Page 105 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“Because money runs out, my dear. And Leo—” Felicity’s smile turned cruel. “Leo is so predictable. Always running in circles, repeating the past. He chased us across Europe for years, never catching us, never giving up. And now, he’s done the same with you.”

Marina froze. “What do you mean?”

“The pattern, of course. Leo finds a woman, becomes infatuated, then pulls away when things become too real.” Felicity studied her manicured nails in the moonlight. “I’m guessing he’s already withdrawn from you. Stopped sharing your bed, perhaps? Begun finding excuses to avoid your company?”

The accuracy of her words struck Marina like a physical blow. Her silence was answer enough.

“You see?” Felicity continued, satisfaction evident in her voice. “He cannot help himself. The moment he cares, he retreats. It happened with me, and now, it’s happening with you.”

“You know nothing about our marriage,” Marina said though doubt crept into her voice.

“Don’t I?” Felicity circled closer. “Let me guess. He married you for some practical reason. I’m guessing to protect you, perhaps? He was attentive at first, even passionate. Then something changed. He grew distant, cold. And when you confronted him, he claimed he couldn’t give you what you wanted.”

Each word hit its mark, leaving Marina breathless. How could this woman know so precisely what had transpired between them?

“It’s little wonder he was drawn to you,” Felicity continued, her gaze sweeping over Marina. “You’re nothing like me physically, but there’s something similar in your spirit. Too independent for your own good. Too clever by half.”

“What do you want?” Marina demanded again, desperate to regain control of the conversation.

Felicity glanced pointedly at the purse Marina clutched. “Five hundred pounds is a pittance. The Duke of Blackmere can afford far more to keep his duchess’ little secret.”

“So this is just about money after all.”

“Do you truly believe that?” Felicity tilted her head, her smile turning predatory. “How naive you are.”

The realization came too late. This wasn’t just blackmail. This was revenge. Felicity wanted to hurt Leo through her, to wound him as she believed he had wounded her.

Marina took a step backward, preparing to flee, but collided with something solid. Strong hands grasped her shoulders, steadying her.

“Careful now,” a man’s voice hissed close to her ear.

Marina spun around and stared into a face that was hauntingly familiar. The same chiseled features as Leo, the same hazel eyes though lacking the intensity she associated with her husband. His hair was lighter, his build somewhat slighter, but the resemblance was unmistakable.

“William,” she breathed, her heart pounding against her ribs.

CHAPTER 38

“Is this a trap, or am I walking into my own grave?” Leo muttered to himself as he approached the abandoned theater.

He drew his pistol from his coat and checked the priming. The building rose before him, its once-grand facade now crumbling. Light flickered from within—someone was there. Leo circled the structure until he found the side entrance he remembered. The door hung ajar, sending a chill through him.

He pushed it open, and the hinges protested with a creak. Darkness engulfed the backstage area except for a faint glow emanating from the main stage. Leo picked his way across the aged wooden floor, sidestepping debris and loose boards that might give him away.

Voices drifted toward him—two distinct tones in conversation. The words remained unclear, but one voice was unmistakably female, cultured and musical. Felicity. The other, soft yet steady,belonged to Marina. Leo inched closer, hugging the shadows, pistol in hand.

William’s hand pressed firmly against Marina’s mouth, his other arm wrapping around her waist to hold her still. The cold metal of a pistol dug into her back.

“Please don’t struggle,” he whispered near her ear, his voice surprisingly gentle despite his actions. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

Marina remained rigid in his grasp, her eyes fixed on Felicity, who watched their interaction with obvious satisfaction.

“Much better,” Felicity purred, stepping closer. “I was growing tired of our little chat. So tedious explaining things to someone who doesn’t understand their place in the larger picture.”

Marina’s heart pounded against her ribs as William turned her to face Felicity fully, the pistol never wavering from her back.

“You see, Duchess,” Felicity continued, circling them like a predator, “Leo betrayed me first. He claimed to love me, promised me everything, then abandoned me at the first sign of his father’s disapproval.” Her beautiful face twisted with contempt. “So proper, so concerned with duty and family reputation.”

William’s grip tightened slightly. “She doesn’t need to hear this, Felicity.”

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