Ravensthorpe Heir

Burke wasn’t sure why he thought he could do this. Maybe he should have waited for another night.  The conversation with Reynolds had rattled him more that he cared to admit. 
            Besides, he wasn’t used to gaming alone.  He had no choice, though, because his best friends were no longer his friends.  Marcus Bancroft, now Earl Norcott, couldn’t forgive his family for causing his father’s death.  And Warwick… well it hurt to think of what he did.  
            He could do this.  Burke steadied himself in the doorway of the Pleasure Palace gaming hell and brothel.  He had in his pocket all the money he could afford to lose.  It seemed like a good idea when he dreamed it up in his study, but now, standing here in the smoke-filled room, he was having second thoughts.  He hadn’t been here since he returned to polite society.  His days of living on the edge were over, or so he thought.  Now that he was here, his hands were trembling.  The desire to grab a bottle of whiskey and slink off to a quiet corner overwhelmed him.  Dammit to hell, he needed to stay focused.  Do not think about drinking.  Just win your money and get out. 
            If it was only that simple. 
            Phoebe pulled the hat down tighter over her hair as she tried to walk like a man into the gaming hell.  Did anyone recognize her?  She hoped not.  This seemed like a good idea when she and Maddie put their money together and dressed her in some of Hugh’s old clothes.  Now, here in the smoky den with her bound breasts throbbing, it seemed less than a viable plan. 
            “Looking for a game?”
            She jumped at the sound of Ravensthorpe’s deep voice beside her. 
            “Yes, Your Grace.”  Did her voice sound gruff enough to fool him?
            “Is this your first time here?”
            How could he tell?
            “Never been to this one.  Thought I’d try it out.”
            His gaze searched hers.  “Do I know you?”
            Before she could fabricate another lie, Percy’s all too familiar voice rattled what little poise she had left.          
            “Ravensthorpe.  I thought it was you.”
            Drat.  Phoebe cringed at the sound of  her brother, Percy’s voice.  Curse it all, why didn’t she consider the possibility that he might be here.  All she could hope for was that he was too foxed to recognize her. 
            Percy slapped Ravensthorpe on the back.  “Did you enjoy the ride with my sister?”
            “She is a delightful girl.  You should be proud.”
            “Does that mean you want to offer for her?  I’d be happy to get us a bottle, so we could sit or if you’d rather we could go home and discuss the details of her settlement.  Since you are my friend I’ll give you first crack at her.”
            Heat crept up Phoebe’s cheeks.  How could Percy be so crass?  She watched Ravensthorpe stiffen.  Had Percy offended him?  She jolly well hoped not.
            “This really isn’t the time or place to discuss this.”
            “Tomorrow morning then?”
            “Tomorrow.  If you’re still standing,” he muttered under his breath as Atwood staggered away. 
            She fought to control her laughter at how well Ravensthorpe knew her brother. 
            Burke turned to stare down at the person trying to hide in the shadows beside him.  It was difficult to tell for certain in the hazy, dimly-lit room, he would wager his friend wasn’t male.  Someone had tried to rub something on her face to look like a beard, but it was smudging and looking more like dirt.  She had the scent and delicate features that screamed female. 
            “Come, I know a more lucrative gaming hell.”  He resisted the urge to grab her arm.  If he did it might attract attention to them.  Something she definitely didn’t need. She hesitated and he feared she might refuse, forcing him to create a scene. 
            “Okay, but I insist we take separate coaches and I’ll follow you.”
            He nodded his agreement.  Anything to get her out of here.  As they got to the door, Desiree, a doxie with whom he had spent more than his share of pleasurable nights, caught him. 
            “Burke.”  She flung herself into his arms.  “I have been so worried about you.”
            She stepped back, raking her gaze over him like he was a piece of candy.  “You’re looking good.  The title must agree with you.” She slapped his shoulder playfully.  “I never did it with a duke.”
            Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his friend slipping away, so he caught her arm. 
            “Wish I had the time, luv.  You know I’ve never been one for quickies.”
            The girl stiffened beside him.  Desiree just smiled and batted her long red lashes.  “I can give you the whole night.  I’ll take your friend up with us, too.  He looks kind of green.  Maybe we could show him a thing or two.  What do ya say?”  She nudged him.
            He honestly didn’t think himself capable of blushing until that moment.  Burke reached into his pocket and pulled out a few coins.  “I have to run now, but this should take you off the floor tonight.”
            “Too bad I’m all primed.”  She dropped the coins down her dress.
            Before he could respond, she was winking at Kirkwood, who seemed more than willing to lead her off. 
            Burke pulled his friend out the door before anything else could happen. 
            “Stop, you’re creating a scene.”  She dug in her heels.  
            “I couldn’t leave you in there,” he whispered.
            “Why the bloody hell not?”

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Other books in the series - Ravensthorpe Legacy.