Page 64 of A Wicked Duke's Redemption
Leo nodded curtly. He nodded towards the footman. “Why are you here?”
“Mrs. Gunderson sent me.”
“I see. Well, we are finished here.”
As Leo began the return journey to his estate, he felt sorrow blanket him, as if it were a physical weight determined to pin him down. Finally, he knew the truth behind Lydia’s death. It did not feel as freeing as he had hoped. Leo had not loved Lady Priscilla, but he had valued her friendship for so many years that the sudden revelations left him feeling cold and empty.
He sighed and watched his breath frost in the air. It was done, at least. Lord Preston would take Lady Priscilla to London, and Leo and Violet would be safe. That was what mattered the most, more than anything else. He could finally begin healing and look forward to a peaceful future with his doting, witty, and loving wife.
Chapter 32
Two months passed, and Violet recovered. Her stomach grew larger, and peace settled over Groveswood. Lady Priscilla’s absence had, at first, lingered like a ghost over the estate, but as the weeks passed, even the memory of her grew distant. One day, Violet realized that she had not thought of Lady Priscilla for over a week.
She and Leo took daily walks in the forests or to the village. The footman whom Mrs. Gunderson had sent to Lady Priscilla’s estate that day had told everyone in the village of Lady Priscilla’s confession, so after many long years, the people of Oxeburgh finally knew what had really happened to the late duchess.
Leo was no longer the subject of their scorn and suspicion, and Violet could see that having his reputation restored had lifted a considerable weight from Leo’s shoulders. He seemed to be freer.
“It will finally be spring soon,” Leo mused.
They were together in bed, the stars and the moon casting the room in a soft, silvery light. Violet hummed. “So it will be,” she said. “It is strange to think of how little time has passed.”
“Mm?”
“We have only known each other for a handful of months, yet it feels as if I have already known you for a lifetime.”
“Oh, dear,” Leo said. “I hope you do not grow bored with me.”
“Never.”
He gently rolled over her, straddling her waist with his thighs. Leo kissed her forehead and sighed, the sound low and rumbling from his throat. “Nevertheless, I suppose I must work to ensure you are always entertained.”
Violet’s lips twitched into a small smile. “You will not need to try very hard.”
He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, her jawbone, her throat. Violet curled her arms around the back of his neck and pressed herself against him. Her body was different, softer and larger, but Leo did not seem to love her any less. He raised his head and gave her a questioning look. Violet answered with a smile.
Leo lowered his hands to her breasts, gently kneading them. His fingers rubbed over her nipples, raising them to hard peaks. Violet moaned and arched her back, bringing her hips against his. Her core rubbed against his manhood, the fabric of his shirt and her nightgown sending a delightful fissure of anticipation through her.
Leo’s hands trailed lower, tracing over the stomach. He kissed her through her gown, and when she lifted her hips in invitation, he pushed the fabric up past her waist. He spread her thighs, kissing the inside of each one. Violet fell back and curled her hands in her pillow, smiling brilliantly at him. “Please,” she said.
“I will be very gentle,” he said.
In a single, practiced motion, he removed his shirt and tossed it away. His manhood stood stark against the night, hard and outlined in the moonlight. Violet felt him prod against her entrance. Leo took his manhood in hand, coating himself in her fluids. Then, with the utmost care, he slowly sheathed himself inside her.
Violet groaned and arched her back, adjusting to the feeling of being so full and wonderfully stretched. Her inner walls pressed hard against Leo. Then he began to move. He pulled himself out and dove in, increasing in speed. Violet knew what to do.
She moved against him, meeting his every thrust and retreat. Her muscles coiled tightly within her. “Oh, Leo!” she exclaimed.
“Enjoying yourself?” He grinned rakishly and gripped her thighs, spreading her legs wider.
“Yes,” she whispered shakily.
Leo moved impossibly fast, and soon, Violet found she could not even speak. The sensations of making love filled all her senses. Her legs quivered, and she gripped the bedclothes. Leo moved fast and hard, his eyes dark with desire, and Violet shivered.Sheinspired those feelings within him. He loved and desired her, and she could wake every morning and conclude every night this same way as long as they both lived.
Violet came, her thoughts halting and her world going white as she lost herself in the waves of pleasure. Leo kept moving within her until, at last, he finished with a roar of triumph. He remained in her for a moment, panting for breath. Then he grinned and patted her thigh. “Satisfied?” he asked, sounding breathless.
“You know I am.”
He rolled onto his side and lay by her, his hair mussed and his shirt clinging to him in a tantalizing and entirely improper way. Leo gathered her in his arms and kissed her on the lips, so gently that Violet’s toes curled. He held her close, and Violet tucked her head beneath his chin. Leo’s fingers gently stroked her hair.
