Page 30 of To Ensnare a Duke

Flipping his deck over so the numbers and face cards show, he fans them out, allowing me to inspect for any duplicates or schemes. I take my time, drawing it out, even though I can clearly see they’re without tampering. Eventually, I have no choice but to concede.

“To make this even more fair, I will have a neutral party shuffle and deal. Is this amenable to you?”

“It is. But I wish to change the conditions.”

“Oh?” Again, that infernal eyebrow raises, making my pulse pound and my thighs quiver. “A bit late in the process to do so, don’t you think?”

“The cards are not dealt yet. I can make my request.”

“I will hear it but make no guarantee about agreeing to changes.”

“Fair enough. If I win, I get my deck back. You may discipline me without the aid of your hand.”

His lips split into a wide grin. “How lucky do you feel tonight? For I wish to make an amendment of my own. If I win, I will not only add to your punishment, but keep your cards as payment for such a hellacious evening.”

I stare at the deck in longing. He holds it gently in his grasp, rocking it back and forth in an enticing manner. Do I dare?

“And if I refuse your amendment?”

“Then I refuse yours and keep your deck until I see fit.”

Blast. Either way, I lose. “I will agree to your terms.”

With a nod, he waves down a man milling about, supervising the tables and bets. “Croupier, we would be forever in your debt if you were to shuffle the cards and deal one to each of us face down.”

“My honor, gentlemen.”

I bristle at the look of irritation on the Duke’s face at his address. For me, it merely confirms I’m able to slip into this ilk unawares. No doubt, that is what vexes him the most.

The man shuffles, his fingers flying over the deck with a speed I have yet to master. All those who work here possess such skill. Indeed, I do envy them, and try out what I’ve learned when playing at home with my aunt.

I’m so mesmerized, I almost miss the card being placed in front of me.

“That is all,” the duke booms. “I am grateful for your assistance.”

He gives a curt bow. “My pleasure. May the cards show in your favor.”

“Yes,” Portswell growls as the man walks away, his fingers hovering over his card. “May it show in mine.”

The heat of his gaze sears me as he stares me down. “Or,” I tease back, not sure what’s come over me. “May it show in mine.”

“Enough stalling. Ladies first.”

My fingers tremble as I flip the card over. The Queen of hearts stares up at me, making my heart flutter for an entirely different reason.

“The Queen is indeed a high card,” he murmurs.

“Frightened, Your Grace?”

“Never,” he shoots back, his brows furrowing. “Even if your card does indeed prove to be higher, which it probably will, I lose nothing. Your arse will be tender to the touch by the time you lay your head on the pillow to sleep.”

My core clenches at the promise in his words. But then, little does he realize my loss is also my gain. Three days I’ve mourned the waning sensations in my body. So with this card, I plan to win it all.

As his card flips, my heart instantly sinks. The king of diamonds. How on earth can one man be so lucky?

“Seems as if king trumps all. Now then. As you agreed.”

My stomach plummets as I put my card back onto the stack. Of all the luck. Rotten, rotten luck. His lips thin into a wan smile as he gathers his deck and slides it into his pocket, along with mine. It was daft of me to bet that deck.