Page 25 of A Wager With A Rake
Chapter 10
Theodosia
Theodosiapacedherchamber.The memory of Court’s kiss seared into her mind.Her lips still tingled where his had pressed urgently against hers, his powerful hands searing her skin through the fabric when he gripped her waist.She had wanted him, craved his touch, ever since their first heated encounter weeks ago.The wager was supposed to win back her home and prove that she could take care of herself, not lose her heart to the brother of her closest friend.
But now… all the feelings she experienced when in his presence confounded her, twisting her stomach into anxious knots.It was far more than base desire.More than the thrill of what he might give her physically.Although she’d be lying if she said those thoughts weren’t there, too.But the kiss they’d shared that afternoon was far more dangerous than their scandalous game of dares.
Theodosia gazed out the window at the sprawling gardens below, wrapping her arms around herself.Court’s impassioned words echoed in her head.She was proud of his efforts to right his father’s misdeeds.It stirred something deep within her, a twinge of remorse and something else.Something that she didn’t wish to accept after years of her abhorrent behavior.Might it be akin to shame?
Turning away from the window with a heavy sigh, she pondered the notion a bit more.How many lives had she thoughtlessly toyed with for her selfish whims and attempts to escape the pain of her own life?She had frequently used her cunning and wiles to manipulate, to wound, never once considering the damage she wrought.She told herself she was justified due to her own fate.But deep down, she knew no one deserved to be brought down or treated so horribly.Or trapped into a marriage they didn’t want either.
Perhaps it was time to atone for her cruelties and misdeeds, even if several of the objects of her acts of sabotage ended up in happy arrangements.But that hadn’t been her intention, and she could claim no credit.
She sank down on the edge of the bed, face buried in her hands.What was happening to her?
The hardened armor she had long ago erected around her heart had cracked, the vulnerable flesh beneath exposed and raw.
Court’s handsome face consumed her thoughts again.What was it about him that turned her entire world upside down in his presence?Was it love?Had she always loved him and never dared herself to consider the thought?
“No,” Theodosia declared firmly, jolting to a stand.She would not succumb to sentiment, to foolish notions of love.She couldn’t lose her head.The wager would win her back her future, one without Court.
Even if she welcomed him into her bed, there would be nothing more between them.The feelings she felt were just the anticipation of how close she was to experiencing pleasure with an attractive, suitable partner.She didn’t even wish to marry again, did she?Her life as a carefree widow was just ahead.The ability to fuck and have a bit of intriguing conversation with a man, then retain full control over her life.Her plan didn’t include ridiculous notions of marriage.
Squaring her shoulders, Theodosia strode to the writing desk in the room, determined to carry on as if nothing had changed—regardless of how her heart raced when she thought of him.What did her heart know?She was far too clever to be guided astray.
She pushed Court out of her mind and gave the idea of seeking forgiveness a bit more thought.Not that she had decided it was necessary or something she would do.But before she knew it, she had distracted herself by making a list of those who she’d wronged.That should keep her busy and away from Court for a while.
The clock chimed the dinner hour as Theodosia descended the grand staircase, having spent the afternoon reflecting on her life and the many ways she’d erred.She had successfully avoided Court for the rest of the day, thus giving her heart a much-needed break from all the racing and thumping.Surely she was at risk of apoplexy from the time she’d spent in his presence.
She paused on the bottom step, pulse fluttering wildly at the sight of the far-too-handsome man waiting for her.Why did he have to be so handsome?He was so much more than that, too, but one look from the man and her knees were at risk of melting before him.Something his ego must never know.
He offered his arm, a smile playing about his lips.“I thought I might have to send someone to fetch you for supper.You look beautiful, as always.”
And then he said things like that, and her heart pounded against her chest again.“Thank you,” she murmured, slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow.The heat of his skin burned through the layers of fabric between them as he escorted her into the dining room.
They took their seats at the table, a footman pouring wine into their glasses before retreating.An awkward silence stretched as Theodosia unfolded her napkin with unsteady fingers, intensely aware of Court’s gaze upon her.What did it say about the pair that a single kiss left them awkwardly avoiding eye contact, but he could fuck her senseless with an artificial cock and they’d still chat over toast like it was just another day?
“How was your afternoon?”he inquired, the studied casualness of his tone doing little to disguise the underlying tension.
“Uneventful,” she lied, busying herself with taking a sip of wine.“And yours?”
“The same.”Court reached for his own glass, taking a few gulps instead of a mere polite sip.“I trust you’re prepared for the next round in our little wager this evening?”
Theodosia’s heart leaped into her throat.“But of course.I’m quite looking forward to securing my victory.”
A shadow crossed Court’s face, gone so swiftly she almost imagined it.“We shall see, won’t we?”
Her appetite fled just as servants placed the first course before them.It wasn’t just her unnamed, unclaimed feelings for Court that she fought, but it was also the guilt that she had orchestrated the entire scheme to regain ownership of Rosewood.After an afternoon of pondering on the people she’d wronged, she’d added Court’s name to that list.But what could she do?She had already come so far, and Rosewood was within her grasp.
Theodosia forced herself to spear a bite, but it turned to sawdust on her tongue.She stole a glance at Court, only to find him watching her intently, a muscle ticking in his chiseled jaw.
Conversation remained stilted throughout the interminable meal, the air heavy with all the things she wished she were brave enough to say to him.When the last dish was cleared away, she wasn’t certain if she was excited the meal was finally over or sick over what the outcome of the evening’s game would be.
Court rose, extending his hand to her.“Shall we adjourn to the study?”
Theodosia placed her trembling fingers in his, a frisson of awareness shivering through her at the contact.She should put an end to all of this and leave.If she were to truly atone for her wrongs, she would do just that.And yet, she wasn’t strong enough to walk away from him.Or Rosewood.A scenario where she lost them both was the cruelest outcome.“Lead the way.”
Once they reached the study, Court closed the door behind them with a soft click.Theodosia’s pulse jumped, the confines of the room suddenly stifling.
