Page 85 of Wedded to the Duke of Seduction

The past week had transformed their relationship in ways Leo could not have anticipated. Since that night after the Irondale dinner party, Marina had blossomed in his company. Her initial reserve gave way to a natural warmth and wit that captivatedhim. They had fallen into a pleasant routine—breakfast together each morning, separate pursuits during the day, then dinner and quiet evenings spent in conversation or reading.

And other activities of course. Leo’s body stirred at the memory of Marina in his bed the previous night, her hair spread across his pillows, her lips parted in pleasure as he moved within her. The physical aspects of their marriage had proven even more satisfying than he had anticipated. Marina’s passion, once unleashed, matched his own in intensity.

But surprisingly, it was these quieter moments that Leo treasured most. He enjoyed the simple conversation, the shared laughter, and the gradual revealing of themselves to each other.

“You’ll have to teach me the rules,” Marina said, studying the board with interest. “I’ve always wanted to learn despite my governess’ warnings.”

“The basic concept is simple,” Leo explained and lifted a pawn to demonstrate its movement. “Each piece has its own abilities and restrictions. They can only move in certain directions. The goal is to trap your opponent’s king.”

Marina listened closely as he described each piece. When they began their first practice game, Leo found himself charmed by her serious expression and the slight furrow between her brows as she considered her moves.

Marina executed a move, sliding her bishop into position with such ease that Leo frowned down at the chessboard, realizing his mistake too late.

“You’ve been holding back,” he said, glancing up to find her lips curled into a teasing smile.

She leaned forward, chin resting lightly on her hand, eyes sparkling. “Perhaps I simply excel at cornering kings.”

Leo laughed softly, shaking his head as he captured one of her pawns. “Then consider me thoroughly cornered.”

Marina reached forward again, fingertips brushing against his hand as she shifted her knight into place. The fleeting touch sent warmth racing up his arm, despite the intimacy they had shared over the past week.

“Your move, Your Grace,” she said lightly.

As the game continued, the tension eased into playful competition. Their conversation drifted comfortably between moves, and soon, Leo found himself sharing stories from his days at Eton—describing pranks he and William had carried out, recalling how many hours they’d spent plotting schemes rather than attending to their studies. Marina listened, her laughter genuine and bright, making the memories feel fresh and new again.

“You must have been a terror to your masters,” Marina observed, laughing at his tale of releasing mice during a particularly tedious Latin exam.

“William was the creative mind behind our misadventures,” Leo admitted, a familiar pang accompanying the mention of his brother. I stepped in and avoided a worse punishment for us.”

Marina noticed his change in expression. “You miss him.”

It wasn’t a question, but Leo answered anyway. “Every day. Despite everything.”

She reached across the board to touch his hand briefly. “Tell me about him. The boy he was before everything happened.”

Her request surprised Leo. Few people asked him about William as anything other than the scandal that had nearly destroyed the Rencourt name. Initially hesitant, Leo gradually shared memories of William. His artistic talent, his contagious laughter, and his kindness to the stable boys and kitchen maids which had won him the loyalty of the entire household staff.

“He sounds like someone worth missing,” Marina said when Leo finished.

“He was.” Leo moved his rook, returning his attention to the game. “Your move.”

Marina studied the board then smiled in triumph as she positioned her queen. “Check.”

Leo examined the situation with grudging admiration. She had maneuvered him into a vulnerable position while he was distracted by memories. “Well played.”

“I had an excellent teacher,” she replied, her smile warming him more than the brandy at his elbow.

Later, as they prepared for bed in Leo’s room, the closeness of their evening together still hung in the air. This, too, had become part of their routine. Marina’s maid would help her prepare for bed in her own rooms, and then Marina would join Leo for the night. Although it wasn’t discussed, she kept her own bedroom to preserve a sense of privacy.

“I enjoyed our game,” Marina said as she brushed out her hair at his dressing table. The simple domestic activity struck Leo with unexpected force. There was something deeply satisfying about watching his wife prepare for bed in his rooms knowing she would soon be in his arms.

“Next time I’ll pay more attention to your strategy,” Leo promised, coming to stand behind her. You’re a born strategist.”

Their eyes met in the mirror, and the open affection in Marina’s gaze caused a curious tightening in Leo’s chest. When had this happened? This easy companionship? This genuine pleasure in each other’s company? What began as a marriage of conveniencehad blossomed into passion, and now, it was becoming something unexpected for both of them.

The next evening, they were in the music room, enjoying another mutual interest. Marina had mentioned Seraphina’s comment about his pianoforte skills then she had immediately expressed interest in hearing him play.

“It’s been years,” Leo protested as Marina led him to the instrument that had stood unused for years. “I doubt I can remember more than the simplest songs.”

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