Page 49 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

The question caught Leo off guard. He had assumed Marina would find suitable occupations—managing the townhouse, taking part in society events, perhaps continuing to write storiesthat didn’t involve him—but he realized suddenly that they hadn’t discussed specifics.

“I imagine she’ll keep herself busy,” he said finally.

“I’m sure she will,” Noah agreed though there was something in his expression that made Leo wonder if his friend knew more than he was letting on. “Women like Marina rarely remain idle for long.”

They lapsed into a companionable silence, interrupted occasionally by Noah’s observations about other club members or bits of society gossip.

Leo listened with half an ear, his thoughts continually circling back to the townhouse on Berkeley Square where his new duchess was likely being fitted for gowns while he hid away at his club like a coward.

Because that was what he was doing, he admitted privately. Hiding. Not from Giles or society, or even Noah’s knowing smirks, but from the unfamiliar feelings that Marina had stirred in him.

Physical attraction he understood. He had experienced it countless times before, satisfied it with willing partners, and moved on without complication. But this persistent awareness of Marina, this curiosity about her thoughts, this strange pleasure in her company—this was something different.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Noah’s voice broke into his reverie.

Leo blinked and then realized he’d been staring into his brandy for some time. “Not worth half that amount.”

“I disagree.” Noah leaned back in his chair, studying him with uncommon seriousness. “I haven’t seen you this distracted since… well, since before William left.”

The mention of his brother sent the familiar pang through Leo’s chest. “Matthews sent word last week,” he said, seizing the opportunity to change subjects. “He had a promising lead in Brussels, but they’d already moved on.”

Noah frowned. “And you’re still here? The Leo I know would have been on the first ship to the continent.”

“I had business to finish here,” Leo replied, the excuse sounding hollow even to his own ears.

“Yes, your sudden marriage to our literary duchess,” Noah said, swirling his brandy. “Interesting timing, wouldn’t you say? Just as Matthews provides you with actual evidence of William’s whereabouts.”

Leo regarded his friend coolly. “If you have something to say, Blytheton, say it plainly.”

“Very well.” Noah set his glass down with deliberate precision. “I’ve watched you chase your brother across Europe for years,abandoning everything at the merest hint of his location. Yet here you sit, drinking brandy with me while Brussels grows cold.”

“Marina needed protection,” Leo replied, his voice tight. “It was the honorable thing to do.”

“Honor?” Noah chuckled softly. “Since when has honor outweighed your obsession with finding William? No, my friend, I think there’s something about the lovely duchess that holds your attention far more effectively than duty ever could.”

Leo stood abruptly, unwilling to hear more of Noah’s observations. “I should return home. The modiste will expect approval on her selections.”

Noah stood as well though his expression remained speculative. “Of course. Give my regards to your duchess. And Leo?” He placed a hand on Leo’s shoulder. “Sometimes fate gives us exactly what we need, even when it’s not what we thought we wanted.”

Leo nodded stiffly, uncomfortable with the philosophical turn. “Good day, Blytheton.”

As his carriage rolled through London’s busy streets toward Berkeley Square, Leo found himself considering Noah’s parting words despite his determination to dismiss them.

He had married Marina to solve a problem—to protect his reputation and to save her from ruin.

It was a practical solution, nothing more.

Leo stared out the carriage window, lost in thought. He hadn’t expected to be this eager to see Marina again. Sure, he wanted her—she was beautiful, spirited, and he sensed a passion beneath her calm exterior. Attraction was easy, especially given their circumstances.

But what surprised him was how much he genuinely enjoyed her company. He missed the easy conversation they’d shared over dinner, even if it had ended awkwardly. Her quick mind, her subtle humor—those were things he hadn’t counted on liking so much.

As the carriage rolled toward home, Leo realized it wasn’t just physical attraction drawing him back—it was curiosity, too. He found himself wanting to uncover more of the woman beneath her careful composure, even if he wasn’t quite ready to admit it.

The carriage rolled to a stop.

Perhaps Noah was right. Perhaps fate had given him exactly what he needed, even if it came in a most unexpected package—a widow with a talent for scandalous prose and eyes that haunted his thoughts.

CHAPTER 17

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