Page 69 of The Duke of Pain

“I did not expect marriage,” she whispered. “Perhaps a long-term, mutually pleasurable affair, but marriage? I’m completely shocked.”

Gideon’s mouth quirked in amusement. “Yes, I see that you are.”

“But we have known each other barely a few weeks—”

“Yet, we are soul mates. Broken things that together make a complete being.”

Her face flushed. “You read my letter.”

“I did. I was frantic to find any reason why you left and where you might have gone. Forgive me for invading your privacy.” He stood and held out his hand. “Take my hand and come away with me, now.”

Chapter 20

Olivia stared at the large, masculine hand held out toward her. He had long elegant fingers; his touch was potent and dizzying. How could she have thought that Gideon was behind her late-night abduction?

Now, looking into his glittering, onyx-colored eyes, she knew the truth. This man loved her and would never, ever hurt her.

God, she really was a fool.

Because of her past, she thought the absolute worst of the man she claimed to love. Without hesitating, she slipped her hand in his.

He squeezed it and pulled her up to stand before him. He let go of her hand, and those magical fingers gently roved over her face.

“Are you in pain? What did those cretins do to you?” he asked, concern in his voice.

She could not help but lean into his warmth and comforting embrace.

“James called in a physician, no broken bones. I will heal. A few punches and kicks. It could have been so much worse.”

Olivia could see the purple rage Gideon fought to tamp down. He leaned in and kissed her nose.

“I told my stepfather I had met a vicar’s daughter, that I had plans of a future together, and he was to leave. How imprudent of me. I wonder now if he was behind your attack?”

Olivia gasped, pulled back, and stared at Gideon. “Oh, that would be awful. Is he capable?”

“Whinstone is a cold bastard. I would not put this attack beyond his scope, even though I never mentioned any names. He gave me a list of so-called suitable women. I refused it. I also rejected his monetary demands of a divorce settlement from my mother. That also could have fueled his revenge. How to prove it?”

“He called me names, didn’t he? He guessed at my vocation.”

“I told him he was mistaken. I punched him in the face, broke his nose, I believe.”

Olivia’s hand covered her mouth in shock. That could anger the duke enough to seek retribution. But so swiftly? Well, with the trains, a trip to London was feasible.

Olivia’s mind was in a whirl. Then, she realized something.

“You stood up to your abuser.”

Gideon nodded. “For the first time in my life. I should have done it long before now. It was damned satisfying. All I want now is him out of my—our—home, then out of our lives. I do not want to think on him any longer.”

“It will get around that I am a prostitute,” she whispered.

“You worked at a brothel, nothing more. Even if you were a prossie, I don’t bloody well care. You are mine. We belong together. We mend each other. You know that we do.”

She nodded. “Yes, I know it. What happens next, Gideon?”

“You, my love, will pack everything you wish to bring with you, and you and your trunk are coming home with me. Then, if you are able, I will make love to you all night, or as long as you can tolerate my attention.”

“Truly, Gideon. We’ve only known each other for barely a month. Despite my brief lack of faith, how can we trust and love each other so thoroughly? Most people will think us mad. This isn’t normal. This sort of whirlwind love affair only happens in fairy stories.”