Page 82 of A Virgin for the Duke of Depravity
Leo took another step toward her, stepping in front of her, and he took her chin in his hand, pulling her gaze back to him. At the rough touch, Margaret finally paid him mind again. She lifted her face and pinned him with that penetrating gaze, the defiant look he loved so much.
“Youdobelong to me,” he whispered, leaning in as slowly as he could, giving her ample chance to step back from him. He held her lightly so as not to force the moment.
Tilting his head to the side, he brushed her nose with his own. A breath escaped her lips and landed on his. A small hitch in her breath was all the invitation he needed to press his lips to hers.
To his surprise and delight, Margaret did not push him back. He parted his lips and traced her bottom lip with his tongue, a sensual kiss that consumed all of his senses. She opened her mouth and met him in the middle.
She took his bottom lip between hers and nipped it, a rougher touch that mirrored his own. He brought his hands around the back of her head, cradling her and pulling her into him until they were as close as they could get.
Yet, merely kissing her like this was not enough.
She had confessed that shelovedhim, and all he offered was this kiss?
Leo kissed her until their breath came in unison. The longer his lips explored hers, the more ragged their breathing became. Slowly, he pulled back and pressed kisses to her cheeks to wipe away her tears. He moved to her jaw, her neck, down to her collarbone.
“Leo—”
“No, I think it is my turn to speak,” Leo said, pulling back from her reluctantly. “You have been honest with me, and it is time I returned the favor.”
Margaret waited with bated breath, hoping that her husband would finally open up to her. If he did not love her yet, she could live with that. They had known each other for such a short time.
Though she knew how she felt, he had a past they would have to overcome.
But she wanted to know that there was potential for a future where they could happily raise the girls together. A future where she could be happy and rest assured that her place was here at Devishire Mansion.
“I owe you a big apology,” Leo started, pinching the bridge of his nose as if it pained him to say the words aloud. “When you agreed to marry me, you knew I was a Beast, but you did not know how that happened. I should have been honest up front.”
Her heart sank, thinking that he was about to reiterate that he could not love her despite her love confession.
She took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. If he told her he did not love her, she would face it bravely.
“After everything that happened with my brother, how his love for his wife clouded his judgment, and how his wife’s betrayal ruined his life… I was afraid that the same would happen to us. That you would steal my heart and make me lose my sanity the first time you had a chance. That I wouldn’t be able to tell what’s real and what’s not because of you. That you would take away my power. That you would hurt the girls if you decided to betray my trust…”
“I would never?—”
“I know that,” he said, brushing his fingertips over her cheeks. “I was afraid, despite everything I have been through and all I have seen in the war. I came home a brave hero, but I have been living in fear.”
Margaret looked at him, startled by his confession. She did not think it possible for Leo to express anything other than confidence.
“I was afraid because I have never felt feelings this deep.”
Hesitantly, she took a step toward him so that she could wrap her arms around his neck and pull him closer to her. Margaret sensed that he might need support, that this was not easy for him to say.
“I am so sorry, Margaret,” he whispered into her neck. “You are my wife, but you deserve so much better than a coward. And that is exactly what I have been—cowardly in the face of love.”
She ran a hand through his hair, cradling his head against her neck.
“If you give me another chance, I will prove to you that I am worthy of your affections. Dear wife, I do love you, and I want you to belong to me in every sense of the word.”
He pulled back from her to look her in the eye.
Sensing that he was seeking her permission for what came next, she nodded. Of course, she wanted him. She wantedallof him.
That simple act was all he needed.
Leo’s lips were on hers in an instant. This was not the tender kiss he had given her just a few moments ago. This kiss was the hungriest she had ever experienced. His teeth crashed into her bottom lip, trying to get as close to her as he possibly could.
They shared one breath, and Margaret let out a surprised laugh as she returned his kiss. She had not thought he would be so open with her, though she had held out hope. She laughed with relief and pure joy.
