man’s....
Oh, she couldn’t even think about it.
“Whisky,” Emma said in a low voice.
“Of course, sir,” the woman said with a sensual smile. “Don’t forget to put your hat on the table.”
“I don’t want to lose it,” Emma replied.
“Melissa is watching the table. Nothing will happen to it. Would you like me to take it over there for you?”
“No,” Emma said in a harsh tone. “Just get my drink.”
The woman pursed her lips. “As you wish.”
The croupier behind the table announced that her number won. She smiled and decided to play again.
SIMON HAD JUST FINISHED his business letters when Riley entered the office. The man scowled down at Simon.
“There’s a young man who has refused to remove his hat,” Riley said. “I was going to confront him but thought you might want the pleasure.”
Simon rose and walked to the window overlooking the gaming room. He spotted the fellow immediately, noting the amount of money in front of him and the man’s diminutive size. “How much has he won?”
“He’s been here for about an hour and has already won thirty pounds.”
“It’s damned hard to cheat at roulette, Riley.” Still, the man, if Simon could call him that, barely looked old enough to be out of leading strings.
“That’s why I waited to inform you.”
“Perhaps he only intended to play a game or two but kept winning. Or maybe he’s losing his hair already and doesn’t want to take off his hat.” Simon grabbed his jacket from the back of his chair. “I think I’ll watch the floor tonight. What’s the man drinking?”
“Whisky.”
Simon walked down to the gaming room and grabbed two glasses of whisky before approaching Meg. “Give this to the man with the hat at the roulette table.”
“That arse? He refused to remove his hat.”
“Tell him the drink is from me.”
“That will be his fourth.”
Simon smiled. “Good.”
If he worked for the ruffians from Seven Dials, more alcohol might loosen the boy’s tongue. Simon stared at the young man who kept his head down, and his eyes on the wheel. He looked even younger than the last lad he’d tossed out of Hell. But this man’s clothes were in much better quality than Smith’s had been, albeit a wrinkled mess. This man looked like rumpled quality, not a poor thief.
He appeared to have lost that spin but quickly placed two bets on the table. With the next turn, he won again. Simon might have suspected his employee was up to something, but Talbot had been with him for over three years. The young man briefly looked up with a sneer as Meg delivered the drink. How odd. Meg could entice any man to do as she desired. She even had him for one enjoyable encounter that had been all too quickly interrupted by Louisa and Emma.
That was who the man reminded him of, which made no sense at all. Simon could see only hints of blond hair under that cap. Now he was thinking of Emma while watching a man. There was something dreadfully wrong with him. Except, as the man accepted the drink, he slid a glance over at Simon.
Bloody hell!
How the devil had she gotten out of the house wearing those clothes? Why was her mother unwilling to rein in her daughter? He gulped down his whisky while trying to decide the best course of action. He walked over to Hood and asked for his carriage to be ready and waiting at the back door.
“Something amiss, King?” Riley asked after hearing him order his carriage.
“Let just say, I know exactly why a certain gentleman refused to remove his hat.”
“Oh? And why is that?”
Simon smiled as he planned his attack. “She wouldn’t wish to reveal her hair.”
“She?”
“Yes, and this goes no further. I will get her out of here, but I doubt she’ll go quietly. It’s up to you to distract everyone with a drink if she reveals herself.”
Riley tilted his head and quirked a brow. “Reveals herself?”
“Her hair, you bastard. Nothing else will be exposed.”
Riley laughed. “Now that is a shame. Will you let me know who she is?”
“The Duchess’ sister.”
“Bloody hell,” Riley muttered, glancing over at her. “The Duchess is going to kill you.”
“Which is why Miss Drake will be delivered to the duchess in person so she can see how foxed her sister is.” Simon still could not believe Emma Drake was in his gaming hell. Hadn’t he wished she would make an appearance here only yesterday? Not that he’d wanted her dressed as a boy.
He waited until Hood