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However, she also could not ignore the fact that her original reservations were no longer as compelling as they had been on their wedding night. Her distrust of Anthony. Her desire to not be trapped in a loveless marriage. Was this still a concern? Somehow, she doubted it.

And besides… she would be lying if she didn’t admit that with all things considered, a part of herwantedto lose herself to him. Again, her reservations from before felt weak and misplaced. Not something that in the moment, she felt such a need to concern herself with.

“I suppose I can agree to those terms,” she said casually, as if her heart was not racing. “But you must do something for me. It is only fair.”

“Shall I remove my own item of clothing?” he said with a growl. “I might lose to you on purpose, if that is the case.”

“You wish.” She looked at him and smirked as an idea came to mind. All evening, she had been wondering how she might learn more about her husband without letting down her guard and falling into companionable conversation; she did not want him to suspect she was interested. Now, she had the perfect means. “For every piece I take, you must answer a question I ask of you. Honestly,” she made sure to add.

Anthony frowned and she was certain she saw a hint of worry behind his eyes. “What sort of questions?”

“Whatever I like,” she said. “That is…” She widened her eyes at him and grinned. “… unless you are scared?”

His face dropped. “Done.”

And so it was that the real game began.

The mood in the room changed instantly; a growing sense of intensity, as if lives were on the line. Anthony made his first move, an obvious take that saw his pawn snatch one of hers from the board.

She snorted. “I see you’ve forgone strategy entirely.”

“Oh, I very much have a strategy,” he responded. “But it has nothing to do with winning. Now, if you do not mind…” He smiled pleasantly and his eyes drifted over her body. She looked at him flatly as she removed her necklace and earrings. “Two for one. Don’t I feel lucky?”

“Not for long…”

The next few minutes passed in silence as the two parried across the board, tactics forgotten entirely as the aim of the game changed beyond the previous goal.

“Ha!” Caroline cried out happily as she used her rook to take his second knight from the board. “I cannot believe you did not see that.”

Anthony scowled at her. “Ask your question.”

Caroline had considered what she might ask, deciding to keep things simple at first so as not to give the game away. “His Grace, the Duke of Aldworth, how is it that the two of you know one another?”

“That is your question?’ Anthony looked surprised.

“What were you expecting?”

He frowned as he studied her, clearly wondering at her ploy. “It is no great thing. We met as young lads, through our fathers, I believe it was. When you are the sons of dukes, it is a hard thing to meet other boys your age.”

“Why is that?”

He sighed. “Because my father was a mean sort. And that is putting it nicely.” He chuckled bitterly. “He believed that we should only mix with those of the same status, deeming anyone else to be beneath us. When I met Roderick, truly, I was just glad that my father allowed us to spend time together.” He shook his head. “We are friends, and I know he would say the same. Sadly, it is a friendship that most would likely not wish upon themselves.”

Caroline was surprised by the confession but tried not to make that obvious. “I assumed you and Roderick to be close?”

“We are,” he said simply. “But Roderick is much like me.” He looked at her and she frowned. “A mean old prick,” he joked. “We both have trouble expressing emotions, or feelings, or being nice to each other half the time.” He scoffed and shook his head.

“But you still enjoy his company?”

“Careful…” He pumped his eyebrows at her. “That is three questions I answered. Do not think I will fall for a third.”

“Just make your next move.”

The game continued and frustratingly, it was Anthony who again took the next piece. It was no big thing, however, as all Caroline was required to do was remove her gloves. This didn’t warrant any comment, Anthony studying the board now as if his life depended on it. A mode of concentration that worked well for him, as he took a third piece two moves later.

“Do you believe me now, when I said I was going easy on you?”

She glowed at him as she began to untie the corset holding her gown together. “It seems the only thing you were lacking was motivation.”