Page 31 of The Duke of Pain

That reprobate? Damon’s devil duke father?

Of course, it all made sense.

The man was an unrepentant scoundrel of the first order. The rumors of his numerous by-blows were legendary, even eclipsing Gideon’s stepfather. And that was saying something.

How old was Chellenham? Fifty-five? Then he had to be twenty-two or three when he sired Olivia. Before he had married. Before Brookton was born.

My God, Damon was her half-brother.

What a shocking revelation. And all the more disturbing because Brookton had unknowingly tried to interest her in a rendezvous.

Olivia was so distressed she started to hiccup.

“Easy, Liv. Take a deep breath and exhale,” Gideon urged.

Blast it all; he wasn’t used to giving comfort to someone.

“Take me home.” Her voice shook. In fact, her entire body shuddered.

“Why not come to my townhouse. We can talk there.”

She pushed him away. “I don’t want to talk,” she whispered harshly. “Not about this, not ever. Forget I said anything. And you are not to repeat it. Especially to the marquess or the duke.”

“Olivia—”

She grabbed his arm, her nails digging into his sleeve. “I was caught off guard; the words slipped out before I could stop them. Promise me!” She hissed the last two words through clenched teeth and squeezed his arm tighter.

“I promise you, but I want to hear of the details first. We can discuss it at my place or yours. You choose. The coachman awaits directions.”

“Oh!” she cried. “How dare you make conditions; a gentleman would give his word!”

“As you are aware, I am no gentleman.” More loudly, he said, “Smithers, to The Velvet Vine on High Poplar Street.”

“Right away, Your Grace.” The coachman snapped the reins, and the horse bolted forward at a fast trot.

“What are you doing?” Olivia hiccupped again.

“Deep breath and hold it, Liv.”

Her brows furrowed with annoyance, but she did as he had suggested.

“Now exhale. I thought you would be more comfortable in your own room instead of a strange house. Is there a way to enter your private room without going through the club?”

Olivia nodded. “Around back is a building attached by two hallways. There is an outside entrance on the bottom floor.”

He took her trembling hand. “You will allow me to escort you to your room, so we can talk?”

“Hell,” she muttered, sounding defeated. “I cannot fight you. Perhaps you can assist me in leaving the city.”

Leave?

His insides lurched from the very thought of her departure. What a strange sensation. Damn his emotions. Try as he might tuck them away as he had done many times throughout his life, they stubbornly remained front and center.

Gideon pulled her into his embrace once again. To hell with anyone who could see them because of the open carriage. Olivia didn’t push him away but gave a shuddering breath as she settled in next to him.

They remained silent the entire way to the East End.

With the carriage neatly tucked around the rear of the club, Gideon gave instructions for Smithers to stay put and wait.