Page 191 of The Good Duke
Tamping down a groan of lust, Simon rolled onto his side and discreetly hid his cockstand.
“Please ignore my husband,” Persephone imbued. “I am not sure what you said to Lady Jersey after the dinner party, but you somehow managed to ensure both me and Lady Isabelle were not onlysparedfrom scandal but elevated in the eyes of society. For that, you have my and His Grace’s eternal gratitude.”
Lord Kit made a flourishing gesture with his hands. “Nogratitude necessary, Your Grace. It was an honor and privilege.”
“Just as it’s been an honor to have you remain with the duchess and I long after our wedding ceremony, Pruitt.” Simon paused. “Longafter. Say, some three hours and thirty-six minutes past when the last guest departed.”
In more patently false hurt, Society’s notorious charmer slammed a palm against his chest. “Never say you’re annoyed by my presence, Greystoke?”
“I am annoyed by your presence,” Simon said bluntly, not bothering with politeness.
“Simon!” Persephone’s gasp was drowned out by Pruitt’s loud bellowing laugh.
Simon would be forever indebted to Lord Kit for all he’d done. He’d be even more grateful, however, if Pruitt took his leave so Simon could get to the deliciousbusinessof making love to his new duchess.
Giving Simon a look heknewhad sent fear into the hearts of her most recalcitrant students and charges, Persephone shoved Simon’s head from her lap and moved out from under him. “My husband is merely jesting, Lord Kit.”
Lord Kit and Simon spoke at the same time.
“No, he’s not, Your Grace.”
“No, I’m not.” Simon spoke so bluntly Lord Kit’s amusement redoubled. “Love, loyal friend or not, I assure you, he is thelastperson I wish to spend the rest of my wedding day with.”
Simon dismissed his friend outright and turned a hot look, one he filled with a promise of the wicked things to come, on his spirited bride. “There is no one I want to spend the rest of the day with than you, my love,” he purred.
Persephone’s lips parted ever so slightly, and a breathless little sigh slipped out, and Simon knew the precise moment she’d forgotten Pruitt’s presence and saw only Simon and the unspoken vision of what he’d do to her. With her.
Lord Kit called out and shattered the moment. “It could be worse, old chap. Icouldremain and keep you from your wedding nigh—”
“That’d mark the end of our friendship as I’d have to see my servants toss you out on your arse,” Simon drawled.
At his side, Persephone smothered a laugh.
Simon claimed her fingertips and bestowed a kiss upon the tips of those ink-stained digits. “At least one of us can find amusement in all this, dear heart.”
“Continuing on…” Pruitt snapped the newspaper back into place and resumed reading.
“The day had been both a whirlwind and success…”
“…all Polite Society would have wished to bear witness to, but which was made all the more special by their absence and the addition of only the most intimate friends of the bride and bridegroom.”
Simon snorted. “Most intimate friends indeed,” he drawled.
Persephone swatted his arm.
Simon bristled. “What?Clearly, I wasn’t speaking about LordKit.”
The gentleman in question inclined his head. “Thank you for that assurance, old chap. Ido, however, see the duchess’s point,” Lord Kit said, the damned diplomat he’d been and always would be. “Youdidsound a trifle rude.”
“Forgive my husband, Lord Kit.” Persephone favored the consummate rogue with one of her smiles that made Simon grit his teeth so hard his jaw ached.
“Now, Lord Kit,” she encouraged. “If you would please—”
“Go.”
“Carry on,” Persephone spoke loudly over Simon’s grousing.
“Nothing would make me happier, Your Grace,” Pruitt murmured.
