Author's Note: This chapter will involve someone watching a sexual encounter. I don't know the word for it. I thought it was exhibitionism, but that might not be the right word because exhibitionism typically involves a public setting, right? I'm not sure what the proper term is. But yeah, if that stuff grosses you out, then here's your warning. Also, another apology. I'm having too much fun stretching this story out. I'm sorry if it's boring. I don't mean to write boring things, but I suppose I can't always help it.
***
Much to Vyn's occasional discomfort and occasional delight, the Duke decided that this courtesan, this Ambre Duponta with the beautiful red hair and daring green eyes, she would be sleeping in his apartment at the palace. He'd even planned on taking her off with him to his townhouse. They'd even share a bed, although they'd likely end up sleeping at slightly different times.
Vyn mainly kept his distance whenever he could, although whenever the Duke was out in public the courtesan was with him, holding his arm and sometimes nuzzling his throat like she wanted to feel his pulse with her lips.
That never stopped her from occasionally looking at Vyn, though.
He'd sometimes joke to himself about whether or not she was a cannibal, for she often looked hungry.
The noises that often came from the Duke's bedroom once he joined with Miss Duponta were usually much hungrier. During these times, Vyn would usually step outside of the apartment and linger in a corner of the hallway. He might even press a random cushion or pillow to himself to hide any semblance of an erection.
It was somehow different from when he was a bouncer at a brothel.
The guards would often give him concerned and confused looks. Vyn would claim he had a stomachache. But why was he hiding in the hall? He'd sometimes say the Duke was wearing a cologne that disagreed with his senses, or something of that nature.
Vyn had to admit he liked those sounds he was trying to avoid.
It was as if those sounds were making deep promises of spiced pleasures. His brain would weave together imagination and logic. He thought of those bodies grinding and twisting, tongues gliding and scraping. Vyn even imagined scents and tastes.
It was a bit overwhelming.
On the afternoon before the Duke had to leave the palace, he gave Miss Duponta a packet of bank notes. Then Miss Duponta bounced on out so she could do a little extra shopping.
When it was time to leave and return to the townhouse, Vyn had to sit across from the newly formed couple in the carriage. He was able to distract himself well enough, but goodness that courtesan was quite fond of touching her blushing patron, even as she told him the most innocent of mundane stories.
When Vyn began working on a sampler of embroidery, Miss Duponta addressed him directly.
"Sir, I knew you were a favorite tailor, but you stitch hanging hoops too? As a lady might stitch as a hobby?"
Vyn didn't look up at her when he responded. "It's a valuable skill."
"That's certainly true," Miss Duponta said. "I imagine you've often sold a few hoops?"
"Yes I have," Vyn said as he started working with a different spool of thread the color of rust.
"You don't need that work now, however," the courtesan pointed out. "You have His Grace to support you."
Vyn shrugged. "I don't want to forget how to move my fingers, and I enjoy pretty things. Why not make a pretty thing? It's satisfying."
Miss Duponta's voice practically purred. "I also enjoy pretty things. I might have you make something for me."
"I'd have to subtract time devoted to My Lord's projects," Vyn coldly explained. "As skilled as you are, I'm not sure if you can afford the fees I'd charge for that."
The Duke spoke up then, or rather he chuckled and then he said, "Listen well, Pretty Flame. I pay my Favorites far too well for them to give time to anyone else."
Vyn heard the woman's clothing rustle. She was likely turning her body a little to face her patron. Her voice had the same quality a pout might if it was a noise. "Your Grace, I thought I was your Favorite."
Another little chuckle, and the Duke corrected her. "Certainly not. You're this month's new perfume."
Curiosity paused Vyn's fingers.
Miss Duponta was the one to laugh at that time. "I adore honest men."
***
Such a pleasant, cool night.
Vyn was alone in his apartment in the townhouse, distracting himself with some weights with handles. He'd purchased some workout equipment some time ago, and he rather liked them. Up and down, careful with his breathing, holding onto a firm stance, his bare toes pressing or spreading onto the hardwood floor. He'd moved the rugs away, choosing to only use them when he needed to get his body down to the floor.
A rapping was heard on the door.
Vyn carefully set the weights onto one of the rugs he'd moved. Then he took a steadying breath, rotated an arm, and called out, "What is it?"
"Mr. Dahlren? Are you too occupied? I'd like a moment."
The hair on Vyn's arms rose a little.
That was Miss Duponta's voice.
He stepped towards the door and asked, "Weren't you supposed to be with His Grace tonight?"
"I'd rather not explain in the hallway. The servants shouldn't have to listen to such things."
This seemed suspicious to Vyn. His eyes narrowed and he folded his arms. He moved in a little closer and talked at the door again. "I'm not interested in being alone with you. I can't afford your services."
"Ah, I can't afford your services yet you can't afford mine either? Haaaah, please don't be a cross thing. His Grace himself has approved of my little quest."
His nose and cheeks heating, Vyn backed away. His arms loosened and fell at his sides. "Then, whatever is it you need, have him come and alert me with his own voice."
With a little sigh, the pretty voice said, "I've no complaint. I'll send your demand over to him."
Vyn heard a pair of possibly flat slippers lightly pat the floor in the hallway as they left. He put his backside on a plain but well made stool and rubbed at an eye.
He wasn't sure how much time had passed, but if he had to make a guess he'd probably say around three minutes. A new voice sounded from behind the door.
"Mr. Dahlren? Are you available?"
Vyn's hand shook as it rose and pressed into his chest, the fingers curled. He went pretty close to that door, right to the point where he could almost smell the waxed wood. "You... My Lord? How may I help you?"
"I have a request, but I'm not certain if you'd be willing."
"Would you like to come in?"
"That would be fine."
Vyn unlocked the door and opened it. There His Grace stood, wearing the least amount of clothes Vyn had ever seen him wear. His legs were bare, and they weren't skinny stick legs. There was a good amount of meat on them. Vyn thought he was still thicker than the Duke overall, but that didn't mean the Duke was a delicate flower. The reason why the Duke's legs were bare was because he had on a knee-length robe of black material. The sleeves were long and a little loose. His pale hair was in a true mess of tumbling, slinky locks.
His face was a little flushed and there was a sheepish smile.
His feet were in gold colored slippers. They took him right into Vyn's room, where he stood as Vyn quietly shut the door.
Then, standing before the Duke, Vyn calmly asked, "What do you need?"
Tiny lines slowly stretching a bit under his sparkly eyes, the Duke folded his hands behind his back, and he asked Vyn, "Would you be willing to help that pretty courtesan?"
His feet tingling, Vyn's body jolted, and then he looked away. "Ah... I don't think I have the money to help her."
"There's no law requiring her to charge every partner she has."
That statement had Vyn's heart pounding and his throat seeming to crack. He coughed. "Ack! Ah! What? She wants a low class thing like me?!"
"She admitted that... ah... she was bored, and she wanted to... how did she put it?" The Duke's voice faded into a few more words, and during that moment Vyn cleared his throat a few times. Finally, the Duke said, "Ah! She said she wants to, 'put on a show for me.'"
Vyn's whole body flared up.
Hoping that his now interested penis wouldn't form an obvious bulge, Vyn spun around, showing his back to the other man. "Excuse me? Wha... what? A show?"
"I've done much more interesting things than that," the Duke told him quite casually.
Vyn's fingers laced together at his chest as he stared hard at the floor. A few deep, soothing breaths, and he asked, "You'd actually be interested in seeing me... that way?" He tried to sound very serious about it. He didn't want to be seen as inexperienced, and especially not child-like. The truth was, that while Vyn certainly had some experience with both men and women, this concept presented to him was a bit novel. He'd heard of such things, but he'd never actually tried them out.
"You're quite handsome. Why wouldn't I be interested?"
The Duke's words had been so nonchalant. Vyn couldn't find any lies hidden in there.
"I... I don't know." Vyn's fingers tightened. His voice almost squeaked. "Would that... would that woman think less of me... I mean... she's already had you. I can't compare."
