But now, she was gone.
In his mind’s eye, he watched her walk away. Again. And again.
It was for the best. He could not warrant her love. Not in a thousand lifetimes.
He’d made the right decision. For so many years, he’d desired no ties, no inconvenient emotions. He didn’t want to need a woman—much less a doe-eyed beauty whose secrets he hadn’t even begun to uncover.
Hellfire, he couldn’t even convince himself.
A brisk rapping sounded against the study door. Gavin called to Henry to enter.
Henry’s gaze raked over Gavin. His forehead creased. “Ye look like hell.”
Gavin scowled. “You are looking at the most colossal arse on the planet.”
“Tell me something I didn’t already know.” Henry cocked his head, his eyes questioning. “I take it this has something to do with Miss Atherton.”
“She’s leaving London in a week, traveling to Cairo with Professor Quinn.”
“Dr. Alex Quinn?”
“Sophie plans to serve as her assistant. With her fine mind, I’ve no doubt she’ll soak up an abundance of knowledge in a brief time.”
“She shares your interest in Egypt?”
“So it would appear.”
The furrow in Henry’s brow deepened. “I thought we might discuss the preparations for the upcoming Alexandria expedition. I see my timing could’ve been better.”
Gavin waved away his assistant’s hesitation. “There’s no point putting it off. This foul mood of mine will pass soon enough.”
Henry nodded. “In that case, shall we take a seat? There are documents we need to review.”
Gavin moved to his desk, watching as Henry unfurled a map over the surface. “You have the latest communiques from the French team?”
Henry pointed to a spot he’d circled on the document. “They’re confident they’ve narrowed down the location of the tomb.”
Reining in his thoughts of Sophie, Gavin studied the map. “If they’re correct in their deductions, this expedition will yield treasures like we’ve never before encountered—just think of it, a tomb that’s escaped pillaging over the centuries.”
“Indeed. I expect the physician will clear me to leave by the end of the month. Of course, I’m younger than ye.” Henry flashed an insolent grin. “I heal quickly.”
“Another week or so, and I’ll be recovered…well enough to travel, at least.”
Henry’s expression dimmed. “Gavin, ye’re sure of this—sure of joining this expedition?”
“Why should there be any doubt? This damnable wound isn’t enough to keep me from the treasure of a lifetime.”
Henry leaned back in his chair. “Ye do realize there are many kinds of treasure in this world.”
“What in blazes do you mean?”
“Ye know damned well what I’m getting at. There are treasures ye cannot find in some bluidy tomb.” Henry pinned him with his gaze. “One of them just walked out yer door.”
Gavin shot to his feet. “Did you come here to plan our part in the expedition, or to waste my time with ridiculous blather?”
“Hit a nerve, did I?”
“Bugger it, what does it matter?”
