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“We would greatly appreciate…” Rex stepped forward. Taller and broader than Chase, he commanded the woman’s attention by his physical presence alone. “…if you could rustle up some whiskey.” Then he pressed several more coins in her hand.
She dipped into a curtsey. “Of course, my lords.” Rising, she made her way to the door and was gone.
Chase rounded on Max, his face set in hard lines. “I am bedding her.”
“Over my dead body,” Max ground out. “I want to sleep. It’s been a long damn day where I had to listen to your snores, I don’t want to hear any more of your…noises.”
The other men laughed, slapping Chase on the back.
Chase, however, was studying Max again as he addressed the others. “Our friend the duke was discussing debutantes as we rode.”
There was coughing and clearing of throats among the group. While they were men who held little regard for the rules, they did st
ill abide by a code of sorts. Honorable men did not tangle with virtuous ladies.
“I only said that they avoided me.”
“As do they us,” Si gave a nod.
Key shook his head, his overlong dark hair falling about his face. “As they should.”
Max looked over at Key. He recognized the tenor of his friend’s voice. Almost sad, remorseful.
The door opened and Vadoma returned holding two bottles of rot-gut whiskey. One of which Chase gratefully took and pulled the cork out with his teeth. Pressing the bottle to his lips, he took a generous swallow.
“Vadoma,” Max watched Chase take another healthy swig. “Is there any chance we might find something to eat?”
“I’m sure I can get something,” she answered, her eyes sliding down him in a calculated assessment. “But there are a great many staying here tonight. Even now, they are sitting around the Yule tree telling stories.”
His lips pressed together. He doubled the number of coin in his hand and passed the pile to her.
With a wink, she disappeared again.
They made themselves as comfortable as they could around the grate of the fire and passed the bottle between them. Max was careful to keep his sips small. Soon Vadoma returned with several bowls of stew and a half loaf of stale bread.
The meal looked divine. As food hit his stomach, Max relaxed for the first time all day.
Vadoma had taken up residence in her window seat and she began dealing out cards as the men ate. She clucked softly to herself as she slowly turned them over.
Chase had leaned against the wall next to the fireplace. “You know, Maximillian, you might have a point.”
Max’s fist tightened. It was nearly time to knock Chase’s teeth in. “And what is that?”
“It has gotten rather dull, chasing the same women. They are so…willing to be caught.” Chase gave a little chuckle. “Perhaps it is time to up the ante.”
Rex sat up straighter. “A bet?”
Clapping his hands together, Chase pointed to the ceiling. “Exactly like a bet.”
“What kind of bet?” Si’s hesitation mirrored Max’s own feelings.
“Most respectable women are more difficult to pursue but there are ladies among the ton that are more challenging than others—” Chase started
“No,” Max slashed his hand through the air. “We are not trifling with ladies. It’s dangerous and dishonest.”
“Relax, Your Grumpiness,” Chase gave him an eye roll. “You are not yourself today. I was going to wager on collecting a simple kiss.”
Si narrowed his gaze, his arms crossing. “Even that could end up landing one of us in the marriage noose.”
