Nancy O'Berry--Romance Writer

More than a hero to die for...

Someone you wish you knew

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Excerpt: Having Faith

by Nancy O'Berry
Mainstream Romance: Historical/Period

ISBN: 978-1-60435-243-6
redrosepublishing.com--Click to Order an ebook! or redrosepublishing.com--Click to Order in print!

"This is your moment to speak your mind. If what I am asking you goes against your good conscience, you need to let me know now. "

Faith whispered, "The pot is very large."

"Six thousand, the pot total is six thousand." Her hand fluttered her fan as she moved, "even when Diamond Jim Brady played in Chicago, it wasn't this large." Taking a deep breath, she adjusted the fabric on her shoulders, then moved back to pick up Faith's hands.

In her eyes, Faith could see the astonishment.

"None of my girls has ever, ever raised so much."

Faith felt Miss Benedict search her face. She knew what she was asking. Could she go through with it? Dampening her lips she spoke, "I know that tonight who ever is the winner, he can ask me to be exclusive."

"Including the Major? I must ask for I saw your signal in regards to Mr. Oakley."

Faith paused. Just saying his name, Major Abrams, left a sour taste in her mouth. The man gave the impression of being a fine officer but she knew him to be rougher around the edges. Did she have the courage to allow him the right to her services at his whim?

Seeing her struggle, Miss Benedict gave a weak smile. "While the money will pay for our expenses, if the man chooses you as his paramour he will be expected to set you up with a monthly expense account. For this, each and every time he comes to town, you are to go. If he calls for you, then you must drop everything and go. As the winner, he is entitled to you with exclusive rights to your body as well as your soul, until he decides to relinquish his sponsorship. Do you understand this? You realize this is not just entertaining a gentleman for the evening and saying goodbye? Are you prepared, Faith, to uphold your end of the bargain?"

Faith felt the world settle upon her shoulders.

Should Oakley lose, it would be the Major that would claim her night after night. She turned away and searched her heart. Somewhere deep within her a voice urged her to accept fate. This time it would be kind. She nodded her assent.