Biting her lip, she said, "I gave Paul all I had, and it still wasn't enough to cover the debt. And I'm afraid he'll only lose more. I don't know what else to do, Gavin. So I thought I'd ask for your advice." She gave him a hopeful look. "Surely you've encountered men with the same affliction?"
Expression neutral, he said, "You trust me when it comes to your brother's welfare?"
"You gave your word that you wouldn't harm him."
His knuckles grazed her cheek. "And my word is enough?"
She nodded.Please prove me right.
He sighed. "I have seen this many times, Percy. Once a man starts down the path to ruin, no one can turn him back but himself. And that usually doesn't happen until the ground falls from beneath his feet."
"That can't be." Her insides turned to ice. "I won't let that happen to Paul."
"It's not your choice, buttercup." Gavin rubbed his neck. "If it puts you at ease, however, I will pay off your brother's debts and request that O'Brien bar him from the premises."
"You'd do that for me?" she breathed.
He does love me as much as I love him…
"For you—and also to protect my own investment. Fines won't be of much use to me if O'Brien gets to him first," he said in wry tones.
Um... or maybe not.
Sighing, she told herself the reason did not matter; for now, the fact that Gavin would intervene on Paul's behalf filled her with gratitude and relief. Until another thought occurred to her. "But what about the threats on your life? You said other proprietors might be involved. Is itsafefor you to go to O'Brien?"
"I'll be fine. As I said, I can take care of myself." When she made to argue, he placed a finger against her lips. "I was planning on paying O'Brien a visit anyway."
Was he just saying that to make her feel better? "For what purpose?" she said.
He hesitated. "Robbie Lyon was murdered last week."
"Murdered?" she gasped. "By whom?"
"That is what I aim to find out," Gavin said.
Her stomach roiled with apprehension. "Do you think Mr. Lyon's death is related to the threats on your life?"
"He is the second club owner to perish in six months. More than mere coincidence."
"Then you must have a care! You cannot go traipsing about as if you're invincible." When he raised a brow that clearly saidI'm not?, she said in exasperation, "Can't the magistrates look into the matter?"
"Charleys don't know their arses from their elbows," he said derisively.
"A private investigator, then. Bow Street Runners or..."—she hit upon an inspiration—"I know a member of the Thames River Police. A Mr. Kent. He is a friend of Nick's and ever so clever. I could contact him—"
"Over my dead body." The sharpness of Gavin's tone took her aback. "No policeman is getting involved in this. Nor are you to interfere with my affairs, Percy."
"How can you expect me not to concern myself over this? I love you, you stubborn lout!"
He grew still. His eyes hooded.
So much for patience and tact."I know your opinion on love," she said, straightening her shoulders, "and that you take no stock in it. But it means something to me, and I cannot allow you to take unnecessary risks. Even for my brother."
"You're worried for me—over your brother?"
She frowned; it wasn't an either-or situation. "I'm worried about you both. But there's no danger to Paul's life at the moment. Whereas with you there's more afoot than you've led on."
"I've told you more than I've shared with anyone." His voice grew hoarse, and he seemed to struggle to get the words out. "You are… important to me, Percy."
