Page 56 of When the Laird Conquers

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Gordon had expected more of a challenge from someone who seemed so assured of their victory. Then again, if Agnes had truly wanted to be certain of winning, perhaps she shouldn’t have chosen a game that relied so much on luck.

They had gone from best of three rounds to best of five, and now they were playing to see who could win ten rounds first… and Gordon was on his ninth triumph.

“Did you do something to the cards?” Agnes muttered, reshuffling.

“Are ye accusin’ me of somethin’?” Gordon asked, a flicker of anticipation catching him in the chest.

He knew he should have saved himself the frustration and just stolen a glimpse of her when she had stepped out of the tub earlier, but he hadn’t. He had kept his promise of keeping his eyes closed, and it had burned within him ever since, scorching a hole through his discipline.

It was no longer a want that could be restrained, but a need that tormented him.

There can be no harm in just seein’ her naked.

He told himself that sternly, though even he wasn’t sure he believed it would be enough to temper his torturous desires.

“No, but I think it is rather unfair that you decided to be lucky this evening,” she said as she dealt his two cards.

He eyed the cards—a queen and a king. It would have been easy to stick, but he was feeling bold.

“Another,” he said.

Her eyes widened. “You can’t be serious.”

“Are ye talkin’ me out of it? It’s to yer benefit if I lose.”

She tilted her head from side to side, considering his words. “I suppose you’re right.”

Hesitantly, she drew another card off the top of the deck and, after a dramatic pause, flipped it over. The ace of hearts stared up at them, and her mouth dropped open.

“You have bewitched these cards,” she gasped.

He shook his head. “I havenae. As ye said, I must just be lucky tonight.”

“Do you understand the chances of that happening?”

“Aye, it’s nae likely, but here we are.” He almost laughed. “Are ye goin’ to tell me that ye want us to play until one of us has twenty wins, or are ye goin’ to play fairly now?”

He would not have minded if she asked to keep playing. To his surprise, he had been enjoying himself. She was certainly a more appealing opponent than the ones he usually played against, and each win would simply raise the anticipation more and more.

Unless, of course, she had no intention of upholding her end of the bargain.

“I just can’t believe this,” Agnes said, shaking her head.

He smirked. “Daenae act so shocked, Sunshine. I’ve never lost a fight. Did ye nae read about that in yer precious almanac? I really should have words with its author.”

“The almanac did not mention that you have sorcerous control over a deck of cards,” she replied, pouting slightly.

He sat back against the headboard. “Would ye rather play somethin’ else, or are ye goin’ to uphold the terms of our agreement?”

“I am not a sore loser,” she huffed.

“I didnae say ye were.” He cracked an amused smile. “But it seems ye’re tryin’ to delay.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I am not. I am trying to figure out what you did to the cards.”

It was one accusation too many.