Simply Pleasure by Kate Pearce Page B

them all with barely a word, which had only inspired Val to try harder to do something even worse. But even he had never contemplated pawning his father’s possessions.
    He turned away and went into the hall to collect his hat and gloves from the butler. As he went through the front door, Anthony came down the stairs with his tutor and Val paused as his brother came bounding up to him.
    â€œMorning, Valentin.”
    â€œGood morning, Anthony.” He nodded at the boy’s tutor. “Are you going out?”
    â€œWe’re going down to the docks to inspect the latest arrivals.”
    â€œI didn’t realize you were interested in such things. I’m sure your father would not approve.”
    Anthony heaved a gusty sigh. “He doesn’t approve of anything.”
    Val found himself smiling in sympathy at his younger brother before he recollected himself and touched his hat. “Let me know if a ship called the Bird of the Isles has docked, will you? An old friend of mine is the captain.”
    â€œI will.” Anthony stepped out of his way.
    Val proceeded down the steps to where a groom held his horse’s head and swiftly mounted. His destination was quite close, but sometimes he preferred to ride just to keep himself above the press of bodies in the busy city. Despite Peter’s amusement he’d never reconciled himself to the stink and closeness of London’s humanity. It reminded him too much of the brothel.
    He walked up the steps to the discreet entrance of Madame Helene’s pleasure house and went inside. The footman posted in the lobby nodded to him.
    â€œGood morning, my lord.”
    â€œGood morning. Is Madame receiving visitors?”
    â€œI shall go and inquire, my lord.”
    Val waited in the hall until the footman came back to collect him and took him to the rear of the house where Madame’s private rooms were. He paused at the door to appreciate the sight before him. Helene lay on her daybed between two naked men, covered only by her long blond hair and the limbs of her two lovers.
    â€œVal.” She smiled at him and slowly extricated herself from her lovers’ embrace. Her body was one of the most perfect things he had ever seen and he’d seen plenty. “Did you want something in particular?”
    â€œI would not have dreamed of disturbing you otherwise.”
    He followed her into her inner sanctum and waited as she washed. She was as fastidious as he was about removing all traces of her sexual encounters. It was one of the reasons why they got on so well. Both of them had pasts that had scarred them. Madame Helene had chosen to exploit her experience and offer it at a price to others, while Val . . .
    He paused to consider what he’d done. He’d tried to forget, failed miserably, and come to Madame’s to find release from the sexual desires that sometimes ruled him despite himself.
    She wrapped her luscious body in a thin silk robe and patted the seat on the couch next to her. To his amusement she tended to treat him like a younger brother.
    â€œWhat’s wrong?”
    â€œIt’s Peter.”
    â€œIs he all right?”
    â€œBarely.” Val sighed. “I’m losing him.” Helene was the only person in the world he would ever be able to admit that to. “I’m terrified.”
    â€œIs it the opium?”
    â€œThat’s the root cause, but he’s also stealing from my father and lying as well. I can’t allow it. My father is threatening to throw him out.”
    She squeezed his hand. “Perhaps Peter is beyond help?”
    â€œNo.” He held her gaze. “He can’t be.”
    â€œDoes he want your help? Has he asked for it?”
    â€œNo. But he’s going to get it anyway.” His smile felt stiff. “He’ll hate me, but it might save his life.”
    â€œWhat do you intend to do?”
    â€œWean him off the opium.”
    Helene shuddered. “It