“Advanced rules?” He raised an eyebrow at her.
“Yes. And actually, I did tell you about this rule,” she explained as she played a run of cards.
“Did you?” He frowned.
She nodded. “I said it was all about entertainment.”
“Entertainment? Oh!” Dominic glanced around and saw his grandmother watching them with keen interest.There are rules, but she does not mind if they are bent, so long as it is interesting. Bent, not broken.
On a whim, Dominic decided to pull a random card from Charlotte’s hand and play it on the table. Her eyes widened as his fingers brushed hers. He felt a spark of warmth flow through them, spreading across his body.
The card happened to be the two of spades. Dominic grinned.
“It would appear that I have won the round.”
“An excellent play, dear boy. Two hundred points!” The Dowager Duchess clapped her hands together with glee. “I am so glad it has started to get interesting.”
Charlotte shook her head but appeared to have recovered from the shock of Dominic’s move and grinned to herself as she shuffled and dealt out the cards.
“Let us make this round interesting,” Charlotte said, looking around the table.
“And how do you propose we do that?” Dominic asked.
“All or nothing. Winner takes everything.” Charlotte glanced over at her shoulder at the Dowager Duchess, who was nodding her approval.
“Very well. I bet it all.” Lady Andrea pushed her considerable pile of stones towards the centre of the table.
“Too rich for my blood.” Cecily shook her head. “I will watch.”
“I will take that wager.” Dominic threw his own stones to the growing pile. “Prepare to lose.”
“I doubt it,” Charlotte retorted, grinning at Dominic. “There is too much at stake, Sweetkins.”
Dominic scowled at her but felt an odd tug in his chest as she smiled.She has a very pretty smile.He shook himself. He needed to focus.I am here to win. I need to remember that.
Charlotte dealt out the cards, gently humming to herself as she did so. As they began to play, it dawned on Dominic just how relaxed his ‘fiancée’ was. Her shoulders were completely at ease, her smile seemed easy and there was a confidence about her that was invigorating.
When was the last time she simply got to focus on having a good time?The thought gave him an idea but unfortunately distracted him enough that he played exactly the wrong card.
Lady Andrea played her own cards without mercy, taking advantage of his misstep.
“A foolish move, Your Grace,” she said, playing so many cards that for a moment, Dominic was convinced she had won.
To his relief, she did not, and he breathed a little easier. “We cannot all be perfect all the time.”
“Or any of the time,” Charlotte teased.
“I do not strive for perfection, simply entertainment,” he retorted.Focus.
“And you are very good at that,” Charlotte quipped.
“Thank you.” He grinned.
“After all, you have amused me all afternoon with your frustration.” She laughed softly.
Lady Andrea’s brow furrowed, and she let out a sound of annoyance as she looked at her hand and the cards Charlotte had just played. Dominic felt an odd sense of pride in Charlotte’s cunning.Her mind is a marvel.
“I am glad to know you enjoy my pain.” He shrugged at her, trying to take in the cards in his hand and plan his next move.
