C2 The Bet

The Duke of Castor was trying to hide a smirk as he stare at his opponent from across the gambling table, it was not a surprise to him that Lord Melton had taken his challenge seriously.

If it was not for the fact that Lord Melton had something he badly wanted, he would not have even spared him a glance, every member of the gentry knew how poor Lord Melton was becoming and despite that, the man hate to be challenged which Derick admire in him.

"You should not have challenged me" Melton hissed out paying more attention to Derick than the card he was playing.

Finally Derick let the smirk he had been keeping off break let loose, everyone knew him as the gambling Lord and the Duke of Ice, Derrick was certain Lord Melton had no idea what he was getting himself into by accepting his challenge, His demand had always been high which is why almost half of the ton were afriad to play a game with him. Lord Melton should have known better, but how else would have I gotten what I want? Derick thought.

He knew what he wanted to do was cruel but after all it was expected of him, he lack the ability to experience real emotions—it was only half the truth though but the Duke would never admit that.

"You do sound confident Melton" Derick responded in a lazy tone with an assume expression on his handsome face.

"Because I am" Melton replied easily then paused. "What is your stake?"

Once again the Duke had to stop himself from smirking for he do not want to arouse Melton suspecious, he study his opponent expression for a while, every member of the ton also knew Melton was battling with a drinking ability, and the fool was too greedy to even give a second thought about his challenge.

He is a rich man and from the look of things, Melton was hoping to squeeze a little fortunate out of him—which was next to impossible.

Derick stake then relaxed back unto his chair waiting for his opponent reaction, he hoped Lord Melton does not chicken out but he just had to stake higher than Melton could.

Lord Melton eyes widened in surprise and shock, it was obvious he do not have that amount of money but look on the bright side, if he win the bet then he would have plenty of money. Keeping his eyes on the Duke, Melton tried to not show ant sign of nervousness. The Duke was terrifying and intimidating but in order to squeeze a small fortune out of him, Melton knew he had to be strong and play his cards right.

"Shall we call quit?" Derick asked dreading the silent that stretched out between them.

"Why? Is the Duke of Castor scared of losing to me?" Melton grinned at him.

Derick almost lost his temper at the open challenge, he burned him that Melton had the audacity to challenge him. He will soon teach them a lesson. He thought keeping a firm reign on his temper.

"You do not have to stake but if I do win Lord Melton, you shall give me whatever I ask of you. Do we have a deal?" He bargained watching as Lord Melton look back at him with a thoughtful expression probably thinking of the offer he made.

Derick once more lean back in his chair, giving him time to decide for himself and at the same time hoping Lord Melton wouldn't chicken out.

"Deal then" Lord Melton finally agreed.

The next few minutes passed with tension and sometimes a single laugh until the Duke of Castor placed his last card on the table, causing Lord Melton face to pale immediately. The Duke had won.

"I believe I have won Lord Melton" Derick mocked unable to stop himself, his body hummed in silent anticipation of promise pleasure. Soon he will have her!

"Yes... I believe so" Lord Melton agreed putting on a brave face.

"According to the deal... I get something in return right?" He crooked his head one side.

"Yes" The single word left Lord Melton mouth, looking at the Duke he suddenly regretted ever playing this bloody game with him! What was he thinking agreeing to his condition? Because he had been too confident in his skills. Lord Melton could only hope that the Duke would not ask for the impossible.

"I want your daughter Lord Melton" Derick blurted out without heat watching the look of surprise that cross Melton's face.

This should be interesting. Derick thought with a muse eyes.

"No" He disagreed just as the Duke as expected, he needed not to worry. He already planned out his whole scheme.

"You can have anything else except her... Please" Lord Melton begged which catch Derick by surprise.

"I only want her for three months Lord Melton" He told him, three months by then he would have become bored of her.

"She will never marry if you compromise her that way" Lord Melton disagreed with a shake of his head, the Duke's patient was wearing off, Melton could see it in the way the Duke eyes hardened on him, his fingers crawled up into a tight fist.

"I will give you money along with it" Derick bargained once more. Lord! This man had to agree to his demand, if he does not get to bed his daughter soon, He was sure he would completely go mad.

Lord Melton was no fool, he knew the Duke wanted Annie to become his mistress and he could not careless about that, the only thing he was concerned about was how the others were going to fare without her.

"Money?" That got his attention. "Done" Lord Melton agreed immediately.

Bastard! Derick thought with his mouth twisted, raising up from his chair, he adjust his coat. Soon enough he would have Annie Blackwood in his bed screaming his name! Just thinking about it. His cock stir back to life.

Clearing his throat uncomfortably, Derick muttered thickly. "I want her to be brought to me tomorrow before sun down" Then he strolled into his waiting carriage.

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Tbc