Bennett’s remembrances of Frederika had lit both their fires, and it was well over an hour before they were extinguished, and they rolled to their sides of the bed.

Ruby ran her fingers through her damp hair. “Well, that was fun.”

“Yes, it was,” Bennett said, sniggering.

“So, how long were you in Amsterdam?”

“Um…fifteen years.”

Ruby moved to her side and propped herself up on her elbow. “And I’m guessing you became one of Frederika’s clients.”

“Yes, for seven years until she was murdered.”

“She was murdered?”

Bennett rolled to face Ruby. “Remember what I said about the two husbands who liked to watch?”

“Sure.”

“Well, one of the two gentlemen put a knife in Frederika’s back. If I had to guess, he probably grew weary of watching Frederika get his wife where he couldn’t, but he told the sheriff that he’d come home to find his beloved in the throes with another woman. Since homosexuality was immoral and illegal, he took it upon himself to carry out their death sentences.”

“He killed his wife, too?”

“Oh yes. He slit her throat,” Bennett said, frowning. “No charges were brought against him, and he was set free to live his life, which I took a few days later.”

“You killed him?”

“Frederika didn’t have an evil bone in her body. She was thoughtful and polite, just a businesswoman running a business, and she didn’t deserve to die like that…and I won’t apologize for what I did.”

“I’m not asking you to.”

“Good.” Bennett let out a long breath and softly smiled. “And thank you. I haven’t thought about her in forever, and those are splendid memories, ones I wouldn’t have recalled if it hadn’t been for your incessant curiosity.”

“Is that your way of saying I shouldn’t ask about the others?”

“Others?”

“You said you were in love eight times, but we only made it past Desiree before you brought up Frederika.”

“Oh. You are correct, but aren’t you tired?”

Ruby giggled. “Actually, I think I’ve got my second wind.”

“Damn, that makes two of us.” Bennett climbed out of bed, putting on a robe before picking up her cup of green tea. “How about I make us a few cups of this that aren’t ice cold, and then I can fill you in on the rest of my failures? As long as you’re not expecting any more lascivious details, that is.”

“Not unless you care to share,” Ruby purred.

Tickled by Ruby’s sultry tone, Bennett sauntered out of the room. “I’ll get us some tea.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

A short time later, with steaming cups of tea on the nightstands, Bennett mounded some pillows behind her back and got comfortable. “Are you sure I can’t just give you a list of their names and be done with it?”