The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

As Eilika and Damian stepped out onto the veranda, the delightful sound of Roman’s laughter echoed through the evening air as the maids playfully chased him across the lawns. Maurice stood a short distance away, keeping a watchful and protective eye over the young lord.

Damian gently took her hand in his, guiding her steps down the stone path that led toward the dark expanse of the seashore.

”Your Grace, you are becoming quite romantic these days. I must admit, I had not anticipated such a thoughtful gesture from you,” she remarked, a soft, amused smile playing on her lips.

”To be completely honest, my initial desire was to escape to this place alone with you,” Damian admitted, looking down at her as the sound of the crashing waves grew closer. ”But then, I realized Roman was also in desperate need of a change of environment. And as you remind me so often, I must always keep the happiness and needs of my son in mind. So, I am simply endeavoring to do exactly that.”

”You did a wonderful thing,” Eilika stated softly. ”Roman will surely remember you as a truly great father.”

”Thanks to you,” he asserted, looking down at her.

The rhythmic, roaring sound of the waves filled their ears as the dark expanse of the sea appeared just a few meters ahead of them. However, the moment they stepped off the firm path and onto the shore, the slender heel of Eilika’s shoe dug deeply into the shifting sand, causing her to stumble slightly.

Damian’s grip on her hand tightened instantly, anchoring her securely against his side. ”Heels are hardly suitable for walking upon the sand,” he affirmed, a hint of amusement in his deep voice.

”Then let me call for the servants to bring you suitable footwear,” Damian suggested, glancing back toward the villa.

”No, there is no need. I shall simply remove my heels,” she stated. She looked down at him with a faint smile. ”Assist me, if you please.”

He immediately lowered himself onto one knee on the damp sand, offering his shoulder as a sturdy support. Eilika placed her hand upon it as he gently unclasped the straps of her heels, allowing her to step out of them. The fine sand beneath her bare feet was quite cold, sending a chill through her body.

As she steadied herself, she noticed Damian sitting back to unlace his own polished leather shoes.

”Why are you removing yours as well?” Eilika asked, her gaze wide with surprise.

”Because we are going to walk right up to the edge of the waves,” he replied, standing back up and shaking the sand from his trousers. ”Besides, it would hardly be fitting for you to walk barefoot while I remain shod. I would not feel right about it at all.”

”Let us run,” he said suddenly, a rare, boyish grin breaking across his handsome face as he dragged her along with him toward the shore.

She did not even have time to protest before she was forced to find her footing, gaining speed to keep up with his long strides until they came to a sudden halt together at the shoreline. A cool wave immediately surged forward, washing over their bare feet and drenching the heavy velvet hem of her gown.

”Shall we wade a bit deeper?” he asked, looking down at her as the water receded.

”What if some creature jumps out from the depths? It is not particularly bright out here,” she murmured, peering into the dark, vast expanse of the night sea.

”The day you fled from me, you chose a sanctuary located right by the ocean. Were you not gripped by fear then?” he questioned, arching a dark brow at her in mild amusement.

”I was terrified,” she murmured softly, looking up into his eyes. ”But I was far more consumed by worry for you.”

He did not hold himself back any longer, pulling her into a sudden kiss.

”Damian, we are outside!” she gasped the moment he pulled away, hitting his arm playfully.

”And what of it? It is pitch-black out here. Hardly anyone can see us,” he mused.

”It is not entirely that dark,” she murmured, her cheeks flushing as she looked back toward the distant lights of the villa.

”Make up your mind, Eilika, is it too dark, or bright enough to see us?” he remarked teasingly. Damian then captured the hand that was still resting against his arm, using it to draw her flush against his chest. ”I have been aching to do this since this afternoon.”

His lips found hers once more, deep and unhurried. Nibbling softly at her mouth, he cradled the nape of her neck with his free hand, guiding her captured fingers up and behind his neck to hold him close.

”I am becoming entirely addicted to kissing you,” he whispered against her skin, before losing himself once more in the sweetness of her lips.

The water kept rushing over their bare feet at rhythmic intervals, a constant murmur against the shore. Finally, feeling breathless, they reluctantly pulled away as Eilika gently pushed against his chest to create a small distance between them.

”Let us sit over there. Upon those large boulders,” she suggested, her eyes shining with affection. Turning around, she pressed a shy hand to her swollen lips and ran toward the rocky outcrop, lifting the damp hem of her gown out of the sand.

Damian followed closely behind, extending a hand to help her navigate the slippery stone until they both settled upon the highest crest. From their elevated perch, the vast, unending darkness of the sea stretched out before them, its surface catching the faint glint of the stars. Eilika’s gaze wandered along the shoreline until it fell upon a small wooden structure jutting out into the water.

”Do the merchant ships drop anchor there?” she asked, noticing a solitary lantern flickering at the far end.

”No. The water is far too shallow for the great ships,” Damian answered, wrapping an arm around her waist to draw her against his side. ”But the fishing vessels and small boats do. And we are not here to talk about them.” His nose nuzzled hers, brushing his lips gently over hers.