She swallowed. “Yes.”
“Good. How often?”
Heavens.“Um, almost every night.”
“Verygood.” Mrs. Swann’s mouth curved. “Tell me more about your husband.”
It was a tricky balance to tell the truth while keeping as much back as possible. Luckily, Fi had had a lot of practice.
“Well, he’s tall. An attractive man in his prime. Highly intelligent.”
“What do you find most attractive about him?”
Everything.Yet Fi knew Mrs. Swann would not be satisfied by vague replies. She sensed that the woman was cataloging her responses, in a manner that seemed…professional. It reminded Fi of how she’d studied the reigning hostesses to learn how to become a social success. Perhaps this was Mrs. Swann’s way of learning more about her chosen trade of desire.
“He makes me feel wanted,” Fi said honestly.
“Forgive me, Mrs. Morgan. You strike me as a lady who does not suffer from a lack of male attention.”
“Wanted for who I am,” Fi amended. “Not just the outer trappings.”
“Ah.” Mrs. Swann’s eyes lit up with genuine interest. Had she a pen and paper handy, she would likely be jotting down notes. “How does he make you spend?”
“P-pardon?” A mortified breath puffed from Fi’s lips.
Mrs. Swann’s gaze slitted. “You do know what that is, don’t you?”
“Um, yes.” Her heart raced; she felt utterly exposed.
“That is a relief. Now, then, how does he make you come?”
Heavens.“He accomplishes it in the, um, usual manner, I suppose?”
“If by ‘usual’ you mean penetration, that is not the primary way most ladies achieve satisfaction.” Mrs. Swann sounded like a schoolmistress giving a lesson. “Has he diddled you, played with your pearl?”
Squirming, Fi dipped her chin.
“Does he also pleasure you with his mouth?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Have you returned the favor?”
The room felt sweltering; perspiration misted Fi’s brow. “N-no.”
“You ought to try it. I think you will find the sense of power gratifying.” Mrs. Swann drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair. “Given that you are a lady used to being in control, I would also suggest experimenting with restraints.”
“R-restraints?” Fi could hardly breathe.
“Ropes or manacles, perhaps. Of course, some ladies prefer the feeling of velvet ties against their skin.”
Fi could think of no reply.
“That is your desire, my lovely, is it not? You are a strong woman, used to controlling everything, including your fears. Wouldn’t it feel nice to surrender for a time?” Mrs. Swann’s voice was cajoling, seductive. “To show your lover who you truly are?”
Hot memories flooded Fiona. Of how thoroughly she had given herself over to Hawk’s lovemaking. How he’d coaxed out her most wanton impulses, teaching her naughty words and even naughtier deeds, and how much she’d loved all of it. The surrender and trust and relief that came from not having to hide.
With Hawk, she showed more of herself than she ever had. And his response—his hot masculine approval—made her want to expose even more of herself. To risk not just her body but her…heart.
