tried for a nonthreatening tone. Nonetheless, her body tightened with the first words.

The rapid switch from sitting to standing caused the brandy to slosh in her glass, small drops sliding down the outside. “You’re not touching me.” Her indignation was totally out of character for a purchased whore.

He arched a brow, studying her thoughtfully. “Supposed my touching you was why you were here. You’ve had a change of heart?” He paused a few seconds, “I mean to spend the night touching as well as tasting every delectably delicious part of you.”

He was suddenly hiding his annoyance behind his teeth. What the devil did she intend? She wouldn’t find additional coin in her purse if she left now. Surely, she must understand that simple fact.

The flush covering what he could see of her sent his heart pounding double-time. Everything she did or said belied her ability for this job she undertook. What secrets did this lady keep? By the time morning arrived and she left, he hoped to have uncovered at least one or more of her mysteries.

“You could wash yourself. However, I decided it would be more enjoyable for me to do the job.”

“No! Blow out the candle first.”

“You refuse?” He stood over her now that she sat back on the oversized chair near the fire. “There will be no payment. No enjoyment of this man’s body for you. The only way we will make it through the night will be my way if you wish to be paid. Do you wish to go away empty handed?”

For several seconds she turned her head away. He heard the heavy intake of air as she struggled with a decision she shouldn’t have to make. Kissing the line of her chin to the small lobe of her ear would be enjoyable. Exploring his way down her neck to spots still covered by the innocuous bow as well as the cape would prove pleasurable. He quite enjoyed the tick of her jaw while she thought about what he said.

“I’m resigned. What do you want me to do?”

“Nothing, nothing at all. Sip the rest of your brandy or down it all in one gulp. I’ll be happy to pour you more. Whatever you like. All you need to do is sit motionless then enjoy yourself. I’m going to remove the makeup now.”

Moving slowly, as he watched the skittish creature in front of him, Duncan dipped the soft cloth in the water that he poured into the basin. Before he touched the cloth to her cheek, one finger found the pulse at the base of her neck. With the tiny caress the spot jumped, leapt to life. It seemed Caro’s passion was raw and deep. She might not think she wanted to be here. Her body did.

Using small strokes of the damp cloth he swept her face with the rose scented water. For a moment he thought it odd that Johnston would have brought scented water, rose or anything else. When one small section was left devoid of paint, he placed a kiss, tasted her flesh, sipped the softness he encountered. With every caress upon her skin, her pulse bounced even more. With each kiss a soft purring sound floated from her slightly parted lips.

He was well pleased by her face now that there was no makeup to cover her. Beautiful. His heart thundered in anticipation of the ensuing hours with this ever-intriguing lady. Her passion ran hot and deep.

When he ran the cloth across her lips, she closed her eyes. Several times, he stroked her mouth. She parted for him, her tongue touching her top lip. This was unadulterated torture. What the devil was he doing to himself? Now, her every action screamed out her experience with men. To Duncan, she was truly an enigma. One moment her innocence bounded out at him, the next the practiced courtesan.

His breath drew inside, raggedly, slowly. A fine sheen of moisture coated his forehead. Nevertheless, he meant to linger, to entice raw desire from this woman who didn’t believe pleasure could be had with a man’s body. What the devil were her experiences? She would discover her delight tonight with this male form. He would find his pleasure with hers.

When he was satisfied with her face, he knelt in front of her, his hands framing her lovely features. “Do you want a kiss or do you wish to continue the bath?”

Her eyelashes flew open. “A-a kiss? N-no…why?”

The color of her eyes changed from ice-blue to sky blue before darkening another shade. “You want to proceed to the end without accomplishing the beginning, the foreplay? The foreplay can be as much fun as the thrusting and groaning as well as all the exertion that makes a man bone-weary as well as sweaty. We both know how difficult that can be.”

This time instead of color painting her face, she turned white as snow. Something else to discover about his puzzling Caro tonight, why did a woman selling her body turn white at the mention of explicit sex?

“Start at the beginning, yes. Yes, you are right, it’s most likely the best course. The beginning. No, should never begin at the end,” she whispered her voice paper-thin. “We will kiss.”

“That’s what I thought you would say.” Slowly, he bent close to her, felt the almost nonexistent puffs of air brush lightly across his face. Her breath smelled of mint. Would she taste of mint or the brandy she drank? Both. Exploring the soft bottom lip that seemed to call to him, he swept his tongue across the moistness slicking it further, wetting the plump fullness. Her mouth was damp and enticing more than sultry, beckoning him for extra attention, which he was pleased to give. “Now, would you like to proceed the same way with me? A few tender kisses, you could learn about my lips, taste me as I’ve tasted you.”

“That was a kiss? she asked him her doubt clearly visible in the changing color of her eyes. “I thought…”

“What did you think?”

Her eyes widened perceptibly. No words were forthcoming.

So, why doubt? If she was what she pretended to be she would know the truth. Wouldn’t have to ask. “A partial one. Not complete by anyone’s standard except perhaps a virgin.” Tossing those words to her played into his need to discover who she was along with her true reason for volunteering to be his birthday gift. By her admission, she was new to the escort business. Perhaps her circumstances changed so dramatically she was forced into this life.

Perhaps not.

She might just be a damn fine actress.

“Should we continue?”

“What comes next?”

Caro appeared determined now. Maybe the determination lay in the fact she didn’t want to give anymore of herself away to him.

“Why don’t you tell me? What do you believe the next step to be?” For his purposes he thought the question brilliant. The food on the tray tempted him to take a slight diversion. There were two slices of cake he believed were meant to pass for his birthday cake as well as a variety of foods destined to delight anyone as well as restore energy for the night to come. If one is to exert energy, one must replenish it.

“Do you have cake? For your birthday?”

She moistened her slightly red lips. They weren’t swollen, not yet. Soon they would be. Time to do so was elusive so far as he searched for answers to the puzzle she presented.

“I have you for my birthday, all night. Why don’t we both pick something? Cake later when we are exhausted.”

With a berry between two fingers, he smoothed the piece of fruit across her bottom lip, back and forth slowly as her gaze traveled the same path. Her breath hitched inside. A broken sound tore through her. The tip of her tongue brushed one finger. “Open lassie. Taste what is tempting you.”

She did.

He placed the berry on her tongue, exploring the soft inside lining of her bottom lip, tracing the sharp edge of her teeth. “Bite me.”

He found himself grinning like a besotted fool when she followed his command. She bit down. Not hard, though with enough force to send a myriad of shock waves to his tortured groin. When her teeth closed around him, she gazed at him questioning.

Duncan picked up her hand. Did the same to each finger, sucking the tip into his mouth before biting gently. The breath she inhaled wavered, shaking as her breasts rose and fell beneath the pink cloak, her agitation clear.

One hand behind her neck, he drew her closer. His lips slanted across hers while his tongue swept between her lips in the same manner as the berry. He was enchanted when she opened for him, when her teeth closed gently over his tongue. They played together. The dance of tongues so different from anything he experienced with any woman before her. Her hands fell upon his shoulders, nails biting into him, unexpectedly pulling him closer. Delicious raw emotions sprung from her, charming him. She was warm and pliant beneath his fingers, everything a man could want.

“Enough foreplay for now. Did Torra paint your nipples?” He stared at her hard while wondering if she would answer with the truth. He detested the paint courtesans used on their body. Before they were intimate, he would rid her of all the paint despite her apparent discomfort.

Her fingers fumbled with the bow on her cape. He stopped her. “I will unwrap you when the time is right. After all you are my birthday present. You need to answer me. Keep in mind I can tell when you lie. Your expressive eyes tell me the truth.”

He realized the expression drifting across her face with each question rendered her an open book.

She didn’t answer with words slowly nodding. He liked it that she was not a woman who jabbered incessantly. Yet it would be nice if she could find a way to speak a word or two.

“You ken I will have to fix that.”

Again, she pushed her head up then down before she inhaled a deep breath of air. Realizing this was not easy for her, he tried to be as gentle as he could. He would wash every intimate part of her. He would do his best not to look. Quickly, he unfastened the front of her gown. She was naked beneath. Her nipples were rouged garishly. He could see Torra laughing at him. Perhaps this was meant to be a joke, either that it was meant to convince him she was practiced at her profession. Soon enough he would discover the truth.

“T-the candle…”

Impatiently he stared at her. With a long huff of air, he blew out the closest candle. “The rest will stay.” He didn’t like the fact her body was cast in shadows.

Duncan saw no humor. He supposed he could have waited. He didn’t want to wait. When the time was right, when he orchestrated her seduction to his satisfaction, he meant to have her come to him in her most natural state, naked from the top of her head to the tips her toes without one tiny bit of paint covering her.

For her part, Caro’s backbone was inflexible, her chin tilted royally. Her eyes were shut tight. The rigidity caused the rounded globes to be pushed outward and up. Her nipples tightened charmingly. As gently as he could manage, he cleaned them then refastened the gown, which dipped low enough to reveal the coral around each nipple.

“Is there anywhere else Torra painted?” He didn’t have to ask the question, as he was certain he knew the answer. For his birthday, Torra would have gone all out to please him. What Torra and most prostitutes didn’t know was that most men…possibly he was wrong. The ghastly painting of intimate parts of the female body didn’t please him. He’d never thought he was vastly different from the majority of men. When he tasted a woman, he needed to savor her essence not makeup, not powder and rouge.

Her nod coupled with the look of despair sent him into a tailspin. The last thing he wanted to do was make her more embarrassed than she already was.

Well hell.

She was an escort. What did she think when she entered into his home? When he purchased her? Caro must understand what would be expected of her. What was she doing here if she didn’t want to be intimate with him?

“I’m going to cleanse the paint from you. If you like, you can close your eyes and pretend I’m not looking at you, touching you. After that we will proceed normally.”

“Wh-what is that? Normal? Sir, one more candle?”

“Duncan,” he reminded her then did her bidding creating more shadows. Well hell!

“T-thank y-you.”

“Since this is your first time as an escort, whatever we do will be the normal for you. Now spread your beautiful white legs for me. This small task will be over with before you even know it has begun. I will be very gentle with you. I won’t look either. Will that make you feel better? Or…you can cleanse yourself.” Truly, he didn’t care.

“I,” she swallowed, “I doubt that.”

“Do you want to do this yourself? I’ll turn around. However, in time I will see all of you. What would you like?”

“You…”

He didn’t understand why she chose to have him do something she was having such a devilishly hard time with. Yet she voiced her wishes.

She did spread her legs. He knelt where she opened for him. Her tiny hands rested on his shoulders. He was disappointed when she moved them. She did close her eyes. Her fingers gripped the edge of the chair she was sitting on so tightly her knuckles turned white. When he touched the hot, swollen feminine folds with the cool rag, she flinched. He felt the tightening of her muscles as her legs closed around his shoulders. Finishing as quickly as he could, he tugged what there was of her dress to cover her.

“Now.” He dropped the cloth into the basin of dirty water. “That wasn’t so bad now was it, Caro?”

“Humiliating, embarrassing…” she answered so very softly. When she looked at him, her eyes wide, “My name is Caroline.”

He gave no credence to her comment. She was Caro to him. No other name would do. “It is all done. In just a moment, we can proceed to the unwrapping of my gift.” He pulled the cord that would bring Johnston to this room.

“Sir?” he asked after a few seconds that led Duncan to think the man was standing outside the door.

“Take the dirty water then bring me another basin along with a pitcher of fresh water. We might have need of more water later this evening. After that you are excused for the night.”

“Food too?” Duncan asked Caro as he waited for Johnston.

“If you be wanting me to lose my meal on you well then yes,” she murmured looking at him, her eyes still wide blue pools that seemed to question him at every turn.

All the earlier passion that blazed in her eyes vanished. He didn’t like that. Well, there was nothing to do about it now except find a way to retrieve the desire, create more than she ever knew before from any man.

“Perhaps you should wait until the embarrassment has worn off.”

“Is it going to do that? Wear off?” she asked as her fingers made intricate patterns in the cloak.

More wine would surely work to relax her. Yet the brandy was stronger, potent. A drunken birthday present was not to his liking. He wanted her cognizant as well as willing when he pushed inside her. Perhaps they should proceed with the unveiling then her state, inebriated or not, wouldn’t matter quite as much.

“For you, I’m not too sure. Where you are concerned along with each turn of events, you leave me guessing. You present quite the puzzle to me, one I would dearly love to solve.”

“Is it that hard to understand after what you did?” Her voice was growing stronger.

“You are deliciously deceptive. Yes, it is hard to comprehend how a woman in your line of work, even newly arrived at the profession would become so embarrassed that her face flamed when a man touches her intimately.”

It seemed to Duncan this woman had never been with a man. The thought of being her first left him in confusion. This evening was to be about him not a virgin prostitute or otherwise. On the other hand, the situation enthralled him. He’d never been any woman’s first lover.

How to proceed?

His experience included widows mostly. He never kept a mistress simply because his needs weren’t that great. He didn’t want the added expense along with the headaches or the drama. Except for his ex-fiancée, women didn’t keep his attention for more than a few months.

Eager to move forward he smiled at her. “It’s time for your unveiling.” He held out a hand to help her stand.

~ * ~

An encouraging smile on his face, Duncan kept his hand held toward her. Thoughts of fleeing crossed her mind with lightning speed. The stakes were too high for her to do that. Suddenly, a wave of guilt shuddered inside. She was about to steal something from this man, something precious. Indeed, from everything she heard about him, the earl wouldn’t give a damn.

He was a fine-looking man.

Looking at him, Caroline caught her lip beneath her teeth. After she first entered the room, he loosened his cravat. Now the once intricately folded piece of cloth lay on the floor near the window where he’d been standing. His fine white lawn shirt was partially unfastened. He was a rake. The brogue, which deepened as the evening passed, gave her reason to pat herself on the back at her choice. He was not highly intelligent. That fact stood in her favor. He’d almost done her bidding. He doused two of the four candles. She kept her fingers crossed that he would put out the rest. She didn’t believe he would. The sinking feeling entered her that she would have to accept the shadows instead of complete darkness.

Now, in front of her, his confidence pulsed through him. He was so sure of himself. Broad of shoulder, tall, long legs with well-muscled thighs. His jaw was firm, strong came to mind his lips full as well as tempting. That thought surprised her. This man knew as well as understood what he was about. Numerous times she had to tell herself this was what she wanted. A baby, it was the only way she would ever have the chance of a child of her own. For her, he was the perfect specimen. As a bluestocking, she was never courted, always had her nose in a book. Until she realized unless she changed her priorities, she would never hold a child of hers in her arms. It was Torra who suggested this. Told her it would be the perfect solution. She could have a child. He would never know. The secret would be theirs to keep.

When the man asked her why she was here, she almost blurted out the true reason. That would have been foolish. He would have kicked her out. By her calculations, this was the best day in her cycle with the possibility to conceive. She would have sex with this man once then never look back. She understood the biology of a woman’s body. This would only take once. Duncan would never ken the truth. According to Torra, he was as far from intelligent as a man could get. He would be the perfect biological father for her baby girl. The last thing she wanted was to have a girl who was like her, uninterested in anything except knowledge, unable to do anything but read as well as research whatever struck her as interesting.

“Unveiling?” He repeated, one of his perfectly sculpted sandy eyebrows arched upward. “Tonight? Would you like that? I would. I want to see what is packaged beneath that beguiling pink bow.”

She swept her sweaty palms down the pink cape before placing her hand into his trying to push her thoughts as well as fears from her head. In no time, she knew she would be naked. What he’d done earlier would mean nothing in the scope of what was about to come the rest of the evening.

“Yes, tonight, will you blow out all the candles please,” she squeaked, truly so nervous she thought she might jump from her skin. The need to get this over with then go home was prevalent in her overstressed mind. If she could continue the pretense that brought her here, after tonight she would be increasing. It was all she wanted.

“Good then, we’re in agreement. The two candles will remain. For a few minutes, I was afraid you would run from me. I will be gentle.” His amused smile sent a bombardment of question into her head.

To her amazement he did blow out the candles. To her chagrin, brilliant moonlight lit the room. “Gentle?” she queried thinking he had already been gentle. That first fact didn’t change the other fact. Already he’d seen as well as touched her places no one except her mother had ever seen. That when she was a wee babe.

“Very gentle.” Slowly, he untied the horrendous pink bow Torra dressed her in with Honey’s suggestion. The satin fabric slid along her flesh sending ribbons of vibrations into her core. Caroline held her breath, the sensation so erotic she nearly lost her breath. He’d barely done anything to her.

The two women argued about just how much they should do to entice Duncan. They argued about what he liked as well as what he didn’t like. Neither one ever slept with him. All their reasoning was based on other men they’d been with. For that matter, Honey wasn’t an escort. She was a first-floor maid at the escort service started by Letty. Letty was wed. Her given name was Scarlett. She rarely visited the house. Torra ran it now. Her mind seemed to be rattling around in a befuddled mess.

She jerked when his lips touched the back of her neck. His teeth grazed a sensitive spot. Caroline didn’t know when he moved from in front of her to behind her. What little was left of her mind deserted her when earlier he sucked a newly cleaned nipple into his mouth. Her mind vanished totally when he cleaned her in the most intimate spot on her body. She wondered what he would do next.

“Relax, sweet lassie. No reason to tense up on me. Won’t be doin’ anything you won’t be enjoyin’.”

His voice was a throaty masculine purr, his Scottish brogue deepening so much the sound seemed to resonate from deep inside.

Good, his intelligence level slipped another notch.

The exploration of her neck, the back of it, surprised her so she very nearly soared from her skin. Expectations as to how the evening would proceed were beyond her. Torra told her very little. Strange quivering began in that intimate spot he cleansed traveling higher to explode in spasms unlike anything she’d ever felt before. Her body jerked when his teeth closed over her earlobe. Her breath hitched in the back of her throat. A fragmented sound tore from her mouth.

“No need for jitters,” he murmured softly while his moist tongue explored then delved inside her ear leaving her in need of what she didn’t ken.

The movement tender, surprisingly erotic, he brought the cloak down her arms. His hands were slightly calloused where they skimmed over freshly bared skin. The small sound of pleasure unexpectedly escaping her lips surprised her, shocked her more each time she heard the muted noise.

“N-not jittery.” She needed to deny her fear more for herself than for Duncan. He wouldn’t believe what she told him except she had to believe she wasn’t afraid.

His chuckle sent a bolt of new sensations shimmering through her. He turned her while the cloak hit the ground. One finger traced a path along the low-cut corsage that revealed more than the fabric concealed. Her nipple tightened when his fingertip grazed the thinly veiled surface. Surely, she didn’t understand why Torra insisted on a gown such as this one.

Baby.

You’re doing this for a baby. Don’t forget what is at stake. Whatever you do don’t let him know you’ve never been with a man before. When he is finished, it won’t matter. The deed will be done.

Baby…for the baby.

You do remember your stealing his sperm.

I’m not going to think about that.

“What is it then?” His lips followed the path of his fingers as one hand slid up her leg, encountering nothing to heed its upward progress. “Very naughty. But I already knew that.”

Both Torra and Honey insisted she wear nothing beneath the gown. When he cleaned the horrid makeup from her, he’d not been surprised to see she wore nothing save the gown.

Naughty?

“Hot, just hot and…”

She moistened her lips, unable not unwilling to tell him what he did to her as well as how he made her feel. Dazed, she realized the sensations were nothing she’d ever felt before. When she told Torra she wanted a baby, she had no idea anything like this would happen. Taken aback by the sound of his masculine chuckle, she tried to push away from him.

“Nay, do not worry about the laughter you heard. I was pleased that you are enjoying my man’s body. Very pleased you are hot, you say? Are you slick with desire for me? Shall I see?”

“Has naught to do with my enjoying yours. It seems your fingers are delving into places I’ve never thought of then making me feel things I don’t understand.” Immediately, she understood she said too much. She changed the tenor of the conversation. “I like the way your hands as well as your mouth on me make me feel.”

For too many seconds, his hands ceased their movement. His dark brown eyes narrowed, his brows furrowing together as if puzzled. She wanted to know what was in his mind.

“You’re enjoying my manly hands? Is that not enjoying my body too?” he finally queried.

Before she could form a thought or reply, his lips enclosed hers framed hers, moistened them with his teeth and tongue sensuously played. Warmth spiraled within sending myriads of shock waves, pulsing thoroughly within. Remembering the last time he kissed her, she opened for him, felt his enthusiastic exploration bone deep. Heard the purr move in ribbons from her core to travel outward. His hands cupped her bottom drawing her closer. She felt him hard and pulsing next to her belly.

“I am, though I dinnae ken what you’re about or what all this means.” Her whispered words were absorbed into his mouth.

With her tongue she ventured inside his, thrilled by the damp heat she encountered as she learned more about the man who would sire her child. The wildly stimulating sensations were drugging, intoxicating. “Don’t stop.”

“I don’t intend to do anything of the sort, at least not until we’re both sated, exhausted as well. Not until I send you home in the morning,” he murmured, his warm brandy scented breath whispered across her cheek.

Cool air suddenly caressed her. When she looked to see what was happening her breasts were barred to his view. His lips closed over one tight peak, sucked and laved until she cried out. After a short pause, he continued, slowly as each movement continued one into the other. Her fingers curled into his hair. He was so warm, his body hot to her touch. The stubble of a day’s growth, brushed across her bared flesh sending waves of exciting shivers coursing through her.

“I-I don’t believe I can stand any longer.”

Her knees were so weak and wobbly. Her body trembled against his. He bundled her into his arms. Within seconds he set her on his bed. In an attempt to distance herself from the pulsing rush of newfound feelings, she pushed against the headboard. Her gaze riveted on his mouth, slick with moisture, wetness that came from her mouth.

Grinning, he slipped from his shirt letting the cloth stay where it landed on the floor. For the longest time, she stared at his lips slowly moving lower. Suddenly, her avid gaze dropped to where his hands were unfastening his trousers. When her scrutiny shot to his eyes, mocking laughter shimmered there. She gasped in a swift breath of air, filling her lungs for a moment before she let the air whoosh out. She was about to see her first naked man, the father of her child. Her breath stalled then stuttered to an abrupt halt.

Caroline found herself doing as well as saying everything she was told not to. Sandy hair covered his upper chest then narrowing as it trailed down to the band of his trousers. His stomach was hard, rippling with muscle, so unlike the softness of her belly. She discovered she had a raw and slightly desperate need to see him naked. Heat flew to her cheeks at the unexpected notion.

“You want to enjoy this view for a few more minutes or should I continue disrobing?” he queried as he strode closer.

It didn’t seem he wanted to wait for an answer. Sitting on the bed next to her, her bared breasts swaying with the movement, he pulled off his boots. The thud when they hit the floor told her that his trousers would soon follow.

“I believe I would like to watch you. If you don’t mind.”

She ran her tongue across her lips, moistening them. She didn’t know why she wanted that, yet she felt certain there was a solid reason somehow grounded in logic, which at the moment she no longer possessed. One she could not refute without more information. “I did like the kiss too. I like to touch you although I haven’t done that much, touching of you.”

“Of course, you realize I also want to see you with nothing covering the sweet, so very saucy charms you’ve been hiding from me. Would you like to take your gown off or would you like me to do the favor?”

She sipped air, frantic for something she didn’t understand. “It is halfway already. Actually, there was not much of it to begin with.”

“Ah, I see, you think we are going to be doin’ this halfway? That is not my nature. I need to be learnin’ everything about you, be touching and caressing every silken part of you, not just half of you, lass. Half is to be so unsatisfyin’,” he spoke blandly as if the words meant nothing.

“I like the way you look. Can I touch you?”

At her blatant words, words she didn’t understand where they came from, she was surprised at the low very masculine sound that rumbled from his chest. Half chuckle, half groan she had no idea how to interpret the sound.

His fists clenched then unclenched several times while his eyes sparked dangerously hot. “Believe me when I say this. At the moment, this verra moment that is all I can think of, your hands upon me exploring the differences between us. Hell, I cannae believe I’m saying this to a woman who has been as well used as you have been.”

Caroline gritted her teeth at his words that suddenly changed the tender feelings she was having for him to something more sordid even though what he projected about her was exactly what she intended for him to believe. When he came down upon the bed, his huge body lay between her legs. She felt the quickening his presence induced. Sucked in dry air, coughed.

A few seconds later all rational thought left her. His lips were everywhere, learning exploring and enticing her generating a magical enchantment. Her body spun, spiraled before coiling uncontrollably to a place she never before knew existed until tonight. The gown slipped downward farther as he sought to reveal more of her body to his questing gaze.

“Lift your hips, Caro,” he whispered close to her ear creating shivering warmth, moisture from his warm breath floating across her cheek.

She did so then felt the weight of his body against hers, felt the pulse of his arousal. “I like the way you feel,” she told him without thought, as it seemed they were so close she felt his heartbeat.

“As do I like the bountiful curves of your breasts pushed against my chest.” It seemed then all his attention was centered between her breasts and her lips. All she could do was hold on to him as he sent her body into a breathtaking ride of mounting ecstasy. Desire vibrated, shimmering between them as if they were as one.

She wanted to tell him she was truly enjoying his manly body. She couldn’t speak. His hands traveled lower, traced a path along the curve of her hips, lower to spread his fingers across her belly. Small sounds ripped from her as they moved together in silent rhythm. She responded wildly, her hips arching in a mad attempt to reach out for more and more.

Emptiness brought her eyes to open. When she saw him next, he was naked. His blatant masculinity stole her breath. Torra explained to her that his penis would not appear as the paintings and statues she’d seen in museums. In many of the anatomy texts she read, this was also explained. Nothing, none of her research prepared her for this sight. “You’re magnificent…”

“Do you be likin’ what you see, sweet lassie?” His grin seemed to stretch from one ear to the other.

“I did not expect this. I cannot seem to catch my breath. You’re more breathtaking than I expected.” His body was certainly much more than she anticipated.

“You can close your mouth anytime,” he chuckled.

He came down on top of her again, his hands pushing wayward strands of hair from her face. Now nothing existed between them save air. The palms of Duncan’s hands were hot as they continued downward to explore along her inner thigh. “I’m going to finish what we started this evening then we can decide how to proceed later. You be turnin’ out to be a sweet birthday gift after all. Mayhap the sweetest I’ve ever received.”

Once more his hands touched upon her everywhere. It seemed to her there was nowhere his agile fingers did not stroke. She was wrong though. Surprising her, he caressed her most intimately, spreading her, entering into her with a finger then a second. Uncontrollably, her hips arched upward with sensual ecstasy, spiraled tightly in the new evocative sensations he initiated in her. Without mercy, he continued to taunt and tease her until spasms engulfed, took over her body with wave after carnal wave of delicious pleasure.

“Duncan!” she cried out his name as ripples of pleasure pulsed and soared until she was heaving, coiling tightly against him pushing.

She found she lost all earthly control of herself. It seemed to her a power not of her own took charge of her body. He soothed her with whispered words she couldn’t understand. Stroked her tenderly in ways that didn’t incite the same magical enchantment as he had before. Slowly, her body found peace at his soothing hands.

“Are we done?” she sighed softly running her nails along his back, feeling the quivering of his muscles as she did so. “I did like what you did.”

“Not by a long shot, sweet lassie. I dinnae ken why you might think we are finished here,” he said as once again he began the tender assault on her senses. Heat rose, spiraled hotter then hotter still. He nipped. He kissed. His tongue swept her with tender molten flicks of moisture. She twisted again reaching for that elusive place he guided her to earlier.

Once again, he spoke of things she should know about. She didn’t.

This time he did not take as long to bring her to that point where she was purring for him, needing the potent end to the lovemaking. Wishing only to feel the continuous rhythm that stretched from him into her then back again. She wondered why she felt no pain. Why he did not seem to be satisfied as she was before he began anew. Torra told her with the first joining there would be pain.

His sex jutted against her. His rod touched her, probed intimately. She didn’t recall that before, that feel as his penis slowly slid inside her, expanding, pressing hurtling her to a new height. This was different from the first time. The heated glide of his body inside her most intimately was hot and hard, filling her, stretching her. He was part of her, buried deep inside. She realized then that he brought her to a most shattering place without actually giving her his sperm. That was what she wanted, what she needed was his sperm. They had to make a baby this time. There would be no more chances for her. Duncan was the perfect specimen of a man to be the father of her child.

He thrust hard, was suddenly deep inside her. She froze crying out with the searing pain. Tears slid down her cheeks, slipped over her jaw. She’d never imagined this, never thought it would…it would hurt so damn much. Her nails bit into his shoulders while she clung desperately to him as if that sole action would end the agony.

It seemed he also froze. “Hush, sweetheart. The pain will go away. I never…well hell…the thought did cross my mind. You were so damn innocent. On the other hand, you provoked and enticed just as a trained courtesan would. Asking might have been appropriate. Telling might have been better.”

“Torra told me it would hurt this time, only this time. I never thought it would be so bad,” she spoke softly, more tears slipping from her eyes. “Torra never told me that I should tell you.” She stole a deep breath of air, catching the masculine sent of him. Inexplicably, she arched against him as if she wanted more.

“You should have trusted me. Why didn’t you say something?” He braced his forearms at her sides. His eyes appeared warm and gentle, seemingly concerned for her.

Her top teeth closed over her lip. There was no answer to his question. If she told, he would have sent her home. The risk was too high. As of this moment, she didn’t think he’d gifted her with his seed.

Slowly, he began to move within. A sound broke from her throat, shattering her nerves. His fingers roamed along her, his lips found purchase on hers. She arched as she felt the length of him inside, moving, swiftly taking her higher and higher back to that wild bliss he brought her to before. He kissed her again and again as his steel-hard penis moved deep and strong inside her core. Felt the tremors. Knew there would be more this time. He would gift her with what she wanted.

“Duncan!”

He absorbed his name into his mouth, caught the cry with the same air as their kiss shared.

Heard the deep masculine groan as his body convulsed into hers. “Caro, sweet, sweet lassie.”

He fell upon her, his weight closing over her until he braced himself on his forearms. Deep inside her, his hard body pressing against hers, he gently pushed damp tendrils of hair from her face.

“I didn’t think you would believe me,” she murmured as his fingers entwined with hers slowly rhythmically soothing the emotions that were brimming within.

“You’re right of course. I would have thought it another ploy that I would have to figure out at a later date. We should eat now since we have all night to be together.”

“Eat?” she queried slipping her tongue along her mouth leaving dampness where his lips had been.

“Yes, eat,” he chuckled lightly grazing her chin with his teeth, “unless you still believe you might lose the contents of your stomach. Come let’s see what Johnston brought us.” He withdrew from her then.

The loss of his warmth surprised her. Caroline realized she liked the way he felt deep inside, as if he was part of her. “There is the cake?”

“Ah, Caro, that’s the second time you mentioned cake. Do you like your sweets at the cost of all else?” He was chuckling, laughing at her. “Something else you haven’t told me about yourself?”

She found she didn’t care. “I do. Believe I’d rather eat cake than most anything except perhaps chocolate.” When she realized what she said, heat flamed her cheeks. She couldn’t help but lift her shoulders in an attempt to apologize. “It’s a weakness.”

His knuckles grazed the heated spots on her face then down her neck to the tops of her breasts. His lips followed suit, caressing her slowly, gliding along tender white flesh. Suddenly, he placed a quick kiss to her lips.

“Cake it is then.”

He rose. She watched him. In all his splendor, his strides were long and fluid. His buttocks tight and firm, his hips were narrow as she let her gaze wander to the width of his shoulders. If she had a boy, he would be magnificent in form. It would be his mind she would have to worry about. She wouldn’t have trouble teaching him all he needed to learn. After all, she didn’t believe Duncan was stupid, just not possessing a brilliant level of intelligence. He was normal. With all her heart she yearned for normal brainpower.

He brought one slice back. Seemed to see the disappointment in her eyes. “We’ll save the second piece for later.”

“Later?” She thought she would be returning home now that his seed was inside her.

“In the morning. You are being paid for all night unless you displeased me. So far, you’ve been delightful. I count myself a lucky man.”

“Displeased you? Delightful?” She was a ninny, a pinhead of the worst sort. Of course, she understood she would be here for the evening. She agreed to that and more if the contract she signed was legal.

He fed her a bite. It was chocolate cake, the creamy vanilla icing delicious. She could eat all the icing.

“Are you a little parrot now?” he queried opening his mouth so she could also feed him.

She brushed his lips with the icing, wanting suddenly to taste the spot, to see if the sweetness of the icing was sweeter on his lips.

“Go ahead,” he told her bending close as if he understood what she’d been thinking.

She pushed away from the bed, settling her lips on his, her tongue sucking the icing from him. He reciprocated. This kiss seemed to go on and on continuous, never ending. She found she wanted him again and again as she drank each caress.

The night exploded around her. They made love then ate again. He took her in different ways until she wondered if she didn’t know everything about what a man and woman did in the intimate privacy of their bedroom. He was delicious. His touch sensuous. She found she slept in his arms. Was surprised when sunshine woke her. The day was bright. She was certain she would have his baby.

“It’s time for me to go home,” she whispered wondering if he was awake or not.

One callused hand held her breast, toyed with the hardened tip as she also wondered how she would live without seeing this man again. Somehow in this short time, he became important to her. Well, he would be the father of her child, a child he would never know. Guilt swamped her. She stole from him. Stole his sperm. Nay, he gave his donations willingly.

No promises

Unexpectedly, he was inside her, moving slowly then faster and harder. She was ready for him, hot and slick with what he called her cream or her honey. Together they moved as one. He found the swollen knot that brought so much rapture, massaged until she was crying out, tiny feminine sounds rippling from deep within to be released into the daylight.

“Not yet.” His teeth scraped along her neck, his fingers playing with a taut nipple. He thrust harder and faster until once more the delicious ecstasy of the moment took control of her body. He held her until she breathed easy.

“I have to leave.”

His home was near the university. She couldn’t be seen departing in the morning. For her new child’s sake, she had her reputation to consider. The story of her pregnancy already forming in her head, it was true she would have explaining to do. The explanation would have to be sound. The trip she planned to Edinburgh for the duration of her pregnancy already set in motion. It was all so simple as she intended to tell anyone who questioned as well as all who did not. It was a cousin’s child. She died in childbirth. The poor baby had no father to take care of the wee bairn. She was all the babe would have in its life.

“Stay for breakfast.” He placed more gentle kisses along her neck. Turned her so he had better access to all the erotic parts of her he coaxed so sweetly. In the back of her throat, she moaned unable to stop the sound.

“Can’t.” Caroline rose from the bed, covers draped around her.

Her body wrapped in fabric for his last look. She would not see him again. Even though pangs of regret shot through her heart, it was the only way.

It seemed he didn’t mean to protest her departure further. At least he understood. This was for the best.

Then it seemed he did not. “Why?”

Another question she couldn’t answer. Ignoring him, she found her clothing along with the cape. Tempted to ask if she would see him again, curbed her tongue against something so foolish.

“At least let me order you a carriage. Johnston will take you home. Wouldn’t want you to hire one.”

She nodded. That was a splendid idea.

A few minutes later Johnston knocked on the door. “Sir?”

“Will you take Caro to Letty’s home, please?”

He still lay in the bed, the sheets pooling at his waist. Looking at him she heated, her cheeks flaming. Her virgin’s blood was on those sheets. After the first time he cleaned her blood as well as his sperm from her legs.

At the open door, Caroline stopped, smiled. “Happy birthday, Duncan. Hope you had a good night. I certainly did.”

~ * ~

Caroline waited on the front porch of Scarlett’s home until Duncan’s carriage pulled away then rumbled down the street. She drew in a long deep breath, held the air inside her lungs until she could hold it no longer believing with all her heart her mission was accomplished successfully. In a couple of weeks, she would know if she was increasing. If that was true, which she believed it to be, the rest of her plan would be put into action.

Once the carriage disappeared around the corner, she strode across the street to her home. Her two-story home was comfortable. She liked its location as well as the surrounding atmosphere. While she could afford a townhouse in the city, she much preferred living on the outskirts. She had a garden along with the peace and quiet she craved. Her roses could be tended to easily and without explanation as to what she was actually attempting to accomplish.

She smiled, satisfied. This all came about, her chance to have a baby, because of chocolate cookies and a borrowed cup of flour.

Slipping inside the home, she left the cloak with the wicked pink bow on the coat stand. Her one servant was up, pattering about in the kitchen. “Louisa, will you heat up water. I’ll take a bath in the first-floor bedroom then I plan on sleeping for a few hours.”

She was exhausted. He kept her up most of the night. After what she did with the earl, she had to be pregnant and carrying her child. She smiled. Her hand resting on her flat belly, her dream of having a child would finally come true.

She ran upstairs, found a nightdress to slip on after the bath. As for the garish gown she wore to Duncan’s home, she would either burn it or give it back to Torra. Made no difference to her except she never wanted to see the horrid thing again not even to relive the beauty of the night she spent with a man who gave her so much pleasure, a man she would never see again. Before last night, she never thought sex could be so delightful.

But then what did she know about sex.

Nothing.

Well past noon Caroline rose giving up on the sleep she sought. She was too excited. Torra along with Honey and Muira, three of her friends from the escort service across the street, would want to know what transpired, if she was successful as well. The two women would be knocking at her door soon to hear all the details, details, the intimate particulars she didn’t plan to share. Settling her hands on her belly again she gave in to the urge to smirk. She had to be pregnant. Her child would be inside, growing. The number of times he planted his seed inside her one of those cunning little sperm cells must have found the waiting egg.

The timing was perfect.

The man was perfect in every way. Closing her eyes, she held the gown to her bosom. He did touch and kiss her everywhere. She was also a bit sore from her activities last night.

She couldn’t have asked for anything more. Rapidly, she dressed. Found her way to the kitchen where Louisa left a sandwich for her. She discovered she was famished. The glass of lemonade, which was also left, was mouthwatering. She ate it all as if she hadn’t eaten in a week. She reminded herself she wasn’t eating for two at least, not yet.

The knock on her back door didn’t surprise her. Both Honey and Torra stood on the porch, expectant smiles on their beautiful faces. They were trying to peer around the yellow lace curtains. She smiled and waved wondering what happened to Muira.

“How did it go?” Torra asked breathless as she strode into the kitchen, Honey behind her. “Are you increasing even as we speak?” She winked at her before taking a place at the table.

“Tea?” she asked unwilling to divulge too much too soon. For some reason she had this need to prolong the story as well as savor her evening close to her heart. It was her story, private as well. The events of last night seemed so very intimate, not meant to share. She wanted to cherish every precious memory. After all this was when her child was conceived. She would never forget the night.

“Caroline…” Honey was impatiently tapping her foot. “Don’t be so obtuse. You know neither one of us has one iota of patience. We need to learn everything that happened, now.”

“Tell us.”

“Where is Muira?”

“Didn’t feel well.”

That wasn’t going to happen.

“Tea first then we’ll talk.” Caroline couldn’t help the joy bubbling up inside her. She hummed as she heated the water. A plate of scones was set out. The tea poured.

She was most assuredly pregnant.

“Well?” It seemed Torra waited long enough. “Did our mission contemplated, planned as well over a borrowed cup of flour turn out to be successful?”

“I’m increasing. After…” Heat rose to her cheeks. “I have to be. All went as planned. Duncan was flawless. The timing was textbook.”

She recalled her surprise visit to Letty’s home over a month ago requesting a cup of flour for the cookies she was baking. At that time, she told Torra how much she wanted a baby. Torra swore she had a way to help her. Together and with Honey’s assistance they conceived a plan. Last night the intrigue was successful.

“After?” Honey laughed as she bit into a scone slathered with berry jam.

“He had sex with me, more than once, well…all night if you must know. We didn’t sleep except perhaps the last hour I was there.”

Torra told her she knew of the flawless person for her. A man, who was not all that bright, wasn’t at all brilliant at any rate, perhaps of adequate intelligence. So, if she did have a girl child, the poor darling wouldn’t take after her. She would never end up a bluestocking with her nose in a book every hour of every day.

“He was insatiable then?” Torra asked seeming to know the answer ahead of time. “He liked you a lot. Most men will send the escort home after a few hours. Since your carriage rolled up just short of six this morning, I assume he kept you for your money’s worth.”

Heat suffused her cheeks. “It seemed so. He wasn’t put off that I was a virgin. Just presumed I had some rotten luck. Because of the misfortune was forced to sell my body. Only asked me a few times why I was here. That was before anything happened between us. As you’ve probably guessed, I didn’t answer.”

“So, he has no idea all you wanted from the encounter was a baby, a child you meant to keep from him. He would have anticipated you used precautions to keep that very thing from happening. Real escorts ken how to prevent a child. Your man would know that.”

The blush grew hotter. “No idea.”

Caroline felt as if all her wishes were fulfilled last night. She would never see Duncan again. The thought was unnerving since she would enjoy another night like that with him. A small pang of guilt swept inside at the thought she was keeping all knowledge of his child from him. If he ever discovered her ruse, he might be angry furiously so. He might seek retribution.

She did not think of that.

He wasn’t going to discover the deception.

“Best you keep it that way. One never knows what a man will do if he ascertains he has a child, was duped as well, in addition lied to. Duncan Murray has tons of money as well as power. Since he does have the resources, he could make your life miserable if he wished,” Honey said her voice soft, suddenly tinged with sorrow. “Perhaps we didn’t think this through entirely. There could be repercussions we didn’t think of.” Honey reached out her hand to touch as well as give reassurance to Caro.

“In two weeks, I should know for sure. When that happens, I’ll leave for Edinburgh. When I return, he’ll have no reason to encounter me or to discover the existence of the child. In any case if that materializes, I will say I adopted the bairn and do not know who the father is. At least that is my story. It will have to be believed. If for some reason he discovers the truth, he will have no options left to him. It would be my word against his.”

“The plan is risky.”

“I wouldn’t want to be wearing your shoes if he ever determines the truth,” Torra told her as she sat back in her chair. “I’ve heard he can be ruthless to his enemies.”

If that occurred, she would want to be wearing her shoes either.

“What will do if you aren’t with child?” Honey challenged. “Are you willing to do the same with another man?”

Coldness engulfed her even while her stomach curdled at the thought of his discovering her treachery. She didn’t ever want to do what she did last night with another man. That just wouldn’t, nay couldn’t happen. She could enjoyably repeat the process with Duncan however. More time with him would not be wise though. He might guess at her intentions if she spent another evening with him. She was a terrible liar. He would see through her lies then insist on the truth.

“Suppose I would have to find a way to see him again. There would have to be…” She was shaking her head thoroughly confused. His seed had to take root inside her. The scheduling was impeccable. Her monthlies were always on time. There was never any deviation.

“There is always a means. You know very well we have connections. I’ll help you any way possible.” Torra reached out holding her hands within hers.

“I’m pregnant I know I am.”

I have to be.