Page 46 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Leo leaned forward, and his voice dropped to a husky murmur. “I could show rather than describe if you’re truly curious.”

Marina felt her breath catch at the heat in his gaze. Remembering herself, she straightened in her chair and reached for her water glass. “I believe I’ll leave that to my imagination for now.”

“A pity,” Leo replied, not looking particularly discouraged by her retreat. “While your imagination is impressive, some things are best learned through experience.”

“You’re incorrigible,” Marina said.

“Only with you,” he countered, his expression turning more serious.

To her surprise, Marina relaxed into the conversation despite his occasionally suggestive remarks. Leo listened carefully when she spoke, asked insightful follow-up questions, and even shared stories of his travels that revealed a thoughtful observer rather than merely a wealthy nobleman on a grand tour.

Feeling brave from the easy flow between them, Marina asked gently, “What about your family? You mentioned a brother, William?”

Leo’s warmth disappeared instantly. His jaw tightened, and his hand froze around his wineglass. “William. Yes.”

The name lingered heavily between them, revealing a pain far deeper than simple estrangement.

“I’m sorry,” Marina said quietly. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

Leo nodded stiffly. The comfortable mood they’d built quickly faded into awkward silence.

By the time dessert arrived—a delicate lemon tart—Marina had decided it was best to leave before she made things even more uncomfortable.

“Thank you for dinner,” she said, folding her napkin neatly. “It was lovely, but it’s been a long day. I think I should rest.”

“Of course.” Leo stood quickly, polite as ever, despite the lingering awkwardness.

Marina rose, relieved he didn’t continue their earlier conversation. They walked quietly from the dining room through the grand hall, their footsteps echoing against the marble floors.

At the stairs, Marina turned to say goodnight. Before she could speak, Leo gently caught her hand, pulling her softly toward him.

“Marina,” he said quietly, looking directly into her eyes. “I meant what I said. Anything you need—anything at all—just ask. You shouldn’t hesitate to tell me your wishes.”

For a second, the space between them felt charged, and Marina couldn’t pull her eyes from his.

She found herself half-expecting—and even, to her own surprise, half-hoping—that he would kiss her.

The realization snapped her back to her senses. Of course, he knew exactly what to say—he was famous for his charm after all. This wasn’t about her; it was about the challenge she presented.

She withdrew her hand, stepping away. “Thank you, Your Grace, for your generosity,” she said, deliberately polite. “But I don’t need anything else tonight.”

Leo’s expression shifted, surprise briefly crossing his face before he nodded in acceptance. “As you wish. Goodnight, Marina.”

“Goodnight,” she whispered, quickly turning to climb the stairs before he could notice her flushed cheeks.

In the safety of her own room, Marina scolded herself for being so easily swayed. Their marriage was purely practical. Leo’s charm was nothing personal—just habit.

Yet, as she got ready for bed, his words replayed softly in her mind.

Anything at all. Tell me your wishes.

She blew out the candle, and the room fell into comforting darkness.

Alone, she could finally admit the truth that just for a fleeting moment, she’d wanted nothing more than him.

CHAPTER 16

“Five hundred pounds? Your Grace, I had expected the Countess—pardon me, the Duchess—to make this payment herself.” Robert Giles’s obsequious smile faltered as Leo placed a bank draft for ten thousand pounds on the businessman’s desk.