Free Paradise Wild by Johanna Lindsey

card stud,” Corinne called in a stiff voice that was not lost on Jared. She dealt the cards quickly, putting an end to conversation.
    From that moment on, Corinne lost. Every bit of her winnings and the money she had brought with her was transferred across the table as the hours passed. Corinne became furious with herself. No matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t concentrate on the game. She didn’t look at Jared, but she could feel his eyes mocking her. It infuriated her so that she could hardly see the cards she held, and had to be repeatedly reminded when it was her turn to bet or call. What must he think?
    The final straw was looking at three kings in her hand, knowing she could finally beat Jared, and not having the chips left to bet with. She would not give Jared Burk the satisfaction of seeing her sign an I.O.U. to finish the hand.
    “This hand is not worth betting anyway,” she lied, with a smile to cover her frustration. “I think I’ve had enough for tonight.”
    Feigning boredom, Corinne left the table and crossedto the long bar built against a wall. She ordered a straight whiskey. She wasn’t used to hard liquor, but why not? There was a first time for everything.
    She had nothing better to do than sit there and get drunk. Russell was winning and would not want to leave yet.
    “So this is how you spend a quiet evening at home, Miss Barrows?”
    She turned to find Jared beside her, leaning smugly against the bar, his winnings in his hat. He swung the hat slowly to and fro.
    “It’s not evening, Mr. Burk,” she said caustically, her temper surfacing. “It’s almost morning.”
    “So it is.”
    She glared at him, but he was not deterred. “I see you’re angry with me,” he said. “I’m not surprised, though. Most women are poor losers.”
    “And most men!”
    “True. We have that in common, don’t we? For I’m a very bad loser myself.”
    She knew that he did not mean only at cards. She took a swallow of her drink, then nearly gagged as the fiery liquid seared her throat.
    “So now you will drown your sorrows?” he taunted her. “I thought you had more spirit, Corinne.”
    She frowned. “I did not give you leave to use my first name, Mr. Burk.”
    “Isn’t it time we stopped being so formal?”
    “I think not,” she replied haughtily.
    Jared smiled. He looked away from her for a moment and his eyes fell on Russell. The man was obviously an utter fool, Jared thought contemptuously. He should have more sense than to bring his intended bride to an establishment like this. And then to leave her to herown devices! Why, anyone could whisk her out of here, and Russell Drayton wouldn’t know of it for some time.
    “Would you like me to escort you home?” When Corinne glanced at him suspiciously, he added, “Since your fiancé is otherwise occupied.”
    “No thank you,” Corinne said coldly. “I don’t mind waiting for Russell.”
    “Perhaps you would like a small loan, then,” he offered. “So you can continue to play? I did so enjoy your company at the table.”
    “You mean you enjoyed winning my money!” she replied bitterly.
    He shrugged, then grinned, his eyes dancing. “That, too.”
    “I never borrow money when I come here, Mr. Burk.” She lied convincingly, but kept her eyes averted. “I set my limits and stick to them.”
    “Very commendable,” he said drily. “Is that why you’re wearing no jewels tonight? Afraid you might be tempted to gamble them away?”
    She couldn’t help smiling at his perception. Did the man know everything?
    “I did get a bit carried away the first time I came to an establishment like this,” she admitted. “I lost a valuable diamond broach on the turn of a card. Since then I have left my jewels at home.”
    “You talk as if you come here often.”
    She was stung by the condemnation in his voice. “I do,” she replied defiantly. “I can afford to.”
    “But can you afford to have it known?”
    Corinne frowned. “Is that a