Page 43 of The Duke's Ultimatum

Derek held up his hands. “I said no such thing. I know Charlie; he wouldn’t dream of hiring girls for our amusement. However, I do know he has no problem with a woman who comes in here with her own mind to do what she wants with what she has.”

Victoria licked her lips as she scooted her chair closer to Derek and leaned into him. Her soft breasts pushed up against his shoulder. “I heard they called you ‘Boss.’ Why is that?”

Derek considered her. “Because I like to be in charge.”

Victoria’s eyes flashed with heat. “Well, well, well, isn’t it just my lucky day? I’ve been known to like being told what to do.” She brought a finger up and lazily traced long strokes along his thigh. “Who would’ve thought someone like you and someone like me would be in the same place at the same time?”

Derek swallowed. This is what he was missing. Someone who knew the ropes and knew how to play this kind of game. Not bloody society games but primal games. The widow knew how to. Victoria knew how to. Eleanor did not.

Derek cursed at the path his thoughts took. Here he was sitting with his ideal woman, historically speaking, and he started thinking of Eleanor.

Derek looked towards the back hallway that led to the back alley. He licked his lips as he leaned to whisper in her ear, “I know a place where we can talk more about our commonalities, if you’re up for it, that is.”

Victoria’s tongue darted out to lick the corner of her lip. His eyes tracked the tempting motion, and he raised his finger to touch the spot her tongue just touched.

“Lead the way, Boss.”

Derek stood, grabbed her hand, and led her down the hallway to the back alley. Night was settling in, giving the alley an iridescent hue which highlighted the gold streaks in Victoria’s auburn hair.

Victoria looked over to the main street just off the alley. “It’s becoming a busy time of night; aren’t you worried about being seen and offending someone’s sensibilities?”

Derek shook his head. “Let them watch, so I can show them the proper way. Besides, the only sensibilities I’m going to ruin are yours.” He pushed her up against the wall which elicited a squeal of delight from Victoria.

“Oh, a rough one, eh? Do your worst, Boss.” Her voice was full of challenge and lust.

Her wicked words fueled the fire that had been simmering for weeks. He attacked her throat with vigor and hot, open-mouthed kisses. Her curvy body vibrated under his touch. This was what he needed. Someone who could match his energy and experience.

The girl’s hand pulled at his shirt, running her hands up his chest. Derek shivered under her touch. He brought his mouth up to hers and covered her moans with his mouth.

He opened his eyes and saw brown eyes staring back at him. Not green eyes. Derek reared back and shook his head.

“Everything all right?” Victoria asked, still panting from his kisses.

“Yes, sorry. I’m… sorry. Just a wayward thought.”

Victoria pursed her lips. “Now, now, we can’t let thinking get in the way of our good time.” She reached down to cup him through his trousers. Derek closed his eyes and let out a hiss of air.

“There,” she said as she began to massage the area. “Isn’t this better than thinking?” Her voice dripped in sensuality.

Derek nodded and took her mouth, his hands finding their way down her body and under her skirts.

Just as he was about to make contact, the image of soft blonde curls and bright green eyes infiltrated his thoughts.

With a curse, Derek jumped back.

Victoria took a moment then righted her skirts. “Ah. I see.”

Derek rubbed his face. “What? What do you see?” he spat, angrier at himself than her.

Victoria patted his cheek and moved around him, towards the back door to the tavern. “If you can talk her into it, you should bring her around. I’m sure the three of us would have a good time.”

Derek bristled. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. There is noher.”

Victoria chuckled as she opened the door. “Oh sweetie, I know what I bring to the table. There’s someone else.” With that, she closed the door, leaving Derek alone in the alley.

“Open up, you bloody bastard! I know you’re there!” Derek pounded on the door which was a bad move considering his head was currently resting against the door. He couldn’t tell if his head was pounding because of the alcohol or because of him hitting the door.

A light in the window flickered on seconds before a very sleepy and disgruntled William opened the door.

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