Lord of Pleasure by Delilah Marvelle

looking rather bored with their conversation. “I regret to inform you that the application process is the only time I am ever involved with the students here at the school.”
    “What a complete waste of your talent.” Though, in truth, he was relieved to hear that she was merely a glorified secretary for this whole ridiculous operation.
    Her hand stilled against the parchment, and her dark eyes suddenly met his with sharp assessment. “Do try and remember that I will be dictating the pace of this conversation. Not you. Is that understood?”
    Strong-willed. Intelligent. Tough. Yet still made of enough fine porcelain to make her fragile. Indeed, she was a fascinating combination of a woman, which made him wonder how she ever ended up marrying an unscrupulous fop like Chartwell. The two hardly pieced together. “I understand. Perfectly.”
    “Thank you. Now. Are you genuinely interested in enrolling in the school or not?”
    “Oh, I’m interested.” Interested in you, that is . Hell, he’d enroll himself over and over again if it meant having more of these amazing one-on-one conversations. For truth be told, he’d never been so entertained. He was also fascinated as to why a woman of her status and rank would dare to conduct such a scandalous and provocative state of affairs beneath the noses of everyone in London.
    He waved his hand toward her, trying to demonstrate his eagerness. “Do. Go on.”
    “Very well.” She plucked up the quill and gently tapped the end to remove the excess ink. “Usually, our students must pass a series of vigorous tests before being allowed to even apply. The tunnel you passed through is a secret only entrusted to those who are deemed worthy to become a student. For whatever reasons, Madame de Maitenon has given you permission to accompany Lord Caldwell in the final process that will ultimately give him admittance into the school. It is my duty to interview you for consideration.”
    He smiled and tried not to chuckle at her serious, business-minded tone. “I certainly appreciate the opportunity.”
    “Allow me to explain how this interview shall proceed. I will ask you a series of questions. In turn, you will provide nothing less than honesty. If any of the answers you provide prove to be false, Madame de Maitenon will not only remove your name from the list of applicants, but will fine you a total of £250.”
    Alexander let out a low, exaggerated whistle. “Rather harsh.”
    She shrugged. “In a world governed by men, a woman has to be.”
    A rather warped way of thinking. What had Chartwell done to this poor woman anyway? Left her to think that she needed to manipulate men as a means of attaining what she wanted?
    Then again, who was he to gripe?
    He played that game all the time. His eyes traveled down the length of her exposed neck toward her sizable breasts, which were regrettably well hidden beneath a layer of black silk. Sadly, it had been some time since he’d had any plans that involved a lovely pair of breasts. And by God, he was beginning to realize just how much he truly had missed them.

Lesson Six
    It is a known fact that men often cast aside all reason and common sense the moment the possibility of great sex appears. Yet what they fail to realize is that with no reason and no common sense present, the outcome isn’t likely to be all that pleasant .
    — The School of Gallantry
    “Your birth name, please.”
    Alexander snapped his attention from Lady Charlotte’s breasts back to the paper before her, knowing he ought to remain focused. There was no point in giving the woman the upper hand in a game that hadn’t even started.
    Attempting to appear nonchalant, he scratched at his shaven chin. “Do you require an entire list of titles or the most prominent?”
    She brought the paper even closer toward her, as if shielding herself. “The most prominent, please. You’ll submit the rest in written form upon admission.”
    “Of course.” He leaned forward and