Page 34 of The Duke of Pain

Olivia’s thoughts drifted back to the absent Duke of Watford.

Gideon had made such a heartfelt declaration. The emotionally spoken words breached Olivia’s protective walls.

She had taken his hand, acting on a reckless impulse.

Then, he dumped her at his townhouse and departed for points unknown. He mumbled that he had something to see to. And that he would return as soon as possible.

She had not seen him since.

Gideon’s staff was attentive and saw to her every need. So much for his emotional plea that they share everything. Even now, she could recollect every fervent word.

“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.” He had held out his hand. “Take it, Liv. Take my hand and come away with me, now. Tonight. This very moment.”

Somewhere along the line, she had turned into a romantic fool. Olivia set the cup on the saucer and placed them on the table. A wave of frustrating annoyance roiled through her. She should leave.

And go where exactly?

James would welcome her back. She frowned, for she owed her dear friend an explanation, far more detailed than the scribbled note she’d left in her room. James had taken her off the street, right where her father had abandoned her. He gave her a roof over her head, protection, and friendship.

And she returned it by running off with a spontaneous yet thoroughly tempting duke?

Gideon’s butler, Hobson, entered the parlor and bowed. “Is there anything else you require, Miss Durham?”

“Yes, the whereabouts of the duke would do for a start!” she snapped. Hobson did not even flinch at her sharp tone. Olivia exhaled. “Forgive my temper. Do you know where he is?”

“His Grace rarely tells me of his comings and goings, miss. He instructed me to see to your every need and that he would return soon. He did not give me an exact date or time.”

A terrible thought struck her.

Good heavens, he hadn’t gone to Chellenham and Brookton? Not after he had promised not to tell the devil duke? Those peers stuck together and covered for each other, did they not? It was a horrible thought, especially after he had been nothing but supportive and kind since she blurted out her dark secret.

Olivia took another fortifying breath to calm her irritation—and her worry.

“Please bring me a pen, ink, and stationery. I will want a letter delivered. Is there someone who can see it done?”

“Robert, the footman, will be happy to deliver whatever you wish. I can show you to the study where you might be more comfortable composing your missive.”

“No, I will do it here. Thank you.”

Hobson gave a stiff bow and left the room.

She had to speak to James right away.

* * *

Gideon had spent the night at The Rakes of St. Regent’s Park club location, drinking copious amounts of alcohol while he brooded. He stared into the contents of his whiskey glass. The thing is, he rarely drank copious amounts. It was usually the occasional glass of scotch, and that was about it.

His head swan, his thoughts muddled, and he didn’t like the sensation.

The Rakes kept a few rooms for just such an emergency or for the occasional clandestine meeting.

He must have looked imposing and thunderous as Tolwood had departed almost immediately after he had arrived at the club the day before.

Impulsive behavior was not something Gideon could be accused of.

Until he had met a golden-haired beauty with haunting blue eyes.

God, she had captured his attention and his empty heart. They had shared so much, giving, taking—and trusting. He had brought her to his townhouse in Mayfair and then did not know what to do next.