Every part of Pleasure House was engraved in her memory. She’d spent years becoming a newer, stronger version of herself in those old halls.
Entwining her fingers with his, Kitty happily followed as Harrison led her down the hall.
Finally, everything in her life seemed to be within her grasp, all she needed was to find Jacques’s will.
The first hall rendered their path free, but the second one had occupants. A couple that were not Pleasure House workers, were wrapped in an intimate embrace. Harrison stumbled in front of Kitty, causing her to slam into his back, before he continued walking. The sounds of the couple’s bodies joining filled the hall along with the woman’s moans of pleasure.
Rage simmered in Kitty’s blood at what Pierre was doing to her precious reputation. She had impeccably chosen every member of Pleasure House, interviewing them personally. Kitty took great care in deciding who was worthy to interact with her employees.
When they reached the main hallway that led to her study, Kitty swallowed her nerves and fears that the will would not be behind the painting.
The sounds of drunkards filled the air. A sigh left her when she did not hear anything too untoward like a brawl. At least she took comfort in knowing that Siegfried would never allow such behavior. It didn’t matter that Pierre claimed to be the owner, she took comfort in knowing that the Pleasure House residents were loyal to her.
“I-if you gentlemen would like to return to the ballroom.” A nervous Lilias stood in a small alcove, two men blocking her in.
One of them grabbed her by the arm, forcefully pulling her body to his. His hands roamed her body uninvited. “I think we should all go up to one of those fancy rooms and get personally acquainted. Don’t you think so, Traverse?”
Traverse squeezed roughly at one of Lilias’s breasts. “I’d like that very much,” he drawled stepping closer to the woman.
“S-stop it,” Lilias said, swiping at his hand.
Having heard and seen enough, Kitty marched over to them. “Get your damn hands off her right now, gentlemen,” she demanded.
Kitty didn’t give a damn that she wasn’t dressed in her expensive gowns or that technically she shouldn’t be in Pleasure House. She wouldn’t just allow such filth to do anything they wanted to Lilias. It didn’t matter that the two women often disagreed. The other woman had been there for Kitty when she’d needed her, and Kitty would never forget.
“Get your damn hands off her and remove yourselves from this establishment,” Kitty said.
She didn’t care if doing such a thing would reveal her, she couldn’t allow anyone to succumb to violence, especially not Lilias.
“You can join in the fun if you’d like,” the one closer to Kitty spewed out.
“You heard her, release the woman.” Harrison stood in front of Kitty, officially standing toe to toe with the men.
“Do we have a problem here?” Siegfried asked, practically marching down the long hall.
His stern wide gaze crashed into Kitty’s. “Yes, these gentlemen were just leaving,” she said, feeling the power spread through her bones.
The past four days had temporarily made her forget her responsibilities, but being back at Pleasure House revived her anew.
“Wait a damn minute, you’re not supposed to be here,” the one named Traverse said pointing to Kitty. “Delcour is the owner now. Does he have you on your back too? I’ll pay good money for you?—”
Shocking Kitty, Harrison pulled the man up by his lapels. “Watch your fucking tongue,” he sneered.
“Escort these two gentlemen out,” Siegfried instructed two members of his security, as he grabbed both men by the back of their tailcoats.
Once the men were safely away, Lilias relaxed against the wall. “Thank you, Madame,” she whispered her gaze downtrodden. “I know I haven’t been kind to you.”
Kitty shook her head, her cap falling to the floor, unable to stay on top of her head. “You have been kind to me when I needed you most, that is all that matters.”
“Madame, what are you two doing here? You must go before Delcour sees you.” Siegfried stood in front of her, peering over his shoulder making sure that Pierre was not around.
Thankful for his loyalty towards her, and Lilias’ kind words, Kitty gave Siegfried a small smile. She couldn’t leave Pleasure House without Jacques’s will. The longer Delcour stayed at Pleasure House, the more damage he would surely cause. Kitty could not allow such a man to ruin everything she’d built with her bare hands.
“No. It’s imperative that I go to my study. There is something there that will prove that I am the rightful owner of Pleasure House.” Kitty took several deep breaths, looking up and down the hall.
“I’ll take you there.” Lilias stepped forward. “You were right. I don’t like it when men run Pleasure House. You are the rightful owner, and I’ll do anything to help you.”
Siegfried pointed at Lilias. “You help Madame. I’ll make sure that Delcour stays occupied.”
