Page 109 of One Night with an Earl

She was slow to tear her eyes from his and take in his appearance. His cravat was loosened, his eyes red, and his hair unruly as if he’d repeatedly stabbed his fingers through it. It looked like he’d hastily thrown on his coat and waistcoat. For a man who always took care of his appearance—not because he was a connoisseur of fashion, but because it was expected for a man of his title and wealth—it was surprising.

“What do you want?” she asked.

Oliver sat at her table and folded his hands before him. “I told you. To place a bet.”

After the unwanted pox-faced man had left, no other men had returned to her roulette wheel, and she found herself alone with Oliver. It was unusual for a busy evening. Had Madame Crescent had something to do with it?

She lifted her chin. “You are not a man who gambles, my lord. Duty is your utmost concern.”

“I’ve changed.”

“Men do not change.”

“I want to talk.”

His masculine scent filled her nose. She took in his tall frame and infuriatingly handsome features and scowled. She didn’t want to talk. She wanted to be left alone with her misery. “I’m working.”

“I refuse to leave until you speak with me. Will you take my bet or not?”

He spoke like a man used to people obeying his commands. She was no longer one of them. What did he want from her? A part of her wanted to know. Did he regret his silent cruelty that had left her no choice but to work in a brothel? Or was he still angry at her subterfuge?

“Fine. Place your bet.” Her fingers drummed on the table.

His gaze held hers, and he barely looked as he tossed a chip on the baize.

She spun her wheel and was grateful to have a reason to look away from him. She peeked up from the white ball to find that he was focused on her, not the wheel. The ball finally settled. “Black seventeen. You have lost.”

He stayed in his seat. “Please, Ana. I’m staying right here until you talk to me. Five minutes is all I ask.”

“Why? There is nothing left to say.”

He seemed to suppress a wince. “I was taken by surprise, and when I discovered the truth, the full truth, I thought you had used me. You have to understand.”

“Oh, I understand only too well, my lord. The truth was shocking, and you believed the worst—that I had used you for revenge for all I’ve lost due to your father and brother’s greed. What else were you to think?” She placed a hand on the wheel. “Now if you will just choose a number, we can get on with your next wager.”

He tossed down another chip. “I searched for you for a full year. A full year after my father won Rosedown.”

The words, softly spoken, affected her more than she let on. She couldn’t meet his eyes. Wouldn’t. She spun the wheel, struggling to ignore him.

“You changed your name and your identity. Despite my best efforts, I could not locate you. Now that I know your love for the roses and flowers at the estate’s conservatory, I understand why you chose the name Miss Gardner.”

She looked at him then. Couldn’t help it. His dark eyes, so compelling, so tempting, so him, were nearly her undoing. Her heart seized, tumbling painfully. She couldn’t fall beneath his spell once more. She was stronger. Smarter.

“Is your confession supposed to make up for the other day?” she asked in a shaky voice. “If you believe so, then you are mistaken.”

“I want you back. I miss you. Please talk to me. Tell me everything.”

Did he honestly believe she could forget what was said, what was done, and she would return to his bed? “None of it matters. Madame Crescent was gracious enough to offer me employment. You see, Lady Malvern was right. No one will employ me in London now.”

“Let me help.”

The words struck her hard, like a fine-honed knife cutting through the scarred knot of muscles in her chest. The rough laugh that came from her lips surprised even her. “You have done enough, my lord. Do not feel guilty. I will be leaving London soon.”

His shoulders stiffened. “What do you mean? Where will you go?”

“Shropshire. Gloucester. Bath. Anywhere Miss Gardner is not known. Anywhere a companion, nanny, or governess is needed. I’m even willing to work in an orangery or hothouse, as long as the salary is sufficient.”

“Ana, you cannot. Please allow me to assist you.”