Take Me If You Dare by Candace Havens Read Free Book Online

man’s face, shadowed by a couple of days’ whisker growth. His pile of chips wasn’t very high.
    “My guess is he’s been here for at least two days. He probably started out with a big wad of cash and now he thinks he can win it all back.” Jackson took her hand in his and moved into the crowd that surrounded the table. There were four other men and the dealer playing. It was a form of poker but she didn’t recognize the game.
    When Jackson let go of her hand and moved forward she was shocked.
    “Desmond, is that you?” Jackson had waited for a lull in the action while the dealer shuffled the cards. He stepped forward and stuck out his hand.
    The other man shook it but had a look of uncertainty on his face.
    Jackson carried on his ruse. “What the heck are you doing here?” He tilted his head back toward Mariska. “The little woman is here with me. Where’s your wife? She was complaining this morning that I was no fun shopping, maybe the girls could spend the day together tomorrow.” He glanced at his watch. “Make that later today.”
    Desmond Gladstone wasn’t sure what to think of Jackson. She could tell from the wary look in his eyes. Bloodshot eyes that revealed he’d been at the table way too long, and it looked as if he’d had one too many drinks.
    Alcohol could make a man stupid. Hell, it could make a woman stupid. She’d made plenty of mistakes after a few too many. His hair was mussed, and though he was in his early thirties according to the background report the agency sent, he appeared much older, haggardand unhealthy, as if he hadn’t had a decent meal or a shower in days.
    Jackson continued the charade, looking around as if trying to find the other man’s wife. Gladstone took the bait.
    It wasn’t surprising since Jackson was so damn convincing. The man should have been a star in Hollywood for the show he put on. He acted as if he’d known Gladstone all his life, and even Mariska would have believed the scheme if she didn’t know the truth.
    “She’s back in the States. I’m here on business.” Gladstone shook his head as if he’d been in a daze, then he sat a little straighter in his chair as if to make himself look more important.
    Monkey business. She couldn’t help it. Gladstone’s poor wife was back home worried sick and here he was in the middle of a card game. Of course if the wife had mentioned a gambling problem, it would have made the agency’s job much easier.
    “We were going to grab a late dinner. When do you think you’ll be finished here? We’d love to catch up. Do you know it’s been almost two—” Jackson was interrupted by a large man who stepped in front him.
    The man barked an order, and Jackson held his hands up. “Hey, I’m only trying to say hi to an old friend.” He leaned around the burly man. “We’ll wait for you and then we’ll head out for some dim sum.”
    Gladstone glanced down at his chips and a look of defeat washed over his face. “Shouldn’t be long.” It wasn’t.
    After four more hands, Mar watched as the man slid his chips forward, calling, “All in.” She held her breath,her nerves raw with anticipation. He’s a friggin’ lunatic, or he has a really good hand.
    When he flipped up the three kings, she thought he’d won. Then another man at the end of the table had five spades.
    Gladstone’s head fell to his hands in despair.
    “A flush will kill you every time,” Jackson said beside her. He’d taken her hand again and she appreciated the calming effect he had on her.
    That was until he motioned with his eyes to the side door. She gave a slight nod that she understood.
    Oh, hell, we’re making a break for it.
    “Well, old man. You can’t win them all,” he said to Gladstone. “How about you come with us and we’ll buy you some dinner. Looks to me like you could use a break from the tables.”
    Gladstone stared blankly ahead as if he didn’t hear Jackson.
    “Hey, Earth to Des. Come on, let’s go eat,” Jackson