Page 34 of An Earl Unmasked
“Ha. I’ll wager is it no more than three.”
Minerva shifted, allowing her to take a step forward, placing weight on her good leg.
To Diana’s delight, she was in Chestwick’s arms before the heel of her injured foot even touched the floor.
He frowned down at her. “What do you think you are doing?”
She wound her arm behind his neck, “I was making my way toward the chessboard.”
“Whatever for?”
“Kent will be expecting an update, and Minerva believes it shan’t take long to complete the game.” She stroked the back of his neck. She delighted in the feel of the strong, corded muscles flexing beneath her fingertips.
“I presumed it a foregone conclusion, and thus there was no need to continue playing.”
“Malburys never leave anything unfinished.”
Randal chuckled. “Duly noted.” He bent to settle her upon the chair next to the chessboard.
The temptation to graze her lips over his as he slowly retreated was great but with both Minerva and Greg watching, she dared not declare her feelings just quite yet. She would trust Minerva not to say a word, but Greg would be honor-bound to demand Randal offer for her hand. While her heart screamed yes, her mind was cautiously waiting to find the treasure first.
She gradually removed her arm and peered up at him. “Minerva likes a challenge.”
Randal gave her a wink and said, “I do, too.”
He moved to take his seat opposite Minerva, who was patiently waiting with her hands in her lap, staring at the pieces as if she was attempting to move them with her mind.
“I believe it is your turn, Lady Minerva,” Randal said.
“It is indeed, Lord Chestwick. I simply wish to refresh my memory as to the probabilities.”
“Please, take your time.” He sat back and stared at Diana.
His gaze never wavered from her lips. He shifted slightly in his chair, breaking her sister’s concentration once again.
“Lord Chestwick, is there something wrong?”
His skin reddened, highlighting the scar that appeared even more white against his flushed cheeks. “I don’t believe so. Is it my turn?”
Minerva’s narrowed gaze flickered between them and then landed upon her. “Stop distracting the man. You don’t want him to lose, do you?”
“Is that even a possibility?”
“Of course it is. Playing to tie is complicated.”
Diana bowed her head. “My apologies. I shan’t make this more difficult than need be.”
“I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” Minerva placed a hand on her arm and then added, “You, Lord Chestwick, need to pay attention to the game.”
“My apologies.” Randal said the words but hardly looked apologetic.
She gave her head a little shake as his fingers hovered over his rook and smiled as he picked up his knight.
Minerva turned to face Diana. “He needs no assistance from you.”
“Exactly how many ways are there to tie a game?”
Minerva focused on the chess pieces before she absently answered, “I know of three.”
