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Drowsiness overtook him.

His companion, on the other hand, didn't seem remotely tired. He stroked Michel's sweat-matted hair from his forehead.

"The Earl of Rutherford has many secrets and skills," Michel finally whispered.

"Perhaps after another moment like that, I can convince you to call me Elliott."

"You are a man of great mystery and skill, Elliott."

"Do you speak of my skills at the blackjack table or...?" With one finger, the man drew a slow circle across Michel's stomach.

"Both."

"I see. And so the whispered rumors of you are true, young Michel Malveaux."

"What rumors?"

"That you're skilled in the art of seduction. That it's made you a handsome living. Perhaps this is why I was so eager to show you the extent of my skills as well."

"Are we dueling courtesans then?"

Elliott laughed. "No, hardly."

"I'm sure. You have a title."

"And what exactly does this fact allow you to presume about me?"

"Nothing," Michel whispered. "I can presume nothing about you, for you have already defied my every expectation. You have none of the reserve of an English aristocrat and none of the pretense. At least when compared to the ones I've met."

"How many have you met, dear boy?" he asked with an impish smile.

"Be kind, Elliott. We have not all descended from great wealth. We do what we must to survive."

"To you I wish to be nothing but kind," he said, and gave him a gentle kiss, "repeatedly and with great enthusiasm."

"And so the rumors about me don't disturb you?"

"Not at all. My life is in a period of great transition. As a result, I have been freed from old restrictions and labels."

"Is your title one of these labels from which you are now free?"

"If it is my title that permits me to access beauty such as yours, young Michel, I wish to never be free of it."

"This fearlessness, Elliott. It defines you. Where does it come from? Do your skills at the tables give you this confidence?"

"You wish to learn my tricks, is that it? You think I've been counting cards?"

"I wish to learn many things about you, Elliott."

Ah, and there it was, a little crack in the man's facade, a suddenly distant look in his crystalline-blue eyes. Had he said too much? Was there too much longing in these words? Almost sympathetic now, the way Elliott grazed the side of his face with his bent fingers.

"You might say I am on a grand adventure. But I am also working to repay some debts. Now I'm privileged enough to combine the two endeavors."

"Repaying debts. With your winnings?"

"Yes."

"And soon you will move on?" he asked, hoping he had poured ice into his voice this time.