Gambling on Love

by Sandi Hampton

  His blue eyes darkened. “You made a bet, and you lost. That’s the bottom line.”

  “Yes, I did lose, but a gentleman would not hold me to it.”

  “I never said I was a gentleman.”

  “You’ve certainly proved that.” She glanced over at Amelia and Anthony. “Isn’t it ironic that my best friend is your friend’s fiancée?”

  He sipped his champagne. “I look at it more like…fate.”

  “You’re right,” she retorted. “A fate worse than death.”

  He burst out laughing, drawing curious stares from the people at the table. “For your information, Mademoiselle Devereaux, I’ve never had any complaints before.”

  “Complaints about what?”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Don’t play the innocent with me. We both know that’s not true. You may be named Angel, but you’re certainly not an angel, and you know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  Realization hit her right between the eyes. Angry words rushed to her lips, and she covered her mouth with her hand before she lashed out at him. After a moment, she moved her hand and stared at him. She wouldn’t let him get the best of her. “I resent your remarks.”

  He shrugged. “Ah, but you’ll see, my Lady Gambler, you’ll have no complaints either.”

  “You’re very sure of yourself, aren’t you? Would you care to make a bet on it?” Stop it, Angel. You’re a fool! You’ve already made one wager that’s ruined your life.

  “I see you haven’t learned a lesson from our last encounter. But since you don’t honor your bets, I don’t think I want to make another.” He drummed his fingertips on the table.

  “Coward.”

  “Coward?” He raised a dark eyebrow. “It was you who ran—not me.”

  She could think of nothing to say. After all, he was right. She had run away, and she intended to keep on running.

  Just then, servants appeared with trays laden with delicious dishes of arroz con pollo, frijoles negro, flan, and sangria, the fruity Spanish wine she loved so well. Under other circumstances, she would have enjoyed such a feast, but with Evan at her side, she merely picked at her food. His presence was a constant reminder of what lay ahead.

  “You do not like the food?”

  She glanced at him. “The food is fine—I don’t like the company.”

  He laughed and sipped his wine. “Tell me, mademoiselle, how is it you come to know Amelia?”

  “Why? What does that matter?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” He shrugged his shoulders as if to prove his words. “I am merely curious. I would not think you and Amelia would run in the same social circle.”

  “You mean because I live on a riverboat? Because I’m river trash?”

  “That’s not what I said.”

  “Well, for your information, we went to school together. I’ve known her for many years.” At his incredulous look, she continued, “and, yes, I did go to school, and I can prove it.”

  “Oh, I believe you.

  At that moment, Señor Ramos rose to his feet, and the ordeal was over. The women retired to the parlor while the men filed into the library for brandy. Before she could leave, he grabbed her arm. “Don’t try to escape, because I’ll find you and I won’t be as understanding as I am now. I’m warning you, I will tell Amelia and her family the full story. Do you understand?”

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” He released her arm. “I don’t care what story you concoct, but you’re leaving with me. Do you understand?”

  She nodded. Then he was gone.

  After enduring the chattering women for as long as she could, she pulled Amelia aside and told her friend what had transpired.

  “But you can’t go with him, Angel. You must not. What will people say?”

  “We’ll wait until everyone has left.”

  “But my parents?”

  “I’ve thought of a story. My grandfather has been taken ill, and Evan and Anthony are going to take me to him.”

  “Oh, my friend, you’re not really going to go through with this, are you?”

  “No. I have a plan. I’m going to write a note, and I want you to direct a manservant to deliver it post haste.” Amelia opened her mouth to speak, but Angel held up her hand. “Please don’t ask me any questions. Believe me, Melie, it’s best if you don’t know.”

  “Very well. Let’s go up to my room. You can write the note there.”

  ****

  Brandy in hand, Evan found his way to an isolated corner of the library and sat in one of the leather chairs. Immediately a manservant appeared and offered him a cigar. He selected one from the elegant humidor and sniffed it appreciatively. An excellent Cuban cigar. “Thanks.”

  Glancing up, he saw Anthony headed his way. He lifted his glass in greeting as his friend settled in the chair across from him.

  “Well, my friend, you are looking very smug.” Anthony puffed on his cigar, then exhaled. “I can certainly see why you were so determined to find your thief. She is most beautiful. So what do you plan to do now?”

  “When we leave, she goes with us.”

  Anthony raised his eyebrows. “Does the lady agree?”

  “The lady has no choice.”

  “But she is a friend of Amelia’s. Perhaps—”

  “Don’t interfere, Anthony. This is a very personal matter. She made a fool of me, and she stole from me. I take that very personal.”

  “Ah, revenge, such a powerful emotion. But just how do you plan to accomplish this? I will tolerate no scandal on Amelia or her parents.”

  “Don’t worry. The lady will go quietly.”

  “From what you have told me about her, that doesn’t seem to be the case.”

  “Believe me, she will.”

  “Evan, are you sure this is the best way to handle this matter? Perhaps she is not your thief. As you yourself said, you were unconscious.”

  “Oh, she’s the one all right.”

  “She does not seem to be the type, my friend. Perhaps you are so used to being in control of everything and everyone that you can’t abide a female who outwitted you and got away.”

  Evan straightened in the chair. “That’s not it at all.”

  “Very well.” Anthony stood up. “I leave the matter to your good judgment and, now, I’d best visit with some of our esteemed guests.”

  An hour later, Evan found Angel and escorted her to the door. “I’m glad to see you followed my orders.”

  Her lips pursed into a frown, and she clenched her fists. Oh, how she wanted to hit him. Dammit, but he loved her spirit.

  Everyone took their leave. Carriage after carriage came and went. Anthony’s carriage was the last. Amelia and her parents embraced Angel, then Señor Ramos turned to him. “It is most kind of you and Anthony to take Mademoiselle Devereaux to her grandfather.”

  “I’m glad to be of assistance.” He shook the man’s outstretched hand. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

  “You are Anthony’s friend. You are always welcome here.”

  “Thank you. Good night, sir.” He turned to Angel. “Are you ready to go, mademoiselle?”

  “Yes.”

  He nodded, then turned to Anthony. “We’ll wait in the carriage to give you and Amelia a private moment.” He took Angel’s hand and tucked it in the crook of his elbow, then led her outside. The driver opened the door. Evan held out his hand to help his beautiful captive into the carriage, but she glared at him, brushed his arm aside, and climbed into the coach. He followed and sat next to her. She was so close he could smell her perfume. It circled around him, bewitching him.

  The carriage swayed, and Anthony appeared in the doorway. He settled himself on the opposite seat. The horses clip-clopped out of the driveway and down the street. Anthony leaned forward and took her hand in his. “My dear, let me speak frankly. At the risk of losing a good friend, I must tell you I do not approve of any man tak
ing a woman by force. So if you do not wish to go with Evan, speak now.”

  Evan’s mouth firmed into a frown. “Anthony, be careful—”

  “I assure you, sir,” she interrupted, “I am going of my own free will.”

  Surprised at her words, Evan sighed in relief and relaxed against the seat. He didn’t want to lose an old friend.

  “Very well.” Anthony leaned back against the seat. “I’ve instructed my driver to drop me off at my house. The carriage is yours for the evening.”

  “Thanks.”

  Fifteen minutes later, the carriage stopped, and Anthony climbed out. “Good night.” He touched his hand to the brim of his hat, then disappeared up the walk to his house.

  Evan leaned out the window and called out the name of his hotel to the driver. He settled back against the seat and stared at her. “That was a smart move, but I have to admit I was surprised.”

  “I did not wish to cause any trouble. Amelia is my dearest friend, and I don’t want any harm to come to the man she loves.”

  “How very noble,” he taunted, knowing his words would goad her to anger. It worked. Her body tensed, and she pulled her wrap tightly around her shoulders. She glared at him, then turned and stared out the window and remained silent.

  But not for long. Once he got her into his bed, she’d moan in pleasure. He grinned to himself at his own arrogance. He didn’t plan to force her into his bed. All he wanted was to salvage his pride.

  But he’d let her think so—for now.

  “That lie you told Amelia and her parents was quite ingenious. Or does Amelia know the truth?”

  She faced him. Her green eyes revealed nothing. “Of course not. I didn’t want to involve her.”

  “Very good. It seems lying comes easily to your lips.”

  “And insults come easily to yours, Mr. Montgomery.” She turned back to the window.

  A twinge of guilt twisted in his gut, but he hardened his heart. After all, she’d started this by drugging him and stealing from him. He peered out his window. He didn’t recognize anything around them. “Where in tarnation are we?” He leaned out the window and yelled at the driver. “This isn’t the way to my hotel.”

  “Some of the streets are blocked, sir. I’ve had to go a roundabout way.” The driver’s voice quaked. “I must admit, sir, I don’t like this one bit.”

  “Well, pull up, man, and let me get out.” With a muttered curse, Evan opened the door and stepped out. He turned to Angel and wagged his finger at her. “Stay inside.”

  She nodded.

  As he closed the door, three men rushed out of the alley. Two attacked him while the third man climbed up to the driver and threw him to the street. Evan dodged one man’s fist, but the second man caught him square on the jaw. He fell against the carriage. The two men rushed him again, but he darted away. He grabbed one by the collar and threw him to the ground. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the third man jump to the ground and rush toward him. If they got Angel....

  The third man lunged at him. Evan blocked the man’s punch with his left arm. With his other hand, he slammed his fist into the man’s nose. The man screamed, and blood spurted from his broken nose.

  A blow from behind staggered Evan. Stars swirled before his eyes, and his eyesight blurred. A hard object of some sort thudded across his back. He slumped to his knees, then fell to the pavement, fighting to retain consciousness. Someone kicked him in the side, and a fierce new wave of pain shot through him. One broken rib at least. The darkness closed around him, then he heard a voice.

  Her voice.

  “I didn’t say to kill him, for God’s sake.”

  “He broke my nose” came a nasal whine.

  “Turn him over,” Angel said “so I can make sure he’s all right.”

  Rough hands grabbed him and plopped him over on his back. He tried to open his eyes but couldn’t. Then he smelled it.

  Her perfume.

  Soft hands touched his face. “Oh, Peter, you shouldn’t have hit him so hard. He’s bleeding.”

  “Angel, the man’s as strong as an ox. It were him or us. Now, let’s go before someone sees us. I don’t fancy going to jail.”

  “But we can’t just leave him here.”

  “Look, the driver will be coming to at any minute. He can take care of the guy. We need to get out of here.”

  Someone put his hand inside Evan’s coat and pulled out his wallet. He wanted to stop the man, but his arms felt so heavy he couldn’t lift them.

  “What are you doing?” Angel asked.

  “You said you wanted it to look like a robbery, didn’t you? Well, then, we’d best rob him, don’t you think?”

  “But—”

  “Oh, criminey, Angel. Let’s go.”

  “If you’re sure he’s okay….”

  “I’m sure.”

  The voices and footsteps faded. As he drifted off into unconsciousness, he made a vow. He’d not rest until he found Angel Devereaux. Twice now, she’d made a fool of him. She’d get her comeuppance if it was the last thing he ever did.

  Chapter 4

  The freight barge pulled up to the wharf in St. Louis. Angel stepped ashore and waved goodbye to the helmsman. The bright sunlight hurt her eyes, and she put a hand up to shield them from the glare. She sighed. Running away had drained her physically and emotionally.

  And he was still on her trail.

  At the last town, he’d almost caught her. Thank goodness, she’d seen him first and had ducked out the back door of the hotel. It’d been a close call. Too close. Would he never give up? She thought he’d have tired of the chase by now. Still disguised as a man, she went in search of a boarding house run by a friend of her grandfather. She walked down the tree-lined streets, pondering her next move. Returning to New Orleans was out of the question. Nor could she go home to the Delta Princess. She’d tried that twice, but there’d been strange men lurking around the riverboat.

  And her funds were running dangerously low.

  Maybe she should go to the authorities and lodge a complaint against him. After all, the worst thing she’d done was not honor the wager she’d made with the high-handed cowboy. Surely, that wasn’t against the law. The idea of him being served with a complaint brought a smile to her lips.

  But the money? What if the police believed him and arrested her for stealing? Since she hadn’t stolen the money, if indeed any had been stolen, only one other person could have done it. Eleeza’s words flashed back to her. “Eleeza fix.” Maybe out of misguided loyalty…

  Well, if that was indeed the case, she dared not go to the authorities. She’d have to find another solution. Then the answer came to her. Why hadn’t she thought of it before? Montgomery expected her to stay on or near the Mississippi. Well, she’d do just the opposite. She’d leave the river and head west—to her father. After all, he’d said he wanted to see her, and she had a few choice words to say to him.

  But how did one get to the Dakotas? Was there a stagecoach? Or a wagon train? But would he be watching, trying to cut off all avenues of escape? Striking out on her own would be foolhardy. If she had a guide, maybe, just maybe, she could pull it off. Tomorrow she’d visit a livery stable and buy a horse and supplies—and hire a guide.

  Excitement washed over her. A whole new adventure lay before her. The decision made, she found the boarding house and paid for a night’s stay, a bath, and a light supper. The night shadows slipped into the room, and Angel climbed into bed. But sleep evaded her. After long hours of tossing and turning, she finally fell asleep.

  And dreamed.

  Of an angry, arrogant black-haired man with icy blue eyes who chased her and kissed her until she was as giddy as a schoolgirl. His kisses drove her wild, and his touch ignited flames deep within her that threatened to consume her. The next morning, the dream lingered in her mind—and her body. A cold bath took care of that.

  The desk clerk directed her to Simmons’ livery stable where she purchased a horse, saddle, and a pack mu
le. Out of some perverse streak of humor, she named the mare Royal Flush. Afterward, she visited the general store and bought supplies, including a rifle, coffee, sugar, pots and pans, and a map. After considerable thought, she purchased two pair of men’s pants and warm shirts. Even though she was tired of wearing men’s clothing, buying dresses seemed out of the question. To top it off, she purchased a hat, a real cowboy hat—like he wore.

  Mr. Simmons also gave her the name of a guide. While she wasn’t keen on the idea of being alone with a strange man, a guide was a necessity. After all, she’d never been west of the Mississippi. Mr. Simmons sent her to a nearby boarding house and told her to ask for Otis. Although she didn’t much like the looks of the shifty-eyed Otis, there was no time to find someone else. If she tarried too long, she ran the risk that Montgomery would find her.

  Early the next morning, she met Otis at the livery. After mounting Royal Flush, she followed him out of town. Her father’s letter and her maps were safely stowed away in her coat pocket. The city disappeared behind her, and a feeling of exhilaration washed over her. She felt...free. Always before, Grandpapa or Eleeza had gotten her out of trouble. For the first time in her life, she was entirely on her own.

  And she liked it.

  But several days later, her confidence faded. They’d left most of civilization behind, passing only a few scattered farms and settlements. The land became more wild, more desolate, and yet strangely beautiful. Mile and miles of vast openness, like a great brown river.

  On the fourth day, they made camp near a small river. As she dismounted, her legs gave way, and she slid down the side of the horse to the ground and sat there—unable to move. A loud guffaw sounded behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Otis cackling like an old setting hen. “I don’t think it’s funny.”

  “Er, yes, ma’am. I mean, no, ma’am.” He turned away, but she could still hear him chuckling.

  She shoved herself to her feet. Her legs would never be straight again. All those hours in the saddle had chafed her backside raw. Why she thought she was a horsewoman, she’d never know. Those few hours spent on riding lessons had not prepared her for this misery.