to this Polly.”
“Wouldn’t you like to see if you’ve won?”
“I suppose. Will it take long?”
He smothered a smile. She was adorable. “Mere seconds.”
“And number three is the winner!” the man at the board announced a few seconds later. “Followed by numbers one and eight. See the window for your winnings.”
She clutched Jack’s arm. “I cannot believe it. I won. I’ve never won anything before.”
“See?” He grinned, the happiness in her expression causing his belly to twist and turn. “Go, collect your winnings.” He jerked his head toward Mac and the window.
She presented her receipt to Mac. “It appears I’ve won.”
“Indeed you have, miss. Here you are.” He slid forward a fifty-dollar bill.
“Oh, no. That can’t be right.” She turned to Jack. “Fifty dollars?”
“Guess number three had some long odds.” Reaching out, he palmed the bill and presented it to her. “Congratulations. Thanks, fellows,” he said to the men behind the counter and led her toward a side door.
It was time to go upstairs.
Fifty dollars. It was unbelievable. “What am I supposed to do with this money?” The soup kitchen at the Bowery Mission could certainly use the help. Or Justine could donate it to one of the nearby schools. The legal aid society. One of the new settlement houses—
“No doubt there’s a pretty dress or hat you’ve had your eye on,” Mulligan said over his shoulder as they weaved through the crowded room.
She frowned at his back, though he couldn’t see it. Didn’t he know her at all? Her mother might care about new dresses and accessories, but Justine didn’t. “That is not what I would spend my money on.”
Stopping beside the door, he cocked his head as he examined her. “What if I ordered you to spend that money on yourself, for something selfish? Not for anyone else. What would you buy?”
Her mind blanked. Just yawning emptiness and fragments of thoughts. There wasn’t a thing she wanted. Moreover, she came from privilege. If she desired clothing or jewelry, her family could afford it. “I don’t know.”
“Not one thing? A meal or a trip? A pair of earrings? New corset or stockings?” His gaze darted to her bosom and sparks tingled under her skin. Was he thinking about her breasts?
“I could never waste the money on me when I know others need it more.” Her voice sounded strange, low and raspy. Had he noticed?
The way he stared at her—with a heat and intensity she felt everywhere, even the tips of her toes—said he absolutely had.
They stayed there, suspended in time, watching the other, as the moment stretched. He stood mere inches away, far closer than any decent man would dare in public. The thick fringe of his lashes, the slashing brows, full lips . . . all of it close enough to touch. To kiss. Her heart felt like it was trying to force its way out of her chest. She wished she knew what was going on in his head.
Stay and I’ll make all your darkest dreams come true.
Was he remembering, too? She could hardly stop thinking about that promise and all the wicked possibilities it might entail.
“So pure,” he murmured. “All that decentness is the worst kind of temptation to a man like me.”
“Why?” she croaked.
Bending at the waist, he put his lips near her ear. “Because I want to sink inside and bathe myself in it, then destroy it.”
She sucked in a ragged breath. Raw and erotic, his words raced through her like an electric current. Her nipples tightened to hard points in her clothing, her breasts heavy and full. Sakes alive, how could he say things like that aloud, in broad daylight?
Even so, she wouldn’t run from him. She was stronger than he credited her for. “Perhaps it would have the opposite effect. Perhaps it could save you.”
He straightened, his mouth twisting with a hint of what seemed like regret. “I am past the point of saving, cara.” Before she could argue that no one was past the point of saving, he threw open the door to the second floor. “Up you go.”
Exhaling, she started up the stairs. She’d never been so affected by a man before. Mulligan had a way of sliding under her skin and twisting her inside out. He also was proving to be efficient at solving her problems. She wasn’t certain how to feel about that.
Haven’t you learned by now who really has all the power in this city?
Nevertheless, she couldn’t rely on him. He was not helping her out of the