Chapter 23

Oliver’s heart was pounding, in contrast to Callum’s slower breathing, because of the o***te.

He ran his hand through the thick red hair on his lap. His heart clenched.

“Why are you doing this?”

His voice was lowered to a whisper.

Callum didn’t reply, but Oliver knew he wasn’t sleeping.

Not yet.

“Which part of the things people disapprove of me doing?”

“Why do you take laudanum?”

“And why would ask something like that?”

“Since when?”

Callum didn’t answer right away and Oliver wasn’t sure if the Lord had heard.

“Did you really think I’m that stupid?”

Oliver’s hand stilled.

“Cal?”

Callum took Oliver’s hand then and placed it on his heart. He relaxed his big palm on the Lord’s chest.

He could feel the faint heartbeat under the layers of clothing, like a faint, rhythmic echo.

“I’d say I’m offended, weren’t I in my current condition. Despite my questionable rationality, there are things easy t