Page 59 of Defending the Duke (The St. Clairs 4)

Suddenly, it struck Laurel that she had gone and done the unthinkable.

She had fallen in love with her husband.

Her throat thickened. It was the last thing she’d expected. She’d never even thought it a possibility. But standing here in front of him, she knew beyond a doubt that she loved this man, warts and all.

“I’ve totally mucked up things,” she said, her words tumbling out in a rush. “I don’t want it to be like this between us. I didn’t mean to be nosy. I can be what you want. I will learn to act like a duchess should.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Just... please... promise you’ll give me another chance. I won’t invade your personal life again. I’ll respect your privacy. I want things to be better between us.”

His hands cupped her face, his thumbs wiping away her tears. “I didn’t mean to box you in. I don’t want to force you to be someone you aren’t.”

“I know you never wanted to marry me, Anthony. That you only did so because society expected it. I’m sorry you’re stuck with me. I promise I’ll be whoever you want me to be. Just let me in a little bit every now and then.”

He pressed a soft kiss on her brow. “I did want to marry you, Laurel. It may not have seemed so. You are unlike any woman I have ever known. I don’t want you to be someone you’re not. I want you to be Laurel. My duchess. I’m sorry my temper got the best of me.”

“I have a temper, as well,” she said ruefully. “I say things I don’t mean. I strike out and try to hurt others—hurt you—when I’m angry.”

“It seems I do the same,” he said softly. “I am sorry I hurt you.”

“I’m sorry, too.”

He kissed her. Not in passion but sweetly. As an apology. Laurel hoped it would signal a new beginning between them.

“I love Clio,” she told him when he broke the kiss. “I’ve never had anything so grand. I never will.”

Anthony gave her an odd look. “What about the diamonds you received last night?”

She shrugged. “They’re very lovely. But I prefer my horse.”

He kissed her again with enthusiasm. “We should go home, Duchess.”

It gave her a thrill to hear him call her that. Jeremy addressed Catherine the same way sometimes, especially when he seemed tender toward her.

“I would like that, Duke,” she replied.

He lifted her into the saddle and mounted Bucephalus. They cantered home and left their horses with Tam. Anthony threaded his fingers through hers and she felt closer to him than she had for several days.

Without a word, he led her to his bedchamber—and locked the door.

Slowly, he undressed her, kissing her with each piece he removed. Then he made love to her thoroughly, leaving no part of her untouched.

Lying in his arms afterward, she said, “I feel like a goddess who has been worshipped by a god.”

He brought their joined hands to his lips and pressed a kiss against her fingers.

“I promise to be a better husband to you, Laurel. I may not always succeed but I will give it my best effort.”

“I’ll do the same.” She kissed his hand. “It’s good to see you smile, Anthony. You don’t do it very often.”

His eyes darkened. “Then why don’t you give me something to smile about?”

*

Anthony thought ifthey could only spend the rest of the marriage in bed that they would have no problems. Unfortunately, there was more to life than exploring the sweet curves of his beautiful duchess.

He’d gone to his room and summoned Monkton. Though the valet never said a word, he had a knowing look in his eye. It didn’t matter. Anthony didn’t care if the entire household knew what he and Laurel had been up to.

After bathing and dressing, he went downstairs. His solicitor would be arriving soon and he wanted to be prepared for their meeting. As he sifted through papers on his desk, he felt the air of the room change and looked up to find Laurel at the door.

“Come in,” he told her. “I’m preparing for a visit from my London solicitor.”

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