Page 37 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Yet as he stepped into his waiting carriage, he couldn’t help but recall the vulnerability in Marina’s eyes when she’d accepted his proposal. Or the irresistible flush that had spread across her cheeks when he’d suggested she might one day beg for his touch.

Not that either of those reactions had influenced his decision of course. This was merely business.

Wasn’t it?

CHAPTER 13

“You look beautiful!” Caroline said, fixing Marina’s veil. “I’m still shocked you’re marrying the Duke of Blackmere, especially after calling him your worst enemy just weeks ago.”

Marina caught her friend’s gaze in the small chapel’s antechamber mirror. “Life takes unexpected turns, does it not?”

She smoothed a nonexistent wrinkle from her cream silk gown, a simple but elegant creation that the Duke had delivered to her house only mere hours ago.

Four days had passed since Leo’s startling proposal, days filled with hasty preparations and an underlying sense of unreality. The special license had been obtained with remarkable speed through Leo’s connections, and now, here she stood, minutes away from becoming the Duchess of Blackmere—a transformation so sudden that Marina had scarcely had time to process it.

“It does indeed.” Caroline’s voice softened. “Though I hope this particular turn brings you happiness rather than merely convenience.”

Marina’s engagement had initially shocked her friend, but Caroline quickly helped with the rushed wedding preparations, despite her initial worries for Marina.

“Happiness is a luxury some of us can’t afford,” Marina replied. Noticing Caroline’s expression, she quickly added, “However, enhanced security and mutual respect are still important.”

A gentle knock interrupted their conversation. Harold’s kind face appeared around the door. “The clergyman is ready when you are. And may I say, you look every inch the Duchess you’re about to become.”

Marina’s throat tightened, and she felt tears well in her eyes. “Thank you, Harold. Both for your kind words and for agreeing to give me away.”

“The honor is entirely mine.” He offered his arm with a reassuring smile. “Now, shall we make your duke wait any longer?”

Marina took a deep breath and placed her hand on Harold’s arm.

She had faced worse challenges than walking down an aisle to marry a man who was at least offering her protection when she desperately needed it.

“Let’s go.”

Morning light filled the small chapel. Despite the hasty arrangements, someone had made sure that fresh flowers adorned the altar and pews. Their small number of guests turned at her entrance.

The Marquess of Blytheton looked surprisingly dignified in formal attire. Also in attendance were the Dukes and Duchesses of Irondale and Ashthorne, whom she’d only known anecdotally. When she looked toward the altar, she saw Leo, tall and commanding in his impeccable dark coat.

His expression was unreadable although something flickered in his eyes that might have been appreciation.

Marina kept her steps steady as she reminded herself that this was a business arrangement and nothing more. The flutter in her stomach at the sight of him was nerves, not anticipation.

The ceremony itself passed in a blur. Marina spoke her vows clearly, conscious of the small audience witnessing this unlikely union.

When Leo slipped a ring onto her finger—a magnificent sapphire surrounded by diamonds that had arrived just yesterday—the weight of it seemed to anchor the moment in reality.

This was happening. She was becoming the Duchess of Blackmere.

“I now pronounce you man and wife,” the clergyman said. “Your Grace, you may kiss your bride.”

Marina’s breath hitched. She hadn’t considered this part of the ceremony although of course it was tradition.

Leo’s eyes met hers, and then, with surprising gentleness, he leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers in a kiss so brief it was over almost before it began.

“Duchess,” he said, offering his arm.

“Duke,” she replied with equal formality and placed her hand on his sleeve.

They proceeded out of the chapel to the congratulations of their small party. Everyone made their way to Leo’s townhouse where a wedding breakfast awaited.

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