Page 30 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction (Dukes of Passion #3)

CHAPTER 30

“ Y ou never learned to play chess?” Leo asked. His eyebrows raised in genuine surprise as he set up the carved pieces on the board between them. “I thought it was required education for young ladies along with embroidery, watercolors, and the pianoforte.”

Marina laughed and settled more comfortably on the sofa in Leo’s study where they now liked to spend their evenings. “My governess considered games of strategy unsuitable for the feminine mind. She claimed they would lead to ‘unfeminine boldness and a tendency to argue.’”

“Heaven forbid,” Leo replied with mock seriousness as he placed the final pawn into position. “But I must say, you developed those qualities even without learning chess.”

The past week had transformed their relationship in ways Leo could not have anticipated. Since that night after the Irondale dinner party, Marina had blossomed in his company. Her initial reserve gave way to a natural warmth and wit that captivated him. They had fallen into a pleasant routine—breakfast together each morning, separate pursuits during the day, then dinner and quiet evenings spent in conversation or reading.

And other activities of course. Leo’s body stirred at the memory of Marina in his bed the previous night, her hair spread across his pillows, her lips parted in pleasure as he moved within her. The physical aspects of their marriage had proven even more satisfying than he had anticipated. Marina’s passion, once unleashed, matched his own in intensity.

But surprisingly, it was these quieter moments that Leo treasured most. He enjoyed the simple conversation, the shared laughter, and the gradual revealing of themselves to each other.

“You’ll have to teach me the rules,” Marina said, studying the board with interest. “I’ve always wanted to learn despite my governess’ warnings.”

“The basic concept is simple,” Leo explained and lifted a pawn to demonstrate its movement. “Each piece has its own abilities and restrictions. They can only move in certain directions. The goal is to trap your opponent’s king.”

Marina listened closely as he described each piece. When they began their first practice game, Leo found himself charmed by her serious expression and the slight furrow between her brows as she considered her moves.

Marina executed a move, sliding her bishop into position with such ease that Leo frowned down at the chessboard, realizing his mistake too late.

“You’ve been holding back,” he said, glancing up to find her lips curled into a teasing smile.

She leaned forward, chin resting lightly on her hand, eyes sparkling. “Perhaps I simply excel at cornering kings.”

Leo laughed softly, shaking his head as he captured one of her pawns. “Then consider me thoroughly cornered.”

Marina reached forward again, fingertips brushing against his hand as she shifted her knight into place. The fleeting touch sent warmth racing up his arm, despite the intimacy they had shared over the past week.

“Your move, Your Grace,” she said lightly.

As the game continued, the tension eased into playful competition. Their conversation drifted comfortably between moves, and soon, Leo found himself sharing stories from his days at Eton—describing pranks he and William had carried out, recalling how many hours they’d spent plotting schemes rather than attending to their studies. Marina listened, her laughter genuine and bright, making the memories feel fresh and new again.

“You must have been a terror to your masters,” Marina observed, laughing at his tale of releasing mice during a particularly tedious Latin exam.

“William was the creative mind behind our misadventures,” Leo admitted, a familiar pang accompanying the mention of his brother. I stepped in and avoided a worse punishment for us.”

Marina noticed his change in expression. “You miss him.”

It wasn’t a question, but Leo answered anyway. “Every day. Despite everything.”

She reached across the board to touch his hand briefly. “Tell me about him. The boy he was before everything happened.”

Her request surprised Leo. Few people asked him about William as anything other than the scandal that had nearly destroyed the Rencourt name. Initially hesitant, Leo gradually shared memories of William. His artistic talent, his contagious laughter, and his kindness to the stable boys and kitchen maids which had won him the loyalty of the entire household staff.

“He sounds like someone worth missing,” Marina said when Leo finished.

“He was.” Leo moved his rook, returning his attention to the game. “Your move.”

Marina studied the board then smiled in triumph as she positioned her queen. “Check.”

Leo examined the situation with grudging admiration. She had maneuvered him into a vulnerable position while he was distracted by memories. “Well played.”

“I had an excellent teacher,” she replied, her smile warming him more than the brandy at his elbow.

Later, as they prepared for bed in Leo’s room, the closeness of their evening together still hung in the air. This, too, had become part of their routine. Marina’s maid would help her prepare for bed in her own rooms, and then Marina would join Leo for the night. Although it wasn’t discussed, she kept her own bedroom to preserve a sense of privacy.

“I enjoyed our game,” Marina said as she brushed out her hair at his dressing table. The simple domestic activity struck Leo with unexpected force. There was something deeply satisfying about watching his wife prepare for bed in his rooms knowing she would soon be in his arms.

“Next time I’ll pay more attention to your strategy,” Leo promised, coming to stand behind her. You’re a born strategist.”

Their eyes met in the mirror, and the open affection in Marina’s gaze caused a curious tightening in Leo’s chest. When had this happened? This easy companionship? This genuine pleasure in each other’s company? What began as a marriage of convenience had blossomed into passion, and now, it was becoming something unexpected for both of them.

The next evening, they were in the music room, enjoying another mutual interest. Marina had mentioned Seraphina’s comment about his pianoforte skills then she had immediately expressed interest in hearing him play.

“It’s been years,” Leo protested as Marina led him to the instrument that had stood unused for years. “I doubt I can remember more than the simplest songs.”

“Then play those,” Marina encouraged, lifting the cover to reveal keys that gleamed with recent polishing. She must have instructed the staff to prepare it, Leo realized with surprise.

He sat himself on the bench and ran his fingers over the keys in a simple scale. The instrument felt instantly familiar, awakening long-dormant muscle memory, and unconsciously, he began playing a Haydn sonata that his mother adored.

The music flowed easily beneath his fingers though he occasionally stumbled over the difficult passages. Marina stood nearby, her face glowing with delight as she listened to him play.

“That was beautiful,” she said when he finally lifted his hands from the keys. “Why did you stop playing?”

The question hit closer to home than she could know. “After my mother died, it seemed pointless,” Leo admitted. “She was the one who encouraged my playing.”

Marina nodded in understanding. “My mother insisted I learn the pianoforte, but I had no talent. However, despite my lack of skill, Mother insisted I continue since it would make me more marriageable.”

Leo smiled at the thought of a young Marina dutifully practicing scales. “And did it?”

“Not at all,” she snorted. “Henry only cared that I could play well enough to accompany his spinster aunt when she insisted on singing at family gatherings. He once told me that accomplished women were tedious with their endless performances.”

The casual mention of her first husband sent an unexpected flare of jealousy through Leo. He resented the idea that another man, one who hadn’t appreciated Marina’s talents and spirit, had once been married to her.

“Henry sounds more and more like a fool,” Leo observed, keeping his voice neutral. “A man who couldn’t recognize the value of what he possessed.”

Marina’s expression softened. “He wasn’t cruel, just indifferent. In many ways, that was worse.”

“Indifference to you seems impossible,” Leo said before he could censor himself. The naked honesty in his voice surprised them both.

Marina’s cheeks colored as she took a seat beside him on the bench. “Would you teach me something simple? Just for tonight?”

The request provided a welcome distraction from the intensity of the moment. Leo positioned her hands on the keys and guided her through a simple melody. Her fingers were graceful despite her claims of limited musical ability.

“You’re a much more patient teacher than my music master,” Marina remarked as she played the simple tune. “He used to rap my knuckles with a ruler when I missed notes.”

“Barbaric,” Leo replied, enjoying the warmth of her beside him. The subtle scent of roses that seemed to cling to her skin drew him closer. “Though I might be persuaded to devise alternative punishments for missed notes.”

Marina turned her head to meet his gaze, and her eyes danced with mischief. “Perhaps rewards for the correct notes would be more motivating.”

“An excellent suggestion,” Leo murmured, leaning closer. “What sort of reward did you have in mind?”

Their faces were inches apart now. The music was forgotten as awareness sparked between them. Leo could see the slight quickening of Marina’s breathing and the dilation of her pupils as her gaze dropped to his mouth.

“I’m sure you can think of something suitable,” she replied, her voice dropping to a husky whisper that sent heat coiling through his body.

Leo closed the remaining distance between them and captured her lips in a kiss that started gently but quickly flamed into something more urgent. Marina turned toward him on the bench. Her hands came up to frame his face as she returned his kiss with equal fervor.

These past days had brought a new openness to their physical relationship. Marina no longer held back, no longer seemed to fear revealing her desires. The transformation was intoxicating. His passionate, uninhibited wife was a far cry from the guarded woman he had married.

But as their kiss deepened, Leo realized the transformation had not been one-sided. He had changed, too. The need that drove him now was more complex than simple desire. It contained elements of tenderness, possessiveness, and something deeper that he wasn’t yet ready to name.

Leo pulled Marina closer, realizing how much she had changed everything. For years, finding William had been his only priority, but lately, it didn’t seem to matter as much. Now, instead of dwelling on the past, he actually looked forward to what might come next.

All because of Marina.

He tightened his hold around her on the piano bench, enjoying the simple warmth of having her near. The soft glow of candlelight turned the music room into their own quiet space, away from the rest of the world.

“We should return to our chambers,” he murmured against her lips, even as his hands betrayed his words by drawing her closer.

“Should we?” Marina challenged softly, her fingers threading through his hair. “The house is quiet. The servants have retired.”

The suggestion in her voice sent heat coursing through him. Leo pulled back slightly to study her face—the flush across her cheeks, the brightness of her eyes, the slight parting of her lips.

“You continue to surprise me,” he said, tracing the line of her jaw with his thumb.

Marina turned her head to press a kiss to his palm. “Perhaps I’m surprising myself as well.”

The simple honesty in her voice undid him. Leo captured her mouth again, this time with unmistakable intent. Marina responded immediately. Her body melted against his as her lips parted beneath the gentle pressure of his tongue.

Their kiss intensified, a wordless exchange of passion, a dance of giving and taking, of advance and retreat, each growing more confident in understanding the other’s rhythm. Marina’s hands slid down to his shoulders and tugged against his evening coat.

“You’re wearing too many layers,” she whispered against his mouth with a boldness in her voice that thrilled him.

Leo smiled against her lips. “As are you.”

He shifted his attention to the sensitive skin below her ear, trailing kisses down the elegant column of her throat. Marina’s head fell back with a soft sigh, giving him better access. Her pulse fluttered beneath his lips, rapid and strong, betraying her arousal.

“I want to feel your skin against mine,” Leo murmured, his hands sliding up her sides to cup her face. “To see you in the candlelight.”

Leo’s hands moved to the tiny buttons at the back of Marina’s gown, his fingers working with practiced ease. The first few buttons gave way, revealing the pale skin of her neck and upper back. He pressed his lips to each newly exposed inch, savoring her shiver of pleasure.

“Let me,” Marina whispered, reaching for his cravat.

With trembling fingers, she untied the complex knot and slid the silk from around his neck. His skin felt hot beneath her touch as she opened the first buttons of his shirt, revealing the strong column of his throat.

Leo’s breath caught as her cool fingers traced his collarbone. He returned to his task, unfastening more buttons until her gown loosened around her shoulders. The silky fabric slipped down, revealing the thin chemise beneath.

“Beautiful,” he murmured, pressing his lips to the curve where her neck met her shoulder.

Marina worked steadily on his waistcoat, pushing it from his broad shoulders. The garment fell forgotten to the floor as she returned to his shirt buttons, her face flushed with desire.

Leo eased her gown lower, his hands tracing the outline of her stays. The candlelight cast golden shadows across her skin, making her glow like a Renaissance painting. His fingers found the laces of her stays, testing their tension.

“I’ve imagined this,” Marina confessed as she pushed his shirt open, revealing the muscled plane of his chest. Her hands pressed against his skin, feeling the rapid beat of his heart.

Leo captured her mouth again, the kiss deeper now, hungrier. His hands slid around her waist, pulling her tight against him. Through the layers of their remaining clothes, their bodies pressed together, heat meeting heat.

“Come,” he whispered, taking her hand and guiding her toward the piano bench.

Marina followed, her gown hanging loose around her shoulders, her chemise slipping dangerously low as Leo positioned her on the bench. Standing before her, he pulled his shirt free, revealing his bare chest fully to her gaze.

Her breath caught at the sight of him. Tentatively, Marina reached out, her fingers tracing the scar that ran across his left shoulder. Leo remained perfectly still as she explored him, her touch growing bolder.

With gentle hands, he eased her gown lower, past her stays, until the fabric pooled at her waist. The thin chemise was all that remained covering her upper body, the outline of her breasts visible through the fine material.

“May I?” he asked, his fingers at the ribbon that fastened her chemise.

Marina nodded, her eyes never leaving his as he slowly pulled the ribbon free.

Growling from frustrated desire, he kissed her, his tongue seeking entry. Marina opened her lips willingly. As their kiss deepened, his need for her flowed through him. His hand found her inner thigh and slid higher. He dipped his fingers into her folds.

He stroked her gently at first. When she let out a groan, he strummed her pearl with his fingers, teasing, tempting her.

“Leo, please.”

He wanted to give her what she wanted but not yet. He stroked her pearl again, swirling his finger over it. He could feel the heat of her juices on his hand, and he wanted nothing more to be inside of her.

As if sensing his thoughts, Marina grasped his arousal. When her hand began to move, he increased his own rhythm. She wiggled against his hand, urging him to slide inside of her.

He would grant her wish. He gently spread her thighs then positioned himself at her entrance. His head dipped down to her nipple and when he suckled it, he pushed forward.

Marina’s head fell back, and she let out a low moan. He rocked into her, filling her with more of him.

She grasped his shoulders. and then he flexed his hips forward until he could go no deeper. “You make me feel so good,” he whispered against her.

His length slipped in and out of her in a slow, steady motion. Marina kissed him, her own tongue demanding more. His hand slipped down and found her pearl once more, and he pinched it gently.

He felt her quiver and knew she was close. He rocked himself into her harder and faster, unable to hold back. His breath grew ragged as he held himself back from release, intent on pleasing her. When he thrummed her pearl again with his fingers, Marina cried out and raked her nails down his back as her insides clenched on the length of him.

Unable to hold back, Leo pushed deeper and harder until his own release joined hers, the dam breaking as he spilled inside of her.

As their breathing slowed and reality returned, Leo gazed at Marina, her skin glowing with a fine sheen in the candlelight. He reached for her discarded gown and gently draped it over her shoulders, his touch now tender where it had been passionate moments before. Marina smiled up at him from the piano bench, her hair tumbling in dark waves around her face, her eyes still hazy with pleasure. Neither spoke. Instead, Leo lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest as if she were made of porcelain. As he carried her from the music room toward their chambers, the echo of their passion lingered in the silent house.