Page 16 of A Wager With A Rake
The weeks that he’d longed for her and suffered from unsatisfactory sleep felt like nothing compared to the way his entire body could not settle, knowing she was only down the hall.It was almost more than he could stand.
He couldn’t help but wonder if she had taken to touching herself again.Was she a woman who did so every night or on rare occasions when the mood struck?He had fisted himself more times than when he had been a green lad, especially with his newfound aversion to taking up with another female companion.
She’d driven him to the brink of madness.And he needed his wits about him if he was going to ensure he won their little wager.The thought made him laugh.He’d been a practiced gambler for years, and she was a prim and proper lady who had been married to someone who could have been her great-grandpapa.He couldn’t imagine her marriage included such lively entertainment.
Given that he’d already fucked his hand once that morning, he hoped it would stave off the need long enough to ensure he had his wits about him.They agreed that they’d play their first game of cards after supper that night.Which also meant he could spend the entire day with her.
Who was he?He wasn’t the type of man who waited with bated breath to see a woman or to spend the day following her about.But he reminded himself that he’d known her for a long time, which made them friends as well.And it was perfectly reasonable that he just wanted to socialize with his friend.That was it.No need to question it further.
After he dressed, he meandered to the dining room, wondering when Theodosia might emerge from her chamber.He’d asked Jenkins to confirm whether she had requested a tray in her room, and thus far, she hadn’t.So he made his selections from the sideboard slowly, hoping she would appear at any moment to join him.
It was the most pathetic he’d ever felt in his life.For a man who’d been with countless women and never found himself with an empty bed if he didn’t wish for it, his mind and body warred against him.It was deuced annoying.Coming to his senses for what a ninny he’d become, he set down his plate and turned to depart, deciding that avoiding her altogether might be best.
But of course, at that moment, the same as a jolt of lightning and rapturous thunder in the sky, Theodosia glided into the room in a blue morning gown that swayed with her as she moved.And he was lost again.Drawn to the subtle golden highlights in her chestnut hair, visible in the morning light, before his eyes shifted to the graceful curve of her neck.
God, shouldn’t he be noting her rounded breasts or how her lush hips might feel when he gripped them?Well, he had those thoughts as well, but her elegant beauty caused his breath to catch upon the sight of her.
“I trust you slept well?You shall need your rest.”Theodosia’s voice held a hint of challenge as she joined him at the sideboard.
Court picked up a plate again and fell in line behind her.“Like a babe in arms,” he lied smoothly.“And you, my dear Tess?No nightmares of impending defeat?”
Theodosia’s eyes flashed, glancing at him over her shoulder before placing a helping of eggs on her plate.“On the contrary.I dreamed of victory and you being brought to your knees.”
“Funny.I dreamed of you in a similar position.”Court leaned forward, a predatory smile playing at his lips.“Care to see how you fare in a game of chess after we break our fast?”He’d always beat her at the game when they were younger, and it would help to remind her just who she was dealing with in games of strategy and skill.
“With pleasure.”
Her second word came off far too much like a purr, and it cascaded across every inch of Court’s body, including several inches that now ached from the strain of his buckskin breeches.
“Then eat up, my lady, so you can experience your first loss of the day.”
Breakfast passed by with more playful banter while Theodosia updated him on her recent visit with his sister.He hadn’t known what to think when he learned Rebecca married the Earl of Mulgrave, a man with a reputation quite similar to his own, but it seemed his sister was quite content, which he supposed was all that mattered.
Mulgrave might have been a changed man and dared to enter the life of the dutiful husband, but that wouldn’t be Court.He’d win the wager, thoroughly enjoy every bit of Theodosia’s body several times, and then he’d be free and live as he was always meant to.And never put himself in the position for anyone to point out his faults and deem him a disappointment again.
He had never cared if he passed on his father’s title, and since his father believed he was nothing but a waste as his own heir, Court would avoid marriage and fatherhood altogether.He was never a disappointment in the bedchamber and that would be enough.
Court and Theodosia moved themselves to the study where the chessboard was.He set up the beautiful wooden board with intricately carved pieces on the table and they settled in to begin the game.
As they played, the tension in the room thickened, each move charged with unspoken desire.At least on his part, but he preferred to believe she was just as affected.
“Your bishop seems rather… exposed,” Court murmured, his voice low and suggestive.
Theodosia’s cheeks flushed, but her gaze remained steady.“Perhaps.But your king will soon find himself in a most compromising position.”
Their eyes locked across the board, and Court felt a jolt of electricity course through him.He forced himself to focus on the game, all too aware of Theodosia’s proximity, everything about her overtaking him and teasing his senses.
As the match progressed, Court found himself genuinely impressed by Theodosia’s skill.Her actions were calculated and decisive.A tendril of worry wormed its way into his mind.Would she actually beat him?
The game lasted for hours and there were long periods of silence as they each focused intently on the game.
Court stared at the board in disbelief as Theodosia finally declared, “Checkmate.”
“Well played,” he admitted, a mixture of admiration and frustration coloring his tone.He wasn’t a sore loser, but did one ever really enjoy losing?Of course he preferred to win.“It seems I may have underestimated you.”Time had changed her from a spirited girl into a cunning woman.
Theodosia’s triumphant smile sent a fresh wave of heat through his body.“A dangerous mistake, my lord.But continue to underestimate me.”
As she rose to leave, Court caught her wrist, his thumb brushing over her pulse point.“The day is still young,” he said, his voice husky.“Perhaps another game?”
