Page 69 of A Duke, a Virgin and a Baby
“Mine,” she whispered in awe. “My husband, my duke. My love.”
Suddenly, Julian lifted the arm that had been around her waist, taking it higher, gently wrapping it around her upper body before pulling her to his chest. His lips pressed against her forehead, then to the bridge of her nose, before placing a lingering kiss on her lips.
“Mine,” he echoed softly. “My wife, my duchess. My life.”
Anna blushed and buried her face in his chest.
“Did I wake you? I’m sorry.” She apologized bashfully.
“Do not be,” he muttered against the crown of her head. “I was eager to awaken and be with you. I am happy to see you like this – so early in the day, after spending the night with you in my arms. I feel as though I might be dreaming still.”
Hearing him share a sentiment she had also considered earlier made her heart shake. Anna raised her head and pressed a kiss to his jaw.
“You are not dreaming. This is real, I promise.”
Julian looked down at her, a smile overtaking his features and somehow making him even more handsome than anyone had the right to be so early in the day. Anna felt herself be overtaken with want – a want for a long, happy, and good health-filled future, a want for a big and loving family, and a want for more simple mornings like these.
The idea that she could have all of that and more filled her heart with unbridled joy.
This is my life now,she thought as he buried his face in her neck and inhaled deeply.All of this. Nothing but the best awaits.
“This feels as though we’re on our honeymoon. Finally,” Anna sighed, relaxing further in his embrace.
“Absolutely not. When we are on honeymoon, you will know, because I will spare no expense to ensure that you are utterly spoiled.” Julian tutted, half seriously.
Anna looked up at him and grinned.
“Are you sure you can handle the consequences of that? I might be… difficult when spoiled. What if I never want to lift a finger again?”
“Then I’ll do all the lifting. I am certain I can handle whatever ‘consequences’ might stem from my actions. Because you are mine. Mine to spoil, to ruin, and to love. Never think otherwise,” Julian told her, stroking her hair gently.
The intimacy and lightness were not lost on Anna, whose heart seemed to be swelling with appreciation each time Julian spoke.
This openness about him, along with the ease with which he was now being affectionate with her, was getting a tad overwhelming. But Anna found that she didn’t mind, but rather craved more.
She wanted to be consumed by this side of him, to never grow used to the sincerity in his eyes or the loving smile on his lips.
“I love you,” she breathed, running her hands up his bare chest to settle on his shoulders.
Julian’s hand caressed down her back, over her thigh to lift her leg and pull it over his hip, pressing her even closer to him. Then he leaned in, whispering softly right before he kissed her,
“I love you too, darling.”
“ – and then we ensure to facilitate proper communication between the suppliers and our buyers. It is very important to ensure that everyone is clear on what goods have been ordered and where they need to go. Most of what you’ll be doing involves handling the customers – gathering their opinions of our services, along with complaints, should any arise. That way, all their concerns are met in a timely manner.”
Seth nodded along to Julian’s words, momentarily looking in awe of his brother. Julian noted the expression immediately and frowned.
“What? Are you confused? Would you like me to repeat myself?”
The duke’s brother quickly shook his head.
“No, no. I’m actually… quite satisfied with your explanation. You are exemplarily good at this. Has the family business always been so clear-cut and direct? I was under the impression it was too daunting and complex, and after hearing your explanation, I have no idea why.” Seth admitted.
“Ah, that is likely because it used to be daunting and complex. Father had no idea what he was doing half the time, and when he showed me the ropes, I thought I was on the verge of going insane. It took me two years after I inherited it for me to clean it up into the straightforward business you see in operationcurrently. Before that, it was a messy affair that incurred more losses than gains, and I am still wondering how he managed to run it in such an inefficient way for so long.” Julian said, feeling slightly embarrassed to have impressed his younger brother so.
“That is truly remarkable. You are remarkable. I do not know if father is looking down on us – or likely up at us – and I honestly do not care enough to know how he feels, but he should be proud of you! You have done so well, building a good life without any to serve as a model for you. I used to envy… how put-together you seemed. Even after I learned that you had your own struggles, I still felt that you were still so lucky to have done well anyway. But now I see and I understand that you have worked very hard to obtain everything that you did. You should be very proud of yourself. As I am of you.”
Julian stared at his brother for a moment in surprise, then his expression dimmed.
