The Scoundrel's Wager (Tricking the Scoundrels, #4)

by Laura A. Barnes

  Kathleen lifted her hand, slowly trailing it down his chest. When she lowered further, Devon stopped her progress with his fingers around her wrist. He closed his eyes as if in pain and stepped back from Kathleen.

  Perhaps she was mistaken. Or maybe he preferred a more experienced lady such as Eve or Scarlet. Not Kathleen, an innocent.

  Devon watched the doubts enter Kathleen eyes. He wanted her now with a passion he never felt before. But he'd moved too fast. It wasn’t his intention when he brought her here today. Devon must return Kathleen home before he raised Rory’s ire.

  “No, do not put doubt in your mind, my dear. I wish nothing more than to lay you on my bed and make love to you. I feel you perhaps now understand my intentions. I do not want to ruin any chance I may of having of winning your hand with my desires.”

  Kathleen’s doubts vanished at his earnest declaration. She noticed the fear in his eyes that he might scare her away. Also, his hand trembled, and Devon gave himself away by stroking the inside of her wrists. While Devon’s words spoke of a need to stop, his caress betrayed a need to touch her.

  Kathleen pulled her hand out of his grasp and stepped away from him. She turned her back, setting her hair and dress to rights. When Kathleen turned around again, she gifted him with a shy smile. When Devon relaxed at her acceptance, she decided to tempt him.

  “You are correct, my lord.” Kathleen wandered closer to the bed, reaching out to stroke the soft silk, her fingers trailing across the bed covers. She sunk onto the mattress, sighing at the softness. “But aren’t wishes meant to be given into?” She propped her head on her arm.

  Devon tightened his hands into fists, fighting the desire to join her. His every wish laid before him tempting him, to give into his base desires. Still, Devon stood struggling with his gentlemanly character. Then the scoundrel in him led him forward. When Kathleen undid her hair and her gorgeous mane spread across his covers, it found another chink in the armor of his defense. When she stretched and moaned her delight of his comfortable bed, causing her dress to push her breasts forward, another wall dropped. Devon’s gaze trailed to the slim ankles peeking out for his view alone, tempting him. He knew the pleasures that lay hidden underneath that dress.

  “Do you not agree, Devon?” Kathleen asked him again.

  To hell with being a gentleman. Kathleen was a temptation he wouldn’t deny himself. When he drove them here today, the scoundrel in him meant for this very thing to happen. Devon strode to the door, slamming and locking it behind him. On his return to the bed, he divested himself of his coat and cravat. Devon stood above Kathleen, unbuttoning his shirt, and watching the sigh of satisfaction cross her face. He could never refuse her, he understood that now. Even at the threat of both of their demises, he only wished to please her.

  “And is this your wish too, my lady?”

  Kathleen rose and brushed his hands away. She finished undoing his shirt, pulling it open. Her hands spread out across his chest.

  “Yes, it is,” she purred.

  Kathleen held no clue on how her voice lowered so seductively. She only knew she wanted Devon. She ached to explore what he'd tempted her with before. Would he kiss her so intimately again?

  “Then I will take great pleasure at stroking your passions.”

  Devon turned Kathleen, brushing her hair to the side, kissing her neck while his hands undid her dress. He peeled the dress away, pooling it at their feet. Devon’s lips continued their onslaught across her shoulders as he continued to divulge Kathleen of every piece of fabric hiding her body. Once he finished, his gaze took in her backside, then slowly slid her around to take in her full beauty. Kathleen was more beautiful than he even imagined. Devon’s dreams paled in the true face of her standing before him.

  “You are exquisite.”

  Kathleen blushed at his stare. Devon’s bold assessment spread the blush across her entire body. It also gave Kathleen a confidence she didn’t know she possessed. She began to finish what she started and took off his shirt. When she tried to undo his pants he stopped her.

  “Another thing I most desire, but unless you wish for this to end before we even begin, then you must allow me.”

  She didn’t want to put a halt on her affections. Kathleen wanted to touch Devon. She saw his hardness pressing against his trousers and knew he wanted her. Kathleen wanted to drive Devon crazier than he did her. She lowered her hand and touched him.

  “Kathleen,” he growled.

  His growl held a sigh too. With a mischievous smile, she continued to undo his trousers.

  Kathleen had snuck one of Dallis’s romance books into her room upon her return last night. While this wasn’t how one would assume a debutante to behave—and she shouldn't have known of this—the book gave every detail on how to pleasure a man. After Devon had pleasured her, Kathleen’s curiosity got the better of her, so she read and then read some more. She had hoped to tempt him with this seduction as Scarlet the next time they met. Now this seemed like the perfect opportunity. Her hand slipped inside and cupped his throbbing cock.

  Devon moaned at the sweet sensation. Kathleen was a minx set to torture him with her innocence and curiosity. When he could allow no more, Devon lifted Kathleen in his arms and laid her on the bed. He stripped off the rest of his clothing and joined her. Devon paused, staring into Kathleen’s eyes.

  “I knew you would look gorgeous in blue.”

  “Devon.”

  “Yes, love.”

  “Kiss me.”

  “With pleasure.”

  Devon took her mouth in a kiss filled with promises he meant to fulfill. When Kathleen returned them with her own passionate ones, and her hands roamed over his body, Devon lost all rational thought. A need so strong overcame Devon and he could no longer hold himself back.

  With every stroke of his tongue, and with every caress of his hand, he staked his claim on Kathleen. Giving neither one of them a trace of doubt.

  Devon set Kathleen’s body on fire. She clung to him as he worshipped her, whispering endearments as he set her aflame. When he lowered his head between her thighs, his gaze pierced hers. He kissed the inside of her thigh, his lips hovering over her desire. Then he moved away, kissing her other thigh. Kathleen arched her hips when he teased her. Then he moved back, sliding his tongue out for a taste. When Devon moaned his pleasure, he returned to her thigh, brushing a fire in his path. He continued to tease Kathleen, drawing her ache into a need so powerful.

  Kathleen’s fingers tightened through his hair, and he was aware he'd teased her enough. Her body arched toward his lips. Devon gave into their desires. Kathleen sunk her body into his mouth as he heightened her senses. She opened herself so beautifully to his kisses. Her body responding and building on her ache as he devoured her. Devon sensed Kathleen on the verge of exploding, and slid up her body, between her need.

  “Devon,” she groaned in frustration.

  “When you come, I want to be inside you. I want you to stroke my cock, tightening and squeezing your desire around me.”

  Devon slid a finger inside Kathleen’s pulsing heat. She was ready. He slid in slowly, her body opening to him.

  Kathleen never imagined the feelings Devon could stir inside her. The need she held for him continued to own her. When he slid inside her, she felt complete. Still he hesitated. Kathleen ached for him. She wrapped one of her legs around his hip, pressing herself closer. Kathleen brushed her breasts against his chest, her nipples tightening at the contact.

  “Devon,” she moaned.

  “Yes, love.”

  “Please.

  “Please what?”

  “Love me.”

  “With pleasure.”

  Devon slid deeper inside Kathleen, stretching her to accommodate him. When her body tensed, he didn’t move a muscle. Only when she sighed and wrapped herself tight around him did he calm. His Kathleen enraptured him with her beauty and curiosity. When she matched him stroke for stroke, Devon lost the rest of his control.

&nbs
p; Kathleen clung to Devon as he made them one. His tenderness when he took her virginity endeared him to her even more. She could tell he kept a tight rein on his desire. However, Kathleen wanted him to come undone with her. She pushed her hips and kissed him with a passion to set him to love her. Kathleen’s lips clung to Devon while their passion built to a higher plane. Her hands caressed his body. When still Devon held back, Kathleen whispered in his ear.

  “I am yours.”

  Kathleen’s declaration overwhelmed him, and Devon possessed her. His body stroked her higher, and he led them down a path of no return. Their bodies clung to each other when they flew over the edge. His embrace tightened as they gave themselves to each other. Devon still didn’t ease his hold when their bodies calmed after the storm.

  Only when Kathleen pressed kisses to his neck and chest did he relax. Devon rolled her over and took in her tresses splayed across the pillows. His fingers trailed through them, lost in his thoughts. Kathleen was even more amazing than he had dreamed.

  “When we return, I will seek Rory and ask for his permission for your hand.”

  Kathleen knew he would speak those very words. Even though Devon was a scoundrel, he was also a gentleman. However, Kathleen wasn’t finished with her masquerade. She no longer wished to ruin Devon, but she had an end game and needed to finish it. Also, there was the minor issue of her brother no longer considering Devon a friend. Rory detested the man.

  “We do not need to rush into marriage. I am only just wrapping my head around your affections.”

  “I am afraid, my dear, this afternoon we have already rushed our courtship.”

  “All the more reason to slow it down and let our families grow accustomed to us.”

  “It is our family’s greatest wish for us to wed.”

  “Our mothers, not my brother or your father.”

  “That is where you are wrong. My father gave his endorsement a few days ago when he saw you in the garden.”

  His news didn’t really shock Kathleen. Devon’s father always spoiled her with candy whenever she visited as a child. He was the one who made it possible for her to have private acting lessons. No, his father wasn’t the issue.

  “That only leaves Rory.”

  “I am sure your brother will understand when we explain our need to wed.”

  “Our need?”

  “Yes, Kathleen. I have bedded you, there could be circumstances from our passion.”

  “Is this the only reason you wish to marry me?”

  “No.”

  “Then please enlighten me to why we need to rush.”

  “We need to rush because I desire to share my bed with you every night. I desire to kiss you when I please. I desire to stroke you when I want to feel your wetness. I desire to kiss your sweetness endlessly day after day. Night after night. You are my greatest desire and that is why I insist on rushing.”

  “Oh my, Lord Holdenburg, are you smitten?”

  “Yes, Lady Kathleen. With you and only you.”

  “Well, if you insist.”

  “I do.”

  “Very well, but please allow our relationship to develop for a couple of weeks. Take this time to court me and prove to Rory our commitment to one another. Then after two weeks, you can present him with your wishes.”

  “Our wishes?”

  “Our wishes,” Kathleen agreed.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Over the next week, Devon courted Kathleen properly with their mothers’ approval. And Rory’s disapproval. Every day Devon took her on special outings amongst the ton. He would escort her to luncheons, bring flowers, and dance with her at every ball. His courtship, made known to every gentleman, didn’t go unnoticed. And every day Rory would speak his disapproval. Mama kept Rory from interfering, though it was only a matter of time before he would. If Rory didn’t come around before the two-week deadline, then he would deny Devon her hand. Kathleen had to convince Rory of her happiness.

  Kathleen even stayed away from Belle’s. With the attention Devon bestowed upon her, she no longer needed to take revenge. Devon’s devotion filled her heart. He found ways for them to be alone where he would steal kisses and whisper how he wanted to make her his again. Every time Kathleen would blush, and he kept making scandalous comments. Their time together couldn’t be more perfect.

  Even now, with Devon propped against the wall, waiting for her mother to join them, he regarded Kathleen with the exact same stare from when he last escorted them to the theater.

  Kathleen asked, “You were never serious about your courtship with Dallis, were you?”

  His seductive smile as he pushed himself off and strolled to her gave her his answer before Devon even spoke.

  “No, my dear.”

  He stole a kiss.

  “You were in cahoots with my mother even then.”

  “Yes, my dear.”

  He stole another kiss.

  “Why?”

  “Why what?”

  “Why did you court Dallis?”

  “I owed your mother a favor, and she collected. Plus, I had my own agenda.”

  “And what might that have been?”

  “Why, to make you jealous, my dear.”

  He stole another kiss before she could say humph.

  “Did it work? Were you jealous, my love?”

  Kathleen narrowed her eyes as he pulled her into his arms. Devon only laughed. Kathleen attempted to pull away, only for Devon to tighten his hold.

  “Well, were you?”

  This time Kathleen stole a kiss.

  “Tremendously.”

  Devon tried to steal another kiss, but Kathleen pressed a finger to his lips.

  “Why did you owe my mother a favor?”

  Devon traced her finger with his tongue. He couldn’t answer the question without divulging his deceit. Devon hoped to distract Kathleen with his seduction. He'd enjoyed immensely his week courting Kathleen. Their time together built their attraction to a higher level. Even though he desired to have Kathleen in his bed, strengthening their bond as a couple and giving her a courtship she deserved meant more. However, Devon grew impatient for Rory to accept him in Kathleen’s life. His former friend kept a tight grip on his hostility.

  Kathleen’s eyes softened from his touch, her finger relaxing against his lips. He slowly sucked her finger into his mouth, causing Kathleen to gasp. When she pulled her hand away, Devon closed the gap and took her mouth under his. He kissed her with all the pent-up passion he'd suffered since making love to her. When Kathleen responded so affectionately, he wanted to whisk her away and say to hell with the play.

  “That is enough, children. Devon, if you wish to kiss Kathleen so passionately, please find a more discreet hiding place than out in the open for anybody to witness. You are lucky Rory and Dallis have already left.”

  Kathleen blushed a darker shade of red than Devon had ever seen. Luckily for him, with Lady Beckwith’s appearance and his distraction by kissing her, Kathleen had forgotten her question.

  “Yes, of course, Lady Beckwith. I will take your advice into serious consideration the next time I steal a kiss from Kathleen.”

  “Very well, shall we go? Kathleen, dear, please close your mouth before Devon makes us late by kissing it closed. Is your mother waiting in the carriage?”

  “Yes, and Father too.” Devon stepped away and released Kathleen.

  “Excellent, we shall have a grand evening.”

  “Yes, we shall,” Devon replied.

  DEVON WATCHED THE ANIMATION on Kathleen’s face from her enjoyment of the performance. Since the play started, he hadn’t once taken his eyes off her. And Kathleen’s hadn’t left the stage. The only moment they did was when he slid their hands together and held them on his lap. It was highly improper, but the darkness allowed this minor act of indecency. Devon needed to touch Kathleen after her playful kisses. They caused him to crave her more.

  He felt Rory’s glare piercing his back. The man’s hatred was fully displayed. The sm
irk Rory gave him when they entered the box still annoyed Devon. Rory took pleasure on stealing the seats meant for Kathleen and him. Rory commanded the back row with Dallis. When they arrived, everyone had taken their seats, leaving only the front two seats open for them. Rory may have thought him the victor, but it was only for this round. Devon would be the winner in the end.

  Devon understood why Rory tried to protect Kathleen. He would have done the same if their situation were reversed. Their longstanding friendship should have been enough proof that Devon’s actions were for Kathleen’s protection.

  Hell, he had fallen for Kathleen years before the fateful night that led him to bet for her. Devon had waited on the sidelines while she matured and enjoyed a few seasons. Because of her father’s idiocy, he had to join a wager he wanted no part of. If he hadn’t placed a bet, then Kathleen would be the wife of Lord Velden. And Rory wouldn’t be able to protect her. Through Devon’s chivalry, he lost his best friend and would lose the love of his life if she were to discover the truth.

  Devon gripped Kathleen’s hand, his frustrations consuming his mind. When she glanced his way with a frown, he loosened his grip. With a smile of assurance, Kathleen turned back to the play. With each day growing closer in requesting Kathleen’s hand in marriage, he grew more tense. Devon needed to let off steam. Perhaps a visit to Belle’s later this evening would help calm his soul. A few hands of cards and a strong glass of liquid courage. His visits upstairs in the brothel were over. Belle’s girls no longer held his interest. Kathleen was enough for him. Belle hadn’t sent word of Scarlet visiting her gaming hell. It would appear that whatever sent Kathleen on her path of deception had also ended.

  Kathleen’s attention shifted from the play at Devon’s agitation. The antagonism between Devon and Rory when they arrived didn’t go unnoticed. Devon grew angry when her brother smiled smugly at where Dallis and he sat. Devon whispered during the ride of how he wished to spend their time during the play. However, her brother ruined Devon’s plans. Kathleen assured him they would find a way for some privacy later. Devon seemed to calm down. But when he gripped her hand so hard, Kathleen wondered if Rory's actions didn’t still annoy Devon. His smile tried to reassure her, but the turmoil in his eyes spoke differently.