Free Dare to Love by Alleigh Burrows Page A

your possessions.”
    Issuing a dramatic sigh, she responded, “I suppose that’s true.” Then she flashed him a saucy grin. “In that case, perhaps I should seek out Weldon. I am certain he would be grateful of my appreciation.”
    He was bemused by her flirtatious response. Without missing a beat, he slipped into his rakish persona. “I will pass along your appreciation, milady, and let him know you are in his debt. He will be most honored to hear of it.” With a flourish, he bowed over her hand before raising it to his lips. At her gasp, a rather entrancing blush warmed her cheeks. Enjoying the sensation, he held on to her fingers a moment longer than was necessary. In fact, he found that he didn’t want to let go.
    When her eyes darted to his right, he realized others were watching. Good lord, what was he doing ? He dropped her hand. Spinning on his heel, he found himself skewered by Lady Wilshire’s incredulous glare. She must be irritated that he was showing attention to another female. Perhaps he would make it up to her tonight. She was certainly a more appropriate quarry.
    With a lascivious wink in her direction, he headed into the study to join the other men. There, he grabbed a glass from the sideboard, filled it with amber liquid, and took a satisfying gulp.
    Ahh, brandy. The magic elixir. Crossing the room, he sat down in his favorite mahogany chair at the card table and nodded to his friends. Joseph was lounging to his right, Thomas, ever the soldier, sat stiffly erect on his left, and Nicholas, the nit, sat across from him. William had been chatting with a few other gentlemen around the room, but strolled over to join them.
    This was comfortable. Familiar. Dare just hoped they would behave as they ought. The rest of the day had been quite a trial.
    Eager to set things to rights, he placed a stack of notes next to his glass. “I am in the mood to play a bit of chance. Are you gentlemen ready for a little wagering? Vingt-et-un , perhaps?”
    “I am,” stated Joseph eagerly. “I still need to recover the funds you stripped me of last month at White’s.”
    “And what makes you think you’ll have any more success tonight?” Dare taunted as he gulped down his glass.
    “Well, I’m more sober this evening, and it appears you’ll be in your cups in no time.” Joseph grinned.
    He fixed his friend with a steady gaze. “When have you ever found me to be a poor gambler as a result of drink?”
    William laughed, slapping Joseph on the shoulder. “He has you there. Never seen a man more able to hold his liquor and his cards at the same time. It’s almost mythical.” He grabbed a deck of cards from the drawer and sat down with the others.
    “Perhaps tonight’s the night we can take down the mighty Zeus,” chuckled Nicholas as he pulled up a chair.
    Dare gave him a cold stare. “You can try, but the odds are against you.” He had achieved most of his wealth through card playing, supporting himself after his father turned him out. And this pup imagined he could win? It was laughable.
    In no time, coins and notes covered the table, each man with a glass of liquor at his elbow.
    Predictably, Nicholas was the first to surrender. “This game is too high-stakes for my blood. In the future, I will stick to whist with the ladies. I fear you lads from London are too skilled.”
    “Maybe you’re just distracted by the upcoming nuptials,” William responded, affably.
    “That could well be. I appear to have used up all my good luck attracting your sister.”
    “Well said. You two should have a very happy life together.”
    “It is my greatest wish. With that, I will adjourn, gentlemen. Tomorrow promises to be a more fortuitous day.”
    At the sound of the door closing, William said, “Nice fellow, Nicholas. Caroline is a fortunate girl. It’s too bad Nivvy hasn’t made such a match.”
    “I suppose she’s the only one unmarried now, eh?” Joseph observed. “Does it bother her much?”
    “She’s