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

by Laura A. Barnes

  The king of hearts laid next to her queen. Devon had won. How? Kathleen dealt him the jack of hearts.

  Devon rose from his seat. “Shall we?” He indicated for them to leave.

  Kathleen rose with dignity. Never let it be said she didn’t lose with grace. Devon offered no words of humor and displayed no affection. Kathleen must face that Devon only meant to use her until he was ready to move onto another woman. Kathleen had made her bet and lost. She tried to open the door but whimpered when the pain in her arm prevented her.

  Devon ached to comfort Kathleen. But he needed her alone and away from anybody who would stand in his way. Devon reached to open the door and guided Kathleen along the hallway. Once they reached the exit, Rory and Belle waited for them.

  Rory reached his hand out. Devon looked at him and then shook Rory’s hand. The evening had brought about many changes, and they still had much to resolve. After he'd finished with Kathleen, then Devon would have a lengthy discussion with Rory. One they should have shared many years ago. Back then perhaps, if Devon had forced the issue, none of this would have happened.

  When Rory reached for his sister, Devon pulled Kathleen to his side, careful of her arm. Devon’s hold spoke of his possession.

  “You will see her home?” Rory relented.

  “No, she will reside with me until I decide differently. Only when I am done with her will I release Kathleen back into your care.”

  “The hell you say. Kathleen?” Rory growled.

  “I am fine, Rory. Lord Holdenburg has won my company until he tires of me. I will not relent on my wager.”

  “Let go of her, Holdenburg. I recant my offer of friendship. You are no better than Lord Velden.”

  “I am sorry you think so lowly of me, my friend.” Devon emphasized the term. “However, many years ago, I stood back and did not call on the terms of the bet I won from your father, fair and square. I even tried to relinquish the bet, but your mother refused. Now, only a few minutes ago, your sister agreed to the terms of a new bet. She lost. This time I have collected, unlike the last marker I won from your family. Now, if you do not mind, I have had a long evening and I want to enjoy my bed.” With this he brought Kathleen against his body, allowing his hand to rest beneath her breasts. He displayed his full intent and threw it in Rory’s face.

  Belle watched the power play between the two men and knew if she didn’t deflect this situation there would be more fighting. One bloodied member of the ton was enough for one night. Belle wanted neither of these men hurt. You only had to look at Lady Kathleen to see she didn’t protest Holdenburg’s embrace. If anything, she took great pleasure at being held in his arms. Devon’s display of possessiveness declared his intentions. She saw the emotions that Holdenburg tried to contain and that he kept a tight rein on his temper. If she didn’t persuade Rory to allow Devon to leave with Kathleen, then she didn’t know what would come to light.

  Belle pulled Rory away. “Rory, you know the rules of my house. I am sure if you allow Lord Holdenburg to take your sister away, he will return her in the morning, where you shall see that all is well. Am I correct in my assumption, Lord Holdenburg?”

  Devon didn’t answer. He didn’t have to explain his actions to a damn soul any longer. Their relationship had been controlled by too many parties. Both of their mothers, Rory, Lord Velden and countless others. Well, no longer. Devon didn’t wait for Rory’s agreement.

  He swept Kathleen out of Belle’s and into his carriage.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Kathleen laid in bed waiting for Devon. When they had arrived at his house in the country, she wasn’t prepared for the comforts he provided. She expected him to whisk her to his bedroom where he would make mad passionate love. Damn Dallis and her romance novels. But that was exactly what she had expected. Hoped for. Dreamed of. None of that transpired. After showing Kathleen to a bedroom, decorated in softer shades of blue, a maid arrived to see to her care. Devon had ordered a warm bath. The maid assisted Kathleen and took care not to harm her arm.

  After the bath, the maid apologized for having no nightwear for her and brought in a man’s nightshirt. She explained it was one of Lord Holdenburg’s. Kathleen thanked her and explained it would do. When the maid gathered her clothing and left the room, Kathleen rubbed her hands up and down the sleeves, taking comfort from Devon sending the nightshirt. She imagined the sleeves as his arms holding her.

  Another knock sounded on the door, and once more Kathleen was disappointed. The housekeeper carried a tray with tea, and the local doctor followed. The doctor examined her arm, assuring Kathleen it wasn’t broken. It would show bruising and be tender for a few days. He instructed Kathleen not to lift anything heavy and to prop her arm while sitting or sleeping. He gave her a sedative and insisted she should rest.

  Kathleen lay down and fought the drug that the housekeeper made sure was taken with the tea. She was resigned to the fact that Devon wouldn’t be joining her this evening. Why did he bring her to his home if he didn’t plan on collecting his bet? What was his agenda?

  Kathleen yawned and snuggled deeper into the bed, wishing Devon had joined her. She wanted to rest her head on his shoulder and find safety in his embrace. Kathleen’s anger and need for revenge had worn her out. Kathleen only wanted to love Devon.

  Her eyes drifted closed. The last thought before she drifted to sleep was of the card he threw down. The cheater.

  DEVON LIFTED THE COVERS away from Kathleen and stared down at the beauty before him. When the doctor told him Kathleen would recover and there were no lasting damage from Lord Velden’s abuse, Devon breathed a sigh of relief.

  Kathleen moaned and rolled over on her back, his nightshirt sliding up her thighs. Oh, the sweet temptation before him. How easy it would be to slide between Kathleen’s thighs and take her. Devon knew she wouldn’t protest, —she hadn’t complained of anything since he won the hand of cards. Kathleen appeared more than eager to accompany him home. Devon knew he was an ass at Belle’s, but he wanted them to be alone. And for that to happen, he had to act as the indifferent cad that he wasn’t.

  It was the only way to get past Rory and Belle.

  When Devon next took Kathleen, it wouldn’t be while she was under the influence of medicine. After the sedative wore off, they had much to discuss. Then and only then would he never surrender his hold on her. For Devon would never tire of his desire for Kathleen. She was his for an eternity.

  He lifted her from the bed, pulling her closer.

  “Devon,” she murmured in her sleep.

  “Shh, love. Go back to sleep.”

  “Mmm.” Kathleen snuggled closer.

  Devon carried her next door to his bedroom. This was where he had wanted Kathleen since he brought her here, but he didn’t want the servants to gossip. He laid her on the bed and joined her. Devon pulled the blanket over them and held Kathleen while she slept, not once taking his eyes off her. Kathleen’s hand nestled on his chest, where he slid his hand over to hold hers. Devon kissed the top of her head as Kathleen sighed into him.

  “I love you, Kathleen,” Devon whispered.

  Kathleen, in a fog, thought Devon carried her into his bed. She wanted to respond but was too sleepy. Kathleen took comfort from his embrace. When he whispered those simple words, Kathleen knew their relationship would survive. I love you too, Devon, she meant to say, returning his sincerity, but fell back asleep instead.

  KATHLEEN AWOKE IN A warm and comfortable bed. Not wanting to rise yet, she kept her eyes closed. Kathleen snuggled into the warmth surrounding her body. She squirmed to get closer, not quite wanting to awaken.

  “Lay still, minx. Can you not see, I still sleep?”

  Kathleen’s eyes flew open at Devon’s sleepy drawl. She lay facing him as he tried to sleep. Memories from the night before came flooding back. The drama from Lord Velden and her final bet with Devon. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was waiting for Devon to come to her bed. But he never did. He must have thou
gh, because she no longer remained in the other bedroom. Kathleen lay wrapped in Devon’s arms. He must have carried her in during the night. Did this mean what she thought it meant? Or was Kathleen only here for his pleasure until he tired of her? Did Devon mean what he said to Rory? Whatever his reasons may be, Kathleen wouldn’t object. While Kathleen wanted Devon forever, she would at least stay with him for as long as Devon wanted.

  Kathleen reached out to brush a hand across his whiskered cheeks, enjoying the rough texture. How would those feel against her skin? Would they tickle or increase the pleasure of Devon kissing her?

  Devon savored her exploration and didn’t move as she caressed his cheek. Even when her hand slid lower, he never moved a muscle. However, when Kathleen’s lips followed the trail of her fingers, Devon couldn’t stop the moan he released. Nothing had ever felt so sweet. Each brush of her lips sent his body aflame. Kathleen kept moving lower, her hand brushing across his hardened cock. Still, Devon didn't stir, afraid this was all only a dream.

  Devon hadn’t moved a muscle. Kathleen knew Devon was awake. She held proof in her hand. Long, hard proof. He held his body in anticipation. Kathleen wouldn’t disappoint his pleasure, stroking her tongue along his hardened length. While Kathleen loved Devon with her mouth, she felt the slight twitching of his hand in her hair. Kathleen smiled, sucking her lips around the tip of his cock, her tongue licking off his juices.

  Kathleen followed her return along Devon’s body by sliding her body over him. She pressed a soft kiss on the edge of his lips.

  “Dev, are you going to sleep the day away?”

  Devon opened one eyelid at her teasing. Devon saw the woman he loved staring at him with her own love shining from her eyes. A teasing smile lit her face, but he also noticed a woman’s desire—someone who he needed to please. Far be it for Devon to refuse pleasuring a woman.

  Devon flipped Kathleen over, drawing her closer. His hand reached between her thighs; Kathleen’s wetness coated his fingers. Devon didn’t wait, but slid inside Kathleen, her body arching into his.

  Once Devon settled deep inside Kathleen, he stared down at her. Her eyes, clouding over with desire, stared back. “No, love, sleep is not what I had in mind for the day.” He slid in deeper, drawing her leg higher around his hip.

  Kathleen moaned as Devon filled her soul. With every stroke of his body, her body followed. With every caress, her body arched into his. With every kiss he drew from her lips, she savored. As Devon consumed Kathleen with his passion, her body clung to him, begging him to never stop.

  The higher their passion grew, the tighter they clung to each other. Never wanting to let go for fear they would lose each other again. Just before Devon sent them over the edge he paused, gazing at Kathleen with an emotion for which there were few words. Only three simple ones, that Kathleen felt just as deeply.

  “I love you,” Devon whispered again.

  Kathleen clung to Devon as he swept her away, too choked to respond. Telling Devon that she loved him would never be enough. The emotions she held were more than that.

  “Kathleen?”

  “Mmm?”

  “You are not falling asleep, now that you have woken me.”

  “Mmm.”

  Devon chuckled, drawing Kathleen onto his chest. He would allow her a light doze before they had their discussion. They had much to clear the air on. After their lovemaking, Devon felt secure that all would be well with them. Eventually he must return her home. Only long enough until they wed. But not too soon. Devon meant what he said, that what he had planned today was more than sleep. Devon wanted to enjoy Kathleen all day. Then maybe he would return her home this evening. If not, Devon would have to deal with one very angry brother.

  THE NEXT TIME KATHLEEN awoke, it was to the aroma of fresh blueberries. She was ravenous. When she opened her eyes, it was to find a tray full of blueberry scones next to her pillows. When she reached for her favorite treat, she heard Devon laugh.

  “I thought those would wake you, lord knows I could not.”

  Kathleen blushed, drawing the blanket around her tighter. Even through all her brazen acts, Devon could still make her blush. Especially when she rolled over and saw him lying naked, propped up against the pillows. As Kathleen bit into the scone, her eyes traveled the length of Devon. She would never tire of gazing at him. When Kathleen noticed how hard Devon was, the laughter in his eyes changed at her perusal.

  “You can eat later.” He took the scone from her hand, throwing it on the tray as he gathered her to him.

  Devon’s lips devoured Kathleen as a man obsessed. Each kiss he drew from her lasted longer than the last. She drew her breaths from him. Kathleen wrapped her arms around him, keeping him held to her.

  Devon meant for them to talk while Kathleen ate. But one glance of her eyes on him, as innocent as they may have been, was more than Devon could handle. His need was stronger than ever. He wanted to start every day with Kathleen like this.

  Devon’s hands stroked down Kathleen’s body. Her breasts grew heavy in his hands, molding them to his touch. He played with her nipples until they became tight buds, each of them begging for his attention. When Devon’s hand traveled lower, Kathleen opened her thighs at his silent command. His fingers sunk into her wetness and he groaned his desperation. Devon slid his finger inside, and Kathleen responded by pressing into him, her hips arching, wanting more.

  Devon wouldn’t refuse Kathleen. He would ease the ache she needed relieved. With resistance, he pulled away from her lips. Kathleen reached out to draw him back, but Devon had another idea on how he would pleasure her.

  When Devon pulled away, Kathleen felt the loss immensely. She needed him.

  “Devon,” Kathleen pleaded.

  Devon gave her a wicked look right before he dripped honey across her breasts, coating her nipples. Kathleen gasped when she realized his intent. When he continued to drip the warm honey between her thighs, Kathleen was no longer shocked but curious. She would soon discover the sweet pleasure of his lips licking the honey off.

  Devon stroked his tongue around her breasts, savoring the sweet treat. When his mouth sucked the nectar from her nipples, his senses exploded. Mixed with Kathleen’s sweetness, it was a flood of pleasure. Devon drew her nipples between his lips, sucking every drop of honey away. After he ate his treat away, he followed the path of his desire.

  Kathleen lost all sense as his lips savored the honey from her body. She yearned to explore the unfamiliar sensations Devon stroked to life. When Devon slipped between her thighs, Kathleen opened herself to him. His fingers trailed the honey around as his lips followed. Kathleen closed her eyes and arched her wetness toward his mouth. She needed him to kiss her. Kathleen’s body ached for Devon’s mouth. When he spread the warm honey across her desire, Kathleen whimpered her need.

  “Devon,” Kathleen pleaded again.

  Oh, sweet mercy. She was divine. Kathleen lay spread before him, opened for his pleasure, moaning his name with her need. Devon watched the honey slowly slide along her wetness, clinging to her clit. When her hand slid through his hair, urging his head to her, Devon obliged. With pleasure.

  Devon stroked his tongue along the length of Kathleen for his first taste of her honey sweetness. It wasn't enough. Devon craved more. His mouth took possession of her wetness. Devon devoured every drop of honey from Kathleen. His tongue slid over and over the sweet coating on her clit, sucking the sweetness between his lips.

  Kathleen grasped his head tighter as he devoured her, responding as he drove her body to a place only he could with the stroking of his tongue. Kathleen came undone under his hunger.

  The moment Kathleen released, Devon savored the sweetness in his mouth. While her body floated on the pleasure from his tongue, he slid his hardened length deep inside her. Kathleen throbbed and clung to Devon’s cock as he took her body higher, wanting her to come undone with him.

  “I love you,” Kathleen moaned over and over. Kathleen clung to him, giving Devon her heart, b
ody, and soul.

  IN THE BATH, DEVON ran the damp cloth over Kathleen’s body, washing the honey away. When he noticed the bruises covering her arms, he called himself a bastard for forgetting about her injury. In Devon’s uncontrollable desire, he'd neglected to give Kathleen the care she needed.

  “I am a brute.” Devon dropped the cloth and caressed Kathleen’s arm.

  Kathleen had forgotten about her injury once she had woken in his arms. She rolled over in the water, resting her forehead against his, staring Devon in the eyes.

  “No, you are not.”

  “Yes, I am. I should have been taking care of you, not ravishing you like a madman possessed with making you his.”

  “Well, I quite enjoyed having a mad man ravish me. Do you think he will make another attempt?” Kathleen asked, pressing her chest against his, her nipples raking over him.

  “Kathleen,” Devon warned.

  “Yes, love?” Kathleen asked, rising to straddle him.

  Devon tipped his head back against the bathtub in sweet agony. Kathleen’s exquisite body was a temptation he couldn’t refuse. Nor did he want to.

  Kathleen smiled, watching Devon trying to resist her. She knew he was mad at himself for neglecting her injury, but he didn’t need to be. Her arm no longer hurt. Kathleen shifted her hips and slid Devon inside her. He gripped the tub tighter and Kathleen smiled more. When she slid up and back down quickly, Devon lifted his head and pierced Kathleen with a look searing her soul. As she rode him faster, he groaned her name louder. Soon Devon clung to Kathleen, pressing himself to her, pounding up into her, taking over. Devon lost control, sending them beyond all they knew but could only wonder about.

  Devon lay back in the water, pulling Kathleen with him. He would never have enough of her. They needed to dress, or else he would keep her captive for the rest of the day in their bedroom. Not his—theirs. It had always been theirs ever since he bought the estate.