Page 97 of The Reluctant Wife

"Promises, promises," I say lightly.

His eyes flash, then he tugs me, so I squeak and fall into him. He brings his mouth to mine, and when I part my lips, he sweeps his tongue in. He kisses me, and I feel the sensation all the way to the tips of my toes. My stomach trembles, and my pussy clenches. My scalp feels like a thousand sparks are zingingacross it. I hold onto him as he deepens the kiss, and it’s so intense, so passionate, so fervent, I feel like I’m about to catch fire.

Someone clears their throat behind us, and I freeze. But my husband doesn’t stop. He continues to kiss me, and when I push at his shoulder, he merely raises his head and stares into my eyes. My breath comes in short gasps as my chest rises and falls. Ryot’s features, on the other hand, are granite hard. His jaw is set. His green eyes though, have turned to silver, and the nerve that pulses at his temple tells me he’s far from unmoved by the kiss. This man… The more he tries to hide his emotions, the more I recognize them. "I see you," I say softly. "I see you, Ryot."

His gaze sharpens. His nostrils flare. He bends and nips at my lower lip, and I shudder.

"Sorry to cut in you, guys, but there are three hundred VVIPs waiting for you, and no one is allowed to have a drink until you guys arrive, so if you wouldn’t mind hurrying…" Tyler’s amused voice reaches us.

A giggle bubbles up, and it feels so right. Ryot’s features relax, a spark of amusement lighting up his eyes.

"I do mind," he throws over his shoulder, then leans back and surveys my features.

"Is my lipstick—" I raise my hand, but he grabs it. "You look perfect. A little flushed and like you’ve been kissed. Perfect." He links his fingers through mine. "Shall we?"

47

Ryot

"Congratulations." Arthur squeezes my shoulder. "You’ve made me proud, boy." Dressed in a suit, with his silver hair coiffed back from his face, he looks handsome. The tiredness I saw the last time has faded. He takes my wife’s hand and bends to kiss it. "Congratulations, Duchess."

"Thank you." My wife smiles back.

"It was a beautiful ceremony." Imelda who’s dressed in a suit which is a twin to Arthur's, right down to the bow tie, lowers her chin. "And mercifully short, if I might say so."

My wife laughs. "One of the things my father acquiesced to."

"There were others which he refused to budge on, I assume?" Imelda says shrewdly.

"He’s a stubborn man, and a king." My wife’s eyes shadow. "He has responsibilities."

"None more important than the one toward you." Imelda pats my wife’s hand. "You’re a dutiful daughter."

"And my wife." I put my arm around Aura’s shoulders. I’m never going to miss a single opportunity to say that aloud.

She leans into me, and I can tell she’s pleased. "A very happy wife today." She chuckles. "I hope the two of you will be staying on and taking in the sights of my beautiful country?"

"Alas, we have only one more day, which we plan to spend at the Fishermen’s Islands."

She’s referring to the mini archipelago of seven islands near Verenza, a favorite among tourists.

"Just a day?" my wife cries.

"You’d think this old man would enjoy his retired life and spend more time taking in the sights, but he insists he needs to be back for an important meeting." Imelda shrugs.

I turn to Arthur. "Is it because Nathan and Quentin are both staying here to oversee the security arrangements at Verenza and can’t fill in for you?" I frown.

"Yes, it is—" Arthur begins to say but Imelda nudges him.

"What he means to say is that he’d have gone anyway. And it’s right that they are here until we neutralize this risk to the Duchess’ life." She turns to him. "Isn’t that what you were going to say, dear?"

Arthur looks taken aback, then nods. "Yes, she's right. I’d much rather the men be here and support you."

"I am very grateful to all the Davenports for their help," my wife murmurs.

"You are one of us now," Arthur points out.

"I am," she agrees.

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