Free To Dare the Duke of Dangerfield by Bronwen Evans Page A

his bet. That would only prolong the game. She opened her eyes and steeled herself for what was to come. Ignoring his raised eyebrow Caitlin said, “I call the last turn.”
    To call the last turn was to name the order in which the last three cards would play. Very risky, but this would see her trounce Harlow. It was the only way to win. All or nothing.
    Harlow’s mouth curved up. “Risky. Don’t want to bet with me, sweeting?”
    “It hasn’t worked at any of our practices. This way, if the King is turned, I will still have a chance to beat you.” She gave a mocking smile, “How’s that for bravado?”
    Henry sighed. “Caitlin, don’t let him force you into taking risks.”
    Caitlin hesitated for a moment before impatiently saying, “This wager is a risk and no one forced me into it.” She simply wanted it over. Her nerves were frayed and for once she felt the cards were on her side.
    “So, what order do you call the last three cards?” Marcus asked, as the banker.
    “Ten of Hearts, King of Diamonds, and Three of Spades.”
    Harlow shifted his feet slightly. She gave an inward whoop of triumph. He was nervous. If the King was the player’s card, and she got her order right, then she’d win four times the amount he’d win and, more importantly, she’d win the game.
    Win the first wager.  
    Marcus asked if they were ready, and when they both nodded he drew the loser’s card. It was the Ten of Hearts, and Caitlin couldn’t stop a squeal of delight. Henry clapped—before getting a cold look from Harlow.  
    The tension in the room was nearly audible as Marcus drew out the player’s card. He hesitated before turning it over and Caitlin’s heart rose to lodge in her throat. When she looked down the Three of Spades greeted her.  
    She’d lost.  
    But so had Harlow. Her shoulders slumped and she resigned herself to having to play another game.  
    “I win the first wager.” Harlow’s voice was filled with satisfaction.
    Her head jerked up. “How so? You lost too, if I recall. You bet everything on the King.”
    He raised his hand and twirled a copper across his knuckles. “I bet everything but this one copper. I believe that makes me the winner.”
    Her mouth dried. She looked to Henry and saw her defeat in his eyes.  
    “I knew you’d be all in, it was the only move that would see you win. So I held one copper back. If I didn’t win with the King, neither would you.” Dangerfield leaned forward until his face was inches from hers. “But it wasn’t who won the last turn. It was who won the most money overall. You kept nothing back. I did.” He withdrew to his side of the table and held up the copper. “I win by one copper to none.”
     
    Caitlin looked as though a mule had kicked her in the stomach and, when she rose to her feet, she swayed, her face pale.  
    Henry rushed to her side to offer support.  
    She straightened and turned to him, her head held high. “Well played, Your Grace. If you’ll excuse me gentlemen, it’s been a long night and I wish to go home.”
    “I’ll escort you.” There was no way Harlow was letting her drive home alone at night, especially in this state. She was hiding her disappointment well, but he saw through her stoic countenance to the devastation underneath.
    “That won’t be necessary,” she said with steel in her tone.
    He moved around to stand before her. “I insist. It’s late at night and I’m responsible for you being here.”
    He watched her fight for composure. Her breaths were short and sharp and her fists clenched at her side.  
    Henry urged her to agree. “Don’t let your pride drive your decisions. It would be safer to let Harlow see you home.”
    She eyed him as if he were a fire-breathing dragon. “Safer than what, I ask myself,” she said, dryly.
    “I assure you I will conduct myself as an utter gentleman.”
    “Do you know how?”  
    Her witty reply made Marcus laugh, and something akin to annoyance heat Harlow’s blood.