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Leo assesses me carefully, his expression inscrutable. Then he seems to shift, his demeanor softening as he takes my hands in his, completely disregarding the dirt that still clings to my nails, darkening their beds.
“Tia, I’m sorry for having treated you so poorly,” he says, his eyes deep wells of sincerity that steal the breath from my lungs. “I let my ambition—my bloodlust—run away with me. I was so focused on the conquest that I didn’t stop to think of you as a person.”
Stunned by the apology I never dreamed he would stoop to give me, I stand speechless, unsure of what I could possibly say.
“I think you are an exceptional woman, and you didn’t deserve any of it. I want to make it up to you,” he continues passionately. “And I believe this could actually prove to be a decent partnership if we work at it. I intend to. From now on. I will show you the care and consideration—the respect—you deserve. Will you give me that chance?”
His thumb brushes lightly over my knuckles, releasing tinglings up my arms to my heart, and my chest tightens at the persuasive apology. If I were any more naive than I am, I might just have believed him.
But there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s only apologizing now—being so kind to me—to butter me up so I’ll follow through and help make a good impression on the mayor. It doesn’t mean anything. This is just his new attempt to manipulate me.
I can’t trust him. I know I never will.
But this does present a golden opportunity.
“Yes,” I breathe, letting the strength of my emotions fill my voice to be all the more convincing. And inside, I smile. Because this is one step closer to bringing his family to its demise.
The relief that washes across Leo’s face is surprisingly moving. And as his eyes dip to my lips, my heart skips a beat. Cautiously, he leans in to kiss me, and this time, it’s soft and warm, full of promise.
17
LEO
Tia’s soft lips taste of honey, and they move with such supple willingness, molding to mine as if made specially for me. I’m tempted to keep kissing her here, in the middle of the garden. But it’s getting late, and we both need to get ready.
Drawing back slowly, I keep her cheek cupped against my palm as I look deep into her rich brown eyes. She looks up at me with gentle wonder, as though unsure of why I would kiss her.
And I know that’s on me.
I’ve given her no reason to trust me. But moving forward, I intend to be better. Because Tia’s full of surprises. Her strength of mind is particularly appealing. I’m also coming to terms with the possibility that a treasure might accidentally have fallen into my lap.
Yes, our marriage formed an alliance with a family that would have been one of my most challenging adversaries. But Tia herself is proving rather exceptional. Her father’s words from the night of our wedding spring to my mind. At the time, I’d taken them with a grain of salt, considering them a subtle threat rather than a sincere observation. But now I’m starting to see the potential in our alliance.
Smiling as my eyes land on the smudge of dirt coloring her chin, I wipe it gently with the pad of my thumb, ridding her flawless skin of the blemish.
“What?” she asks, her lips stretching into a smile as well.
“I think you’re wearing about as much of the garden as you planted.”
Tia scoffs a laugh, swatting me playfully. “You’re not supposed to stay clean while you’re gardening. Don’t you know?”
“No, actually. I’ve never educated myself on the rules of horticulture, seeing as I have people to maintain the garden for me.”
“You’re a terror,” she accuses, narrowing her eyes at me. But her smile remains, assuring me that she knows I’m teasing.
“Come on, then. Let’s go clean up for dinner.” This time, as I lead her down the pathway, I take Tia’s hand, and the simple gesture feels intensely intimate, the energy rippling up my arm in waves.
The conversation between us is somehow lighter now, reminding me of the carefree way we talked the night I met Tia. She’s less defensive, more willing to laugh, and I find that I enjoy this side of her.
We enter the confines of our room, and I shut the door behind us as Tia makes her way into the bathroom to turn on the shower. I shrug out of my jacket, taking my time, as I intend to shower after she’s done.
Not that I wouldn’t love to shower with her, but our conversation in the garden ate up most of the afternoon, and I don’t want to be late for this dinner. As I fold my jacket, my eyes land on the smudge of soil Tia must have put there when I hauled her out of the dirt.
It brings a smile to my lips, recalling her sharp tongue as she came to the defense of her gardening. Perhaps I ought to give her more freedom to enjoy it if she likes it so much. I shake my head at myself. When did I get so concerned about ensuring Tia’s idle hours?
Unbuttoning my shirt, I toss it on top of my jacket over the back of a chair, then strip my shoes and slacks so I can go into the bathroom and shave. Tia’s back is to me, her face under the stream of water as she rinses her face and long black hair.
When they’re wet, the dark locks reach nearly to the dimples at the base of her spine, a waterfall of mahogany that draws my eyes to her full hips. She’s a thin girl with modest breasts and a trim waist, but damn, she has a round, gorgeous ass.
