Page 92 of The Duke and the Scarred Bride

“You won,” she said, pouting when they finally caught their breath outside the kitchen doors.

They had startled a few servants and earned some amused looks, but otherwise, no one had been hurt in their childish game.

“That I did.” He smiled.

“Well, what do you want?” she asked, still pouting.

“You,” he answered, pulling her close and kissing her.

She smiled against his mouth, burying her fingers in his hair and letting him know that she was no longer upset at her loss.

“As much as I like that idea, I would rather have actual sustenance right now,” she murmured, pushing him away.

She pushed past the doors, saluting cook and the kitchen staff who stared at the two of them with surprise. She waved off their attempts to stop her and eventually chased them from the kitchen as she wanted to focus.

He sat back and watched her make a plate for both of them, and while she did, he couldn’t help but wonder what he had done to deserve her. She didn’t know just how much he had been drowning before she came into his life and saved him. Perhaps he would let her know with time.

Tonight, he would thank her in the way he knew they would both enjoy, but first, he had to replenish his energy.

The End?

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