My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 139: Cornering Him

Chapter 139: Cornering Him

There was a time in their relationship when Desmond and Leonor walked on eggshells around each other because of the uncertainty of their true feelings.

Since his secret was revealed, it was only Desmond walking on eggshells.

The way he left her room that night weighed heavily on his brain. Her efforts to unravel him were not in vain. Each night he went to sleep thinking about how her body felt underneath his hands while she wore only a nightgown and how she advanced towards him with no intention of holding back.

When they were practically children, he had her in the palm of his hand, but as they grew up, things had certainly changed. It was like she had a leash around his neck, and even if he tried to resist, his thoughts always returned to her.

Since the secret was out in the open, Leonor felt she didn’t have to hold back any longer. She treated Desmond the same as always, though there was something about her glances and smiles that he felt was disarming.

All of the unanswered questions she had hung over both of them. She was giving him trouble whenever she saw him simply because she wanted to know so much more but he found ways to avoid conversation.

There were still many of his men in the estate and that was always his excuse.

Even though there were barracks near the military outpost and in town that many unmarried soldiers stayed in, most remained by the duke’s side. While the investigation into some of the items found on the battleground in Letum was underway, they worked long hours with the mages to find traces of mana, discuss monster patterns observed, and make a report to King Stephano.

It took two weeks until the last officer left their home, and the feeling was much like the day Stephano left them, and there was a heavy silence between them.

It was Desmond who excused himself first.

"I ought to return to my study before I can go to sleep," he said.

Leonor grabbed his hand before he could escape.

When her sapphire eyes were set on him, she realized he was wearing the thin cloak she gifted him for his birthday.

"Is there much to do since your men have gone to deliver the report to His Majesty?" Leonor asked. "If I recall, Gideon said you should be able to take a short break."

Desmond cursed his butler who was ever accurate and not one to lie. He should have informed him that he wanted to spend the evening in his study while he came to terms with the terrifying reality that Leonor expressed interest in seeing more of him.

Knowing he didn’t have a leg to stand on, Desmond relented, though he remained on guard.

"What would you like to do?" he asked, knowing it would be abnormal if he tried to avoid her further.

"I never thought I would miss winter," Leonor admitted. "Those days we sat around in the library were some of my favorites. Since it’s too hot to sit next to a cozy fire, perhaps we could take advantage of the fire circle in the garden. The maids put sweet wine from the south in the cellar a couple of days ago."

Desmond gazed at Leonor for a moment but he soon squeezed her hand then placed it on his arm so he could lead her into the estate where he would give in and spend time with her. No matter how petrifying she was, he needed to be a man.

He couldn’t hide from her forever.

Before they could go outside, Desmond walked Leonor to one of the armoires in the hallway towards the courtyard’s entrance where they kept cloaks and he placed it over her shoulders before they could go outside.

"It’s the end of summer," Leonor objected.

"I always remember you getting cold quite easily," he admitted.

"At least now you’re admitting to knowing me," she responded lightly before walking to the door and leaving Desmond stunned for a moment.

Even for Leonor, it was easier to be brave when others were around, but if it was just the two of them, she had no choice but to face feelings that took up so much of her heart. He always said he changed, but what if he changed in a way that closed his heart?

He only admitted who he was but not what he felt other than the fear and insecurities.

As Leonor walked down stone steps and onto a pathway that led towards the beginning of the garden, she saw servants preparing the fire and pushing forward two intricately crafted metal benches.

The workers were used to the two of them apart, she wondered what sort of glances or opinions she would receive if the duke and duchess began a more familiar relationship.

Since Leonor was older, she was more comfortable with the thoughts and feelings Desmond ignited in her. She understood them better and would face them if opportunities were ever presented to her.

It was a pity not knowing if she would ever cross that path since her husband seemed set on avoiding her.

As the servants left, she thanked them before settling down in one of the chairs. The cloak Desmond put over her shoulders was pushed until it was along the back of the bench. It was too warm to have a fire and cloak at the same time.

Desmond, who walked more slowly, settled into the bench on the other side, though he seemed more rigid than Leonor. He wasn’t entirely sure if he feared the woman across from him or the fire more at that moment.

Giving him a bit of grace, Leonor started slowly.

"Was the search for more information in Letum fruitful?" Leonor asked.

Desmond paused for quite a while as his one green eye gazed into the fire.

He knew he needed to move forward. The way he was approaching the situation was cowardly. She would get bored of his behavior after a while and upset with him.

The fact that she hadn’t punished him far worse was a miracle.

"Are you sure that’s what you want to talk about this evening?" he responded bluntly.

A small smirk pulled at the corner of Leonor’s lips. It seemed he had caught on to her quite easily.