Page 8 of How to Best a Marquess

Chapter Three

“Early start, Ellie?”

Ellie turned to see Hugh leaning against a macao table, arms folded across his chest. Unlike yesterday, he was dressed in a green coat and striped waistcoat. The color highlighted the chips of green in his eyes, and the meticulous tailoring of his clothing emphasized his broad shoulders. After the boxing match, she knew firsthand his coat was not padded.

She was surprised to find him here. It was still morning, and the club was closed. Only a few staff were present to clean and prepare for the evening. The fresh scent of lemon polish was redolent in the air. Even Ian and his man, Brooks, were not in sight.

“Why are you here so early?” she asked. “I assumed you would have spent a late evening easing your bruises from the boxing match with a lady of the night.”

An infuriating smirk appeared on his handsome face. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Ellie, but I spent a pleasant evening in my home. Alone.”

“Shocking.”

“Not so. I was pondering how best to increase the club’s profitability.”

Damn. He was taking this seriously. Curiosity rose within her. Just what were his plans? She knew better than to ask outright. She’d have to watch him from a distance and try to discern his tactics. Meanwhile, she had her own work to accomplish. She planned to keep track of every shilling of her profits in her ledgers. She assumed he would do the same with his own. It would not be difficult to determine which of them had out-earned the other by the end of the time period.

“I shall leave you to your ill-fated plans then.” She made to step by him, but he unfolded his arms, pushed away from the table, and placed a hand on her sleeve.

At the simple touch, her pulse fluttered alarmingly. Even through her clothing, her skin tingled from the warmth.

“After your adamant speech yesterday, I would think you’d start straightaway. Where are you headed?” Hugh asked.

“My affairs are none of your concern.”

“Not true. We are in competition, remember?”

“How could I forget?” She resisted the urge to remove his hold with her free hand. Even gloved, she didn’t want to touch him.

“I must keep an eye on you and your efforts. You can do the same and keep me close, of course.”

She narrowed her eyes and glared at him. She understood the need to unearth his battle plans regarding the club, but spending time with Hugh was the last thing she desired. Why would he want to keep me close? a warning voice whispered in her head. Did he have a hidden purpose? Was he using the competition to try to seduce her like one of his conquests?

Heat bloomed inside her at the thought. Her muscles tensed, and her breathing grew rapid. A tingling warmth spread through her body. She hated her reaction to him.

She pushed the thought of his seduction aside. Taking a step back, she pulled her arm from his grasp. It made no sense. He had been the one to end their romance years ago. “I must protest your efforts. Watching each other would defeat the purpose of competition, wouldn’t it?”

“Nonsense. We only have one month. Anyone would want to discern their opponent’s objectives. Envision an invisible rope around your waist and tied to mine. That’s how close I intend to keep you.”

An invisible rope? Once more, the idea of Hugh pursuing her rose in her mind.

No. She knew his game. He was trying to intimidate her, get her to withdraw from the competition.

Devil. She didn’t fear him, not one bit. She had much more mettle than when they’d first met.

She raised her chin and met his gaze. “Fine. But do not feel bad when I best you.”

“Oh, I don’t intend to lose. I never do.”

Something in his tone sent a ripple down her spine. Was he talking about the club, or heaven help them, her?”

He stepped closer, closing the distance she’d purposely put between them. “You can follow me today, or I shall follow you. Your choice, Ellie.”

That’s not much of a choice!

She made a quick assessment. He’d learn of the private women’s gaming room soon enough. Workers would have to paint the room, decorations and furnishings would have to be purchased and delivered. Gambling tables ordered and installed. She saw no harm in showing him now. At least, she could reveal the main room.

The second chamber would remain hidden.