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and
    unsentimental level. It was almost a pleasure to pick at him.
    «Is that why you prefer men? Because they don’t expect
    anything more than sex from you?»
    40 / Kate Pearce

    «I don’t prefer men.»
    «Gossip says otherwise.»
    His blue eyes narrowed. «And I told you what I think of
    gossip.»
    She finished her soup and put down her spoon, searched the
    delights in front of her for something else to taste.
    «Have you thought any more on my offer?»
    She looked up at him, hand poised over a dish of chicken in
    cream sauce. «Which offer?»
    «Don’t be obtuse. I’ve only made one.»
    «Ah, the offer to take me to your favorite brothel so that I can
    see for myself the depths of depravity you have embraced.»
    «To be fair, it’s not exactly a brothel. It’s a private pleasure
    house for both men and women run by a very astute
    Frenchwoman named Madame Helene Delornay.»
    «Women can buy sexual partners too?»
    He smiled. «You have no money, remember? So you can’t buy
    anything. And it doesn’t work like that. Members pay a yearly fee
    to enjoy all the amenities available for as little or as long as they
    wish.»
    «And you intend to take me there?»
    « If you accept my offer.»
    «They will let me in?»
    «As my guest, yes.»
    «Then I think I would like to go.»
    «Good. Now perhaps we can finish our dinner without you
    moaning or threatening to unleash your breasts in the soup?»
    Jane smiled at his irritated tone, wondered if she had aroused
    him and whether he would admit it if she asked. «Of course, my
    lord. Whatever you say, my lord.»
    SIMPLY INSATIABLE / 41

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    «You’re not going out with me, dressed like that.»
    «What’s wrong with my gown?» Jane asked, hoping her
    expression showed only general wifely interest rather than the
    delight she felt. Half an hour had passed since Blaize had told her
    to go upstairs and get ready for their outing. So far all she’d done
    was brush her bangs and pinch her cheeks to add color.
    Now he’d appeared through the door connecting their suites
    and he was frowning at her. He’d changed into a black coat and
    waistcoat embroidered with golden thread and skintight satin
    pantaloons. He snapped his fingers at her.
    «You know what’s wrong with it. It’s a rag. Take it off and put
    on that blue dress you were wearing earlier today.»
    She blinked at him. «But you told me to send that one back.»
    He took three steps into her room and glared down at her.
    «You must have something else.»
    She walked across to the clothes press and opened the lid with
    a flourish. «This is all I have. You are welcome to pick a different
    one if you wish.» She pursed her lips. «I think there might be an
    evening gown in there somewhere that I had made about five
    years ago.»
    She straightened up and jumped when she realized he was
    right behind her.
    «You are not wearing any of those ridiculously outmoded
    gowns.»
    42 / Kate Pearce

    She stared into his eyes, aware that her breathing was as
    labored as his. He thrust his hand out and grabbed the front of
    her bodice. With one savage pull he ripped it open, exposing her
    corset and the swell of her breasts. She kept her hands fisted by
    her sides.
    «Now do you understand that you are not wearing this?»
    «You would prefer me to go naked?»
    His icy blue eyes assessed her from head to foot. «Perhaps,
    but I have a better idea.» He turned his head and shouted.
    «Robert!»
    Jane remained still, too aware of the closeness of her husband
    and the dark sexual energy vibrating through him to dare to
    move or to make sense of his commands.
    «Yes, my lord?»
    She heard Robert’s voice as he emerged from the dressing
    room that linked their suites but couldn’t see him beyond Blaize’s
    chest.
    «Go and find a set of men’s clothing that will fit my wife.
    There should be some in my suite, or lend her something of
    yours.»
    «Yes, my lord.»
    Jane waited until Robert disappeared again. «You want me to
    dress like a