Page 58 of The Duke of Pain

Standing up to Whinstone and declaring his feelings cemented them further into his weary soul. He did love Olivia, and he should have told her while she lay in his arms the night before.

His stomach grumbled. He had to forgo breakfast. The desire to be out of his stepfather’s presence—and be back in Olivia’s—spurred his actions.

Marriage.

Somewhere in the dark recesses of his mind, he knew at some point he would have to marry. If he hadn’t met Olivia, perhaps he would have taken the duke’s folded piece of paper and coolly chosen a random name from it.

But he had met Olivia.

Traditional marriage was out of the question. Damn it all if Gideon would wait weeks for banns to be read and months for a standard betrothal. He did not need the permission of Olivia’s adoptive father, as she was well past the age of consent.

How surprising that they both had fractured relationships with their respective so-called father figures.

Having a title caused a lot of past sins to be washed away. Like the sin of “marrying beneath you.”

God, he hated society and its judgmental ways. He should take a page from Christian’s book.

Marry the woman you love, stand proudly beside her, and hang everyone else.

It will be a new century in two years; would all this society falderal even matter? Gideon supposed he would have to show respect for the institution if he and Olivia were to have children.

Children.

One thing he would make damned sure of, he would never be like his stepfather. Or like Olivia’s adoptive father.

Gideon would show affection and understanding towards their children and give his love and support freely. Share everything.

And never, ever strike them, no matter what.

In the murky recesses of his blackened soul, he knew he could very easily become a man such as his cold, unsympathetic stepfather. Hell, he had been that man for more years than he cared to count. He would have to fight it for the rest of his days.

With Olivia at his side, the battle—and the war—would be easily won. Already she was his touchstone to humanity.

Gideon sat back in his seat and gazed at the scenery. A sense of calm settled inside him. For once, a bleak future did not yawn before him. Satisfied that he had resolved any possible problems, he lowered his head and dozed.

Before Gideon headed back to his townhouse and Olivia, he had a couple of quick stops to make. He wanted to buy Olivia some flowers. And speaking of amends, he decided to see his Aunt Mirella, as her house was on the way.

She greeted him more warmly than he deserved, for it had been ages since he had seen her. How many times through the years had he wished Mirella was his mother instead?

“Dear Gideon, what do I owe this pleasure?” she gushed happily.

“First, I apologize for not coming sooner for a visit and not asking you personally to take Mother in. I should have done it instead of sending my steward, Mr. Chapman.” He handed her a bouquet of daisies and other wildflowers. “For you.”

“Oh, how wonderful. Mary, put these in water and bring us tea, please.”

The maid took the flowers and departed, leaving them alone.

“There is no need for apologies, Gideon.”

“There is.”

They exchanged small talk until the maid returned with the tray, then left them alone again.

Aunt Mirella poured him a cup of tea and passed it to him. “A duke has many duties; I understand why you did not come before now.”

Gideon scoffed. “Many duties? Not really. You do realize what you will be taking on regarding my mother?”

His aunt nodded. “Portia is two years older. Even as a child, she was a selfish being. But here’s the thing, try as she might, Portia never could intimidate me. Besides, she is my sister, and regardless of her flaws, I care for her. She won’t come easily.”