The Madame of Gravestone Read Online Free PDF Page A

dark.” He stared into her eyes and she could almost feel the emotion in his words. “Emma, if I’m going to be a part of this, then you’re going to have to let me in on a few of the bigger things … like the fact that you’re the king’s daughter.
    “I thought you said I didn’t have to tell you anything until I trusted you.”
    Tripp paused. Emma watched as her words took effect. She had hurt him. How dare he think one night of sex means I have to trust him completely? She was about to say more when a rogue from her past came bursting out of the crowd.
    “Is that my Emma?”
    “George.” She was swept into his arms and twirled around in reckless abandon. “George, put me down.”
    The man dropped her to her feet and offered Tripp his hand. “Well, hello there. Are you her escort for the evening?”
    “It does look that way.” Tripp once again took his place beside Emma and the three of them went into a large poker hall.
    “Why don’t you go and play a round of cards?” Emma motioned toward the tables and hoped Tripp would take the hint.
    “Wonderful idea.” George tossed a poker chip in Tripp’s direction. “I’ll take the lady dancing while you go play.”

Chapter Seven
    Tripp watched as George and Emma melted away into a bustling group of dancing couples. He hadn’t felt this jealous and hurt since his college days. I’m losing it, he thought as he sat at one of the card tables. This one has really done a number on me .
    It wasn’t until a few good rounds of cards had passed through his hands and a stack of chips was in front of him, that he began to relax. “Women,” he mumbled aloud. “Can’t live with them—”
    “Can’t live without them.” Professor Greggor’s voice rang in his ears. The man in his staple safari gear handed the dealer a few chips. “Cash my friend out, please.”
    “Shit. Is that really you?”
    “Take your money, son. You can buy me a drink at the bar.”
    The two men got their liquor and found two empty stools in the corner of the large room. It was a good place to talk privately, but still watch everything going on. “Can I assume you came back for me?”
    “You sound disappointed.” The professor chuckled. “Does it have anything to do with the lovely princess? I couldn’t help but notice you arrived with her.”
    Tripp shook his head in frustration. “Am I the only one who didn’t know the Madame of Gravestone was also the king’s daughter?”
    The professor gave him a quizzical look. “If it makes you feel any better, I know nothing of the Gravestone part. When I arrived here the first time, I landed right in the middle of the palace gardens. I met the royal family then.”
    “Apparently a lot has happened since.” Tripp tipped back his drink and emptied his glass.
    “That’s true. From the gossip I’ve already heard, there is a group of traitors trying to sabotage this monarchy. It seems the king has gotten a little arrogant and greedy with his poorer citizens.”
    Tripp removed his top hat and ran his fingers through his hair. “Princess Emma is leading that group of traitors and I’m deep in the middle of it.”
    “I see.” Professor Greggor finished off his drink and stared at the glass bottom. “You in love with her too?”
    Ignoring the last question, Tripp scanned the room. It had filled considerably since their arrival. Westland’s upper class were happily gambling, dancing or drinking. “Professor, did you happen to see where my date has run off to?”
    The boat whistled its departure as both men walked around the main room. Tripp watched the dancers with growing anxiety while the professor scanned the gambling tables. “Isn’t that the fellow she was dancing with?”
    Tripp turned to see George leaning against a wall chatting playfully with a group of young women. None of them were Emma. “I believe it is.”
    He pushed through the crowd and joined the little sideshow. Tripp watched as George made a coin appear behind a