In the carriage, he sat beside her, his hand wrapped protectively around hers as it rested on his thigh. Such an intimate positioning, yet Selena hadn’t objected when he’d placed it there. Nor had she protested when he informed her driver that he was to deliver her to the residence and Aiden would make his own way back to his club after he’d seen her safely inside. He knew who she was. What did it matter that he discovered where she lived? He could ask around and learn where the Duke of Lushing resided when in London. She was rather certain Aiden understood boundaries existed for them, and he would not cross over them to call upon her at her residence. Their association was to be limited to the night shadows, their encounters to be initiated by her appearing at his club. She didn’t need to spell that out—and if she discovered she did, then she most certainly would.

She needed to remain in charge of this relationship—except for the moments when he was in control and bringing her pleasure.

She drew comfort from his silence, from his not having a need to fill the confines with the deepness of his voice. He could convey so much with a mere touch, with little more than his presence. In spite of the manner in which he’d shattered her world the night before, he’d effectively pieced it all back together tonight.

“Why gambling hells?” she eventually asked. “I know you enjoy numbers and figuring odds, but surely more thought than that went into the businesses you decided to open.”

“There is a good deal of wealth to be made in vice. And it can be made quickly. I wanted to put myself in a position where my achievements were impressive enough that I could lord them over my sire.”

She was surprised he’d mentioned his father after claiming to never speak of him, but then, it seemed a night for sharing revelations. “He knows of your successes?”

“I make sure he does. I want him to be aware that I am a man to be reckoned with. Within my world I have more power than he has within his.”

“Who is he?” she asked, hoping this time he might tell her. It would be nice to know the bloodline her child would inherit, if she were to get pregnant.

“A lord of no consequence. I shouldn’t have mentioned him.”

“Was it difficult growing up in your world?”

“I had my brothers and Gillie. We always stuck together and stood up for each other. And my mum was wicked with a broom. If anyone came after us, she’d go after them. No one wanted to have to fend off Ettie Trewlove and her broom.”

Smiling at that, she wished she’d known him as a boy.