Page 170 of Harpy of the Ton
“Take the stairs—mind the step at the turn, ’cause it creaks. Turn right at the top. My chamber’s at the end, with a number eight painted on the door.”
“But—”
“No time for questions—just do it!”
Bella approached the staircase as Millie returned to the parlor. She climbed the stairs, wincing as they creaked, and made her way to the chamber. The room reeked of cologne and stale cigars. A huge four-poster bed dominated the room with red drapes trimmed with gold, reeking of decadence. How many men had Millie entertained on that bed?
How many times hadLawrence…
Voices approached, and Bella froze as she recognized Dunton’s thick, nasal tone, coaxing and whining like a petulant child.
“Whynot? I’ll show you a good time, girl.”
“Aren’t I the one supposed to showyoua good time, sir?”
It was Millie’s voice, though it seemed harsher than before. Had the doxy betrayed her?
“Just one little kiss, then, you delectable creature.”
“I’ve told you before, I don’t give my services for nothin’.”
“I could make you rich beyond your wildest dreams, my dear.”
Bella shuddered at the undercurrent of threat in Dunton’s voice.
“That may be, sir, but I’ll not let you touch me until you show me your coin.”
“My man can see to that in the morning.”
“Then come back in the morning.”
“Miserable whore!”
Bella winced at the snarl in his voice.
“I’m asensiblewhore, sir,” Millie said. “If none of my customers paid me, I’d have to stop whoring, and then where would you all be with your needy cocks?”
“I’ll soon have a fortune to give you,” Dunton said.
“A man known in Ilverton for not settling his debts?” Millie laughed.
Bella found herself admiring the doxy. How could she defy Dunton with such courage? Then her gut twisted as she heard his next words.
“I’ll soon have enough money to buy exclusivity from every whore in the county, when I’ve roped in that little bitch.”
“Then I wish you luck in finding her, after which I’ll service your every whim.”
Bella grimaced at the wet sound of a kiss.
“There!” Millie said. “A treat to whet your appetite for when you return. And then I’ll…”
“You’ll what?” Dunton’s voice sounded strained. “Will you let me fuck you on the floor?”
“Oh, sir, have you no imagination?”
“In the stables, then, on all fours while I rut you from behind? I’d give you an extra sixpence if you neighed like a mare.”
Bella fought the urge to retch. Was this how men spoke to doxies? How could a woman bear such degradation?
