Charmed By Knight (The Fielding Brothers Saga) Read Online Free Page A

them with the tip of her finger…or even with her own lips. Her heart quickened, promising herself a kiss would happen soon enough.
    His sensual magnetism attracted her, coupled with his obvious expertise with women. He definitely knew how to woo a lady and make her heart flutter.
    The duke dealt the cards and his long, bronzed fingers practically caressed each one. She crinkled her eyebrows. The sun had darkened his skin more so than most gentlemen of the realm. Then again, he did enjoy riding every morning, according to her mother. Perhaps he was more of an outdoorsman. She smiled. That was good. She, too, enjoyed riding.
    While dealing the cards, every move he made bespoke confidence, like an artist smoothing his brush-strokes on a canvas. The air charged around her, and a strange new warmth radiated deep within her.
    The duke lay his cards face up on the table, displaying four kings. He chuckled. “It appears I won the first game.”
    She shook her head. “I fear I still don’t understand what it is I’m doing.”
    “You need to collect cards which give you the highest hand. If you cannot accomplish this, then you bluff so I cannot tell what you hold in your hand.”
    “What is expected after that?”
    “Since this is your first game, I’ll not ask anything, but from now on if you lose, you’ll be required to forfeit something.” His dark eyebrows rose suggestively.
    “Forfeit something?” Her throat turned dry. “Pray, Your Grace, what do I have on my person to forfeit? I’m not carrying any money.”
    His smile stretched, making her heart knock faster against her ribs.
    “I’m very much aware of this, Miss Ramsey. So I suggest we forfeit something other than money, yet just as enjoyable.”
    She gulped, knowing exactly where the conversation headed. The desire-laden gleam in his eyes didn’t do a thing to ease her tension or fear, but it certainly spelled out his intent. Anxiety settled inside her stomach. She needed to relax or her plan wouldn’t work. When she thought about kissing him, her palms grew moist from the unknown. “And what might that be?”
    His attention dropped to her mouth, and her heart fluttered wildly.
    One of his fingers tapped his chin. “For now, how about…a kiss?”
    Her body tingled at the invitation, and she licked her suddenly dry lips. “What if—” She cleared her scratchy throat. “What if I win?”
    He smiled, and one side of his mouth lifted higher than the other, enticing her to forfeit before they even played the game.
    “Then I will forfeit a kiss to you.” He shrugged. “Either way, we both win.”
    Megan forced a laugh. “And, if I don’t want a kiss?”
    The duke leaned in closer. His musky cologne wafted around her. Sensuousness poured from his body like rain on a hot summer day.
    “Your eyes tell me you do,” he said huskily.
    Her breath caught in her throat, nearly making her choke. Words failed her right now, because she knew not what to say to his remark.
    “Are you playing or not?” He picked up the cards.
    She hesitated, knowing what had to be done, but fear tightened in her chest from the mere idea of something so daring.
    He laid the deck on the table and crossed his arms. “Certainly a woman as brave as yourself is capable of a single kiss.”
    “Brave, Your Grace?” Her heart banged in her throat, forming a lump that was hard to swallow.
    “A woman traipsing out in a storm all alone hoping to catch the duchess’ entourage is considered quite brave in my book.”
    She straightened, lifting her chin. “You enjoy brave women?”
    “Of course.”
    “Should you win, are you certain a kiss is all you will want?”
    “It’s all I asked for, isn’t it?” He reached his hand across the small table and took hers in a gentle hold. His lean fingers caressed her palm in a soft stroke, sending warm shivers up her spine. His brows lifted. “And you, Miss Ramsey? Is a kiss all you want should you win?”
    “Perhaps I will ask for