Page 22 of The Duke of Pain

In her dreams, Olivia imagined meeting someone with whom she could share certain physical intimacies.

But this debauched duke? How could it be possible?

After handing her the warm cloth so she could wipe her hands, he motioned for them to sit on the edge of the bed.

“Liv, become my mistress.”

She glanced at his flushed face. His eyes shone like polished onyx stones.

“You can’t be serious.”

“I do not know the first thing about having a long-term mistress,” Gideon said matter-of-factly. “I am not a man who believes in possessing another like a fine piece of jewelry. I would agree to whatever terms you wish.”

And with those words, the duke had ruined what little trust and respect that built between them. Olivia wasn’t sure what else to call it, that deeper intimacy James had spoken of? Perhaps.

Frowning, she tossed the cloth aside. “This situation is moving beyond the parameters that we have set up. Way beyond. I have no intention of becoming a possession or a mistress to any man. Besides, I hear that you’re very commanding and demanding in your pleasures. I will not subject myself to such a situation.”

“Perhaps I can be as you describe. But I’ve proven here that I am quite capable of sharing and submitting. It’s you, Liv, who are afraid of change or of feeling and living.”

This entire situation, the intimacy, the confessions, and the physical contact were too much for her to handle. Whatever slim thread of control she used in these situations splintered apart. A few hot tears ran down her cheeks. Olivia had not cried since her attack and the abandonment by her so-called father.

Gideon pulled her into his warm and reassuring embrace. She laid her wet cheek against his chest, and he smoothed her hair. No man had held her this way before. James once put his arm around her briefly, but she had not been held against a man’s heart, wrapped in his masculinity or comforted as if she were fragile and made of glass.

Gideon kissed her temple and whispered words of compassion. His gentle consideration touched her deep, in a place long abandoned. For a moment, Olivia savored it, etching this into her memories.

For that is all it would ever be.

Slowly and a little reluctantly, she pulled away.

“I think it best that you leave, Your Grace.”

She used her best detached, Mistress Birch voice. Olivia could have said plenty more, that this was a transaction of business, that it meant nothing to her but the coin he had paid. That he didn’t appeal to her in any way. That she played a role, and he hadn’t awakened emotions she thought long dead.

But that would be a lie. All of it.

“Don’t end this here,” Gideon whispered. “We will both regret it.”

“I am ending it. It’s for the best. Your heart has experienced a few stutters of emotions. Now, go and find someone who can bring it fully to life. That person is not me.”

“I don’t accept your statement.”

Olivia stood. “You’re a duke and used to getting your way. But not here, and not with me.”

“Will you meet me outside of this brothel? Olivia and Gideon taking afternoon tea, at let’s say; Brown’s Hotel, on Dover Street this coming Friday? Three o’clock sharp.”

Olivia’s jaw dropped. “Have you lost all sense? Isn’t that place in Mayfair?”

“It is. In fact, the queen has taken tea there on a few occasions. Perhaps I have lost all sense. But I want—and need—to see you. Talk to you. Be with you. Do not ask me to explain, for I cannot.”

Olivia picked up Gideon’s clothes and tossed them to him. She couldn’t think straight with him casually sitting there, fully aroused. Looking magnificent.

“Please get dressed and depart immediately. Or I will have to ring for someone to escort you out.” Her voice shook.

And why not? She was shaken to her very core.

Gideon slipped on his trousers then stood to pull them up over his hips. Instead of finishing dressing, he sat on the edge of the bed again. He put on his shirt but left it unbuttoned, then met her gaze.

“Meet me for afternoon tea. As if we are a couple. Why not? And before you ask, I have never asked any woman to tea before. If you do not have an appropriate dress, use some gold sovereigns to purchase one. Dressmakers have plenty of afternoon gowns in all sizes ready to sell.”