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A few evenings later, Caleb sat with his mother, brother, and sister in the drawing room of the Haven Townhouse in London. He would be departing soon to join Lord Burrows at the Den. The lord had asked him multiple times to join him there for a game of cards, but he’d resisted until now.

He wanted to say it had nothing to do with Celeste, but it was a lie.

Now that he’d seen her, the urge to do so again was always present within him.

What was it about her? They’d spent only a handful of moments together, but his need for her came roaring back the minute he spotted her at the opera.

Hell, he’d spent more time with Lady Eloise, and he felt nothing for her.

Their mother smiled at him. “I think it is fantastic that you have grown so close to Lord Burrows.”

Caleb sighed. “I’m not any closer to wanting to offer for his daughter.”

Their mother frowned at him. “Why not? She is a lovely lady.”

“Because he isn’t in love with her, Mother. Don’t you want Caleb to have a love like you and Father?” Courtney said.

Cordell choked on his drink, and their mother flushed. “Well, of course, if that is what he wants, but I don’t see why he can’t grow to love Lady Eloise. It is a match that makes sense.”

Courtney’s eyes flash with excitement. “Running off with Father was so romantic.”

Their mother swallowed and looked down. “Your father gave up a great deal to be my husband. Your brother marrying well would restore his honor.”

Cordell and Caleb glanced at each other. They’d had countless talks about how much their mother focused on repairing their father’s character. He, Cordell, and Courtney found it all unnecessary.

“Father used to tell me that loving you was the greatest honor of his life. I don’t think he’d give a damn who Caleb married,” Cordell said quietly but firmly.

Her eyes became watery. “I just miss him so much.”

Caleb joined her on the sofa and squeezed her hand.

“I will do everything in my power to honor Father’s legacy, but marrying Lady Eloise is not part of that.

I agree with Courtney, and I suspect even jaded Cordell does.

It is hard to consider marrying for anything other than love, with you and Father’s relationship as the example. ”

She nodded. “You are right. I have been pushing too hard. Your father would not be happy with me.”

Cordell snorted. “He was always happy with you. He would simply tell you to let Caleb be.”

Their mother smiled. “All of you have his best traits.”

Caleb kissed her cheek. “If he were here, he would say they were all from you. Let’s not worry about my future bride because I will only marry for love.”

Courtney giggled. “I’ve never heard you or Cordell be so romantic.”

He and his brother snorted but didn’t deny her words. Deep down, Caleb had always known love would be the only thing that would get him to wed anyone. He suspected his siblings were the same.

His mind flashed to Celeste, and pain flared in his chest as he thought of her and her partner.

Perhaps seeing her enough would make his feelings go away.

Caleb suspected that was foolishness, but what other choice did he have?

He would think of her if he saw her or not.

His only option was to reach a point where he was comfortable being around her, no matter how difficult it was.

He stood. “I’m off to the Den.”

Cordell smirked. “You are finally visiting. I wish I could go. I already promised our sister I would escort her to some dinner.”

Courtney grinned, “We could all go out for a scandalous night at the Den.”

“Courtney,” their mother admonished.

His sister crossed her arms and sulked. “Why do you both get to have all the fun. I know you went to the Ball of Sin, even though you won’t admit it.”

Cordell frowned. “How do you know about that event?”

She flushed. “I just do.”

Caleb laughed, departing the room as his brother and mother peppered Courtney with questions about who was sharing such scandalous details with her.

***

Celeste stood on the balcony overlooking the great room of the Den.

The room was packed with lords placing bets, conversing, and enjoying the evening.

She made her way down the grand staircase, smiling and greeting those she passed.

Devons and Derry were seated with a group of lords who appeared to be telling some story.

She smirked. While her partners' relationship with their clients was more friendly, Celeste’s had always been more formal. She didn’t mind that and suspected neither did they. She didn’t linger in one place too long, not wanting to interrupt a tale or shift the conversation to herself.

Stopping by a faro table, Celeste grinned at Lord Haddle. “Are you doing well, my lord?”

The older man groaned. “No. I need to leave, or my wife will be furious.”

“We don’t want that. Have a drink on me in the library,” she stated.

Lord Haddle had requested a loan more than once from the Den. His debts were currently settled. While Celeste enjoyed taking money from lords, she didn’t want to leave anyone destitute.”

He kissed her hand. “Thank you for being so smart.”

She grinned at him before looking around the room. Her heart skipped when Lord Burrows and Caleb walked into the space. They were here together. Celeste’s stomach knotted, hating what that likely meant. A betrothal between Caleb and Lady Eloise was likely imminent.

Ignoring them, she walked to another table where gentlemen played whist. Lord Gareth leered at her. The man was a lecher, and she would gladly take all his money. Fortunately, he knew not to put his hands on her.

“Can we bring any of you a drink?” she asked the table.

The other men declined, but Gareth waved his glass. “I want more brandy.”

She nodded to a staff member who hurried away to fetch him a new one.

The man was obnoxious, but she could tolerate it.

Unable to resist seeking out Caleb, she turned back to where he’d entered to find him watching her and Gareth.

Burrows pointed to another faro table on the other side of the room, and Caleb nodded.

His gaze darted angrily to Gareth before he followed Burrows to the gaming table.

She rolled her eyes. She didn’t need or require anyone’s assistance when it came to obnoxious lords. The staff member arrived with a glass, and she handed it to Gareth. “Miss Hathaway, please join us for a game. You never play, even Devons and Derry sit with us from time to time.”

She forced herself to smile at Gareth. “I wouldn’t want to take even more of your money.”

His eyes wandered down her, fixating on her bosom. One of the men the Den kept on for security stepped closer. She gave a tiny shake of her head. Celeste could handle him.

“How about you sit next to me?” Gareth pleaded.

She smiled and looked at everyone at the table. “Enjoy your game, gentlemen.”

Shocking her, Gareth grabbed her arm, but she didn’t have time to react.

So many people were suddenly in motion. She stepped back and gasped as she realized it was Caleb who reached Gareth first. He’d punched the man.

Burrows was there as well. He frowned at Gareth.

“You shouldn’t put your hands on a woman. ”

She stood there in shock, staring at the commotion. Caleb asked, “Are you hurt, Miss Hathaway?”

Celeste wasn’t, but she was surprised to be standing next to her father and shocked by Caleb’s actions. A hand on her arm had her swinging around to find Devons studying her. Quietly, he said, “Why don’t you let me handle this?”

She shook her head. Celeste glared at Gareth. “You know the rules, Lord Gareth. You are banned for the next month.”

The man rose from where he’d toppled over, rubbing his jaw. For a moment, he appeared as if he would come closer to her, but she didn’t flinch. She didn’t cower before bullies. Staff members escorted him out. Lord Burrows looked at her with concern. “Are you hurt, Miss Hathaway?”

So many thoughts raced through her mind. Why was he talking to her now and after all these years? She forced herself to nod and remain calm. “I’m fine. Thank you, Lord Burrows and Lord Haven, for your assistance. Everyone, please go back to your pursuits.”

Caleb watched her silently. She needed space. Celeste turned to Devons. “Do you mind if I step away?”

He shook his head.