Page 33 of The Duke of Pain

“I can protect you. You need never see anyone you do not wish to,” Gideon suggested.

“You’re friends and in the same club as the marquess. Besides, I can look after myself. I don’t need anyone.” Olivia raised her chin in defiance.

“What about Pan? You needed him and still do. He protects you and keeps you safe. You have your own defensive cocoon here. You rarely venture outside because your attack affected you more than you realize. I can offer the same sort of security, more so. You need never fear anything or anyone ever again.”

“Fear? I am not a victim,” Olivia snapped.

“Oh? We both have vulnerabilities. You know it,” Gideon replied firmly. “And we are victims of our past. Admit it.”

“What do you want from me? We’ve shared kisses and embraces. And physical intimacies. What else do you want?” she whispered.

“All I know is I have never felt this way before. I have not initiated sex because of what has happened to you. The violation. I didn’t want to rush you. I wanted us to know each other better. Yes, blast it all, to have some sort of courtship. Perhaps that was the wrong tack to take. I am willing to fight for what is between us. Are you?”

“I’m so weary of fighting.”

“This could be our one chance at more. A chance at that dreaded L-word many are reluctant to speak of. We are not getting any younger.”

Olivia blinked at him as if having difficulty comprehending what he was saying. “You are not speaking of—love? Surely not?”

“Loving, living, learning to trust, lust—all of it. Why not?”

“You—and me?” she scoffed.

“Don’t dismiss it, Liv. You will break both our hearts. And contrary to what we previously believed; we do have hearts.”

Her look softened. “Oh, Gideon.”

Impulsively, he jumped to his feet and stood before her. He was already dangling out on a limb, might as well go all in.

“I ask you to come with me. I swear you will not be my possession but my partner in all things. We will share it all, Liv. Life, joys, sorrows, desire, companionship, respect, trust, and perhaps more.” He held out his hand. “Take it, Liv. Take my hand and come away with me, now. Tonight. This very moment.”

Their gazes met. The cold indifference Gideon had seen in her eyes when they first met was no longer there. There was a warmth, a decided regard, but it was hard to ascertain if further sentiments resided within her.

Endless moments passed.

With a shuddering breath, he closed his eyes.

Olivia was going to say no and dismiss his heartfelt plea.

For the first time in his life, he laid open his heart, exposed his long-buried vulnerabilities, and it bloody well hurt.

Fingertips brushed by his palm.

Gideon’s eyes snapped open.

Olivia’s small hand enfolded his. His long fingers closed over her hand, and he gently squeezed in return.

She gave him a wobbly but warm smile. “Share it all, Gideon.”

Chapter 10

Olivia took Gideon’s hand and followed him to his townhouse on Hyde Park Corner. A man she had only met a few weeks before, and in all places, a brothel. One night had passed since she made that hasty decision.

Olivia reached for the pot and poured tea into her cup.

Perhaps she’d made a grave mistake.

Taking a sip, she looked about the plush parlor. The room spoke of class and money, something Gideon had in abundance from what she could ascertain. It seemed to be decorated with a Rococo and Elizabethan mix, not that she was an expert. What little she knew; she had learned from books in her vicar father’s extensive library.