Page 72 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

“Yes.”

Leo’s expression softened. “Maybe we should explore what this means. See where it takes us.”

The idea sent a thrill of anticipation through Marina, but caution held her back.

“And if we don’t like what we discover? What if we’re incompatible in ways we haven’t considered?”

Leo gave a gentle shrug. “Then we will adjust. I am not proposing anything drastic. I am only suggesting we stop pretending there’s no attraction between us.”

Marina took a steady breath. “And acknowledging it—what would that mean exactly?”

Leo’s smile returned, slow and assured. “That is entirely up to you, wife of mine.”

Marina hesitated, fully aware of what accepting might lead to. A week earlier, she’d have retreated to her room. But Leo’s patience had worn down her defenses, and now, she craved more.

“Yes,” she said softly, surprising them both. “I think I’d like that.”

Leo’s eyes darkened with satisfaction. As he guided her from the table, his hand lightly resting on her back, Marina caught her reflection in the mirror. The woman staring back had flushed cheeks and eyes filled with anticipation—a woman ready to embrace whatever came next.

In the study, Leo poured two glasses of brandy, handing one to Marina with deliberate care to avoid touching her fingers. The restraint in the gesture, when she knew how much he desired contact, made her heart race faster.

“To new beginnings,” he said softly, raising his glass.

The warmth in his eyes made Marina’s heart race. He moved closer, his tall frame blocking out the light from the fireplace.

“Marina,” he whispered, his voice deep with need as he took her glass and placed it on the table.

He cupped her face with his hands, their breath mingling for a heartbeat before his lips found hers.

The kiss started gently—a question—but when she sighed against his mouth, something broke loose inside him.

Leo pressed her against the wall, his body hard against hers. His kiss turned hungry, demanding, and Marina matched him withequal passion. Her hands slid into his hair, pulling him closer as his tongue swept past her lips.

“You taste so good, darling,” he murmured against her neck, trailing hot kisses down to her collarbone. “I can’t get enough of you.”

His hand moved to her waist then higher, his thumb brushing the underside of her breast through her dress.

Marina gasped at the sensation. Her back arched, pressing her more firmly against him.

“Leo, please,” she whispered though she wasn’t sure what she was begging for.

His hand slid higher, palm covering her breast as his mouth returned to hers. She could feel the heat of him through her clothes, her body melting with each touch. When his thumb circled her nipple, she moaned into his mouth.

Leo’s other hand moved lower, gathering her skirts as he pressed his hips against hers.

“Say it again,” he demanded, his voice rough with desire. “Beg for it again.”

“Please,” Marina breathed, her head falling back as his lips found that sensitive spot below her ear. “Please, Leo, I want you, Leo. I want?—”

A sharp knock interrupted them. Henderson appeared at the doorway, his normally impassive face apologetic.

“Forgive me, Your Grace, but an urgent message has arrived from Lord Blytheton. He says it cannot wait until morning.”

Leo’s expression darkened briefly before he mastered it. “Very well. Bring it to me.”

The butler handed him a sealed note which Leo read quickly, his brow furrowing.

“It seems our evening must be postponed,” he said, looking up at Marina with genuine regret. “Noah has encountered some trouble that requires my immediate attention.”

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