In Bed With the Devil Read Free

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    He took a step back. “I’ll probably see you tomorrow.”
    â€œI’ll let you know then exactly how I plan to use this money you’ve given me.”
    â€œUse it however it pleases you, Frannie. It comes with no attachments. You owe me no explanations.”
    â€œYou’ve never been comfortable around orphans, have you?”
    â€œWhatever are you about? All my best friends are orphans.”
    â€œFeagan’s merry little band of ne’er-do-wells. We’re an odd assortment, aren’t we?”
    â€œOnly because we overcame the circumstances of our youths and are all quite successful.”
    â€œWe have your grandfather to thank for our change in fortunes. He lifted us all up when he lifted you.”
    â€œIf he was my grandfather.”
    â€œHow can you still doubt it?”
    He almost told her the truth, but he didn’t think she’d approve of the lie he was certain he was living. He gave her what he hoped was one of his more charming smiles. “Good night, Frannie. Sweet dreams.”
    As for himself, he had only nightmares when he drifted into slumber.
    He strode from the room before she could pester him for more answers. His former life was an area that he didn’t relish reliving. Sometimes it struck him as strange that he wanted to marry someone who was so ensconced in his past. With her at his side, he’d never be able to run from it, but perhaps he could better face it.
    He was nearly to the front door when he heard, “You owe me five quid, Luke.”
    Coming to an abrupt halt, he turned and watched as Jack Dodger swaggered toward him, a confident grin on his darkly rugged face.
    â€œYou don’t know that,” Luke said when Jack stopped in front of him.
    â€œSo you did ask Frannie to marry you?”
    With a sigh, Luke removed his wallet from inside his jacket and handed Jack the requested amount. “I never should have told you my intentions.”
    â€œNo, you never should have accepted the wagerthat you’d actually do it.” Jack tucked away the money. “Did you want to take one of my girls home with you tonight”—he winked—“for a bit of comfort?”
    Luke cursed Jack soundly for tempting him, cursed himself for finding it so difficult to resist temptation. He’d never availed himself of one of Jack’s girls.
    â€œI’m not going to let Frannie see me walking out with one of your girls.”
    â€œI’ll send her ’round the back. Frannie’ll never know.”
    â€œYou don’t think your girls talk?”
    â€œThey’re very discreet. I insist on it.”
    Luke considered, then shook his head. “No, I’ll not risk causing her to doubt my affection.”
    â€œAre you saying you’ve been celibate all these years?”
    â€œOf course not, but like your girls, I am extremely discreet.” Dodger’s was not the only place to offer female companionship. Besides, Frannie was less likely to hear of Luke’s liaisons if he sought them out elsewhere. For a few years, he’d even had a mistress, but they had parted ways when Luke had decided that it was time to ask Frannie to be his wife.
    â€œFor God’s sake, Frannie works here. She knows men have urges.”
    â€œI’m not going to have her wonder about mine. You might understand if you had someone you favored.”
    â€œI prefer my women bought. Ensures no misunderstandings.”
    And in Luke’s experience, no real passion.
    â€œSo shall we make the usual wager for tomorrow?” Jack asked.
    â€œBy all means.”
    â€œIt’s been almost a year since you set yourself this task. I don’t relish getting rich off my friends, so take care of the matter tomorrow, will you?”
    â€œIf you don’t relish it then stop making the blasted wagers!”
    â€œYou know I have a weakness where wagering is concerned.” A corner of his mouth