Page 5 of A Wager With A Rake
Her gray eyes blinked open and met his.They had always been the most intriguing shade he’d ever seen.The color of clouds before a storm, which suited her and the way she commanded attention and brought the thunder in every room she entered.
She looked around as if searching to determine where she was.
“Does your head hurt or anything?”he asked.
She shifted so that she was in a seated position.“I’m fine.It would appear that I wasn’t, in fact, having a nightmare.You are actually here.”
“Well, it’s a delight to see you as well, Tess.”
Theodosia rolled her eyes, and he was inclined to believe that she had nothing physically wrong with her.Everything about her appeared just as he remembered.
“There must be some mistake,” she started while rubbing her temples.Perhaps her head did ache.“Rosewood is mine.It was part of my dowry and left to me when Dundas passed.”
Court rose and sought the bell pull.He was surprised when one of the men who had arrived with Theodosia appeared only a few moments later.
“Might you fetch us a spot of tea, if you can find anything in the kitchen?I believe Lady Dundas could use a bit of refreshment.”
The man eyed Theodosia with concern and then gave Court a small nod before setting off to do as he was instructed.
Court turned back to face Theodosia, who had folded her arms beneath her chest, which only made her breasts even more visible and enticing, but Court did his best to focus his attention back on her face.
“Tess, I’m not sure what happened, but there is no point in continuing to debate the matter.I legally own Rosewood, and that is a fact.It would seem your father has struck again.”
She jumped to her feet, nostrils flaring, looking every bit that she might do something mad like challenge him to a duel.And Court’s cock jumped.Dammit.
“No.He can’t.I own Rosewood.”
He ran his hand down his face.It wasn’t his desire to have her feel as if something was taken from her, but it didn’t change the matter.“I can see that you believe that.But I have confirmed all legalities.I own the property outright, but you are welcome to stay here tonight…”
Theodosia scoffed, fisting her hands tightly at her sides.He could see the whites of her knuckles and wouldn’t be surprised if her nails drew blood in her palms.“You’re going to allow me to stay in my own home.How kind of you.”But her tone was anything but friendly.
“I am sympathetic to you, truly I am.We have known each other for a long time, and you are the closest friend of my sister, but it doesn’t change the ownership of Rosewood.”
“You bastard,” she ground out, stomping her foot in anger.
His patience was quickly waning, regardless of how tempting she had become before him with her fire and passion on full display.But he’d had enough of being called names in his life, and she was out of line.“Now you shall listen to me, Lady Dundas,” he practically growled.“I am not the villain here.You can take the matter up with your father as he was the one in possession of the deed and the one who didn’t know when to walk away from a game his drunk arse couldn’t win.”
Her father was also the one who hadn’t hesitated to take the property from Court’s family many years ago in a similar game of chance, and winning it back from the man was one wrong of his father’s that Court had set out to right.It was a matter of pride to prove to himself that he was the better man than the previous earl.
“You could give the deed back to me.You know this estate should belong to me.”
Was she mad?She expected him to turn over an estate to her that was legally his.Again.For no other reason than because she had declared she had been wronged?He’d been wronged, too.Well, his family had been wronged.And a gentleman didn’t just sign over a property to a female who wasn’t of his relation for no good reason other than because she wanted it.
“I know nothing of a sort as I only know the legalities of my business dealings.It would seem you are the one who has not been properly informed.A conversation you might wish to have with your father.”
She looked for a moment as if she might cry, various emotions playing on her beautiful features as if the anger, hurt, and sadness all warred with each other, leaving him quiet before her to watch as he determined which would win out.
But none of them ended up being the victor as her expression turned cold and emotionless.“You indicated my staff and I might stay here for the evening?Assuming you mean what you say.The sun shall set soon, and I’d prefer not to travel at night.But we shall depart at first light.”
“Of course,” he said, his tone softening.“For what it’s worth, Tess, I’m very sorry for whatever mistruth was given to you.”
She held her hand up to him.“Save your apologies.They do nothing to change my situation, and I shall get to the bottom of what is going on here.”
“Allow me to show you to a room…”
“No need,” she shot back at him.“I know my way.”
He half expected that she might take over his chamber and commandeer the entire house to her will.She started toward the door, her butler appearing with a tray as she reached the doorway.
