Page 37 of The Duke of Pain

Damon snorted.

William entered carrying a large tray of sandwiches and coffee with accompanying dishes and utensils. After the footman arranged the items on the table, Christian handed him a few coins.

“Thank you, William. There is a pub on the next street, have a pint and a bite of lunch.”

William took the money. “Thank you, Your Grace.”

Once the footman departed, Christian poured black coffee into an enamel mug and handed it to Gideon. “Drink and eat. Look, I had all our favorites made. Beefsteak, cheese and onion, and ham and egg. Eat, Gideon, and tell us more.”

“I met her a few weeks ago. A golden-haired angel who is even more damaged than I am.”

“You are speaking of the kitten with the riding crop, are you not?” Damon asked.

Gideon growled, ready to pounce on Damon once again. “Watch how you speak of her, or I rip your head from your body.”

“First my ballocks, now my head. Easy, old man. I meant no disrespect. Gideon and I ran into each other at that new club, The Velvet Vine and Tackle. He was waiting on a woman, one who specializes in birching. I mean, she is a cold beauty, to be certain, but a prostitute? How low does a man have to sink to consider a woman barely a notch or two from the streets?”

Asher snarled. “Watch it, Damon, or I will pummel you after Gideon is done.”

Right. Asher’s new wife had a tragic and dubious history, though Gideon and the rest of them did not know all the particulars. And he certainly wasn’t going to reveal Olivia’s past—or his own. That was a private pact between them only.

“I am only stating what judgment society will pass on such a union,” Damon said. “Again, I mean no disrespect.”

“He’s not wrong,” Gideon murmured. “It is exactly what society will say. Not that I give a good damn about it. Do you give a damn, Christian? Or you, Asher? Bran left the country to protect his love from all talk and speculation. Perhaps the idea has merit.”

“No,” Christian said firmly. “I don’t give a damn at all. I know what is said, that I married beneath me, to a woman who has her own business and continues to work at it even after our marriage. I’ve joined her in that venture, and we revel in it—and our love. Hang the rest.”

Asher nodded. “Yes, exactly. I completely agree.”

“I held out my hand to her, asked her to come with me,” Gideon said as he sipped the hot coffee. “I stated that we would share it all. And to my absolute shock, she took my hand. Now, she is at my townhouse—at least, I assume she is still there—because as soon as I brought her there, I fled. I do not know what to do next. What I did was impulsive. Not like me at all.”

“Gideon, I did the exact same once I brought Chastity to my place. As I said, I came here to drink and brood,” Asher interjected.

“I can attest to that,” Damon added.

“Yes, and you nearly were given a beating for your crass remarks,” Asher replied sarcastically.

“But I also listened to your problems and suggested The Galway Agency for your various inquires. Gideon, perhaps you should do the same. What do you know of this woman? One you have known all of a few weeks? Trust doesn’t build that quickly, or anything else for that matter,” Damon stated resolutely.

“And how would you know?” Gideon retorted.

But wait, an investigative agency. It was something to consider, but for what?

His gaze swung back to Damon. To prove the blood ties between Olivia and the duke? How could that even be achieved?

Not that she wanted it done. In fact, she had been adamant.

“Regardless, staying here is not an option,” Christian said, interrupting his thoughts. “Go home, my friend, and talk to—what is her name?”

“Olivia. Liv.”

“Talk to Olivia. She has affected you as no one as before. That alone is worth exploring, regardless of her background and occupation. Who bloody well cares what society thinks? Take it from me—and Asher. And Brandon, for that matter. When you find someone who speaks to your very heart and soul, it is everything.” Christian pushed the plate of sandwiches toward him. “Now, eat. Then, go home. Face your fears and your future.”

Grateful for the advice, and damn it, the friendship, he took a wedge of a cheese and onion sandwich and bit into it.

Face your fears.

Yes, it was about time he did.