A Gamble // Benedict Bridgerton

Chapter Eighteen

Word Count: 1,633 words. 

Warnings: None. 

Evelyn was alone while the others prepared for guests. She had dressed accordingly and was already practising her fake smile to greet others. The princess touched the top of the Black King, gently tipping it from side to side as she looked at the glass double doors. It was only nights ago that the rain had poured from the heavens and she had danced underneath the moonlight with Benedict.

"I apologise," he began, entering the room.

She knew who it was without turning. "Do not. You said nothing that was not the truth."

"I do not want to enjoy you – "

"Is that not the point of pleasure?" Evelyn posed, turning to face him. "To enjoy? Our kisses are of pleasure and, should we further this, then our actions shall be of such too, but I do have rules... If you wish to kiss me again, I have rules."

The man nodded, too weak to deny her. Benedict stepped closer, looking at the chess board. "Shall we discuss them over our last game?"

When his eyes meet hers, her stomach clenched and she swallowed nervously. Now that she had kissed him, every part of her wanted to do it again. The attraction between the pair was inescapable.

"Impatient to finish our wager?" she posed.

He took a seat on the White's side. "Always."

Taking her own seat, they began. He moved his Pawn, and Evelyn played her Bishop. 

It was different now, engaging in a game with Benedict. Those attractive glances that he had passed her before had intensified and the image of his hands moving the varied pieces excited her more than they should. Charcoal passed from his skin to his Knight.

"So..." he dragged, sitting back in his chair while he waited for the princess to make her move. "What are these rules?"

The way that he slumped with his hand on the arm of his seat was meant to distract her, Evelyn knew that. She was stronger than it.

"You have already agreed to one, the most practical," Evelyn explained moving to protect her Rook. "Whatever happens between us must remain a secret."

"Undoubtedly."

"Especially now that I am engaged." The very mentioned of it left a sour taste in her mouth.

Benedict's grip on his next piece was stronger than it had been before. "And shall this end once he arrives?"

"Practically it should, yes," Evelyn informed him. "I may be uncommon, but I shall not be unfaithful. Our relationship will return to what it should be."

"Which is?" he tried then.

There was a small pinch in her heart. "You are brother to my friend, nothing more."

He moved his Bishop. "What others rules do you have?"

"I have three. Secrecy is first and then safety."

"Safety?" He was clearly confused.

"If I tell you to stop, you stop," she put plainly.

His expression fell. "Have men hurt you?"

She swallowed, moving a Pawn. "Men believe that they are dominant creatures," she paused, fear building for a moment. "They often attempt to bring such dominance to my bed."

He watched her carefully. "I promise you Evelyn, that I will never do anything to harm you," Benedict told her, meeting her gaze. His genuine expression left her struggling for breath. "You deserve to be worshipped, not used."