Page 74 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Noah let out a low whistle. “You have been watching her that closely?”

Leo shrugged, feeling self-conscious under his friend’s amused gaze. “It’s just a practical gift for someone who writes.”

“And the journal you got her? Also practical?”

“Exactly.” Leo closed the box, setting it aside. “Marina deserves proper tools for her work.”

“Such a considerate husband,” Noah observed dryly. “And what message will accompany this gift? Something suitably mundane about the merits of proper penmanship?”

Leo’s lips quirked into a smile. “Something along those lines.”

In truth, he had planned a note considerably more provocative than Noah imagined.

Your words have power,he would write.I wonder what other talents your hands possess.

The subtle suggestion would, he hoped, keep him in Marina’s thoughts throughout her day, a reminder of the pleasure those same hands had experienced under his touch.

The strategy had been forming in Leo’s mind since the night of the Pembroke ball when he’d realized that direct pursuit only strengthened Marina’s resistance.

She was too independent, too wary to respond to overt seduction. But small attentions, thoughtful gestures that acknowledged her as an individual rather than merely a desirable woman—these might gradually lower her defenses.

“I still think you’re overcomplicating matters,” Noah said, interrupting Leo’s thoughts. “You have done much less to seduce?—”

“This is different,” Leo cut him off sharply. “I want Marina willing and eager.”

Noah’s eyebrows shot up at his vehemence. “I see. Well, if your… stationery strategy… cannot produce the desired effect, perhaps consider something more traditional. Flowers. Jewelry.A romantic dinner without the rest of society watching your every move.”

“I have plans for all of those,” Leo assured him. “In due course.”

After Noah departed, Leo contemplated his friend’s parting observation.

Was he indeed overcomplicating matters?

Perhaps.

But Marina was worth the effort, worth the patience this extended courtship required.

The following morning, Leo arranged for the journal to be placed beside Marina’s breakfast plate. He deliberately delayed his own appearance at the breakfast table, curious to observe her reaction without the pressure of his immediate presence.

When Leo finally entered the breakfast room, he saw the journal lying open beside Marina’s plate, his note unfolded next to it.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and when their eyes met, he noticed surprise mixed with something warmer.

“Thank you for the gift,” she said softly, clearly trying to keep her tone casual despite her rosy cheeks. “It was very thoughtful.”

“I noticed you like to keep your personal thoughts separate from your stories,” Leo replied, accepting a cup of coffee from the footman. “I thought you might prefer something sturdier than those thin notebooks you’ve been using.”

Marina’s eyes widened in surprise. “You pay close attention.”

“When it comes to you, yes.” Leo allowed a bit of warmth into his gaze as he watched her. “I have found myself curious about your habits and preferences—the way you bite your lip when you’re working through a difficult passage.”

As if on cue, Marina bit down lightly on her lower lip, reacting exactly as he had described. The small action sent a wave of heat through him, vividly recalling how those lips had parted beneath his at the Pembroke ball.

“I did not realize I was being studied so closely,” Marina said, a little breathless.

“There is plenty about you worth noticing,” Leo said casually, focusing on his breakfast to give her a moment. “I am looking forward to learning even more.”

Her eyes widened slightly at his words, clearly picking up on his meaning.