Gracie’s hearthammered in her chest, a mixture of fear, embarrassment, and excitement twisting inside her. She placed her bet by rolling off one stocking.
“Well played, lass,”he murmured.
“Ye… ye are nae fair,”she said, eyes narrowed, cheeks burning. “Ye watch me too closely.”
“And ye enjoy it, I think,”he said, eyes flashing with mischief. “Ye like the attention of yer Laird, even if ye willnae admit it.”
Gracie pressed her lips together,trying not to melt under his gaze. “I… I am nae sure what ye mean,” she said, though the tremble in her voice betrayed her.
Jaxon leaned back,letting a slow grin spread across his face. “Och, I think ye ken perfectly well,” he said, eyes dancing. He took off his sash and laid it on the table near her stocking.
Gracie drew her next card,determined to focus on the game, but the sight of him leaning across the table sent a shiver through her. She tried to concentrate on the numbers, but her mind wandered to the warmth of his hands, the strength of his shoulders, and the teasing way he always seemed to know her thoughts before she spoke.
“This isnae just a game of cards,” she muttered under her breath, though he heard it.
“Indeed it is nae, lass,”he said, voice low, almost a growl. “It is a game of skill, wits… and courage. Let’s see if ye can keep up with me.”
Her pulse jumpedat the challenge, a thrill she had never felt before. She smiled, a small, mischievous glint in her eyes, and laid her cards down.
“Ye play well,”he murmured. “Ye have won.”
“Och, Laird,”she said, leaning slightly forward herself, “I think ye will find ye have met yer match tonight.” She said as she claimed the garments from the table and set them down at her side.
“Aye, lass…we shall see.”
Gracie’s fingerstrembled slightly as she held her cards, her eyes scanning them carefully. A pair of queens and a jack looked promising, and she felt a flicker of courage in her chest. She glanced at Jaxon, who leaned back with that infuriating smirk, eyes glinting.
“Ye are nae afraid, I hope?”he teased, voice low and mocking.
“I am nae afraid,”she replied, trying to sound bold, though her cheeks betrayed her. “I am ready, Laird, so place yer bet.”
Jaxon’s grin widened,and he reached down, unclasping the leather belt around his tunic.
“Aye, I shall wager me belt,”he said, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Think ye can take it from me, lass?”
Gracie’s pulse raced,heat climbing her cheeks. She felt daring and decided to wager something new. She fumbled slightly, loosening a ribbon from her hair.
“Then I…I shall wager me ribbon,” she said, holding it out with shaking hands. Her hair fell to her shoulders. She thought she heard a groan from Jaxon, but it was so low she was unsure.
“Och,lass, ye have spirit. Fine, let it be so.”
The round began,and Gracie’s heart pounded in time with the fire’s flicker. She tried to stay calm, focusing on the cards in her hand, the two queens and jack gleaming in her mind. Her stomach fluttered, knowing what was at stake, and knowing Jaxon’s intense gaze never left her.
She laiddown her cards with a flourish, trying to keep her voice steady. “A pair of queens and a jack,” she announced. Her hands shook as she reached for her ribbon.
Jaxon’s eyebrowsshot up in mock surprise. “Och, is that so?” he said, leaning closer. “Ye bested me this round, lass.”
“I…I never thought I could beat ye, let alone more than once” she admitted softly.
“I shall have my revenge.Watch closely, for the next round is mine.”
The game continued,each round more daring than the last. Jaxon raised the stakes, now wagering his tunic, and Gracie, cheeks aflame, countered with a belt she had fastened over her waist.
“Ye are bold, lass,”he said, eyes darkening with playful challenge. “But so am I.”
The next handfell to Jaxon, and Gracie’s stomach fluttered with anticipation and nervousness. He laid down a full house, and Gracie’s jaw fell.
“Och, I cannae compete with that!”she exclaimed, laughing despite herself.
