Royal Wager #2: Royal Wager, #2

By Renna Peak and Ember Casey

Tortured by temptation…

Benedict never thought it would be this hard to abstain from pleasure.

He thought it would be easy to best his competitive brothers and win the title he always wanted.

But as things heat up with Quinn, he faces the delicious agony of temptation like he's never known…

This is book two of the Royal Wager series and ends with a cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Casey Peak Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Feb 28, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393530497

Book preview

Benedict

My brothers have always had impeccable timing. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Caspar has arrived at Wilderly Springs to find me in a compromising position with Quinn—one that probably very much makes it look like I’ve already lost the wager I have with my brothers.

Quinn’s eyes look like they might pop from her head. I quickly help her to cover herself before turning to my brother. As you can see, all the important parts of me are still clothed.

Caspar lifts a brow, walking toward us.

I turn to Quinn, who has already pulled my shirt over her head. She crosses her arms in front of her, looking between Caspar and me.

I stand, helping her to do the same. Quinn, meet my brother Caspar.

Apologies, my lady, my brother says. When I heard that Benedict was bringing guests to the estate, I thought I’d make sure that everything was all right.

I guess… Quinn stammers, barely sputtering out her words. I guess it’s a good thing you came. Our tire blew out on the way here.

It’s true, I say, turning to my brother with a smile. And your timing…

Quinn’s face appears to have caught fire again. She grabs her clothing from the floor and holds it over the front of her. I…I’m just going to step outside for a second. Use the restroom. You know.

Happy to meet you, Caspar calls after her as she leaves the room. He turns back to me. Prove to me you haven’t fucked her.

And how would I do that? You don’t take me at my word?

Hardly. Caspar gives me an evil smile. I suppose I am half-naked, but my jeans are still on.

If you must know, I wanted to fuck her, I say. More than any woman I’ve ever known. A slow smile comes to my lips. "In fact, if you hadn’t interrupted, I might have just been out of the running for this place altogether. So while your timing was terrible, in a way it was spectacular. I suppose I should thank you, Brother."

Caspar’s hands ball into fists at his sides.

When it began to rain earlier, we’d brought our meal inside before we became…distracted. I gather what’s left of the picnic we’ve brought to the ballroom and slide it into the basket, pulling it up by the handle. I don’t suppose you’re hungry? The cook gave me enough food to last a week. Pity Quinn and I won’t be stranded here to eat it all.

Caspar growls, and his gaze narrows.

"I suppose this means you still haven’t lost the bet, I say, grinning at him as I pass him on my way to the door. But what of Xavier? I can’t imagine—"

Actually, he just let me know he was out. He didn’t mention how or why, but he said he was disqualified. I came here to tell you I’d won, fair and square. He’s following me, but I can hear the venom in his words.

I turn to him when I reach the kitchen, setting the basket onto the counter. I haven’t lost. Not yet. I’ll admit I was very close. A few times. I smile. But I swear, there’s been no release.

It didn’t sound like that was true for your partner, Caspar says. And I believe—

"No, the terms were very clear, Brother. No personal release. Nothing was ever mentioned about giving our partner their own release."

A technicality—

But one we never agreed upon. Besides, doesn’t it make it more… My mind goes blank. More…harder…

Caspar’s eyebrows rise. "I imagine it would make you harder. He chuckles. But I suppose you mean it makes it more difficult."

Yes. I nod. More difficult. My inability to think of proper words should be proof enough to him.

Caspar eyes me for a moment. Fine. I believe you. But only because I know you’re a terrible actor. I doubt you could pull off lying to me.

Precisely, I say. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really should go and find Quinn.

If you’ve told her of our wager, you’ve already violated the terms, Caspar says. And I’ll have won! If you’ve so much as mentioned—

I haven’t, I reply. Believe me, I wanted to. It’s been utter torture. You can’t even imagine—

Oh, I think there is no one more capable of understanding than I am. Caspar eyes me again for a moment. We had a few visitors arrive this morning. They were disappointed you weren’t there.

Oh? I ask, trying to cover my grin. I wouldn’t know anything about that.

Wouldn’t you? Caspar tilts his head. I believe Ana said you had invited her personally.

Ana? I shrug. "I don’t think so. Besides, didn’t you have both of those sisters at once a few months ago? I certainly wasn’t part of that…situation."

Caspar’s face turns an amusing shade of crimson.

It’s a little depraved, but I’m certainly not one to judge, I say.

I believe the Americans have a phrase that is appropriate. Caspar lifts a brow. Do not knock it until you’ve tried it. Or some such thing.

Try what? Quinn’s voice comes from the doorway, and I turn. She’s put her jeans back on, but she still has on my shirt. Without a bra.

My cock strains painfully against my jeans. If I don’t find a release—and very soon—I feel I just might die.

I was just thanking my brother for the gift he sent me this morning. Caspar gives her a shallow bow. And I apologize, Miss Hartley. I neglected before to tell you how truly enchanting it is to meet you.

I could kill my brother. I can’t count the number of times he’s out-charmed me to steal a woman away. And it’s quite obvious that is exactly what he’s trying to do now.

Quinn

Iguess this is why ordinary girls shouldn’t run around having torrid affairs with royalty. Things are bound to get…awkward.

I’m oh-so-very aware of the fact that I’m not wearing a bra right now. And that Benedict’s damp shirt does little to hide my breasts. And of course, this is the moment I’m expected to greet yet another member of Montovian royalty, Benedict’s brother.

It’s better than being naked with Benedict’s face between your legs, I think. I have no idea how I’m ever going to live that down. I want to hide my head in a hole.

Caspar is watching me with a grin on his face. Like Benedict, he’s dashingly handsome—and he knows it. He shares his brother’s blue eyes, but his windswept hair is more of a red-blond color, compared to Benedict’s rich auburn.

Good to meet you, I say, offering Caspar an awkward curtsy. I’m Quinn. I’m sorry you…uh, had to witness all that.

There’s no reason to be embarrassed, Caspar says, catching my hand and bringing it to his lips. Believe me, my lady, this is hardly the first time I’ve caught Benedict in a compromising position.

Exactly how many times has that happened? I wonder, afraid to look in Benedict’s direction. How many girls has he seduced this way? But I force that line of thinking aside. First of all, I have to admit that I was the one doing most of the seducing in this case. And secondly, just before we jumped each other’s bones I accused him of not liking women at all. Now I’m upset he might like women too much? I can’t have it both ways.

I hope my brother has given you a proper Montovian welcome, Caspar says. Otherwise I might have to rectify the situation.

I assure you, Brother, Benedict cuts in, a slight edge to his voice. I’ve been taking very good care of her.

No doubt you have. Caspar doesn’t look at his brother. Which is why she’s currently wearing your wet clothes. He offers his arm to me. My mother has some of her extra things in a room upstairs. Why don’t we find you something a little more comfortable?

"I was going to get her something dry, Benedict says. Just as soon as—"

As you had your way with her. Don’t worry—I understand. Caspar rolls his eyes at his brother. To me, he says, "The choice is yours, Quinn. I just want you