Chapter 82

“Provided I win, of course,” Sebastian added, pretending that the result wasn’t a foregone conclusion. “If I don’t, I’ll certainly be taking my envelope back.”

Her eyes shot him a look which he would have given anything to read. But that had always been her skill, hiding the truth from him when she wanted to. That was why he never knew when she was bluffing or not.

“Let’s get the paper and envelopes, then,” she said crisply.

“I’m still not sure I like this idea at all,” Charles grumbled.

“Why not?” Sebastian returned with a shrug of his broad shoulders. “What’s the harm? It’s just a bit of fun.”

“I suppose so,” Charles said grudgingly. “By the look of you tonight, you certainly could do with some lightening up.”

“But we won’t make a habit of this kind of wager,” Ali inserted with his usual authority, never liking things to become personal at his card table. “This is a one-off. James,” he called to the butler who was at that moment preparing supper