The Scoundrel's Wager (Tricking the Scoundrels, #4)

by Laura A. Barnes

  Devon baited Kathleen. “It would appear, Lady Kathleen, you have deceived us. What happened to the delectable Scarlet? I quite enjoyed the pleasure of her company.”

  “Yes, well, you know how I love the theater, and how my greatest wish is to be an actress. I could not resist pretending to be somebody I wasn’t. Also, it helped me to gain entry into Belle’s.”

  Lord Velden laughed. “What a hoot. You are telling me you held no clue the two women were the same? Especially since you courted Lady Kathleen? I realized the moment I set eyes on Scarlet. And you were practically her betrothed. But no longer, from what the gossip whispers.”

  “No, I did not.” Devon spoke through gritted teeth while glaring at Kathleen, making his displeasure known by all.

  “Even when you tasted her charms? I must admit I became quite angry when I heard you had beaten me yet again. But then I am sure you are not aware of the kiss Lady Kathleen and I shared. The sweetest encounter I have ever had.”

  Devon leapt across the table and swiped the smug grin off Lord Velden’s face, sending him sprawling backwards and hitting his head on the wall. Devon didn’t stop there. Before Velden could recover, Devon pounded into him again until someone pinned Devon’s arms behind his back and dragged him away.

  “Devon, stop,” Kathleen cried.

  Devon shook himself free. He ran a hand threw his hair, shooting a glare at the woman he thought he loved.

  “How could you?”

  Kathleen winced. Rory warned her that Lord Velden would gloat to Devon that he kissed her. She foolishly thought he wouldn’t. The pain lacing Devon's voice caused her to reach out to touch him, only for him to pull away in disgust. Now she understood how Devon felt when Kathleen thought he had betrayed her. Helpless.

  Lord Velden wiped the blood from his face and rose laughing from the floor. The bastard took pleasure in watching them suffer. Devon wanted to hit him again.

  Rory said, “Easy friend, he will get his due.”

  Devon turned and arched his brow. “Friend?” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

  “Yes, friend. Trust in Kathleen,” Rory whispered, before he helped Kathleen back into her seat.

  Kathleen spread her hands inviting each gentleman to take their places. When they sat down, she bestowed a smile on them before waving the dealer over to start the game.

  Kathleen grew nervous about continuing the charade, aware of Devon’s anger that he tried to bring under control. He clenched and unclenched his fists upon the table top. Making everyone aware of his unleashed fury. Kathleen needed to control the situation, and she also wanted to ease Devon’s plight. First things first, they needed to rid themselves of Lord Velden before she confessed her love to Devon. Again, Kathleen wanted to reach out and squeeze Devon’s fingers to prove she was his, but she didn’t want to play her hand too soon.

  “Lord Velden, please forgive Lord Holdenburg for his outburst.” Instead of touching Devon’s hand she reached for Lord Velden’s instead. She caressed the tips of his fingers before moving up his arm. She attempted to seduce him with a smile.

  Kathleen wanted to cringe at her seductive attempts on Lord Velden. She must convince him of her interest to draw him into her web. Kathleen realized it worked when, with a predatory gleam, Velden smiled at Devon.

  She said, “You know we shared our kiss in private and you promised not to tell a soul. For shame, my lord.”

  “Yes, well, a man must brag when he tastes something so sweet. It is his glory to best another. I have wished to taste those sweet lips upon mine for a long time. I am most proud to have done so.”

  Kathleen blushed under his warm speech. She encouraged more compliments with each stroke of his arm. Kathleen wanted Velden so enamored with her, he wouldn’t realize when she deceived him to win. Because from what she had learned from Belle and Rory, the only way to best Lord Velden was to cheat first, and best. Velden might be a skilled player, but in turn he resorted to cheating when he couldn’t win. That was how he had beaten her Papa all those years ago.

  “Shall we, gentleman? Both of you have promised me a game of cards.”

  Trust Kathleen. Those were the words Beckwith whispered. However, Devon was hard-pressed to put his faith in a woman who stroked a hand up and down his enemy’s arm. To Devon it appeared Kathleen was trying to seduce Lord Velden. Devon looked more closely at Kathleen. He took in the grace of her body. He almost believed her performance, except Kathleen gave away a hint of her deception. One would know this slight detail only if they had known Kathleen her entire life. Kathleen’s other hand rested in her lap with fingers crossed. He wanted to laugh at the innocent gesture, but it would give away whatever she had planned for Lord Velden’s demise. Whenever Kathleen pretended, cheated, or lied, she would always cross her fingers. Devon looked up to find Rory’s eyes on him. Devon gave Rory a slight nod, indicating he was onto their game. Yes, trust Kathleen.

  “Excuse me, I need a drink.”

  Devon shoved his chair back and stalked over to the bar. With instructions to the barkeep, he ordered a bottle of vodka. After receiving his bottle he returned to the table, taking a long swig. He observed the two of them with their heads bent together whispering of God knows what while he drank a third of the bottle.

  “Are we going to play cards, or would you two prefer to get a bedroom upstairs?” Devon slurred.

  Kathleen frowned at Devon, sliding away from Lord Velden. His garbled speech suggested he might not be dependable. Had Kathleen pushed her flirtation with Lord Velden too far?

  “Perhaps you should quit drinking, Devon?”

  “Madam, you may no longer request I put a stop to any of my actions. When you slammed the door in my face a few days ago, you gave up your rights. Now I shall only ask one more time, shall we?” Devon nodded at the dealer waiting to deal the cards.

  Kathleen nodded. Devon’s crushing words left her wondering if he meant what he said. She only cared for his welfare and didn’t like when he drank himself into a stupor.

  Soon the game began. Each of them winning a few hands. Kathleen won without any deception and felt confident that she could end this farce soon. However, the next few were not in her favor or Holdenburg’s. By now Devon had drunk the entire bottle of vodka. A drink so harsh that it left many men unable to stand, let alone play cards. Devon continued to play, just not with his usual skill. He also slumped in his chair. Not once through the entire game did he speak. Even when Lord Velden and Kathleen’s heavy flirtation led to Velden fondling Kathleen, Devon never uttered a sound. Did Devon not care?

  Soon the pot filled. When it came time for Devon to raise the bet he pulled out of the game, slurring his excuse of a bad hand. He folded the cards and leaned back in his chair, smirking at the two of them. Devon’s expression held many mysteries to which Kathleen didn’t hold a clue. The game now stood between Lord Velden and Kathleen. Kathleen pushed all her chips into the middle of the table and turned a flirtatious smile onto Lord Velden. He returned her smile with one of victory, making her skin crawl. Velden accepted her bet and raised it.

  “It would appear, my lady, you are out of chips. However, I will be generous with my offer. I will extend the same deal to you which I made to your father. Your father accepted, and you seem more than willing too. If I hold the winning hand, you will be mine. I can no longer make the offer of marriage since Lord Holdenburg has already sampled your charms. No, I require an innocent lady for a bride. You shall do nicely as a mistress. Do not fear, my lady, I shall take better care of you than I would my bride.”

  “I will take your offer with pleasure, my lord,” Kathleen purred. “And if I should win?”

  “Whatever you desire, my dear,” he purred back, pulling Kathleen's chair closer, his hand resting under her breast.

  Several men were instantly ready to pull Lord Velden away. Rory pressed down on Devon’s shoulder, pushing him back down in his chair. Kathleen swatted Lord Velden’s hand away.

  “Now, now, my lord. You must
wait until you win before you play,” Kathleen laughed.

  Kathleen didn’t pull away from Lord Velden, as much as she wanted to. No, she relaxed in his hold taking pleasure that she would soon shock him with a winning hand.

  “If I beat you, then you shall stop all attempts in your pursuit of me. You will accept I will never be yours and turn your attention onto a soul more deserving of your attention. You will never dishonor my name.”

  Lord Velden laughed at her petty stakes. Did this bitch think she would win? Even if she did, he would take great pleasure on bringing her to task. He had wasted enough years chasing her skirts, and he meant to have her before this evening was through. Nobody would stop him, not the man sitting across from him, and sure as hell not her brother who stood waiting to slug him. No, she would spread her thighs for him tonight. After he pounded his cock into her thoroughly many times, he would spread enough gossip to ruin their family forever. He'd had enough of the Beckwith and Holdenburg families.

  “I accept your terms, my lady. Now allow me to show my cards first.”

  Lord Velden laid down four kings.

  His smile held the smugness of victory. “Shall you dismiss your brother or shall I?”

  Devon whistled. “Why, Velden, you played one hell of a hand. It looks like you have finally won the sweet lass. That is unless she holds a better hand. Show us your cards, my lady.” He was no longer slurring, his voice loud for the entire room to hear.

  “Oh, my. That is an excellent hand, my lord. However, I shall be the victor this evening.”

  Kathleen flipped her cards over one by one. She started with the smallest face value, displaying her straight flush. All hearts. The queen of hearts seemed to wink at them.

  Lord Velden flipped his chair over as he rose, “You filthy cheat. You do not differ from your father. Hell, I should have known when we played you would stoop to the same level as him.”

  Velden advanced on Kathleen, grabbing her arm and dragging her from the chair. His grip tightened causing Kathleen to scream in agony. When Rory tried to intervene, Lord Velden’s men stepped in front of them. He then twisted one arm behind her back, continuing her pain.

  “You bitch, did you think I would allow you to win? No, you are mine. Nothing and not a single soul will stop me from taking you. Holdenburg stepped in last time and took what was mine, but not again.”

  Kathleen whimpered, her arm twisted at an odd angle where she was unable to fight back. She tried to turn around and break out of his hold like Rory taught her, but Velden’s grip remained clenched too tight.

  Devon flew out of his chair, advancing on them. All rational thought left his mind when he saw Kathleen being abused by the hands of this snake. He roared his anger and tried to break through the defenses, but there were too many of Lord Velden’s men. Rory, Devon, and Belle’s men kept pounding, but they wouldn’t drop fast enough. Lord Velden dragged Kathleen towards the exit. He had to be stopped before they left, or getting Kathleen back would be difficult. Lord Velden kept his home like a fortress.

  Every gentleman at the tables rose and blocked the doorway. They took up spots around the room, blocking Velden from escaping with Kathleen. Each man advanced on Lord Velden.

  “Unhand her, Velden,” Sheffield ordered.

  “Never.”

  “Your reign of destruction has ended. The men in this room have come to an agreement. If you leave London peacefully, they will destroy your markers. You are never to contact Lady Kathleen or make any attempts on her again. I will only say this once. If you do not comply, then I will hold no responsibility for their actions. Unhand Lady Kathleen now.”

  Lord Velden thought he could outsmart all the men present. He thought his men would protect him. But he was wrong. Not only did they refuse to protect him, they pointedly moved well back. They realized the power in the room and wouldn’t risk their lives for him. However, Velden wasn’t finished. He pulled a knife out and held it forward, inching his way backward.

  Devon froze for only a second when Lord Velden flashed his knife. His fear for Kathleen kept Devon from attempting to pull her out of Velden's grasp. The man was mad. Devon glanced over at Rory, sending him a silent message. Rory nodded. Each man went to opposite sides and worked their way in. Sheffield noticed what they attempted and kept ordering Velden to give Kathleen up. Once Velden became distracted enough, Rory and Devon pounced. Rory pulled Kathleen out of Velden’s arms and Devon kicked the knife out of his hand. Then Devon threw the bastard a punch, knocking him on his ass—and Devon was far from satisfied with just that. He'd spent years dealing with this piece of scum. He pounded into Velden for every second he held Kathleen in pain. Sheffield and Wildeburg tried dragging him away, but Devon threw them off.

  It was only when Devon felt the soft touch of Kathleen’s hand that he halted. Kathleen pulled him away. Her soft tone tried to calm him. When Devon saw how much Kathleen was in pain, he stopped. She stood back, staring at him while holding her arm. Waiting. All he could do was stare. With one last kick at Lord Velden, Devon stalked away past Kathleen to the bar and pulled out a bottle of whiskey from behind the counter and returned to the card table.

  Kathleen watched Devon grab another bottle. He kept ignoring her. She thought he would welcome her back with open arms. However, Kathleen had bruised Devon’s ego with her lack of trust. She turned back to Lord Velden. He lay beaten and bruised on the floor. Rory touched her shoulder in concern. Kathleen shook her head and looked back at Devon.

  “Go talk to him,” Rory urged. “We will take care of Velden.”

  Rory, Sheffield, Wildeburg, and the rest of the men carried Velden from the room. Sheffield’s power in the ton would keep Velden from bothering Kathleen and her family ever again.

  Belle entered the room and stood in the doorway. She arched her eyebrow and nodded toward Devon. Kathleen returned her nod. Before the evening had begun, Kathleen made a request to Belle. Belle agreed, promising Kathleen and Devon privacy after they destroyed Velden.

  Belle smiled her encouragement and closed the doors. Kathleen listened to the click of the lock. Kathleen stood alone with Devon. But did Devon want to be alone with her?

  Kathleen turned toward Devon to see him slung low in his chair with his back to her. His clothes were disheveled, and he kept tipping the bottle to his mouth, taking long slugs. Between this bottle and the bottle of vodka he drank while they played cards, Devon would be incoherent before long. Kathleen took a deep breath and walked behind him.

  Kathleen laid a hand on his shoulder. His muscles tensed from her touch, but he didn’t turn around. She noticed his hands were bloody and bruised. When she tried to soothe him, Devon jerked away and took another swallow from the bottle.

  Devon’s emotions ran riot. He couldn’t handle Kathleen’s touch yet. There were too many unanswered questions. The whole evening confused him. Devon took another drink. He hoped the alcohol would help him to understand, but the more he drank, the more confused he became.

  Kathleen ached for any kind of sign from Devon. When he continued to ignore her and refuse her affections, she felt she wouldn’t be able to reach him. Kathleen walked around the table to the dealer chair. She shuffled the deck, then dealt them each one card.

  “High card wins. The winner gets to choose anything they want. Whatever decision they make for the future, the loser must accept. Do you accept those conditions, Lord Holdenburg?”

  Kathleen had left the decision to Devon. Did he want those terms? Devon wanted so much more, but feared Kathleen no longer wished the same. Trust Kathleen. Rory’s words kept chanting over and over in Devon’s head. He'd never stopped trusting in Kathleen, she was the one who gave up on him. Even if he won and staked what he desired, Devon couldn’t live his life always under suspicion. He understood Kathleen’s hesitation. The knowledge of her father's double life now led Kathleen not to trust any man. But Devon wasn’t the late Lord Beckwith. Devon was his own man and Kathleen needed to realize that.

  Devon sh
oved all his coins to join Kathleen’s winnings from Lord Velden.

  “I will raise you, Lord Holdenburg.” Kathleen smiled.

  Devon watched Kathleen slide two tokens across the table at him. The same tokens he had returned to Dallis earlier this week, which created this drama. Devon stared into Kathleen’s eyes and saw how nervous she was. Devon realized her fear, if he should refuse her.

  “I have nothing to raise with.”

  “I suppose you can offer a request, if you win.”

  “And if I lose?”

  “I will allow you to choose that too.”

  Devon now understood where he stood with Kathleen.

  “If I win, then you will share my bed every night until I deem I no longer desire you.”

  “And if you lose?” Kathleen whispered, unsure. His bet left too many questions of his intentions.

  “If I lose, then I will be at your disposal for whatever you desire.”

  “And if I desire only you and you alone?”

  “Well, I must lose for that to be possible.”

  “I can arrange it.”

  “Mmm,” he murmured.

  Kathleen flipped her card over. The same queen of hearts twinkled at them.

  When the card flipped over, he already knew what would stare at him from across the table. He would have to teach Kathleen how to cheat better. She was horrible at it. He saw her make the switch when she shuffled. It was the same as when Kathleen played against Velden. Devon watched the change and knew Velden saw it too.

  Devon took another drink. His hands still shook from reaction after seeing Kathleen being tormented at that man’s hands. Kathleen had played a dangerous game tonight.

  Kathleen saw the indecision on Devon’s face. He still hadn’t flipped over his card. He continued to drink from that damn bottle.

  “Well, my dear, I fear your luck for the night has ended.”

  Devon flipped over his card and would have laughed at Kathleen’s expression, but he continued to keep his gambling face firmly held. He had his own tricks up his sleeve. And Devon would trick Kathleen into believing he only wanted a brief moment of her time alone. Then, once he had her to himself, he would never let her go.