Page 17 of His Last Gamble

The croupier, smiling, pushed across the table a small pile of chips.

‘Want to bet the whole lot on another roll?’ Payne asked, but she was already gathering them up.

‘Oh no,’ she said, laughing gaily. ‘That was pure beginner’s luck and I know enough to quit when I’m ahead.’

‘Do you,’ he said softly, something in his voice making her head rise sharply, her gaze cannoning into his own. ‘Do you really?’

Her lips fell open in shock as she realised she’d somehow wandered into a minefield.

‘The casino owner’s worst nightmare,’ Payne drawled softly. ‘A lucky gambler who knows when to quit.’

Everyone laughed except Charmaine. Her heart was beating too loud, and was seemingly lodged in her throat, preventing even a minor giggle. His eyes were drowning her. The very air seemed thick with portent. What did he mean? What was happening?

‘In that case, I’d better get what I can out of it,’ Payne smiled wolfishly. ‘If you’re going to run off with the house profits, I demand a thank-you kiss.’

Charmaine blinked. He what?

The crowd around the table burst into laughter and applause as Payne stepped closer, looped one arm around her waist and pulled her close.

As his head bent over hers, he whispered wickedly, so that only she could hear. ‘This time, it’s my turn.’

And then he was kissing her.

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