Simply Pleasure by Kate Pearce

or get out.”
    Val stepped back. “I can see I’ll get no sense out of you until after you’ve slept, but I won’t be put off for much longer, Peter.”
    Peter climbed into bed, taking his time showing off his body to Val, using all the skills he’d learned at the brothel to entice and enhance a customer’s desire. He left the covers down and lay on his back, one hand wrapped around his cock, and smiled at Val.
    â€œAre you sure you don’t want to join me?”
    â€œNot when you stink of other men’s come.”
    â€œWhy does it offend you now? It never did in the brothel.”
    Val took a hasty step toward him. “Because then we had no choice. Now we don’t have to prostitute ourselves to anyone . Can’t you see that?”
    â€œJust because you don’t want to do it anymore doesn’t mean that I have to agree with you.”
    â€œYou like being fucked by anyone who wants you? I’ll wager you don’t even know who had you, or what you’ve done over the past three days, do you?”
    Peter frowned, pushing the disturbing memories away, and forced a lazy smile. “What does it matter, anyway?”
    â€œBecause—” Val turned away and marched toward the door. “Devil take it. There is no point in talking to you about anything at the moment.”
    â€œThank God you’ve worked that out at last.” Peter closed his eyes. “Good night, Val.”

    Val closed the door and went down the main staircase before he even remembered to think about where he was going. Seeing Peter like that, his gaze mindless from opium, and having to endure his endless barbed comments, made him want to punch something.
    â€œValentin?”
    He looked up and saw his father standing at his study door. “Yes, sir?”
    â€œDo you have a moment?”
    â€œYes, sir.” He followed the marquess into his study, waited until he took his seat behind his desk, and unconsciously braced himself. “How may I help you?”
    â€œYou’re up very early this morning.”
    â€œI was going out for a ride.”
    The marquess looked keenly at him. “You didn’t just come in with Peter?”
    â€œNo, sir.” He focused his gaze on the accounts books on the desk.
    â€œI’m glad to hear it. I am concerned about Peter’s behavior.”
    â€œWhat about it?”
    â€œI think you know, Valentin. From what I can see he is slipping deeper into his . . . addictions.”
    â€œI am aware of that.”
    â€œAnd what do you propose to do about it?”
    Val shrugged. “He’ll come around.”
    â€œWhy would you say that?”
    â€œBecause it isn’t the first time he’s been like this.”
    â€œBut not while he’s exposed to the gaze of London society.”
    â€œAre you saying he’s an embarrassment?”
    â€œHe’s not my son, Valentin. I allow him to live here because it pleases you, but I cannot allow him to destroy the good name of my family.”
    â€œNo, I agree, that’s my job. How exactly is Peter doing that?”
    The marquess opened a drawer on his desk and drew out a sheaf of bills. “These are all his.”
    â€œNo gentleman pays his bills on time, not even you.”
    â€œBut these are all long overdue. From what I can tell, Peter is not spending his allowance on anything but opium. I am willing to pay these latest demands, but not if he continues to behave in this manner.” He hesitated. “There is one more thing. Peter’s been stealing from me.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?”
    â€œSeveral items from the house have been left at one of the local moneylenders, and the sum I keep here in my study for the smaller household expenses? As of three days ago, it is all gone.”
    A hollow sensation deepened in Val’s chest as he stared into his father’s eyes. “And what do you expect me to do about