One Wanton Wager

by Amanda Mariel

  One Wanton Wager

  Amanda Mariel

  USA Today Bestselling Author

  Text copyright by the Author.

  This work was made possible by special permission through the de Wolfe Pack Connected World publishing program and WolfeBane Publishing, a dba of Dragonblade Publishing. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original World of de Wolfe Pack connected series by Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc. remains the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Kathryn Le Veque Novels, Inc., or the affiliates or licensors.

  All characters created by the author of this novel remain the copyrighted property of the author.

  De Wolfe Pack: The Series

  By Aileen Fish

  The Duke She Left Behind

  By Alexa Aston

  Rise of de Wolfe

  By Amanda Mariel

  Love’s Legacy

  One Wanton Wager

  By Anna Markland

  Hungry Like de Wolfe

  By Ashe Barker

  Wolfeheart

  By Autumn Sands

  Reflection of Love

  By Barbara Devlin

  Lone Wolfe: Heirs of Titus De Wolfe Book 1

  The Big Bad De Wolfe: Heirs of Titus De Wolfe Book 2

  Tall, Dark & De Wolfe: Heirs of Titus De Wolfe Book 3

  By Cathy MacRae

  The Saint

  The Penitent

  By Christy English

  Dragon Fire

  By Danelle Harmon

  Heart of the Sea Wolfe

  By Hildie McQueen

  The Duke’s Fiery Bride

  By Kathryn Le Veque

  River’s End

  By Lana Williams

  Trusting the Wolfe

  By Laura Landon

  A Voice on the Wind

  By Leigh Lee

  Of Dreams and Desire

  By Mairi Norris

  Brabanter’s Rose

  By Marlee Meyers

  The Fall of the Black Wolf

  By Mary Lancaster

  Vienna Wolfe

  The Wicked Wolfe

  By Meara Platt

  Nobody’s Angel

  Kiss an Angel

  Bhrodi’s Angel

  By Mia Pride

  The Lone Wolf’s Lass

  By Michele Lang

  An Honest Woman

  By Ruth Kaufman

  My Enemy, My Love

  My Rebel, My Love

  By Sarah Hegger

  Bad Wolfe on the Rise

  By Scarlett Cole

  Together Again

  By Victoria Vane

  Breton Wolfe Book 1

  Ivar the Red Book 2

  The Bastard of Brittany Book 3

  By Violetta Rand

  Never Cry de Wolfe

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  De Wolfe Pack: The Series

  Titles by Amanda Mariel

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Epilogue

  About Amanda Mariel

  Titles by Amanda Mariel

  Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Endeavors

  Scandalous Intentions

  Scandalous Redemption

  Scandalous Wallflower

  Coming soon to the Ladies and Scoundrels series

  Scandalous Liaison

  Fabled Love Series

  Enchanted by the Earl

  Captivated by the Captain

  Enticed by Lady Elianna

  Delighted by the Duke

  Lady Archer’s Creed series

  **Amanda Mariel writing with Christina McKnight**

  Theodora

  Georgina

  Adeline

  Josephine

  Lady Archer’s Creed boxset

  Scandal Meets Love series

  Love Only Me

  Find Me Love

  Coming soon to the Scandal Meets Love series

  If it’s Love

  A Rogue’s Kiss Series

  Her Perfect Rogue

  Coming next to the A Rogue’s Kiss series

  Her Perfect Scoundrel

  His Perfect Hellion

  Stand-alone titles

  Love’s Legacy

  One Moonlit Tryst

  One Enchanting Kiss

  Coming soon

  Christmas in the Duke’s Embrace

  Wicked Earls’ Club

  **Titles by Amanda Mariel**

  Earl of Grayson

  Coming next to the Wicked Earls’ Club

  Earl of Edgemore

  Connected by a Kiss

  **These are designed so they can standalone**

  How to Kiss a Rogue (Amanda Mariel)

  A Kiss at Christmastide (Christina McKnight)

  A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Dawn Brower)

  Coming soon to the Connected by a Kiss series

  Stealing a Rogue’s Kiss (Amanda Mariel)

  A Gypsy’s Christmas kiss (Dawn Brower)

  A Duke’s Christmas Kiss (Tammy Andresen)

  Box sets and anthologies

  Visit www.amandamariel.com to see Amanda’s current offerings.

  Chapter One

  Yorkshire England, summer, 1816

  Daphne Sumerville, the widowed Viscountess Gilford, sat opposite her sisters-in-law sipping tea. She lowered her teacup and gave Rebecca and Phoebe a bright smile. Rebecca and Camden had returned to Yorkshire yesterday after having departed nearly a year ago and Daphne was thrilled to see her again. She’d missed Rebecca dearly during her absence.

  Phoebe, Rebecca’s twin, had missed her just as much. Perhaps more, for the moment the sun crested the horizon this morning, she’d rushed over, dragging Daphne in her wake. Not that she would complain, for she, too, had been bursting with excitement at the couple’s arrival.

  Daphne glanced around the castle’s solar before returning her attention to Rebecca. “It’s good to have you back, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable at your parents’ house?”

  “Oh, yes, you know you would.” Phoebe squealed, her eyes lighting. “You cannot possibly wish to stay here with scarcely any furniture and only a couple of borrowed servants.”

  Rebecca shook her head then took a sip of her tea. “You well know how much I love Babylon. Besides, I’ve reconsidered my prior stance and we are renovating.”

  Daphne could not keep the shock from her expression. Rebecca had been adamant about keeping the castle as a monument to Sir Kenton and Lady Nicola, the last couple to reside within these walls more than a hundred years prior. “What changed your mind?” she asked, unable to curb her growing curiosity.

  “I think Sir Kenton and Lady Nicola brought Camden and I together. Their legacy is strong, their love still flows through the walls and across the landscape of Babylon. They would be pleased to see the castle restored to its prior beauty and brimming with life and love once more.” Rebecca cast a wistful glance around the solar, a small grin pulling at her lips. “This is home.”

  “I see your mind is set.” Phoebe’s shoulders slumped, but only for a moment. “It will be a grand castle when you have finished.”

  Daphne nodded. “Indeed, and what’s more, I believe you are right. Sir Kenton and Lady Nicola would approve.”

  Rebecca’s eyes sparkled with delight as she set her teacup on the table Camd
en had built when he’d first arrived at Babylon a year ago. “I want the two of you to help me decorate. I’d like to maintain a medieval feel. Do my best to honor their memory as we refurbish.”

  “What fun,” Phoebe said. “When do we begin?”

  “Camden is in town with his cousin, Alex—”

  “The connoisseur of women?” Phoebe gasped.

  Daphne nearly choked on her tea. “The what?”

  Phoebe gave a mischievous grin. “Rebecca has written to me about him. He’s an earl and enjoys the company of many women. Lord Bedford prides himself on being a connoisseur of women.” She turned toward Rebecca, “Isn’t that right?”

  “Indeed. But he’s truly a kind man. No doubt a rogue, but a rather lovable one if I dare say so.” Rebecca reached for the teapot then poured herself another cup.

  Daphne would have to take her word for that because she had no intention of becoming familiar with such a man. She did hope to someday remarry, in fact, she would have to before long. She’d already been a widow for more than three years and felt exceedingly bad about accepting financial assistance from Lord and Lady Chesterfield. There was Henry to consider as well. Her son would require more as he grew older. Yes, she needed a husband, and soon. However, a rogue would never suit.

  “I cannot wait to meet him.” Phoebe flipped open her fan and waved it with flair.

  Rebecca reached out, stilling the fan. “He’s been warned to leave you alone.”

  “Why?” Phoebe snapped the fan closed and lowered it back to her lap. “I’ve never been in the presence of such a man and was rather looking forward to it.”

  “There is your answer, dear sister. A man like him would charm your socks off before you realized the threat his syrupy words held.” Rebecca smiled. “Do stop pouting. I am certain you will have many admirers among the guests at Mother and Father’s annual house party.”

  “I doubt that very much. Mother invites the same families every year and it has yet to garner me any serious suitors.” Phoebe bit the inside of her cheek. “I’ve grown weary of waiting. I want to fall in love and start a family of my own.”

  Rebecca took her hand, giving a little squeeze. “I know you do, and so you shall.”

  “But a rogue would not help you to accomplish that goal,” Daphne added.

  Rebecca gave another squeeze before releasing Phoebe’s hand. “You cannot rush love. It finds you when it is ready. She’s right about that.”

  “Right about what?” Camden strolled into the solar, going to Rebecca and dropping a kiss on the top of her head.

  Daphne’s gaze locked on the tall gentleman who walked in behind him. Mercy, he was handsome. Midnight-colored hair brushed his neck and temples. His bright green eyes were framed in dark lashes, and his nose, mouth, and jaw were so well formed they could have been carved from granite.

  Her gaze trailed lower, taking in his wide shoulders then following the lines of his toned body down to his tapered waist and muscular thighs. He may be the finest specimen of masculinity she’d ever laid eyes on. It wasn’t hard to understand why women threw themselves into his bed.

  When she raked her gaze back up his form, his eyes meet hers, a glint of amusement lighting them. She should look away but found herself too captivated to break free. Then he smiled, revealing perfect polished teeth behind a toe-curling rakish grin. She swallowed hard, ripping her gaze from his. Heat flamed across her cheeks.

  “Oh, nothing important.” Rebecca waved her hand through the air dismissing the subject. “Tell us, how did you fare in town?”

  Daphne turned her attention to Camden, eager to hear what he had to say. Not because she thought his words would interest her so much as because she needed the distraction.

  “First, you must introduce me to these lovely creatures.” The rogue stepped closer to Daphne.

  “Oh, yes, of course.” Rebecca stood. Phoebe and Daphne did as well.

  “Lord Bedford, may I introduce you to my sister, Lady Phoebe.”

  Phoebe dipped a curtsey.

  Lord Bedford bowed before taking her hand and dropping a kiss on her glove-covered knuckles. “Do call me Alex. We are family after all.”

  “Indeed.” Phoebe beamed a bright smile. “And you shall call me Phoebe.”

  Lord Bedford turned his attention to Daphne.

  Rebecca gave a nod. “And this is my sister-in-law, Daphne Sumerville, Viscountess Gilford.”

  The rogue wasted no time taking her hand, his lips lingering far longer than they should before he pulled back to gaze at her. The heat in his eyes caused her stomach to tighten in a most unsettling way. “Please call me Alex.” His voice, deep and husky, spoke of anything but propriety.

  Daphne swallowed past the tightness in her throat, then nodded. She would not use his given name but hadn’t the will to say as much. Regardless, he would soon figure it out. Or better yet, he never would because she had no intention of spending time in his company.

  Rebecca lowered herself back onto the sofa. “Now, do join us and tell me about your trip to town.”

  Daphne returned to her chair, grateful that the rogue could not sit beside her. A temporary joy as he quickly came to stand near the chair. But then, she supposed he hadn’t any other choice. The room was sparsely furnished, containing only a sofa, chair, and table. Camden rested his hip on the arm of the sofa near his wife and Phoebe sat beside her. There truly wasn’t anywhere else for Lord Bedford to dwell.

  Nonetheless, she found his nearness unsettling. Determined to scrub the man from her mind, she focused on Camden.

  “We were met with some success. Alex managed to hire a handful of laborers to begin work on the castle while I put out inquiries for servants and ordered supplies.” He grinned at Rebecca. “Be sure to leave time in your schedule tomorrow to conduct interviews and select furniture.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “I am very much looking forward to the task.”

  “I fear it may take most of the day. Potential servants will begin arriving around ten in the morning. Maids, a cook, footmen, and a butler were all inquired after. Of course, if you desire any additional servants, you have leave to hire them.”

  Rebecca gazed at Camden, love bursting from within the depths of her eyes. “And what of the tradesmen?”

  “They are set to call later in the afternoon. Expect them around five. I fear you will have samples of fabrics and catalogs galore to consider.”

  “How splendid. I can scarcely wait.” She glanced from Phoebe to Daphne. “And the two of you will help me. Say you will.”

  Rebecca’s excitement was contagious. “It shall be our honor to do so,” Daphne said, excitement blooming within her chest.

  “While you ladies are busy with that, Alex and I will be helping the laborers and determining what repairs need to be made,” Camden said.

  Drat. Daphne had gotten carried away in Rebecca’s eagerness and forgotten about the rogue who even now stood too close to her. She feared it may be impossible to avoid him. All the same, she would do her best.

  What other choice did she have? She slanted her gaze to him, her cheeks warming. The mere sight of him sent her body into a tangle of desire. There was no way she could trust herself in his company.

  Chapter Two

  Alex found himself instantly captivated by Daphne. He’d known a little about the lady before their introduction as Camden and Rebecca were quite fond of her, but he’d been wholly unprepared for the attraction he experienced upon seeing her. The woman was a stunning specimen of femininity and a widow to boot which made her prime for the taking.

  And take her he would.

  He doubted she’d fall at his feet as so many of his past paramours had, but that only made her more interesting. After all, what rogue didn’t like a challenge? Come to think of it, he had never had to put much effort into bedding a woman. Daphne would be different. Something about her told him she would make him work for her favors.

  Still, he had no reason to believe he would lose. He’d
witnessed a spark of attraction in the depths of her eyes that belied her cool exterior, and before she’d finished her blatant inspection of him, he’d determined to have her in his bed.

  Even now, nearly twenty-four hours later, he could not stop the image of her laying down with her creamy skin exposed and long blond hair spread over a pillow, a wanton gleam in her blue eyes and come hither smirk tilting her bow-shaped lips from running through his mind. He would have her, no doubt about it.

  Alex looked up from his task and, as if he’d conjured her, his gaze landed on Daphne strolling toward the castle with a lad at her side. Most likely her son, he thought, as he turned away from the gatehouse wall he’d been inspecting to give her his full attention. As she neared, he leaned against the wall and openly stared at her.

  A blush crept across her cheeks when she noticed him watching. Alex straightened and strolled across the lawn to meet her. “Good day, Daphne.”

  She scowled before returning the greeting with a pert nod of her head. “Lord Bedford.”

  “Come now, love, there is no reason for such formality. Not out here in the country and certainly not among family and close friends.”

  She narrowed her gaze, her scowl deepening. “On the contrary, my lord. Propriety is something I take seriously and we are neither family nor friends.”

  Amusement caused Alex to chuckle. “Then I shall work to rectify that.”

  “You are most incorrigible,” she huffed.

  “I find that life is far more enjoyable when one takes the time to be incorrigible.” He took a step closer, then kneeled down, turning his attention to her son. “And who might you be?”

  The lad grinned. “Mama may disagree, but I like you already. I’m Henry.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Henry.” Alex reached out his hand, then shook the boy’s. “I think we will be great friends.”

  “I’d like that.” He hesitated for a moment, looking up at Daphne, then added, “Alex.”

  To her credit, she did not reprimand the lad but gave him a warm smile instead. Alex straightened to his full height before addressing her again. “I doubt that Henry wants to spend his time inside with the ladies. He’s welcome to remain out here. I’d be happy to keep an eye on him.”