Ruth Langan by Jade

Author:Jade [Jade]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Lily paused to whisper in Jade’s ear, “Nevada is back.”

Jade looked up from the cluster of gentlemen in time to see a broad, muscled back disappearing into the game room. “That makes seven nights in a row,” she commented. Then, realizing what she’d revealed, she snapped, “As if I care.”

She saw the smile on Lily’s lips, and it only deepened her resolve to ignore him.

Nevada had returned each night to indulge in high-stakes poker games, which sometimes lasted throughout the night and far into the morning.

The women of the Golden Dragon were charmed by him. And the men made it plain that they enjoyed his company.

Though Jade did nothing more than offer a perfunctory greeting, she couldn’t help being aware of him. Even in a crowded room her gaze was drawn to him. No longer was he the unkempt trail rider. Now, like the others who frequented the opulent pleasure palace, he wore exquisitely tailored suits and starched white shirts with monogrammed cuffs. His wild mane of hair had been shorn, his face clean shaven.

Without a word he could touch her.

Now, as she entered the game room and moved among the players, she was aware of the dangerous look in his eyes. And of his long, slender fingers as he picked up the cards. Aware, too, of the way he watched her over the rim of his glass, or through the haze of his cigar smoke.

She greeted him with the same quiet reserve she used for all the players, with the exception of Senator Hammond, who brought a bright smile to her lips.

“Jade,” the dealer said, “I don’t believe you’ve met Virgil Trent.”

“Mr. Trent. Welcome to the Golden Dragon.”

“Some welcome.” The gambler, who sat to the right of Nevada, was dressed in formal black frock coat and satin vest. The pile of chips in front of him was slowly dwindling.

He had demanded that a tumbler of whiskey be kept filled at all times. Each time the cards were shuffled, he drained the tumbler and watched through narrowed eyes while it was refilled.

Though he appeared to be no more than twenty, his eyes were cold and vacant, his mouth a grim, tight line of anger. “I’ve had better luck in a run-down saloon in Deadwood,” he muttered.

“Then perhaps you would prefer to try your luck at some other game,” Jade suggested.

“Only if you’re the prize.” His gaze raked her as he held out a fistful of money. “Name your price.”

Lee Yin started across the room, ready to defend Jade’s honor. But she immediately smoothed things over by saying lightly, “I had in mind faro, Mr. Trent. Or perhaps dice.”

He glanced at the lady, and then at her bodyguard. “My game is poker. That is, when the players are clean.”

“Are you suggesting that we cheat?” The senator’s eyes flashed a challenge.

Virgil merely shrugged. “If the shoe fits…”

“More brandy, Senator Hammond?” Jade said softly.

The older man took a long breath, then turned his head to look at her. Seeing the pleading look in her eyes, he muttered, “Yes.

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