Page 30 of Leo

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She was quiet on the drive to the hotel. The couple had left them with the promise of a 9.00 pm meal at the restaurant and they had proceeded to pick out a gorgeous soft black cashmere jacket.

She had thanked him politely and refused the offer of something else.

“This is more than enough,” she told the eager sales associate firmly.

He waited until they reached the foyer of the hotel before he switched off the engine and turned towards her.

“Talk to me.”

She fiddled with her jacket and stared out at the looming building.

“You told them we were married.”

He knew that was her worry, but still it hurts that she had taken offence.

“Yes. What did you expect me to say? He took me by surprise.”

“They are going to want all sorts of details. How did we meet and all that? What do we say to that?”

“The truth. We met on the street, just in front of your place of business. I did not know what else to say.”

She tilted her head to stare at him and considered. “She is very beautiful, almost like a model. They seem to love each other very much.”

The tension eased out of him and left him weak.

“They do. Very much. She was a professor at a university when they met. The love affair was unexpected and for a while they had no idea what to do about it, especially David.”

She nodded. “She’s incredibly beautiful and a doctor.”

He nodded. “She has a PH. D, yes.” He wanted to take her in his arms and cuddle. “She is also the most down to earth person I have ever met. Most of the ‘wives’ are, some of whom are from very humble beginnings. Look, if you are not comfortable, we could make our excuses…”

“No.” She shook her head. “I just have to figure out what to wear, that’s all.” She interpreted the expression on his face and lifted a brow.

“If you open that mouth of yours by saying you are going to buy me an outfit, I am going to slam it closed. I will figure it out.” She looked out the window. “Now let’s explore this palace of yours.” She turned to look at him. “I take it that it is yours?”

He grinned a little foolishly, relieved that they were over that hurdle. “The contract was signed this morning, after another long and heated discussion.”

“Congratulations!” She told him softly and really meant it.

“Thank you. Shall we?” He pushed the door open and came around to let her out. Taking her hand as if it was the most natural thing in the world, he led the way towards the towering building.

“The Duchess.” She murmured.

“Pardon?”

“That is what it should be called. And there should be just suites, not individual rooms like other hotels. Just sumptuous suites and exclusive gift shops. Also, a theatre for shows, wonderful musicals. The best of the best. It should be so exclusive that it takes a year to get a booking.”

He turned her to face him. The crumbling graceful building loomed behind them, framed by a grayish blue sky. The property was located away from any vehicular or foot traffic and had the trees swaying in the stiff breeze.

“That’s a wonderful idea.” It was already forming inside his head. “You’ve painted a rather vivid picture.”

She shrugged, feeling the warmth of his skin seeping into her skin. Maybe it was this place, not just where they were at the moment, but the entire city of Paris. But she was feeling things she should not be feeling. She wanted his mouth on hers and her curiosity in wanting to know what his kisses were like was beginning to alarm her.

“Let’s get started.” She stepped away from him and turned towards the building, forcing him to do the same.

*****

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