Page 534 of From Rakes to Riches

“Meet me at the table on the opposite end of the room once you’ve dressed,” he said. “I’ve more race strategy I wish to discuss with you.”

A long sigh of resignation just carried to him. The ball was well and truly in her court now.

No denying he’d gone about matters flimsily, cheaply, and audaciously, but she held all the power in reality. She could step out of the bathing room, claim her womanhood, and put an end to the charade in a few quick seconds.

The door to the bathing room creaked open, and tension filled Rake’s body.

Soft footsteps padded across dense Aubusson carpet, then she appeared in the doorway connecting dressing room to bedroom, and Rake’s mouth went dry.

His white muslin shirt reaching her knees, she hesitated at the threshold, shoulders hunched forward so as to give no indication of the feminine form beneath, gaze warily searching the room for him.

Relief streaked through Rake. She’d made the choice to continue the ruse…

To continue the game.

He wasn’t ready for this person to march out of his life. He didn’t yet know nearly enough about her.

Another feeling stole in alongside the relief.

Desire.

While she was thoroughly, if inappropriately, covered, her feet were yet bare…her slender ankles and calves too. She held the V of the shirt tightly clutched before her, which only…well…which only drew his gaze toward taut nipples shadowy within white muslin. He detected a hint of color.Rose.

In truth, her nipples were making a minor spectacle of themselves. His cock noticed and wanted to join the show.

He tore his attention from her nipples and gave his throat a loud clearing, pulling her gaze toward him. What shone within those gold-flecked, green depths was vulnerable and feminine and lasted for only the split of a second, but long enough for him to register it—and store it away.

Her jaw clenched. Annoyance and determination swept away uncertainty and provided a shield for the true Gem to hide behind.

It struck Rake how exhausting her disguise must’ve been.

Was any woman that desperate to muck out horse stalls?

“I take it you’ve sent for my change of clothes?” were the first words out of her mouth.

Rake gave a noncommittalmmmand beckoned her closer. “Come and see this.”

Footsteps hesitant, she picked her way across the room. He caught a hint of lavender and couldn’t help breathing it in.

She walked to the opposite side of the table and scanned the drawing lit by a single candlestick. Her gaze lifted, and she cocked a curious eyebrow. “Do you eat, sleep, and breathe horses?”

“Like you?” he returned.

A laugh escaped her before she could tamp it down.

But he’d caught it.

Was that the first time he’d made her laugh?

He rather liked her laughter. It suited her.

He wanted to make her laugh again, but the look in her eyes made it clear it wouldn’t be easy. She was still entirely annoyed with him.

He couldn’t say he blamed her.

“What course is this?” she asked.

“Epsom.”

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