Page 143 of A Gentleman's Wager

Bella shivered under his scrutiny, half-aroused and half-afraid. A lifetime seemed to have passed as she traversed the length of his body. All the other guests had gone back into the house, so there was only she and he, shivering in the snow.

“It was you,” she said. “You arranged this for them… for Louisa and Frederick.”

Vaughan rolled his eyes. “What utter nonsense. I can’t stand the fellow.”

“I know you had a hand in it.”

“I shagged his bride, does that count?”

She finally met his gaze. “I suppose this is goodbye.”

“If that’s your decision.”

“My… What?”

He bowed his head towards his crested carriage. “Well?”

“What about Lucerne?”

“Lucerne be damned. I’m asking you.” He extended his hand for her to take.

“You mean elope with you?”

“God, no! There’s no chance of me marrying you, and if he’s any sense, he won’t do anything so rash either. Of course, he’s frequently lacking in such.”

“So, I’m to be your whore?”

He smiled. “Is that such a horrid prospect?”

“I don’t wish to be a pariah.”

“Then we must ensure you’re not. I’m not without influence, Miss Rushdale.”

Bella raked her teeth over her bottom lip. “How did you fix it for them? Did you kidnap Mr Pryce?”

“Bella, I have no idea what you’re talking about? But, if you could give me an answer before my toes drop off…”

She glanced back at the stony façade of Wyndfell Grange then across at the carriage. Who was she fooling? There was no choice to make. She accepted Vaughan’s hand.

With his assistance, she climbed into the plush leather-scented interior. “Bella?” A gloved hand closed around her own. “What?”

Having climbed in behind her, Vaughan rapped his knuckles against the roof. “Drive on.”

The carriage jolted forwards, throwing her into Lucerne’s lap. “I don’t understand.” His arms snaked around her waist steadying her. “I thought—”

“I always wanted to come, but I was too afraid to admit it. I don’t really mind the idea of sharing you, or of you sharing me.”

He kissed her forehead and then her cheek. Finally, he kissed her mouth, tangling her tongue with his in a happy dance.

Vaughan sniffed at their display and rolled his eyes. Bella kissed Lucerne all the harder, until the jogging of the carriage made it too difficult.

Seeing he finally had their attention; Vaughan reached into the pocket of his coat and drew out several official looking notes. They were enough to make a man modestly wealthy.

“What are those?” Bella asked, curiosity piqued.

“How,” he said, and he smiled in the same unguarded way he had when he’d invited her to share in his joke back in the old morning room all those weeks ago. “It’s an Italian carnival tradition.” He tore the papers into several small squares, then cast them out of the window. “Confetti.”

~?~