Lily stared at the cards as though they had betrayed her.
He leaned back in his chair, looking insufferably pleased with himself. “I believe that is another article of clothing.”
“You are enjoying this far too much.”
“I am a devoted husband. I take an interest in your wardrobe.”
“My wardrobe is presently in peril.”
“So is my sanity.” His gaze dipped, slow enough to make her cheeks warm, then returned to her face. “But I am bearing it bravely.”
Lily gave him a look of regal disdain, then removed her remaining glove one finger at a time. She did it slowly, deliberately, and with just enough elegance to make his expression shift from amusement to hunger.
“There,” she said, laying it atop the growing pile between them. “Another article.”
Hugo looked at the glove. Then at her. “You are a menace.”
“I am a Duchess.”
“The two are not mutually exclusive.”
She smiled sweetly and gathered the cards. “Your deal.”
His hand closed over hers before she could shuffle. The touch was nothing, really. His fingers over hers. His thumb brushed the inside of her wrist. Yet the room seemed to draw in around them, warm and close and suddenly much too quiet.
“Lily,” he said.
It was only her name, but it changed the air.
Her teasing answer caught in her throat. “Yes?”
He rose from his chair, still holding her hand, and drew her to her feet. She came willingly, though she told herself she meant to scold him. She even opened her mouth to do it.
He kissed her before a single word emerged.
The kiss made her forget the cards, the candles, the ridiculous state of his undress, and the even more ridiculous fact that she had only surrendered a shawl and two gloves.
He drew her closer, his hands settling at her waist, and she laughed softly against his mouth.
“What?” he murmured.
“You are not dressed for seduction.”
His brow lifted. “I was unaware seduction required trousers.”
“It gives the impression of preparedness.”
“I assure you, my Duchess, I am prepared.”
“Hugo.”
“What? You began this game.”
“I did not imagine you would take it so seriously.”
“I am a man of honor.” He kissed the corner of her mouth. “The rules must be respected.”
“Then perhaps I should respect them by winning the next hand and taking your dignity.”
