Page 32 of The Duke of Pain

“There is a small hamper under the seat,” Gideon murmured to his driver. “Help yourself to the foodstuffs. Except for the wine. I want you alert and sober.”

“Yes, Your Grace. Thank you.”

Taking Olivia’s arm, he escorted her through the labyrinth of hallways and rooms until, at her instruction, they arrived at a door tucked at the rear of the second building.

She reached in her reticle for a key. But her hand shook too much to stick it in the lock.

Gideon took it from her hand. “Allow me.”

When he stepped inside, he was immediately taken by the coziness of the area. The quilt and plush cushions on the bed, the wingchair by the fire. The table and chair sat in the corner with a tablecloth and vase of flowers.

This was Olivia’s refuge from the harsh world outside.

Gideon immediately lit the fire in the small hearth, then escorted Olivia to the chair next to it.

“You know how to light a fire? Sorry, I just assumed you had someone to do that for you,” she said.

“I do, but since I keep late nights, I do not disturb the servants at all hours to see to it. Hardly fair. Now, sit. You’re shaking.” Gideon ripped the quilt from the bed and wrapped it about her. “I know you said that you don’t want to discuss it, but you have to trust someone, Liv. It might as well be me.”

“I do want to trust you, but it is difficult to trust anyone fully,” she murmured.

“I understand, more than you know. But let us give it a go. We have already revealed so much to each other.”

Gideon sat in front of her, but not so close as if to crowd her.

“When I traveled to see the nuns, they told me that Chellenham was known to them. You see, they contacted him after my mother’s death. The duke, then a marquess, sent his man of business to handle the transaction with the childless vicar and his wife.”

“And your childhood?”

“Not as terrible as yours by any stretch. My adopted father was a stern, pious man, but he wasn’t cruel. Until he abandoned me. There were times he actually showed some sort of affection, but it wasn’t often. He could be preachy, he ran a strict household, but I was never abused or subjected to violence.” Olivia revealed shakily. “I loved him; he was my father.”

“And yet, he abandoned you, as you said. I cannot imagine how you felt. How that scarred you.”

“More so than being attacked,” she whispered. “On some levels. Do you see why it is hard to trust? As to Chellenham, I made inquires and soon learned he was a man I wanted no acquaintance with. Promise me you will not tell him.”

“I loathe the duke. You are better off. I promise I will never tell him.”

Olivia exhaled. “Thank you. And his son? The marquess?”

And what about Brookton?

“I will not tell him at this time, but I think you should consider approaching him in the near future.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “How can you say that?”

“I’ve known Brookton a while now, and he is not the cruel reprobate his father is. He is your half-brother, Liv. The science isn’t there to prove it, at least, as far as I am aware. But you need only look at him to know.”

“I can’t. I won’t.” She pulled the quilt tighter about her.

“Be at ease. There is no need to inform Brookton—now. Tell me you were not serious about leaving the city.”

“It’s one way to ensure I never run into these men.”

“What if I say I don’t want you to depart, whether it be temporary or permanent?” Gideon replied softly.

And he didn’t.

Shocking to discover that her departure would tear him in two, create a wound that would never heal. Being vulnerable was not an emotion he thought he would ever experience again, but here it is.