Page 72 of The Duke of Pain

After he cleaned up, Gideon pulled her next to him, so they were both lying on their sides. She curled in next to his warmth.

“So much to explore,” he whispered. “Together. I will do anything and everything you wish. I am yours. Deep down, your passion matches mine.”

“Yes. Yes, it does, Gideon.”

Moaning, Gideon reached between her legs and fingered her clit. “Anything, Liv. Share everything. Hold nothing back.” He moved quicker; until they both were panting.

The intensity of Olivia’s climax nearly tore him in two.

He encircled her in his embrace. “I love you, Liv.”

Never, ever had he felt so complete.

So loved. So alive.

Chapter 21

“You have a caller, Your Grace,” Hobson announced. “The Marquess of Brookton.”

Olivia’s eyes widened at the announcement.

“I didn’t contact him. I have no idea why he is here. Shall I send him away?” Gideon asked.

They were eating a late breakfast. Isn’t eleven in the morning a little early for callers? Olivia had no idea what the proper times were for such.

But Brookton.

She could run upstairs and stay hidden, or she could confront this head-on.

“My love? What do you want me to do? I can see him in the library, and you can continue with your meal. Say the word.”

Olivia laid her utensils across her plate. “No. have him shown in here. We will speak to him. Alone.”

“Hobson, show in the marquess, then give us privacy.”

“At once, Your Grace.” Hobson snapped his fingers, and the two footmen swiftly departed.

Brookton breezed into the room, rubbing his hands together. “Brilliant. Hobson said you were eating a late breakfast. I am famished and—” He froze when he spotted Olivia. “And you are not alone.”

“No,” Gideon replied, giving her such a heart-rending look of love her heart skipped a beat. “I will never be alone again.”

Brookton rolled his eyes. “God, not another one hit with Cupid’s bow. This is becoming tedious.”

“Afraid so. Help yourself to the food and take a seat. We both wish to speak to you.”

Brookton shrugged and moved to the sideboard, filling his plate. He then sat next to Gideon.

“Why are you here?” Gideon asked as Brookton shoveled a forkful of eggs into his mouth. “You rarely stop by for a visit.”

“I’ve never stopped by for a visit,” Brookton murmured as he nibbed on a piece of bacon. “I’ve heard from Huxley. The absentee viscount has returned to London and wishes to see The Rakes. I told him that you and I and Tolwood are the only semi-original ones left—that he knows of. So, he wishes to see us both when convenient. He was not too keen to have Tolwood there. Poor bugger, always left out. Why we keep Tolwood around, I have no notion.”

Brookton ran a piece of bread through the egg yolk and ate it. “Huxley wants to meet this afternoon. I said I would ask you. Oh, also, I am planning a trip to Spain next month. I may be gone a few weeks. I need you to take over as leader, temporarily.”

Gideon’s mouth quirked. “Not asking for much, are you? Since we meet once a month, I think we can bear your absence for a few weeks. I’m not interested in being a leader, not even temporarily.”

Brookton cast a glance at Olivia. “Or a member at all, I take it?”

“That is a discussion for another time. We have something more important to deliberate with you. It is of the utmost confidence. We will have your word that it won’t be repeated.”