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“I would like to pay for house calls.”

“That’s not a problem. Who would you like to have accompany you home tonight?”

When it’s my first time? “Someone patient and gentle.”

“You will have to be more specific than that, Your Grace. These are professionals, all trained to see to your needs, not their own. Any one of them is capable of performing a perfect first-time experience.”

Is that so? Well, then.

I take a few steps closer and walk down the line of men. Some have pale ivory skin, some medium tones, like mine, and some so dark that their skin shines beautifully in the light. I make eye contact with each man. Some offer cheeky smiles, others wink, still more bite their lips as they look me up and down, making me feel wanted.

Professionals, indeed.

“Do you like working here?” I ask one at random. The question may be strange, but it feels like something I need to be sure of.

“Payment for sex?” the ebony-skinned man responds. “Isn’t that every man’s dream? Though it’s a special treat when someone as beautiful as you walks through those doors.”

I return my attention back to the madam. “I will try them all, starting with this one.” I point to the man who spoke.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

“Sandros, love, and what shall I call you?”

I rather like that word on his lips, so I say, “Love works just fine.”

TWO MONTHS FLY BY INabsolute bliss. Zanita was right. Each and every one of her workers is capable. I find that it is less their looks thatimpress me, since they’re all so beautiful, but more what they uniquely offer.

Thaddeus gives sensual massages before each session, claiming he loves to feel every inch of me before we start. Kallen likes to snuggle after lovemaking, cradling my body against his while I drift off to sleep. Soterios is determined to see to my needs three times before he lets himself get lost, saying women are a wonder in how they can perform again and again in rapid succession.

But Sandros is perhaps my favorite. Not just because he gave me a perfect, nearly painless first experience, but because he will spend hours kissing me during each session. As though he is ravenous for me. As though I am special to him.

And I show him that he is special to me by offering him gifts: sapphire cuff links, silk suits, expensive colognes, and anything else I’d love to see him wear. But my favorite is at night when he wears nothing at all.

I feel more relaxed and free than ever as I go about my life. I cannot wait to see the look on Alessandra’s face when I show up with Sandros in tow at her wedding.

While the workers toil the days away refurbishing the interior of the manor, I set my mind to the estate grounds. There is much to plan. Hedge mazes and gazebos and flowers. Water fountains, paving stones, and everything else I can think of. I meet with botanists and gardeners, more carpenters and stone masons.

The hedge maze is already nearly done. I paid extra to have mature plants transplanted here. The water fountain plumbing has been finished. I’m just waiting on the mason to finish the sculpture: a beautiful horse with its front legs kicking into the air.

New flowers and tree blossoms bring a sweet scent to the air, and the lawns are visibly greener, thanks to the professional who made some adjustments to the seed and soil.

The estate is already mine in name, but now it is looking it in appearance, too.

“You have a lovely smile, Your Grace,” Medora says as she helps me out of a new day dress in a pink pastel color, and into a nightgown of soft silk. I feel like I’m floating when I wear it, so I ordered ten of the exact same one in different colors. Tonight’s is a dazzling lavender with straps instead of sleeves.

“Thank you, Medora. It is nice to have reasons to smile every day.”

“Your smiles aren’t the only ones gracing the dukedom. You might not be aware of all the good your raises have done for the staff, but the footman, Doran, was able to pay for a treatment his mother desperately needed to help her back. Kyros bought new shoes for Nico. The lad is growing faster than Kyros can keep up with. I helped my parents make ends meet when they were short on their rent this month. You’ve done some real good here, Your Grace.”

Her words warm my heart. “I want this place to be a safe haven for everyone who lives here. I want all my staff to lack nothing they need.” They all deserve to feel safe and happy. I hadn’t realized how crucial that was until I finally began to experience it for myself.

Just after Medora leaves the room, Sandros appears in the doorway.

The look he gives me as he takes in my revealing nightgown makes my toes curl.

“I’m almost ready,” I say as I enter my washroom. “Make yourself comfortable.” I pull the spring flowers from my hair and brush it, my teeth, and take care of my nightly routine. While I wash my face, I think I might hear a sound over the running water. Perhaps Sandros moved across the room?

But as I dry my face on a pink towel, I hear a shout and the sounds of a scuffle.