Page 30 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

The earnestness in his voice caught her off guard. Gone was the intimidating duke who had threatened her in the carriage, replaced by a man who seemed genuinely interested in finding a compromise.

“Perhaps,” Marina conceded, “though I’m not certain what that might be.”

Leo released her hand, his expression thoughtful. “We both need time to consider the matter. In the meantime…” He hesitated. “I would ask a favor.”

Marina raised an eyebrow, instantly wary. “What sort of favor?”

“Write a new character,” he said simply. “Create a hero who bears no resemblance to me—different appearance, different history, different… preferences.” The last word carried a hint of heat that made Marina’s pulse quicken. “Let your next story be truly fiction.”

The request seemed reasonable enough. Yet something in his expression—a certain vulnerability beneath the commanding exterior—made her suspect there was more at stake than mere reputation.

“And if I do? What then?”

“Then we’ll talk again,” he promised. “About a more permanent solution to our impasse.”

Marina studied him, trying to discern his true intentions. There was something he wasn’t telling her, some deeper reason behind his demand that she stop writing about him. But his offer seemed sincere, and what did she have to lose by trying?

“And if I refuse?” Marina asked, watching his reaction carefully.

“Then we remain at an impasse.” His expression tightened subtly. “And I will need to explore other options to protect my reputation.”

Marina studied him, trying to discern his true intentions.

There was something he wasn’t telling her, some deeper reason behind his demand that she stop writing about him. The request seemed reasonable on its surface, yet she hesitated to commit herself.

“I will consider it,” she said finally. “But I can make no promises, Your Grace. My livelihood depends on these stories.”

Disappointment flickered across his features though he masked it quickly. “I understand. All I ask is that you give the matter serious thought.”

He bowed over her hand, his lips brushing her knuckles in a gesture that sent warmth spiraling through her. “Until we meet again, Lady Asquith.”

CHAPTER 11

“Have you read the latest installment? I simply couldn’t put it down,” a woman’s eager voice drifted from behind a display of ribbons. “The library scene was positively scandalous!”

“Lady Ponsworth claims she was so shocked she burned her copy,” her companion replied with a delighted giggle. “Though I noticed she could quote entire passages when we took tea yesterday.”

Marina kept her head down as she passed the gossiping ladies, fighting the smile that threatened to betray her.

She clutched her manuscript closer to her chest and quickened her pace through the bustling market.

All around her, similar conversations echoed—hushed voices discussing her latest story with equal parts scandal and delight.

Her new tale had spread through London like wildfire. The story of a passionate encounter in a library during a ball—with the thrill of discovery adding excitement to the already steamy liaison—had captured the ton’s imagination.

Marina had drawn from her own experience with Leo, transforming their heated kiss into something far more explicit, though the emotions—the breathless anticipation, the desperate desire—those had been transcribed directly from her memory.

She turned down the narrow alley that led to Lupton’s printing house, glancing over her shoulder to ensure she wasn’t followed. The weight of the nearly-complete manuscript in her hands promised another payment, one she desperately needed. Her coal supply was dwindling, and the butcher had already reminded her twice about her outstanding account.

Mr. Lupton’s clerk recognized her immediately, his thin face lighting with a greedy smile. “Another manuscript so soon, My Lady? The last one is selling faster than we can print copies.”

“Mr. Lupton will be pleased,” Marina replied, unwilling to acknowledge how much that fact pleased her as well. “Is he in?”

“Indeed and expecting you.” The clerk gestured toward the office door. “Though he has another visitor at present.”

Marina nodded and moved toward the door but paused when she heard raised voices from within. She recognized Lupton’s oily tone, but the other voice—deep and insistent—struck a chord of memory she couldn’t immediately place.

“I assure you, Mr. Giles, Lady Asquith will be here momentarily.” Lupton’s voice carried through the wooden panel. “She never fails to collect her payment promptly.”

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