My Lady Series Bundle by Shirl Anders Read Free Book Online Page B

room, then sidestepped her query entirely by asking, "Do you play chess, madame?"
    Gabriella's delicate features showed surprise, mild reproof, and then perplexity, before she finally answered, "It has been many years, my lord, however, I did play chess with my father when I was young."
    "Excellent," Drummond answered, watching Gabriella's awareness dawning to realize just where they stood and what she could only assume that meant would be happening soon.
    "I would challenge you to a game, my lord," she declared suddenly, a little too suddenly he thought, suppressing a smile.
    "Challenge begets a wager, madame. Is that what you are suggesting?" he asked bemused.
    "Well, I ..." Gabriella's voice faltered, then regained its footing, while her gaze skittered for a moment. "Of course," she finished, nearly in a squeak.
    "Being a gentleman, I would have to give you a lead, denoting your rustiness over the game," he paused. "A rook and a pawn, I should think would be sufficient."
    "How honorable," Gabriella muttered, appearing for all the world as if no matter how high the advantage was, she had no hope of winning.
    "What shall we wager . . . hmm?" he asked, as he eyed the white and black chess pieces already set in the beginning position, on a low table in front of the fireplace.
    "I really have nothing to wager, my lord."
    "Drummond, madame, I shall have to insist that you call me Drummond." Drummond picked up the smooth-marbled queen, running his thumb over the sculptured outline. "And, I would not say that you have nothing." He paused, lifting his gaze to Gabriella's. "Your diamond earrings perhaps?"
    "Oh no, I ..." Gabriella's slender hand flew to her earlobe where she fingered one of the diamond ear bobs.
    Drummond chuckled warmly, looking once again at the queen. "I am pleased to see that you like them so well that you have no desire to part with them, madame."
    "We could wager a deed. If you insist," Gabriella suggested suddenly.
    "A deed?" Drummond questioned, with prompt and heightened awareness.
    "I could perhaps mend your shirts or, um, cook you a meal. Oh no, possibly not that as you already have an excellent cook. No, I could ..."
    "A meal," Drummond interrupted, being that she surprised him. Women of Gabriella's station in life did not normally lower themselves to such benign labor.
    "Why yes, a meal, my lor-, um, Drummond, something you favor perhaps?"
    Gabriella appeared so earnest, Drummond reflected, and in his surprise he had gotten captured carrying their game in a much different direction than he intended. Ah well, there was no hope but to regroup. "A meal . . . perhaps. However, what would I give you?" he asked, setting the chess piece down.
    "Above all else, I should like your vow that you will not spank me again." Gabriella's cheeks turned pink as Drummond watched her struggle to hold his steady gaze, whilst he fought down a pesky smile of admiration.
    "All that for a meal?" he inquired as he began to walk toward her purposefully. "Perhaps for a meal and anything that I might desire for dessert, madame."
    If possible, Gabriella's delicate features turned pinker and she appeared about to bolt, however, she stood her ground as he stopped very near to her. "I believe that is too vague," she replied bravely, tilting her face up to him.
    "Even for such a boon as never being spanked by me again?" Drummond asked with a wicked soft infliction.
    "Yes . . . you could ask for the world for dessert," Gabriella replied with a graceful sweep of her hand.
    "Your loins." Drummond abruptly stated. "Dessert would be tasting your loins."
    Gabriella faltered a step backward, apparently in shock, with her hands clasped to her agitated bosom and her cheeks turning scarlet . . .
    And, Drummond unhurriedly began to unbutton his shirt. "The wager is set, madame."

Chapter Eleven
    D rummond heard Gabriella stutter, clearly flustered as she asked, "W-What are you doing?"
    Drummond hid his smile and continued to untie his cravat, then