Page 77 of The Duke's Forbidden Bride
“You think I do not know you,” Julian continued, looking over at Spencer. He finished pouring the drinks and handed them each a glass of red wine that smelled rich and heady. “You may keep your anonymity, of course, but I know who you are.”
“If you do know, then you surely know the gravity of your earlier suggestion?”
Julian’s grin widened. “What? That I might be graced with a beautiful couple in my bed? Do not blame a man for seeking custom where custom could be had.” He shrugged before reaching for his own glass and moving to the deep armchair adjacent to the couch. “You have come to my place of business; do not castigate me for suggesting it in order to keep up yourownpretense.”
Spencer clenched his jaw in annoyance, for being caught at his own game. “Very well.”
Julian watched them for a moment, his eyes lingering on the line of Spencer’s neck, the curve of Eleanor’s shoulder.
Eleanor flushed beneath the attention. Spencer watched the escort just as keenly, only without the hunger. Whether Julian Graywasinterested or simply knew how to play his part, Eleanor did not know.
“If you need advice,” he spoke up, “then I also provide such a service. I have sat with couples, watched them, and coached men on how to pleasure their wives?—”
“I do not need coaching on how to pleasure my wife,” Spencer growled.
Eleanor blushed furiously at the bluntness of his claim. For a moment, their eyes met, and she fought a smile.
Spencer appeared as though he did not know what to do with himself. He hated being riled up and having his time wasted.
Although Eleanor knew they needed to get to business, she could not deny how Julian’s manner was a welcome change.
“Are you certain? The frequency, then, of how often you pleasure?—”
“We are not here for your services,” Spencer eventually snapped. “I respect your business, but that is not why I am here.”
“It is a shame,” Julian all but purred. “Your wife is gorgeous. Having her consent to discover what her pretty gown hides would be a pleasure.”
His eyes cut to her, and he cocked his head. He was not like an oil spill with his compliments. He did not make her feel unclean as others had.
If anything, Eleanor felt rather flattered.
“Are you a goddess beneath the layers as well, Lady Oakwood?”
It took her a moment to respond to the false title, for her voice was lost in her embarrassment.
“Take your eyes off her,” Spencer warned. “I am not a patient man.”
“Oh, do not feel so left out,” Julian drawled. “I wish to discover what lies beneath your layers, too.” His eyes sparkled with mirth. “I jest, of course. Most men are rather offended by my advances, but it seems you are only offended by the thought of another man finding your wife beautiful and desirable. Do you show her your affection enough?”
I am not pretending any longer… you make me wish to be bolder…
Spencer fell quiet, and Eleanor decided to speak up. “He does.”
At that, both men looked at her in surprise, and her face reddened further beneath the attention.
“He does?” Julian asked.
Eleanor’s eyes hesitantly found Spencer’s. “He is most attentive.”
Her husband swallowed hard as he gazed at her. He reached for her but then stopped quickly as if remembering they were not alone. He turned back to the escort, returning to the matter at hand.
“Now that you have your answer, we can move on to the main issue. I was told that you are the man to go to for information.”
Julian sank into his armchair, his lazy smile intact. “I am an encyclopedia. Simply pick my brain, or my body, for knowled?—”
“I need information on the vulnerable women being shipped out of England through a nearby convent.” Julian’s smile vanished. “On the order of Lord William Coleman, the Marquess of Belgrave.”
A thick silence fell over the room as the escort’s face darkened. He stared at Spencer, worrying his lower lip between his teeth. Gone was his jovial expression, the teasing lilt of his grin. All that remained was concern.
