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opinion means nothing to me. I call on him infrequently, and only to see my sisters. Otherwise, we have little to say to each other.”
    His father’s singular lack of concern for the young woman he’d so callously ruined had so infuriated Darius that he’d grabbed him by the neck and flung him against the study’s paneled wall.
    â€œStill, I hardly think your family would approve of such a scandalous liaison.”
    â€œI’ve been out of short pants for a long time. Like you, I—not my family—control my destiny.”
    â€œShouldn’t you be thinking of marrying some woman of impeccable lineage and breeding your heir and a spare, not consorting with a notorious courtesan?”
    She was a realist and obviously didn’t assume he was offering her marriage.
    â€œThose women don’t interest me. You do.”
    â€œDon’t mistake me for the dewy-eyed innocent you met all those years ago. I am a hardheaded, practical businesswoman. I don’t fall in love, and I don’t expect marriage. I provide a service for my lovers—stimulating conversation, beautiful surroundings and access to my considerable amatory skills.”
    He folded his arms. “And what do they do for you?”
    His question took her aback, but only for a moment. “They provide me with plenty of money, shower me with extravagant gifts and ensure my financial security. It’s a fair exchange. At least, I’ve never heard any complaints.”
    She radiated a strong-willed confidence that Darius found intoxicating. Life would never be dull or predictable with this woman. He wanted her more than any other, but he also knew he had to offer her more than any other lover.
    He rounded the chair and walked over to the settee, where she looked up at him warily. “They provide for you materially, but do they satisfy your womanly needs? Your emotions? Your heart’s desire? Your body’s cravings?”
    â€œMy needs are unimportant. I am paid—and paid well—to attend to theirs.”
    â€œThat’s what I would do differently, my dear Miss Willett.” He caught her hand, surprised at the coolness of her fingers. “I would please you both in and out of your boudoir.”
    To his satisfaction, a shiver rippled through her arm. He pitched his voice low. “Especially in the boudoir.”
    Interest flickered in the depths of her eyes. “What a novel idea.”
    He released her hand and gave her his most winning smile. “Does this Valendry fellow please you? He seems rather old for the task at hand.”
    â€œMen of a certain age have their own special charms.”
    But he suspected she was not being entirely truthful.
    He took his seat. “Do you find me pleasing enough to lie naked with me and make love to me?”
    A tiny smile tugged at her mouth. “Oh, you are a very handsome, charming fellow, Clarridge, I’ll grant you that. And yes, it would be no hardship to make love to you. But I don’t judge a man on good looks alone. I once had a protector who was quite homely, but whose wealth and winning personality made him very attractive indeed.”
    Again, that shot of jealousy at her nameless, homely lover made him clench his teeth in envy.
    â€œAnd I find myself quite bewitched by every facet of you, mademoiselle,” he said. “You are like one of those diamonds in Dragomilov’s necklace, sparkling, with many facets and complexity.”
    She laughed again. “You have such a silver tongue, monsieur.”
    â€œSo I’ve been told.”
    â€œKate and Emma worshiped you, and that has much to recommend it.”
    â€œI’ll have you know I’m a very upstanding fellow. I don’t gamble or drink to excess, and I’m an excellent horseman and a crack shot, though I’ve never fought a duel. I’m educated and can converse on a wide variety of subjects. My many friends from all walks of life