Page 128 of Theirs to Tempt: The Marriage Claim

“We ask you one.”

“That sounds more dangerous than money.”

“It may be.”

I study the three betting spaces.

Caleb places two chips on banker.

Lucian does the same.

“Predictable,” I murmur.

“Disciplined,” Lucian corrects.

They both look at me.

Because I refuse to follow them, I place my chip on player.

Nina deals the cards.

Player receives a four and a three.

Banker receives a two and a four.

“Player has seven,” I say. “Banker has six.”

“No additional card,” Lucian tells me.

“And player wins?”

Nina sweeps Caleb’s and Lucian’s chips away, then pushes a second ivory chip toward me.

The small flash of satisfaction I experience is absurd.

“It means nothing,” I remind them.

Caleb leans back. “You’re smiling.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

I gather my winnings. “I have a question.”

“Ask,” he says.

I already know what I want.

“How long has it been since you visited Rosa?”

His expression changes.

Lucian turns his attention to him but says nothing.

“Seven years,” Caleb finally answers.

“Why?”