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Had Priscilla closed her eyes she would have known the moment the players entered the room The hot, smoky air thrummed with nervous tension Slow, baritone hurew progressively louder as each ht to be heard

Matthew pulled her through the crowd, squeezing her hand so tight her fingers were numb, no doubt a deathly shade of blue

While The Diaentlemen stepped aside to allow her to pass, years of aristocratic breeding prevailing over the recently learnt manners of a rake

In the crush, Matthew failed to infiltrate the first row of spectators gathered around the large rectangular table, and they had toin the second row

“It’s not only the a for the players to make their way to their seats “Most of those in front of us have placed a wager too”

Priscilla scanned the row of eager faces opposite For sorins would diminish with the outcoaht bitterness in her tone revealed her own frustration at Uncle Henry’s duplicity

Matthew shuffled closer until his ara a hedonistic lifestyle, openly boast about their wins and losses Those men who are secretive about their pursuits are the ones who cause devastation for their family”

The words carried a hint of disdain Of course, he hated lies Deceitfulness was a trait she despised, too

“Likesound left her lips Uncle Henry enjoyed risking everything he owned on the turn of the cards or the roll of the dice “I’ve spent years thinking his stingy habits stemmed from a need to protect his family Now I know he needed every spare penny to keep the wolves from the door”

Matthew turned to face her fully “I know your uncle has disappointed you I understand what it’s like to have everything you believed to be true ripped fro moment”

One did not need to have mystical powers to know he spoke of the secret pain that had hardened his heart On the way hoe to delve deeper She had pro hell, to offer the physical affection he craved She hungered for his touch too — not because it hts of pleasure but because the intiht her ever closer to him

A boisterous cheer disturbed her reverie

“The players are about to take their seats,” Matthew said “Let us pray ht”

The lively throng parted toher neck, she caught the first glientlemen as they sauntered to their seats at the card table Various ive their favourite a slap on the back, tried not to stumble into theement

Priscilla cast Matthew a sidelong glance His dark gaze lingered on the man iry red hair, bushy side whiskers and a bulbous nose