“Thanks, I appreciate the offer, but I think a hotel is best. I don’t want to inconvenience you. I’m going to be in and out a lot.”
“Very well. Oh, by the way, I have not yet told you of my good fortune. I’m getting married.”
Evan quirked an eyebrow at his friend. “Congratulations, but I thought you were a confirmed bachelor.”
“I was—until I met her.”
“And who is the lucky girl?”
“Her name is Amelia. She’s an angel. Oh, sorry for that choice of word.” A sly grin crossed Anthony’s lips. “Her parents are giving a party to announce our engagement. You must attend.”
“But—”
“No buts. We’ve been friends for a long time, and I want you to be there and meet my intended. You must promise to come, or I may not be able to find your thief.”
“That’s blackmail.” Evan punched his friend’s arm.
“Yes, it is. Say you’ll come.”
“All right, all right. I’ll go to your party.”
****
Two days later, Angel dressed for the soiree. Thank goodness she and Amelia were the same size. Even though she was a little taller than her friend, the skirt skimmed the floor. The enchanting ball gown, a baby blue silk with silver threads, boasted a low neckline and a full skirt. Amelia’s maid had done her coif, piling her hair atop her head, leaving wispy tendrils curling around her face. Her cheeks were tinged with rouge and her lips colored a pale coral. Borrowed sapphire earrings added the crowning touch to her appearance.
Finally, she was ready—and extremely nervous. Her stomach churned. She had an uneasy feeling that she should turn and run, and keep right on running.
At that moment, Amelia rushed into the room. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you. You look lovely, dear friend. But what’s the matter? You are as pale as a ghost.”
“I’m all right,” Angel responded. “Just a few butterflies that insist on flying around in my stomach.”
“You’re going to have a wonderful time. You look so beautiful every man here will be standing in line to dance with you. You will be the belle of the ball. With your hair, you will stand out from all of us dark-haired Creole women.”
“I don’t want to stand out. I want to hide in a corner until this is all over.”
Amelia patted her hand. “Relax. This man who looks for you will not find you. Especially not here. You worry for naught. He has probably already left New Orleans.”
“I wish I knew for sure.” Angel picked up a lace handkerchief from the table and patted her forehead.
“Where is my friend, the adventuress? The girl who drove the headmistress crazy with her outrageous schemes?” Amelia grabbed her hands and whirled her around the room until they laughed so hard they had tears in their eyes.
“You’re right, Melie. I’m being silly. Even if he’s still in New Orleans, he wouldn’t be at your soiree.”
“Of course not. And now we’d best go downstairs or Maman will be sending a servant up here to get us. Or worse, she’ll come herself. Then we’ll have to listen to a long list of do’s and don’ts.”
Amelia grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door. They paused at the head of the stairs, and Angel stared down at the thong of people. Music floated up to them. Despite her nervousness, she tapped her foot to the contagious beat. She scanned the faces below. When she saw no one she recognized, she exhaled in relief. “Where is your Anthony?” she whispered.
“I don’t see him, but then he is always fashionably late. He’s worse than a woman. He likes to make the grand entrance.”
Angel laughed, and hand in hand, she and Amelia walked down the stairs. About halfway down, a silence settled over the room. Their stares sent a warm flush climbing up her neck. Then an excited babble of voices broke out. Several young men rushed toward the stairway, all clamoring for introductions.
Amelia nudged her in the ribs. “See? I told you so.”
“But that is only because you are spoken for.”
“Oh, that isn’t true, but how sweet of you to say it.”
After introducing her to a dark-eyed young man named Reynaldo something or other, Amelia pushed her out onto the dance floor, then grinned as Angel glared at her.
The young man cleared his throat to get her attention. “Are you from New Orleans?”
“Er, no. I’m just here visiting.”
“I thought not. Had you been from New Orleans, I would have known so. Where is home?”
She evaded the question. “Oh, here and there.”
“Ah, the mysterious stranger.”
“No, not really.” She grinned at Reynaldo, enjoying the unaccustomed attention. “I just travel a lot—with my grandfather.”
“Well, I’m certainly glad you took time out from your travels long enough to attend Amelia’s party.”
“So am I.”
No sooner than the music stopped, another man approached and claimed her for the next dance. When he escorted her off the floor, the relentless Reynaldo again claimed her for the next dance. It seemed she danced with every man there.
She excused herself and headed for the refreshment table. She grabbed a glass of lemonade and ducked into a small alcove which was partially hidden by two large potted plants. She found a chair and sat, spreading her skirt around her. From her vantage point, she could see most of the revelers. She caught a glimpse of Amelia among her circle of friends.
Amelia kept watching the door. Her Anthony had not yet arrived. In about ten minutes, however, another chorus of voices rang out. Angel peered out from her hiding place and saw two men enter. Both were dark haired and dressed fashionably in dark suits. Amelia broke away from her friends and ran into one of the men’s arms. The adoration on her friend’s face was evident, and she knew Amelia was going to be very happy.
As she turned away, something about the other man caught her attention. She couldn’t see his face, but there was something about him...something familiar. Perhaps the tall frame, the broad shoulders, the coal-black hair. She strained to see him more clearly. At that moment, he turned. Her heart plummeted to her toes for the man was Evan Montgomery.
He’d found her.
Chapter 3
Angel crouched behind the plants. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure anyone within ten feet could hear it. She had to escape before he saw her. But how? All the doors and stairs were visible to Amelia and the two men from where they stood. Oh, why didn’t I listen to my instincts? I knew something was going to happen.
How had he found her? Surely it was by accident. Or was she being punished for her outrageous behavior? Fickle Lady Luck had deserted her again. Finally, the crowd swallowed the three of them. When they disappeared from sight, she summoned her courage and stepped out of her hiding place. If he saw her and made an ugly scene, Amelia and her family would be humiliated, and she’d never be able to show her face in New Orleans ever again.
She was almost to the side door when someone called her name. Reluctantly, she glanced over her shoulder and saw Amelia waving at her and pointing Angel out to her fiancé. Even from across the room, she saw his mouth gape open and he said something to Evan, then pointed at her.
She locked gazes with Evan. His handsome face twisted into a mask of anger. Oh, my God, he’s going to kill me. Her legs threatened to buckle under her. She broke eye contact with him and frantically scanned the room for an avenue of escape. But before she found one, Amelia was upon her, her fiancé in tow and Evan following close behind.
“Angel, wait up. Where have you been? I declare I’ve been looking all over for you. I want you to meet my fiancé, Anthony Rogeart. Anthony, this is my dearest friend, Angel Devereaux. Angel, this is my Anthony.”
Angel fought desperately to compose herself, but Evan’s nearness and the weight of his heavy gaze made it next to impossible. “I’m very gg..lla..ddd to make your acquaintance.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” With a strange expression on his face, Anthon
y took her hand and kissed the top of it ever so gently. He motioned at Evan who stepped forward. “Mademoiselle Devereaux, may I present an old friend of mine, Evan Montgomery.”
She forced herself to look at Evan. The scowl on his face was the same she’d seen the night he’d yelled at her from the deck of the Delta Princess. He quickly masked the frown with a smile. He too fought for composure. “Mr. Montgomery, I’m...I’m...pleased to...meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, mademoiselle.” He kissed her hand, as Anthony had done. “So you’re a friend of Amelia’s and I’m a friend of Anthony’s. Small world, isn’t it? It’s almost like we were destined to meet. Don’t you think?”
She heard the smug satisfaction in his voice. “No.” She jerked her hand back.
Amelia glanced at her. “Angel, is something the matter?”
“No, I’m fine. Just a slight headache.” She rubbed her temples where a headache indeed pounded.
“You’re very pale. Why don’t you go upstairs and rest a few minutes before dinner?”
Oh, thank you, Amelia. You’ve saved me once again. “Yes, yes, I think I shall do that.”
But before she could move, Evan stepped up to her and took her by the arm. “I think a breath of fresh air is just what you need, mademoiselle. Please allow me.” He propelled her none too gently toward the courtyard, leaving a very surprised Amelia and Anthony in their wake.
“Let me go. You’re hurting me.” She tried to shrug free, but he held her tightly.
“Calm down. I’d hate to embarrass you in front of your friends.” His voice vibrated with cold and barely suppressed fury.
“If you did, you’d embarrass yourself too,” she retorted as she tried to step away from him.
“Not hardly. I don’t know any of these people, and I don’t care what they think of me. I’ll probably never see any of them again after tonight. And Anthony’s known me long enough to expect the unexpected.” When they reached the doorway, he pushed her outside. She tripped over the hem of her dress and would have fallen had he not caught her and clasped her tightly to his chest. His breath was warm on her neck. It seemed he held her longer than necessary.
“You can let me go now.”
He released her immediately.
“What are you going to do?”
He paced around her, his angry gaze raking over her. “I haven’t decided whether to call the authorities or not.”
“The authorities?” Her mouth gaped open. “Since when is it against the law to welsh on a bet? They would laugh at you.”
He stopped his pacing and glared at her. “It’s against the law to steal.”
She put her hand on her hips. “What are you talking about? I haven’t stolen anything from you except maybe some manly pride.”
“You’re not only a thief, mademoiselle, but a liar as well.” He resumed his pacing, looking her over from head to toe. “But I must admit you’re the prettiest liar I’ve ever met.”
“A compliment and an insult—all rolled up in the same package.” She mustered her contempt. “How very nice.” But despite her attempt to remain aloof, she blushed, then frowned. This man’s audacity was infuriating. “I’m not a thief.”
“Are you saying you didn’t take my money?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He moved with the speed of a striking serpent. Before she could blink an eye, he stood directly in front of her. “I’m not in the mood to play games, little girl. I want my money back.”
She shrunk from the anger mirrored in his eyes and took a step backward. “I’m telling you the truth. I didn’t take anything from you.”
“Well, you disappeared, and so did my money.”
“You’re just mad at me for tricking you, and now you’re trying to railroad me. Well, I won’t stand for it.” She crossed her arms over her chest and stared at him. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“You should be.”
Angel gulped, trying to swallow the lump that had risen in her throat. She notched her chin up and lied. “Well, I’m not.”
He quirked his eyebrows at her and moved a step closer. Despite the desire to run, she forced herself to stand still. With his finger, he tipped her chin back and stared down into her eyes. “You took my money, and if you don’t give it back, I’ll expect payment another way. You will honor our wager, perhaps many times over, until the debt has been satisfied in full.”
She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I will not.”
“You will do as I say, or I’ll turn you over to the authorities.”
“It’s your word against mine,” she protested. “What makes you think they’ll believe you?”
“There were many witnesses to our wager on the Delta Princess, and even if the authorities don’t believe me, they’ll have to arrest you if I file charges, or at least call you in for questioning. Your reputation will be ruined forever. In the meantime, I shall go home. It’s your decision which way you want to go.” With a smirk, he crossed his arms over his chest like she’d done and waited.
“Damn you! You are heartless.” Her brain worked feverishly for a solution to her dilemma. When she could find none, her shoulders slumped.
He saw her defeat. His eyebrows rose. “Good. It’s settled. Now all we have to do is decide when and where. I think you should go back to my hotel with me.”
“What? Are you crazy? I can’t leave here with you. The gossip, the humiliation...”
“So what should we do?”
“I will come to you later.”
He laughed, but there was no mirth in the sound. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t believe you? You’ve already made a fool of me once. I don’t intend to let you do it again.”
Her bottom lip trembled, and she bit down hard on it. She was getting nowhere. Perhaps she should play on his sympathy. If he had any. She forced tears to her eyes and made her bottom lip wobble. “Would you really humiliate and shame me in front of my friend and her family?”
He didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
She stomped her foot. “Oh, you, you lowdown varmint.”
He laughed again, showing even white teeth. “You started this. I intend to finish it.”
Amelia’s and Anthony’s appearance forestalled the less than ladylike remark that sprang to her lips. “Angel, there you are,” Amelia said, “and Mr. Montgomery, I hope you’re enjoying my party.”
“Very much, Miss Amelia. Certainly more than I expected. Much more.”
“I’m glad.” She turned to Angel. “Are you feeling better?”
For a brief moment, Angel considered putting all her cards on the table and letting them fall where they would. But she had a gut feeling Evan Montgomery would do just what he’d said he’d do. She couldn’t take a chance on spoiling Amelia’s special night. She’d just have to bide her time. “Yes. I do feel better. This fresh air was just what I needed.”
“Good. It’s time for dinner. Come along. I want you and Mr. Montgomery to sit with Anthony and me. You are our very special friends.”
“Very special friends,” Evan murmured so only she could hear.
The biting sarcasm was hard to ignore. She blinked back tears. She wouldn’t let him see her cry. As she walked away with Amelia, the two men followed on their heels. She needed time to think—time away from Evan Montgomery.
“Angel, what is going on? Mr. Montgomery acts like he knows you. His behavior was very upsetting. I almost said something to him, but when I mentioned it to Anthony, he told me to leave it alone.”
She squeezed Amelia’s hand. “It’s him, the man I told you about. The one I made the wager with.”
Amelia gasped and turned to look at Evan. Angel grabbed her arm. “Don’t turn around.”
“But how did he—?”
“Shhh. Keep walking. I don’t know how he found me. It’s all my fault. I’m being punished for my shameful behavior. And I deserve it.”
“You do not. You were merely trying to help your gr
andfather. That was noble. This man, he is to blame. He is not a gentleman. He has no honor. What are you going to do, my friend?”
“I don’t know—yet.”
“I’ll speak to Anthony again. He must not know about this wager and what his friend has done. Anthony would never condone such behavior.”
“No, don’t say anything...please. At least not yet.”
“I could talk to my father.”
Angel sucked in a breath. “No, you must not. I would be so ashamed. Please promise me that you will say nothing.”
“Very well. I will say nothing to no one.”
“Thanks. You are my best friend. I’ll think of something.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.” To herself, she added, I hope.
The dining room was filled with several large tables with snowy-white table cloths adorned with fine china and crystal. Anthony appeared at Amelia’s side and led her to the table of honor. Evan grabbed Angel’s arm and did the same. Since Amelia’s parents and grandparents were seated at the same table, she acquiesced as gracefully as she could. Once they were seated, Anthony introduced them.
Señor Ramos, Amelia’s father, stood, clinked his knife on his glass for attention and called for a toast. Servants scurried to the tables with bottles of champagne. “My friends, this is a special day. My familia and I have invited you here to share it with us. It is with great pleasure that I tell you that my daughter Amelia and Anthony Rogeart are engaged to be married.”
Congratulations flowed from the crowd. As excited guests thronged around the happy couple, Angel glanced at Evan. A strange, disturbing look settled on his face. With a tanned finger, he reached out and pushed a tendril of hair back from her face. It was so gentle and yet so sensual she felt a rush of excitement. She tried to squash it like a bug, but it wouldn’t go away.
He lifted his glass to her. “I salute you, Lady Gambler. You’re very clever. I didn’t give you enough credit. You almost got away with it. Almost.”
She picked her glass up and peered at him over the gold rim. That disturbing look was still on his face. “Got away with what? I just changed my mind, that’s all.”
Gambling on Love Page 4