Themashas gone and cannot last for ever.
Nor me in Lycos’s life…
She reached for her lipstick, a heaviness in her heart. She had lost her beloved home and soon, all too soon, she would lose Lycos. And any foolish dreams she might weave that there could be a future with Lycos, making their home together at themas, were surely just that—dreams.
It could never happen.
Chapter Ten
Lycos’s expression was shuttered. His adrenaline levels were slightly raised, but not from excitement. The very reverse. He knew exactly what mental state he was entering as he walked with Arielle at his side into the grand townhouse, windows lit up for the party already underway, in an elegant terrace off the Place de l’étoile in a wealthy Right Bankarrondissement.
Did he regret accepting the invitation for tonight? Arielle had been wary about just what was involved. But she’d agreed, all the same, and Lycos got the impression she was curious about this side of his life. The one that was so familiar to him.
It’s the life I’ve been leading with Arielle that is unfamiliar to me.
Peaceful days at themas,one following another in bucolic ease. And the days here in Paris sightseeing, visiting art galleries and museums, going to classical music concerts and the opera—Arielle was expanding his own experiences.
Tonight, it was his turn to show her his world.
Thoughts flickered as he made his way forward, greeting those he knew. Paul Ronsard would not be here this evening as he was in London on business. Lycos was glad, for Arielle’s sake. That exchange over the horse had obviously upset her.
But the guests here tonight, even if not known personally to him, were all of a similar kind. Drawn together for one reason only—to gamble. It was the world he knew and had made his own.
But is it still?
He’d told Arielle that gambling was no longer the way he made his money. That he continued with it only to keep his skills honed. And that was why he was here tonight. Arielle, at his side, was looking stunning again in a couture gown, her throat adorned with a diamond necklace. Tonight, she would witness the way in which he had come to be able to afford to buy such lavish gifts for her.
He moved on through the gathering guests, guiding Arielle forward at his side.
Arielle smiled politely and took a canape. She was making minimal contribution to whatever conversation was taking place. Some of the people in their group were familiar from that race day she hadn’t enjoyed and all were of the same type. Opulent, self-congratulatory, over-pleased with themselves, men and women both. The latter visibly on display.
Does Lycos really like these people?
She couldn’t tell. His expression was shuttered and there was a detachment about him that gave him an air of reserve. She realised he’d stopped meeting her eyes, seemed to have withdrawn into himself. Nor was he drinking alcohol, she noticed. Only bottled water, sparkling and flavourless.
He’s keeping his mind clear. Sharp. He can risk no impairment of mental function.
She felt a knot of tension tighten within her. Soon, she supposed, the gaming would begin. For Lycos’s sake she would endure it.
It’s important to him. Gambling is not casual self-indulgence to him. It’s his skill, his ability, his achievement. It was the ladder that took him out of poverty. Out of that sad, unhappy childhood. That let him make something of his life. That has given him the means to live life as wealth makes possible.
And who was she to be hypocritical about wealth? Had Naomi not married her father she herself would be wealthy, not just scraping by on the modest sum he’d made over to her as a student. Oh, she’d have been nowhere near Lycos’s league, but she’d have had enough to allow her to do what she liked with her life. Not to have to work to earn a living, but be able to look after her belovedmas. To follow her music and have a pleasant, financially carefree life. Her father had made his money through shrewd property investment. Lycos had made his through his skill at cards. He won from those who, like all those here tonight, could easily afford to lose. If they pitted their wits against the Wolfandcame off the worse for it, so what?
She felt a faint touch on her bare arm.
‘Arielle?’ Lycos was addressing her. His voice was polite, his tone detached.
She realised he was making a move and so were others. Docilely she went with him. Lycos had already told her on the way here that she was welcome in the card room, but must remain quiet, standing away from the tables.
‘I have to remain entirely focussed. There will be breaks from time to time, but during play there must be no distractions. You will have to leave me entirely alone. Do you understand?’
She’d nodded. She had no intention of getting involved in the slightest.
He’s welcome to fleece anyone here! I couldn’t care less!
Would he do so tonight? It seemed likely, according to his reputation. He was, after all, the Wolf and those who played against him did so of their own choice.
At their own risk.
