Revealing Ruby (2 page)

“He cannot come. The wh— girl must come to him.”

“That is not possible.”

The maid tapped on the door and then carried in the large tray of scrumptious treats. Cherry tarts glistened with cream. Ginger biscuits rose in a great heap. Frosted sponge cakes held court in their multicolored icing. This was not going to be good for her waist. She’d probably only have to eat one to get the man started, but even one was more than she’d planned on.

She held up a hand delaying the maid’s departure. “Would you like some tea? I can have the maid bring you a mug if you’d prefer it to a cup. I know some gentlemen don’t care for my china. Or perhaps something stronger?”

His eyes fell to her dainty painted cup and then moved to his large, work-roughened hands. She thought he was about to refuse, but then he shrugged. “I’d appreciate tea—strong and black. And yes, a mug if it’s not any bother.”

Ruby nodded to the maid. It was a wonder how refreshment could add civilization to any meeting.

The maid returned quickly with the mug, and rising to her feet Ruby went to pour his cup herself. Personal catering was always a step in the right direction. “No sugar?”

“Three spoonfuls.” He did not sound pleased by the admission.

“Giving in to temptation?” She tried to lighten the mood.

“No.” He was not amused.

“Then why did you come here?” The words came out before she could stop them.

“A man who’s been at sea for months simply has things that must be done.” No. He was not happy with this discussion—not that he seemed happy with anything.

Sea for months—that might explain the stamina.

“I do believe I understand.” She came over and brought him his cup, bending at the waist, letting her bodice gape.

Hot, sweet tea. A few good pastries. A healthy glimpse of bosom. He’d be agreeing with her in no time.

He did not turn his eyes away, took full advantage of the view she offered, but still he showed no pleasure. He took his tea and swallowed, rapidly downing the hot liquid. “Do you always treat your clients this way?”

“It is my profession to keep my patrons happy. I am only a simple businesswoman,” she replied, taking her own seat. She leaned forward again and pushed the heavy tray toward him, but not before nabbing a cherry tart, the top thickly covered in sweetened cream, a single scarlet cherry at its center.

“That I doubt.” He looked over the tray, but did not take anything. He sipped his tea. “However, if that is true, let us talk business. I will pay you double, triple, for you to send a girl to the
Dawn’s Light.
What will it take?”

He was relentless. She dropped her eyes from his, and settled them on the cherry tart, letting herself imagine that first taste, the sweet succulent cream and the tangy, bursting cherries. Parting her lips, she slipped her tongue out and dabbed it in the cream. So sweet. Bringing her tongue back to her mouth, she left the smallest bit of cream upon her lip, a bit just begging to be licked. “I once had a client say these looked just like my breasts—not that he would have known.” She swiped her tongue across the cream again. “I’ve never thought so myself, but then I must admit that I’ve such a fondness for cherries that I rarely think beyond taking that first bite.” She flashed her eyes up at him, and slowly, very slowly, sank her teeth into the edge of the tart. The slightest moan of delight escaped her lips.

“Damn blast it, woman. What are you trying to do to me?” Now, that was a true growl.

She smiled at him, sweetly, knowing that the cream still marked her lips. “I am just enjoying my refreshment. You may choose to avoid pleasure, but I revel in it. I should not be eating this—it does go straight to my hips.” She ran a hand slowly across the red satin to demonstrate. “But, if I am going to indulge, I indulge fully.” She ran her tongue across her lips, catching that dollop of cream and bringing it home.

His eyes didn’t waver from the movement.

She closed her mouth, but not without another lick. “Now, you said you wanted to discuss business?”

“Yes. My mate needs a woman and I intend to bring him one.”

No, that would never do. She picked up the tart and took another bite, being sure to let the glistening cherry filling linger about her lips. “I’ve said that is not possible. Bring the man here. I am sure we can accommodate him, whatever his needs. If Tilly refuses to refund your funds I’ll arrange for a girl on the house. Something I never do.” Another small bite.

“Thompson refuses to leave the boat. She must come to him.” He did not sound as firm as he had a few moments before.

“Are you sure you won’t try a tart?” she asked, licking at the cream again.

“Blast.” He grabbed a tart and with no finesse, bit into it—hard. He swallowed the pastry in two bites, then grabbed another. And another.

He was a big man, without an ounce of fat, but still—three tarts?

“I like sweets.” He said it as a simple fact. His eyes focused on the tray again. He shook his head, and lifted his face to her. He had a spot of cream on his lips. Was he learning her tricks?

And why was she tempted to lean forward and lick it off?

Business, bring it all back to business. “Why does your mate refuse? If he doesn’t wish a girl, why bring him one? Some men just don’t have the interest.”

He let out a loud sigh and leaned back in his chair, his massive legs stretching before him.

Her eyes, against her will, dropped to the juncture of his thighs. Without the slightest hint of embarrassment he let his legs fall open, spreading his thighs wide.

It should have been a rude gesture, but he appeared more like a large cat, taking a good stretch.

He sighed again, and, ignoring the drop of her gaze, spoke. “Thompson lost a foot this trip over. He got caught in some riggings during a storm and the damn thing near ripped him in two. He shouldn’t have survived but he did. And now he claims that he wished he hadn’t, says he’s nothing left to live for. He refuses to leave the ship. I thought a little female company might go a ways to convincing him life could be good. The man always did like his wenches. The girl last night, Tilly, she had tricks that would make a man glad to be alive.”

Tilly had tricks? Well, all her girls did, but suddenly Ruby found herself eager to know just what it was that Tilly did. “I am sorry, but I still won’t send one of my girls someplace I can’t keep her safe. If you wish to bring him here we will make him happy. Very happy. We’ve dealt with many war injuries and amputations, and my girls are not put out by such things. If he will not come I can give you the name of someone who will help you.”

“I would prefer Tilly. I want to be sure Thompson meets no distress.”

“I am sorry. That is not possible.” Why would the blasted man not understand? And why was he staring at her breasts again?

“And what do you charge?”

“What?” She hoped she was misunderstanding him. She had not seen this twist coming.

“How much for a night in your bed?”

Ruby could only stare back at him. It wasn’t that she was unused to the question; patrons were always propositioning her and she continually refused them. She’d made it a rule when she first took over the business, understanding well that if she gave in once then every man would think she was up for grabs. The only way to survive was to never give in, never.

Only this time she wanted to. It was ridiculous. She didn’t even like the man, but for a moment her mind filled with his gloriously naked body. She imagined herself beneath it, imagined that it was her body that he sucked and laved. An ache grew between her thighs and she pushed them tight together. It had been far too long since she’d taken a lover. She shifted, trying to ease herself.

He’d caught the motion, she saw it in an instant. He knew what she felt, what she wanted.

The cherry tart had been play and flirtation, arousing but harmless.

This was beyond that.

“I am sorry, Captain Price. I do not indulge myself with patrons.” They were the same words she always said, but this time she had to force them from her lips, her mind full of that dragon tattoo.

“Never?”

“Never.”

He turned away and stared at her shelves of books, his eyes skimming the titles. “Well, give me the name then and I’ll be off. I wouldn’t want to put you out now, would I?”

How had he made that last bit sensuous and inviting? She should have found it off-putting, but something in his tone wrapped about her, made her want to assure him that she’d welcomed his visit.

“I’ll write it out for you. Just tell her I sent you and Mrs. Hawkes will take good care of you.” She slid her feet back to the floor, wishing that her shoes were not pushed under the chaise, and walked to her desk. Slipping a piece of paper from the drawer, she wrote out the information. Hearing him rise from his chair, she had to fight the urge not to turn.

Derek Price stared at the madame’s ass as she bent over her desk. It was full and round just the way he liked, something a man could truly grab on to. The current fashion might be for more slender curves, but he’d always liked a woman who looked like a woman. And this one certainly did.

He wondered briefly what she’d do if he walked up behind her and leaned into her, pressing his prick tight into those proffered globes. He allowed himself the briefest fantasy of pulling up her skirts and getting on with it, but held himself back. His cock was already pressing tight against his flap and he didn’t need any more discomfort. Hell, the whole reason he’d spent the previous evening with the girl, Tilly, had been to avoid these situations.

Despite the welcoming looks the madame—Ruby, she’d said her name was—had been sending his way, he’d gotten the feeling she was serious about never fucking her clients. It was a pity, but he’d faced far worse things over the years. If she was not willing another girl would be.

Still, it was a mighty fine ass.

Ruby finished writing and turned, holding out a scrap of paper.

And those were mighty fine tits. A man could get lost between them. He did hope they were not due to padding. He’d been disappointed more than once when a corset was removed. And what were her nipples like? Rosy? Brown? Large? Small? That was another thing you never knew until you saw.

She cleared her throat and his eyes jumped up to her face. She raised a brow. Blast. Even with a woman like this it didn’t do to be caught staring at her goodies.

Granted her eyes were almost as pretty, the color of a tropical sea as the sun began to set.

“Here. If Mrs. Hawkes cannot help you I am happy to make another suggestion.”

“You’re sure…?” He took the offered note, allowing their fingers to brush.

“Very sure.” She turned and walked to the door, clearly leading him out.

“I will want my money back. I don’t pay for what I don’t receive.”

“I will speak to Tilly, but I make no promises. Again, if you had paid me it would be a different story.” She spoke calmly, as if the minutes of flirtation had not existed between them.

“I am sure it would be.” He allowed a trace of innuendo to darken his voice. Tilly had been fun, a great relief to his frustration, but Ruby—now, Ruby would have been more.

Still, he tightened his lips. His concern was with Thompson. He needed his mate, his friend, to recover from this dark spell. Many a seaman had a wooden leg and it could be taken care of right here in London if only the man would allow.

If only he had more time. He was due tomorrow and could not delay here for long. He’d promised he’d go up while the
Dawn’s Light
was being reloaded and he could not afford to tarry. He might not welcome the trip and its probable outcome, but it could not be avoided. He’d promised his father and he refused to disappoint the man, not again.

Blast.

He shot Ruby, and her magnificent bosom, one last look and strode out the door.

That had not gone well. Ruby let out a loud sigh, unmindful of who heard. Her afternoon was ruined. She glanced at her book and her tea. The tea was undoubtedly cold and the book had lost its attraction for the moment. It was hard to get lost in someone else’s life when her own had dangling ends—and she was not going to think of anything else that dangled, or didn’t.

She would have to have Tilly found and gauge what had happened. She’d never known the girl to be dishonest, but then she’d never known her to seek employment outside of the house. Closing her eyes, she pinched the bridge of her nose.

There were days that she truly wondered why she’d entered the profession. Oh, not really. She knew exactly why she’d made the choices she had. Of the choices she’d been presented with she’d made the right ones, only there were some days when she wished the world could have been different, wished that the dreams she’d had at seventeen could have been real. And then there were days when she was very glad to have been free to make choices, to not have been stuck with the man she had chosen at that age.

Now that she’d gotten to know men so well it was impossible to imagine living with one for a lifetime.

She pinched her nose tighter, and then relaxed.

Putting things off never made them easier.

She went to find Mr. Simms so that he could fetch Tilly. And another pot of tea would not be amiss. She needed something soothing to help recapture the peace of the day.

It was only minutes before Tilly arrived, followed by Cook and more tea. Cook shot her a glance that made it clear they would be talking later. Cook had been in the house since Madame Noir had run it and she had an opinion about everything, an opinion that most often Ruby was glad to hear—but not now. Now, she just wanted to deal with Tilly and then see if she could salvage anything of her afternoon.

She gestured Tilly to a seat, remaining standing herself. Was this what a schoolmistress felt like, reprimanding a difficult pupil?

“Would you like some tea?” she asked.

“Yes, please,” Tilly answered, raising her hazel eyes. There were smudges under them and she looked worn.

Ruby poured the tea, sugared it well, handed it to Tilly, and waited while she took a few sips. “I had a visitor. Captain Price says that he gave you money to meet him this morning—and not at the house.”

Tilly paled, her dark blond hair falling forward over her face. “Yes.”

“He says that you did not appear and he is most angry.”

“Yes.”

Was the girl ever going to answer in more than one word? Tilly had never been verbose, but this was bordering on silly.

With a gentle smile, Ruby sat across from her. “You know that you have broken more than one of my rules?”

“Yes.”

“And you know that in the normal fashion when a girl breaks one of my rules I ask that she leave my employment.”

“Yes.”

Ruby closed her eyes. The headache that had begun with Captain Price’s visit was growing in strength. “Would you like to explain?”

For a moment she was afraid that Tilly was simply going to say no. She could see the thoughts flashing behind the younger woman’s eyes. If a “no” was all she received then she would have no choice. She would have to send Tilly away. It was one of the things she hated about running the establishment, but part of keeping all of her girls safe was making sure they all obeyed the rules.

“I meant to go, really I did. But I forgot that we were being inspected today. I knew that if I didn’t see Mrs. Hudson then you’d send me away anyway. I was visiting my mother the last time she was here and I knew that if I missed again…”

The crimson wig felt unusually heavy. Slipping it off her head, releasing the weight from her shoulders, would have been heaven. Ruby didn’t make a move. “You are correct. I do hold your health and the health of my patrons to be of high importance. I might not have sent you away, but you would not have worked again until you had been seen by Mrs. Hudson.”

“I am sorry. I thought I’d have time to go afterward, but the girl before me was so slow, and then Mrs. Hudson wanted a minute and then time was just gone. I thought the captain would come again tonight and that I could offer to go tomorrow. I didn’t think he’d come see you, didn’t think he’d believe I’d cheated him. I am not a thief.” The girl sounded indignant.

“I know you’re not. I would not have offered you employment if I thought you were. If you give me the money I will make certain that the captain is repaid.” Ruby reached out and patted Tilly’s hand, waiting until Tilly looked up and met her gaze. “You do know that is not why I am upset?”

“It’s not?” Tilly stared at her a moment, and then her eyes fell to her teacup.

“No. I am upset that you broke my rules. There is a reason you are only supposed to meet men here. How can I know that you are safe if you go somewhere else?”

“Oh. But the captain seemed a nice man and didn’t want anything funny, not anything at all. He just wanted to fuck.”

Ruby’s mind went to the tightly muscled thrusting hips, the indented backside. Oh yes, the man had wanted to fuck—and fuck and fuck. She shook her head, trying to clear the image. “That is not the point. A man can seem perfectly normal and still have other things in mind. Or he could be planning to abduct you. Sailors are not known for their niceties. And who knows what else can happen? I’ve heard that at least three girls have gone missing in the last month. One of them used to work here.”

Tilly nodded, slowly. “I know, but he truly was a nice man. He gave me a little extra after the third time. Said he knew I’d probably be sore and that I deserved to get myself a little treat. I am thinking about a new bonnet with purple ribbons. I’ve always liked purple.”

“Tilly, I am not sure that you understand how serious this is. You truly must obey the rules.”

“Did he tell you about his friend? The one who lost a foot? He said that I was just what he needed to cheer him up. How could I say no to something like that?” Tilly did not look at all sorry for her actions.

“I understand the captain told a sad story, Tilly. But how do you know it was true?”

“Why would he lie?”

If Tilly didn’t understand that, how was it even possible to reason with her? “Tilly, what you must understand is that if you wish to continue to work here you must obey the rules. Do you understand me?” Ruby deliberately made her voice harsh.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll not do it again.”

“If ever someone comes to you with such a story, you must tell me. I will always do my best to help.”

Tilly did not look quite satisfied, but nodded.

She was going to have to have Mr. Simms keep an eye on the girl. A soft heart was not a blessing in her profession.

“You may go enjoy the rest of the afternoon. I will expect you to bring me the captain’s money before your first client arrives.”

“Yes.” Tilly stood to leave. They were back to single-word replies.

Ruby rolled her neck and glanced at the clock on the wall. Time was passing much too quickly.

Before she could decide if she still had time to open her book, there was tap on the door and Cook entered. She grinned at Ruby and took the seat Tilly had vacated.

Ruby tried to find the energy for a true smile.

“Well, are you going to?” Cook asked.

Ruby could only blink. “What?”

“Are you going to sleep with him?”

That had her eyes opening wide. “Who? What? No!”

Cook shook her head. “The big man. I was coming to see if you needed more pastries and I heard him ask how much. Not that you need to charge him, but I do think you could use a little fun.”

Ruby was back to blinking. Cook had certainly known they didn’t need any more pastries, the tray had been near towering, but then Cook had always liked to keep her eye, and her ear, on what was happening. “Then you heard me tell him no. You know I don’t indulge with patrons.”

“Or anyone else,” Cook answered. “I’d understand if you were just being discreet, but it’s been years since…”

“It hasn’t been that many years,” Ruby grumbled.

Cook just stared at her. “Still, I think you should. A woman needs a little every now and then. I heard he was a sailor, which means he’ll be gone soon. Why not have a little fun?”

“Did Madame Noir ever…? Besides her duke, I mean.” The question just slipped from her lips.

“Now, that would be telling. But she certainly did smile many a morning after she’d been out visiting friends for the evening.”

Ruby chewed on her lower lip. She’d run the house for nearly a decade and only taken two lovers, neither of them patrons. She’d never felt the need for more.

But something was stirring within her now, something she wasn’t sure she wanted to give in to.

Hell, she didn’t even like the man.

She might even strongly dislike him.

He was an arrogant ass, walking into her house and making demands.

Only…only something about him did capture her interest, and given how long it was since that had happened it was worth paying attention to. Even her last lover had not affected her like this, not made her breath grow shallow and her breast peak, not caused that unquenchable ache between her thighs.