Cool-headed and ravishingly beautiful, Brandy O’Neill knew how to hold her own with the riverboat gamblers on The Pride of New Orleans. But she met her match in Rafe Morgan when she bet everything she had on three queens and discovered the wealthy plantation owner had a far-from-gentlemanly notion of how she should make good on her wagers.
Lucky In Love…
Disillusioned with romance, Rafe wanted a child of his own to care for, without the complications of a woman to break his heart. Now, a full house had given him just the opportunity he was looking for – he would force the lovely cardsharp to marry him and give him a child before he’d set her free. But a hot wedding night and a glimpse into Brandy’s tender heart soon made Rafe realize he’d been luckier than he’d ever imagined when he won… The Lady’s Hand.
Brandy was in the middle of dealing when she saw Rafe enter the room.
“Good evening, Brandy,” Rafe said as he took a seat at her table.
“Mr. Marchand, how nice to see you again.”
“The pleasure is all mine, believe,” he returned, and he meant it. “What game are we playing this evening?”
“Draw,” she answered quickly.
Brandy dealt efficiently, and as play began, she sensed there was an edge to Rafe’s game that hadn’t been there before. It was a simple matter for her to read the others at the table, but not Rafe. She was not concerned when she lost a few hands. She knew the risks and she took them. She dealt again and was pleased with her hand. She had three queens. Three of a kind was solid. As play continued, everyone else dropped out except Rafe.
“I bet five thousand,” Rafe announced, watching Brandy closely as he pushed his money into the middle of the table.
The onlookers gasped in shock.
Brandy stared at her three queens. Her own funds were low, but the pot was a big one, big enough to care for her elderly mother for months. Besides, she refused to lose to this man.
“I match your bet and call,” she declared, certain she was going to win.
“You’re good for the money?” he asked.
“If I lose, I’m good for it.”
“Let’s see your cards.”
Brandy spread her hand on the table.
Rafe was quiet for a moment, letting the tension in the room build. Then he smiled easily, “A straight beats three of a kind.”
A roar of approval erupted in the room.
“Looks like you’re a winner, Mr. Marchand,” she said, trying to cover her shock and horror.
“Did you ever doubt it?” he countered.
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Hi! I hope everyone enjoys The Lady's Hand.
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