Demon's Bride

What a heady power that must be. And he was willing to exercise it on her behalf.

“Truly, I do not mind.”

“As you like.” He shrugged, the pull of velvet across his shoulders a testament not only to the tailor’s skill but the physicality of the man beneath the fabric. Pure feminine appreciation tugged low in her belly. What must he look like without layers of clothing?

She realized in a mix of panic and anticipation that she would find out very soon.

“Come, my child,” A

A chorus of cheers and some rather lewd suggestions resounded. A

“Head up, my lady wife.” Leo’s whisper feathered warmly across her cheek, and edged excitement surged within her at the sensation. “Show ’em your spirit.”

She tilted her chin up, determined to prove herself as brave as she wanted to be. For Leo’s sake—and her own. This day marked her entry into true womanhood, and she was intent on crossing that threshold with a firm and unwavering step.

As she put her shoulders back, Leo’s gaze gleamed with admiration. He gave her a small nod, and she drew courage from it.

A

His darkened gaze met hers. Breath caught in her throat. Wickedly handsome. Her husband. Her body belonged to him now. Who is he?

And then she was pulled from the chamber. He disappeared from her sight. The next time she saw him, he would be there to take not just her maidenhead but the last vestiges of her i

The voices in the corridor drew nearer. Men laughing and singing. A

“I hadn’t expected this to be so ... medieval.”

Her mother ran an ebony-handled brush through her unbound hair, tugging hard enough to make A

“And will everyone be back in the morning to examine the bedclothes?” Pain. There was going to be pain, and very soon. Her heart felt ready to detonate within her chest.

Her mother made that soft grunting noise she always made when a

“Since the men outside seem to be taking care of that well enough.”

Another grunt from her mother. “You might have spared yourself this. I have heard it is the modern fashion for newly wed couples to embark on a bridal journey immediately following the wedding breakfast.”

“Leo did not suggest it.” And as he was paying for everything else, from her garters to the wine, A

“She looks beautiful, Eleanor.” Aunt Louise sailed over to where A

“And how many times did you first taste them, Louise?” asked Lady Byton from her position on a footstool in the corner.

Before Aunt Louise could spit out a reply, A

A

Still, it was highly disturbing, contemplating her mother’s eagerness to have A

The door to the bedchamber slammed open. A crowd of men shoved Leo forward, though A

Leo smiled and laughed, but A

The business being the taking of A

“Your bride awaits you,” said A

In the doorway, A

At least someone was as discomfited as A

Leo’s gaze moved to her, knowing and astute. She dropped her own gaze to her hands folded on the counterpane. She wondered if he could see her heart pounding against the silk of her nightdress, like a trapped moth. He would touch her soon. She would know the weight of his body on hers.

“My thanks, madam.” His deep voice sent tremors of fear and excitement through her. “And now, good night.” There was no denying it: her husband was dismissing everyone in the chamber as though they were servants.

There were a few mumbles of disappointment. Clearly, the guests wanted to draw out the rather public embarrassment a bit further, but Leo was having none of it. A

Then the sound of the door closing. And locking. Music and laughter faded on the other side of the door as the guests resumed their revelry without the bride and groom.

Now, for the first time, she and Leo were truly alone. Silence stretched out, interrupted only by the popping sounds of the fire.

Just look at him, A

More than that, he was her husband. Therein lay the crucial difference.

Go on. Look at him.

Slowly, A

They stared at each other. More surprising than finding him standing so close was the glimmer of trepidation in his eyes. In the brief time she had known Leo, not once had he looked anything less than confident. It was a shock to see this extremely hale and potent man uncertain.

Was he ... as afraid as she?

He started to drag his hand through his hair, then stopped and stared at it in disgust.

“I hate powder.” He stalked away and through the door that led to a closet. A

She now heard the unmistakable sounds of clothing being removed. Velvet coat first, followed by the embroidered waistcoat. Was that the rustle of his shirt?