Chapter 29 Keaton knew Tarquin like the back of his hand, and he was aware that Tarquin’s heart. belonged to Elijah’s late mother. Throughout the years, he had been as chaste as any man sworn to celibacy. There was no shortage of women throwing themselves at Tarquin, but not one had managed to get close to him. Only Nola had a bit more interaction with him, but even she never managed to get intimate with him. Tarquin looked annoyed. The image of Elysia on tiptoes, wrapping one arm around him and the other pulling at his tie to plant a kiss, kept flashing through his mind. Seeing Tarquin silent, Keaton didn’t press. He just said, “Look, I know you’ve got this epic romance with Elijah’s mom, but let’s face it, no one knows if she’s still around or even remarried by now. If she’s happily settled with a husband and kids, you can’t exactly barge in and break that up, can you? There are plenty of ways to honor someone’s memory without pledging your eternal chastity. For all you know, she could be in another man’s arms right now…” Tarquin shot him a lethal glare. Keaton chuckled. “Don’t get mad, I’m just saying ‘what if‘… Listen to me, man. Life’s short. You gotta seize the day. You’ve been celibate for what, six years? Aren’t you getting a little restless?” Tarquin ed his cigarette ash. “Not as desperate as you.” Keaton laughed. “I worry that you’re gonna let that part of you go to waste from lack of use.” “You should be more concerned about wearing yourself out from overuse.” “Not a chance. I’ve got stamina for days.” Tarquin rolled his eyes at him just as his phone rang. It was the housekeeper, frantic. “Sir, the young master is refusing to eat his dinner again. Hasn’t touched a bite; I’m worried about him.” Tarquin’s voice was icy. “Why isn’t he eating?” “I don’t know, he won’t talk.” Tarquin’s expression darkened. Lately, Elijah had been speaking less and less, barely a word a day. “I’ll handle it.” Ending the call, Tarquin snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray and stood up to leave. “Elijah?” Keaton inquired. “Yeah, won’t eat. You guys have fun. I’ve got to go. Drinks are on me tonight; just charge it to my card.” Tarquin strode out, and everyone in the private room paused their revelry to see him off. With a wave of his hand, encouraging them to carry on, Tarquin left quickly. The group crowded around Keaton. “Keaton, why’d Tarquin take off so soon?” Keaton shook his head, resigned. “He’s off to be with Elijah.” Everyone there was close and knew about Elijah’s situation. They sighed collectively. ‘Tarquin’s been both mom and dad these past years. It’s been tough. Where in the world did Elijah’s mom go?” To pass up a catch like Tarquin? That’s just crazy!” Keaton’s brows lifted in warning. “Who are you calling crazy? You dare insult Tarquin’s heart’s desire? Watch it, or he might drill a hole in your head and fill it with nonsense until you’re the crazy one.” 780 The offender quickly slapped his own forehead. “I’m punishing myself for him. Won’t happen again.” “Good. We all know that woman has a special place in Tarquin’s heart, so let’s drop it. Enjoy yourselver – it’s on Tarquin tonight. Don’t hold back on his account.” The room buzzed with activity again while Keaton quietly smoked. He felt for Tarquin, a titan in business but a mess in the heart department. Ah, the classic tale of a hero’s downfall by love. Why bother with the heart when you can have fun without the strings? Look at how carefree he was. Meanwhile, Elysia was waiting for a cab by the roadside. “Achoo, achoo, achoo-” She sneezed several times in a row. Rubbing her nose, she mused to herself, “Catching a cold? Or is someone gossiping about me?” But who would be talking about her now?