“God knows I’m never leaving you,” he murmured as he pressed his hips forward. “Marriage or not, you’re stuck with me.”

“Even if I don’t want children?” Though she openly used a womb veil to prevent contraception, they hadn’t had this exact conversation. But she was more and more certain that motherhood was not for her.

“I don’t care whether we have children or not. I’ve no legacy to protect, no estate to pass down. As long as you’re with me I’ll remain content.”

She spun to see his face. “Just content?”

“Ecstatic.” He kissed her throat, leaving a trail of goose bumps on her skin. “Blissfully happy. Thrilled beyond measure.”

“Hmm. I’m not convinced.”

“Then come along, sweet nymph, to the desk where I shall begin to prove it to you.”

Acknowledgments

Gambling was illegal in New York during the Gilded Age, but it was widespread and popular. The upper classes gambled discreetly in clubs, while poolrooms and policy shops ruled downtown. I am not a gambler, so I had to learn a lot about the odds, rules and different ways to cheat, mostly from blackjackage.com. All the errors are mine.

Thank you to Diana and Michele, who read an early (and much shorter) version of this story and convinced me it wasn’t terrible. Writing would be incredibly lonely without them in my life. I’m also beyond grateful for the friendship and support of Sarah, Sophie, Julie, Sonali, Lenora, Eva and Megan. You are all amazing and such inspirations to me.

Thank you to Tessa Woodward for her enthusiasm and guidance on this story. It is such a joy to work with you on my books! Thanks to the entire team at Avon/HarperCollins, especially Elle, Pam, Kayleigh and Angela. And thanks to Laura Bradford, who always looks out for me.

A shout-out to the Gilded Lilies on Facebook! Thank you for sharing my enthusiasm for this time period and loving my crazy stories.

Thanks to all the readers, bloggers and librarians for spreading the word about romance and my books. You’re all superstars.

As always, thank you to my family for all their love and support.

Announcement

Don’t miss Jack Mulligan’s story in the next Uptown Girls romance from Joanna Shupe,

THE DEVIL OF DOWNTOWN

On Sale Summer 2020

From Avon Books

About the Author

JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. While in college, Joanna read every romance she could get her hands on and soon started crafting her own racy historical novels. In 2013, she won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Historical. She now lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.

Discover great authors, exclusive offers, and more at hc.com.

By Joanna Shupe

Uptown Girls

• The Rogue of Fifth Avenue
• The Prince of Broadway

Coming Soon

• The Devil of Downtown