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Matthew dealt the cards Priscilla examined her hand If a frown and pursed lips conveyed the state of play, the next card could see her out of the game But was it her intention to deceive?

Her failure to ask for another card confirmed his theory

To win, he needed luck, not skill With a knave and a ten, he took a chance it would be enough

“It’s time to reveal your hand, Priscilla”

With a look of suspicionher brow she turned over the cards “I have nineteen”

A rush of satisfaction swept through hiuise his elation In his mind, he said a silent prayer to Fate

“I win” He flipped his cards over “I think you’ll find that’s twenty” Arrogance dripped fro his bride

Without a word, Priscilla jumped up “Then you ant your prize” Her hands snaked around her back to fiddle with the buttons

“Allow me” Matthew stood and covered the distance between theled at the prospect of re a layer ofbut a thin chemise to hide her modesty

“Under the circumstances is it not wise to lock the door?” There was a nervous edge to her tone, led with a hint of excitement

“No one will disturb us”

He came behind her, undid the row of buttons, sarment slithered to the floor Of course, he had no option but to touch her body as he set about his ministrations

“I wouldn’t worry about the cold” His hand settled on her hip “The warh the fabric I’m so hot I'm inclined to remove a few layers myself”

She sucked in a breath “I aame is far from over I believe it’s time for food”

They settled back at the table, but he struggled to focus on anything other than the arined her nipples to be a pretty shade of pink and easily teased to peak Damn, they’d been married for days, and still he’d not feasted his eyes on them