Don't lose control, you fool. Focus. Close the deal.
"Might I inquire to the purpose of the day's visit?" he said in even tones.
The warmth fled from her expression. Her gaze lowered to the vicinity of his cravat. "I think you know why I've come. I wish to discuss your offer. Though," she added hurriedly, "I have some stipulations of my own."
Once again in control of himself, he closed the distance between them. She did not shirk from him, which he took as a good sign. She looked at him with surprise when he held out a chair.
"I am occasionally capable of good manners," he drawled. "As I have a feeling your provisions may take some time, you might as well be comfortable. Shall I ring for tea as well?"
"No, thank you." She took the seat he offered, folding her skirts primly around her. "Here are my terms, Mr. Hunt. First, I wish to have the details of the wager spelled out—in writing, if you please."
He leaned against the desk, studying her. "I gave you my word, Miss Fines. That should be sufficient."
"Papa always said to get everything in writing. When all is said and done, I want tangible proof of my brother's freedom. That is, your signature clearing him of all debt when I win this bet."
Thought she had it in the bag, did she? Reminding himself that he gained nothing from baiting her at this juncture, he said curtly, "Fine. If you want a contract, you'll get it. What else?"
Eyes narrowing, he watched the play of emotions across her lively features. Percy would be terrible at cards; she had more tells than a leopard had spots. Seeing her gnaw her lower lip, he braced himself for news he wasn't going to like.
"I want your promise that during the wager you will not try to find or harm Paul," she said. "You will not even accept payment from him, should he decide to find you."
"You must be joking."
"I assure you I am not." Her voice was calm, but he noted the rapid rise and fall of her bosom. "Why should I risk agreeing to this bet if you can snare my brother at any time? Why should you get your cake and eat it too?"
Damn, but she was cleverer than he gave her credit for.
"I will still have both you and your brother's company," he said. "When I win the wager."
"Ifyou win." Pink blossomed in her cheeks, but her gaze did not waver. "But if you lose, the Fines' debt to you will be dissolved, and you will leave us in peace."
He looked at her stubborn, piquant little face and felt something close to respect. For a female, she possessed strong notions of loyalty. Too bad those bonds tied her to Morgan.
He gave a slow nod. "Agreed."
She released a breath, clearly relieved. "Well, then, there's only one more thing."
He cocked a brow.
"It has to do with the manner of deciding the number of visits. I will toss but only,"—she raised a delicate gloved finger—"oneof the dice."
His jaw tautened. He was not so much concerned over her proposal itself as he was over her temerity in bargaining with him. She was growing bolder by the minute; if he did not take care, she might begin to think she could run roughshod over him. A pretty thing like her was probably used to getting everything she wanted. Probably had all the gentlemen wrapped around her precious little finger.
"Give me one good reason why I should agree to that in addition to the other concessions I am making," he said.
Her sable lashes angled upward. "Because you happen to be in a magnanimous mood?"
"Try again, Miss Fines."
She chewed on her lip. "Because you are so confident in your own prowess that you believe you could seduce me within six meetings?"
"Better reasoning," he acknowledged, "but still not good enough."
"I don't see why using one die should matter so much," she said in a tone just short of wheedling. "After all, I am agreeing to risk my reputation and my person for the sake of this wager. The least you could do is accommodate this request."
That smile of hers could probably charm birds from their leafy perches and well she knew it. He stroked his chin. "I suppose I might consider it..."
"Excellent. I knew you'd come around," she said, beaming.
