Page 87 of A Virgin for the Duke of Depravity

“Aunt Margaret,” Annie groused. She crossed her arms over her chest and jutted her chin in Margaret’s direction. “You always know where we hide. You were not supposed to tell him.”

“Your uncle has to leave for Olympus very soon,” Margaret said with a gentle smile. “I merely needed to give him a little help this time.”

Kitty scrambled down the tree, holding onto each branch as she lowered herself to the ground. At the lowest branch, she hung by her arms and dropped to the ground in front of them.

“You were almost there, Uncle,” she said, clapping her hands.

Leo laughed and scooped her up into his arms. “I fear that close is not quite good enough when it comes to finding you two. It seems that you find a new place to hide with each passing day. But for the moment, why don’t you run and find one more?Margaret will come play hide and seek with you after she sees me off.”

Annie swung down from the branches, landing on the ground in front of them with bent knees and a loud thump. “I bet you will never find us this time!”

“We will see about that.” Margaret smiled, her entire face lighting up at the prospect of a challenge with the girls.

“Will you walk me to the stables, dear wife?” Leo took her hand again. “Hide quickly, girls. I will not be able to buy you much time.”

Annie and Kitty took off running toward the mansion. Leo and Margaret watched them yank open the door to the kitchens and tumble inside, much to the cook’s displeasure.

Leo tugged on her hand and led her deeper into the gardens.

At the entrance to the stables, he pulled her into him. When she was flush against him, he laughed at the color rising in her cheeks. Margaret leaned up to kiss him on the lips.

“Until you return,” she murmured. In a lower voice, she added, “Dare I say that I hope you bring one of your books home for me? I do love to read.”

“I think I know just the one to bring for you,” Leo said, kissing her again.

He had already slipped one of the books into his study, on the off chance that he could convince her to accompany him tonight.

“I love you,” Margaret said. “I cannot wait until you come home to me.”

“Nor can I. I love you more each day,” Leo returned.

He pressed one more kiss to her lips and pulled back from her. He would leave for Olympus, secure in the knowledge that he was loved and that someone looked forward to his return.

He set out for Olympus as Margaret headed back to find the girls.

All was as it was meant to be at Devishire Mansion. It was more than a Beast could have ever hoped for.

The End?