Free Summers, Jordan by Gothic Passions [html]

been everything he’d hoped for and more. Her
innocence was palpable, along with the passion lying beneath her controlled
surface. He had sensed it before but when she’d returned his kiss it was
confirmed. She had all the qualities he could ever want in a bloodmate. All he
needed now was confirmation.
    Richard couldn’t wait until he had her clothing peeled
away and her thighs spread. He would instruct her in the ways of making love.
There was no doubt in his mind, she’d be a quick study. Richard licked his lips
in anticipation. All he had to do was get around Lily’s father. For his and
Lily’s sake, he’d figure out a way.
    The doorman once again bid him welcome and opened the
door to Josephine’s. Tonight he was in the mood for a quick game or two of
cards. He felt lucky. Richard entered the parlor containing tables set up for
the various faro and whist games.
    He signaled to a butler to bring him a glass of wine
and then proceeded to the nearest table of whist. He’d be able to stomach
enough of the liquid to fit in with those around him. The cards were dealt and
an hour easily slipped by. Richard was winning and it looked as if his luck had
well and truly turned for the better. His back was to the door, when Lord
Archibald Devlin entered the room.
    Richard stilled the second he caught the man’s overly
perfumed scent. He warred with himself, trying to decide whether he should
confront Devlin or not. He could hardly deny the man’s charges. He had ruined
Lord William Longfellow and he’d do it again given the same circumstances.
Devlin sat at a table directly behind him, immediately ordering a brandy, and
then settled into a new game with some of the usual patrons. Another hour
passed and Richard heard cursing. Devlin drank heavily. His words began to
slur, letting Richard know beyond a doubt that the man was thoroughly foxed.
    “Damn, lost again,” Devlin grumbled loudly, tossing the
cards on the table.
    Richard’s ears perked up even more as Josephine
approached Devlin. If Archibald didn’t slow down he’d find himself purse
pinched.
    Devlin mumbled, “Josephine, my love, I’m in need of
your assistance again.”
    “I’m afraid Archie, I cannot extend you any more
credit. Lord Martins holds most of your assets. And your losses here are
already extensive,” she purred. “If you lose again, I’ll have to claim your
house, or perhaps we can arrange something else…I’m sure you have something of
value I could put to good use.” The insinuation was there.
    “No need to worry about Lord Martins, we have an
arrangement. Soon I’ll have all the money I need.” His lips smacked as he
spoke.
    “That’s well and fine, but it doesn’t change your
current situation.”
    “I told you I’ll get you the money.”
    His plea fell on deaf ears.
    Richard’s eyes widened as the implications became
clear, then his blood ran cold. If someone didn’t get the man away from the
tables, his family would be homeless or worse. He didn’t want to even think
about the arrangement he had going with Lord Martins, Richard could just
imagine, seeing as this was the second time the man’s name had come up.
    If Devlin was requesting credit from Josephine, then
the man had obviously already gambled away Lily’s dowry. Anger rose within
Richard. The thought of Lily being put out on the streets or enslaved here, cut
through him like a knife. He couldn’t allow it to happen and he wouldn’t.
    “Double damn,” the voice behind him barked once more.
    Richard closed his eyes, the truth of the situation
sinking in. Devlin had just lost again, even after Josephine warned him. The
man must have cabbage for brains or more likely brandy, since he stunk of
Napoleon’s finest. Richard’s lids flew open and he rose from the table,
gathering his winnings. He wasn’t sure exactly what he planned on doing, but he
had to act fast before Luc and Armand got a hold of Devlin. Once that occurred
the man would promise Josephine