Page 13 of A Virgin for the Duke of Depravity
“Why not? Morgan throws them all the time.” Leo shrugged, as if this were reason enough for him to host his own party.
He did not need to remind Aaron that he loathed attending Morgan’s parties and would rather pull out his own fingernails than host his own.
“Yes, I suppose he does,” Aaron said, narrowing his eyes with suspicion.
“It starts in a few days, but you—and your guest, of course—should join me sooner. So that we may have some peace and quiet before the other guests arrive.” Leo tried to sound diplomatic, as if this were the obvious solution for everyone.
“Alright,” Aaron said in a booming voice. “Excuse us for a minute, please, ladies. Leo and I will be a moment, and I know that Theresa ordered the strawberry pastry.”
Theresa turned back toward the breakfast room, and Leo took a final look at Margaret in that gown before he turned back to Aaron. It was nearly indecent for her to put her body on display for him in such a way.
Her dress was too tight, showing off every inch of her curves. His eyes trailed down the swell of her breasts to the dip of her waist, down to the curve of her round hips. This dress must have been one of Theresa’s because it surely was not made with Margaret’s figure in mind.
She knew he was coming and had dressed this way for him. Of that, he was certain.
Still, he could not help thinking that he did not want anyone else to see her in that gown. He did not want the men in London to have the same thoughts he was having about her figure.
A surge of jealousy surprised him at the mere thought.
He had to focus on Aaron now. He had to focus on not ruining the ruse that he had planned with Margaret to bring her under his protection.
Aaron motioned for Leo to follow him to his study. He opened the door and sat down at the small table within.
“It is not too early for a drink,” he said, pouring two tumblers of whiskey.
“It absolutely is. But I’ll take it regardless.” Leo accepted one gratefully and took a fortifying sip.
“Have a seat, if you will, Leo.”
Having no other option, Leo took a seat at the table across from his friend. Aaron pinned him with a fierce look. His eyes seemed to penetrate through Leo’s armor even more than they did when he used to wear his mask.
Aaron was a force to be reckoned with, but Leo held his tongue.
“What the hell do you think you are doing?” Aaron demanded, clearly unable to wait for Leo to speak first.
“I do not know what you mean,” Leo replied.
“I saw the look you gave Margaret. You looked at her like she was something you could devour. And you come here, announce a house party, and invite us to stay with you beforehand?”
“It is an innocent proposition.”
“You should be careful how you tread here, Leo.” Aaron took a long sip of his whiskey. “What is the appeal of trying to corrupt the nun when she is so close to taking her vows?”
“I seem to remember that you once had your own little nun,” Leo said, hoping that the joke might land with Aaron and lighten the mood.
Aaron had no right to judge him, considering where his own lovely wife had come from.
“It was literally required by the Queen—and I am pleased with the outcome,” Aaron responded. “Why are you suddenly so determined to spend time with Margaret?”
Leo thought about how she had known exactly where the girls were hiding the night before. How she asked him to read the books to her. How she had no shame in showing up at Olympus uninvited. How her lips had parted and her eyes widened in that instant before he startled her.
What would it be like to see those brown eyes go hazy with knowledge and desire?
Everything about her was unexpected—from her time with the nuns to her fear of someone or something here in the city. Leo tried to put his finger on the word he would use to describe her.
“I just… I suppose it is her defiance,” he said finally.
It was the only word that made sense. She defied the expectations of a lady in London. She defied the expectations of a nun.
