Page 9 of A Courtesan Countess Worth the Scandal
It’s always best to run from a spark, before there is an explosion.
Men with carnal thoughts on their minds could transform into beasts, and she did not want to be in his presence when that occurred. The last thing she needed, after having her gown ruined, was to be manhandled into a carriage and be virtually kidnapped until she gave Lord Westleigh what he evidently wanted.
Reaching the exit to the gentlemen’s club, she was almost at the bottom of the steps, when a jarring wrench spun her around.
“You cannot leave me like that, Miss Black,” Lord Westleigh purred. “It is unjust to tantalize a man and then flee from him. You must know how you affect me, you wicked temptress. And I am quite certain that our evening together is not yet over.”
Nora took a step away from him. “I’m sorry to say that it is, My Lord. But I assure you that the gratification will be all the sweeter after we spend some time apart.” She tried not to show her fear, but he already had that predatorial glint in his eyes. “Use your imagination, my dear Lord Westleigh, and let that satisfy you until we can have our private gathering.”
“No, I rather think I have waited long enough.” He matched every backward step she took with a forward step. “The night is not finished until I say it is. No more teasing, Miss Black. Youwillcome home with me, now, and I shall have my servants see to your dress.”
Nora stopped and held her ground. “I don’t think I will, My Lord. You’ve purchased my company, nothing more. I am not a prostitute, I am a very particular sort of courtesan, who entertains and accompanies gentlemen, unless I decide to offer something else.” She smiled. “Tonight, I’m not offering anything but my charm, my wit, and my presence at your side, but that has come to an end. If you want to see me again, I suggest you go home without further ado.”
All of a sudden, the beast within Lord Westleigh erupted. He lunged for her, grabbing her arms with violent force and yanking them up to his chest. Her knees buckled awkwardly, making it look as though she were dangling from his grip.
“I said, no more teasing. You do not dictate to me, Miss Black. I pay for you, and I decide what else you offer me. Tonight, you will give me what I desire,” he spat. “Your toying games are no longer amusing.”
Out of nowhere, a blur bounded in, and strong hands pried Lord Westleigh away from Nora. It happened so fast that she did not even realize she was free from the Lord’s clutches, until a tall, broad, athletic figure stood between her and her demanding client. She saw the shiny, chestnut brown of the back of her savior’s head, but did not realize who had come to her aid until he spoke.
“The lady has asked you to leave her alone,” the man urged. The very same man who had caused her to upend the drink she had been bringing to Lord Westleigh.
“She is no lady,” Lord Westleigh retorted. “You have no business, interfering in this personal matter. You ought to make yourself scarce, as you always seem to do, Lord Keswick.”
Lord Keswick? I’ve never heard of you.
It surprised her, for there were not many gentlemen of the peerage that were unknown to her. She prided herself on her detailed knowledge of this country’s lords and ladies, so she knew who to avoid, who to pursue, and which ones had wives that would cause more strife than it was worth. Most were, unbelievably, grateful to have someone else fending off their husband’s affections, but others were more territorial.
Lord Keswick put out his arm, creating a further barrier between Nora and Lord Westleigh. “I owe thisladyfor the damage I have done to her gown. With that in mind, I should say this is my business, for I have a debt to repay.” He sighed heavily. “She has asked you to cease your behavior, and I will remain here, barring your path to her, until you do so.”
“Who do you think you are?” Lord Westleigh bellowed.
“The Earl of Keswick. As such, I am of higher station than you. Do the respectful thing and leave, before you cause this young lady, and yourself, any further embarrassment.”
Lord Westleigh turned puce with rage. “She is my property!”
I am no one’s property!
Nora wanted to say so out loud, but worry held her silent. Lord Keswick was broader and stronger looking than Lord Westleigh, but there was every chance that the latter could still break through that human barricade.
“Is she a townhouse? Is she your mistress? Are you her keeper? Do you have the documentation to verify that she belongs to you?” Lord Keswick replied, his tone borderline mocking. “No, I did not think so. Nor do I believe she will accompany you again if you continue as you are.”
Lord Westleigh visibly trembled with anger. “You scoundrel!”
“No, you are the scoundrel,” Lord Keswick shot back. “I do not care what sort of lady she is—you do not lay hands upon a woman. Ever. I am restraining myself, at present, so I would ask that you depart before I can no longer hold myself back from striking you for your cruelty.”
Lord Westleigh scowled at Nora over Lord Keswick’s shoulder. “I will go, Miss Black, but only because I do not want to do anything that might bring the Constables.” He turned his glower at Lord Keswick. “I could kill you where you stand, but I shall be the bigger man.”
“Yes, please do that.” Lord Keswick smirked.
“I will see you again, Miss Black, and we shall resume this,” Lord Westleigh commanded, but Nora had no intention of meeting with him again.
Your days of enjoying my company are over, Lord Westleigh. If I never see you again, it’ll be too soon.
Fortunately, she never told any of her gentlemen callers where her townhouse was. Even if he tried to find her, he would not succeed.
With a haughty stomp in his step, Lord Westleigh strode away from the scene and hurried off down the street, his body language that of a very vexed individual.
The moment he was out of sight, a stifled sob escaped Nora’s lips. “Y… You didn’t have to d… do that,” she murmured, trying to regain control of her emotions. It was only the initial shock setting in. “I deal with s… situations like that, all the t… time. M… men can t… turn on women like me, as quickly as the seconds on a clock.”
