Page 23 of The Duke of Pain

He’s lost his mind.

“We will be seen. Speculated about. You want that?” Olivia asked incredulously.

Gideon shrugged. “You are a daughter of a peer.”

“An illegitimate one!” she cried.

“That means nothing to me. You could be the daughter of a fishmonger, and I couldn’t care less. Not that there is anything wrong with that, as it is a noble profession.”

She scrutinized him closely, looking to see if he was mocking her or fishmongers in general and those of the lower classes, but his expression was earnest. What had happened to the perennially bored aristocrat?

Inside, she wavered.

Why? It was hard to fathom.

Curious? Attracted to him? Eager for an adventure, even if it was to a tearoom?

Perhaps all of the above?

When was the last time she had ventured out of her secure shell? Olivia hadn’t stepped outside The Velvet compound since they had taken occupancy four months ago during renovations.

“Liv, please forgive me for suggesting being my mistress. Chalk it up to my selfish arrogance to immediately voice an upper-class prejudice. I want us to see each other. Outside of the parameters we have set up here. Yes, my heart has stuttered to life. You did that. I want more.”

“I can’t give you what you want,” she whispered miserably.

Gideon stood and took her hand, then he kissed it gently. “Let us at least try.”

Oh, damn it all.

“Friday. Three o’clock. I’ll be there.” The words left her before she could call them back.

Gideon pulled her into his embrace and kissed her. It started slow, a thorough exploration. Then it grew fierce. Olivia’s insides dipped and fluttered, and she found herself placing her arms around his neck and returning the kiss with equal intensity.

His hands trailed down the valley of her spine, sending shivers of desire all through her. Then he cupped her rear and brought her in tight against that very hard part of him. A soft moan escaped the corner of her lips, which made Gideon’s kiss even more wild and desperate.

Then, in increments, Gideon ended the kiss with a gentle press of his lips against her forehead.

“Friday afternoon.”

He swiftly dressed and was gone, leaving her alone. Clasping her mouth with her trembling hand, she sat on the edge of the bed.

Oh, what had they done?

Chapter 7

Brown’s hotel was a busy location in Mayfair. It had opened in 1837 and quickly became a popular spot, considering it was one of the first hotels in London. Since its grand opening, it had expanded three or four times, buying up surrounding properties. It had an elegant look, and many prominent society figures, political, royal, and otherwise, had stayed here.

Why Gideon had suggested it, he could not say. At least, not aloud.

To show he was serious in his intentions, whatever they were, enough to be seen in public? To actually enjoy an outing with a woman? Share tea, sympathy, and conversation? Get to know her better outside the confines of a brothel? All of the above?

In all these years, no woman ever moved him like this. It merited further investigation. In his strange way, he supposed this was a sort of courting. All Gideon knew is he couldn’t let things end. Not yet. Not until they explored this intense pull. And Olivia felt it too, he was certain of it.

And sitting here in the tearoom, he wondered if Olivia would even show up. Would he be made a fool of? Already a few patrons were looking his way, whispering behind their hands. For when had he ever made any sort of appearance in proper society?

Reaching in his waistcoat pocket, Gideon pulled out his watch and opened the cover. Olivia was five minutes late. Could he blame her if she had only agreed to meet him in order to be rid of him?

No, he could not.