Page 56 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“What about you, My Lord?” she purred. “I’ve been told I’m very good at improving a gentleman’s mood.”

A month ago, hell even a week ago, Leo would have accepted without hesitation. A night of sex with no expectations or complications was exactly how he had distracted himself for years. The woman was beautiful, willing, and discreet—everything a man in his position could desire for a brief encounter.

However, the moment he opened his mouth to agree, he pictured Marina, her blue eyes flashing with anger as she condemned him for his treatment of women.

Those other ladies might have been content with such arrangements, but I am not.

“Not tonight,” he said, reaching into his pocket for several coins which he pressed into the woman’s palm. “But I appreciate the offer.”

The brunette looked surprised but accepted the money with a practiced smile. “Another time, perhaps.”

Leo stood abruptly. “Noah, I am leaving.”

His friend, already halfway to a private room with the blonde, turned with a bemused expression. “So early? This isn’t like you.”

“Nothing is like me lately,” Leo muttered, too quietly for Noah to hear.

He grabbed his coat and left, ignoring the curious glances that followed.

The night air was cool against his face as he emerged onto the street. Leo dismissed his waiting carriage driver, needing the walk to clear his head. What the hell was wrong with him? Sincewhen did he pass up willing company in favor of returning to an empty bed?

Since Marina.

Since her accusations had struck too close to home.

Since he had wondered if perhaps she was right—that his carefully cultivated charm was nothing more than a shield against genuine connection.

Leo wandered the dark London streets for hours, frustration building with every step.

When he finally returned home in the early hours, he wasn’t any clearer about his tangled feelings.

All he knew was that his marriage was turning out to be much more complicated than he’d planned.

Two days later, Marina was returning from the morning room when hushed voices from the corridor caught her attention.

“It’s the third piece this month,” a maid whispered urgently. “First the silver salt cellar, then the small candlesticks, and now the serving spoon.”

“Mr. Henderson will have our heads if more goes missing,” replied a footman’s voice. “He already suspects Thomas.”

“It can’t be Thomas,” the maid insisted. “He’s been here fifteen years without incident.”

“Well, it’s not one of the housemaids. We’re never allowed near the silver cabinet without supervision.”

Marina hesitated, uncertain whether to make her presence known. Before she could decide, Mrs. Phillips’s authoritative voice joined the conversation.

“What are you two doing gossiping in the hallway? There’s work to be done!”

“Sorry, Mrs. Phillips,” the maid replied quickly. “We were just discussing the missing silverware.”

“That is not your concern,” the housekeeper said sharply. “The inventory will be properly managed without idle speculation from staff.”

A floorboard creaked beneath Marina’s foot, alerting the group to her presence. She stepped forward, finding the housekeeper with two red-faced young servants who immediately bobbed into curtsies and bows.

“Your Grace,” Mrs. Phillips said, her expression mortified. “I apologize for this unfortunate situation.”

“Missing silverware, Mrs. Phillips?” Marina inquired, keeping her tone neutral.

The housekeeper shot a quelling look at the two servants before turning back to Marina. “A minor discrepancy in the inventory, Your Grace. Nothing to concern yourself with. I suspect it’s merely been misplaced during cleaning.”

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