Page 75 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

Good, he thought.

Let her wonder what kind of instruction he had in mind.

Over the following days, Leo continued his campaign with strategic precision.

The silver pen followed the journal, accompanied by a note that left Marina blushing throughout dinner. A rare first edition of poetry she had mentioned admiring appeared in the blue drawing room where she preferred to write with a message comparing certain verses to the sounds she had made in his arms.

Each gift was carefully chosen to show his attention to her as an individual while the accompanying notes kept the memory of their physical connection fresh in her mind. It was a delicate balance to show his desire without pressing for immediate fulfillment.

When they attended public functions, Leo maintained a similar strategy. Leo stayed close to Marina throughout the evening, making sure she was aware of his presence without pushing too far. Occasionally his hand brushed hers, or he leaned in to quietly share observations meant only for her ears. He was careful, however, not to cross into impropriety or give her reason to pull away.

At Alice’s musical gathering, Leo watched Marina’s calm slowly unravel under his subtle attention.

He noticed her slight tremble when he leaned in close to comment on the music, her sharp intake of breath when his fingers briefly touched her bare shoulder, and how her eyes drifted to his lips whenever she thought he wasn’t looking. All these small signs showed him that his approach was working.

“Your wife seems a bit distracted tonight,” Dorian remarked while Marina chatted with Alice and Seraphina nearby. “Could your newfound attentiveness have anything to do with it?”

Leo took a sip of wine to hide his amusement. “I am simply trying to be a thoughtful husband.”

“Of course,” Dorian replied with clear skepticism. “That must be why you haven’t stopped watching her all night and why she blushes whenever you whisper something to her.”

Before Leo could reply, the women returned, and he immediately noticed Marina’s heightened color. Seraphina must have said something to embarrass her.

“What did Seraphina say to make you blush like that?” Leo asked quietly, placing a gentle hand at Marina’s lower back.

“Nothing important,” Marina answered quickly though her breath caught as his hand touched her silk gown.

“Whatever it was, I approve,” Leo whispered close to her ear. “You look beautiful when you blush.”

For the rest of the evening, Leo continued to remind Marina of his attention, each gesture carefully chosen to keep her aware of him.

By the time they left, the tension between them was unmistakable, filling the carriage even though Marina maintained a careful distance on the journey home.

At Marina’s chamber door, Leo lingered a moment longer than necessary as he held her hand.

“Sleep well, wife,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to her fingers that was just proper enough, but filled with deeper intention.

Marina’s quick intake of breath was reward enough for now.

Let her retire to her room with the memory of his touch, the promise in his eyes. Let her lie awake wondering what would happen if she simply invited him in.

Patience, Leo reminded himself as he returned to his own chambers.

Leo enjoyed the quiet moments when Marina didn’t realize he was watching—catching glimpses of her writing in the blue drawing room, noticing how absorbed she became when readingin the library, appreciating the easy elegance of her hands as she arranged flowers or poured tea.

As he climbed into bed later that night, his thoughts lingered on her. The blush on her cheeks, the trust in her eyes when she’d agreed to his invitation, and the slight trembling of her hand in his.

He realized something surprising. Despite all the women he’d pursued over the years, none had stirred this mix of desire and genuine affection, of physical attraction and deeper emotion. Recognizing that Marina had become far more than just a conquest or convenient spouse should have unsettled him, but instead, Leo smiled.

For the first time since William’s disappearance, Leo didn’t drift off thinking about the past.

Instead, he looked forward to tomorrow and whatever new discoveries awaited him with Marina, who continued to challenge and captivate him in ways no one else had.

CHAPTER 27

“Your latest story is causing quite the sensation, Lady Asquith—or should I say, Duchess?” Mr. Pritchard, the printer Leo had introduced her to, handed Marina her payment with a respectful bow. “Lord Garfield ordered twenty copies for his club, claiming it’s the only thing keeping the members awake during political discussions.”

Marina tucked the money into her reticule. She was pleased by the news but determined to remain professional. “I’m glad it’s been well-received. The sea captain has proven more popular than I expected.”

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