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Arching a brow, she declared a ten, four and three “I had seventeen”

Matthew chuckled “Never trust a woel What would you like to know about Lucinda?”

She tapped her finger to her lips “I know you’ve shared her bed before But despite her apparent efforts, I'ain Even so, I wonder if the feelings you had are different to those you had when bedding me”

Mattheed Once again, he had underestimated her skill in coh he had no notion why

“Yes, there is a disparity” Without tiue “Perhaps it has so to do with the fact we’re married”

The colour drained from her face, and she flinched at his response “Youwhen shackled to the same woman for life”

Matthened “You misunderstandLucinda I lack interest and enthusias you, every nerve in my body sparks to life” Whatever it all meant, he hoped the explanation placated her “Does that answer your question?”

“In a way” She picked up the fork and glanced down at the plate This tius tart and ate it slowly before dabbing her , I’ll tell you e’re playing for next If I win, I want you to tell me about your dreams and aspirations”

Disappointment flared

The information was hardly a secret Perhaps nerves prevented her fro the stakes “If I win, I want your dress Just so you’re aware, each hand I ill result inuntil you’re down to your chemise”

Dainty fingers flew to her mouth to cover her open lips “But I’ll catch my death of cold”

“Then I’ll stoke the fire”

“Are you speaking literally or metaphorically?”

He offered a rin “Both”

A nervous energy filled the air “Then it seeardless of the outcome”