The color slowly ebbed back into Sophia's cheeks as she finally found her voice. "I've lost."
"Yes," Dougal said. "You lost."
She gathered herself and he watched, mesmerized, as her chin firmed. "Than I suppose I shall have to pay." She regarded him from beneath her lashes, the look both promising and seductive. "Are you ready, my lord?"
Damn, she was a heady wench. Under other circumstances, there was no telling where their flirtation might have led, for he couldn't imagine tiring of her.
Unfortunately, fate had dealt them a short hand, and they were doomed to a brief, though brilliant relationship. He would have to be satisfied with that.
Dougal took another drink of sherry, the liquid burning his throat. It was traditionally a sweetish drink, fit for gently bred women, but this brew was amazingly potent. He placed his glass back on the table and said softly, "How do you wish to do this, my love? You lost, so therefore you must part with your gown."
She stood, her silk gown whispering as she rose. "I never liked this particular gown, anyway." Her voice, husky and low, sent a shiver over his skin.
He stared, unable to look away as her gown caressed the curve of her breasts, full and round. He imagined how they'd fill his hands. He could easily span her petite waist, and the curve of her hips seemed made for his hands.
She slowly pushed her hair aside, the golden strands clinging to her neck and shoulders. He didn't blame them; he'd be loathe to part from such glorious skin himself.
As she met his gaze, he was caught by the seductive light in her eyes. By Zeus, she was enjoying this. Savoring it, even. The idea made his breath tighten in his chest and he realized that he was gripping his glass so tightly that it was in danger of cracking.
Bloody hell, but she was a temptress. It was a pity she was trying to cheat him, too. For that, she would pay and pay dearly. Slowly, he placed his glass on the table. "Let me know if you need any assistance. I'm quite practiced in undressing a woman."
"I can undress myself." She reached for the ties at her shoulder and gave one a gentle tug. "Be certain you remain in your chair, please. You won the right to watch me disrobe, MacLean, and nothing more."
This time, he thought to himself. Next time, the stakes will be much higher. I'll make certain of that if it's the last thing I do.
Do you want to read more? ORDER IT!
top
