A Wicked Wager (Avenging Lords 2)

Part of him wanted to capture her in his arms and make her his own—a woman with such a huge heart would easily learn to love. Part of him wanted to distance himself. The thought of hurting her, of hearing the cruel taunts he’d endured as a younger man proved too much to bear. And so he stayed away.

Three days passed, three long, restless nights.

Valentine’s arrival distracted Devlin from his troubles.

“Forgive me for mentioning the obvious,” Valentine said as he lounged in a chair in the drawing room. “But there appears to be a major flaw in your plan.”

Devlin settled his long frame into the adjacent seat. He glanced out of the window at the delightful figure of Juliet racing about the manicured lawn. “And what flaw would that be?” he said, teasing his friend.

“That the lady dancing with your dog is not the dreaded Miss Bromfield.” Valentine pushed his hand through his mop of golden hair. It was a gesture that often left the ladies breathless. “In your haste to settle the wager you’ve married the wrong woman.”

“Juliet is not dancing with Rufus. She’s training him.”

Devlin couldn’t help but smile at the comical sight. Every day beginning at noon, Juliet took the dog through a specific set of tasks, rewarding him for his obedience, returning him to the stables when he failed to obey her commands. Still, even though she wore her cloak, it was too cold to stay outdoors for long periods, and he made a mental note to caution her on the effects of the inclement weather.

“It may have been some time since I graced a ballroom,” Valentine said in his usual suave, sophisticated voice, “but the dog has his paws on her shoulders while she twirls him about the garden. Is that not dancing?”

“It’s a sign of affection. Rufus likes her. What can I say?”

Valentine chuckled. “Rufus isn’t the only one salivating. It seems his master is also quite taken with the petite beauty. You’ve barely dragged your gaze from the window since we sat down.”

To say Devlin’s wife fascinated him was an understatement. She might be small in stature, but her presence dominated the corridors of the dusty old house. He’d lost count of the times he’d hidden in the study only to hear the sweet melodic tones of a country tune echoing through the halls. Her animated conversation at dinner each evening held him fixated. And when she smiled, his stomach shot to his mouth.

“So,” Valentine continued, “are you going to tell me what the hell happened after we parted company at Brooks’?”

“Must I?”

“Yes, if you have any hope of getting rid of me.”

No man wanted to admit to being duped, but Devlin explained how the baron had tricked him, how he’d married the illegitimate daughter in the hope of still ruining the legitimate one. And yet that wasn’t the whole truth. The more time he spent with Juliet, the more he believed he’d been snared by an enchantress.

Valentine narrowed his gaze. “And it did not occur to you that there are other ways of seeking vengeance on Miss Bromfield without marrying the poor relative?”

“Not at the time, no.”

“And do you regret your hasty and somewhat reckless decision?” With sharp eyes, Valentine studied Devlin intently.

“No, I cannot say that I do.” He never lied to his close friends.

The corners of Valentine’s mouth curled into a wicked grin. “Then she must be remarkable in the bedchamber for it is rare to see you so enamoured with a woman.”

Devlin glanced out of the window for the umpteenth time. Juliet had managed to get the dog to lie down. Her beaming smile broke through his hard demeanour to touch his heart.

“I wouldn’t know as I’ve not had the pleasure,” Devlin said, relishing the sudden look of shock on Valentine’s face.

Valentine’s jaw dropped. “You’ve been married for four days, and you have not bedded your wife? Do you have a problem in that regard? For if you do, there is a shop on Jermyn Street—”

“God’s teeth, Valentine, everything works exactly as it ought.”

“Then why the hell have you waited?”

It was difficult to explain without sounding like a smitten fool.

“Because when I do enjoy her company, it will be because she desires me. Once we consummate the marriage, she is tied to me indefinitely, and I would rather know she wants to stay with me of her own volition.” Despite all protestations to the contrary, was he still hoping to find love?

Valentine chuckled when he stared out of the window to see Juliet kiss Rufus on the nose. “I cannot see her leaving here. Not when she is hopelessly in love with your dog.”

“It seems she has skill for controlling beasts.” Devlin suspected he, too, might do her bidding for such a handsome reward.