He traced his finger along the edge of her gown. “After my marvelous gunpowder invention, I branched out to steel production. My grandparents had property rich with chromite ore. I tested chromium’s effects on steel and received letters patent on a new production process. My smelts are responsible for growing my family’s wealth fifty times over since I became Summerset.” He puffed his chest out. It had grown nearer one hundred times larger since the jumble his father had left them in. But it wouldn’t do to boast.
“And how did it go wrong?” She leaned against his thigh, the fabric of her gown brushing against his falls. The light from the window illuminated her pale blond hair like a halo. With her entrancing eyes and sweet pout, she looked like an angel.
Luckily for him, she was of the fallen variety. They were much more fun.
He leaned forwards and pressed a kiss to the rounded top of one breast, then the other.
She shuddered.
“My brother went wrong. He owns the land the ore mines are on. And he lost them on a game of hazard.” His stomach churned and he sat up straight. “The man who holds the deed refuses to sell. So I intend to win it back.” He watched her expression as he laid it out before her. “And you, my dear, are the stakes I intend to play with.”
She didn’t blink. Her face held no expression at all.
“I won’t lose,” he was quick to reassure her. “I’ll make sure of it. I wouldn’t let another man touch you. You are merely necessary to get him to the table.”
She tapped her thumb against his shoulder. “For four thousand pounds you want me to flirt and beguile a man so as he’ll risk a deed worth tens of thousands?”
“In essence, yes.”
More thumb-tapping against his shirt. “I don’t just want the essence. What are the particulars?”
John exhaled slowly. “This man. He wouldn’t be playing for a night of simple tupping. He likes inflicting pain. Humiliation. And I think the opportunity to inflict such on an innocent, gently-born woman, or someone he believes is such, would be too tempting to resist.” He swallowed. “The fact that I will make it appear you have value to me will also rouse his interest. He seems to enjoy taking what’s mine.”
He held his breath. Would she be horrified? John was used to such things. To people who only liked to give pain, never pleasure. This was the point where Netta might flee, and she would be wise to do so. He knew he would keep her from harm, but how was she to trust him?
But Netta didn’t run. “Surely you won’t lose everything without those ores,” she asked.
“They are the only known chromite ores in England,” he said. “The cost to import the mineral would dramatically cut into my profits.”
“Well, what about a new venture to make up for the old?” she asked. “What are you currently developing?”
John’s shoulders hardened. “Nothing.”
Her eyebrows knitted together. “Nothing? But you spoke of your love for science. Why not—”
“My days in the laboratory are over.” His voice emerged harsher than he wanted. He didn’t like the concern that it brought to her expression. Or the curiosity. Why he left his laboratory wasn’t a topic he was willing to discuss.
He cleared his throat and forced his customary indifference back into his words. “Which is why I intend to win it back. Why you have been hired. Do you think you can do it?” he asked, infusing the question with a challenge.
She cocked her head. “Oh, I can do it. But I want something for it. All the gowns and slippers and fripperies you’re dressing me in for the role. I want to take them with me when I leave, in addition to my four thousand pounds.”
John ignored the little lurch to his heart at the word ‘leave.’ “Do you think you’re in a position to renegotiate our terms?”
“That depends on how badly you want your deed.”
He grinned. She truly was spectacular. “You are a mercenary little minx.”
“A girl in my position has to be.” She leaned into him, pressing her breasts against his chest. “Now, about those gowns…”
His groin tightened. He traced the outer rim of her lips. “We already made our agreement and the terms stand. But…I’ll play you for the new wardrobe.”
“A game?” Her eyes flared.
He nodded.
“Here.” She spread her arms out wide, indicating the shop. “Now? You must be mad.” But she pressed closer, her belly nestling against his cock.
They had at least ten minutes until the modiste was finished with his jacket. “Right here. Right now. If you win, you get all the gowns you want.”
