Page 37 of My Beastly Duke

The kindness and understanding that her friends were showing almost made her cry as she took a deep breath. “Thank you, ladies, I am not sure what I would do without you. All three of you are one in a million.”

“Perhaps you should revisit the lessons that your governess gave you, your counting seems to be just a little bit off.” Penelope winked at her, eliciting a few laughs from the others.

Seeing the ladies to their carriages along with their husbands, Marina waited for them all to leave before looking up at the house.

The window to the study flickered with the burning light of a candle.

“Right,” she muttered to herself and marched back into the house, stomping up the stairs like a thunderous cloud. She barely even opened the door before rushing right in.

Aaron once again looked up, more startled this time than he had been earlier in the evening.

“Do you hate me? Is that what it is? Do you resent agreeing to make me your wife? Please explain the situation to me, becauseI have honestly been back and for in my mind and I am tired of trying.” Hot tears stung the back of her eyes.

“Marina, I…” He began as he stood.

“You what? Please tell me, Your Grace. You made me a promise that you would show up to a dinner with all of my friends, and instead of introducing them to my husband, I had to sit through a dinner alone!” A single tear fell down her cheek now as she lost control.

Aaron stood rooted to the spot, seemingly silent as he watched her.

“Would you like us to have this marriage annulled? If that is the case, tell me now so that I may put myself out of this misery. I am tired of trying, Aaron, so tired!” She balled her fists at her side and glared at him, wishing that she had gone to bed instead.

“Don’t you ever dare suggest that again!” He raised his voice, making her tremble slightly as she stood her ground.

“Then what would you have me do? You certainly do not want me as your wife. What purpose am I serving here if not to give you an heir?”

His eyes grew darker as his face became more serious. “Kneel,” he commanded her.

“I beg your pardon?” She took a step back from him, wondering what he meant.

“You want to be my wife, do you not? Is that not why you are in here screaming at me? Now do as you are told, and kneel.” He pointed to the ground in front of his feet with a serious look in his eyes.

Feeling her legs shaking, Marina did as she was told and dropped to her hands and knees, suddenly aroused by his commanding tone.

“Now, crawl to me, wife.” His voice was deep and harsh, sending a shiver of pleasure down her spine.

Placing one hand in front of the other like a cat, she began to crawl to him, keeping her gaze fixed on his.

Dropping to his haunches, Aaron cupped her chin and looked into her eyes. “You are never to speak to me in that manner ever again, do I make myself clear, Kitten?” He brought his lips closer to hers.

Marina nodded, her lips parting slightly.

“I want you to say it. I want to hear you submit before I make you purr for me.” He brushed his lips against hers.

“Yes, Your Grace.” She breathed against his lips.

Relenting to the kiss with full force, Aaron searched the depths of her mouth with his tongue. He wanted more of her as his arousal pushed against his breeches. Scooping her up in his arms, he carried her to his desk and used one arm to sweep the clutter to the floor.

Marina gasped in surprise, keeping her gaze fixed on his as he placed her on the desk. Her heart skipped a beat when he took a step back and removed his shirt, discarding it the side before stepping from his breeches.

The fullness of his erection that came into view, made Marina bite on her lips as she raised her eyes.

“Do you like what you see, Kitten?” He advanced on her without waiting for a reply.

The wave of pleasure that washed through her body when he reached behind her back and undid her dress almost sent her over the edge. She wanted him to touch her, to finally make her his wife and show her how it felt.

“All in good time,” Aaron whispered in her ear, gripping the shoulder of her dress as he slipped it down her arm.

She could not help but moan when he kissed her neck, dragging his lips over her shoulder. She had not even noticed that he had been working the laces of her corset until her breasts sprang free. Gasping in surprise, she leaned back on her hands as Aaron took her breasts into his mouth. First one, before devouring the other.