Ten Ways to Ruin

“Excellent idea,” Harry agreed with the first smile Simon had seen since arriving. “We could play teams.”

Before Emma could interrupt and make sure she was teamed with Louisa, not Kingsley, Harry continued, “Ladies versus the gentlemen. That should be fair enough.”

Drat! The last thing she wanted was more time near Mr. Kingsley. Being opponents meant devising strategies to beat Mr. Kinsley since Harry was an easy mark to beat. She was quite sure Mr. Kingsley had a competitive streak as wide as her own.

“I am not that bad at billiards,” Louisa said defensively, looking at Harry. “I’ve been known to beat you at a game or two.”

Kingsley laughed. “That is not saying much, Louisa.”

Louisa gave him a sharp look, which made him laugh harder.

He turned toward Emma. “I do believe it will come down to how well we play.”

“I do so love to win,” Emma said as heat seared her cheeks.

“As do I, Miss Drake.”

She wondered why his look implied he wanted to win at something far different than billiards.

THE NEXT MORNING DAWNED gray but not rainy. Simon rose and decided to get a nice long ride in before anyone else awoke. While working at Hell, he tended to wake naturally later. Out in the country, his natural tendency was to be up before most people. After dressing, he meandered to the stables.

“I do need a gentle mare if you please.”

He was surprised to hear Emma’s voice floating out of the stables. He hadn’t taken her for a lady who enjoyed riding. “Give her Belle, lad. She’s a sweet disposition.”

Emma turned at the sound of his voice, and her shoulders sagged. “Thank you, Mr. Kingsley,” she said grudgingly.

“May I accompany you, Miss Drake?” Why the bloody hell had he asked her that? He needed to be alone, not with the woman who constantly occupied his thoughts.

“I doubt you would prefer to go at my slow speed, Mr. Kingsley. I have never been a good rider. We moved to town when I was eleven. I didn’t have much chance to ride after that.”

“Which means you need a more experienced rider to accompany you.” Simon almost swore. That was not what he was supposed to say. He should have thanked her for her consideration and rode off as fast he could.

She shrugged. “You might be right.”

The stable lads brought out his horse and the chestnut Belle. Lucifer nuzzled Simon’s hand, looking for a carrot. “Later, Lucifer.”

Emma laughed in a soft tone that raised gooseflesh on his arms. “You named your horse after Satan?”

Simon took the gelding’s reins. “Look at this beauty. All black and owned by the King of Hell. What else could I name him?”

Belle nuzzled up to Emma’s cheek. “Nothing comes to mind. Now, this little mare is a sweet thing.”

“Come along, Miss Drake, before it decides to rain on us.”

Simon waited for her to arrange herself on the saddle before giving Lucifer a light touch to walk. “There’s a beautiful pond in a clearing about a mile up. Do you think you can manage?”

“Yes.”

They rode at a much slower pace than Simon would typically prefer, but he didn’t dare increase their speed. Emma did not seem comfortable with Belle yet. And for once, he didn’t mind. He hoped he wasn’t becoming a gentleman. That would never do as the owner of a gaming hell.

“It’s warmer than I expected,” Emma commented as if to make conversation when none was needed.

“It is rather nice. If only the sun would come out.”

“Perhaps tomorrow.”

When they finally found the pond, a streak of sunshine peaked out of the clouds, glistening on the water. Simon dismounted and then moved to help Emma down. As he gripped her waist, his heart pounded. When he brought her off the horse, her face was only inches from his. So close, he might have kissed her, save the look of distress in her eyes as if she expected him to do such a thing.