Page 66 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Leo didn’t stop; he drank in the sweetness of her, lavishing every last drop of his wife.

CHAPTER 23

“Was that… Is it always like that?” Marina asked breathlessly, leaning against the desk as she struggled to steady herself.

Her body still trembled from sensations she had never imagined possible, especially from a man’s touch.

Leo smiled as he stood up, eyes dark with satisfaction despite his own obvious discomfort.

“With me, yes,” he said gently, brushing a strand of hair away from her flushed cheek.

Marina watched quietly as Leo picked up her gloves from the floor.

She was still trying to understand how different this experience was compared to anything she’d known before. Her marriageto Henry had been uncomfortable and dutiful, something she endured rather than enjoyed.

Tonight had changed everything, making her realize how limited her imagination had been.

“We should go back before people notice we’re gone,” Leo said, helping her carefully slide off the desk onto shaky legs. “Here, let me fix this.”

He surprised her with his gentleness, smoothing the wrinkles in her gown, securing loose hairpins, and making sure she looked completely proper.

As he worked, Marina noticed his obvious discomfort pressing against his breeches, and somehow, her mouth watered.

“Aren’t you… frustrated?” she asked.

Leo gave her a playful smile. “Seeing you enjoy yourself was more than enough.” He moved closer, voice low and teasing. “Although, now that I’ve had you once, it’ll be hard not to want you again.”

Marina felt her face grow hot. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re incredible,” Leo replied, gently brushing his lips against hers. “But we should go. Lady Clarkshire will start to worry.”

Marina allowed Leo to lead her back toward the ballroom, still stunned by the turn the evening had taken.

As they re-entered the crowded ballroom, Marina spotted Caroline and Harold scanning the crowd with worried faces. Leo’s hand rested reassuringly on her back as they moved toward them.

“There you are!” Caroline said, sounding relieved. “We were starting to panic. Harold was ready to organize a search party.”

“My apologies,” Leo said smoothly. “The Duchess was feeling overwhelmed by the heat, so we stepped away briefly for some air.”

Harold nodded sympathetically. “These ballrooms do become dreadfully stuffy. Are you recovered, Your Grace?”

Marina managed a composed smile though she feared her still-flushed cheeks might betray her. “Quite recovered, thank you. His Grace was most attentive.”

“I should hope so,” Caroline replied, her keen eyes moving between them with undisguised curiosity. “Though I must say, Marina, country air certainly agrees with you. You’re positively glowing.”

Marina felt Leo’s suppressed laughter in the slight shake of his shoulder against hers. “The fresh air was most invigorating,” she agreed, struggling to maintain her composure.

“Will you be staying much longer?” Leo asked, deftly changing the subject. “The Duchess and I were considering making an early departure.”

“We were?” Marina glanced at him in surprise.

“Unless you wish to stay?” Leo’s eyes held a challenge and promise that made her pulse quicken again.

Harold, oblivious to the undercurrents between them, checked his pocket watch. “It is growing late. Perhaps we should all leave. The Rutherford ball tomorrow night promises to be quite the affair, and Caroline will want to be well-rested.”

When they arrived at the townhouse, Leo helped Marina descend from the carriage. His hand lingered on hers a little longer than necessary. The brief contact sending another flutter of awareness through her body, a reaction she could no longer deny or ignore.

“Would you care to continue our earlier… discussion?” Leo murmured as they entered the dimly lit entrance hall. “I’m not at all tired.”