How did it get in her hand? She could have sworn the man at the roulette table had given her a gaming chip. Whew. Maybe she did need this reality diversion. She must have blacked out and now couldn’t remember anything.
“Madam, may I summon your travelling companion?”
Cami closed her hand around the coin. “No thank you. I’ll find Gina myself.”
She turned and strode through the old, double front doors, tripping on her way down the steps and stumbling into a group of men. This time, strong hands steadied her; one man’s grip the only thing keeping her upright.What was wrong with her today?
“I’m so sorry, sir.”
He held one of her arms. His other hand rested at her waist. “Are you hurt?”
That smooth voice. Cami looked up. The man’s eyes connected with hers. Mr Gorgeous Green Eyes. Every hormone in her body sizzled at his touch. His stare seemed to suck the air out of her lungs. She hadn’t had sex in three years, but this was ridiculous. Cami took a slow, deep breath. He didn’t fit into her plan. She needed information from him,notto jump his bones.
Cami broke away, trembling from the rush of hormones. “No, I’m fine. Thanks for catching me.”
She noticed he’d changed into period garb, his grey pinstriped suit covering broad shoulders. The jacket was open revealing a coordinating vest and tie. Very handsome indeed. So that’s where he’d gone earlier.
The two men flanking his sides looked her up and down, as if she were a tasty morsel to be devoured. Cami shifted away from them, uncomfortable to be their centre of attention.
“Excuse me, gentlemen, but I need a word with . . . him.” Cami pointed to Mr G.
A lock of black hair fell across his eyes. Cami reached up tobrush it away, but stopped before she touched him.What haspossessed her?
The shorter, balding man answered. “You’d best run along, little lady. We havebusinesswith him.”
“‘Little lady’?” Cami crossed her arms. That was twice today she’d been called that particular name and she didn’t like being dismissed. “I’m not going anywhere. Not until someone tells me what’s going on.”
The flippant man moved in front of her, blocking her from Mr G. “It’s only a game of cards, darlin’. No need for you to worry your pretty self.”
He winked at his partner and then reached a pudgy hand towards her. Before she realized his intent, he picked up a lock of her hair and rubbed it, his fingers grazing her neck. “I say we finish this game and see what we can show thelady.”
The taller one snorted. “She ain’t dressed like no lady.”
Cami gasped, for the first time afraid.
Mr G. yanked him back by the collar. “Remove your hand, now.”
He whined. “We don’t mean no harm. We just wanna finish our game, get what’s due.”
Mr G. released the man and shoved him away from her. “I intend to make good on my bet. It will be in the form of something other than coins.”
The coin. Cami realized she held Mr G.’s money. He’d only given it to her as part of the reality show. He obviously needed it back. She’d get paid later.
Cami held up the American eagle. “Will this be enough?”
Three
Seth Warner reluctantly tore his gaze from the beautiful woman who’d come to his aid and glanced at the ruffians. He saw their lust turn to greed at the prospect of more money.
“Sure it will, darlin’.” Both men slapped each other on the back.
Seth gave the woman another assessing look, agreeing with them on one point: shewasmost oddly dressed. Blue trousers moulded to her very seductive curves and a white blouse, buttons scandalously open at the neck, gave him a glimpse of her lacy chemise beneath. Her long, reddish hair hung in waves past her shoulders, free fromany clasp. He felt as if he’d been punched in the stomach. Who was this siren of a woman? Why did she want to help him?
Seth approached her, intent on finding out. The other men had gone inside. He took her arm, guided her to the parlour and said, “To what do I owe this favour?”
The lacy fringe of her lashes lifted, genuine surprise on her face. “It was yours. I’m returning it.”
They arrived at the table and he pulled out a chair for her.
