Gaming Hell Christmas Volume 1 by Kathy L Wheeler

Author:Kathy L Wheeler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christmas, Holiday, anthology, georgian, mystery, romance, romantic suspense, second chance love, duke, peerage, amanda mccabe, kathy l wheeler, gaming hell, casino, regency, historical romance, abduction, pet, animal, best selling authors, amazon, kindle unlimited, feisty heroine, nobility, earl, artist, meet cute, london society, suspense, beau monde, haute ton, prequel, series romance, best selling romance, mystery romance, family, marquis, marquess, countess, children, viscount, miscommunication, rogue, libertine, rebel
Publisher: Chisel Imprint
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

The smell of Christmas and evergreen filled the halls of Winsome’s house and sprigs of holly sprinkled throughout the greenery gave it a festive air.

Alex hadn't had a moment to contact Belle or Thom or Philomena, Elizabeth, or Victoria since the moment she’d returned home. She had been busy the second she'd awakened that morning. Last-minute preparations for tonight's ball took up every spare moment. From locating missing ribbons to torn hems on ballgowns, and flitting from one chamber to another. She assisted with crying nieces and nephews, infants to toddlers, and was frequently called upon to mitigate Sophia’s constant demands and outbursts.

She’d had no time to play even a single game of chess with her father. For once, she understood exactly how and why the duke found the game so soothing.

Today was the perfect example of why she wanted her own dwelling. The image of Theo floated in her head. But did she really want her own place? She adored kissing him and wanted to feel in inside her again. Her thighs still yearned for his touch where his hands and mouth had ravished her senseless.

When she was around him, a certain calm settled over her as if she’d played a round of chess. She felt balanced. With him she felt like she belonged.

Alex escaped to her chamber and fell, eyes closed and exhausted, into the wing-backed chair closest to the window.

A light tap sounded at the door, but Alex didn’t bother raising her head. “There's a note for you,” Nelda said.

“Leave it on table, please. I just need a few minutes.”

“Aye, miss.” The door shut with a click.

Again, someone pounded and Alex started. Before she could respond, the door banged against the wall.

“Saints in heaven. You haven't even dressed!” Sophia’s screech was a waring basket of outrage or nerves. “You've been asleep,” she accused.

Alex glanced at the clock. “Seven? Oh, no.” She jumped up from her chair. “Send Nelda in. It won't take me long.” After all, Alex was not the one everyone would be looking at all evening. She did a quick wash and by the time she'd finished, Nelda slipped in and quickly assisted Alex with her corset, stays, and gown—a lovely bronze silk trimmed in delicate lace.

The dress was perfect. She grinned at her reflection. Sophia would not be happy.

Her hair was an utter disaster and took a little more doing. In the end, draping curls trailing soft tendrils framed the contours of her face. All in all, she was quite pleased with her appearance.

“Oh, miss, you didn't read your note.”

“Oh, I'd forgotten.” She broke the unfamiliar seal and read. Alexandra, I know this is terribly short notice but I would dearly love to see you. I’m staying at No. 25 St. James Place. I’m only in town for a few short days. Yrs. Olivia Marchand.

Of course. Her mother wouldn’t be invited to the ball, she thought with a surge of resentment. An ache, years in the making, filled Alex. She would dearly love to see her mother.

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