“As are you.”And you need to be punished.
It was an intrusive thought, of course. But she had caught his attention.
How would she react if I were to grab her and fold her across my lap?And what if he were to bring one of his hands and slap her bottom? Perhaps she would let out a whimper, not out of pain but pleasure.
Would she ask him for more? She had reacted well when he’d bitten her lip. She’d moaned into his mouth.
The more he thought about it, the more nefarious his thoughts seemed to get. He imagined her making it up to him, settling between his legs, opening her sweet little mouth?—
God.
He had to stop his thoughts now, or else he was going to find himself in a very difficult situation.
“Duchess,” he cleared his throat. “Why do you insist on doing the things that I ask you not to do?”
“You never told me not to venture into your study,” she defended.
“Sure,” he took a step away from her. “But I do not understand—is there really nothing better for you to do thancleanmy study?”
It occurred to him then that perhaps he was being a bit too harsh.
“Perhaps if my husband actually involved me in his affairs, I would have something better to do.”
“You expect me to involve you in my affairs simply because we are married?” Simon exhaled, his patience thinning
“That is usually how marriage works,” she replied, straightening slightly.
“How naive of you.”
“I am not naive.” Rachel’s jaw clenched.”And I would very much prefer if you did not refer to me as such.”
She was being feisty again. He had to admit, it was fun getting her riled like this. But he had to compose himself.
“You are if you believe that our marriage functions like any other.” His voice was cold now. “This is not a love match, Rachel. We both know why this arrangement exists.”
“I am here as your wife. The woman who shares your home and your title?—”
“But not my life,” Simon interrupted, his tone firm. “And it would be good if you understood that, for it is how I intend for it to remain.”
Rachel swallowed hard, looking away from him. “Why?”
Simon did not answer immediately. He did not wish to outrightly offend her, but he knew that he could not convey his thoughts without some feelings being hurt in the process.
“Because,” he started, carefully at first. “I do not need a wife who wishes to meddle in my affairs.”
“Meddling? Is that what you think I’m doing?”
Ah, he had managed to offend her.
“I think you are searching for something that is not here,” he said. “You want to make a place for yourself in my life, but I am telling you now—you will not find it in my study nor anywhere else.”
Rachel fell silent. Simon understood that he was being too harsh again, but it was hard to stop. The duchess took a steadying breath.
“You may shut me out, Simon. You may throw up every wall you can think of. But I am your wife, whether you like it or not, and I will not simply disappear because you wish it so. You have so many rules for me, but I have a favor to ask of you.”
“And what is that?” the duke grumbled, curious in spite of himself.
“Join me for breakfast each day,” she requested. “I am tired of being alone in this house. I would like to get to know the man to whom I am married, even if only a little. Surely you can afford to spend that little amount of time with me.”
