Page 37 of Never Besmirch a Wallflower: Dukes and Wallflowers

“It’s a trap,” he said, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear.

Her stomach flipped, desire pooling in her abdomen. Distracted by thoughts of his mouth and how it would feel pressed against hers, she pushed a stack of coins into the center of the table, matching the current wager.

“No,” the Duke of Lennox moaned under his breath as Miss Webb flipped over her cards and collected the pile of money. “I meant that you weren’t to play.”

“I’m s-s-sorry,” Helena stammered, her heart sinking as she watched nearly ten pounds disappear into Miss Webb’s heap. “I misunderstood you.”

She glanced up, catching Miss Drummond staring at her, a ghostly smile twitching across Miss Drummond’s face.

“Here.” The Duke of Lennox rose, detached a gold watch fob from his waistcoat, removed the watch, and tossed the chain onto the table. “To repay your loss.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Helena said, reaching for the fob, but the Duke of Lennox’s hand came down on hers, restraining her arm to the table.

“I am guiding you,” he said, leaning closer. “My advice caused the loss.”

“I cannot?—”

“You can.” His stern tone indicated that his mind wouldn’t be changed. “Give it back once you’ve won the next round.”

“And if I don’t?” Helena chewed on her lower lip as her gaze flicked between the gold fob and the Duke of Lennox.

He tucked the watch into his waistcoat pocket. “It will be my lesson to become a better tutor.”

The Duke of Roxburghe shoved back his chair, detached his watch fob, and tossed the chain onto the table. “I propose we end this game in one hand.”

“Agreed.” The Duke of Grisham also removed his gold fob and added the piece of jewelry to the pile.

Everyone looked at the Duke of Beaufort. Before he could speak, Miss Fernsby-Webb pushed all of her coins into the center.

“As the outcome doesn’t affect the Duke of Beaufort, he shouldn’t have to wager a personal possession solely because the rest of you have.” She indicated her stack of coins. “That amount should be sufficient for my obligation.”

Miss Philbert shuffled the cards and dealt them out to all four ladies. A hush fell over the table, each lady eyeing the others as they inspected their cards.

Helena leaned back and held up her hand, allowing the Duke of Lennox to read her cards. She didn’t need his instruction but wanted one last opportunity to inhale his captivating scent before resigning herself to the dull life of a spinster.

“Don’t take any cards,” he said, his voice sending a slew of goosebumps rippling across her skin.

She nodded, relief exploding in her chest as she laid down her cards, winning the hand. Unable to keep the grin from her lips, she giggled as she dragged the coins and gold watch fobs toward her, brushing the spoils in her reticule.

There was enough in the pile to pay for Selina’s silence… if she accepted the gold fobs as part of the payment.

Helena picked out the Duke of Lennox’s fob and held out the gold chain. “Thank you for all your assistance this evening, Your Grace.”

His fingers brushed hers, sending another jolt of lightning zipping up her arm.

Leaning down, he murmured against her ear, “We’re not finished yet, Miss Rowe.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

EVELINE/HELENA

“We aren’t?” Helena jerked her head sideways, staring at the Duke of Lennox. “What else do you wish to accomplish this evening?”

“I want to play against you.” The corner of his mouth crooked. “You have something I want.”

Helena licked her lips, her heart tightening. “Which is?”

“A soft bed?—”