Warning: smut content.

One of the Duke's arms is surrounding my waist, while the other is on my thigh. His thumb rubs my skin, so lightly and discreetly that I've barely noticed.

He's looking at me, in silence, as if he was admiring a painting. He doesn't seem intent to move, so I lean over and peck his lips.

«You're wearing underwear!» he exclaims when his hand reaches the rim of the clothes.

I chuckle, remembering that he said the same words with the same, unhappy expression.

«Is it such an obstacle?» I inquire.

«Not at all,» he shrugs. «It's just in the way, but nothing can bother me if it regards you...»

«But yesterday you weren't this convinced,» I point out. «Do you like this Duchess only when you're sober? Or are you lying about liking me at all?»

The Duke blinks a couple of times, observing my expression to find out how serious I am. Unfortunately, I'm actually sincere.

Before I have time to give up and announce that I was joking, the Duke finally talks.

«I stopped?» he mutters. «I can't imagine a reason to.»

He drags me closer to him, and my knees slip on the seat. I end up leaning on him, and his arms don't let me split. Our bodies are so close that I can feel his muscles even through the clothes.

«Who knows what I thought?» he whispers to my ear. «But I won't stop this time, Duchess. It's your fault for provoking me...»

«I didn't... I didn't provoke you!» I defend myself, but my voice is uncertain. I did behave like a spoiled lady. I don't know myself what I was hoping for, but my mind can't think clearly these days.

«Too late to back off,» he states.

His lips land on my neck, and his hands wander under the skirt. I arch my back, trying to split from him, but my efforts are in vain. When he squeezes my butt, I startle and stop struggling.

He carefully moves my hair back, looking at my flushed skin. He pecks my cheek, and then my temple. He moves on my forehead, and I finally relax my shoulders.

He's not doing anything weird. I don't know what I was expecting, but he made such a mischievous expression.

It's a pity since I was curious, honestly.

He pins my chin and caresses my lips with his, light like a breeze. He licks my lower lip with the tip of his tongue, and I open my mouth to let him kiss me deeply. I clench his shirt and pull, shortening the small distance between us. My fingers brush against a button, so I try unfastening it. I feel the Duke's grin under my lips.

He leans back on the seat, letting me move more comfortably. His hand abandons my head and reaches the other under the skirt.

He grips my underwear, and he pulls until I accept to help him and take it off.

«This way is better, isn't it?» he murmurs while I sit back on his lap.

I don't answer but just return to kiss him. I sink my fingers in his hair, and I pull lightly to make him split from me.

«Are my Duke's selfish desires still intact?» I inquire.

«My Duchess is fulfilling one of them right now,» he whispers.

Carefully, paying attention not to ruin the only sleeve left, he moves the dress down. He licks my skin and sucks my nipple.

I don't understand what is selfish in this. I'm the one feeling better, among us two. So much that I can't stop a moan that lingers in my throat.

The Duke's hands clench my hips and drag me closer. This time, I can feel his hardness pressing against me. I swallow, trying to focus on this moment and not what is going to happen later.

He kisses me for a while more until I notice that he has no intention of pressing me down. Is this what he wanted to say? Is he willing to let me take the lead?

I don't let my hopes up, though. Last time I tried something like this, I ended up partially restrained and absolutely taken advantage of. The time before, I thought I was going to die. I have no luck in this kind of matter.

And it's not that unpleasant to let my husband be the one in charge.

«Are you going to look at me for a lot more?» he chuckles. He then nibbles my ear, waiting for my slow brain to understand his words.

«What should I do?» I whisper.

«I'd like to see you put some efforts in this, Duchess. You've been so passive that I'm starting to believe you don't like me!» he pouts.

What? I didn't do it on purpose!

Also, that's my line!

«It would be too indecent,» I protest. However, my mind is already kilometres away, in a forbidden land in between forbidden thoughts.

«I like indecent.»

«Oh, then,» I say while dropping my shoulders. «Then, I can make this sacrifice for you...»

He starts to unfasten his belt, but I stop his hands.

«No,» I whisper. «I'll do it.»

He lifts his eyebrows, and I feel embarrassed all of a sudden. Still, I've said the words, and I now have to follow them.

I unfasten the belt, and then the trousers. My fingers are trembling slightly, but that can't stop a former queen.

When I move my eyes up, I meet a sweet, longing expression.

«You're so beautiful, Thea,» he says.

«And I'm yours,» I reply.

I don't know where I found the courage to say something so naughty. Also, saying it doesn't have the awkward effect I forecasted. Being Alexander's isn't as bad as an option. There are definitely worse scenarios.

«That's if you want me,» I add, resulting in even more audacity.

I smile mischievously, and the Duke takes action in the blink of an eye. He makes me rub my most hidden part on his erection, and a surprised moan leaves my throat.

He guides my movements, as I let him inside me. He surrounds my waist with an arm, and he sinks his hand in my hair, bringing my mouth on his.

I start moving my hips, first slowly. I'd like to increase the pace, but the sighs coming from the Duke make me resist. He's enjoying what I'm doing, so I continue for a while until his clench tightens.

«Thea, don't be ruthless,» he voices, and I open my eyes in surprise. What have I done, now?

He resumes our kiss, forcing me to move my hips faster. I follow his desires while my body twitches in pleasure. I gasp, but the kiss stifles the sound.

I'd just finish and rest. At the same time, I can't think of splitting from this man. I first want to hear him call my name the same way he forced me to call his after the hunt.

«Move faster,» he mutters, and I smile devilishly.

«Call my name first,» I reply to his ear, slowing down a bit just to torture him more.

«Are you telling me you can resist longer than me?» he answers.

Oh, can't you just play along for once? Is there really a need to counter me so much? In this situation, at that.

«There's no need to use any trick, Theodora. I can call your name as many times as you want,» he continues, and something inside me breaks at the same moment when he pronounces the syllables of my given name.

I lose that shadow of rationality that was keeping me still, and I increase the pace of my movements until the Duke chuckles satisfied.

«You're so stubborn, Theodora, but you can't keep your intentions in check. Is that perhaps my fault, Theodora?»

There's no need to repeat my name so often since I'm already at his mercy. I realise that I'm under his control even when I'm the one taking the lead.

After we've reached the peak of pleasure, I lean my head on his shoulder. I'm exhausted, yet so satisfied with my hard work. My chest moves up and down in a loss of breath. My face must be flushed because of all the exercise and feelings.

He's still inside me, releasing his semen. I move the sleeve back in place and fix the dress on my chest. Then, I comb my hair with my finger and move it behind my back. I split from him only when I don't have any other choice.

«Was this fine?» I inquire, pretending to be cool about it.

«We can do this more often,» he replies. He puts the belt back while I sit by his side with my hands on the lap as if nothing happened.

«It doesn't sound like a bad idea,» I nod.

«I hope you're satisfied like this, my Duchess,» he continues. «I'm really tired right now, but I promise that we'll be able to resume once we reach the castle. The master bedroom is much more comfortable than a carriage, I can assure you that.»

I tighten my lips, trying to think of something else. Anything else but this man's words!

Can't he be a gentleman, for once, and act a bit decently?