Page 24 of Celestes Forever Marquess
Caleb was startled by his raw words. “I’m sorry.”
Burrows smiled sadly, “It took me ten years to move on from it. I would probably still be a mess had I not met my wife.”
“I’m glad you were able to find love again.”
The lord nodded. “Good evening.”
In one gulp, Caleb finished his drink and made his way to the stairway leading to Devons’ office. Two burly men stood in his way. “I need to speak with Devons.”
Devons stood in the doorway of his office. “Let him by.”
He followed Devons in. The club owner poured them both a brandy before he settled into his chair behind a large, ornate desk. Caleb sat facing him.
“How can I help you, Lord Haven?”
“I think you need better security for Miss Hathaway.”
Devons’ mouth tipped up in a smirk. “Why do you care? Rumor has it that you are planning to propose to Lord Burrows’ daughter.”
He scowled. “I’m not marrying her.”
The club owner’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. “Really? Good. Marrying into that family is good for no one.”
Caleb frowned at him, somewhat curious why he disliked the man so much. Still, that wasn’t why he was here. “Why won’t she marry a lord?”
“Do you care for her?”
He took a sip of brandy and said, “I do. I want her in my life.”
“As your mistress?”
Annoyance flashed in him. “No, as my wife. I don’t want to own her or control her; I just want to care for her. What can you tell me about this Fitzsimmons character, her partner?”
Devons choked on his drink. “Who?”
“Fitzsimmons.”
A look of incredulity filled Devon's face. He stood, making his way to the guard standing by his door and whispering something.
“The man I don’t believe treats her right.”
Devons sat back down. “He certainly is selfish and does as he pleases.”
“How can you support her relationship?” Caleb demanded.
“Celeste does as she likes.”
The guard entered the room and handed a large, moody cat to Devons. Caleb’s brow wrinkled in confusion. Devons grinned at him. “Lord Haven, meet Heathcliff Fitzsimmon, the Second.”
Caleb’s gaze bounced back and forth between the cat and Devons’ amused expression before he surged to his feet. “How do I get to Celeste’s apartment?”
“Down the hall and turn left.”
He strode to the door, and Devons said, “Lord Haven, if you hurt her, there will be consequences. Celeste is considered family to me and my brother.”
Caleb stopped and looked back. “I understand. I hope to prove to her and you all that I want her in my life.”
Devons nodded. Caleb walked to Celeste’s apartment, filled with both renewed hope and anger. What a dolt he’d been? Caleb should have known there was no one else. The connection between them was so strong. He knocked. There was no more pretending for Celeste or him. He wanted her, and Caleb would wait as long as he needed to have her.
